7 Days 17 Hours Till OKC

Photo from OKC Memorial Marathon e-mail I received

This 16 weeks of marathon training has stunk, pretty bad.  Lots of rough patches and low's with only a handful of hi's.  But this is why I am running.  To remember.  To celebrate life.  Runners are resilient folks.

I could list all the excuses I have for why this marathon training has gone awry.  Sickness, treadmill death, work schedule gone wack, kid...etc etc

But, at the end of the day, I am blessed to run.  Blessed to have life.  Blessed to have family.  And that my friends, is what this whole trip is about anyway.  We head out next Wednesday for the trip of lifetime.  I may run slow and not achieve my time goals.  But that's okay.  My goal now has changed.  Goals change.  People change.  And hopefully all for the better.  Keep in mind what counts today.  What's most important.  I have learned more in 16 weeks than I have in 16 years.  Marathons have a way of doing that to you...

Happy (&Blessed) Running! 

Oskar Blues 4-Miler Race and Other Funzies

I've been in a bit of a blog funk.  I've been running and working and all the other joys of life ya know.

By far the best shirt I've gotten at a race! NorthFace brand too.

Well last Sunday I had a BLAST at the Oskar Blues 4-miler race.  I didn't place or anything but I did run my fastest. The competition was steep because of the prizes up for grabs I believe.  Uh, hello $100 gift card to FootRx!  Which I didn't win.  I would have had to race with a 5:10 min/mile pace.  CRAZY!  That dude was friggin fast.  But what I really enjoyed about this race was that it had a great atmosphere.  It was the inaugural event so I wasn't expecting too much but it way exceeded my expectations.  The race director, a local coach from Pisgah Running, did a fantastic job.  Well organized, easy to locate and park, plenty of volunteers on the road giving directions and cheering us on and plenty of post race food from a local bakery--which was so so good. And the weather really worked out for us.  For once...here lately it's been stupid windy, cold, rainy and yuk.  I'm like helllooo where is spring?!
Anyways, so the kid's Fun Run was FREE which was awesome! All proceeds went to benefit our Brevard High school's track and field program.  Since I went to school there I thought that was cool. Except back then I was a total nerd.  Not even into track.  Oh if we could turn back time...

Got a super cool beaded bear can necklace.  word.

Our local news did a segment on the event and look who they caught on camera! My little dude!

After all is said and done, I don't have a negative thing to say about this event.  Overall an enjoyable event for all ages and levels of runners.  Well done Bill Baldwin!  And a huge THANK YOU for putting this on.

So how's the marathon training going?  Eh, I'm not getting the mileage in I'd like.. it's tanked some.  But with the help of my sister I've been able to get some good runs in here and there.  I am trying to be THANKFUL for what I can get in. I think I'm getting better at the sweat fest sessions in the gym...no...no I'm  not.  It sucks.  And the weather has been terrible most days.  So I either sweat my face off in the gym or freeze my assets off in the cold and stupid wind. And doing some runs at night ----which my tummy does NOT like most nights--- while the kid enjoys CrossFit with the sister.  Ha!  Who knew my kid would be into that?   I have had no other option but to do my long runs every other weekend --while getting a kinda long run the other weeks-- due to the fact that my work schedule sucks, and we've lost yet another fab associate, and work SEVEN day straight shifts... I have got to find another way to make a living...any tips on this are welcomed!
At any rate, I've had one great 18 miler and another superb 20 miler.  So hopefully I can crank out a few more before the taper begins...which isn't too far off! 
But I tell ya, I've been dealing with some major head games.  I guess the stress levels at work have really been getting to me.  Like why am I even trying?  I'm a single mom.  Single moms don't have time to train for and run marathons.  What a selfish parent I am.  But I have to remind myself that I have seen new strength and determination in my child since all my running crazy.  He's already done two fun runs this year! And with most challenges he faces he reminds himself and others, "That with God's help we can do anything! Just keep pushing and keep going."  I pray that he stays this way.  That what ever he does in life that he does it with all of his heart and soul like he does now.  I am BLESSED to have this little guy in my life.  And so far I've only had to miss him for one hour a week and every other weekend I get a long run in.  You know, I could be one of those parents that miss out on hours away from their kids because they choose to party their lives away or other terrible things... no.  I'm a good momma.  And I think that maybe there's another mother out there who needs to hear this, running is a beautiful thing and your child-ren will see that in you.  Teaching isn't always out of a book or by words but by our actions.  They are always watching.  Don't give up.  Teach your child-ren how to truly LIVE LIFE.  Running in itself is a life lesson.  A lesson in strength, peace, balance, determination...the list is endless.
And it has been said, If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it.  I have to remind myself that when I'm dying on the treadmill doing speedwork sessions or running tempos out on hills with wind in my face.  Free resistance training I guess. ha. And somehow, I'm already planning up my next marathon in my mind...

**Your turn to share!!  How do you cope with running, training and children oh-my?!  Have you had success with a plan running long runs every other weekend?**

"9.But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Happy & Blessed Running!!

LOSER!

That's what's up.  I have felt like a total loser as of late.  It happens to the very best of us.  Sometimes I sit back and wonder just who the heck do I think I am?  I'm not some elite athlete on a mission to conquer the marathon.  That's just in my dreams.  And I daydream way too much!
Marathon training?  Well it's going.. sorta.  I've had one flawless 18 miler and a few decent training runs.  The treadmill quit.  I revived it.  Then it quit again.  For good.  Then I had a cold, then another cold...sinus...upper respiratory infection or whatever you call it and had another lousy mileage week.
So...for the good news!
I've got my first race of the season coming up! Yay!  It's a 4 miler which is a distance I've never raced before so automatic PR right? It's local here in town, The Oskar Blues 4 Miler.  I am officially registered for this baby.  I got news for my sinus issues: YOU BETTER CLEAR THAT MESS UP FOOL! My speed hasn't been too up to par due to the issues I've had this go-round during training but I'm hoping to make this a fun run with cool green and white stockings and shamrock tattoos. woo.
Back in February my sister, her kid and my kid all ran the Frostbite Fun Run again this year!  It was windy and super cold but the sun was out and beautiful.  They all did awesome, beating their times from last year.  They were all right around 9 minutes this year!

Little D, the Sis and little K :)

And after much deliberation and thought about the whole "OMGOSH I don't have a treadmill and can't afford one, I'll never be able to run again" drama I finally decided on a local gym membership here in town, the Fitness Factory.  The people seem super cool.  The treadmill was so nice! And 99 days for $99 isn't bad...it will get me through the rest of my marathon training plan.  And it's right close to my sister's CrossFit maddness awesomenss. The sister and I came up with a running plan so she can help with little dude while I get my sweat on in the gym.  Seriously...nasty sweat. It is HAWWT up in there!  HOORAY!  But maybe this will help me acclimate to heat for OKC? I don't really know what I'm doing.  All I know is I've been scraping by basically to get this training done.  It's been terrible for the most part.  But I'm getting done what I can.  I can only wonder how this next 26.2 will end up... I've had to really rethink my goals.  Plan A-Do NOT die! Plan B-Score PR by running under 4:24.  Plan C-Rock it like originally planned and score a sub-4!  More than likely I foresee Plan A being accomplished at the very least.  HA! Oh and I think that spring marathons are no longer for me.  Training through winter sucks!  Sickness...crap weather...retarded treadmill issues...bah.

Also going through this lousy season, I've been reminded of a few things that I've forgotten.. There's more to me than just running!  I sing, play guitar, have family and a J-O-B.  And as I've mentioned before, my first priority is here:

Love of my life.

My little guy is getting not so little every day.  It's vital to spend as much time with him as I can. I've had to relax a little and loosen up a lot in regards to training.  I had get my friggin panties out of a wad so to speak.  I realize I am not some world class athlete, I am a single mother who runs.  I do not have time nor the resources to training like a pro.  Running should bring joy to my life.  Not stress.  Do I want to run my best? Of course! Do I still want to run Boston? Um, heck yes! But if that doesn't happen I shouldn't be all poor me, I suck, I'm a total loser.  Because I'm not!  And I don't want any other mother runner to ever feel that way either.  Being a mommy is a high calling.  You are RAISING A HUMAN BEING!  That is no easy task my friends. 

My second priority is here:

Getting fat.  Ha! But seriously, I've gained a few pounds that have not gone away...troublesome. hmm.  So I bought a scale that supposedly measures body fat, muscle mass, water content ect...do these things really work? Who knows.  Guess I will find out tomorrow morning.  People keep saying I've gained muscle but I think I've just gained ice-cream..err..fluff pounds.  I know I'm not the only runner out there with weight issues.  Come on, spill the beans folks.  Help me out! 
Now it's time for me to get my ice-cream butt to the gym and work it out.

**Your turn, please share: 1.) Have you had super, ridiculous, crappy training months? How did your race end up? 2.) Have you lost sight of your true priorities during training? 3.) How's your weight going?**

ha!

Happy (&Blessed) Running!

What It Takes To NOT Give Up.

Hi!! I have a weekend off.  When I do get weekends off I cherish them with all my heart.  I love getting up early and just sitting on my couch with a cup of coffee and a blanket cozied up. Just thinking. Praying. Reading. Just time to reflect.  And now I have access to the library so I can keep you all up to date.  (I can not wait to get a laptop!  C'mon income taxes baby...) So what the heck have I been up to?  Running. A lot. Well that is until my treadmill broke down.  I guess you get what you pay for.  At first I was pissed.  Then sad.  Then depressed.  Then pissed again.  I tried in vain to fix the dang thing.  I kept thinking HOW in this universe am I going to train for the OKC Memorial marathon?  I thought about giving up...only for a split second.  But then I decided I would bust my butt in my living room; I'm sure looking like a total weirdo.   I've been doing high-knees, squats, planks, push-ups, yoga, anything and everything that will help me run my best.  Just because I can't run as much doesn't mean I can't do anything.  In the meantime I just do what I can.  It's not about what I can't do, but what I can.

 Whatever you can do, do your best.

So I've been having to get super crazy creative.  I run on my days off when the kid is in school and beg my sister to keep little dude on the rare occasion I have a weekend off (given this is a weekend off...oh sister J...).  And in place of my easy runs I've been strength training at  home along with some hill repeats up and down my driveway. 

Perfect analogy for my thought process after the mill's death.  I was stuck on "I can't do it" for about a week.



So, 10 times up and down this 10000% grade hill (my math may be a wee bit off here...ha)  makes one painful mile. Hill work + kid safe and sound at home =success. No treadmill no problem. Focusing on what I CAN do. Where there's a will there's a way. Let me encourage YOU!

Don't ever give up on a dream. Sometimes we just have to get creative to achieve it. ~ Jess

Part of the hill.

Fitness Peeps Shoutout!
I've also been following some awesome challenges like:

Staci Bereyni on Facebook and Twitter.  She's a motivational coach and I really encourage you to follow her!  Her challenges have kept me pumped!  Thanks Staci!!

And the One Tough Mother Runner, Wendy,  has been a great source of daily encouragement and I started doing her #Planksalot challenge which has kept me focused on a strong core.  STRONG CORE=STRONG RUNNER! I would definitely encourage you to follow her on Facebook and Twitter as well!  She has some other awesome challenges going on as well.  Go check her out!

I'll leave you with this piece of advice:

You can not stop a determined woman.

 

**When life throws a wrench in your plans how do you cope?  What are some creative ways you've had to train for a marathon (or any fitness event)??**

Happy (&Blessed) Running!

ps-the kid's fun run is next Sunday! Woot! Frostbite Fun Run one miler!

If you're in the area I'd love to see you there! It's always a blast. 

Running and Jumping for Kids' Hearts!

2013 MAA Jump - Personal Donation

Would you consider helping kids' hearts and our school's team?  My son will jump rope for every dollar and I will run one mile for every $10!
We will post a video up of little D jumping!
Thanks in advance!!!

PS- I'm still alive.
Pps-still running strong and training for OKC ...
Ppps-got a surprise entry to the Asheville Biltmore Marathon March 3rd! More on that later..when I find time!

The OKC 26.2 Plan: Rock It Like A Rocket!

Hey Errrrbody! So here's the dealio...I  meant to publish this blog yesterday.  BUT I ran out of time to hit the library due to life.  So it's Tuesday and I've completed day 2 of marathon training and feeling great!  I guess I should be.  If I was hurting by day 2 I suppose I would be in some big trouble.  But I am definitely due for a new pair of shoes.  My knees, feet and my general entire body told me so!  So here they are:
 

Mizuno Wave Precision 12

You can read Runner's World shoe review here.  They say, "We recommend it as a marathon-training shoe that handles miles just as well as it does speed workouts." Just what I've been looking for!  I love my Brooks Cadences for sure, especially for racing in.  But I've been needed something with a little more 'meat' to carry me through the training portion. As soon as I've had em for a while I will offer my thoughts. 

It's also been REALLY chilly!  I found an awesome ColdGear shirt at Marshalls for $15 compared to $50!!

As I mentioned before, this marathon training will slightly differ in that I will be ramping up the mileage a bit.  I've been reading through Runner's World Big Book of Marathon Training and let me say it is a complete resource! So glad I went with it. There's some great training plans in the back and I decided to go with one of those.


Runner's World Big Book Training Plan

A few things that differ from RLRF:

• Yasso 800s
• longest run tops out at 23, not 20
• some long runs have a fast finish
• scheduled 'hill' work vs soley speedwork
• more easy running!
• if needed swap out an easy run day for rest or light cross training
• there's only one scheduled rest day

Now before, I really did like the Run Less, Run Faster idea. I stayed injury free and felt it was the best option for me at the time. The downfall?  I never swam or biked or did any serious cross training. Which is part of the 3 plus 2 idea. So I wasn't able to complete the plan as intended. But with this its all about running. I will be routine about my yoga and/or pilates along with core work to help keep me balanced.  I won't be running as scheduled in the book though. Sometimes my long runs will have to fall on a Wednesday or Monday. It really depends on my crazy work schedule, in which my hours are never the same from week to week. Some nights I work late, some days I work early.  Some weekends I might have off and other weekends I work.  That's a bit of the pain but it's always been a pain.  Might as well throw some marathon training into the mix of my crazy schedule! I'm living on the edge. Ha! Yeah buddy.  I know there's plenty of people out there who do way more than I.  But for me, this plenty. 

"You can do anything but you can not do everything." ~ Someone very wise.

Where there's a will there's a way. Especially when you have the good Lord on your side. I pray that somehow through all this I am able to encourage someone and that I honor God in all I do.
I. Am. On. A. Mission. To ROCK IT like a ROCKET!  Cheesy? Yes. Awesome?  Heck yes.
Geez I have so much more to say... that's what I get for not blogging for a week!  But I will stop here.

Let the marathon training games begin.

**Happy (&Blessed) Running!**

New Year, New Gear for 2013!

Anybody else get SO stinkin' excited about the New Year?!  I absolutely love the new year. Almost as much as I love Christmas. I like the fresh start. The sense of renewal and new chances for new adventures. A clean slate! Really each day could be seen as that. With each new sunrise it is a new day! But there's something fresh about a whole new year.
I'm not even sure where to start! I must have about one-hundred goals and resolutions for this upcoming new year. But in reflection, 2012 was amazing!  I remember thinking I wanted to run a marathon by 2013 or 2014...well I met that goal in 2012! So many awesome things like that and scoring PRs and age division awards. I met all of my goals and logged over 1200 miles this year. And on a personal note I became the most content I've ever been. Content as a single parent and woman.
My son has also had an incredible year! He ran his first Fun Run in February, swam like a champ over the summer, read chapter books like they were going out of style and has completely wowed me in so many ways.
Work life has been crazy but that's why maintaining a positive attitude while on the job is one of my 2013 resolutions!
My big focus as far as running goes is the OKC Marathon in April and the inaugural Asheville Citizen-Times marathon in September. Running OBX in November would be awesome again but like I've mentioned in the past, financially I can only, barely, swing one good trip.
I also must admit, I want to be faster. I daydream about running Boston more than any normal human being should. Even though given my past marathon speed I have my work cut out for me!  That may take another year or two or three...but that's why we keep on keeping on!

So since I like lists and I need to organize this a bit,

2013 Goals:

FAMILY/HOME
Have a DAILY devotional time with the kid (was way too off and on last year with this)
Run at least two fun runs with the kid
Organize our closets...yay fun.
Put our swim/run, all things active scrapbook together (I have all the pieces sitting in a pile needing to be put together!)
Limit tv/movie time and add extra board games or crafts
Food prep and cook more. <--this one scares me the most!

WORK
Maintain a positive attitude and breathe!
To not participate it any gossip whether it be true or false. Talking bad about people is just wrong. Period. We are to speak life and encouragement!
Be more grateful daily for a job.
Read more CEs. Like actually read them. To actually learn. Not skim them and answer questions as needed.

HEALTH
Count my fruits and veggies daily! There were many days this past year where I only ate like ZERO real whole foods.
Practice Yoga/Pilates at least two times each week (I was way too lazy on this last year...)
Drink drink drink my water! I cut our diet soda during the last phase of my marathon training, but snuck a few after. This year I want to cut it out totally! I feel so much better without it.
Read 10 books this year. 10 whole books. I don't read much and I feel this should change. Maybe I will pick some good running reads. I'd like to read The Long Run by Matt Long. I've read so many awesome things about this book. Reading inspires, enriches and grows the mind. My poor brain could use some of that. Ha!

RUNNING
To run OKC and see my family!
A sub-4:00 marathon!  I will have two chances!
Get a 5k under 24 minutes
Get as many fun runs in with the kid
Keep running happy and strong!

And I have so many more goals, I know I do but I will keep this list for your boring reading pleasure short and sweet!

So you see my pretty little picture? I scored a Fuel Belt for $15! Have you been to Marshalls?? I strongly suggest you check it out. There was only one Fuel Belt. Ladies size small. Perfect for me! I tried it on in the store and ran around with it on. (Because I'm cool like that) Stayed put and didn't bounce. And those bright colors should get me going!  There's something about bold colors that make me feel like a rock star. Note the bright colored socks as well!  I'm excited about having some new gear for this upcoming marathon training cycle!

**So what are your biggest 2013 goals??**

Happy (&Blessed) Running!!!