Ready to Run

This morning I was so ready to run.  The weather was wonderful, the sun was shining over the ridge line, the birds were singing, the air was still.  Perfect conditions to lose myself in a speedy morning run.

After yesterday's "grown up" activites, closing on the VA house, moving a few things, driving all over; you know just generally being responsible instead of just having fun on a day off of work! I was eager to be a kid again and forgot that I wasn't one for thirty minutes.  Which turned out to be on 26:45 because I was so rested and happy to be running that I ran very quickly!  Had I realized I was going so fast I might have slowed down just to make it last longer!

I will take an easy 6.5 mile run tonight since I have the Catch Me If You Can 10 miler Saturday.  The plan for this race is to just enjoy the run.  With everything that was going on this week, I have no intention of racing it.  If I can supress the urge!

Good Luck to all the other racers this weekend!

Why I didn't get to run

Today I did something I haven't done for a while.

NOT run.

I have a very good reason for not giving any of my time today to my fitness; we were signing our names about four dozen times.  I am certain that counts as crossing training for my 3 Changes Challenge!

Before Hubbs had the courage to sign it all he had to visit his favorite watering hole.

Dunkin Donuts.

Yes.  My hubbs would rather have a DD coffee than a beer anyday. 

After the exhausting crossing training session closing we grabbed a quick lunch at Lord Hardwicke's.  It is a nice sandwich kind of place.  The weather was so nice we ate outside.

Then we went back to the new house for hubbs to drop off some things and I had to drive back to PA to get the kiddos at my sister's house.  She and her husband were kind enough to pick up the kids at the sitter since I was not going to make it back in time. 

Thanks sis!

It was an exhausting day.  Just exhausting in a different kind of way.

3 Changes Challenge
April 29th - Thursday (Closing Day - Driving 8+ hours)


1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 55oz- Needs Improvement (yes I could just go drink the needed water but that is not what I am trying to do.  I am trying to make it a habit to drink throughout my day)


2. Destress - Prayer Habit - Check!  I took some amazing roads to get to our loan closing today.  I saw some beautiful country!  Then with the stress of traveling all day, I was smiling and happy.  - Success

3. Xtrain - Up at 5 a.m. to get ready.  Signed my name 4 dozen times.  Not back until 7 p.m..  Unload, supper, homework, baths, cleanup and bed - Needs Improvement

Jen's amazing five days of Giveaways!

That's why theres a .5

Hello faith followers!  I just don't say that enough. 

I just start right off into my own little story without recongizing that you are even there.  Sorry.

I do really appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to read along and offer your two or three cents.  Your little insights just make my day! 

And now for the story.  Since you have been following along I am sure that you've noticed that the majority of my regular runs end in a .5.  Did you ever wonder why?

With my current life schedule I have found that breaking up my mileage in a morning and evening run throughout the week helps me fit it all in.  Some days getting myself back out there to do the second half of a day's run is not so easy. 

I tried several tricks bribes to help make myself get the miles in; promise myself treats only after the run was finished, remind myself that I never regret the runs I take but always regret the ones I miss, had my kids remind me what a grouch I was if I didn't run lovingly encourage me to go.  These techniques worked sometimes but not always.

The one thing I have found that works for me is the .5

Well, it could be any fraction of a mile really.  It's just leaving a mile unfinished.

When I started running one of the things I would not do is quit.  I would not walk.  I would not stop.  What ever distance I set out to do.  I did.  I finished.

So now when I leave the morning run with that half mile unfinished I feel that my day is not complete until I finish it.  Once I am out there running I simply run the remaining distance that I had planned for the day.

And then I am Finished.

My kiddos couldn't wait for me to be finished today either.

Even with the terribly cold wind they wanted to play outside once Little Bug-man and I got back.

I guess for them, without Play their day was not Finished.

3 Changes Challenge

April 28th - Wednesday

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 65oz- Success

2. Destress - I did pray today. (+)  I stressed over tomorrows closing (-)  I was happy about no "extras" to do on Wednesday (+)  My run was so hard due to jogger and wind that I didn't feel the relaxing run time (-) - I think the stress evens out today BUT Needs Improvement

3. Xtrain - worked all day, 3 loads of laundry, huge pile of dishes and homework (does any of that count?) - (ok I know) Needs Improvement

I love Wednesdays!

Today is Wednesday.  I love Wednesday. 

Today we have nothing but school and work.

Period.

I get to go home after work.

Not run errands.

Not go to practice.

But go home and run.

I get to leave all my worries and stress in little footprint size piles along the beautiful roads I run on.

Then I get to feel that success that comes from having done something great for myself and give the rest of my evening to the family.

Give a happier, calmer, refeshed me to my kids for the rest of the night.

I love Wednesdays.  Did I say that?

Just look at the great start this Wednesday had!

3.5 miles (okay, too much windy but it's Wednesday so no complaining!)

of a wonderful wake up run with little bug-man peacefully sleeping the sights away.

I just can't wait to see the road again tonight!

3 Changes Challenge


April 27th - Tuesday

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 70oz- Success

2. Destress - (Very hectic day) Spent time in prayer while running in the morning.  Took a few minutes after the kids were in bed and the house was quiet to simply be quiet too...Nice - Success

3. Xtrain - Ab Ripper X in the laptop while watching/listening to TBL - Success

Jen at Setting You Free is hosting a great Little MissMatched Giveaway!  We all know where that inspiration came from, Yep, Tonia at Racing with Babes who has the cutest running outfits.  After my Ultra my poor toes NEED a pair of super cute socks to hide their ugliness.  So go over and tell Jen I sent you!

Toes in the Sand

This mornings wake up run 3.5 (27:15) worked wonders for my body. 

I feel refreshed and eager for my busy day.

B.U.T.

The same can not be said for my mind.  With all the talk in bloggy land of vacations and sports bras I can't stop thinking about being somewhere warm and watery with maybe a little sand on my toenail-less toes.

Wishing everyone a terrific Tuesday while I day dream about a beach somewhere.

and maybe running on it!

Jen at Setting you Free is hosting a Kalyx giveaway.  What is Kalyx?  Intimate apparel for athletes.  Now I have your attention.  After all the pounding we put our bodies through we want to make sure that our girls stay in the right place.  Click on the link and tell Jen I sent you! 

Rain and Glasses Do not mix

It was raining again after work.  The clouds were low and threatening but I didn't let that stop me.  Little Bug-man and I hit the road for finish our miles for the day.  It was so hot but like a crazy person I over-dressed and not only got soaked from the rain but from all the sweat.  In my rushing to beat the thunderstorms, I left on my glasses.  Not fun to run in the rain with glasses on!

Can you see the road behind me?  That is a hill.  It's the flatter of the two big hills on my 6.5 mile loop.  A 4 - 5% grade.  The first hill where I should have remembered to take the picture! is a 6+% grade.  Ouch!  My legs were not very speedy on this run.  Although I enjoyed getting to run in the rain, my legs didn't have much "push" in them.

6.5 miles (54:08) the slowest I have run this loop in a while.  The upside 10 miles in for the week, a 10 mile trail race on Saturday so 30 miles to squeeze in between now and then if I'm going to hit 50 this week.

Till I got out to take an after the run picture it was already pitch dark and storming.  I ditched the glasses since they were water speckled anyway. 

It's a big week.  Soccer practice and pictures on Tuesday, we close on the VA house this Thursday, Trail 10 miler early Saturday a.m., race back for a 12:00 soccer game Saturday and then off to the VA house to clean and get hubbs settled while some work is done on the house.  Looks like a challenge to fit it all in.  Maybe I should scale back the mileage goals to 40 this week?  What do you think? 

Do you change your running goals when life gets busier or do you just see it as an opportunity to challenge yourself?

3 Changes Challenge




April 26th  - Monday


1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 78oz- Success

2. Destress - Prayed this morning, got to run solo in the rain, spending time visualizing a successful week (due the hectic schedule) - Success


3. Xtrain - Zero cross training.  No going to lie.  I should do my situps and pushups before bed but I probably won't so there is full disclosure for you - Needs Improvement.

Barefoot Angie Bee is hosting a Whooha Giveaway.  What's a Whooha?  A great company started by two women, Amy and Julie both into fitness just like most of us.  They came together to create a company  for Women Having Optimistic Objectives and Healthy Attitudes.  Cool, huh?

So now you are curious.  Go click the link and tell Angie I sent you!

Rainy Days and Mondays...

...don't get me down!  I was out loving a little wake up run WITH.OUT.THE.JOGGER!  You heard that right.  Hubbs and little bug-man were snuggled in bed, since LBM thought getting mom up at 5 a.m. was a great idea.  After I nursed him, I slipped him into bed with daddy for some bounding time!  I was out in the amazing rain running 3.5 miles (27:15).  It was so wonderful.  I can't wait to get back out there tonight.

3 Changes Challenge

April 24th & 25th - Saturday, so far

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 65oz/64oz- Success

2. Destress - Sat. Had a great race, spent time with family, prayed.  Sun. Prayed, relaxed with family - Success

3. Xtrain - Sat. Great cross training with hubbs.  Sun. Stretched, situps and pushups - Success (but want more)

You wanna talk about inspiring

Amy Palmiero-Winters

I encourage you all the click the above link to USA Today.  Amy Palmiero-Winters is an ultra runner who made the US Track team despite being a leg amputee. 

She inspires me.

I didn't know I could do that

God smiles on me and last night Little Bug-man slept.through.the.NIGHT.  I am not kidding!  I woke up at 6:15 and felt so rested.  That happy feeling would continue throughout my morning.

I got up showered, went through the normal pre-race drill of bathroom, dressing, loading stuff, bathroom, getting the kids ready, bathroom and heading out the door.

The plan was for biking sherpa to meet us at the State Park where the trail race was being held since the Earth Day activities were also being held there. 

I was surprised when hubbs called and said he was going to make it home.  We talked about whether he would join us or go home to sleep (he worked the night and then drove 3+ hours home).  I was hoping he would sleep simply because he needed to and that is what he said he would do.  A quick call to biking sherpa confirmed she was on her way.

The kids enjoyed a movie in the car while I jogged laps of the parking area, visited the bathroom and got my bib number.  Surprise!  Hubbs pulls in beside us.  Soon followed by the biking sherpa.  I had my own cheering section.

This was the first year for the event so things were very low key but that is exactly how I like them.  Less to stress about.  I wanted to get as close to the front as possible.  I knew I was planning to start out fast.  I am much better over the distance than I am in the sprint.  Knowing that I am better at outlasting other runners than I am at out pacing them, at the sound of the horn I was running as fast as I could.  Empty the tanks fast.

S'ghetti and biking sherpa made wishes of success for me.

At the mile marker I was 5:50.  I didn't even know I could do that!

Don't worry it won't be a pace I would do often.  I came very close to losing my toast with honey as I ran up the crest of the dam shortly past the mile marker.  That is where I had to dial it back.  I knew I was in the lead and I just had to hold it.

(Full Discloser:  This is not the actual finish photo.  Totally staged because the actual shot was missed)

I was able to hold a strong pace through the next two miles and finish third overall and FIRST in women. 

It was super nice to have the family there to cheer for me. 

(see the balloons, very low key!  But so was the entry price!)

I finished 23:38(me) 23:40 (race) so close to sub-ing the 23 minute mark. 

I wonder if I had not ran the 13 yesterday if I would have had those 40 seconds to give? 

I am thrilled with how the race went and that's what matters. 

The family got to be there and that's the biggest win for the day.

Tricia at Endurance Isn't Only Physical is hosting a Silver Maple Jewelry Giveaway but I really want to win it and get something shiny since I got a cheapy medal for winning my 5k!  But you can enter too if you really have to...but tell her I sent you! 

3 Changes Challenge

April 24th - Saturday, so far

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 55oz- Success

2. Destress - Sticking to my daily prayers.  Ran a race for a good cause and WON!  Who could have stress?   - Success

3. Xtrain - Stretching, sit ups, push ups.  Hopefully hubbs with lift with me later tonight (success if he does) - Needs improvement (if I don't)

You can say I told you so

I got up super early this morning (thanks little bug-man) and I.did.not.have.work!  So after the bus took s'ghetti off to school, little bug-man and I hit the road.  We got to run our 6.5 mile loop (51:55).  I used to be able to do this every morning before work.   Before little bug-man came along and needed some of my morning time.  But as good as any run gets, I still would rather have him. 

We did enjoy getting to do this in the early morning before little bug-man got dropped at the sitter and I headed of to a day of doctor appointments.

Yeah.   This is another picture of me in (amazingly) different running gear because I got home so early and the weather was so great AND I had new gear to wear so little bug-man and I did that 6.5 mile loop again (49:59). 

So tomorrow when I don't hit my goal for the Earth Day Relay for Life 5k feel free to tell me;

I TOLD YOU SO!

3 Changes Challenge

April 23th - Friday

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 90oz- Success

2. Destress - No work today! - Success

3. Xtrain - I ran a split 13 miles.  Ummm, does housework count? ;-) - Needs improvement

Picking up the pace

I am going for 4 double days this work week.  With a 5k race on Saturday, a 10:30 soccer game and hubbs coming home, the weekend running schedule is a bit up in the air.  With my next big race not until early July and my next longish race (10 miles) on May 1st, I haven't offically started a training program.  My weeks are simply putting in miles aiming for somewhere between 40 - 50. 

The second half of yesterday's run was with my Jr. Biking Sherpa.  He always helps me pick up the pace on my longer daily run. 6.5 miles (49:19)  I was sweating buckets!

Little Bug-man loved JBS.  When JBS got a bit ahead of us on the hills, Little Bug-man would start yelling at him.  Or was he yelling at me to run faster?  I was able to really push my limits today and work beyond what I felt comfortable giving.  Mel had a great post yesterday on just that topic called Your Limits. 

After the run was over we all played at the church and then jogged to the goats to see if the new babies were born.  Just when I think I have given my all, I amaze myself with how quickly I can recover.  That leaves me wondering, 'How much more did I have to give?'

Do you feel ready to run again shortly after your run is over?
Did you find yourself wondering if you had more than what you gave?


Mel is hosting a Gone for a Run Giveaway
Check it out and tell her Shelly sent you!

3 Changes Challenge


April 22th - Thursday


1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 82oz- Success


2. Destress - Said my prayers!  Played with the kids outside after my run.  Didn't worry about having to rush to get homework done (we had plenty of time) - Success


3. Xtrain - Sit ups, push ups weighted arm workout - Success

A weed?

When you change the things you look at, the things you look at change.

When I am running down the road I have the time to notice the little things that I often over look as I go about all the other aspects of my day. 

I see the beautiful area I live in from a perspective a little closer to the ground.  I enjoy seeing the subtle changes and appreciating some of the beauty in unexpected things.

Today there was beauty in so many things along my way.  The new baby goats, the Canadian geese, the rich smell of the creek, the apple tree fully in bloom, the cows in the pasture, the driver who slowed and waved, the smell of the lilac bushes.  It is amazing how much beauty can be found in less than thirty minutes.

What beautiful things did you see along your run today?

3 Changes Challenge

April 21st - Wednesday

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 78oz- Success

2. Destress - Happy to say that I am back into the daily habit of praying at least in the morning and before bed.  - Success

3. Xtrain - Sit ups and push ups after the kiddos were in bed tonight - (working on it!)Needs improvement

A 4 Minute Head Start

Last night we had soccer practice.  Can you tell?  S'ghetti is wearing a skirt.  Even my daughter has a "running skirt" I need one too!  Not only do I need a running skirt to keep up with my daughter, I also need one because I am registered to run a Catch Me If You Can 10 miler May 1st in Maryland.  If I wear a running skirt I get a 4 minute head start! 

Money is tight so I may have to start accepting donations.

3 Changes Challenge

April 20th - Tuesday




1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 64oz- Success


2. Destress - I didn't try and run errands during soccer practice, I enjoyed just talking with the other parents (not complaining about things just chatting); I prayed today which is becoming a much needed daily habit! - Success


3. Xtrain - Aside from walking at soccer practice while I talked with one of the moms, zero cross training today but I am aiming for 2 days a week so there is still hope - Needs improvement

Jamie @ Running Diva Mom is having a WOOHA giveaway!

Catnapping

Little Bug-man and I enjoyed our second run of the day last evening.  I wanted 10 miles to make it 13 for the day but having gotten home from work later than I planned we settled on our 6.5 mile (52:09) loop and some extra stretching after the run.

This morning the little bug-man got up very early after an interrupted night of catnapping sleep so I was not surprised when he took another cat-nap while we were on our wake up run of 3.5 miles (28:29).  He continued to sleep after we got back so getting ready for work this morning was a breeze.  I felt guilty waking him when it was time to head off to work.

3 Changes Challenge

April 19th - Monday

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 75oz- Success

2. Destress - Little bug-man napped during my evening run, I used that time to think about everyone and everything BUT me and my own worries.  Loads of people to pray for!  I am getting back into a great habit! - Success

3. Xtrain - I did lunges and squats throughout my day.  I did situps while little bug-man crawled all over me before his bedtime.  I am trying to use those minutes of time throughout my day that I would usually just be sitting/wasting time. - Success (sorta not a formal 'workout')

Hard to think of anything else

I am sure that many of us have our minds in Boston today.  With so many bloggy friends running, it is hard to think of little else.  Although my goals do not include a Boston marathon (I've quailified many times but just don't have the desire for the BIG marathon experince, yet!), I am filled with such excitement for those running.  I can not imagne the experince a race at the level must hold. 

Since everyone you toes that line today is a WINNER in my book,

little bug-man is decked out in medals for you all! 

Today I am looking at a measly 10 - 13 miles today.  But I will run them with as much heart as I can since I will be eager to get them done to read all the race reports!

This morning I only had time for my wake up run of 3.5 (27:00, yes flat!)  I have a Relay for Life 5k this Saturday and I am going to say out loud that I want under 23:00 for my time.  Is that possible with all the joggie stroller pushing I am doing?  I know that I can finish in 23:30 that has been my time the last 2 5ks I have run but being a fan of tiered goals I will say:

My DREAM it goal:  sub 23:00

My LOVE it goal:  23:??

My I CAN goal:  24:30

My I FINISHED goal:  25:00

Because I know on any given day things can go a hundred different ways, I will not be too disappointed if my race does not go the way I want.  But I want something to shoot for if the body, the weather, the mind, the will of God is all working for me. 

Congrats to all the Boston finishers!

3 Changes Challenge

April 17th & 18th - Saturday & Sunday

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 138oz - Success

2. Destress - Spent time in prayer throughout the day and did yoga after I got the kiddos in bed (Sat), prayer time, streching, yoga, used little bug-man's nap to relax instead of trying to squeeze more in (Sun) - Success

3. Xtrain - (Sat.) Did P90x in the evening!  (Sun) Sore but did my push ups, situps, planks, hand weights series of exercises.  - Success

A Garminless Girl

Having lived in the same place my entire life, I don't really need a Garmin to know my distances since I am running the same dozen courses repeatedly.  For the rare times when I do run a "new route" I simply use Map My Run and get pretty close to total distance and pretty close is good enough for a training run.

The problem with not having a Garmin is that I use a "feels like" or perceived pace most of my runs.  I wear a watch to get my over all pace at the end of my run.  I also use benchmark locations to know if I am running fast or slow throughout the run.  But I am not a great watch watcher.  I am busy looking where I want to go.  Looking at the hawks in the trees.  Looking at the farmers busy in the fields.  You get the picture.  Everywhere but my watch.

Friday morning I noticed something.  After months of mainly jogger pushing runs, my feels like speedometer needs reset.  Due to the extra effort of pushing the jogger what used to feel like an 7:30/7:45 minute mile and BE an 7:30/7:45 minute mile is now closer to an 8:00 minute mile. 

I do not obess over pace (much).  I am a distance girl.  When I go run I am looking for that feeling I get long after the warm up and settling in phases.  I am looking for that feeling of "I could run all day."  When you've been running long enough and the rhythm of your footfalls is perfect and seemly effortless.  That's what I find in running distance.  BUT.  All that happiness can be lessened when I finish a run only to find that what I felt was going to be 8:30 pace turns out to be a 9:30 pace. 

Neither pace is good or bad. 

I am talking about the expectation of finishing at a certain pace due to the effort I felt I was giving. 

I often run paces anywhere from 7:30 - 10:00 min/miles. 

For me it's not about speed.  It's about knowing what I am giving. 

Does anyone else use a perceived pace method over using a Garmin? 

EricaH is hosting a Thorlo Experia Merino Wool/Silk
sock giveaway! 
Don't let those summer sweaty feet miss out!

3 Changes Challenge

April 16th - Friday

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 67oz - Success

2. Destress - Prayed this morning, stretched after my run/turned off over-thinking brain, prayed before bed - Success

3. Xtrain - Stretched after a.m. run, I do need to do that more often!  Did situps after the kiddos went to bed.  Still not what I want out of this goal so I will HAVE to get it in this weekend to make my 2 days goal! - needs improvement

Hello, My name is Shelly...

...And I am a Run-aholic. 

It's been 11 days straight of running.

It's been 3 hours since my last run and I am already planning the next run tonight.

I'm thinking of starting a support group. 

Wanna join?

3 Changes Challenge

April 16th - Friday - so far

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 16oz

2. Destress - Woke up early and spend some time in prayer.  After my run I actually got time to stretch and relax (i.e., shut off my brain) but the day is not over yet... 

3. Xtrain - I did my stretching after the morning run but I want some real xtraining so I am hoping the extra weekend time will help me be successful with this goal.

Five for Friday

1.  The trees are filled with blossoms that scent the air near them. 

It is heavenly.  I hope the blossoms linger.  I enjoy all the green but the added color is so nice.  I enter a local photography contest each year maybe this year I will get some new macros of the different blossoms to submit and win the category!

2.  Little Bug-man and I went for our evening run tonight.  6.5 miles (52:55)  I had planned to do a split 10 miles tonight since the weather is to get unfavorable but my legs said the first loop was enough and I didn't argue since I already have 40 miles this week.

The Skyline Challenge

Trail 50k Ultra-Marathon

"Your Pain Is Our Pleasure!"

Saturday July 10, 2010

3.  I have finally settled on setting my next "big" race goal.  The Skyline Challenge.  This race is in Virginia, any local-yokels who might be up to experincing it with me, drop me a line.  Or anyone with experince on this course please let me know!

I am excited to have something to look forward to.  Now if hubbs can just work out being able to support me during this race.  His big-boy job has a crazy schedule.

4.  Hubbs finally went back to the doctor because a year after knee surgery he is still having serious pain.  His doctor took an X-ray and did an MRI.  The doctor is fairly certain additional surgery is required to further clean up the medial meniscus that was torn and to remove a screw that is now unnecessary and may be causing some of the discomfort.  I have been praying that hubbs is able to return to running and biking.  Although, hubbs is not a lover of big distance, I have missed sharing training runs with him since his injury.  Hopefully whatever is required will be easily recoved from and end his pain.

5.  I have a 5k on tap April 24th for my April race.  Since this goal is very "if-y" due to various life issue right now, I haven't offically mentioned it here but I am hopeful to run a race (of any distance) at least once a month this year.  So I was very excited when I found out that Woodman of the World is hosting a Relay for Life running event locally!  Score! 

A race for April, maybe a 5k PR and a good cause. 

That's my 5 for Friday.  What's yours?

3 Changes Challenge

April 15th - Thursday

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 70oz - Success

2. Destress - Post run I spent some time while the kiddos played in the bubble tub doing yoga and I prayed this morning before getting out of bed and will spend time in prayer again tonight before I drift off to sleep, which will be soon!! - Success

3. Xtrain - I did walking lunges and squats after my run while walking to see the baby goats with little bug-man, s'getti, my niece and nephew. Still not what I want out of this goal so I will HAVE to get it in this weekend to make my 2 days goal! - needs improvement