5 Things Friday ~ Let's not kid ourselves Edition

I am not silly enough to think that I actually have 301 followers.  But that is what Blogger is telling me.  On the verge of Google Friend Connect going away I am happy that new people are finding me interesting or amusing enough to hang out with.  I know most of the "followers" don't come around anymore but I still want to celebrate you, faithful reader, who comes back time and time again.  To read about how I am still running every day and still praying to get into that 100 mile race.  Still running the same races as last year (hopefully a little faster). 

You don't want to miss out on anything exciting so remember to subscribe via email to make sure you get all the latest posts.

I move up another spot on THE wait list! 

It does make me feel a little bit bad that in hoping to get into the Massanutten Mountain  Trail 100.  I am really hoping that 71 other people either hurt themselves, don't believe in themselves and simply can't keep up with the training.  Let's not pretend any different, as bad as that is, I am hoping those 71 others hurry up and do it soon!

It was report card day.  That is either a day of joy or a day of misery.  As I am the mother of a rock star, it was a day of joy for her and pride for me. 

But I am no any different than most parents.  I can remember how my folks did it to me too.

The Scene:  S'ghetti hands me her report card.  Face beaming.

Me:  That's great honey!  Look at those grades. 

S'ghetti:  I improved my math grade and got 99% in science again!  I am going to be a chemist...

She continues but I'm now comparing the first 9 weeks to the second.  And as if nearly straight As wasn't good enough (which it is), I open my mouth and start saying how "we" con improve in a few places.

DUH!

I don't pretend to be the best mom but even I should have known that all her hard work simply needed praise in that moment.  The "extra work" in those other areas could have waited for a later time.

I secretly registered for another 50k.  This one at the end of February.  It was only $19.85 to register.  But I'm not fooling anyone with fact that I will have to tell Hubbs that I need to do a "little" 31 mile training run...and it might require a hotel stay. 

click HERE

If you want to join me. 

After 628 days of streaking you might think that those runs are so ingrained that I hardly think about them.  Well, you'd be right.  So much so that I am sometimes guilty of not thinking about how far I have already ran in a given week.  I simply run my "usual" run each night.  So I am not kidding when I say I haven't remembered to that an actual cutback week in about 8 weeks.  And that is only if you count dropping down 4 miles as a step back.

If you don't use DailyMile then the 55 and 12 might look odd.  That's the week that went from December to January so DM split it.

Since we will be traveling this weekend, I think I might actually be successful in stepping back!

I know my body will thank me even if my mind disagrees.

Are you thinking about "follower" with GFC going away?

Waiting it out for any races this year or did you get into everything you wanted?

Did you kids enjoy a joy-filled or misery-filled report card day?



Have you ever secretly registered for a race?

How many miles or what percentage do you use to call it a "step back" week in your training?

 Since the Fire on the Mountain Trail 50k

 was postponed a week due to winter arriving last week I won't bore you with another goal post. 

You can go HERE and read it again to refresh your memory. 

Even with one less week between the 50k and the 50 miler I won't really change my goals.  I will run the 50k with the thought in mind of putting in a solid effort until I get to about half way.  At that point I'll see how I have done on the "unpracticed half."  If I am doing well and feeling strong I will try to negative split the course knowing the second half is "easier" technically and I should be able to make better time.  Then at about 8ish miles to go when I leave the logging "roads" and go into the single track again I will make the call to give it everything for that PR or cruise in for a solid training run.  

p.m run 6.5 miles ~ Day # 543

I've been feeling the weight of all the issues I've got going on right now.  The stress level has reached yoga-unremovable levels.  I knew I had to do something that would help give my mind a break.

Did I crack open a cold one?

Did I open a good book?

Did I pop a little pill?

Did I hide under the bed?

of course not

I went running....

in the dark....

under the stars...

in my new tight reflective leggings

new gear always makes things better when they help you feel skinny

My super great RelaxReflect tights!

I just ran.

And I remembered how much I loved it.d

Now my problems were not magically solved when I got back.  But I felt like they weighed a whole lot less on my shoulders.  I felt like I could trust that everything will work out; in my race, in my health, with my work, my schedule and my family.

As I ran through the dark occasionally feeling that tug of fear at being out there all alone I also felt that faith.  The faith that is with me every day get just a little bit stronger.  It reminded me that I will either live in fear or I will live in faith. 

It's all going to be just .... amazing!

Does new gear help get you out of a rut?

Do you think you can have fear and faith at the same time?

Do you think I should push at the 50k or save it for the 50 miler?

Thanks for your input! 

Now go out and have a wonderful weekend.

Run Strong to everyone raving this weekend.  To the many running the NYC Marathon this weekend, I know you are going to do some amazing things up there!

A little too much. A little too little.

 A little too much

Yesterday I was freaking out all day. 

I had chosen to not run in the morning. 

Since adding Insanity into my workout mix

and not cutting my miles

I have been tired.  I usually can over come this by getting to bed a little earlier.

However, there are times of the month when a little extra rest just isn't enough to overcome the fatigue.

I paid the price for that bit of shut eye.  I paid in stress.

The skies looked threatening throughout the day and occasionally opened up with a downpour.

Remember I still haven't replaced my beloved treadmill.

But soon Kevin.  I will get down there soon!  Thanks again!

After paying the price for giving a little too much throughout the week, LBM and I were able to squeeze in our run before the skies opened again.

We headed to the basement to do Insanity.

A little too little.

Obviously I didn't learn anything from yesterday's fatigue.  Because this morning I headed out in the amazing morning fog for a 6.5 - 7 mile run.

My pace was beyond slow.  I have muscles talking to me that I rarely hear from and the all were saying the same thing.

"ENOUGH!"

So I did something I rarely do because I like a plan. 

I like to stick to a plan.  I like getting from point A to point B.

BUT

This morning something in my brain reminded me that this journey is for my lifetime.  This higher level of fitness that I want is going to call for some...

of it's hard to say...

Changes.

So I cut my run short.

There.  I said it.

Maybe I cut it a little too short since we will be traveling today will not be a double day. 

Today may have to be an off day from Insanity too.

So maybe 3.5 miles at a ridiculously slow pace

but don't belittle the effort Thanks G!

might have been a little too little.

I'll let you know what my muscles say about it tomorrow.

Day # 404

Have you ever given a little too much that caused you to give a little too little?

What If

I just finished watching Letters to Juliet last night while running on the treadmill.

I won't ruin the movie for you but I will share with you the first part of the "letter from Juliet" that was written in the movie, it read:

'What' and ‘if’ two words as nonthreatening as words come. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: ‘What if?'..."

I believe that things happen for a reason in our lives. 

Today in one of the payments I processed I found this tract.

God is still speaking...

What if you are never quiet enough to hear Him?

On your next run take out those ear buds and just listen.

Wondering on Wednesday

Day 274 ~ 4 a.m. - 8 p.m. miles

I am getting really good at sending a photo via my dumb smart phone and then sorta forgetting to finish my blog.  They way my phone sends things is realllllly boring so I like to liven it up a little bit.  However in doing things this way, I often have comments before I even finished writting my post.

Funny

So that got me thinking.

yeah, running screaming.  It's scary! I was thinking.

How often do you find yourself commenting the same thing(s) on blogs?

Do you comment simply to show you were there?

Or only when you have something to honestly add?

Just wondering.

Fitting It in?

Like many of you, I read a lot of blogs.  One thing that I read repeatedly is how each of you "fit it in."

I don't want to just "fit it in". 
I don't run each day to simply prepare for the next race.  In fact, I honestly wouldn't need to race very often at all.  I run every day because I enjoy it.  I run because I need to take care of the body I have been given.  I run because I need time to reflect on my day, to focus my thoughts on others, to quiet my mind and pray.  I run to show my children an active healthy lifestyle.  I run because I am a person beyond the roles I play in the friends and family's lives.

Running fills a place inside me that is essential not optional. 

I wonder why so many feel that running or fitness in general is something to be done when we "have time."  Something to be fit in around all the other things in our lives. 
Why is taking care of ourselves considered a luxury instead of a requirement?
Why must I choose between time with my family and time for my health?  Why do people say that I am choosing between the two? 
 I am not. 
I am not choosing to take time from my family to exercise. 
I am choosing to give some of the time I am given each day to making myself a better person so that I am more able to give myself to my family and friends.
Why is it so often seen the other way?

Is this distinction because unlike love that we share with our families, our time is a limited commodity?
If I give love to one child it doesn't lessen the amount I have for another child.
But when I give time to myself each day it is viewed as taking away time from family.
When I get a shower or brush my teeth or have my hair cut or go to the doctor, no one ever tells me I am taking time away from family.  When I scrub the floors or wash my car or clean the bathroom or cooks meals, no one ever tell me I should not be doing that because it's time I should spend with my family.

I wonder.
When in a lifetime does a person lose the ability, luxury, privilege to use some of the time they are given each day on themselves? 
  Doing enriching healthy activities that make you a better person;  isn't that part of what a life is for?

Your thoughts, please.

Oh! What a Night!

There are days when I really wonder how on earth I survive.

okay, that's an overstatement I know many have it much more difficult than I but...

Take last night for example, after dragging myself through work working all day, the kids and I went to the grocery store (I really dislike running errands after work!) and then headed home. 

That is to say we got home later than usual.

I got the kids settled in and even though I have a cold I hopped on the treadmill with movies from RedBox.  After the first mile or so I could breath so much better and the kids were playing contently and I was completely engrossed in the movie Inception.  I might have ran a bit longer than I should have.

Once I realized I'd better stop I did want any runner first parent would do I rounded out my miles stop as soon as I could.

A quick dash into the shower and thanks to a easy to make supper we were quickly eating while doing homework.  Well, S'ghetti girl had actually gotten most of her homework done solo and I simply had to check it while wrangling/feeding/swatting/cleaning LBM.

Then it was off the baths and dealing with S'ghetti girl's rat's nest long hair.  After removing the tangles from hair and dirt from bodies I thought I might actually get our evening back on schedule.

But no.

That's not how it is when you are doing the married-single-parenting-must-run-a-zillion-miles-a-week thing.

The house was filled with white smoke.

Our pellet stove.

God Bless trying to do the earth friendlier thing.

After way too much time and another round of smoke filled house I gave up and decided that I would at least get to see my daughter before she went to bed. 

And that is about all we got to do, see each other.

Do I regret running and taking that time for myself?

Not for a minute.

I know there will be days when I don't get it all placed neatly within the lines.

I know there will be days when I feel like I can do everything and love it.

But mostly there will be days filled with experinces.

While the kids didn't enjoy the smoke filled house, they got to see mommy handling it, they got to help and honestly it was nice to see how well we worked together to try and get it all done.

Day # 240 ~ Tuesday p.m. run before the smoke

This morning we started a new day.

I wonder what experinces it will bring.

What kind of day are you having?

Just not one of those runs

Last night I was plodding along - in one place - on the treadmill.  Army Son was out doing his Christmas shopping and the kiddos were playing upstairs.  I hadn't gotten out in the morning so I had more miles than I wanted to put in yet to do. 

Ugh.

That was kind of the theme of the entire run.  I simply couldn't get into the right state of mind.  I was thrilled when a delivery interrupted the run.  I was happy when LBM needed a diaper change mid run. 

It just wasn't one of those kind of runs.

Day# 227 ~ 3.5 am rum

This morning however, I popped out of bed to get S'ghetti girl off to school.  LBM slept through it all.  

Hummmm?

Army Son was still in bed asleep.  So I did what any running mom would do.

I quickly pulled on my gear and ran out the door.

OUTSIDE

Now this morning was one of those runs! 

The bonus:  they never even knew I was gone.

Have you ever done that?  Left kiddos in bed to go for a run?

please note that there was still a semi-grown up available for a screaming little kiddo who might wake up

A Quick Question

Today is Day # 222
It kind of feels like a new kind of milestone.
I like the number.

In fact I have been noticing that I am seeing loads of duplicate numbers, like when I look at the clock or check my watch during a run.  It's been happening often. 

Speaking of numbers noticing numbers I asked a question on DM and FB the other day.  You know DM, right?  Daily Mile is a resource many of us use to track and share our workouts.  I started using Daily Mile to show my runs for last years HBBC and now due to the connections I've made and another great round of the HBBC I continue to post my runs on Daily Mile.

After a recent morning run, I posted my run time

23:19

and asked if any of the moms could tell me what a 23 19 was.

No one knew.

So I am asking again since many of you don't follow me on DM or on FB,

What do you think of when I say, 23 19?

Counting down to Christmas

Always room for a random photo of the kids.

What are your plans for the weekend?

SUAR tagged me...does that make me famous too?

Beth at Shut Up and Run tagged me to answer a few questions about me.  
Good topic.  I think I'll get the answers all right!

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2010?

I am most proud of making the switch to ultra distances this year.  I have been wanting to move off the road and see just how far I am capable of going.  This year I not only did it but just like my first year of marathon running, I did three.  Thanks family!

What are your running goals for 2011?

50 miles and beyond.

What was your favorite race?

My favorite race from 2010 was the

Skyline Challenge Trail 50k.

No race photog but great aid stations, great volunteers,

nice race shirt, the best views of any race, 

great cookout after and a cool river to sit in after all those miles.

It was in July which might make you think it was hot but I lucked into rain which I love to run in and rain makes mud which makes trail running way more fun.  For me the day simply fell into place and it was the best race of my life! 

What is your favorite holiday guilty pleasure?

Way too many carbs...of any kind.

What is your most embarrassing running moment?

Which CFE (corn field emergency) would that be?

Tag at least four people who comment on your blog.

Marlene of Mission to a(nother) Marathon
Jess of 21 Days
Jill of Run with Jill
Heather of View from the Shoe
if you were already tagged, sorry but you were my first four comments on my last post.
Thanks for being there with me!

The 100th Day

What would be more appropriate than a heart.

 To do something everyday for 100 days. 

 It must be love. 

Biking Sherpa joined me last night for the second run on Day #99. 

The Stats

100 Days

732.5 miles

4 Runs of 2 miles

1 Run of 3.2 miles

62 Runs of 3.5 miles

1 Run of 4 miles

1 Run of 5.37 miles

1 Run of 6 miles

53 Runs of 6.5 miles

13 Runs of 7 - 33 miles

1 ~ 18k Urban Trail ~ Xterra

1 ~ 5k Cross Country ~ first female

1 ~ 50k Trail ~ 3rd Master/7th Female

Average Workout Time per Day ~ 1:11:30

Average Miles per Day ~ 7.3 miles

Average Time per Week ~ 8:20:32

Average Miles per Week ~ 51.3

Total Run Time ~ 119:10:35

Not so Fast Run ~ 12:51

Fastest Run ~ 6:55

 

I didn't get here alone.  Even though I pride myself on being a minimalist when it comes to running, I must admit that there were a few things that aided me in avoiding injury while streaking for 100 days as I ran  heavy miles and raced.

 

 I will be reviewing a few of those products and giving you a chance to see if they can help you enjoy your running experience more too.  Can you say giveaway?

 

I do have one question for you today. 

The question is what do you think is next for me?

 

This might get you bonus entries into the upcoming giveaways so think about it and answer honestly.

The Art of Negotiation

I negotiation with my children everyday.  We negotiate homework, meals, baths, bedtimes...  For my children it has never been simply, "because mommy said so."  They have all practiced the art of negotiation.

I supposed they have learned from the best because I taught them to use negotiation to get closer to what they want.  I negotiate with hubbs and family to get in runs when I need a break from pushing the jogger or whenever I need help to be able to run a race. 

So this should have been no suprise.

Littlest employed the cutest-eyes-ever technique to get to stay on a relatives new 'toy' 4 wheeler.

When that started to grow old for Mommy, he attempted the often successful head-tilt-puppy-eyes-beggin-face.  That bought him a few more minutes.

But finally he had to bring out the BIG guns.  The I'll-give-you-a-kiss-if-you-give-me-what-I-want face.  That's a winner ever time!

What's your or your kids best and most successful 'begging' strategy?

We got out this morning for another wake up run!  I didn't have to negotiate to get littlest to agree.  He woke up ready to go!  Yippee. Maybe I can make it a week straight of wake up runs!?!  3.5 miles (29:35)  Tonight is another double so I am looking forward to a great sweat.  The temps are to be in the low 90s again today. 

What's on your workout plan for today?  What kinds of temps are you enjoying?

That Third Bite

Morgan at Caution: Redhead Running has a interesting post today.  She questioned how your second marathon training went in comparison to the first.

My question is, pace aside, how was your first marathon experience compared to your second, third...

I equate the experience to eating.  I ran my first 3 marathons within 6 weeks of each other. 

For me, the first was like that first bite of dessert.  I am so eager to have it that I barely tasted it. 

The second marathon was that second bite.  Again rushed and hurried, as if someone would take it away if I did not have it quickly.  

Then there were a few weeks between the second and the third marathon.  Those weeks remind me of how I try to eat those things I like but do not nutritionally need.  

That third bite. 

I take time to think about whether or not I actually want to have more or need to have more.  Then after some consideration I take that third bite.  I enjoy the taste of the treat I am savoring.  That was my third marathon.  A savored treat!  I enjoyed the first two.  There is nothing like the accomplishment of completing a marathon however, between the nerves and self doubt I was a wreck at the starting line.  It wasn't until the third marathon that I was able to look around instead of at my watch.  I was able to know that the finish line was coming and I would see it. 

I still get nervous at the starting line.  I still have moments of self doubt when it's been awhile between races or I try something new; like the Greenway Trail Marathon on 8 weeks of training.  But now the marathon distance and I are old friends who challenge each other from time to time.  I show him (yes, my marathon distance is a man) respect by getting my training miles ran come rain or snow or jogging stroller full of unhappy kiddos.  He shows me new levels of accomplishment within myself  when he throws in more hills or a completely flat course (ugh!).  

Was what was your second, third, fourth marathon experience like compared to your first?