Run Like A Mother

MORE PRESS???

2010-03-02T13:17:00.001-08:00

Look closely at this Miles and Minutes magazine, found at the local running stores right here in RIC... on page 15 there was a cute article about the New Years Day 10K.

RLAM Rachel Pustilnik of Stroller Strides Richmond, and Fay Crum are featured in their

Cheetah Haute Pink RunningSkirts!

Ukrops 10K

2010-02-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

I know some of you are planning on running this, and here's the scoop...

"Time is winding down to register for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k! We are expecting to fill very soon so register today! http://sportsbackers.org/events/10k/10k.htm "

Incase any of you with earlysignupitis needed a bump. It's not "early" any more.

Recovery Socks ...

2010-02-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

Since, so many of you have asked, here is my review of Recovery Socks.

I'm kind of on the fence about them. Either, they don't work super well (for me at least) or my Reebok All Sports Socks are doing more than they promise. I'll be testing again to be sure. If you're interested, click HERE for my full review.

Pink Power!

2010-02-17T09:06:00.000-08:00

Yea for Pink Power, the all girl Tri in August... Check my BLOG for why I am now a HUGE fan of this race as our RLAM CHEETAH foray into the world to TRIathlons....

just in case ...

2010-02-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

Figured I would cover all the bases and post about this here too. If you want in on the Running Skirt order, please let me know by tomorrow morning (2.10.10). Some of us are replacing our cheetah pink with cheetah black ... so if you need one shoot me an email. Or if you want something else let me know that too. I just need to know the color, size and style that you want. We get 15% off and will split the shipping. May we continue to embarrass cheetahs for years to come ...

3.8 miles

2010-02-08T05:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, on Sunday I made it 3.8 miles. I think this means that if I am able to run this week, I can do the Sweetheart 8K on Saturday. Anyone want to be my "team mate" and run with me?

I would expect to run between a 10 -11 minute mile, and in all seriousness, if my knee goes I will walk the finish so I won't be doing anything serious. I just thought it might be a fun little adventure. I might do a 9m/mile test run this week to see how that feels, but regardless, I don't think the knee will hold at that speed for 8K.

2010 race reports

2010-02-02T06:19:00.000-08:00

So, I realized that I never linked my race reports to this page. Here they are if anyone is interested!

New Year's Day 10K

Bermuda Half Marathon

cheetah will live on ...

2010-02-02T06:08:00.000-08:00

After all the press we got at the New Year's Day 10K, (and subsequently in Bermuda), I realized that the cheetah skirt can not be retired. Apparently, a large part of our appeal is not our skill, but our wardrobes. And honestly, I have no problem with that. There is nothing wrong with looking fabulous while you run.

So, since I can not wear my current skirt without mooning every runner behind me, I believe I have convinced my little sister to upgrade me to Cheetah Black for my birthday.

Just wanted to throw that out there in case anyone else needs a replacement, now or in the future.

On a different note, I am looking into getting some new socks to coordinate with some of my skirts (again, fashion first!). If you are interested in rocking the socks, let me know and we can set up an order.

Lastly, can we all run together again? I miss you guys!

why don't we have these?

2010-01-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

So, I was checking out some blogs when I stumbled upon Running Fool. Check out this post and her sweet Bondi Band.

It's like it was made for us!

FAMOUS? OR... Infamous?!

2010-01-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

Embarrassing Cheetahs Everywhere

2010-01-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

The second annual Run Like A Mother New Year's Day 10K was yesterday. And, although we may not be able to boast incredible race times, we sure can brag about how good we looked!

And in case you needed a refresher, last year's New Year's Day 10k and the inaugural unveiling of the cheetahs:

and we're famous ...

2010-01-02T05:49:00.000-08:00

For all of you who missed out on running that wonderfully hilly 10K yesterday, don't worry we're all feeling it for you. Seriously, are the rest of you in as much pain as me? My quads are on FIRE!!

All joking aside, the race did more than give us burning legs. It gave us celebrity status. Check out our mention in this morning's Richmond Times Dispatch.

Now everyone knows that Team Run Like A Mother is "embarrassing cheetahs everywhere!" So, when are we getting those shirts made?

Breaking The Comfort Zone

2010-01-01T19:23:00.000-08:00

The comfort zone is a behavioural state within which a person operates in an anxiety-neutral condition, using a limited set of behaviours to deliver a steady level of performance, usually without a sense of risk (Alasdair A.K. White "From Comfort Zone to Performance Management")

At 7am the residents of comfort zone told me "its nice and warm INSIDE".
At 12:30pm they said "We are a little concerned its cold out here"
At around 1:30pm they reported "mile 3, huh? you haven't run past that in over 20 weeks"
At around 1:41pm they stated "ugh, only mile 4, your legs must really be burning"
At that point I told them to "shut the f*** up" and they did : )

Sure, I came in dead last for my age group and received a letter from the National Cheetah Association thanking me for retiring my skirt but I ran the whole way, I finished, and I can't wait to run again. Here's to breaking the comfort zone.

Crossroads 17.75K

2009-12-31T09:47:00.000-08:00

So, I just registered for the Crossroads 17.75K in Manassas, VA on June 12th. Is anyone interested in joining me? It's an instant PR since it's pretty much the only 17.75K you'll find. Here is the link if you are interested!

new look ...

2009-12-29T17:28:00.000-08:00

So, I thought we needed a fresh look. Something more expressive of our style. I did some searching and I stumbled across this layout. It reminded me of our cheetah skirts. And I figured that if we are going to "embarrass cheetahs worldwide" while we run, we might as well do the same on our blog. Any objections?

today's run and training plans and virtual races...

2009-12-27T16:55:00.000-08:00

Just a few things to touch upon:

First: today's run.
So, today was my first long run outside since the marathon and the first time I ran a long run with anyone aside from Ginny since our last 20 miler. And can I say, I have totally missed it? One, it was REALLY nice to get off the treadmill. And two, running is WAY BETTER with friends. Also, it was brought to my attention that for the first time in FOREVER none of us are expecting. Which means NO ONE has a legitimate excuse to bail on group runs (well maybe Hampton - but only for a few weeks). And all of you who weren't there today really missed out. Are you feeling the guilt yet?

Second: training plans.
I am putting together a training plan for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler and Charlottesville Half. I need to know what distance you want the first long run to be and what is the furthest you want to run prior to the race. If you choose to not get back to me, I will just do whatever I feel like. Sound good?

Third: Virtual Races.
So, this week, I ran a virtual race. You can read about it HERE. It was super fun and Ginny has expressed interest in hosting one on our blog. Anyone else want in?

reminder ...

2009-12-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

This is just your friendly reminder to pre-register for the Tacky Lights Run, if you haven't already!
It's going to be a blast and all you have to do is click HERE.

I'm back ...

2009-12-13T13:46:00.000-08:00

All I'm going to say is:

6 miles
52:34 with negative splits
8:39 overall pace
NO PAIN!!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE CORTISONE!!!

Green Monster

2009-12-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

The word from the MAN (Hot Dr. of SPORTS MEDICINE) says I cannot WALK or RUN. Ack! These are my sports. The 2 I love. After these two my next favorite is swimming but, it's 38 degrees outside so the one pool I have access to is closed. After the MRI on Tuesday we'll have a treatment plan, and I'm even considering getting on board with surgery if it means I can start running again after the "therapy" is over. Speaking of therapy, maybe that's what I should be doing in the mean time...

Why is it that I'm on restriction and now EVERYONE in the entire West End of Richmond, Short Pump and heckfireandshoot, even some EastEnders are definitely out for a RUN whenever I go somewhere? And, I am ASHAMED to admit that every time I see a runner on the street, I get a hot ball of jealousy that burns in my stomach. It's obscene. I am having hateful thoughts toward them as they lope by me. I can't stand this, it's unpleasant. I'm going to need to take drastic action before this goes on much longer...

Today I went for a bike ride with the kids. Bike riding is not my thing. I'm not comfortable on the bike, heck, I don't even feel sure that I know the rules. But I did because I'm getting fat and my size 6's are already feeling snug where I don't want snugness. So, bike riding and I will become friends because it has one thing going for it. It doesn't hurt the knee. Actually, bike riding and I used to be married when I was a ranked BMX champ in the 6th - 7th grade, but after the divorce we couldn't even speak, so, even considering a friendship is pretty crazy sounding to me...

I've been known to do some pretty extreme sports, but every time I consider going out for a real ride on the street without my children, I get nervous. Like, trapped in an elevator nervous, or lost in NYC nervous. It's not a comfortable feeling. I will ride a psychotic horse through the Chicahominy River, over 3ft fences that are 18 inches wide at breakneck speeds wearing little more than a plastic shell on my head, and yet, put me on a small ladies bike at the speed of a 7 year old boy and I feel like I'm out of control & destined to crash. Maybe 7 year old boys go too fast...

three days ...

2009-12-03T04:33:00.000-08:00

For all of you who have been wondering, I did not run on Tuesday. I really thought I was going to leave the doctor's office, load the kids in the stroller and run. Instead, my doc shot me up with cortisone and threw around the word "surgery". It kind of freaked me out. This is way more serious than I had thought.

Basically, the sprain is really more of a chronic condition. It might be alleviated through the injections OR it might need to be surgically corrected. Part of me wants to just get the surgery if that's what I am facing and part of me is REALLY HOPING that the cortisone (and controlled mileage, less than 35 a week) is enough to keep the pain away.

AHHH! It's so frustrating. Either way, the doc asked me to give her five days before I test it out. (I go back for a recheck in three weeks) And after two weeks, I figured I could handle five more days. So, Sunday it is (or Monday if we get back from NJ too late).

a warning ...

2009-11-30T17:03:00.000-08:00

I'm just putting this out there in case anyone wants to try and stop me ...

The cast is off. I go to the doctor tomorrow to hear the verdict. Regardless of the verdict, I am planning on running tomorrow. Just a mile, or two, or five ... we'll see. It's been a while and I am itching ...

You can try to stop me. But it probably won't do any good. J is out of town so he can't stop me either. I just wanted to warn you.

Turkey Trot Like a Mother 10K pictures!!!

2009-11-30T15:49:00.000-08:00

The front runners appeared out of the fog, running strong!

Then we had the girls having wicked lots of fun! (sorry Carla, I am not a good photographer)

And Rachel's Turkey Trot Like a Mother Turkey Costume!
Finally, no really great race is complete without a finishers photo opportunity. Thanks Jackie P. for stepping in as our photographer. (I wore the socks to honor T, our broken & booted running mate.)

So, anyone got plans?

2009-11-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

It seems like the 2010 race year is full of awesome races! And I'm planning on running some good distances this year. Mostly I'd like to stay local and cheap, since last year I spent a wicked lot of money racing. I did want to out myself now on the one race for 2010 that I'm signed up for, and that's Richmond Marathon.

This year I made realistic goals and met them, and I think that's why I had so much fun training and running the race. Well, I did cry, but who doesn't cry when they run a marathon? I just wanted to put it out there, if anyone wants to join me but needs 6-7 months to talk themselves into it.

Marathon Training Moments

2009-11-10T18:59:00.001-08:00

As we all know, the big weekend is here, and I wanted to get a quick post in before the event. Why? Well, to be honest, incase things don't go as great as I hope, or it's not fun for some reason, or I fail at the marathon, I wanted to post some of the great or positive, or just funny/silly things about the training that I know I want to savor forever.

The Patrick Henry Half, when I ran as "Brian", at the beginning of the race T & I saw a photographer and I turned to her and said, "Do you want to borrow my cell phone so you can call someone and tell them how much fun we're having?" Trust me, it was a great moment.
Another worthy moment, meeting T and Jackie P. in a dark park in Richmond so we could run 18 miles in the city on the actual course, and as we're crossing the Nickel Bridge Jackie P is waving his arms to catch the spider webs. I appreciate him taking one for the team, which is why I've given him a "skirt worthy" Run Like A Mother blog name. Hopefully he doesn't hate me for it.
http://www.runningskirts.com/ - no seriously, I couldn't have trained for this without my skirts. I wore a skirt on every long training run and never got chafing due to skirt. I completely wore my Cheetah out. RIP Cheetah Skirt... RIP.
While we're talking about chafing, I'd like to mention how I can't ever seem to think about body glide without thinking about duct tape.
The 10 mile run before we picked up the training group for 2 was the best 10 miles of my life. I don't know if it was the weather, the air, the running mate, the perfect pace, the easy conversation, the relief that it wasn't going horribly - but whatever it was, it was my favorite run of the year that wasn't a race.
On the last 20, when we crossed Broad and came down Pump Road - the big red double BOB and Rachel P waiting on the sidewalk made me smile. I'm smiling now thinking about how great it is to have friends who understand that fresh legs and a smile go a long way to giving energy to tired runners, even if it's only for a few miles. (thanks R, I'll make a bigger deal out of you on my blog dedication, but needed to include a quick thanks).
The trip to the ER. Or, as the fine print said, "the facility is not an emergancy room"... But really, what marathon training would be complete without a trip to the ER??? It wasn't funny, but it was laughable... or was it laughable but not funny?
The 18 miler, when FC, who will now be called Spitter at her request.. Spittah? Spitta'... gonna have to work on the spelling so we dont get hit by all the porn freaks, so Spitter slowed way down while I tied my (stupid) shoe and then ran with me, and I appreciated that a lot... A LOT in the moment. I always enjoy running FC, she's quiet until she says something funny... I'm sorry, I cannot call you SPITTER- I can't, I will come up with a NEW BLOGGY NAME for you - I will.

This whole experience has been so positive, and strengthening, and truly an awesome AWESOME adventure to add to my life list. I do not regret it at all, and there were days when I thought I might wish to have the time back. Right now I realize that this training has been very revealing about myself and my fear of failure. To quote the Princess Bride, in essence, I can't fail, because I have already succeeded. The training was the hard part, now I can sit back and enjoy my 20 mile warm up with the 10K race.

Moeben Sleeves ...

2009-11-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

Have you all heard of Moeben Sleeves? For a while now (since Rach and Court's marathon training) I have wanted to get some sort of arm sleeves. I've been rocking the tube socks with self made finger holes. Kind of ghetto. So last night, I finally caved and bought these:
A little crazy looking, right? They sell more toned-down versions (solids and "milder" prints), but I wanted to get a pair that would match all of my 800 running skirts. Which left me with two choices, this and a butterfly pattern. I couldn't find the butterfly pattern for sale anywhere, so thus tye-dye became the choice.

I am super psyched to try them out. Hopefully, they get here before the marathon so I can test them out before racing with them!

what's on your plate for 2010?

2009-11-04T05:49:00.000-08:00

So, 2010 is approaching and I'm wondering what races to register for. Personally, I am working from the $250 budget again and want to get the biggest bang for my buck, which often means registering early. So, I want to know, what races look good this year? Who's up for running them with me? I've got January all set with the New Year's Day 10K and the Bermuda Half, but after that I am wide open ...

Any suggestions?

AHHH!

2009-10-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the last long run before the MARATHON!! (Obviously, eight and nine milers are no longer long runs anymore). And I am totally freaking out!

Unlike the last (disastrous) 20 miler, I'm not afraid of the mental aspect. We have a great support team coming in to keep us going, but I'm kind of spooked that my ankle is going to HATE me! I just keep having Shamrock 2008 flashbacks ... so not good.

So tonight before you go to bed (or tomorrow when you wake up), send me some "strong ankle" vibes. Because I really think I am going to need them ...

psst!

2009-10-22T18:43:00.001-07:00

Mel's giving away more free stuff - Tall Mom on the Run blog...

2 is the loneliest number...

2009-10-10T09:06:00.001-07:00

I can't wait for all you runner moms to get back to running. Today, and I doubt I am alone in this, we needed our peeps for moral support and cheer. Next 20 miler, anyone interested in coming in for the final 3, 4, 5, (12?)?

I AM INVINCIBLE!

2009-10-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

or. not. but, with my new snazzy road ID strapped to my shoe, I'm at least identifiable, so that's something.

someone make me better ...

2009-09-25T06:36:00.000-07:00

To echo G's post, I too have been smacked in the face with illness. Low grade fever - check. Headache - check. Dark green mucus - check. Just what you hope for in the middle of marathon training.

But unlike G, I did not get my run in before illness struck. I still have a 7 and a 16 miler left on my plate this week. Honestly, I don't think the 7 is going to happen (2, 3 maybe. 7 not so much). And I am really praying I can make it through the 16, because next week is 18, then 20 and those look really huge if you skip right over 16.

Any tips for a quick recovery? Or maybe someone wants to watch my three children so I can sleep (which I had to do sitting up last night)?

a bad one-

2009-09-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

I hate those days. When you lace up your shoes, only to discover that someone has filled them with lead, and the air isn't air at all - it's some kind of thick invisible goo that gets stuck in your lungs, or worse, won't go into said lungs, and you're running as fast as you can, and you look at your watch and you're running a 10:04. Well today was one of those.

uhg. And so I finished my run, hopped in the shower, and as I'm getting out of the shower my nose starts to run. Now it's 7 hours later, I'm running a low grade fever and just full of snot, and I don't have time to be full of snot. I'm training here! (said in the Dustin Hoffman "walking here" tone.)

the best laid plans

2009-08-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

You know what they say? Men plan, God laughs.

In the 13 or so weeks that we trained up to that Half Marathon, I had my sweet little plan to just "run another training run". If I'd done that, I would've finished in about 2:20ish and life would be fine. Just a run for fun.

Only... you all know me, right? Like there was ever a chance I could just run for fun. 12 hours before the race, I changed my plan and planned to run all out for 13.1 miles, to equal my PR or beat myself by even a second or 2. God laughs. I couldn't handle the heat. I just couldn't. I knew it was relatively cool compared to what it "could have been", but I just couldn't take it. By mile 4 I was slacking off, and I had to let T go w/o me. By mile 6ish I was throwing up. (Sexy, I know. We all wish we could be me at times). By mile 6.5 I was feeling quite a bit more human and had picked back up to a nice steady pace of 10:08, which trust me, was feeling darned fast in the heat and humidity. I saw T around the mile 9 water stop where there was a nice little out and back offshoot. She was quite a bit ahead of me, and I saw R & Jack, who I knew must be close - and they were REALLY close behind me. I almost just dropped back and ran with R at that point. It would have been easy, we were that close to each other, but I didn't want to intrude on her date w/ Jack, you know? (I'm a loud breather).

So I kept it up and suddenly, in the distance, I could just make out a yellow tank top and a navy running skirt. "Impossible", I thought, "T is waaaaay ahead of me." But again, on the next slope I made out that same yellow tank, and realized I was gaining on her. My thoughts were conflicted. If I raced to catch up with her, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to hang for the rest of the race. Still, as I watched her get passed by another runner wearing my shirt I saw her look hard at the runner, and I knew - she was looking for me.

So, I did what any mother would do. I punched it into gear, and I sped up to catch her. It took me almost a mile though, to close the gap. I found out at that point why I was suddenly gaining on her. (but that's her story, not mine) In her story she'll probably include why I suck as a running partner to the injured. I kept making her run when she probably needed to walk. But, whatever. When she thinks about the PR, she'll remember how much I SUCK.

I enjoyed my walking time w/ T, jogged when she wanted, ran when she wanted, tried to talk when she needed me... I couldn't..., did I mention the heat? And in the last 10th I pushed myself to the longest hardest sprint I've ever sprinted in a race. My best sprint ever, my 2nd fastest Half Marathon, and the first race ever where I know I could have done a better time, but just didn't care.

one bad run ...

2009-08-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

In the past 13 weeks since we started this half marathon training, I have had one bad run. Just one. The 14 miler in 95 degree heat, 100% humidity with Em setting the pace.

Not bad considering that I have gone out (or stayed in) for 50 runs in these 13 weeks. But as much as those 49 other runs have gotten me here, as I imagine tomorrow's race in my head, all I can picture is that bad run. I keep fearing that the same thing is going to happen. I'm going to get 10 miles in and want to stop, lay down and die, rather than finish the last three miles.

Realistically, I know that's not going to happen (G would never let it happen). And I know that it's pretty much guaranteed that if I finish tomorrow, I will PR. But still, I am freaking out. I'm not really sure right now which is worse, going in expecting too much and falling short or going in expecting nothing and not meeting my potential. Too much to ponder. Isn't this just supposed to be a training run?

1/2 check - sanity check

2009-08-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

Making a list, checking it twice... trying to make sure I'm ready to run my half tomorrow, I was making a list of what I needed to get ready, and it went a little like this...

meet at T's, 6am -- check
Gatorade -- check
bib # -- check
pins -- check
Body Glide -- (giggle, as I think of Fay) -- check
Duct Tape -- um, somehow written after body glide this is starting to sound bad, but, um, OK -- check

and suddenly, what goes through my head is, in the voice of the Mastercard commercial guy, "BODY GLIDE $5, DUCT TAPE $4, A CRAZY GIRLFRIEND WILLING TO GET UP AND SWEAT WITH YOU AT 6AM WITH THE MAKINGS OF A REALLY GOOD (OR REALLY BAD) PORN MOVIE? PRICELESS.

Obviously I'm obnoxiously tired. I better go to bed early tonight.

My week to eat all natural....

2009-06-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

OK, I feel like if I post this on the blog, I will feel more responsible for accomplishing my goal.

I have challenged myself to eat nothing processed all week. Just food in its (as close to) natural state as possible. That means lots of fruits, veggies, protein, and more. I am even committing to not eat breads as I plan to get my carbohydrates from fruits and milk.

I may be crazy, but this is my chance to see how my body feels when I feed it naturally.

So far today, I have eaten eggs and 1/2c of milk. I plan to eat tuna, fruit, and veggies for lunch. So if you see me this week, be sure I am not stuffing a pop-tart in my mouth :)

A bad end to a good week

2009-06-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

The other night I ran just over 5 miles in just under 50 minutes, talking the whole way, having a great time, and thinking to myself after the run, "Wow, that ROCKED! No wonder I do this!!! I want to go again. Can we go again RIGHT NOW?" Yes, that's pretty much what I thought as I was driving home.

And then. Today. We ran. 9 miles. And. It. Sucked. for me at least, other people I'm sure had great runs today First off, we should have reversed the course so that the hills were in the first half of the run. Secondly, I should have packed a little Gatorade on my fuel belt. Thirdly, I either need to starve myself or get a fuel belt extender- I need about a 1/2 an inch and trust me, it's a big friggin deal at mile 6+. And Lastly, as if todays run didn't suck enough.... I apparently didn't have enough body glide on under my left arm, and I made that discovery in the shower.

Oh, no wait, I think "lastly" is that now that True Blood is back on TV I'm fighting a mild UTI, which practically made me wet my skirt on the run.

Keeping an eye on the goal

2009-05-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Today I was reminded that when keeping an eye on the goal, make sure that you're getting enough oxygen to the brain for the eye to work properly.

After todays race I was devastated to realize that I had missed my goal... I PR'd, but didn't run my goal time. Well, I think lack of O2 must have played a part there, but when I just looked at my watch now, I realized that I was READING IT WRONG, and had only missed the goal by a HALF a SECOND, not HALF a MINUTE on the watch, which meant the official time was generous enough to shave off 6 seconds for me. I did make that sub 55 minute 10K goal, at last! And congrats to everyone on an awesome race today, through the wind and rain, and MAD CRAZY AWESOME congrats to Tonia for her MAD CRAZY AWESOME race today!

I hate that hill ...

2009-05-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was contemplating my race strategy for this morning's 5K. (I ultimately decided to run all out ... not the best choice, by the way). Anyway, when I was trying to figure out what to do, I decided to look at last year's race results to see what Court and Em had run. I had remembered it was fast, and I thought if it wasn't too fast, maybe I would make their times my goal. So, I looked them up. And do you know what I found? Em ran a 23:31 and Court ran a 23:37.

Are you kidding me? 7:33 and 7:34 pace respectively. SO NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Instead, I decided to just shoot for a PR. Just run as fast and as hard as possible across that line. And it worked. I got my PR. A minute and 14 second PR. A not even close to Court and Em PR. But as happy as I was to get that PR (26:21, in case you were wondering), I was really disappointed too. Because for the third time, that stupid hill at the end of the race got the best of me. I HATE THAT HILL!

But instead of being angry, I decided to channel my anger by signing up for another 5K. A flat 5K. A 5K where I hope to run a slightly more consistent pace, blowing my new PR out of the water. It's possible, right?

Hopeful Return Date

2009-04-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well it's taken a while but I can finally post that I hope to return to the group in January! Yep I'm pregnant, due mid-November. So I figure if I am able to start running again in December I will definitely need time to build some sort of endurance to keep up with you guys for at least a mile. My ob says that I have to keep any exercise low-impact which will be difficult, I got a little taste of what low-impact is like last Friday in class and it was absolute torcher to see others running on such a beautiful day. So needless to say I am already looking forward to coming back to running which may make the next 8 months go by very slowly. Now when I will be able to fit in to my cheetah skirt again is yet to be determined. I have accepted the fact that I will not be a cute pregnant person with just a ball on my stomach. But that's okay, hoping that all goes well this will be my last pregnancy and I look forward to getting back to a comfortable size and staying that way for a long period of time.
So good luck on all of your up coming races and congrats on the ones you've already completed this year! I can't wait to join you again in 2010!

Bridge Run Race Report - PW but MF!

2009-04-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

We are home from Charleston and the Cooper River Bridge Run this weekend. CH, CS, CM and I had the most incredible weekend away. We have so many stories to tell you all, but right now I will chat about the race

First of all...the race director in Charleston needs to learn a thing or 2 from the Monument Ave 10k. This was a poorly organized race for 38,000 participants. The packet pick-up was a nightmare. Luckily we got there at 1pm and the line was 'short' compared to at 5pm when we saw the line go down a flight of stairs out the front door of the gym, down and around a city block.

I will say this, the Expo was the BEST I have ever attended. They had 2 beer tasting and one wine tasting booth. Nothing can top that :)

Luckily, the hotel we picked was smack dab in the middle of everything. The line for the buses to the start line was just across the street and the end of the race was less than a block away. We didn't plan this at all, just FATE :)

Friday night, we went out for pasta and headed to the hotel to bed. Unfortunately, we got very LITTLE sleep bc at 10:30pm we realized we needed to change rooms. Our original room as a suite with a King and a pull-out Queen. CM and I were going to share the pull-out. At 10:30 we had the bed made and tried to lay down on it. Well it was the most PAINFUL mattress ever created! Now, I know pull-out beds are not known for their comfort, but this was actually painful. You could feel every individual coil in the ridiculously thin mattress. Not acceptable for anyone, let alone a preggo (CM) and 2 gals planning to run a 10k the next morning. So CS called down to the front desk and worked her magic! When the battle was all over, we had a new room with 2 double beds. Way to go CS!! So we gathered up all our stuff and went down 5 floors to our new room. It was so nice and much more practical than our suite (plus we saved $30 per night!) So once we got settled, it was after 11pm. We got to sleep, and no one touched CH's feet, but somehow CM and I ended up butt-to-butt at one point.

Our alarm went off at 5am and we were all (somehow) ready to go by 5:45am. This race was point-to-point so we had to take a bus to the start line. We got in line by 6am. It was chilly (50s) and windy so I wasn't happy waiting around but we got to the start line around 7:15am. Start time was 8am.

Everyone used the potties and we started walking to our starting corral. We were dropped off in the back so we walked forward, past the Orange Walkers' Corral, past the Purple Corral, and we were looking for Red. Now we noticed 2 things at this point...the race was going to be a rolling start (not waves) where everyone would just move forward at the same time but not be restricted to specific starting times AND we were walking VERY close to the start line. We were in the 49-60 minute wave, and I personally assumed this group would be HUGE (I am sure that 75% of the runners in the Monument 10k would be in this time range). But not the Bridge Run. We go to the BACK of the red corral and we were probably 50 yards from the start line. My conclusion...not very many fast runners in Charleston.

7:55am rolled around and we were excited. We knew this was not a race we were running for time, but for fun. The 4 of us were there for the experience and the vacation, and running a fast race was not our plan. We wanted to get a good run in and enjoy the rest of our time there. So the clock hits 7:59am and we are starting to crowd up together to get started. All of a sudden CH says 'I have to use the bathroom now'. 'NOW?' we ask. 'NOW' she says. After getting weird looks from all of us, we step out of our corral and head to the nearest port-a-potty. The starting gun goes off, and CH is in the bathroom. We watch as 30-some-thousand people go by. Luckily for her, there was no line for the potty, and we jumped into the crowd to start. Off we went.

First observation - this race was CROWDED! Because they didn't have a wave start, there were 38,000 people all trying to run/walk at the same time. We began our jog by trying to dodge runners, walkers, strollers, dogs (YES, these were illegally on the course). It was not easy trying to keep all 4 of us together. We had 1.5miles before we hit the bridge and when we hit it, we were still shoulder-to-shoulder with other runners. The next mile was a 4% uphill grade, but honestly it wasn't bad at all. We made it to the top quite fast.

Right as the bridge began to slope downward, we saw a sight I never wanted to see. A man was lying on the ground with paramedics sourrounding him. They were performing CPR . Although I am certified in CPR, I have never seen it done on a person in real life. I have googled all the news stories and cannot find out anything about this man. I hope he is OK.

So we completed the bridge around mile 4 and headed into downtown Charleston. The crowds had finally thinned out and we enjoyed the last bit. We crossed the finish line all together and that was my personal goal - friends having a fun weekend run! We didn't care about our time so hence the title of this blog - PW but MF - Personal Worst but Most Fun!

The rest of the weekend was incredible - good food, a carriage ride to learn Charleston history, shopping, funny stories, more shopping, and more eating. It was fantastic and can't wait to find another weekend to get away!!

what race stragegy?

2009-04-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday was 10K number two. Last week, I went out too fast and died at the end. Fortunately, I had given myself enough of a cushion to walk those two minutes and still be happy with my time.

This week I had a different approach. Go out slower, run a consistent pace, better my time and feel less beat afterward. So I crunched the numbers. Before my downfall at Ukrops (mile 6), I averaged an 8:44. However, those first five miles were all over the place. So, my plan was to set my watch to alert me if I fell out of the 8:40-8:50 range. Then, hopefully, I would run consistently, make it to the end and finish under 55 minutes.

Well, that didn't really happen. The range alert worked. But I was constantly slowing down and speeding up to stay there, which I think may have been just as draining as going all out. And somehow, on that last mile I cramped up again and needed to walk in fear that I was ripping an abdominal muscle. (Personally, I think I am dehydrating. Breastfeeding may be taking more out of me that I think). Anyway, I died on that last mile again and actually ran slower than last week by 31 seconds (no cushion to help this time).

I am beginning to think that 8K is my distance (It's always been my favorite).

So, what am I to do? Here are yesterday's splits: 8:47, 8:47, 8:55, 8:59, 8:59, 9:50 (thanks to the walking), 7:47 (.2 mile sprint). Any suggestions as to how I can finish a race without cramping up and still improve on time?

100 racing miles in '09...

2009-04-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I thought, "oh it's April, better check my plan to make sure I'm still on track to make the goal." 41 miles raced so far. No wonder I'm beat!

Shamrock'd

2009-03-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days where the wind is at your back and you just float over the ground while you run? Well, today, was not that day. Today I was the wind. Everything about the Shamrock Half was perfect. Oh, OK, of course, today wasn’t PERFECT. For one thing, I forgot to pack the red lipstick, so I didn’t get hit on in the potty line. And the second tragedy is that I dropped my sunglasses as I got out of the car when Dad dropped me off. That was a real problem, but I didn’t know it until later in the race.

I had a race plan that sounded good, or at least, it sounded like at “plan”. I based it on a previously successful race, the Frostbite 15K. My 15K “strategy” was to start slow and run negative splits. Well, that SO didn’t happen that day. I ended up forgetting my watch and relying on someone much faster for the first mile. At the Frostbite I had to back way off of the 8:15’s and cruise at a more comfortable speed. But what I learned was that I could USE that adrenaline rush at the beginning of the race to build a window for myself. So, Denise’s plan was to run slow for the first 2 miles. My plan was to run fast for the first 2, depending on how I felt. If I averaged a 9:15 for the first two miles, I could relax a just cruise over the last 11.1 to make a nice average of 9:54. I had my nifty watch set so I could see the averages as I ran, as well as my current pace. And, I had this annoying alarm set so that if I dropped below a 10mm pace, I would know it. I knew the people running near me would hate me, but who really cares about them? The watch was also set to chirp at an 8:45 pace if I got too speedy. I wasn’t concerned about it, but I needed to set a window for the purposes of the watch and figured 8:45’s were unattainable. But I’ll get to that later too.

The weather was perfect for running a race. 35* to start, sunny, and DEAD CALM. Not a hint of wind. They called for the start, we took off running, my sleeve caught my hydration belt and RIPPED it off me 10 feet from the starting line. OH no, I was not going to cross that start line until I had it back on and was RUNNING, so I dropped to the side, reattached it, and took off to catch Denise. She had crossed the line, so I yelled at her to GO!!! And I had it back on in less than 10 seconds, so it wasn’t tragic that I raced to catch her. We settled in together just ahead of the 2:00 pace group. And we were cruising. I DID think of Emily, BTW b/c I felt effortless as I ran along. And occasionally my watch chirped to slow down, but mostly we ran about a 9mm pace.

At about mile 2+ I turned to Denise and said, “If I fall back, just go. I am not going to hold you back, and you deserve to get the time you have earned”. We both wished each other “good race”, and the next time Denise got a little burst of “gonna pass someone”, I just let her go. I hung just behind the 2:00 pace group for a while and then I settled into a groove.

The course took us in the opposite direction as RnR so we went down Shore Drive and into the swamp part of the beach. It’s not really swampy, but the trees are close to the road and covered with vines and spanish moss. It was lovely, green, and rich with the smells of spring. And suddenly, I was crossing the 5 mile marker. I don’t really know how it happened, it was just there. I hardly glanced at my time (but later I’ve since checked, it was 46:45). From here, we turned into Fort Story Army base, and we were running alongside sand dunes and the ocean. The glassy water had just a touch of pink in the horizon where it reflected the recent sunrise. It was dead calm and beautiful, and I was passing the 7 mile mark with hardly a care. I started to worry I was going to burn out too early, but I just tried to run “easy” and relax. Next we turned East, into the sun, and ran past the two lighthouses at Fort Story. It was around mile 7.5 that I thought, I’m going to try taking two jelly beans to see how they feel. I don’t usually take them that early in the run, but today I just thought it was a good idea. And, it was. I kept my pace through mile 8 and 9, and as I was moving along still at a mid 9 minute pace, I felt my body start to tire. Knowing I had a built in cushion, I gave myself permission to run a 10:08 for about a mile. I was the smartest thing I could have done. By the end of mile 10 I was feeling great. I grabbed a cup of sickly sweet green Gatorade off a volunteer, took 1 sip, and set myself on cruise control. The sun was blinding. I started trying to run in the shadow of tall runners when I couldn’t run in the shade. It was around mile 12 when I realized that I could beat my goal. I had planned to run about 2:07:50’s. At that point I did some quick math and thought, I can break 2:07. Seriously, does 50 seconds matter? Hell YEA it matters! So I took off. My watch was SCREAMING at me to SLOW DOWN! When I rounded the turn at 12.8 miles or so onto the boardwalk, I think I actually shut my eyes for a second, and opened them in time to realize that THAT was where the photographer was set up. Nope, no cell phone photos, but I do believe I MIGHT be “running with my eyes closed” for this race picture. I hoofed it down the finish, and finished in 2:06:38. (which was a pleasant surprise b/c I thought I’d finished in 2:06:49).

To say I’m pleased with this race is the understatement of the century. It went exactly as planned *aside from red lipstick and sunglasses. And you know what? I can TOTALLY live without sunglasses and red lipstick if I can have a 2:06 and change Half Marathon!

Now. About that 10K PR... gotta do something about that....

I support blood ...

2009-02-21T17:03:00.000-08:00

So, Katie, Carla and I showed our support for blood today at the Youngblood 5k. And it was AWESOME. Like always, we looked super hot in our cheetah skirts (even if I needed three compression shirts to hold in my three week postpartum belly). And, like usual I went out faster than I would have liked, but was able to maintain (mostly) and finished in 27:35. My 5K PR. Sweet, right? Plus, I got a white ribbon for my third place finish (7th woman overall) in my age group (Katie was 2nd and Carla was 5th). Basically, it was a great morning. Well, at least until I drove home and my tire blew out ... but that's another story.

Finally- I remember.

2009-02-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

I do remember why I took up this sport and joined this team, but sometimes it's hard to when you have a bad run. Today I finally made my 3 mile run, and I felt so good that I went ahead and tacked on another 1/2 mile or so.... 3.69 miles, in 36:46 with the baby, and no vomit. Hooray!

2.4 miles of misery

2009-02-12T04:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I embarked on a short run of 3 miles. It was my first run back after being sick, and I wasn't REALLY feeling 100%, but I felt like I needed to run. I laced on my Nikes and strapped the girls into BOB, and then I leashed Desi Dog and off we went... I had Garmin with me so I knew we were running at a 9:40ish (9:38-9:44) and I felt decent as my feet struck the pavement heading out of the driveway. At mile 1.5 I was laboring a bit and tried to slow down. I say tried, because it didn't work. I "slowed down" and then 2 minutes later I glanced at Garmin and we were again at 9:40's. At this point a random thought floats through my mind and it was, I am SO glad this is not a 6 mile "long run". And then at mile 2.3 I felt hot, strangely hot. The boiling sweat was steaming off me, up me, from my toes to the top of my head and my lip was definitely sweaty... very sweaty, wait, that's a hot ball of nausea in my stomach! I'm going to be sick! And at mile 2.4 of a 3 mile jog- I had to stop and walk and sip water and sip water and pray that I wasn't going to throw up on the PTA President's yard. Poor Desi came to a screeching halt and looks back as if to say, "Why do you torture me by making me walk?"

The girls didn't mind. It worked out for them, I was able to walk/crawl in a state of extreme nausea to the park near my house where I collapsed on the picnic table while they played.

How disappointing. Ginny's take home lesson learned here is that Norovirus takes more than a week to recover from, no matter how determined you are to run.

I'm going crazy ...

2009-02-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

There is perfect running weather outside.
My sneakers are staring at me from across the room.
It's driving me crazy.
Thank God I only have to wait nine more days.

Woo Hoo!!!

2009-01-25T10:40:00.000-08:00

Ok, so that was just FUN! But first let me tell you how NOT to prepare for your first 15K. For one thing, it's a good idea to ensure that your husband knows what you're up to... "Wait- what did you just say?" "I said, it's going to take about an hour and a half to run it..." "A 5K?" Oh. He didn't see the 1 on the calendar. It's SUCH a detail that pesky little 1.... Next, when you're laying all your stuff out the night before, if you see something like YOUR BRAND NEW GARMIN WATCH you should just take it off the charger and put it IN the bag. Because in the morning you'll forget, no matter how many times you remind yourself. Fortunately I realized it RIGHT when we got to Courtney's house and Brian was the hero of the day, he loaned me a watch so I would at least have something. (A shout out here to Brian- THANKS!). Other than that, the only other thing I did was wear an extra article of clothing to keep me warm after the race... that I did NOT intend to race in. So, I just stashed it in the parking deck at VCU. I figured, if it was there when I got back, then yea! If not, it would be an excuse to get a new running vest- one that matches the skirt!

SO Denise and I lined up at the front of the race. She asked why the front, and I said, because you want your time to be close to the time of the "officials" because no chip. Besides, I've had good karma by lining up at the front. From that point though my race didn't really go as I planned, which turned out to be a good thing. I ran with Denise for about a mile, at which point I said, "Pace?", "8:21"... "See ya later Denise! Have an awesome race!" Hello- I didn't want to relive T's Cary Town 10K moment there by having some stellar start and then passing out at mile 6 or something. So after that I slowed down. It felt like I was crawling. A friend who I knew was out there somewhere jogged up beside me early in the 2nd mile and says, "wow, you're really moving!" "Oh, what's the pace?" She glances at her watch "8:39" Oh. So, not really slowed to that 10 minute pace as I thought. So after that I did slow to my planned pace of about 9:40-10's or so. It was a little harder to figure it out with a regular watch & no splits prefigured. *damn Garmin has made me lazy.... But still, it was an out and back and I was pleased to see Denise after the turn around- and even more pleased when I realized how close I was to her. And then right after I turned around, I was pleased to see about 8 people I knew, including my Cheetahlicious friends (b/c the skirts get a lot of attention and it's nice sometimes to know you're not alone). Really after that the story gets a little boring. From miles 6-8 I just plugged away. I took 2 jelly beans b/c I felt like it, and they at least helped with the boredom for those miles, and then I glanced at my watch.... wait a minute. I could definitely make my time of 1:30 and change if I keep pushing. I knew there were some "testy" hills though, so that was something I needed to plan for in the speed area. Still, I did push myself and as I was entering that "you can do anything for 3 minutes" phase of the race, I looked at my watch and realize that I could beat my goal. So, I did. I did officially 1:29:01 (but Denise saw me cross the line and says I did cross when it still read :28:59...). But I'll take their time. I was pretty much at the start/line at the beginning of the race, so I have to accept their time. And really, what's 2 seconds? It gives me a good time to beat next year!

OH, and one more thing about the RRRC description of the race... "mostly flat with some testy hills"... Um, the race runs around Maymont. Exactly WHERE was the mostly flat part? I felt it was "mostly hilly with some random flat parts".

I'm nervous about 15K

2009-01-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

Why? I don't know. But I am. It's not like I've never run that far before. Still, I'm anxious. It could be that I'm anxious about other things, like my impending conference with Mrs Flower,my messy house, or 100 other things, but no, really, I think some of the nervousness is.... "Will I make my time goal?" I'd like to hit 1:30:00 (or even 1:30:59)... That would be a real challenge for me, and I know it, but I think I can. Using my last 10K time as a guide the McMillan (or whatever that site is) thinks I can do it in 1:31:29... for inspiration, I will quote some lines from one of my favorite childhood poems...

So he started up with a chug and a strain,
And he puffed and pulled with might and main.
And slowly he climbed, a foot at a time,
And his engine coughed as he whispered soft,
“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”

With a squeak and a creak and a toot and a sigh,
With an extra hope and an extra try,
He would not stop — now he neared the top —
And strong and proud he cried out loud,
“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!”

He was almost there, when — CRASH! SMASH! BASH!
He slid down and mashed into engine hash
On the rocks below... which goes to show
If the track is tough and the hill is rough,
THINKING you can just ain’t enough!

Ya gotta LOVE Shel Silverstein... ya know? Really though, quick opinion poll.... is it better to aim high and miss the goal? Or aim low, and beat the time goal by minutes or more?

I think I can I think I can I think I can...

Bring it on Mother Nature!

2009-01-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

So Saturday morning was a cold one for us Richmonders (yes I guess some would call us wimps) but when Courtney M, Courtney H, Carla, Fay and I headed out for our weekly run it was in the single digits....7 degrees to be exact. But, we were ready. We had done our research, dressed in layers ( I think 876 between all of us) and had our Vaseline to protect against frostbite. And, as we stepped out outside ready to face the brisk cold morning......it really wasn't that bad. Yes, my face was cold for a while but after about 10 minutes I was fine and I actually enjoyed my run. So, to make a long story short, we all survived our cold morning run and nobody lost any limbs or succumbed to frostbite. We even were greeted after our run with donuts to celebrate Courtney M's b-day! (Thanks Zach!!)

negative splits ...

2009-01-13T13:36:00.000-08:00

Did you ever have one of those good run days? You know, one of those runs where from the moment you take your first step you just know it's going to feel easy. Well, today was one of those days for me.

Doodle wasn't feeling great this morning, so we bailed on our run with G, but by lunch time her fever had broke and I was dreading the treadmill. So, we headed out. And right from the beginning it felt so good and by the time I got to the one mile mark, I knew I was moving fast (for a beached whale, at least). I looked down at the watch and I was at 10:17.

Then, before I knew it, I was two miles in and my watch was reading 20:20. Doodle had fallen asleep by this time (a sure sign she's sick) and I felt like I was floating. It was a total zen moment, not something I'm used to. I just kept thinking,"How the heck am I doing this? 15 days away from delivery, no less?" (Probably some late pregnancy energy boost or something ... perhaps the running equivalent of nesting ...)

But sure enough, my run finished the way it started. I clocked my last mile at 9:57 and I could have kept going. So who else had a great run today?

A little "Friendly" Competition

2009-01-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

It's confession time. My neighbor and I don't always get along that well. Um. In fact, we've gone a full 6 months w/o speaking to each other. I still say I was right. I didn't say anything about the drama while that house was for sale, incase someone *no names mentioned, ended up moving in down the street. But the absolute truth is that we've had this crazy competition thing going for about... oh I don't know, exactly when did I move in? There's many reasons, but the foundation is that our boys are about the same age. The competition ranges from "does your son read chapter books" all the way up to "how long it took to lose the baby weight."

Don't worry, I am always the first person she tells when she drops a pant size. It's usually mentioned when I'm apparently struggling. She is the reason I started dressing for the bus stop. (Except I never dress on running skirt days, b/c I know she's jealous and wants one... see, I'm just as juvenile as she is, and boy I can't believe I'm showing you all my ugly side). So when she "invited" me to run with the fast team earlier this fall and I got smoked on the first 5 minutes of an 8 mile run, I knew it was intentional. She knew I couldn't keep up, even with their slowest runners, and she was being competitive. Notch up another point for her...

Which, is why I had to... HAD TO run with her when she wanted to break off and run fast on Saturday. And holy crap, much to my surprise I actually did it. I kept up with her at a sub 9 minute mile *eventually tapering off to 9:15's/20's, from where we split up on Courtney Rd, around the big field at Crump, all the way until we got to the hill at the basketball courts and then I couldn't anymore. But I did run the finish. I was only behind her by about 5 lengths... Oh Ok, they were horse lengths. And I'll also admit that she was running at her conversation pace, and I... well, I was NOT talking so much... except to ask the occasional question like, "start from the beginning, and give me the whole recipe...step by step...." or "What's War and Peace about again?"

What did this "fast run" teach me? Well, for starters I'm.... well, I'm not as slow as I think I am and I need to quit using that excuse all the time. I've concluded that over the past 2 months I've been holding myself back. I don't push myself enough unless I'm actually racing. No, I'm not as fast as my neighbor, but I am faster than "me".

I always start out on the group runs with, um, the group, and I set myself up to run at the back. Because I thought I couldn't keep up. If I got at all winded or breathy I would conclude that I needed to stay back, run slow, let everyone go without me, don't hold everyone back. This became my habit & my place, "the slow one". Um. What about just pushing it and keeping up? It's called running. Not jogging. This team isn't Be Content Like a Mother, or Bitch Like a Mother, or even Whine Like a Husband. No, the team is Run Like a Mother. Mothers sweat. Mothers get out of breath. Mother's push themselves every day harder than I EVER thought I would push myself. OK, so New Years Running Resolution #2- PUSH MYSELF to be competitive with my ideal self, not my slow self.... And if anyone here wants to push a little, I'm OK with that too.

And, what else did my fast run teach me? Pride hurts. A lot.

give it up for the big girls ...

2009-01-01T18:07:00.000-08:00

So, today's race was awesome. We all looked super hot in our cheetah skirts. Everyone rocked it out (both the race and the skirts) and I had a blast.

But can I get a shout out to the "big girls"? Fay and I finished top five overall in the Athena division and our own Cookie walked away with the Athena crown (the only category finisher to break an hour, might I add!)

Katie, just know that next year I am coming after you and your title. But, for now ... congrats!

a sign that I am getting better

2008-12-31T10:12:00.000-08:00

So I have officially registered for the Charlottesville Half Marathon which is not until April 18th. I think that is a breakthrough in my case of early signupitis. I do not believe I am fully cured because it was very hard for me to sign up this early but I knew that I needed to do it before another race that I wanted to do filled up. Now, the only question that remains is.....who is coming with me?????? I mean I am not wearing that skirt alone :)

P.S. I am very excited for our first wearing of the cheetahs tomorrow!!!

~sniff~ I'm all ferklempt

2008-12-27T18:03:00.000-08:00

I got a "THE watch" for Christmas. It wasn't a surprise, but, ~sniff~ that doesn't change the fact that I got it and used it today. I got back from my run and I was a bit teary eyed over the fact that I had a "fastest pace" for 7:14/mi for one of my sprints... and my average pace was 9:38... and my 2 mile run is.. WHAT? Only 1.89 miles? WTF? I CANNOT BELIEVE IT. Mapmyrun is a liar. LIAR!

That said- best gift ever. Now. If I can just figure out what my heart rate is supposed to be... maybe some trainer will be kind enough to tell me... maybe... I'm sure I know someone who can help me out.

tank tops in December ...

2008-12-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

Have you looked outside today? It is a perfect day for a run (even if it is Christmas). I just got back from a quick (well, quick if you can run quickly at 34 weeks) three miler. And what's better is that I ran it in a tank top. How awesome is that?

Now let's just hope that it's this warm next Thursday for the New Year's Day 10K and our big cheetah skirt debut ...

Thanks Katie!!

2008-12-23T13:24:00.001-08:00

I just want to thank Katie for hosting the 1st annual Team Run Like a Mother Secret Santa! We all had a great time and I love my new stuff.

By the way, the Under Armour t-shirt I got from Nicole matches our cheetah skirts perfectly. Thanks to Tonia for ordering those (Zach wants me to thank you too :)

Fay, I hope you enjoy your new stuff too since you were the inspiration for event and thanks for the secret info!!

Happy Holidays and Happy Running! -C

Sign-up-earlyitis

2008-12-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

So, as a result of getting sick and missing the Richmond Half Marathon (and losing 80 bucks!) I have come down with a new medical condition that is really messing with my running. It is called Sign-up-earlyitis. I am afraid to register for races too far in advance in case something happens that prevents me from running. But, already my disease has caused me problems because my half marathon in San Diego sold out before I signed up!!! I wonder if I can take a Z-pack and get rid of this :)

I ache all over...

2008-12-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

well, not all over, but my lower half. My husband is finally sick of listening to me b!tch about my knees and IT band so I am making an appointment to get it checked out. I now have to find time in my day to call the doctor. Then I have to find time in my day to see her. Then I have to find time in my day to rehab. Then...you get the point. Maybe I am making excuses or maybe I am WAY over-booked!

I feel so old!! I just want to be able to run without it hurting.

since we're all about the goals around here ...

2008-12-03T12:06:00.001-08:00

I figured I would chime in too. So, while I think that racing 100 miles is an excellent goal, I'm not too sure I can swing that one since I will have the $250 budget and the birth of a child working against me in the next calendar year. But with that said, I'm still going to try and thus it has become my backup goal.

My primary goal, however, is to run 1,000 miles (That would be like running 24 hours a day for an entire week at a 10 minute mile pace). I'm pretty sure I would have made it this year, had I not gone and gotten all knocked up. I'm at 862 since January 1st and just 56 miles short if I calculate from December 1, 2007 - December 1, 2008. So hopefully, I can maintain my mileage in January, take a few weeks off after the baby arrives and then get back into full swing. We'll see. But I'm cautiously optimistic.

Turkey Trot & not New Year's yet goal.

2008-12-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

So after my not so stellar marathon run, I needed a good race and I had one at the Turkey Trot. Although it wasn't a PR for me in the 10k, I did beat last years time. Plus, running an 8:23 pace was good considering I haven't run all out in a long time and my body just isn't used to that now. I agree with G. that this a great distance. It usually takes me a couple of miles to get into a groove so a 5k is too short but I think the 10k is about perfect. On one sad note I may have to change my favorite race because the shirts this year were awful!! And we all know that a huge reason we do races is for the shirts and I had high expectations of this one. So if anybody is in the market for a gold technical shirt with a turkey running across just let me know.

I also want to say I'm in for the 100 miles of racing next year. I'm sort of a race whore so I should be able to rack up some miles this Spring! I just left myself wide open there, no pun intended!

100 racing miles

2008-12-01T17:29:00.000-08:00

Why do people wait until January 1 to make goals? I mean, honestly, if I had done that I would have waited an additional 2 weeks to start working out to begin with, and I might not have stuck with it. So, in honor of NOT waiting, I decided to make my annual running goal. Ironically, when I saw T today she announced that she too had made her running goal. I think that's kind of funny to tell you the truth. not that she'd made her goal, but that neither of us could wait to make the goal. I made my goal a few days ago when I signed up for the New Years Day 10K. I thought... what a great way to start out the year... why, you could do anything if you started out the year running a 10K...

So, the '09 goal for me is that I want to race 100 miles. I will accomplish that by running a marathon, 2 Halfs, a 15K, some 10Ks, and a few 5Ks- not in that order. That should keep me happy, busy, de-stressed and fit. So, the goal is set, but even better than that, a plan has been made. Because if I learned one thing about myself from running, it's that I can't make a goal without making a plan to reach it.

and we're on ...

2008-11-29T11:46:00.000-08:00

So, I registered for the New Year's Day 10K. Against J's wishes, might I add. But, really. I think that you all knew that he wasn't going to be able to stop me (and I think he knew it too!) Plus, I'll only be 35 weeks along at that point, not 36 like I thought, and that's a HUGE difference. So, obviously, there is no reason for me not to run.

Anyway, Ginny's in too. So, who else is going to join us to show off those cheetah skirts?

gobble, gobble, run ...

2008-11-28T16:18:00.000-08:00

So, basically I have to agree 100% with G that yesterday's Turkey Trot 10K was awesome. I had a blast running it, even though I am pretty sure that if I had been wearing some sort of feathers on my butt, I would have looked exactly like a turkey. But all joking aside, it really was a great day (and hopefully next year we can get the every member of Team Run Like A Mother to join in).

And although, everyone else ran faster than me, for once I'm not upset about it ... because I ran every step of those hills (something I can not say about last year) and I actually ran faster than I had expected to (1:03:55 rather than 1:07ish). Pretty sweet!

But on the downside, that was the last race I was registered for (before little Natalie arrives) and J isn't too keen on me running a 10K at 36 weeks. Anyone want to help convince him? or join me for a 5K between now and then?

Turkey Trot FUN!

2008-11-27T18:45:00.000-08:00

When exactly did 10K start to sound like a super fun short distance? I don't really know, but it's happened for me. When I first started thinking about running it was last Feb or so, and everyone was talking about the Monument 10K. I remember thinking how long of a distance that was, how impossible it sounded, and holy snap these people are talking about running it in less than an hour! Crazy people need to get a life.

Flash forward to Thanksgiving, today in fact, at 9am when I ran my first 10K. Sort of anti climatic after 2 Half Marathons, but I did it none the less with a real lightness of soul and sense of fun. I can't describe it any better than that.

What an awesome distance! I can't believe I thought it sounded long. I think that might be my favorite racing distance. It's not as impressive as the "HALF MARATHON" (said in a big movie announcer voice over), but it's still a challenging distance that leaves a real sense of accomplishment at the finish. Also, I was THRILLED with my time (no I did not run it in less than an hour, but still...). TOTALLY MAD HAPPY THRILLED, which I'm never thrilled with my time. I am the person who's too embarrassed to tell people how long it took me to finish the Half M's- so to have a time I'm proud of is so wonderful. H is sick of hearing about it. He hopes tomorrow is a busy day so I can SHUT UP about my stupid time.

At least I don't run on my hands...

2008-11-26T14:41:00.000-08:00

Well, it happens every year on Thanksgiving and today it happened to me the day before the big Turkey Day. I hurt myself cooking. I have lots of stories about these injuries through the years, but today it took the shape of a burn across my whole hand.

I was cooking my Maple Pumpkin Butter, and I had placed my sauce pan in the oven. Once everything was done, I proceeded to grip the handle of the pan like it hadn't been in a 350 degree oven for 2 hours. OUCH!

I know how blisters on 2 fingers and painful spots on my palm. It should be a great 10k tomorrow! At least I have an excuse if I don't do well - the 20 degree cold made my hands hurt!!

All the right Equipment

2008-11-25T17:22:00.000-08:00

I was so worried about being able to do my training over the winter/summer, etc. I've got my sights set on that marathon next year, and that illusive 2:20 Half, so I knew I needed to find a way to run when I can't run with a stroller. I knew what I needed, but I just didn't know how I was going to get access to a treadmill. They're way too expensive, and the gym membership was not something I was interesting in revisiting. So, I knew I was at a standstill. Until today... when I got a random e-mail from a "guy friend"... and... it was as thought a little firefly paused over my head... "A TREADMILL!"

So, it took a non-athlete/overweight/beer drinking/nacho eating/football watching/tailgating neighbor to remind me that my neighborhood has a fitness center. I'd forgotten because in April when I went to use the treadmill there it was broken. the treadmill, not the fitness center. Anyway, in the last 6 months while I've been running in the 90* heat and 38* cold, the drizzle and the humidity.... they've had a nice dry temperature controlled fitness center with 2 working treadmills just waiting for me. So, if anyone needs access to a treadmill, you know where I live, drop by and pick up my key. Or, give me $10 and I'll get you your own key. Or call, because I might be willing to go over and run "with" you.

On another note... it's been a long time since running on a treadmill. I used to run about 1/2 mile to warm up for my personal trainer when I had a personal trainer at the gym. I don't know that I've ever run longer than that until tonight. Um. What a STRANGE experience. Very strange. I learned that I don't really run at a steady pace. I sort of speed up for a few strides and then slow for a few and then sprint and then jog... I doubt I even hold a steady pace for more than 10 seconds because the whole time I was running I was either about to shoot off the front of the device, or fall off the back. Thankfully I did neither. The other thing about it is that it's a little boring and wicked hot. Oh, and I don't know that I like having a countdown/up clock saying how many minutes:seconds I've run as they tick by. I did like having my pace displayed though. Because it made me realize I don't push myself when I run alone. So, tonight, I pushed myself to run 9:22pace every 4 minutes, alternating with a 10:40 pace. I figured this was more interesting than just running alone in a light blue room with white trim. And when I got off, the floor felt like it was moving. Cool. I was at mile 11.5 all over again. I think that's a slogan in the making... Running: It's like doing drugs, without the side effects and expense.

Now that the marathon is over, I have time to run...

2008-11-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

weird huh? but its true. my body just felt so beat up after those long runs, that i wasn't able run a lot during the week. i just needed to rest, heal, and prepare for the next weekend's long run. now i am excited to feel better and more rested!

wind + stroller = NO FUN

2008-11-24T09:48:00.000-08:00

Can we, for just one second, discuss how not fun it is to run in 20 mph winds pushing an incredibly heavy stroller? Seriously, I'm pretty sure that the three miles that Katie and I just logged was actually more like 15. So painful.

Honestly, had Katie not been there to help push the stroller during that last mile I'm sure I would have just given up. In fact, I considered it. More than once. So thanks, Katie. Once again it's been proven that running is ALWAYS better when you are with your friends.

What a great year!

2008-11-20T11:42:00.000-08:00

Well it's still hard for me to believe that I have been a somewhat consistent runner over the past year (plus a few months) and have completed a handful of races. When friends and family members ask me about running I respond by saying "had you told me a year and a half ago that I would be running numerous miles each week and competing in races much less a half marathon I would have told you that you were crazy"! My sister was an accomplished runner for years and my family and I would go to many races to cheer her on, and I always felt emotional at the finish but I never had the desire to or thought I could do it myself. But throw me in with a great group of girls who are extremely inspiring and driven and I guess I can add another title to myself "runner". I never thought I would enjoy waking up at the crack of dawn on Saturdays and going to run. But I really do love it! I love it when there is a large group of us and we have actually taken over most of the road and people have to drive around us or they honk at us. I feel like we have such presence as a group and it's awesome. Now if I try to run or train by myself it's definitely not the same thing. Running by myself feels like real exercise. But running with others is such a release and stress reliever, it's like therapy.

Now having said all of this I am deeply saddened that this Saturday will be my last group run for a while and next Thursday's Turkey Trot in VB will be my last race for a while. No I'm not pregnant but if I were my doctor has advised me that due to my history she doesn't want me running. So in preparation for hopefully the near future I have to put a hold on running. It truly brings me to tears because I have enjoyed it so much. I got an elliptical 2 weeks ago for my b-day and the night before it was delivered I was up at 2am just bawling because it was like the elliptical was replacing my running and I was thinking about how I would word the post that I am writing now. (hence I really thought I was pregnant at that time because I was so emotional)

Anyway I hope I can still be considered a member of team Run Like A Mother. I will be your biggest cheerleader for upcoming races and I will definitely be thinking about you on Saturday mornings (especially when it's really cold out :)).

So I have yet to answer the original running questions here goes:

- Favorite Race: Youngblood 5k, because it's the first and only time I will ever place in a race, I got 2nd in my age group. (Thank goodness C wasn't in my age group she got 2nd in hers too and E wasn't there!:)
Even though I wasn't pleased with my performance in the VB Rock N' Roll half marathon I love the feeling of accomplishment.
- Favorite Reason to Run: My running girls! I love running as a group, you all have inspired and pushed me to accomplish things that I never thought I could do! You never know what's going to be said on a run!
I have also enjoyed not feeling guilty for what I ate while training although it's been really hard changing that now!
- Current Goal: Have a healthy baby some time in the near future then get back into running and races! I'm looking forward to it, especially races we do out of town!

Sorry for the long post! But I love you guys and thanks for everything!:)

One and not done!!

2008-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

* I originally had no title for this post because I was torn about how the race went but I'm at peace with it now and I disliked the ???? title.

I'm not sure how to title this post because I'm not sure how I feel about the marathon at this point. On one hand I'm proud of myself for completing it and on the other I'm disappointed because I know I could do better. Here's the back story, the week of the marathon I was a nervous wreck (see previous puking post) but by the middle/end of the week I felt like I had gotten most of my nerves under control. But I wake up Friday morning and I'm queasy, weak feeling, and not the least bit hungry-very unusual! I decide that I need to at least try to get something down at lunch but a few hours later it all comes right back up (TMI, I know). Needless to say I don't eat much the rest of the day for fear of losing more fluids but I think the damage was done. I'm not much of a scale girl but when I got on the scale marathon morning I weighed 6 lbs. less than I had earlier in the week, a week I might add of constant carb loading.
After a night of little sleep, marathon morning comes and I'm feeling better but certainly not 100%. R. comes and picks me up and thankfully it's not raining. It was predicted to rain, thunderstorm, and have high winds throughout the race although it was humid and windy at times it still wasn't as bad as expected.

At the starting line I was nervous but excited and ready to get going. R.'s husband was there to give us last minute advice and to distract us which was great. We got started and I think I honestly knew that this may not be my race from the get-go. R. and I had agreed to treat this like our regular training runs which usually involve celebrity gossip, kid stories, or anything we can think of to talk about to make the time go faster. But from the start I didn't do a lot of talking (again very unusual) and it's not because we're going so fast, although we were keeping up pretty well with our pace group. I just felt a little more winded than usual after I talked so I just stopped for the most part.

It was great to see our families at mile 7 and I was already getting emotional just seeing their faces. The next couple of miles were fairly uneventful except for the tree falling on Riverside Dr., for someone that's a big believer in signs this was just the start of some not so good ones. We were finally joined by Em and N. after a nasty little climb so by the time we got to them I was completely mute and feeling horribly guilty for not talking more with Rachel but I realized by this point I was going to need every bit of energy I had to make it through the rest of this race. I also realized that I needed to eat and drink as much as I could stand because I was already feeling dehydrated.

I'm going to stop now and say that I'm sorry this is the most depressing post ever. I think I'm just trying to process it all, so again I apologize.

Now back to my depressing story, we saw our families again at mile 13 but I could barely look over for fear that I would stop right there. Now let me reiterate this is mile 13, this a short run (in my mind now) during our training. There is no way that at mile 13 I should be feeling this bad, given the pace we were going. So mentally I'm feeling pretty crappy at this point to because this should be an easy run for me now and it normally is...arrggh. Sign 2 and 3 this was a bad run, a wrecked car in the middle of the race course, having to stop to let a fire truck back in the station, really!!! I think it was around this time that I asked my friend N. if she didn't mind walking with me for a minute. If you read my earlier post, this was my back-up plan that I never wanted to use but I had nothing left in the tank. I thought that if I took a break, gathered some energy, and caught my breath I would be able to run the rest of the way. Well, that's not exactly what happened. Here's the thing, when you feel that bad and you walk, all you want to do then is walk. When you start running again your body and mind just scream at you to walk, that it felt so much better. It took every ounce of energy I had to run again then I would stop and the cycle would start again. It was brutal because at that point I was already disappointed and in pain. My chest just ached and I never really felt like I could get a deep breath in and with my history it's just a scary feeling. My friends at this point were a God send and I'm honest when I say I couldn't have done it without them. R. got me through the first half, Em. and N. got me through the emotional stage when I wasn't sure I could go on. So thank you, thank you thank you!!!

Sign 4, 5, and 6, angry people yelling because police won't let them run over the racers, funeral procession, protest group holding huge pictures of fetuses.

I pretty much walk/ran until I got to the mile 19 where my family was waiting and Z. was going to run the last 7.2 miles was picking me up. I was very emotional by then and so so happy to see my husband. It was our 5th anniversary and I knew if anybody could get me through these last 7 miles it would be him. It's really funny though because R. and I had talked earlier in the day that the race was like giving birth and it was going to be a lot of pain but it would be worth it in the end. Well nothing demonstrated this more than a couple miles into my leg with Z., he decides to "coach" me through the pain by telling me that I should put my hands on top of my head to get more air in, then nags me to keep doing this although when I do I feel like I'm going to fall over, so I retort with "you put your hands over your head and when did you become a doctor?" and of course I started laughing because it really did sound like labor then.

Z. kept me going though, he was encouraging, supportive, and understanding which was exactly wanted I needed at that time. Not only did I feel like I let myself down but I felt like I had let everyone that had supported me down too but Z. trudging along beside me showed me that he didn't care how fast I did it or how I did it for that matter he just wanted me to finish and even if I hadn't I know that he would have been proud of me either way.

Earlier in the day I had said that I just wanted to beat Katie Holmes's time in the NYC marathon (this was my friend T's goal in her marathon so I stole it) little did I know how close I would come. We hit mile 25 at 5:15 and some change and I knew I had less than 14 minutes to run 1.2 miles, which on any other day would have been a cake walk, but I said what the hell I'd rather go out running so we ran and sure enough I came in at 5:26:03, 3 minutes faster than Katie!!! My overall pace was 12:34 and I ran the first half in 2:22 (gun time) which would have put us right on target with our pace group. At the end my parents, Em & N., and J. Bird were there and it was awesome to see them.

I know this seems like a downer post but as I've been writing I realize that the run was itself was bad(painful) but the experience was great. Not just on Saturday but training with my friends, all encouraging words from my friends and family, the sense of accomplishment that I hadn't felt until right now. I did it and would I do it again??? Probably because I still have something to prove to myself but not anytime soon!

I am no longer a marathon virgin!

2008-11-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

What a day! You all know how wordy I am, and this blog promises not to disappoint. I am just going to type every thought that comes out of my head and try to get this all written down before I forget.

Marathon morning - 2:30am I was awoken by massive thunderstorms. Since when do we have thunderstorms in November? But my nervous dogs kept me up for about an hour but then I did go back to sleep until my alarm went off. I got out of bed at 5:15am and showered (pre-race tradition). I turned on the weather and got dressed. At 6am, the first local weather report came on. Sagay Galinda from NBC12 said that the first round of storms had passed. She predicted a dry start with more storms moving in for mid-day. Over all, it was going to be very cloudy, windy, and rain off and on. So I surrendered to the fact I would be running in the rain. Its OK. No problem. More on this later.

I picked C up and we got to the start right after the 8k started. We walked around looking for G before the half but not really sure if we would see her or not. We were both very quiet and nervous. The hustle and bustle around us seemed surreal as it sank in that we were getting ready to run the race of our lifetime. Jack showed up about 20 minutes before the start and it was so nice to see him. It had to be hard for him to see all the runners and know he couldn't run, but it meant so much to me to have his support. He gave C and I some last minutes tips - eat the junk food, don't go out too fast, and enjoy the run.

Well, needless to say 8am came around and we started. We ran with the 4:45 pace group. Our hope was that if we did the first half a little bit slower than expected, we could make up time in the second half (rookie mistake). We were doing good - running about 10:30 for the first 6 miles. I forgot to time my splits so I don't really know my exact times. It was very overcast and humid. We noticed around mile 2 that we were already sweating a lot. I noted that I needed to be sure to drink a lot.

We saw friends (the Kawugules and Kate) and as we turned onto River Rd I noticed my heart rate. For most of my long runs, my heart rate had been around 155. Well at mile 6 it was 165. I knew that I couldn't maintain that exercution the whole time. I asked C if we could try to slow it down a bit on the huge downhill going into the first party zone. We did and I got my heart rate back down. Now, as we are running down the hill, C says to me, the sun is coming out. WHAT?!? It was supposed to be cloudy all day. I realized that anything can happen on marathon day - even miracles.

We ran past the party zone and it was so great to see Jack, the girls, and my mom. I didn't stop except to grab a fresh water bottle. We crossed the bridge and hit mile 8. That took us down on Riverside Dr. near the river. It was a great run, but I noticed C and I got very quiet. Never a good sign. We knew that at 10.5 E and N would meet us to run (N was running 6 and E 9) so that was my next goal. Make it to the girls and have them talk. I didn't care about what, just talk. Well, they were amazing. The talked, told funny stories, and made me laugh. Before we knew it, we were at the next party zone. I got another water bottle, gave Morgan a kiss and kept going. We hit the half way point at 2:20. A little behind my goal, but still on track for 4:45. 2 steps past the half way point, a fire truck needed to back into the station so the police officers made us STOP. Are you kidding me - couldn't it have waited a few minutes for a break in runners? Anyway, Forrest Hill Ave was hiller than I expected so it was really nice to have the girls to get me through that.

We hit 15 and started crossing the bridge back into Richmond. I remember Jack's advice - don't think that bc you are heading back into the city that the race is almost over. The sun was out in full force now. Luckily it was at my back and so was the wind. It felt good, but I knew that if it was at my back now, it would be in my face near the end. In the middle of the bridge, C asked N to walk with her. I knew she was having a bad day and I felt awful. E and I kept going with a reasurance over and over again from E that C was OK that I went ahead. At 16, I ate pretzels. They were really good and I am so glad I did! So E and I ran until N's car. Then I told E to go back to C so she had someone to run with her until the next party zone where C's husband would run with her. I didn't want her to be alone. So around mile 17, I was on my own. I put my headphones in and turned the music up as loud as I could.

I made it to the party zone at mile 19 (with the help of N driving next to me and giving me her water - thanks!). I was low on water and was happy to get another full bottle. Jack walked with me for a second and I said that I was tired, but I told him 'if you can survive a heart attack, I can survive a marathon'. It was true, I would survive, but the hardest part was still to come.

Miles 20-24.5 were HARD. I had never run more than 20 so I was not sure what to expect. I trudged along at a very slow pace, but I refused to walk. Now the normal person probably could have walked faster than me at some point but I refused to walk. I knew I would not start again if I did. The wind was blowing really hard - it actually blew the headphones out of my ears a few times. I was getting low on water again and started taking cups at water stations. I saw my time goals slip away. My miles were getting very slow. Around mile 23, I turned on Lombardy and the wind hit me straight in the face. I felt like I was running backwards. UUGH. But I knew this was the turn that headed back into the city so I kep moving. Around 24.5 I knew I was almost done and I started picking up my pace (just a little). At mile 25, I knew I was almost done and the end is a nice downhill.

I ran as strong as I could to the finish with a smile on my face. I did it! I didn't see anyone at the finish but after the food tent caught up with Jack, the girls and my mom. It was nice to see them. I looked for a few minutes for the med tent as my knee really needed some ice. But I didn't find it, and I needed to get home so we left. I felt so bad I didn't see C finish, but I knew she did great! My finish time was 5:04:58. A lot longer than I thought, but I did it. I honestly don't feel like I could have done anything different so that makes me happy. I am a marathoner!

Red Lipstick

2008-11-15T16:12:00.001-08:00

So, in honor of the fallen Cookie & the 2 marathoners, I wore Red Lipstick to the race today. Not pinky red, or neutral red, no I wore, "Lips as red as a rose"... But that's getting ahead of my story.

This morning I was awake at 4:23am waiting for 5:30 and my alarm. I never made it. By 5:14 I just couldn't lay in bed awake and nervous any longer, so I got up and dressed in my mad hot running skirt for todays run. I had been so nervous all week about what to wear, how I was going to stay warm, etc. Yea, right. About that. With a balmy rainy and nearly 80* forecast in November, I was dressed in a lightweight Run Like A Mother tank top and running skir I left the house right on time, arrived with no problems (missed on turn, no biggy) and parked in the James Center. And went to lock my wallet in my glove box... only guess what? The wallet is in the diaper bag. The diaper bag is on the sunporch. I now have no way of getting my car out of the garage after the race, because Sean's keeping the kids home with him today due to the weather. Well, carp. No worries, I'll figure something out... and off I went in my sexy new Dollar Tree poncho... which I ditched due to heat shortly thereafter. As I waited to pee before the race, I was sweating. So unfair. Hello? Mid-November!

Anyway, it might have been the red lipstick, or the mad hot running skirt, but a man in line with me struck up a conversation... it went a little like this...

Man-"Have we met?" Me- "Um. No." Man-"Really? You seem like someone I met last year at this same race." Me-"Oh, this is my first time in a Richmond race..." Man- "This is my 101st Marathon."

What? 101st. That's what he said. He ran the Baltimore marathon last month for his 100th (with Cookie... you know, maybe he got us "mixed up" because we look just alike in our custom T shirts). So as we stood and waited, I asked him if he had any wisdom for the rookie. "Just put in your music and get in your zone and run."

Thanks. That's what I was planning on doing anyway. And, that's what I did. I got in my corral and waited for them to release us. Unlike the uber organized RockNRoll Half, today's corrals were just for morale purposes. In other words- they made the fast people feel fast and the slow people feel slow. So they yelled for us to start and I hit the pavement with 5000 other people. I was running alone in a mob.

Miles 1-8 were completely uneventful. I was running 10:40 and 10:20 splits every other mile, exactly (to the second a few times). Things were great. Around 8 I made a call on my cell phone to Sean, and took a few jelly beans, which is when I always took them on my long runs... and then, we turned the corner at 9.5, to Brook Road, and the wind was just blasting in my face. At points I felt like I was running in place, or, running with a stroller. It's not an excuse for what happened next, just a fact. What happened next was that I was felling GREAT at mile 10. I mean that too. So I just sort of put it on auto pilot and ran into that wind and let my mind wander and paid NO attention to anything. I paid no attention to the people around me. To the sites. To the mile 11 marker (which I did notice in my arrogance). I actually thought to myself, "It's just 3 miles. You can do anything for 3 miles." Yea. About that. I paid no attention to my body.

At mile 11.5ish (I'd estimate) a very strange thing happened. I was still running, but the buildings to my left were definitely- um- leaning... and smoking. And the smoke was making my legs cold. Very cold. It felt as though some arctic air was chilling them, and they were becoming hard to move. I don't know what made me recognize the danger, but I realized that I had become hyper-aerobic (is that even a word?) and that I wasn't getting enough oxygen. So I made myself walk.

Talk about a disappointing moment. I had run the entire way. My legs SCREAMED in protest at the change, but I still forced myself to walk. I say "walk", what I think I'm trying to convey is more like, "stumbling like a drunk"... again, my legs were freezing from that imaginary air. After about 6 minutes of walking (and watching my time come and go because at some point I must have slowed WAY down) I picked it back up and ran again. But slowly. I knew I couldn't make my time goal of 2:20. Or my back up goal of 2:25, but I was still going to finish that race running. And I did. And no more hallucinations. AND Sean and the kids were waiting for me at the finish!!! With the clear weather he was able to make it. And, I because I pushed it hard going down the hill, I still made my "deep down inside I promise I will finish in under XX:XX:XX time goal."

So. 3 things. The first is that I have signed up for The Richmond Marathon '09. No, Sean does not know yet. I plan to tell him sometime immediately after sex, or a large TV purchase when he won't really realize what I'm saying. And the second, it's time for some speed work so I CAN run faster without having an acid trip experience. 3rd thing, is that my next Half (Shamrock?) I will take some of Em's wisdom and "train" the mileage leading up to the race. I will run the full 13.1 miles before hand.

BTW: g.'s new PR for the Half Marathon distance is 20+ minutes faster that VABeach ... 2:34:49!

wasn't it supposed to rain?

2008-11-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

At least that's what I thought when I woke up at 5 a.m. for this morning's race. Just an hour before, thunderstorms had awoken me from my sleep, but by the time I stood in my starting corral, not a raindrop to be found.

So, thank you to the weather gods.

Jeremy, Fay and I started the 8K this morning in corral #1 (for me the truth, for Jeremy, maybe a bit of a fudge). Anyway, I had swore to J that I was going to stay with him. The whole time. Even if that meant running slower than I wanted to. And shockingly, I did run with him (and Fay) for the first 1.78 miles. Then he told me to leave (I had already sent Fay on her way). I asked, "Are you sure? I'll stay." And he said, "No, really. Go." So I did. I passed the two mile marker at 22 minutes and decided not to look at my watch again. I was just going to run. Little by little, I passed people (some embarrassed by being passed by my hugeness, others impressed). I recall at least seven personal shout-outs due to the sheer size of my stomach alone (which probably made me run even faster).

And before I knew it, I was on the downhill. I could see Fay less than a tenth of a mile in front of me and I did my best to catch her, but there was no way that was going to happen. Instead, I found a fellow SS runner to have a kick-off with to the finish line. It was great and I felt awesome. Plus, ran my last 2.97 miles in 27:14 (9:10 miles) and finished in 49:14 ... now if I had only left J earlier ...

Slacker #2

2008-11-14T13:16:00.000-08:00

Okay i'm a virgin to this blog stuff too, so i'm sorry to have put it off for so long. I am technoligically challenged so it takes me a little longer to figure out these things.

Anyway i'm honored to be a part of such a wonderful group of women, and without your help I would have never accomplished all that I have over the past year.

I will post the answers to the running questions a little later but I just wanted to wish all of you GOOK LUCK tomorrow! You have all worked so hard don't let a little rain dampen your spirits! I look forward to running with the marathoners for a bit and getting a taste of the marathon excitement!
You'll do awesome!

Sorry I'm a slacker...

2008-11-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay, I finally joined the blog. I am just not very good at this stuff nor as funny as you all in your posts! But thought I better post before the prerace dinner so I didn't get kicked out of the team- especially after the hills I put you all through last weekend.:)

Favorite Race: Carytown 10K, May 2008- because I was happy with my time (but I don't remember exactly what it was...)

Favorite Reason to Run: to catch up with friends and learn new things about eachother. Also I feel guilty when I see other people running and I didn't run that day.

Current Goal: to continue running 8-10 on Saturdays during my 2nd trimester and 6 or more on Saturdays during my 3rd trimester.

I am so excited for the 8Kers, 1/2 marathoners, and especially the marathoners this weekend! You all are going to rock!

apparently, it's an epidemic ...

2008-11-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

I swear I felt fine (OK, maybe my nose was on fire last night). But I haven't been sick in FOREVER. Really, I can't even remember the last time it was that long ago. But after reading about everyone else, I must have started having sympathy illness. Because in the last two hours, the burning in my nostrils is back, my nose is congested and I'm starting to feel a scratchiness in my throat. Not so much fun.

Fortunately, if I'm unhappy with my time at least I'll have another excuse to choose from (illness, pregnancy, weather, running with J - you take your pick). Plus, I only have to make it through an 8K, unlike my teammates who have to endure 26.2. I feel for you all. I really do.

Boy, we really sound like a bunch of complainers, don't we?

I feel broken...

2008-11-13T09:41:00.001-08:00

I don't cry much, I am strong. I like to always think positive, but this marathon has gotten the best of me. I feel like I have so many forces against me, and I need to get out of my funk. Here are my problems:
1. I have a cold. there is no denying it but I will not let it bench me.
2. My daughter had a stomach virus yesterday. If I caught it (which she did throw up on me so the likelyhood is high), it will be rearing its head tomorrow
3. It is going to rain on Saturday. Now this is the one that got me...I have trained for months for this race and I really was counting on the sidelines to help me get through the race (that and C running beside me). I wanted the crowd support, the bands, the funny signs, and most importantly my husband and kids. But I cannot ask them to sit in the rain just to watch me run by. UUGH.

OK, I am moving past the negative and turning my energy towards what I have control over - ME. I can't change the weather or my health, but I can change my attitude. I will have an awesome time and I can't wait until Saturday!

Nervous because I'm not

2008-11-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

This is my 2nd Half Marathon, and my 2nd race longer than a 5K. It's only really my 5th race all together. So, I don't know if it's because Virginia Beach was SO huge that nothing seems scary after that, or if I'm just a more confident runner, or if breaking my foot made everything seem small in comparison, but I'm a little nervous, because I'm not nervous today. Maybe I just worked off all my anxiety at Stroller Strides this morning.

TO be honest, after the short long run on Saturday, I sort of forgot it was race week until someone reminded me on Facebook. And then for a few days I was jazzed up. But, now, I'm thinking, well, it's just another long run early on Saturday. I've been more concerned about the Turkey Trot 10K at the end of the month. And I'm pretty sure that H is more concerned about the driving down into the city and parking than I am about the race.

So, I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, but I used to do public speaking for a living. Really g.? You got up in front of 200- 340 women every week to give a speech? Yes, really. And, as much as I like to talk, as much as I prepared for it, I was almost always nervous before the speech. I remember the first time I was waiting for my turn at the podium and I wasn't nervous. I thought, "Oh, I'm finally over all the stage fright. Good for me." So I got up, and it was my worst speech. I had no energy to feed to the audience, and in turn, I got no energy from them. It was awful. I remember walking away from that hour of talking, turning down the hall, and puking in a public restroom. Fortunately, the people who booked me happened to hear that I had been sick afterward, so they assumed that I was "sick" and had still showed up and given a "nice sound speech". My usual response was standing ovation with women clambering to get a minute afterward. Seriously, I do sound like an egomaniacal head case, but I swear it's all true.

So, for me to not be nervous is cause for real concern. Someone say or do something to help!

I didn't mean it literally...

2008-11-12T04:53:00.001-08:00

When I posted that I was so nervous I could puke, I really was kidding. I didn't mean it literally. Well the gods must have thought I was being serious because at 1:30am this morning I was in M's room and she proceeded to throw up all over me. Fabulous. I already hadn't been feeling 100%. I have been using Zicam nasal swaps all week hoping to ward off a cold. Now I am completely paranoid that I will be getting the stomach virus. I have 3 days until the marathon - what the f%*&!

So now I will be sanatizing the whole house, washing my hands every minute, and praying that I remain healthy for 3 more days! Did you hear that up there? I was kidding!!

Book

2008-11-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

Here is the name of that book I mentioned the other day on our run about the guys who ran 50 marathons in 50 days.

50/50: Secrets I learned running 50 Marathons in 50 days- and how you can achieve super endurance! by Dean Karnazes

Runaholics Anonymous

2008-11-10T05:16:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking I might be addicted to races. I was just on the RoadRunners page, cruising through the website and thinking, "Oh, that's only a 10K, I can do that.... oh, let's think, 15K? No problem, I could easily train up to 9 in three weeks... oooh, another 10K... might be chilly, but I would be running, so that could warm me up." This from the woman who about a year ago thought running was for "other people". Fortunately, my wallet was out of reach and I resisted signing up for about 25 miles of races in 3 minutes.

Hello, my name is g., and I'm a race-aholic.

does anyone else feel this?

2008-11-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Seriously. Does anyone else feel the unbearable pubic bone pain I am feeling right now? For the next 12 weeks, I am vetoing hill-laden long runs where Em sets the pace (note: this does not include the Turkey Trot, where I will set my own pace). And maybe, if I'm really lucky, we can veto them FOREVER!!

Twenty extra pounds sitting directly in your pelvis + steep inclines = NO FUN!

So, how you all feeling after this morning's run?

Thinking ahead...

2008-11-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

so this might be a little premature w/ people popping out babies left and right. We had talked about doing a girls running weekend and traveling to a race but what if we did one of those long relay races instead. I think it would be so much fun! Sorry I was lurking on someone else's blog again, http://www.runningfromthekids.blogspot.com/ and I thought it looked like something we could do. Can you tell I had a good run today??

Good Luck

2008-11-07T06:45:00.000-08:00

So it seems that some of our marathoners are getting a little nervous so I thought that I would send some good luck their way......

I 2nd the puking post!

2008-11-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

I think I'll be glad to have this 1st marathon behind me. I'm always nervous before a race but I get extra nervous before races I've never done before especially those that involve 26.2 miles!!! I just keep telling myself that I can walk if I have to, of course I hope it won't come to that but it's a back-up plan. I'm competitive with myself and I've never had to walk in a race, so although it's my back-up plan I would be disappointed if it came to that so really that plans sucks. Now I'm just working myself up and rambling so let's just say Nov. 16 is going to be a great day!

Silly, Silly K

2008-11-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

Who was I kidding when I thought that I could only run the 8K? I love running half marathons and I was going to pass up running one 15 minutes from where I live? (when I am willing to fly to California to run one in January) So, T you can change the side bar and add me to the half marathon list. The only question that remains is; what color bows should we wear G?

All I can say is....

2008-11-06T05:57:00.000-08:00

I am SOOOO nervous! We have 9 days until the marathon and all I want to do is puke I am so nervous! My girlfriend just finished NYC last weekend (Way to go, Kimi!) and gave me a great analagy. Running a marathon is a lot like labor. You KNOW you can do it. You KNOW there is an end. But it just HURTS!

So I finally have something to compare my 2 unmedicated childbirths to. Let me tell you those were no picnics, but its a great analagy. I just have to get the courage to do it!

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

Ouch!

2008-11-05T19:39:00.001-08:00

I remember reading a blog about these women/moms who were training for races, and I noticed that the one woman was obsessed with her toenails. She posted these little "toenail" updates weekly until eventually, the nail turned black and fell off. Now, I could have used a little less visual detail (her digital camera saw some use that week), but over all, I thought it was interesting and sad at the same time. Poor thing. Her poor feet. Well, I ran a half marathon and my feet don't look like that. She should take better care of herself, you know?

Yea, so about that: My feet are a mess. My toes are covered in blisters, the ball of my foot is peeling and shedding from one week to the next, and generally, the feet just look bad. I'm now rotating between my new shoes (Brooks) and my old shoes (Nikes) so that I wear on the different blisters each day. It's a sickness, but it's all I could come up with... Every week during my long run I get blisters, which then peel off by the next long run when I get blisters again.

But you know what really does me in every week? It's that stupid KARATE class I take once a week. We have to be barefooted to do our marshal arts, and we have to schlep around on a filthy floor, dragging our toes in proper KARATE form as we move through the Kata, and let me tell you, by the end of class tonight my feet hurt as much as they hurt after running 13.1 miles in 987 degree heat with 100% humidity. It was that hot- really. Just ask anyone who was there.

I just want to slather them in aquafor, put socks on them and go to bed. I know it sounds gross, but they hurt THAT much.

A 5k is a LOT shorter than a marathon...

2008-11-04T16:45:00.000-08:00

OK, I know you are saying DUH, but wow, I haven't simply run 3 miles on a weekend in over 5 months (maybe more!) So I realized something about me, either I am too old to run or my body was designed to be a long distance runner. Here is why I am thinking this:

It is now Tuesday and my joins are still hurting from the 5k. I am blaming it on the HUGE downhill at the end of the race. Downhills hurt my knees more than uphills. My knees and IT band hurt less after running 20 than I did 3.1 - WHAT IS THAT?!?
I ran 4.5 miles on Monday and I didn't even get into a rhythm until 3-4 miles. I literally was hobbling along for the first 30 minutes until I hit my stride. I looked like someone with one leg shorter than the other. Great visual, huh?

So what's with that? Now that I am in the home stretch for the marathon, I cannot imagine training for another one, but I also don't feel like I get a good workout simply running 3 miles. Where will my happy medium be? Who knows, let's just pray I make it across that finish line in 11 days (gulp!)

Well, the jury is in...

2008-11-02T17:57:00.000-08:00

And, he thinks we're all nuts.

So, my husband looks at me this morning over breakfast and says, "I'm so glad I finally got to meet the Run Like A Mother team. What a great group of women. And... it's nice that they're all as nuts as you are."

I think (THINK) he meant it as a compliment. I think. He now affectionately refers to us all as running junkies, which would what, make T my pimp? R my supplier? And the rest of you fellow users?

isn't it crazy ....

2008-11-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

that people are going to be talking about you after this race? Like, I got beat by a pregnant woman pushing a double stroller."

That's what Fay said to me about two miles in to this morning's 5K (29:35, by the way). And at the time I kind of laughed about it. But now I realize, she's right. It is kind of crazy. I know that if a pregnant woman passed me (with or without stroller), I would either be embarrassed or haul ass to get past her again.

But since I'm the pregnant one, I don't really have to worry about that scenario. At least for now. At this moment, I get to relish in the fact that however little it may be, I am impressing people. And that's pretty cool.

I know you want to know what our Halloween Costumes are....

2008-11-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

nothing like shopping for costumes the day AFTER Halloween! We are all keeping our costumes a secret until tonight! I can't wait for the big reveal!

I run because I can...no really I can now.

2008-10-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'll explain. I had to have major surgery so I could run. Alright, that really didn't explain it either. I had Pectus Excavatum, it's where your breast bone grows inward. You know you've seen that, just picture a really skinny prepubescent boy who's chest looks concave, that was me with breast. So there wasn't a lot of room, so when I did exert myself physically I got winded very easily. So let's just say, endurance wasn't my thing. I went to a Dr. in college and he told me that to fix it would involve breaking, yes I said breaking that bone and pulling it out then bracing it. There was usually a lot of blood loss and it was a risky surgery. Needless to say, I peeled out of the parking lot on 2 wheels getting away from that Dr.

A few years later while living in VA Beach, I came across an article talking about a new procedure to fix "the Dent" (as my friends so lovingly referred to it as). The Dr. was located at The Children's Hospital in none other than VA Beach. So I booked an appointment, I went through a series of test which showed that although it's not the worst they had seen it was pretty bad. I discovered I had a heart murmur which happens fairly often with this condition and basically when I went to exert myself there was just no room. My heart, lungs, everything was just smooshed together and my heart was basically hitting my breastbone. So I decided to have the surgery, next to open heart surgery it's the most painful surgery they perform and it lived up to it's reputation. It involved putting 2 metal rods under my breastbone popping my breastbone up then leaving the rods in place to keep it up. It was excruciating. You keep the bars in for 2 or in my case 3 years then have them removed with the hope that the bone will stay in the new place. I had the initial surgery in Jan. '05 and had the bars removed Jan. '08.

I always wanted to be a runner, I didn't really know what that meant but I always admired runners. I mean think about when you go on vacation who are the people out early in the morning, runners. That 's the kind of person I wanted to be. When I was recovering from surgery and I was really incapacitated I made a vow with myself that even if I didn't run I wouldn't let an opportunity go by not to move my body.

I started running after I had my son and while I still had the bars in, I trained for a 5k race. I cried when I crossed the finish line at that race because I never really thought it would happen and I was becoming that person I had always wanted to be.

I was nervous to get the bars removed but they surgery was easy and I kept running. I've completed numerous races since but the big kahuna is the marathon I'm training for in Nov. I always thought if I can run a marathon then it means I'm a "real" runner. I don't really think that's the case now but it's the goal I set for myself and I'm going to do it. I'm planning on sending my marathon picture (if it's not that embarrassing, I'm not known for the great race pics)to my Dr. I'm sure I'll be crying but it will be one of my greatest accomplishments. So that's why I run...because can.

Favorite Race: Turkey Trot 10K, I loved the T-shirt. Tough run though!!
Favorite Reason to Run: to feel proud of myself
Current Goal: one word...marathon

OK, so I am a WIMP...

2008-10-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

I hate the cold and I hate the dark! I do not have a lot of time to do my weekly runs. They typically consist of running at 5am because my husband leaves for work at 6:15. That means the only time I can run (without a stroller) is between 5 and 6:15am.

Well, that was not a problem this summer. The sun was starting to come up and it was nice and warm - just the way I like it. Something has happened over the last couple of weeks, its is now dark and cold at 5am. It is just too tempting to stay in my PJs and lurk on Facebook instead of running.

Will someone motivate me to run in the dark and the cold? Or can someone spin the earth a little faster so it will be warm and light again?

Oh yeah, this weekend ends Daylight Savings. Now it will only be darker at 5am. Good Grief!!!

28 minutes. are you kidding me?

2008-10-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

So, this morning when I read Katie's post and saw that her current goal is to run this weekend's 5K under 28 minutes while pushing the stroller, I thought, "Oh, crap! I'm supposed to run with her and I am going to get left in the dust."

You see, yesterday I had the rare opportunity to do a short run all by myself rather than with the 100 plus pounds of kids and stroller that I usually tote around. So, I grabbed my Garmin and my iPod and headed out. Knowing that I didn't have all that extra weight holding me back, I decided to push it (as much as a 25 week pregnant woman can). I did my normal three mile route and avoided looking at my watch the entire time (I wanted to be surprised when I saw the awesome time). I finished, out of breath with legs of lead, but I finished. In 30:50. Which I was thinking was pretty decent. Until I read about Katie's goal. Seriously, how the heck am I ever supposed to cut almost three minutes (four if you add that extra tenth of a mile) and push a double stroller?

When I met with Katie to run this morning, I thought I would address her quest. Basically, I told her she's crazy and there is no way that I will EVER be able to get under 28 minutes (by the way, my 5K PR with the stroller is 27:54 - and that was when I wasn't knocked up).

Anyway, we discussed the situation, calmly, like adults and agreed that as long as there are no hills or wind, we can probably do sub-29 (especially since we did sub-30 at our last 5K and that was in a tropical storm). However, I was still skeptical.

But when we got back to my house and I looked at my watch, I was amazed by what I saw. Three miles in 30:55. Just five seconds longer than yesterday, AND I was pushing a stroller this time (OK, it was a single - but give me some credit). Plus, the run was much easier (physically and mentally). And it was in that moment that I realized that maybe Katie was right. With ideal race conditions (and with friends by my side), maybe sub-29 is possible.

Now let's just pray for an entirely downhill course ...

I run because I love my girls!

2008-10-28T04:18:00.000-07:00

My name is Rachel, and I am the owner of Stroller Strides Richmond (yes, shameless plug - but this is how we all met isn't it?!?!). I started running in 1998 when someone dared me to run the Peachtree Roadrace (10k). It is such an amazing race and I got hooked! Then in 2000, I started dating this cute guy when he convinced me to train for the Atlanta Half-Marathon with him. Well, I never looked back, I even married the guy :) I have done several half-marathons, umpteen triathlons, even finishing a half-ironman a month before I got pregnant with my first baby.

I now have 2 beautiful girls and love them every second, but when the children popped into our lives, I lost my running partner - my husband. We never could figure out how to run together so I started a 4-year journey of running on my own. I trained many women for their first races (several of them on this blog!). There is nothing more rewarding than helping a woman accomplish a goal she never thought possible...but training new runners and training for yourself is never the same.

So after 4 years of training others, I decided to set a personal goal for myself. I am doing my first full marathon - Richmond Suntrust on Nov 15. I started, nervously, training with these girls. I was so worried I wouldn't be fast enough. Luckily, 2 of them got knocked up :) and I can now keep up! I love running with these gals. I did my first 20-miler on Sunday, and it was the fasted 3+ hours of my life! I now rely on running with them, so much so that I am not sure what to do when they go out of town (can I come with you so I can get a good run in? I'll sleep in the closet!!). I cannot say enough amazing things about the women you are going to read on this blog!

Now I am a little bit at a loss, I was supposed to do the marathon with my husband, but you can read about that here. I am a bit worried who will run with me during the race. C is much faster than me, but I am going to use this time to show myself my inner-strength. I can do it!

Favorite Race: Ukrops Monument Ave 10k
Favorite Reason to Run: because I can
Current Goal: Cross the finish line at the marathon

I run so I can eat cupcakes....

2008-10-27T18:45:00.001-07:00

and ice cream and cookies and apple pie..... ok now you see why I have to run half marathons!

First things first- my name is Katie and I am a blogger virgin. I will admit to spending many a nap time reading blogs of people I know( and even those I don't) but I have never gone so far as to even write a comment, let alone post. And, I never thought I would but I am nothing if not a team player so, Team Run Like a Mother you have shared another first with me.

Ok now on to the running stuff. My running "journey" began this January when I trained for the Monument Avenue 10K with Stroller Strides. Since that race, I have ran some 5Ks, an 8K and 2 Half Marathons and now I am hooked! I have been playing sports since I was little but running was always a means to an end. I had to train to be able to play the game well but I never enjoyed the running. This all changed after I became a mom. I think it became my time to do something just for me. Every Saturday (or the occasional Sunday) I go for a run with the girls and T gets up with W. It really has become a big part of my life and I consider myself lucky to have such wonderful friends to share it with.

Favorite Race: Half Marathon
Favorite Reason to Run: It is something I do just for me
Current Goal: Finish the 5K this weekend in 28 minutes (pushing the stroller)

I run so my a looks like Tonia's A

2008-10-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

My real name is Virginia, but my family and friends call me Ginny, and I really do go by g. on paper/e-mail and have for years. I'm the "rookie" member of our "rookie" team, but I've been running with the group for going on ~gulp~ six months now.

When I started running, it really was because I coveted Tonia's figure. I wanted to drop pounds, have a flat stomach, have a cute a**, and look strong, and I knew that I needed more cardio in my life in order to do all that. Now though, I don't run only because of that. I really run because I like the social aspect of it. I would rather get up at 7am and run with my team than to sleep in late on a weekend morning (I know I probably need therapy or something).

I'm an impulsive planner, that is, I like to think about things for a long time before I do them, and then I do them 100%. Want proof? I was jealous that Tonia was running a marathon in March. I had never run more than 2 miles, and it just sounded amazing... 26+ miles. Wow. I admit- I thought she was nuts for running it on a bum foot. I may have said as much, and, I think I said something along the lines of, "If that happened to me, I wouldn't run the race on a broken foot! That's crazy, a person could really hurt herself doing that." Yea, ha ha. If only I'd known how those words would come back to haunt me.

So, I started running on April 22. I remember the run very specifically. I couldn't actually run the full 2 miles, and it took me 27 minutes to finish those 2 miles. On April 26 I ran my first 5K Race, and I couldn't believe I had run more than 3 miles in a row. By mid-May I ran my 2nd 5K Race, and at the end of May, with 6.2 racing miles under my belt, I signed up for a Half Marathon. I think a lot of people might have made the jump to 10K, but you know, that's just what I meant when I said I was impulsive.

I'm signed up for my 2nd Half Marathon now. My goal was just to "finish" the RockNRoll Half. I ran it on a bum foot (it's a theme), so my time was not as nice as I'd have liked. This time I'm actually racing against myself, and I'm so excited about it. I have a time goal, and it's a little aggressive (a 10:20 pace). For my short runs w/o the stroller, I do tempo runs and am able to reach that 10:20 pace and hold it. Heck, sometimes I exceed that pace, though not for long. I'm concerned though, about my race day strategy. And here is why.... I don't know which is worse: Setting a goal and not making it, or not setting a goal and then not being satisfied with the time? I guess time will tell.

Favorite Race: Don't know yet, 5k is too short, and my 1 Half marathon was on a broken foot!

Favorite Reason to Run: I like to drop it into sentences around non-runners. "Well, I shouldn't stay out late, I have to run TWELVE miles tomorrow morning." (yea, I'm THAT girl)

Current Goal: The 10:20 mile...