Attempt Dos

I don't make resolutions, really. I'm constantly making both long and short term goals but I don't really do the New Years Resolution thing. I think the start of the new year is a great time to reflect on your year past and evaluate your progress in order to make some specific changes, but I also think that EVERY DAY is a good day for that.

One of my goals last year, however, was to run my first half marathon. That one ended up in the crapper. Sometimes you just have to pick yourself up by the boot straps and keep going. Onward and upward, no other choice.

I've been nursing my wounded ITBand for a while now, taking all the necessary steps, seeing the necessary doctors, including rest, etc. etc. I think I'm getting better. I ran a bit while away in MO for a week, that seemed to go okay. I ran a bit this past week, hills even, that seemed to go okay.

Here's my lame dilemma. I've been wanting to devote a good 10-12 months to heavy lifting and putting on mass in the gym. However, that type of training PLUS distance running do not support each other. I've been spending some time lifting again these past couple of weeks and it feels good but I want to run. I want to complete my half marathon so badly.

So here is what I decided. (sort of had decided in the past when I thought I was better before I was actually better.)

I'm going to train smart for the next 8 weeks and run the half in the Bay Area while I'm visiting California in the last two weeks of February. I'm not going to include a taper in my training. I'm going to have to run sometimes in crap cold winter weather. But I want it very badly. It's my first half marathon. I don't need to have a time goal, I don't need to win the darn thing. I just want it, I want the experience, I want to be successful, and I want to put this goal behind me.

I hope and pray that my ITBand issues are gone but if they come back, I will just deal with it as it arrives...

Took advantage of our 50 degree January thaw and put in a whopping 3.5miles yesterday.

Let's do this.

Holy Hiatus, Batman!

First:
Finals are done. All A's, 4.0, the works. What a load off!

Second:
I went to Springfield, MO to stay with Goose while he finished his video work before driving home together.

While there, I sort of 'unplugged' which was realllll nice; hence my online disappearance.
But I also;

*Spent two days at the gym. It felt good to get my lift on after a stressful week.

*Spent 5 out of the 6 days I was there doing yoga/ab work.

*Spent two days running outside; one day of trail running and one day on the road with my Goose.

*Spent two nights on the Nordic Track hiking up the side of a serious mountain- SO FUN!

*Slept in past 10am every. single. day.

*Enjoyed a decadent piece of sugar free raspberry cheesecake with chocolate sauce.

*Found out that I got invited to the final four hour interview round for the PhD program in School Psych at UHouston. Fingers crossed, saying prayers.


Tomorrow will be our first day being home all day and I intend to play some serious catch up, get my nap on, and enjoy being back with my puppy dogs.

Merry Christmas Week!

Two Serious Shout-Outs!!!

First: Do you follow Shut Up & Run?
Yes? Good, boy.
No? Shame on you!

She's hysterical, she's raw, and she's super knowledgeable and experienced in all things running. And she's having a sick giveaway. In fact it's the Ultimate giveaway.

In the words of Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder,


You know you want the goodies!!

So go, enter.

Next, Patrick over at The Road has created this oober-cool internet place for like-minded fitness folks to get their chat on. It's like if all of the athletes in the blogosphere had daily scrabble sessions, or in our case, maybe hot yoga sessions but online...

Oh boy, am I giving your site bad press, Patrick?

Anyways- it's fun. I've already joined and I dig it. You can leave comments, post events, ask for advice, talk about training stuff, and make locker-room type comments, too.

Here's the address:

http://www.enduranceathleteproject.com/


Get it, girl.














I'm still very busy with all things college for the next two days. Then, I get to fly down to springfield, MO for a week. ...I'm not sure Springfield is very exciting but I bet it's not 7 degrees, either. Just a thought.

Foresight and some deep thoughts...

No, not by Jack Handy.

Sometimes I get overwhelmed. I'm 22 but I've always been the girl who was 12 going on 32. Note: I don't know what happens when I reach 32, will I start going backwards?

My boyfriend whom I love and adore and hope to marry when I'm done with school is a bit older than me and some days I get caught up in comparing my life to the lives of others. So many of my friends from High School are getting married, getting jobs, moving into houses, and having babies. Some days I just want to be moving on to the real life stuff. I know, it's a little lame.

But, I have 3-6 years left before I have my PhD and really get settled into a job and a geographical location.

So, what, then I think about marriage at 28 or so? Then I consider kids at 33?

...Okay, when I type that out, that actually doesn't look so terrible.

But, sometimes I'm in such a hurry. I just want to be there and I can get frustrated in the process.

Then I stop and breathe.

According to the 2000 census only 6% of the population get Masters degrees and only 1% eventually obtain a doctorate.

In 1998, the average individual receiving his or her doctoral degree was 34 years old.

Sometimes it's hard to look into the future and confidently declare "What I'm doing may not be paying off at this very moment, but it will be in the future." I think my generation has a hard time taking a long, hard look at the future and being able to reason through how their current choices will impact them.

I generally have good foresight.

Two things in my life help with that:

1. My health and fitness lifestyle.

I'm 22, let's face it, if I drink too much Friday night, I'm going to wake up looking okay on Saturday. If I overindulge on the Whoppers, it just sort of goes away.

But will that be the case in 10 or 20 years? Probably not. The habits that I make now WILL carry with me into the future and boy, will I notice it then.

2. Jesus Christ.

Another let's face it, being a Christian isn't always easy or fun. There can be persecution, turmoil, sins, days of questioning, and feelings of hopelessness. But, there is no question in my mind that in the end, it pays off. [Although I LOVE being a Christian and am eternally grateful for having my life saved and breathe easier knowing God is on my side and I can call on him in times of need] The reward from Christ does not present itself immediately. Sometimes things are beyond our comprehension, but salvation has been given to me because of the choices I've made now.




End textbook.

Woof

Yep, woof. That's all I heard last night.

Okay, so rewind.<<<<<<<<<<

Yesterday a.m. my boyfriend left for Springfield for a week. He's doing some video for a trade show and had to sit down with the guy to edit, etc. Whatever, let's get back to me- I'm alone and I hate it. So that means that while my Goose is gone I have to take myself to my race. Not a huge deal, really, but boy it sure is sooo much nicer when he is there to hold my stuff, take pictures, cheer me on, and give me a big finisher's hug. Last night I went to bed around 11:30.

12:03- Samantha starts barking to go out. [Samantha is my older baby, 14. Normally I let her out the back door, she does her business and comes back in. However, when I'm in the house alone I sleep upstairs because I HATE sleeping downstairs in that big, giant bed alone. So, when I let Samantha out the front door, the one that opens up to a busy lake road, I have to go out with her to make sure she doesn't wander off. She's gotten belligerent in her old age.] No big deal, go out with her, bring her back in. Rub my eyes, go back to sleep.


12:43- Woof. Woof, woof. Repeat above.

1:28- Woof. Woof, woof, woof. Repeat above.

Okay, you get the idea. Samantha had to go outside 11 times between midnight and 7am when my alarm went off. Really?!

I try not to get upset with her because she's old and I gave her deer meat that must not have agreed with her.


Needless to say my first night alone as H.O.H. was terrible.

So for race morning I was not all piss and vinegar. Just pissED.

I have no pictures of my race.
I didn't dress up in the outfit I wanted to.
I forgot my iPod.
I got there late and had to rush.
The list could go on.


Needless to say, after all the grump in the world, [What, any Christmas run should still have the Grinch present!] I was able to run 3.12 miles on the road free of IT pain. That's reason enough to forget everything else.

Conditions were predictable for a winter run in Upstate NY. It was 26 degrees, light flurries, mild wind. There was a decent turn out but I admit to not hanging around for the festivities as much as I would have if I didn't need a serious nap! I finished in 27flat. The operative word there; finished.



This run was symbolic for me. It meant I was on the road to recovery and there was an end in sight.

Will I be more diligent about icing, stretching my ITBand? Hells to the yes.

I've signed up for the BayBreeze Half in February for my Cali trip. I'm super stoked on it because I get to run with my brother, his fiance, and my boyfriends brother. It should be a good trip.

Now, back to some very very careful training.


On the road again...road to my [second, but really first because the other one was pulled out from under me] first half.

Playing catch up

It's finals week. I don't have many exams, mostly papers. I haven't found much time to be on here. So, today I plan to fully catch up. I'm camped out on the couch watching Grey's from last night, sipping some mint tea under the blanket and reading blogs. Ahhh to have a day off.

I also wanted to add that I ran on Tuesday. Only on the treadmill, but I ran never the less. I ran 1.1 miles. I was pain free, no ITBand irritation, so I stopped. I followed that run with some heavy squats, walking lunges, and kickbacks. Success.

Wednesday I spent an hour on the arc trainer and did some upperbody stuff at home.

Thursday I ran 1.7miles pain free.

Lord, please continue to heal me.

Saturday morning is the Jingle Bell 5K. I don't even care about a PR, I just want to be able to finish pain free.


It felt sooo good to run. I was happy and I felt such a rush. I miss that feeling and I'll be stoked to have it back.

So long for now.

Quick like!

I'm rushing around trying to finish up my 15pg paper for tomorrow. Yes, this is sort of unlike me but I've been a little busy lately.

Maybe it's lame, but I'm listening to my Elton John album's while working. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI5xme5k5AQ
He really is a classic, wouldn't you say?

I've been getting to the gym as much as I can but my gym is 45minutes away so I've been doing some stuff at home, as well. I'm used to lifting heavy at the gym but have been trying to just do something [ANYTHING!]. So, other than yoga, I've resorted to some of my favorites. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcxINni0-q0
http://www.youtube.com/user/charliejames1975#p/u/23/t8bjSZ2Y8p8

Go ahead, indulge.

Yes, you can say that she is ultra sexualized and it's just jack-off material for dudes. But you can not deny that the chick has a rockin' bod. And do the workouts and tell me she didn't earn it. I'm just sayin'.



Here are some pictures from the Holidays.


This was at a friend's birthday two days prior to Thanksgiving.



And my favorite cousin on Thanksgiving.




And my little guys...at least I tried.

Why I Love My Blog

Okay, to be fair, I've been sort of [completely] MIA from my blog. *But, not MIA from all of your blogs, just so you know! I've got a week and a half left of school so I've been studying away an writing papers along with finishing up my PhD application, etc. etc. We all have excuses.

Anyway-

When I started blogging/journaling I thought my favorite thing would be documentation; all of my mundane events and feelings would be documented in one, organized place for me to revisit. While that's always an option, I don't do it that often. My favorite thing about blogging is that it allows [forces] instant reflection. It's hard to be melodramatic, unrealistic, or unreasonable about things when you write them out. Quite often, I start writing my blog with some feeling driving the post [being mad about an injury, whining about school, whatever] but as I type it out, I instantly put things into perspective. I'm able to analyze what I wrote and judge whether or not these thoughts/feelings are reasonable once uttered. Sometimes, quite frankly, they're not. Sometimes, I have no business being all up on my high horse.

And just when I think I'm floating away into my own fantasy land where I'm always right and the world is out to get me and everything else woe is me, my blog snatches me up and body slams my ass, keeping me in constant check.

I love that.

Gobble Gobbble

Okay. I've been behaving over here. For the past 3 [count it, 1, 2, 3] days I have foam rolled twice a day, stretched for three sets of 30seconds twice a day, an iced for 20on/10off/heating pad for 20on/10off- repeat for hours along with my regular strength routine. I WILL be coming back strong.

In other news, Thanksgiving is coming up. I'm not much of a holiday person but I LOVE any excuse to spend time with my extended family. No, no sarcasm here. I just adore my family and love when I get to be around them, I am very blessed in that regard.

So you may wonder. At the tender age of 22, what could I have to offer in the arena of chow? [Note: Since moving in with my boyfriend I've actually turned into a pretty fantastic and daring cook].

http://www.kitchendaily.com/2010/09/10/turkey-cupcakes/

If they are anything like the eagles I made for the 4th of July, these babies are going to require a lot of patience.




But come on, how cute are all of those!?

I'm psyched to bring these. Everyone loved the bald eagles showing up.

Shucks

I went to the gym today. Well, I work at the gym, so I had to go, but after 'working', I did my 'working out'. I spent a little while doing some upperbody stuff; bench press, one-armed rows, shoulder press, chin ups, and db cleans. Then, I did some ab work and stretching before making my way to the cardio section.

...I tried running, again.

My knee started hurting at exactly .3miles in. I kept going for a bit to try to better pinpoint the sensation. I'm considering going to a sports doc to get a second opinion. I'm not an expert [believe me!] but all of the signs pointed to ITBStuff, but, for being just an overuse injury this thing would be hanging around a seriously long time. I'd like to rule out the possibility of anything worse. You can call me a sissy pants, I don't care much.

Keeping my positivity high.

I've been finishing up my PhD application. It's mostly complete but I'm stuck on what piece of work to submit for a writing sample. The requirements "independently constructed for a scholarly audience" are just so vague!

In other news- tomorrow is our first day of ice skating for the season. Bring on the holiday festivities.


I hope life finds each of you well today.

I am more...

Okay. I love running. Running challenges me, and I can never fully kick its ass. I can always go f u r t h e r, faster, on different terrain, etc... I love the way I feel knowing it's just me against the world, outside on my own submersed in the elements.

I love races and all of the feelings that accompany race day; the butterflies, the high, the anticipation, feeling like you share this special bond with all of these other runners, crossing the finish line, everything.

I love running and all that it offers me. But I realized something recently, running is a HUGE part of my life and I choose to use a lot of my time doing so, but running does not define me. It's not my whole life. It's not all of who I am.

I've had this terrible ITB thing that hasn't gone away and hasn't gotten better. Am I bummed to be sidelined by such a silly injury? Yes. But I've just been wallowing like running is all I've got.

It's not.

Running, I love you. Heck, I even lust for you. But you're not the only man in my life.

I haven't been able to run and I let it effect my pscyhe. I'm not happy with myself or these serious moments [millenniums] of weakness I've been having.

I [we] canceled our trip to Florida. I can't run balls out right now and that's a fact. I know I don't have to justify my decision, but I do anyway.

Florida would cost a lot of money, I would miss a couple of weeks of GradSchool, work, etc. And to be completely and totally honest with you, I was DISGUSTED with the thought of going there and seeing how the race went and just playing it by ear and running as much as I could, walking the rest... HECK NO! That is just not me. I can struggle with moderation [flaws, much?] and I don't want to run a race I can't commit to 100%.

So, since I made that decision I sort of fell off the face of the earth and did nothing. I felt worthless and defeated. I know it seems silly, its just a race...right? But I put so much hard work into it and I felt like not being able to go and kill it meant I was less of a person.

And then, I picked myself up by the boot straps.

I've been hitting the gym four days a week which I love and have missed. I'm lifting heavy and often and I feel good. I love being sore in a different way. I've been doing a lot of arc training while I'm there and some cycling, too. Trying to get in as much cardio as I can.

I've gone back to doing yoga several times a week for about an hour most nights. It feels good to be long, lean, and limber.

I'm applying to a PhD program. Gulp.

I'm cooking new things.

Anyways, the moral of the story is: I love running but running is not my entire makeup. There's so much more to me and I can find serenity in a lot of other places.


So- I've schedule a few 5 and 10Ks for the winter to get my head back into the game and then I'm heading to Cali in Feb for a couple of weeks for a NASP convention and to visit my brother and to run my first half marathon...

The way I see it my half just got postponed...not canceled.

Let me live my life of delusion.

Where have I been?

Sort of sulking.

My ITBand didn't clear up... I went running a couple of days ago and felt some pretty righteous pain about a mile in.

I'm a little disappointed because I took two solid weeks off- no running just some cycling, yoga, and a bit of arc training. Really, knee? My very first half marathon is in two and a half weeks? Can't you cut a sister a break, here?!

So, now what?

I guess I go back to more foam rolling, more icing, more resting, and more stretching.

Here's my lame plane- I'm going to try to go balls out on some other endurance machines (spinning, arc training) to try to keep some element of endurance up. Try running again in a week. Go from there.

Either way, I'll be spending a month in Florida so I suppose it is not all that bad but boy would I like to go balls out on my half...

If you're the rosary type, say a few for me...

Just a movin' along...

Today I went to spin class.

It was a strength ride.

We did a lot of single leg work.

My ITBand didn't act up one bit.

Sunday I will run.

Pray to God that all goes well.

Winter Fitness

I live in Upstate NY where they say we have two seasons; Winter and the 4th of July. So in honor of the winter months, I'd like to stoke myself up for my favorite winter fitness activities. If you're looking for something different to try this winter, check out one of the ideas below!

1. Ice Skating

I LOVE ice skating. My boyfriend and I try to go twice a month when the rinks are open. If you're good at skating it can be a decent aerobic workout. If you're new and just learning it can be great for strengthening your legs and improving overall balance. Either way- it's a plain, cheap fun outing regardless of age or ability. Find a local rink here.

2. Snowboarding (or snow skiing)

I'm new[er] to snowboarding but find it ultra invigorating! There is something about being out there in nature at night with the elements all around you and immersing yourself in the snow, the hill, all of it. For me, snowboarding is a total body workout. When you're starting out you'll light up your quads in a big way. You engage your core keeping yourself upright and twisting your hips. Plus, the gear is ultra rad.

Find a ski hill near you here.
Don't want to pay for a pricey lift ticket at a haughty resort? Grab some older gear from a garage sale or play it again sports and hit your back yard. It's still guaranteed fun!

3. Take yo pasty self indoors!

I spend a lot of time indoors in the winter doing lifting at the gym, spinning classes, and yoga classes. But, sometimes I like to mix it up. If you're looking for a new challenge and something a little different, go climb a wall. Rock climbing is great. I used to think it was more of an upperbody exercise but I think it's all in how you climb. The nice peeps at my indoor center explained that if you're doing it right you're using stabilizer muscles but mainly your legs because they should be supporting you and propelling you upward. My take, you'll feel it everywhere. Like most activities, you will get out of it what you put into it.

Go check it out by finding a righteous spot here.

4. Go get outside; hike, walk, whatever!

A lot of you I'm sure still run through the snow. I don't, really. The winter is more of a recreational running season for me; if I feel like hitting the pavement I will and if not, then baby I'm staying indoors. But running aside, we spend a lot of time walking our dogs at the canal trail in the winter. Perks: way less people then would be out in the summer, new and different views of your surrounding, brisk, cool air. It's awesome to take a big, deep breath of cold winter air.


Or, if all else fails, hop on a plane and go sit pool side, gulf side, in sunny Florida... Just saying.

Look at how pale I am, can you tell I just arrived from NY?!

Moms are Heroes...

SUPER HEROES!


I have been super busy these past couple of days running myself ragged from sun up to sun down and I'm not even a real mother or wife. I have a fake husband and two very demanding dogs, however. I've managed to do the laundry, the dishes, the vacuuming, take care of the dogs, cook for my 'husband', find quality time together, go to grad school for 6 hours at night, work a part time job, do all of my coursework, volunteer, and try to find time for my yoga. And let me tell you, I have been feeling it!

...So, this post is not for horn-tooting but rather for recognizing the mothers out there. Mothers do all of those things I listed above x10 every single day! I so appreciate my Mom and how amazing she was growing up [and still is] Plus...she made it all look easy, like she wasn't even trying.

To you running mothers out there who have it all together, my hats go off to you. I hope one day to grow up and be just like you.

Ice Ice Baby!

It sort of looks like there is a party in his pants. Just sayin...



I went to PT a few days ago. Confirmed [duh] ITBand. I've been doing this three times a day:

Having the Goose deep tissue massage the crap out of the area (only once a day)
Foam roll (the other two times)
Stretch (all three)
Do some band work (all three)
and Ice, Ice Baby (all the damn time!)

Oh, and I'm sleeping with the heating pad wrapped around my knee.

I want to get all the way, one hundred percent, not just symptom free, completely better so I'm not running at all.

In other news, I had to boast a bit....

I've been in a funk all week. Probably because of not being able to run, having my planned PhD school tell me "well, we've decided it would be of a greater financial benefit if we gave preference to first year applicants" Read: Well, if you show up with your masters, you only have to stay here 2-3 years. If we can recruit some first year students (which they have plenty of given only 4 get into the program each year!) then they have to pay us for at least five to six years. I told Goose I was going through a quater-life crisis.

He was AMAZING all week. Took me to school and work. Made me breakfast in bed. Let me sleep in. Gave me massages and made me nice tea, talked about all of my problems. And then this evening when we woke up from our nap I recounted my dream leaving me with a serious desire for some nachos. He got up, started the car and took me out to this great Mexican restaurant and then out for desert at this bistro after. Yep, he's a keeper.

Needless to say, how long can you hate life when that is your life? The answer: 5 days, tops.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:3-6

Read: I am blessed and need to quit my whining. I'm soo lucky to have my Goose to remind me about my even more glorious God and that life is so wonderful, even when I am so selfish because I am blessed and have a place with Him.

I asked for it!!

During the last twoish miles of my 10.5 run on Saturday the outside of my left knee started to hurt. It was a dull, constant pain that I was able to run through, but I was aware of it.

After icing, etc. it still hurt. I was sort of gimpy but that's not super unusual; I thought I could have just been sore from running that distance. I iced, heated, stretched, took Monday off.

I could bend, move, flex all around and I didn't feel a thing.

Today I hit the track for my speedwork. I was feeling good, loving it. After my second set of 800s during my recovery jog, there it came... I called it quits instantly and hiked over to the gym to spend some time in the Arc Trainer.

I'm thinking IT band because it is on the outside of my knee?

Here's my plan:
No running until Saturday (at least)
Ice, stretch, foam roll, do bw exercises
Take it easy at spin class Friday

The thing is, it doesn't hurt at all (unless I bend it to a certain point than I just feel it) until running.

Aye Carumba!

Any advice...?

It was on this day...

Attempting this spin...

With this super grip-taped skate...

That I took my first serious digger wakeskating. I hit my calf on the skate on my way down and got a gnarly bunch of bruises and some [so not] totally serious cuts from the grip tape.

It hurt. Well, it stung. I felt so bad ass though. And I felt like I belonged, like I had taken my initiation or hazing or something and was now a serious wakeskater. [Note: I am so not serious]



This past Saturday after my run I had a wicked blister. Why? Because I didn't wear the right socks. Blah blah, damn laundry every day! It was my fault. But it was a nice, juicy blister on my big toe.

Anyway, the point is, I felt like a real runner. My first double digit run, my first blister. I know, it's lame. But sometimes getting injuries that aren't super serious make you feel like part of the crowd.

Lord, allow me to clarify. I am not asking for any injuries and I hope you don't think I'm making light of them. I pray that I continue to train smart and do not acquire any serious injuries. Thank you, Amen.

Let's Face It...

I'm probably [certainly] never going to finish first in a race, 5K, ultra or otherwise. So why do I run?

I discovered today during my long run a little more about what running is to/for me. Isn't it great when you're constantly learning? Such a blessing.

Today was supposed to be 9miles. I started out and forgot my house key (Goose had just dropped me off, had him pull a U), had too much crammed in my spibelt and had to stop several times to adjust, and got a rock stuck inside my shoe and had to pull the darn thing off to fetch it. My first mile was brutal. It was more like intervals; all stop/go. I was irritated and I didn't want to go 8 more miles.

A few more miles in I realized, this run today, this distance; it will be a first for you. It's not something that's easy for you but you're still doing it. [Yep, I said you, because I was talking to myself, silly.]

That sooo goes against everything that I am. All things come easy to me, duh. So really pushing myself past the point of comfortable complacency is new. It's kind of exciting, too.

Today I stopped comparing myself to other runners. I'm a middle of the pack runner. I'm not an elite athlete who is going to break any records. But I love running. I love this new feeling of rising to the challenge and enjoying the ride up. I love the way the breeze feels on my face. I love how my body gets to a point of floating where I don't feel a thing and each step feels light as a feather. I love spending time with God and marveling at His presence all around me. I love digging deep, kicking it up a notch, and feeling a high. I love that it's mine. It doesn't have anything to do with school, my boyfriend, my family, or anything or anyone else. It's me and the road and it's my run. I can choose what to do with it and what I want to get out of it. I love that.

Anyway. I really love running and where I'm at with the sport. I'm enjoying trying out new distances and starting a run thinking "Can I finish this?" Embracing the uncertain now has a warm, calming sensation that it never before held.

So, I arrived at the house and was disapointed with all the stopping/starting I had to do in my first mile. I ditched my jacket and kept running. I got in an extra 1.5M bringing my grand total for today up to 10.5M. Yep, that's a record for me and I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty amped on it.

Gotta find joy in all things, big&small.

When I got back I bundled up and walked out into the water, Gatorade (and choco-no bake protein bar) in hand. It's hard to tell from the picture but it was super windy and wavy out. I appreciate that I can walk into my back yard for my ice bath. And let me tell you, it's mid/late October in upstate NY. That lake is cold!


Now it's time for my afternoon nap in the sun. Spoiled, much?

Little Fish, Big Pond

Confession: In this big, bad [new to me] blog world I feel like a teeny, tiny fish in a great, big body of water. I feel woefully inadequate in terms of [knowledge, experience, mileage, writing ability, blogger etiquette... shall I go on?] This blog circle, specifically the running community, seems like jolly old chaps with an impressive rap sheet. It can be kind of intimidating at times.

All of that being said, the wonderful, super organized with colorful charts and excel spreadsheets, humorous, kind, and super driven Andrew over at Running Man Wannabe has tagged me with "The Versatile Blogger Award". If you don't read all of Andrew's hilarious stories, heartfelt musings, or motivational pieces about his first 5K, YOU SHOULD.


That being said, with this honorable award I am to

1. Thanks and link back to the person who gave you the award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award to other bloggers.

Well, first. Thank-you Andrew. I am flattered that you ever glance in the direction of my blog. It is much appreciated and I thoroughly enjoy your thoughtful comments. His blog is linked above.

Next:

Uno: One of my favorite accounts from the Bible is in Luke 8:40-50 where Jesus is walking through a crowd of people and one, old, sick beggar woman reaches out to touch the edge of his garment and is instantly healed. She trembles in fear as Jesus asks who touched him, but He then proclaims "Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." I appreciate this verse because she reached out to touch Him even though she was afraid. I think that He is always reaching out and extending His grace, but are we always taking a chance and reaching toward Him?

Dos: Two years ago Memorial Day, we had to put our family dog to sleep. Brittney was 18 and a half. I was 20 at the time. She was my dog my entire life and that was one of the most difficult, most trying times of my entire life. Never, ever underestimate the type of comfort a family pet can bring to your entire existence and being. If you've never had a pet- get one.



Tres: I took Spanish in high school and college but wouldn't consider myself fluent by any stretch. I [already] resolved for 2011 I am going to become proficient in the language [writing, reading, speaking] so that I can further myself in my career. ESL students are on the rise and having a psychologist who can empathize with the diversity is a pro.

Cuatro: I have a silly sense of humor and LOVE those little cat pictures with the little fuzz balls doing something cute and a clever caption on it.


Cinco: Distance running is the FIRST [yes, the very first ever] thing in my life that I have stuck with that was a challenge. So much comes easy to me that when something is at all difficult I throw in the towel too quickly. It's a breath of fresh air and it is teaching me to apply patience, perseverance, and struggle to other areas of my life. It has also taught me that the reward is far sweeter. Some days, I have to run a distance that I've never run before. During my run, I'm scared, I'm hurting, and I want to quit. I'm fearful that I won't be able to finish [no matter how many times I tell myself I CAN] and when I inevitably do finish, it is so much more fulfilling knowing I had to bust my ass to get there.

Seis: Goose and I got rid of our television [Oh yeah, we both call each other Goose, my real name is Sarah by the way] three years ago this coming February. We have A) Saved a butt load of greenery and B) not missed it for one second! We read all of our news online and even my trashy t.v. shows like Desperate Housewives are avaiable for viewing on the net. Plus, we donated our television so we have more space for all of Goose's musical gear.

Siete: This coming winter my Grandparents have been married for 54 years. How amazing is that?! I admire and look up to them more than I will ever be able to express. I spend as much time with them as I can and love talking to them and soaking up all that they know. And after 54 years, they still look at each other with that knowing twinkle in the eye, they still hold hands while walking and driving, he still holds the door for her and pulls out her chair, and she still rubs his neck while they watch a movie. I want to have that, forever. Relationships are such a vital part of our lives.
And lastly, to tag a couple of bloggers who I find to be more than versatile;

The hilarious and super REAL Emz over at http://royalpitatoias.blogspot.com/
My sweet Southern belle at http://welcometosuzannesmanor.blogspot.com/
[now, you have to post something!]

This Too Shall Pass

[Warning: This is just a stupid nit-picky kind of rant. You're welcome to skip it.]

I love the phrase "This Too Shall Pass". Really, I do. Once, when I worked at a bank this wonderful, elderly women came in to take care of some business regarding her husband's death; they had been together for 62 years. I wanted so badly to offer some comfort and when I said to her that "this too shall pass" she thanked me.

I think the phrase provides much encouragement and perspective.

HOWEVER...


It is NOT intended only as a "don't worry, buck up, you'll get through the tough stuff" kind of a saying. It applies to everything. If you haven't before, familiarize yourself with the story. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_too_shall_pass or http://pravstalk.com/this-too-shall-pass/]
All things shall pass.

Nothing is our own. Our riches and wealth, they will pass. Our troubles and tribulations, they will pass. Everything that we have here on this earth will eventually pass, it is not ours to keep. Now, instead of finding conflict with this, rejoice. It is so comforting and so wonderful to remember that in the end, it is all His.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19-21, KJV

It is a powerful reminder that all that we have and all that we do is because of Him and in honor of Him. I would be and could do nothing without Christ and I am eternally grateful for that fact. So, all things shall pass.

And that helps me keep things in perspective. That insanely awesome new gadget, that will pass to. So remember the "THIS" in 'this too shall pass' means everything, not just what you want it to.


----------------------------------------------------

Last night at Borders I scored a new daily devotional and also a workout/diet log. It is kind of cheesy, but I like, no, love and need to plan things out, keep track, and organize things. I do most of this online [mostly mapmyrun] but I wanted something in my hand that I could pre-plan some more meals/recipes. I'll let you know how it goes.

Today is speedwork. Woot Woot.

Blog Illiterate

How do I find someone's blog from my follower list?

ie) I click on their little icon and it talks about them and the blogs they follow but how do I find their blog?

This is only difficult for a few people, why?

Hmh, I want to learn more...

Just my musings

I wanted to start out by saying I think my yoga mat (next to my toothbrush) has carried the most bang for its buck. I scored my beautiful little pink girl a couple of years back for like $10. I use it ALL the time.

I stretch, do yoga, relax, you name it. Inside, outside in the grass, on the dock, at the gym/studios. It has traveled with me to the Adirondacks, Florida, California, and states in between. I love my little yoga mat and all that it has done for me.

It feels good to have something tried and true.

Next: Check out Beth's giveaway on her blog. You can score some sweet gear; ie. lululemon, need I say more?! Not only because she has a fabulous giveaway going on, but simply because she's a phenomenal blogger; entertaining and extremely educated. Worth the read.


I had a busy day today. Mostly full of fun things like shopping, napping, going to an expo at the House of Guitars, and a bit of schoolwork. Nevertheless, there is only so many hours of sunshine anymore, so I sucked it up and went for my run in the dark tonight. It was 49 degrees and a bit breezy. I hate running at night. I've only done it before when I had to get in an oober quick jaunt, tonight was 6miles.

All I will say is Geesh, if you want to simulate some potential race day anxieties, send your ass out at night, in the dark, by yourself on a rural road, you'll get a sense of anxiety alright. More like, straight fear!

Alas, I made it safe and sound and am able to check my run off my list.

Off to catch up on some Americas Next Top Model ReRuns... yep, I'm lame.

The Zone

I've been in the zone lately.

A good zone.

My goal is to write once a week at least because my energy has been so focused in other locations but I don't want to lose site of my blog entirely.

This past week I was on. I completed all of my runs [8MLR, 3MRR, 3MSW, 4.75MTR]. I made it through, I pushed myself, I paid attention to hydration and stretching a lot. I did one day of strength training, two days of yoga, and my spin class. And, I'm PMSing. What now!? I felt accomplished, motivated, and challenged. All things that I love.

My eating however was out of this world. I craved sweets [and general crap] in a big way. I wasn't happy with this area. I would like to do better with this next week. [GOAL]


I have a break from school and plan on focusing on my health/wellness and pounding out some assignments ahead of time.

Oh yeah, school. I'm thinking I'll finish my two years of my M.S. and transfer right into my Psy.D. program. I plan ahead, obsessively.


This is a 'recovery' week so my 'long' run tomorrow is only 6 miles. I'm okay with that.

I'm going to head to my lovely and local Fleet Feet on Sunday to score a spibelt. I hate, hate carrying things on my person while running. I follow the hide the water in the bushes plan for hydration and drop sunglasses/headbands/etc. off under guardrails until I'm ready to retrieve them. I just don't enjoy carrying things- even belts. But, I really would like to attempt to snap some shots of my actual race (we get to run the bases of Tropicana Field!) and bring my phone on my longer runs, just in case.

I also want to score some shotblocks to try out. As of yet, I've only hydrated with water and have never used any alternative fuel source. Think it'll help for the half? Well, we're going to try it out ahead of time.

Bad, bad blogger

Where does the time go?

Goose went to the ATL for a couple of days so I was extra busy with house and dog chores. I also started a new program as (supervised) counselor for a group of students transitioning from HS to...Lord knows where, I guess that's the point of the group. That has filled up my mornings more than I am used to and I just have NOT been spending time on my computer like before.

Lo Siento.


I hope everything is fabulous in your world today.

I have been too lax on my weekday runs. I did my 8M run yesterday. I finished. My legs felt heavy but I attribute that to no running the previous week, just a righteous spin class the morning before.

Must. Stay. Focused. Must. Stay. On. Plan.

I pray I will get more time for my blogging world, checking up on mis amigas more often and finding inspiration in all that you guys are.

Hopeful schedule for this week:
Sunday: 3M recovery run, yoga at night
Monday: off
Tuesday: Speedwork
Wednesday: Hydrofit, weights
Thursday: Tempo Run, maybe weights
Friday: Spin
Saturday: 6M

When making your
choice in life, do not
neglect to live.

- Samuel Johnson

Back in Black

I have been very busy. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I love when my day is full to the brim [honestly, I do. I'm not being a smart ass]. I'm simply apologizing to my beloved blog for being absent.

Last Friday was Goose's birthday but we had to attend a wedding that day [he was in the wedding party] so I decided to celebrate all week.

Saturday was his stash of expensive, European, sugar free chocolate.
Sunday was his old, vintage, fine pewter Hulk [he is MY hulk].
Monday was his new 'true to the movement surfwear' formal church shirt.
Tuesday was his very, very nice lingerie outfit [on me, not him].
Wednesday was his sugar free applesauce layer cake with baked apples in the middle.
Thursday was his Bolle Piraja sunglasses. [They were his favorite pair that he lost several years ago and hasn't been able to replace].
Friday was his sentimental, gushy card and his reserved spot at the wake camp for a day during our trip to Florida this coming November.

Oh yeah, and I was sick all week; Boo! But, not as sick as Goose was, what a bummer.

The wedding was beautiful. Hopefully, I'll scrounge up some pictures soon.


Friday morning I went to spin again, it was an endurance ride which I liked a lot more. I felt good and sweaty during the class.

Saturday I did my 7M run. What a difference a week makes?! I didn't stop once, even to pick up my water bottle out of the bushes. I only drank once. My legs felt good, my breathing was good. I don't know what to say, I even went for an extra 1/5m slower, jog cooldown and I felt like I could go another three miles. It was strange, but blissful. If only every run were this wonderful.

I'll be back to do some maintenance work on this blog.

Randomonium

I got my monthly active.com e-newsletter today and read over one of the links "4 New Ways to Run Smart" or something like that. I got an extra jazz out of the last one.

Elizabeth Waterstraat, coach and founder of Multisport Mastery (multisportmastery.com) in Chicago advises to run as fast as you want to and not as fast as you think you can. She goes on to say "To know your limits, you have to be willing to test them."

I really dug her way of thinking. We can get really wrapped up in pace, vo2 crap, heart rate, distances, etc. that we can lose a sense of intuition. Are we listening to our bodies at times?

I often think at the end of a long run, did I run fast enough or far enough? Did I push myself as hard as I could have? I admit to rarely leaving my comfort zone. Maybe if I went back to my roots and just ran for the sake of enjoying running I might go all-out, I might listen to my legs and my heart and run with a different sense of vigor.

In other news, I'm sick, too. Join the club, I suppose.


I was lucky enough to be one of the first five people who commented on the lovely Beth's blog, Shut Up and Run! yesterday. This means, I was tagged to share 10 random facts with my two followers.

1. I organized and 'founded' the only 5K in my hometown when I was 13 to benefit a local hospice organization. It's going strong in its 9th year.

2. I learned how to ride a bike when I was 20 years old (2 years ago). Here's a picture of me learning!




3. I love costumes. Any and everything costume wear.





4. I [secretly] hate babies. Pretty much everything about them. I'm sure this one will change as I age.

5. My dog died and came back to life. Thank God.

6. I live for riding wakeskate in the summertime.



7. I don't like maps. When my boyfriend tries to pull out a Road Atlas I have a minor freak-out session. Maybe this is because the only assignment I ever did poorly on was a pop-geography quiz in the 4th grade. I got a 70 and cried for a week.

8. I'm an old soul and all of my friends are at least 15 years my senior, including my boyfriend.

9. I finished undergraduate school in 3 years even with transferring to and from five different schools. Fussy, much?

10. My Senior Superlatives were "Queen of Comebacks" and "Most Argumentative". I assure you not much has changed.


...Night kids.

Speedwork Eek!

My idea of speedwork has always been, well HIIT. I'm a gym girl so HIIT is what comes to mind. Today I decided to try some repeats on the track.

Yep, I'm new(er) to this game.

800m warm up
brief stretch sesh
5x800 @ 4:00, 4:08, 4:07, 4:06, 4:08 with 400m recoveries
800m cool down
stretch sesh

Does that make sense to anyone?!

Anyway, I run around a 10min/mile for my long runs and was aiming at breaking down a 9min/mile for my speedwork. Turns out it was closer to an 8min/mile. I'm happy. I'm also tired.

Going home to frost Goose's sugar free applesauce cake for his birthday!!

So far So good

Yesterday [Sunday] I went out for a 2.5M easy, recovery run. It actually felt good to get my legs moving and my muscles loosened up. So far, I'm on board with this easy run post long run thing. Today I am taking it easy with an hour of yoga before grad school this evening.

A week or so ago my middle brother [I'm the baby] came up to visit from San Fran. We got together with my three younger cousins and took some family shots.

Setting Up.

Almost everyone in the frame.

Three generations of beautiful; Myself, Mother, Grandmother

And how do I feel that a couple of weeks ago I was running in teeny-tiny running shorts and sports bras and last night I ran in this...

Mama Said Knock You Out

[x]

Yep, I listened to this today during my 6M 'long' run. I like old school rap. [Is it lame that I think rap from the 90s is old school?] I digress.

You know how some days you are really feeling your long run. You're all like "bring it on, baby. I'm psyched to get out there and put my feet to the pavement! Let's do this!" And other days, not so much...

Today was a not so much day. I worked, came home and ate a big lunch, took a nap and woke up feeling a little sluggish. But, now that the sun sets significantly earlier, I prefer to get my run in before it is dark. So, I went out, pretending to be psyched.

I always feel like dung until about my third mile. [Imagine how much I enjoy those short, three mile runs where I feel like dung the entire duration!] I engage in a good deal of negative self-talk. I whine and complain and make excuses for why it's okay to just throw in the towel, even though I don't usually throw in said proverbial towel.

Had a righteous side stitch at about 2.5M and had to walk for a short spell. My last three miles were heaven. Great pace, felt like I was running on air, happy, comfortable, hydrated, etc. All in all it wasn't a terrible run.

I came home, stretched, grabbed my gatorade [and my jacket] and waded out into the black lagoon [aka my lake]. I went in up to my booty and relaxed. I kept my iPod playing and sipped on some gatorade for about 10 or 15 minutes. Then, my numbass self got out. Who knows what creatures are lurking in there at night time?!

Came in and had a glass of skim milk with some choco protein powder.

Wrapping Goose's birthday presents and downloading some yoga classes for tonight and this week.

I'm looking into a hydrofit class on Wednesdays also. Gotta keep on keepin on.

Climbin' up on Solsbury Hill

Today I took my spin class. I'm new, seriously, shockingly new to spinning. Heck, I only learned how to ride a bicycle at the age of 21. Bikes are a new beast to me.

Today was a strength ride. Not exactly what I would have picked the day before a long run but I still wanted to kick its ass.

And I did. For my first class. Really?

Now, I am no fitness diva here, nor am I tooting my own horn. But did you ever go try a new class and think it was going to be new, awe-inspiring, and so challenging you would have to admit defeat?

I have.

Yoga class.
Pilates class.
Belly dancing class.
Pole dancing class.
Rock Climbing.
Zumba.
Cardio Kick.


I want more.

Its hard for me to remember that everyone is at a different place in fitness. If I want an extra umph, I should have jacked my resistance even more. My own fault. I just was expecting more of a dramatic challenge.


Don't get me wrong, I still like spin and it is still going to be my Friday cross training.


Food for thought, even if it's just crackers.

If it IS broken, fix it!

I'm not new to running. I've been running for, well, my whole life casually.

I AM new to distance running. [Is a half even considered distance running? Ha!]

This whole thing is a process. I'm learning, growing, adapting and changing. Lately I've been reading more about post-run recovery [long runs]. After a long run, I stretch a bit, chug some agua and go about my day.

So, it's time to change things up a bit. Afterall, the learning process is all about trial and error, right? Finding out what works for YOU.


Current training schedule:
Sat: Long Run
Sun: OFF [yoga]
Mon: 3.5M run, upper body
Tue: yoga, arc trainer
Wed: legs at gym
Thu: 3.5M run
Fri: Spin class


New training schedule:
Sat: long run
--Directly following long run, stretch, walk your tired booty down into the water, stand there and relax. I live on a lake, it's getting cold out, why don't I make use of my backyard and substitute it as an ice bath? DRINK + eat [english muffin with pb] Stretch/do gentle yoga that night--
Sun: 30min recovery run
Mon: OFF
Tue: Speedwork at the track
Wed: Full body w/o at gym, yoga
Thu: 3.5M tempo run
Fri: Spin class, yoga

Note to self: EAT!! Remember to eat something following long run. Don't neglect stretching. Try out ice bath [ie lake freeze].



We shall see...

Doh!

[x]

Yep, Today I felt like Homer.

My run yesterday was terrible. Did I ever blog about that yet? ...Hmh, Well yesterday's run wasn't very good.

Potential TMI:

I got my period just prior to heading out on my run. My stomach was a mess and I was doubled over in pain. It was only supposed to be a 3.5 mile easy run. I made it through 2 and a quarter and had to walk. I was discouraged but tried to not beat myself up.

So, today I decided to try again.

In fact, I decided to make use of the track at my college after class for some speedwork.

I didn't bring my watch. FAIL!

Okay fine. I'll just toss my cellphone on the side of the track and sort of check it when I start/finish to get a ballpark of times, no big deal.

I head over there, seriously underdressed for the wind/temperatures.

Track practice is going on and I can't use the track. FAIL!

Okay fine. I'll just go out for another short run of some kind. Just get something in!

I head out on the open road and instantly my ears are stinging and ringing. I have these insanely small ears [freakishly small] that are really bothered by cold/wind. I don't mean to whine because I know A LOT of people have issues with running in the wind, it sucks! But, I was in a lot of pain.

FAIL! I cried Uncle.

I got in another two miles and went inside...

...Feeling defeated.

So, I went to our only tall building [5floors] and ran stairs for twenty minutes.

It is what it is.

Another day tomorrow.

And in this moment...

I am...


To be honest, I'm generally happy in most moments. But this evening (and for the past few months) I've been feeling particularly blessed. I just wanted to share some of the [MANY] reasons I have for being so, so, so full of joy and love.

Each day I get to wake up and look out the window at God's beauty all around me, no matter what season.

I can't help but notice how amazing this world is that we live on.
[Note] There is beauty ALL around us if we take the opportunity to notice. You don't have to be directly surrounded by nature to be aware of how magnificent our Creator is.

I get to spend my days with my Goose. I am ALWAYS laughing, loved, being challenged, shown affection, made to feel special, stimulated by intelligent conversation, and played beautiful music.


I am lucky enough to have one of those Moms. My mom is my best friend. I can tell her anything, not that I ever have to talk because she always knows what I'm thinking. We have a special kind of bond where nothing comes between us. But [she is still my Mom,] always counseling, advising, parenting, loving, supporting, encouraging, and molding me into a mature and magnificent young woman. I owe everything to her. Not everyone is able to look back on their childhood with such warm remembrance. I know that I am fortunate and I am thankful.

When I feel disappointed or discouraged as if something didn't go my way or I just want to cry, I see my babies. They light up my life in every way as a constant reminder of youth, optimism, hope, playfulness, unconditional love, and happiness. When I'm with my dogs, it puts things into perspective; Life isn't so bad. Not only is it 'not so bad', It's pretty friggin' grand!



I'm also super grateful for my body. Running has really humbled me and made me appreciate [even more] how much my body is capable of. My legs carry me through so much. My body endures and withstands, it pushes, and it is there for me. I'm blessed to have my health and a fully functioning body.

I'm happy about school. I love Grad School. I love any school, really. I enjoy being immersed in new information, learning about my passion, exploring and expanding. It's exciting and it adds a lot to my days.

I also really dig my job. It's perfect for me at this point in my life. My boss changes around the entire schedule of the gym with each changing semester. He accommodates all of my crazy trips and hours, etc. I get a free gym membership right near my school, I get to talk about my passion for health and fitness while I'm there, I socialize with committed individuals, and my job is not labor intensive. I am so so lucky!

I could go on. It is important to replay this list [all, more, some, less] daily.



Tomorrow is long day of grad school, 4M run, and an upper body workout in the gym.


"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17