I have no desire to run a marathon … I keep saying that. I’ve said it over and over since the very first marathon I ever ran. Yet, for some reason, the draw, is there … The pull is there and it’s not just a gentle, little tug … it’s a hard yank!
What I found when I started up my Mini last week ... 26.2 miles and a FULL tank.
They say that what you resist, will persist. The signs for 26.2 have been popping up everywhere for me. In conversations with my friends, as mileage in my car, on street signs, as race events that woo and tempt, etc.
Why the resistance? Well … 26.2 miles is a LONG way to run, and it’s hard to train for a marathon. The time and dedication that it requires, is VERY demanding and it takes A LOT of time and effort, something that I’m just not ready and willing to do right now. The thing is is that I know that I CAN do it. I’ve done it before and I’m not afraid to do it again. I know I’m capable, and I’m stronger, smarter, wiser. The distance no longer scares me. 26.2 miles of running is no longer daunting, nor does the training does not scare me.
I know that people love the distance. I’ve watched my old running buddies, Mac and Mel, finish their first marathons together and go on to sign up for more, leaving me in the dust. I quietly watch so many of my other friends train to tackle the distance. My good friends, Linda and Ali, are training. Lisa Marie, my workout partner, is training. My friend Marci in Texas is training. I just don’t have the desire, but yet I wonder why the pull is there? I wonder why it calls me? “Row. … come out and play … come out and run with us …” it says.
I believe that the desire is there despite me continually resisting. I believe that it’s there because I desire to improve. I believe that it’s there because I continually push myself and my body to do more and more and more. I believe that it’s there because deep down inside I know that I want to do it regardless of what my head says. I love the feeling of accomplishment – it stays with me everyday of my life. I can look back and say that I am part of the 1% of the World’s population that has run and completed a marathon … FOUR times!
There are a lot of beautiful courses out there, so I may just suck it up and find a marathon to run. And, yeah, I have a few in mind, but for now I’ll stick with my halves and see where this pull directs me. Keep trying to convince me. Stay tuned …
As runners who run races, we all have them … You may be organized and have them hanging up nicely, or if you’re like me, they’re all over the place. I’m dead serious … ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE! What am I talking about? I’m talking about race bling, a.k.a. finisher medals.
Medals hanging on my bathroom mirror ...
I know. I haven’t been the best at keeping organized, although I have tried. I will be the first to admit that I am NOT the best housekeeper. I have asked over and over for a housekeeper from my husband, but his reply is always, “We have FOUR kids, they should help us.” Well, they don’t help – they’re just as busy as we are, and just as lazy. Oh well. That’s another story for another day, and another blog post.
Well hidden deep inside of one of my bags.
Where was I … Oh … My race bling. Seriously, it’s all over the place. At first, they hung on my bathroom mirror … But I’ve accumulated soooooo many that they over took the mirror. So one day when I got frustrated, I took them all down and shoved them into a bag and put them in my closet.
Enter my friend, Madeline (@maddyhubba). I love Madeline! I met her on Twitter and have been interacting with her for about two years now. I have yet to meet her in person, but she has truly come to be a good friend to me, and we interact daily via Twitter, FB, and text. Maddy’s husband has a talent in which he makes beautiful things out of metal. He began a business in which he makes medal racks first for Maddy, then for her friends, and now for everyone … Iron Sport Works. Not just any run of the mill, boring medal rack, but beautiful, even custom made medal racks.
When Maddy suggested that I get one, I didn’t hesitate. I jumped right on that offer! I knew that I had to get my hard earned metal up for everyone to see! So together we worked on one for me, and Maddy promised that it would be AWESOME! I trusted her, and waited.
Huge!!!
When it arrived at my doorstep, I have to be honest … I didn’t think it would be so large! Seriously … the package was HUGE, and heavy! It was like being a kid at Christmas … I already knew that I would LOVE it!
My Custom Bling Holder!
Let me tell you that’s it’s far from the standard medal holders that I have been perusing on various sites. My new medal rack, as I said, is HUGE! It’s also custom made … Maddy said that the girl on it looked like me with my flying ponytail! I love it because it’s size – it can accomodate several medals. I also love it because it’s custom – NO ONE else has one like mine! And I just love how it fits my personality – the girl who looks like me running, and my love of hearts. (Maddy didn’t know that I loved hearts!)
Iron Sport Works makes pre-made medal racks, and take special orders. You will not be disappointed with what you get. What you get will get is not just beautiful, but it’s quality. It’s fun, and customizable. I know that my medal rack was made just for me.
You won’t be sorry if you order your medal rack from Iron Sport Works. His work is amazing, and the company is run by good people!
Thanks so much, Maddy. I’ve had a lot of fun admiring and filling it up with all of my medals. I’m going to have to order another one SOON! There’s still MORE to hang!
So … What are you waiting for? Go check out Iron Sport Works. Go “Like” them on FaceBook here. Then have one made for you and get your bling on your wall!
I rarely give it any thought when I head out the door and go out for a run. I just grab my stuff, give my husband and/or kiddos a general idea of where I’ll be and who I’ll be with if anyone. Most runs are run alone, and in the streets of Stockton, California.
If you know anything about Stockton, California, you will know that it has been ranked FIRST twice in three years as THE MOST Miserable City in the United States according to Forbes. No joke, the city that I live in is considered miserable. However, I’m one of those individuals that believes in perception, and making the best out of what your situation is. I don’t see the city that I live in as “miserable” … Stockton has a lot of good points, it’s just unfortunate that only the ugly, bad parts are magnified.
Getting back on track to what I was trying to write … I run in a scary city, and I rarely, if ever, give it a second thought that I do. Other people do … my husband worries, my mother worries, and a lot of people who I tell that I run in Stockton point it out to me. But I’m not afraid, and I go out and run anyway … unarmed, but ready should anything happen. I’m not saying that I’m invincible, nor am I saying that nothing will happen to me … I’m just saying that I don’t run afraid. I am not afraid to run in my city, nor should I be. I believe that if you run scared, your chances of something happening are heightened.
In early January of this year, in the city of Sidney, Montana … MONTANA … which to my knowledge is NOT a miserable city or anywhere close to it … Sherry Arnold headed out for her morning run, never to return again. She was found seven days later, dead. It was later learned by her abductors, who were caught, that she was abducted at 0640 … she left her house at 0630. 10 minutes. 10 minutes was all it took.
So why am I writing? I’m writing because I think that it could have been me or anyone of us … I think that because of where I live, you would’ve think that it would be more likely that it would happen here in Stockton, not in Montana. But it brings to light that it could happen anywhere, and that it could happen to me, to you, to your friends, etc. I’m sure that Sherry Arnold didn’t believe that anything would happen to her when she headed out on her run that morning. You get the gist of what I’m saying.
Will it change how and where I run? Maybe a little, but I doubt it. I’m pretty aware of my surroundings, and I do tell my husband, and others where I’ll be. I’ve been good about running with a partner when one is available, or my husband and kids have been known to run or ride their bicycles or skateboard beside me, and I do run with my phone. There are some good apps out there such as Bluelight that can track you or alert someone if you have not returned at a certain time point. For the most part though, like I said, I just use the old fashioned, “Hey, I’m gonna be out at such and such place running. I should be back at such and such time. Okay?” I know … scary!
On Saturday, February 11, it has been asked that we all take some time to remember Sherry in a Virtual Run being held in her honor. It was the brain child of her cousin, Beth, who is also a runner. Read about Sherry and the Virtual Run being held in her honor here.
I will be taking some time out to run a few miles in Sherry’s honor because I know that it could very well have been me. She was my age. She was a mother, wife, math teacher, runner … she is us. So with that, I ask you to take some time to run for her. If you’re already running a race, dedicate a few miles in her honor.
I ask you to be more cognizant when you’re out there – especially when you’re alone. If you can, run with your phone – I know that a lot of us do these days, and it’s not a bad idea. Let your loved ones know where you are going to be. Run with a partner – it’s always funner that way anyway. Make eye contact with people who you come into contact with. Just be careful when you’re out there, but don’t run afraid. If you’re afraid, then your gut is trying to tell you something and your gut is usually right.
If you’re around on Saturday and live in Stockton, I’m planning on a short 5-6 mile run around the Spanos Park area. Download your bib and come run with me and then we’ll go have breakfast somewhere … You don’t have to be fast … Those who know me, know that I will never leave you behind. =)
Train HARD. Train SMART. Eat WELL. Have FUN … Let’s goooo run for Sherry!
I’m one of those people that is a creature of habit. Not really “set” in my ways, I mean, I am adaptable to change (after some moaning and whining) and open to new ideas and suggestions. This past weekend though, after my friend, Audrey, asked me about my “Race Day Rituals,” it dawned on me that even when out of my element, I am still a creature of habit and fall back to what I know before race day …
This is what I know about Row. the day before race day …
I make a list. It’s pre-set what’s on there. It’s the same thing every time. I have a hard copy on my iPhone, but I still hand write it all out so that I can check and double check that I remember.
I plan my outfits. I know it sounds a little silly but I need to mentally see what I’m going to wear on race day, then I make sure I have all the right components: Shorts, or capris, tank, compression shorts (if needed), socks, shoes, arm sleeves or long sleeved shirt, etc. If for some reason I have to change my outfit in the morning, it throws me all off.
I put the D-ring or timing chip on my shoe the night before. I also put my socks in my shoe because I am notorious for not being able to find socks!!!
I don’t put the race bib on until AFTER I get dressed in the morning because I stretch out my tank or shirt putting it on and it’ll pull the pins sometimes causing tears in the fabric. I don’t like holes in my expensive dri-fit clothing.
I make sure that my Garmin is charged up several times, and I look for the sweatband that I wear underneath it and keep them together otherwise I’ll forget and my Garmin is so huge on my that without the sweatband it slides and causes blistering and/or pain to my wrist bone from it hitting.
I always make my electrolyte water the night before and fill the water bottles that go into my iFitness belt and put them in the fridge.
I pack my iFitness belt with my Gu, S!Caps, and gum and make sure that I put my ID in my bag.
I make sure I know where my earbuds are and put them in my iFitness belt so I don’t have to frantically search for them in the morning because God knows that they could be anywhere because my Grace loves to borrow them!!!
I go to Starbucks the night before and purchase my Tall, Triple Shot, Non-Fat, No Whip Mocha and refrigerate it so that I can have it race morning after I just nuke it. I know you’re asking why I just don’t go to Starbucks the morning of … Well, it’s because Starbucks is usually not open until 0600 on Sundays and we’re usually well on our way to the race by then with no time to stop. I know that I could very well make my own coffee at home on race morning, however, there’s something in Starbucks Coffee that provides me with a kick. Their beans must be genetically and chemically engineered with something extra special in them that’s not in the expresso beans that they sell to the public. I do plan on experimenting with making my own coffee in the mornings though to see what does and doesn’t work, just not during race day though. I still don’t mind spending a few dollars for my race day coffee, refrigerated or not. I also get a sesame bagel from Noah’s Bagels or from the grocery store and eat it toasted with peanut butter.
Because I know that I don’t sleep well the night before a race, I make sure that I get some good rest the day before or the night before the night before the race. LOL! I know that doesn’t make sense, but seriously, they say that it’s not the rest that you get the night before, it’s the rest you get 2 nights before race day that counts. As I don’t tend to sleep that well, I try to get in as much sleep as I can, be it naps or whatever. Just get your rest.
That’s pretty much it in a nutshell. Pretty simple, short, sweet. It’s not complicated, and I don’t stress out on race day anymore. This list works well for when I’m racing out of town also. It helps me remember what to pack and bring. I never imagined that I had any race day rituals, but it turns out that I do. However, the most important one though, is the prayer that I say for myself and my friends who run … that God will run along side us and carry us to the finish when we get tired.
As a side note, here are a few things that I have learned while racing:
Carb loading should be done two days or more before the actual run, not the night of. If you’ve forgotten, then lunch the day before is probably best. Same thing for hydration. Limit your soda and alcoholic intake, and drink your water, or Gatorade, or whatever sports drink you prefer.
Check the labels of the electrolyte tabs or salt tabs that you use. Try them on your training runs. Remember that too much of a good thing is NOT always a good thing.
Nuun tablets should NOT be placed in your water bottle that you carry with you because what ultimately happens is that it’s effervescence will cause it to fizz and explode IN. YOUR. FACE!
Body Glide is your BFF. Put it on all over you in the places you believe you may chafe!
Never, under any circumstances, use new shoes on race day unless you have for some reason forgotten your shoes and you’re far away from home! It’s not recommended even if you have used the brand before.
Your feet will thank you if you use dri-fit socks. I love Balega brand socks. They’re comfortable, they don’t cause any blisters, they’re cushioning, and they protect your feet. There are a lot of good brands out there, the trick is to find the “right” pair for you.
Cotton is not your friend. Cotton is rotten while racing. Cotton shirts, especially cotton socks … no.
Don’t try any new foods on race day or the day before unless you want to frequent the portapotties along the course.
When it’s cold, I wear old sweats over my racing outfit as we drive up to the venue. I’m not much into discarding old sweats along the run so I haven’t tried that, but a lot of people do and they get picked up by volunteers who donate them to local homeless shelters. I’ve discovered the functional fashion of a garbage bag to keep my shoulders warm.
Compression stockings will be your BFF after running a long run! I love my Zensah compression stockings, and my InVigorators. They’re awesome and feeeeel soooo gooooood!
I really would suggest a list. The list will help keep you organized and help you to remember. Mental lists … don’t work for me as my mind is getting slightly foggy.
Unless you’re gunning for a time goal, have fun on race day. In all honesty, the only person that you’re racing is yourself. Everyone out there has the same goal as you … to cross that finish line. There’s no need for rudeness or ugliness. Encourage each other, encourage everyone. Thank the volunteers that are out there at the aid stations. Smile at all the photographers. Have fun!
**Disclaimer: I’m in NO way an expert on anything. I’m not offering any advice on anything. These are just a few things that I’ve learned along the way from experience. I’m just you average runner who has run a few races for FUN.**
It’s not a secret that I’ve had issues with my shoulders over the last few months. It’s been a rough road rehabing them also as I’m not quite the best patient, nor am I patient … at all.
It started right around the time of my birthday in October. I’m sure that I injured my left shoulder while doing dumbbell thrusters, most likely from doing them with a heavy weight. I got it checked by a couple of the ER Docs and PA’s that I work with and they were all in agreement that I strained my subscapular muscle. I wasn’t great at resting it though, and I ended up impinging my infraspinatus muscle. When it swelled, it really swelled, and it impinged the nerve also and would cause such shooting pains down to my fingertips!!! I got adjusted by my chiropractor several times which helped immensely, as it started to affect my neck and head. It was difficult for me to workout and watch others perform moves that were once sooooo easy for me. Push ups HURT. Throwing a left hook HURT. Pull ups? Forget it. And lifting weights over my head had me wincing like a girl. Seriously? Yeah.
In the middle of November, I had had enough and told my trainer that I needed to defer my training for a month. I couldn’t bear to workout and watch others, knowing that I could not, would not be able to do the moves that those that I workout with would be doing. It sucks to be there and have my workouts “modified” by my trainer. It sucks to have the pain that I have in my shoulder, but the resting helped and my left shoulder healed to about 80% after resting for a month … and I was ready to go back to the box … But something happened … I injured my right shoulder!!! Seriously!
I’m not sure how or when, but I’m sure it’s from the fact that with all the babying that I did for my left shoulder, the right one got the brunt of the pressure to perform and to pick up the slack that the left one could not do. That and coupled with the fact that my work backpack weighs as much as I do and I wear it with a single strap slung around my right shoulder … but seriously, I am not sure how I injured it.
Here’s my theory … I always pray for my children. Always. I pray for their health and safety. I pray for their happiness. I pray for their protection. I pray a lot. I pray that if they are sick or hurt or injured that they do not suffer. My boys play baseball. My Nathan is a pitcher. He is a very good high school pitcher. At the beginning of December, Nathan was playing baseball for a travel ball club and he did a lot of pitching. A LOT. He played in a championship game in which he pitched both days. Usually after he pitches, his arm and shoulder aches. Instead, he did not have any aches or pain … I did. My right shoulder ached and I know that I didn’t do anything to injure it, and it was the pitching motion that really hurt to perform. So it is my belief that whatever pain that Nathan was to endure was transferred to me. I’m okay with that. I have strong shoulders and can endure the pain, so yes, Lord, give it to me. I used to think that I carried my stress in my low back, but I don’t it’s up in my shoulders where it’s tight and heavy. Yep, here I am trying to be like Atlas and carry the weight of the world on my shoulders when I should know better.
Regardless of how I injured it, my right shoulder aches. It hurts even worse than the left one did. I’m smarter this time around though, and will not work it out, or push it to the extreme. My trainer is smart to not let me do any upper body at all. None! You can’t believe how crazy that makes me, but I know that it’s for the best.
Over the past weekend, I had an enlightenment as I cared for a little old lady who came in with a dislocated shoulder. DISLOCATED … I mean, seriously hanging there unattached. Yet she did not whimper, nor did she complain. I started her IV, gave her some pain meds that seemed to help, but the Doc that I was working with was leery to put her “under” to put her shoulder back into place because she had some underlying conditions that would not allow her to tolerate the medications that we use in the ER to put people to sleep. She agreed, and I watched as my Doc gave her a local anesthetic combined with some Morphine into her joint, then I gave her something to help her relax and some medications for pain … and he manipulated her shoulder for several minutes until it “popped” back into it’s socket. She whimpered not once. She complained not once. We’re talking about a 75 year old woman here.
She amazed me … giving me NO reason to complain or cry about my shoulder that is only mildly strained! So … I will NOT. I will not complain, nor whine about my “minor” injury. Because that’s exactly what it is … minor compared to the problems that others have with their shoulders. I’ve seen people with dislocations that cry and scream out in pain. I’ve had patients with chronic shoulder issues that don’t bother to take the time to take care of it so it’s chronically injured. I’ve had patients who have had shoulder surgeries, some multiple times. I will NOT be this individual. I will take the time to let my shoulder heal. I will take the time to rehab my shoulder correctly. I will love my shoulders because they are strong, and beautiful, and awesome. I will no longer pretend to be Atlas and let the weight of the world be distributed evenly among all of us.
As I write this, my shoulders are both healing. I can tell that they’re getting better. I’ve been good about letting them “rest.” I have strong shoulders. I’m good at healing my body – at telling it what to do. I’m workin’ hard on sculpting myself an awesome back and shoulders. My shoulders WILL ROCK! Just you wait and see …
It’s hard to believe that the end of 2011 is here! Oh my God, where has the time gone when it seems as if the year just started.
It’s been a good year for me. I hit a snag there in the middle, but looking back, over all, it’s been a really good year for me. In a nutshell, I ran:
5 – 10Ks
1 – Duathalon
1 – 2 mile run
1 – 4 mile run
1 – 10 mile run
18 – Half Marathons
1 – Full Marathon
Crazy fun running in a negligee!
Starting with Fleet Feet’s Annual 2 mile Pajama Jam in Stockton. This was so much fun. I ran in a negligee and got a lot of crazy looks because it was FREEZING COLD!!! It was a great way to start off 2011, complete with winning a prize. I ran with some friends that were crazy enough to run with me on that cold fateful night and we had a lot of fun.
Great way to start off 2011!
Hours after the Pajama Jam came the Brazen New Year’s Day Trail Half. I ran with Mac and my friends, Erika, Judy, Julie, and Rodger. It was great to start 2011 surrounded by the company of my friends!
Cal 10 - Super Cold!
Then came an early morning 10K, The California 10. It’s a 10 mile race, but they had a 10K option and since I had just worked the night before, I thought that this would be the best option for me. I ran with my friend, Cory.
Davis Stampede!
Davis Stampede Half Marathon, in Davis, CA. Wow. This race was not best venue. I didn’t enjoy running in Davis at all. Lots of tunnels, and it felt as if we were going around in circles. Yeah … not my thing. But it was fun to run with Mac and Erika Rae.
Shamrock'n Tutu - Courtesy of Mac!
Shamrock’n Half Marathon. This race is a nice little fun race. The course was a little different this year due to construction in Sacramento. For this race, Mac made custom shamrock’n tutu’s for us, and our friends Cory and Judy. This race was also Chris’ very first half marathon! I thought for sure he’d hate me, but in reality, he actually enjoyed himself and signed up for a few more halves! What?!?!?
Santa Cruz w/Mac & Mel!
Santa Cruz Half Marathon. This was a beautiful half. What a lot of fun. Ran with Mac and Mellie Mel.
Love Indy!
Indy Mini Marathon. This is the longest that I have ever traveled for a half marathon … all the way to Indianapolis, Indiana!!! My brother lives in Indy, so I did have a reason to go and visit. I loved running in Indy. It was a very nice, very well organized run. Running thru the Speedway … AWESOME! It was a great experience!
Me, Penny, & Kristy reppin' Punk Rock Racing in Fresno!
Fresno Eye-Q California Classic Weekend Half Marathon! Nice, inaugural race. It was here that I met my Twitter friends, Penny (@southbaygirl), and Kristy (@KristyLPants) in real life. We had dinner with our friend, Linda (@MsV1959), and just had a good time. The race was a really nice run thru what most consider the armpit of California. I enjoyed it.
Eradicating Polio in Stockton!!!
Stockton Rotary 10K Run To Eradicate Polio. It’s not thought about that much anymore – Polio. We take it for granted because we in the United States are vaccinated against it, but it’s still prevalent in some countries. Amazing. I ran this 10K with Erika Rae, and with my friend, Linda V., who ran the 5K. I ended up coming in 3rd in my age group and had a lot of fun running it. May have been because I was delirious from lack of sleep after working all night, but I think it was just a good run over all.
Crazy wet fun!!!
Nitro Trail. Brazen puts on a great venue, but they really can’t control the weather. This race was cold, wet and rainy! What? It’s June, really? I ran this race with Mac, Erika Rae, Judy, Mel, and Christina and Cindy who both ran the 10K. I wasn’t fond of this race as it ran around in circles. Yeah, I’m not a fan of going around and around and around … Plus it was WET. Super wet and cold and rainy.
Double backin'!!
See Jane Run. At the last minute, my friend, Erika Rae and I decided to do a back to back. We had just run Brazen Nitro Trail the day before, and this race was to end our weekend together and send Erika off because she wouldn’t be running for awhile. We thought that the weather in Alameda would be the same as it was for Nitro Trail. However … it wasn’t. It was overcast and warm. It was a really good run we had together. We ran for our chocolate and just had fun.
My Best Girl! Love Grace!
Fleet Feet’s Annual 4 Mile Firecracker Run. This is a nice 2 loop run thru Lincoln Village West in Stockton. It’s fun just to go out there and meet your friends and just have a good time. It’s always HOT though. Ugh.
Moo-n light run!
Davis Moo-nlight Half Marathon … It was a night half. We thought it would be a nice, cool run. Instead it was still HOT and muggy. Chris and I drove up with Cory and her family. It would be her husband, Sam’s first half marathon. We had dinner at IHOP – yecht. Remind me not to do that again. It weighed a little heavy in my belly, but it was okay. Just the food was gross. The course was once again … BORING. Circles, overpasses, and bridges. Not only that, the course was cut short by one mile. One mile! Yep, the volunteer at mile 6, misdirected the runners and we were cut short by a whole mile. Oh well, it was okay with me as I was ready to be done with that crazy race! No only did I run with Cory and Sam, but Mac and Mel were there, Judy ran as Chris, and I met Anne, Mac’s friend.
With Mac & Mel in SF! I left my running heart there ...
The end of July brought us to the famous San Francisco Marathon. I ran the first half with Mac and Mel, and well, it just was NOT the run for me. I had a really bad run. A really bad run. It was awful, and I did not enjoy myself at all. I felt very bad that I was not having a good time at all and my friends were. This was an eye opener for me. I’m not quite sure if I was over training or if I just really hated running, but I needed to just stop where I was and reevaluate what was happening. I hung my shoes up for awhile and something happened … I started to crawl out of the hole that I had fallen into. I did different things. I ran alone. I changed up my workout and started doing what I enjoyed .. and it got BETTER.
Keep Moving Forward ... perfect as I search for running self.
Keep Moving Forward 10K was a run to benefit those who are visually impaired. I didn’t tell anyone that I was going to run, and I just signed up because the venue was literally across the street from my mother-in-law’s house. I just ran and had a good time. No one knew that I was there. I ran incognito.
Shakas from the Giant's Half with Cory!
The end of August brought me to the Giant’s Race. It’s a half marathon that benefited Project Open Hand, and ended at the Giant’s stadium. I loved running that race. It was fun. My friend, Judy, was supposed to run with me, but there were some things happening in her life in which she could not attend so she put her bib up on FB. Cory responded that she wanted it and so off we went … we ran the Giant’s Half together. It was a nice run from the Giant’s stadium, up to Chrissy Field and back, finishing inside the stadium on Home Plate. Loved it. Mel ran as well as Shiloh, but we really didn’t see either one of them. Chris ran with us, but made his run a 10K instead of the half.
My TBFF, Torie and I at Disney!
Disneyland Half Marathon. I was supposed to run this race with Mac Erika, and Judy, however, Mac ended up selling her bib to Ali, and Judy couldn’t go, so she gave me her bib to give away, and then I was not able to hook up with Erika. It was kind of disappointing, however, I was able to give my friend Judy’s bib to my Twitter BFF, Torie who lives in Long Beach. We made plans to meet in real life, and run together. It was awesome to meet her! We had a great time, and we ran together and just enjoyed each other’s company. I was also able to see my friends, Ali, Lauren, and Kristy for a minute which was nice. The run itself was a nice, fun run. The weather was perfect, and the post race refueling and expo was very nice.
Shiloh lured me with cookies!
Buffalo Stampede and Migration. This was a last minute entry into a 10 mile race. I was lured by a beautiful girl who promised to bake me some cookies. I love my Shiloh. She’s so beautiful, and she’s an awesome athlete. She’s so inspiring. I ran the migration (slow) while she ran the stampede (fast). It was a really nice run thru a posh neighborhood in Sacramento. Awesome! =)
Ready to gooo in HMB!
Half Moon Bay International Marathon. This was my second half for September. It as an inagural race, and I was thankful to score an entry. I had so much fun meeting the race director and mingling with runners. I loved it. I met and ran with some really nice people, and had an awesome post race massage. The pasta feed dinner was really nice. I needed this race. Running by the ocean. I prayed for my friend who recently lost her husband. They loved HMB and spent a lot of time there. I loved this race and I’m excited to run it again next year!
Team Nucking Futs!
Muddy Buddy San Jose. I have done this race for the last 6 years. This year though, was the first year that they moved it to October. This is the third year that I’ve partnered with Rosa Aguilar and this year we were team Nucking Futs. Rosa has had a rough year so I wanted to make sure she had some distraction. She needed this. We had a lot of fun. They changed up the obstacles a little but not much. This year I went up with Claudia Powell and her partner Felisa. We had so much fun!
With Cory & Claudia @ Nike SF!
Nike Women’s Marathon. This race holds a lot of sentiment for me. It was the first long distance race I had ever ran, and every year I run it in memory of my father. I was able to raise a good amount of money on my own for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. This year, I only ran the half marathon as the distance of the full really doesn’t entice me as it does others. Chris and I had a few SNAFUs and we had some issues but our friend, Cory, came to the rescue and drove us to SF. We hit the expo, then the wall of fame, spent a few minutes in NikeTown and we were outta there. Too many people, too little of an expo … yeah, so not me. We met up with Shiloh and Linda for my birthday dinner. Shi Shi got me some awesome cupcakes and we had a really nice time. It’s just not the same race for me anymore. I’m not sure when it happened, but I just don’t feel the same about it. It’s why I only ran the half when in other years I’ve run the full. But it’s Nike … It’s an expensive race, for a piece of Tiffany bling. But like I said, its pretty sentimental as I run for my father.
My fav race pic!
St. Joseph’s Stockton Half Marathon. This is the 2nd annual Stockton Half. I run it because, for one, it’s in my hometown, and because I work for St. Joe’s. I love this race because I have a lot of friends who live and run in Stockton. It’s always fun to run with people that you know. I had a great time. I loved this venue not just because I ran with friends, but because it’s a fairly nice course, and because they offered free onsite pictures, and the post race venue was awesome! I also love it because of the fact that my husband and daughter come out to cheer! =)
Foxy Mama - according to my kiddos!
Fresno Two Cities Half Marathon. I had a great time the last time I ran in Fresno. I also like Fresno because my oldest son lives and goes to school at Fresno State. We met up with him and had a good time catching up. I miss my son. It was going to just be a girl’s weekend, with just Grace and I, visiting with Sam, but at the last minute Noah decided to come with us. We had a really nice time. The only thing was was that there was 40% chance of rain, and I didn’t bank on the 60% chance of sunshine. It was sunny and beautiful! I was over dressed and uncomfortable, but the run itself was really nice.
Post Turkey Trot Craziness!
Stockton’s 7th Annual Run To Feed The Hungry. I love this run. I love running with my friends after getting my turkey in the oven. It’s for a great cause, and the weather is usually cool and beautiful for a run. I ran a really good race. I met Cory there as well as some other friends, and finished with my friend, Rosemary.
Judy and I - CIM Finishers!
California International Marathon (CIM). I can’t believe that I ran another FULL marathon. It was a commitment made two weeks prior to the race. I had not trained properly, nor was my heart into this race. At the time I decided to fully commit, my friend, Cory, backed out. However, my friend Judy would run with me. I knew that Mac and Mel would be running, and that my friends Shiloh, Khrystyne, and Linda would be running the relay. I told Judy that if she should need to forge way ahead of me to go … She stayed by me throughout the entire 26.2 miles. She was my rock and we had a great time. It was a hard run because my feet hurt sooooo much.
Double Bling!!!
Walnut Creek Half Marathon. This was the last of the NorCalHalfSeries. This is the race that would end the series for me and get me an extra medal. I really enjoyed this series. You had to have run at least three races in the sereis and this last race in Walnut Creek to qualify for the medal. I had already run Davis Stampede, The California Classic Weekend, and The Giant’s Race. It was a great series to run. Walnut Creek’s race was an inaugural run. It was a nice course, despite the big @$$ hill from mile 6 to 8. I ran this race with Mellie Mel, and saw my friend, Layla. The only thing was was that it was SUPER FREEZING COLD!!!
Six point two miles for Sam & Jack!!!
Operation Jack is the brain child of Sam Felsenfeld, marathoner and father of three, one of which, Jack, is severely Autistic. Last year, Sam ran 61 marathons in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Autism. Last year, Sam had the bright idea to have his very last marathon run close to home – so … he organized a small marathon to be run with friends. However … we all wanted to help Sam and in a matter of days this small marathon blossomed into something huge with the development of a satellite run which would include a marathon, half marathon, and 10K. Last year, I was able to organize an Operation Jack Satellite 10K in Stockton and we had a great turnout. So much fun. However, this year, I wasn’t able to do this so I opted to run my own 10K. 6.2 miles done, all with a smile on my face. This is a race that I will continue to do virtually every year for as long as it is offered. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to help Sam and Jack!
Alexis, Becky, & Me ... The beach is over there ... =)
And lastly … last but not least … a last minute sign up at the urging of my friend, Alexis. I was talking to her one day about running a half on New Year’s Day, like I did last year. In fact, I signed up for the Brazen Racing New Year’s Day Half. Then I found out Alexis was running the New Year’s Eve and Day Halves. She urged me to run both with her … What? Really? Yep, she said something about “double bling” and “fun.” I’m not sure what posessed me, but out of my mouth came a resounding, “Okay, I’ll do it.” Our excitement spread like wildfire somehow, and caught the attention of our friend, Becky who had never … read NEVER run a half marathon in her entire existence, but yet she also signed up to run BOTH NYE and NYD halves. Let me just say that this was an epic weekend and we had sooooo much fun. The New Year’s Day half will go onto my 2012 recap, but let me just say, it was soooo much FUN!!!
And that, my friends, is my 2011 recap. It’s been such a nice year. I logged over a thousand running miles. I learned a lot about myself. I made and met a lot of great runner friends. I watched my friends whom I motivated grow as runners. I changed up my training a little. And I just did my own thing. I had to find my passion for running midway through the year. It’s hard to get away from it. I learned much. I’ve grown much. And I’ve had a lot of fun. I’m thankful for my ability to run, move, jump, breath … I can’t complain. It’s kept me in shape, healthy, and best of all, sane. Life is good. Running makes it a little better. Running with friends makes it the BEST.
Thanks everyone. Looking forward to a great 2012 season. Remember … the hardest move to make is that first move in getting your @$$ of the couch! Putting one foot in front of the other gets you *that* much closer to your goal … And like I always say … Train HARD … Train SMART … Eat WELL … and Have FUN!!!
They say that every part of our bodies has a sensory point at the bottom of our feet. Our feet have multiple pressure points, and every organ in our bodies have an association at the bottom of our feet. It’s why feet reflexology is so very popular with many, and why getting a foot massage almost always feels amazing to most. (For more information on the diagram to the left, click here.)
A foot massage, to me, is amazing because it causes a relaxation response. Therefore, when I was introduced to Happy Feet Massaging Insoles, I was skeptical, but willing to give them a try.
I am a runner, and most of my readers know the story of my feet. I have been plagued with plantar fascitis since 2008. My plantar fascitis has gotten better since then with the help of proper inserts in my running shoes, however, when my mileage increases, the pain in my feet also increase. I have spent several hundred dollars, more like thousands of dollars in an effort to keep my feet healthy. From inserts, to experimenting with various running shoes, Rock Tape (kinesology tape), massages, physical therapy, chiropractics, laser therapy … You name it, I was willing to try it. I have spent quite a fortune in an effort to keep my feet happy – probably enough to fund a small country.
I was first introduced to Happy Feet Insoles by accident earlier this year. I work in a hospital which hosts several vendor sales throughout the year. I happened to be browsing at the vendor sale one day when the Happy Feet vendor, hit me up. He must’ve sensed the magnet that I am for miscellaneous paraphanelia that I am willing to try in an effort to keep my feet healty. I spoke with him briefly, and he opened a package for me to try as I chatted with him. Oh my God! I slipped my feet in my shoes and didn’t want to remove them. From the first few steps I knew that they would help me.
I bought TWO pairs that fateful day. I wore that first pair through my entire shift and could not believe what a difference it made. I am a nurse and I’m on my feet for the majority of my shift. Filled with glycerin, I could feel it massaging my feet with every step. I would intentionally rock myself back and forth to get that massaging feeling. My feet actually sighed in relief and they did not cry out at the end of my shift as they usually would.
Would I recommend the Happy Feet Massaging Insoles? Yes, most definitely! The insoles have strategically placed glycerin in them so that when place in your shoes when you walk, your arches are supported, you stand a little taller because it shifts your posture a tad, and you are comforted with a nice feeling similar to walking barefoot in sand. It’s comforting to me as I grew up an Island Girl on the island of Oahu. Walking on sand actually does provide you with a massage of the sensory ends of your feet providing one with the same feeling of having received a foot reflexology treatment.
I can tell you that it will be the best $40 that you can spend on your feet. Your feet will be quite happy with the first step. It’s perfect if you’re in a profession in which you are on your feet for hours at a time. It’s also a nice treat to your feet after running long distances. Happy Feet Insoles can be custom cut to fit into your slippers/flip flops which is awesome as I wear mostly flip flops day in and day out if I’m not in my running or training shoes, or in my nursing clogs. Pair them up with a pair of compression stockings and you’ve got it made. Check them out online and get a pair to try out for yourself. You won’t regret it!
Note: Happy Feet Massaging Insoles can help with a variety of foot ailments, not just plantar fascitis. Perfect not just for nurses and runners. Perfect for all who want to keep their feet in good shape. I have enjoyed my insoles immensely and I know that others would also.
It doesn’t matter what place you finish, what matters is that you finish what you start.
This was my motto as I went into CIM on Sunday. I knew that I hadn’t trained properly and I knew that it had all the potential to be a very ugly race. But I also knew that I signed up for this marathon. Two weeks before the race, I committed myself fully to running it regardless of what kind of training I had done – which was minimal. But if there’s anything that I know about myself, it is that I know that I am tenacious and resilient, and I knew that come hell or high water, I would finish.
The morning of the marathon started off great for me. I had carb loaded and hydrated for three days prior, and I had been banking as much sleep as I possibly could. I got my gear ready on Friday. On Saturday, I rested as much as possible and made a few last minute runs to pick up things that I needed – like my customary coffee and bagel cause Starbucks doesn’t open as early as I need them to on Sundays.
I got up early, dressed and sent a text to my friend, Judy, who was running with me to make sure she was on her way. I didn’t hear from her. Uh oh. I called her … no answer. Crap. What the hell?! Our goal was to leave by 0400 and it’s dangerously close. Then it’s 0400 … and I get a frantic call. She just woke up! Are you kidding me?! Wow. I’m panicking and Chris says, let’s just go get her. She’s 25 min away in the OPPOSITE direction. I’m going nuts. But Chris says that there’s not much we can do … we need to just start where we are and chill. Okay. We get her, and we’re an hour late from when we initially wanted to leave. I send a text to my friends, Shiloh and Khrys, who are waiting to take us to the start and they tell us to relax and chill – No worries. However, all the while Chris is driving I’m thinking we’re soooo late, and why is he driving sooooo slow!!! But we get there in one piece, and our friends are not at all wigged out that we’re 30 minutes late.
Judy & I at the start!Chris, Shiloh, Khrystyne, & I as we wait to board the bus to the start!Beautiful Khrys!
I love Khrystyne and Shiloh. We met at Khrystyne’s house where she graciously let me use her toaster to toast my bagel, and then her restroom to change out of my sweats. We then followed them to the point where we could get as close to the start as possible … where we were then bussed to the start which was awesome. We didn’t have to wait long once we got to the start, and there were plenty of porta potties so that there were no lines. I got a text from Mac, but I couldn’t locate her. It would be Judy and I once we got separated from Shiloh and Khyrstyne. (Shi and Khrys were running the relay. Shi wanted to run a half so she ran the first leg with Khrys and her second leg. Khrys was leg one.)
No one believed that I ate this burger & drank this Pepsi & I ate Snickers throughout the run!Judy & I at the Half.
We ran an uneventful first half. It was FREEZING at the start with temps in the 30s. Judy and I just ran together, and we warmed up pretty quickly. It was a nice run thru the streets of Folsom. We were looking forward to getting to the halfway point where Chris would have my requested hamburger and Pepsi waiting for us. Let me tell you that I got a lot of flack for that. A lot of naysayers and non-believers did not believe that I could eat that and keep running. Let me tell you … I know my body. I know that I always eat before I workout. I knew that I could handle this, and I knew that I needed to eat. I was hungry … so I ate. Two burps later, I was good to go. After a much needed break, Judy and I took off again.
Mile 14 … my feet start twinging. I can feel them. I stop to stretch them. I tell Judy that if she needs to go, or to run faster to please not wait for me. She tells me that she’s having a hard time keeping up with me. What?! So we run. At this point, we’re running and we “feel” someone running beside us. We look up to see Mac and Mel. I say, Hi and I’m happy to see them. But they’re faster than us so they run off.
Judy and I continue to run together. We encourage each other, remind each other to take water at the stops, and to just keep moving. We count down the miles. At one point I tell Judy that once, just once, I’d love to just be a spectator. To just stand on the sidelines and just cheer people on. I love the people who spectate and cheer on the runners. I love the volunteers. I thank them as we pass each water station.
It gets harder for us from mile 19 on. We work on light post to light post. We keep moving forward. We never get discouraged because we know that we’ll both finish. Just one foot in front of the other … keep moving forward. Look ahead, don’t look back.
By Mile 24 we’re both done. We’re spent. I’m starting to hallucinate some, not from exhaustion, but from pain in my foot. I keep moving, Judy right beside me. We’re both tired and cold, but we forge on. We talk, we walk, we run … Through this whole time I am so very thankful to have Judy by my side from the very first step. At this point, she is my rock and I am hers. We’re waning though, but for some reason, at this point we get mad. Not at each other, but just mad that we’re taking so long, that the mileage seems unending … and we say, “Let’s just go. Let’s get this sh!t done!.” And we go. We move not much faster, but we walk a little less. Mile 25 … Mile 26 and the Capitol Building. We’re there. We’re done. We have finished … The medals get place around our necks. We can hardly walk.
Soooo happy to be DONE!
It was a LONG, but good run. We never tired, we were just hurt – my feet and ankles, and her back. We never bonked or hit that wall. In retrospect, I should have changed my shoes as planned at the halfway point. I can’t remember why I didn’t, but I’m sure it’s because my feet feel okay and I think I can make it. I’m not really sure if changing shoes would have made a difference. I believe that they still would have hurt just as much.
I’m thankful for my running partner, Judy. I’m thankful to my hubby, Chris, who drove me there, picked up my friends and taxied them all over the course, brought Judy and I food, then waited for us at the finish. It was a very long day, but I’m happy that I made it to the finish in one solid piece. (Like that wasn’t gonna happen.)
Fffrrreezzzing!
I spent the rest of the afternoon icing down my feet for about a good solid hour, then wearing my compression stockings with my feet and legs elevated.
The rest of my training week was pretty uneventful. Hahahaha! Yes, I did say, “training week.”
Monday: Rest day. It was an all out stretch day. The foam roller was my BFF. I’m a little sore, but I’m moving pretty well so I don’t complain. I’m happy that the swelling in my feet have decreased some. I still walk around with my compression stockings on. Let me tell you what, my Zensah’s are the bomb dot com. Those things are awesome.
Tuesday: I have an appointment with my massage therapist. Oh. My. God. What a great session! 90 minutes of much needed DEEP tissue massage. I love how when I say that she can put more pressure onto me, she says, “Oh yeah, you’re an athlete. You like pain.” Yes, I love really DEEP tissue massage. She really stretched me out then she gave me much needed TLC for my feet. Yes!!! Soooooooo Awesome!
Wednesday: I was going to go to Cardio, but I lolligagged too long and missed the time. Oh well. I probably needed to rest another day since I’m also nursing these allergies vs cold that I have.
Me & ERae!
Thursday: In the morning, I got a good 35 minutes on my the trainer. I love my spin bike. My legs were loose, and I worked them out pretty hard. In the evening, I hit Fleet Feet Stockton’s Brooks Nightlife Run. It was a very nice, leisurely three mile run with Tony from Fleet Feet, and my friend Erika Rae, and a few other girls. There was a contest for the best lit individual – I came lit in mini Christmas lights. Fun! Tony took all of our pics and put them up on the FF Stockton’s page on FaceBook and the one with the most “likes” at the end of the week wins. I’m hoping to be the lucky winner!
Oh the elevation from mile 6 to 8 ...
Friday: Another rest day. Actually, I did a lot of walking. Chris brought me up to Walnut Creek to the Expo for the Walnut Creek Half Marathon. It was a nice little expo, and I’m excited to run despite the elevation. LOL. While at the expo, I was able to try on some Brooks Pure Flows which is equivalent to the Saucony Kinvaras. I’m really excited to get me a pair. When I slipped my feet into them, they cried out, “Please. Pleeeeease … buy us!” They were pretty comfy! I really need to find the “right” pair of shoes for my poor feet. I really put them thru a lot and they do deserve to be treated right.
Also, while at the expo, I was able to meet The Praying Runner, Jose. He’s such an inspiration to me. I first heard of him while I ran the Half Moon Bay International Marathon. I remember seeing him on the course at HMB complete with rose in hand and cheering him on as we ran past each other. I initially wondered what the rose was about, but really didn’t give it much thought until I read his story. Jose had lost his wife earlier this year after a LONG battle with breast cancer. As she was his biggest fan and supporter, who encouraged him to pray for others as he ran, he dedicates every run to her and runs with rose in hand which he leaves at the finish line. He then takes his medal and goes to her grave site and leaves it there for her. I thought it was such a lovely, touching story. I’m honored to know him. He accepts prayer requests and several times I have asked him to pray for my father (at Nike, which he ran also), or my daughter (during CIM), and even myself (also during CIM). It’s ironic that while at HMB, I was compelled to pray for my friends even before I met him or heard his story. I prayed for my friend KK and her hubby who had just passed away. If you want to read more about him, click here.
Dark, COLD, but ready to go!!
Saturday: Today’s the day of the Inaugural Walnut Creek Half Marathon, and it’s also my last race for 2011. I’m able to meet up with Mellie Mel in the morning and together we walk to the start line. It is a very COLD morning in Walnut Creek. Mel and I shiver for awhile as we wait for the start. I look for my friend, Layla, who will be the 2:10 pacer. Shortly after she arrives, it’s gun time and we’re off.
Bad@$$? For a little scratch? LOL!
Mel and I run the first few miles together. At mile 1.5 we hit the porta potties, since there was a SNAFU at the start and there were only a few. Oops! Coming out of the porta potties, I have a little mishap with a bush and it scratches me up pretty good. I’m okay, but it looks worse than it is because I’m bleeding everywhere. No way am I stopping though. I laugh because at one point in the race, someone yells out to me, “Oh. My. God. You’re bleeding, but you’re not stopping. You are a bad @$$!” Really?
Miles 1 thru 5, besides my little mishap, are uneventful. Mile 6 is where we started to climb uphill. I’m trucking along, encouraging everyone, and I just keep pushing. I had to shake my head because this is where all of my sled training came in. I always – ALWAYS – grumble and moan when my trainer straps the 145 pound sled to my back and says, “GO!” I whine, moan, etc., and he tells me that it’s good for me. He says that we’re workin’ those power muscles, and I just shake my head in disbelief because that thing sucks soooooo BAD! Well, running up that hill was nothin’ thanks to my trainer. I won’t grumble and complain so loudly anymore. I’ll just mumble under my breath.
Just when you think you’re going to turn around and head back, you don’t. You keep going UP higher and HIGHER … Mile 7 … Mile 8 … Mile 8.5 is when we hit the turn around and start to head down. Yeah! I let gravity work for me and let it carry me down the hill … err … mountain. Miles 10-13 were relatively even, but still rough. My feet had given up on me at mile 5, but I still kept going. I could feel the pounding that they were taking, but I forged ahead. =) I got to the finish and couldn’t have been happier.
Double Bling!!!Mellie Mel & I ... Double Blingers!Me and my friend, Layla. 2:10 pacer. She's awesome!
Walnut Creek Half Marathon was the the last half marathon for the Nor Cal Half Series. What does this mean? It simply means that over the year, I have run a few races that were part of the series and because of this, I qualified to receive a “bonus” medal at the end of this race kind to acknowledge my participation in the series. It was fun to run and be part of this event. I enjoyed all of the races and I’m happy that I participated. The other races that I ran that were part of the series included: Davis Stampede, Fresno’s California Classic Weekend Half Marathon, Davis Moo-nlight Half, and The Giant’s Half Marathon.
So … That’s my week in a nutshell. My feet are pretty mad at me right now for running a half marathon six days post full marathon. I am working hard to find the right orthotics or the right shoes to help my feet survive more than 13.1 miles. Seriously, they start to cry if I go longer than that distance, but they keep going and never complain when I drown them in an ice bath. They put up with my antics and for that I am truly thankful to have the feet that I do.
I have had a great week, and an even greater year. It’s been a very wild ride with all of it’s ups/downs, highs/lows … My year in review is a blog post of it’s own that will be up soon. So much to write, yet so little time.
Thanks for comin’ with me on this training run that ended with CIM and Walnut Creek. It’s been a crazy 22 weeks! To all the nay sayers out there who didn’t think or believe that I could do it … this one’s for you. Let it be known that I am Row., and I finish what I start! I ran that marathon, maybe with not such a great time, but I finished that sucker, and went on to run a half six days later. I may not have run quite as much as an average marathoner does, but I must have run enough to get me through the marathon with crazy beat up, sore feet. I trained hard in other areas, I built some good muscles, I worked hard, and I had fun. Life is good.
The training continues on for me. For me, every day is a training day. To get thru life, this training is necessary. I enjoy what I do and I have fun, for the most part, in the process. I don’t know if I will ever run another full, however, I have said that four other times … I love the distance of the half. On Monday, the training for life starts again. I have different goals, different plans for myself. Come along for the ride, ’cause you know me … it will be a wild one.
My 2012 Racing Schedule is up somewhere on this blog, however it needs to be tweaked and I hope to do that in the next week, as well as get a 2011 recap up.
Life is good. Continue to train HARD. Train SMART. Eat WELL. And have FUN. Whatever you’re doing … have FUN. See you on the flip side!
This is it. 2 weeks left. What can I say? Nothing. I don’t want to say anything. I am just hangin’ back, siting, and waiting … I’m just gonna hang out. There are some things that need to be done yet and I’ve gotta man up and do it.
Sunday: Um … got nothin’ for you except a bunch of much needed SLEEP!!!
Monday: I hit up AMMA for a great cardio session with Stephanie. Resistance leg cuffs and weights. Love’em. I wish that I could’ve stayed for the second session because TRX was involved, but with my shoulder it would not have been able to handle it and I would’ve just been frustrated and stood envious of those who are able to perform the movement! It’s all good. I got a great workout in.
Tuesday: Nothing. I got nothin’ for you. For one I’ve got some serious sinus issues and I took a Pseudophed. Working out after I take a Pseudophed is like waiting for my heart to explode out of my chest. Even if I take a low dosage, it still jacks my heart rate up sooooo high that I feel as if I can’t breathe and my heart wants out! Also, I had to make some serious decisions today. Serious to me, anyway. Since injuring my shoulder over a month ago now, it hasn’t had the chance to heal because I keep pushing it. I keep going to the gym and trying … trying to do the moves, stretching my shoulder, asking it to do things that it physically can’t handle right now, and pushing it despite the pain. So … I have made the decision to stay out of the gym for the next month. I sent my trainer an email that detailed how my shoulder was not healing and that the risk of it injuring it further (i.e. tearing the injured muscle or worse, dislocating the shoulder itself, or even tearing the rotator cuff) is NOT worth it. It’s just not a risk that I am willing to take right now. I’d rather just do cardio, and rest my shoulder and give it the time that it needs to heal. I could tell you that I’m resting it now, that my trainer does his best to modify my workouts … but when I’m in that box, I want to be like the big kids and do what the big boys and girls do. I want to lift the heavy weight and work hard. I know me … and I know that I’ll push myself to try. So … I put myself on the injured reserve list. I’ve sidelined myself from the box. That was a very hard, yet wise decision to make.
On another note, I did hit up Fleet Feet today and picked up my race packet for the 7th Annual Stockton’s Run/Walk For Hunger. While there I got another Nike racerback sport top. I love those tops … I think I own a hundred of them. Okay … not quite a hundred, but a lot! How could I resist with 15% off and a $$$ voucher … I practically got it for free!
Wednesday: Nothing. I’ve got no data for you today except more rest. Yep. I did a lot of prep for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving dinner. I seasoned and readied Jimmy the turkey (named by Noah this year) and got the other fixins ready to go.
Ready To Gooooo ...Me & Cory. Post Run Goofiness!
Thursday: I got up in the morning thinking that I really didn’t want to run this race. I remember last year was FFFFRRRREEEZING and I just didn’t want to get out of my warm and cozy bed. I also went to bed late and woke up wwwwaaaay to early … but I got up, got dressed, put Jimmy in the oven, grabbed my breakfast and coffee and out the door I went.
The weather wasn’t too bad. 48 degrees and overcast. I found parking quickly at the Port’s/Banner Field parking lot, then set out to find my friends. Cory was with her friend, Maureen. Our friend, Norah, found us. I was sooooo happy to see her. Norah just started her running journey not that long ago, was sidelined for awhile due to some health issues, but then ran/walked NWM! Belinda and her hubby were there, too! Erika Rae was there with her kiddos – but she was so busy and I didn’t get a chance to meet up with her. We took our customary pre-race pics and headed off to the start.
The race was pretty uneventful. Cory, Maureen, and I went up to the very front of the start line. We hadn’t even started yet, and I already got separated from my people! Flashbacks of NWM – crowded and crazy. Surprisingly though, as I decided to line up at the VERY front, I did not once feel crowded or boxed in, nor did I have to fight with any walkers. I ran alone as I scanned the crowd unsuccessfully for Cory and Maureen, or Erika, or anyone that I knew … Ah well …
I settled in and focused. My pace was sub 10min/miles which I felt was a tad fast except it didn’t feel fast. I ran a good race. I was happy, and cool. I could feel my feet kinda getting iffy. I had worn my new Zensah ankle supporters which may have contributed to my issue, but it wasn’t too bad. I worried a little at how I would get thru 26.2 miles next week, but I let it go and forced myself to focus on the here and how. I didn’t ever feel bad and I told myself that – “Row., you’re fine. You’re breathing is fine, and your legs are strong. GO!” So I went …
Taken by my bud, ERae! =)
Shortly after the turnaround I, I happened to take my right earbud out. Thank God, I did because I heard, “Row!!!” I looked up and saw Erika Rae heading towards me running in the opposite direction. She was able to snap my pic, we high-fived, and I told her that I loved her. That was the only time I saw her … =(
It showered on me from about mile 3.5 to 5ish. It was an awesome shower, however it was short! It never rained again after that! After that it was time to hit it and get to the finish.
Rosemary - my finish line motivator!
When I run, I always make it a point to thank as many volunteers, Police Officers, photographers, etc. Most reply with, “Thank you for running,” which to me seems kind of silly, but I think it’s because they’re shocked that someone would actually think to thank them and they don’t really know how to reply. But … I think that they still need to be thanked. =) It’s fun to me. Also while I run, I always make it a point to encourage the other runners who run beside me. I try to tell them that they’re doing a fabulous job, and that they look strong. If we’re close to the end I tell everyone that I pass that they’re lookin’ good and to finish strong. It was at around mile 5 that I turned slightly to my right to tell a runner who was beside me that she looked good and to finish strong. I didn’t recognize her with her hat and sunglasses, but she recognized me and started screaming my name, “RRRROOOOOWWW!!!” Once she removed her sunglasses I recognized her! It was awesome! It was my friend, Rosemary from my Princess Shift job! We have always talked about running a race together, but have never really been able to get together and plan. It was nice to see a friendly face. So … together we took off, pushing each other for that last mile. We ran fast and we ran strong. It was so great! I loved it!
Beckwith Twins!!! Matt & Mike!Beautiful Norah!Running Code 3!
The finish line in the past has always been inside the ballpark, this year for some reason the finish was outside of the ballpark. It was fine with me, just different. It was a very nice run.
Highlights include seeing the Beckwith Twins, Matt and Mike, on the course. This was Matt’s first 10k. Mike started running earlier this year, in April, I think, and since then he has run several sub 2 half marathons, and finished a full marathon! Next week, Mike will also run CIM with me. Other highlights include seeing Norah, my beautiful friend. And … the best … the photographers on the course, one who told me to get my arms up and look strong! So much fun!!!
Friday: Spent most of the day doing chores around the house, getting ready for my three day weekend of work. I puttered around the house, spent time with the kiddos, and did a lot of “resting.” I wore my Zensah compression stockings all day, and had my feet up. Then worked all night.
Saturday: I thought I’d be exhausted, tired, lazy. Instead, I found that I was okay so I headed out to my favorite AMAA and got in an awesome Cage Fitness workout. Total body. I left there with sweat pouring out of every pore of my body, and of course, with a huge smile on my face. I love that place. I worked out this morning with my buddy, Camille, and next to Jennifer, and with the other usual suspects that I pal around with there. I could feel my shoulder tighten up during the workout, but it was okay. I just modified the walkout push-ups to planks with leg raises. Good times.
So … just three workouts this week. I’m good with that. I’ve got these allergies and this shoulder issue that I’m contending with, and I’m banking rest for the upcoming week …
More time prepping for next week’s D-Day. I’m wearing my compression gear until the day. I see my PT on Tuesday to get last minute pointers on taping up my ankles and feet. I also have a massage and chiropractic appointments scheduled next week. I do work Tuesday thru Friday morning so that may be a little bit of an issue, but I’m sleeping thru everything, banking as much as I can get. I have yet to figure out exactly which shoes I’m wearing which may be a little bit of an issue. Carb loading won’t be an issue. I’ve got my outfit picked out. I have my gear list made out. My music playlist is good to go. I’m ready. =)
Two more races for this year. Just two. Then it begins again. It’s hard to believe that the end of the year is here. I don’t really know where the time went or how it ran by me so quickly … pun intended. I’m excited for this running year to be over. Next year, 2012, brings LOTS of new and exciting running venues, and actually running for a cause. That’s a blog in itself so we’ll get to that in a few. Let me just get thru these next couple weeks, and recover for a minute.
Next week is it. I’m sure my training will be pretty much NIL so there will be really no reason to post a blog except to just get thru the week. It’s been a wild ride. One week … Train HARD. Train SMART! Eat WELL. And have FUN!!! I’m ready for this to be over with. I’m not thinking. I’m in race mode and I’m ready to get this sh!t over with … =) See you at the FINISH LINE!
I was waiting for a sign.Yep ... What Nike says ...
I’ve been dickin’ around with this for far too long. It’s time that I made up my mind and decide one way or another if I’m running CIM or not. Soooooo … As of today, right now, this very moment … After much deliberation and over thinking … I’m “IN.” No more changing my mind or fretting and worrying about it. I’m going to run CIM. No more thinking about it, only planning for the run, and getting into and staying in race mode.
They say that before you run your next marathon, you have to forget your last.
There. It’s out. It’s done. Decision made. I had a few heart to hearts with those that know the turmoil in my head. If you’re wondering if I have any goals, well, kinda … I want to finish strong and healthy and in one piece. I’m not sure what my buddy, Cory, has in mind, if she has decided to opt out or not, but I know that Judy has decided to run with me. I know that Mac’s running, but I’m not sure about Mel. Last year I ran with time goals in mind. This year, as I have said, I will run only for the pure joy of just being able to run and finish a marathon. This will be marathon number 4 for me. I’ll be going in without any reservations, I’ll be healthy, and injury free, and I will finish strong and happy. (So it is written, so it will be and is done.)
That being said, I’m leaving it at that. I’m not talking about it anymore, so don’t ask me … I’m good with my decision, and I’m at peace. I know that I CAN do this and that I WILL do this. That’s all that you need to know. So … let’s get to training …
Sunday: I got no data for you. I was supposed to run something today, and I took the day off and everything, but signed up for nothing. I’m sure that the Stockton Half was on this date last year and that’s why I took the day off, but they changed the date on me. My running buddy, Mac, asked me if I wanted to run the Clarksburg Country Run, but opted out because of the fact that I’ve been running so dang much. At the very last minute I thought I’d register, then opted out again. I’m glad that I did because I feel pretty whipped! I heard that it was a really nice venue, and I’m sorry that I missed it, but seriously, I’m glad that I didn’t run.
Instead, I sat around the house, ate not one, but TWO glazed donuts, and did absolutely NOT A DAMN THING! And … I don’t feel guilty about it.
Me with two of my BEST buddies at AMAA: Z and Karyn! I love these two!
Monday: I hit up American Martial Arts for a great cardio session with Jeanne and my girls. I love my friends at AMAA. Since my shoulder is still pretty stressed, I couldn’t do the exercises that required push ups, or left hooks, but everything else I was okay with. I had to laugh when my friend, Karyn, asked me why I was there if I was injured … Girl, only my left shoulder is injured … not my legs, my core, or any other part of my body. So I have no excuse. I love working out there! It makes me happy. I signed up for Cage Fitness also … yep. Something new to learn! Excited.
Tuesday: The plan was to get in the box but that didn’t happen, so then it changed to get in a spin workout, but instead I ended up with a whole lotta nothing! Oops! Oh well. What can I say? I’m tellin’ you, the weekend kicks my butt! Ugh. I’m not going to complain though. I got some good rest in and I’m happy about that, then I worked a short stint at my Princess job. Running around the hospital for 4 hours was enough of a workout for me today.
Wednesday: I’m surprised that I went. I rushed in the morning to get there on time and when I got there, I wished that I just stayed home.
The Warm Up:
3 rounds of
Run 200m
15 Jump Squats
15 Kips (no kips for me because I can’t hang, so I was to do PVC roll overs)
5 HS Kick ups (none of those for me either)
Then … when that’s all done … 400m sled pull at 135#.
Let me tell you that I can’t pull 135# so I don’t know why I keep having to do it. Okay … I can pull it, I don’t like to pull it. It’s so freakin’ heavy and it takes me so freakin’ long to do it. It’s frustrating beyond belief, and it sucks ass!
Strength:
I didn’t even do whatever it was that I was supposed to do, because that f’n sled pull took me too dang long!
The Workout:
3 rounds of
200m Farmer Carry – I coudn’t do that so my trainer switched it up and modified my Farmer Carry to a sandbag carry. 50# sandbag carried 200m.
20 Deadlifts – 105# for me
40 Overhead Lunges. Overhead was a no no for me, so I carried the weight to my side 15#.
I enjoyed the workout, just not the sled pull. I was not feeling it, and it’s starting to piss me off that my shoulder is STILL injured and hurting. Yeah. Workout done, but not with a happy heart.
Thursday: The plan was to hit the box immediately after working my 12 hour shift, however, the powers that be had other plans. It was a very BUSY night at work, and according to my manager, she was told by the higher ups that she was not to give us breaks. Really? A 12 hour shift without a break or any meals? That makes for a very unhappy employee. Really, you’re not gonna give any of us a break? Whatever. That being said … I was not able to eat, or take a short rest period so that meant no workout for me. So … I decided to go home, sleep, then get up early and hit the box at 1500. My husband said that he woke me up, but he didn’t. I know he didn’t because I heard him, and I wasn’t fully sleeping. I know that he did NOT try to wake me up. He went and worked out alone! WTF? Seriously? Let me tell you … this made for one very pissed off, cranky, frustrated girl. My shoulders are tense. I’m mad as hell, my tolerance level is LOW. That was NOT a good idea to let me sleep. I needed that workout, but I probably needed the rest more. That being said, I’ll leave it alone.
Friday: I had every intention of going to workout in the morning, but didn’t make it. I had every intention to go workout in the evening, but puttered around so much that I lost track of time so that was a bust. That being said, I guess you can tell pretty much that my energy expenditure for the day was a huge … a really HUGE goose egg! Nada! Ugh. I’m finding that the weeks after working my weekends are so difficult. They suck. I’m having such a difficult time recovering … not to mention, I have Seasonal Affective Disorder so it makes it even crazier. I “forget” every year until my hubby mentions it to me. Oh well … =[ No excuses. It is what it is. It just sucks to not get a workout in at all. SUCKS! Instead, besides fiddle farting around with my family, you would’ve found me with my H-Wave permanently attached to my left shoulder for at least 2 hours! I love my H-Wave!
On another note, I signed Chris and I up for Brazen Racing’s New Year’s Day Run, and NorCal Survivor Mud Run. Thanks to Schwaggle, I got the Survivor Mud Run at a HUGE discount (65%), so it was almost FREE! And … since I got a nice offer from Morgan Hill (50% off), I signed us up for 2012’s Morgan Hill Half Marathon, which is in October.
Saturday: There’s a new fitness rage at American Martial Arts Academy where I workout … it’s called Cage Fitness. 5 – 5 minute rounds of a total body workout! OMG! I signed up to attend a class today and absolutely LOVED it!!! I had so much fun! =) But I LOVE martial arts. I love MMA and boxing. It makes me feel STRONG and confident. It’s awesome. So that was my workout today. Jeanne kicked my ass. I just wish that my shoulder was not so wonky so that I could do the moves at 100% instead of 50-75% I know it’s necessary to save and rest my shoulder, but seriously, it’s been a month and it sucks. So … more H-wave for me today again. I spent the day cooking Paleo, and taking my kids out to the mall. I had a great day.
That’s my weekly recap. Not much of anything, but a little bit of some things … Could’ve been better, could’ve been worse.
I’m not answering any questions about my decision to run. I know that’s insane, but those that need to know … know, and those that don’t need to know, know enough and really don’t need to know much more. If I start talking about it, I know me … I’ll be able to freak myself out and talk myself out of it. So … NO. I’ve made up my mind and I’m now in race mode. Thank you very much, have a nice day …
My training has been consistent. I’ve gotten my runs in, albeit short and sweet, they have been pretty good and pretty taxing. I love my trainer. I know that my shoulder will get better – I just need to be patient and just rest it, leave it alone, and not push it as I have been. I have faith in myself. I have great friends and my awesome hubby that I can lean on.
I talked to my friend, Cory, today … she’s worried about CIM, but she says that she will run it. I’m happy about that … =) We can do it. I know that we can. It’s all good. So … Me, Mac, Cory, Judy, and probably Mel. Love it.
I have some training issues that I have to workout with my trainer next week, but I’m sure that they will resolve themselves. I just need to talk to him about a few things. I’m gonna hit the box pretty hard this coming up week. My kiddos are off from school so it’ll work out that I can go a little earlier or sleep in a little later … =)
Thanksgiving is coming up this next week also. I have so many things to be thankful for as I am very blessed! I have a great life.
So … two weeks. Train Hard. Train Smart. Eat Well. And have FUN! It’s not worth it if it’s not fun!
The fact that you can feel the fear means you also have the courage to get beyond it. Otherwise, the fear would serve no useful purpose. – Anonymous
Running Code 3 