totally non running related

I am going to see Twilight tomorrow! Never been into vampire books, but I am hooked on this series. I read all 4 books in a weekend when hub was out of town a few months ago. I have been waiting for this- I know you have too, Missy! Please let the movie be as good as the book!




and stay tuned! 1/21/08 LOST is back!

Biking

Well, I am back at the Y. I got in a little time on the elliptical then my ankle started THROBBING. Little sharp pains...okay, it's been a month now! Then I ran into my Docs wife there-also a friend of mine. She looked at me and said, "get off there! You can cycle or be in the water!" I asked her if they were tired babysitting me yet. Her husband is an orthopedic surgeon and has lined up other dr. visits and everything for me. I haven't even had to make a phone call! I am getting an MRI scheduled. Will let ya'll know the date and results. I just gave them all my info insurance etc and will hopefully get in before Thanksgiving. Anyway, did the recumbent for about 30 minutes and it felt pretty good. No pain in my ankle area, but felt some burning in my butt! Yessssss! Burn baby burn! Then I did weights. I love their FITLINXX program. It keeps a record of all the work I do. I lifted a total of 11,300 lbs-that's between arms, legs and abs. Felt pretty good-just to be back to something!

Had Landrunners meeting this past Monday night. It was pretty good. Dr. Brian Coleman, Program Director of the Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at the O.U. College of Medicine was the speaker. I think health and running was on a lot of Oklahoma runners minds as there was a young man that died at the Route 66 marathon in Tulsa last weekend. He was running the half. Also there was an article in the November Runners World-discussing the same sort of thing. I'm sure most of you read it, as I did. Dr. Coleman primarily discussed the cardiac benefits of running, heart health, etc. The benefits definitely outweigh the risks, but you should always consult with your own Doctor before starting an intense exercise regiment.

Many of the deaths in the yound athletes we see are usually preconditions. The running didn't necessarily cause heart attacks in these people, they typically had an unknown heart condition to begin with. We hear about it on the news, young healthy, teenage even, atheletes that collapse on a 5 yard run. So sad.

He had a great slideshow with a lot of information. Going to get regular checkups to start a baseline is important for any athlete. Have you had yours? I had mine this past spring and will be sure to go in every year. I guess it's especially important as soon as you hit the ripe age of 30-knowing your family history, etc is also important as it can put you at risk for heart disease, high cholesterol, I know you've heard it all.

At the meeting people also share their accomplishments. It's fun to see all the medals and hear the stories. It really makes me sort of sad. I just want to run too. All the more reason to get this MRI and see what the heck is going on so I can make my big return! Maybe I'll make a return schedule....hmmm.....

I hope everyone has a great weekend! Run on!

WOW!

Wow! I felt really special today when I checked Terri's blog, Middle of the pack girl, to see that she nominated me for a blog award. This is what she had to say, "Now, Erin’s sidelined with an injury, so I’m guessing she’s probably wondering why she’s being nominated. The thing is, her heart is still into it, and she’s been a great inspiration to her kids. Her little boys do their “runs” in their yard, complete with “water stops” and everything! Her little boys are clearly proud of her and want to follow in her footsteps. In no time at all, I’m sure her body will recover and she’ll be out there again hitting the roads. You will, Erin, trust me."

Gosh, I am truly flattered. I have "met" some great people in blogosphere and she is one of them. I think Terri is so inspirational and I am honored she nominated me with so many other fantastic people.

Now for this nom, I need to name six things that make me happy.

1. My health. Funny I should say that considering the lame leg, right? Wrong. I AM healthy! The ankle is just making me take a little break and I will be back on the pavement very soon! I have seen family fight for their lives and believe me, I am healthy. I don't even have a right to complain about my silly leg.

2. My family. This is a huge support system for me. My husband and boys-first and foremost. They go to every race and nothing makes me happier getting to that finish line then seeing their sweet faces! I love my husband more every day and by boys...I look at them both one last time before I go to bed and say, "how lucky am I?" I love the smell of their hair, their sweet drooly breath and sometimes they wake, just for a second and smile at me.

3. Friends. Where would we all be without our friends? Chandra has been one of my biggest supporters and we actually kicked off our racing together! By the way, girl, you need to update your blog. Where am I supposed to get healthy recipes? Also, all the wonderful people I have met through blogging. I hope to someday meet some of you out there!

4. A nice bath. A quiet bath is a luxury here. A noisy shower is usually all I get but sometimes in a blue moon I am able to lock myself in the bathroom, pop in a few bath fizzles, read a book and r-e-l-a-x.

5. Cooking. I love to cook and I LOVE to eat. I really enjoy entertaining and having friends over for a nice glass of wine or a cold beer while we eat delicious food.

6. Daisies. They have always been my favorite flower. So sweet, so simple. They always make me smile.

More later! Thanks Terri!

Run on!

Good Luck!!!

Good luck to everyone on various races today, but especially to those running the Route 66! Three of my neighbors are running-good luck Arnie (marathon), Phil (quarter) and Jennifer (half)! God, I wish I was there!!!!

Run on!

bloggity

I have the computer for another morning! Yippee! No running here. Actually making an appointment with an ankle specialist. I'll keep ya posted.

So, with that-what else shall we talk about? Running? nope. Politics? nope. Music? Music is always good. iPod is pretty much continually running on a speaker set. Let's go take a peek at what's playing. Out of 2604 songs, Beastie Boys, Sabotage is playing. Gotta love Beastie Boys. Intergalactic is my fav and I run to it often.

I say that I don't run to what I listen to, but I guess that's really only about half true. Some songs I do truely download just for running-but I do run to other stuff too. What other juicy bits are in my iPod? Well, I am diverse.

Really diverse.

Let's see.

If you were to shuffle my iPod you would hear any of these tantalizing tidbits.

First of all: The Flaming Lips. From right here in OKC, one of the best bands ever. They are so down to earth-live here-give time money and energy to the community.

ABBA- have the entire gold album, baby! It's a winner!

Ursula 1000- Electric Boogie. Love this song.

U2- I have just about all of their albums. Although I have to say-I only started listening to them because my sister was going to marry Bono.

Thom Yorke- I have the album, Eraser. Black Swan is my fave.

Survivor - Eye of the Tiger! Oh yeah... I can totally remember like 3rd grade gym class with this one.

Beatles- Gotta give my Dad props for this one. He says there are two kinds of people. Beatles people or Stones people. Dad is Beatles. Mom is Rolling Stones. Guess I can't go wrong coming from both of them!

Clap your hands say yeah. My fav album last year. The song Over and Over again has been played 72 times.

Ray LaMontagne. One of the best, in my opinion since Neil Young. Yeah, I have Neil Young in there too. "She used to work in a diner...never seen a woman look finer...I used to order just to watch her float across the floor...." I can thank Dad for him too.

R.E.M- I couldn't have made it through high school without them. Life's Little Rich Pageant being my fav.

Dave Matthews Band. Nevermind that his tour bus dumped waste on a bunch of people accidently in a river below the bridge he was driving on-oops. Maybe it's because I'm sentimental. I started listening to them my senior year in high school and all though college. I have all the albums. I just love him.

Daft Punk- Love to run to!

M.I.A- who doesn't have Paper Planes?

Lords of Acid. Yeah, thank sister for that too. "I'm fucking beautiful!"

LCD Soundsystem -their most played song in my iPod is Tribulations.

Pulp Fiction. Yep, the movie soundtrack. Son a Preacher Man!

New Order- Bizarre Love Triangle. God, I am having flashbacks doing this! How fun! If a guy in a frat house played this. I was there. One of my favorite songs in college.

80's- Anything 80's I pretty much have it.

The Cure- How can you not like a song called Caterpillar? And who doesn't LOVE, It's Friday I'm in Love?

Jamiroquai- Have a lot of this guy. Favorite? hard to say.

Beck. Love him. Period.

Iron and Wine. Our Endless and Numbered Days-wore the heck out of this album.

so many more...! Feist, Goldfrapp, The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Album Leaf, The Strokes, Ladytron, John Mayer, The Arcade Fire, Tiesto, Pearl Jam, Band of Horses, Lucinda Williams, The Decemberists, Jaime Cullum, Morrissey-The Smiths, Norah Jones, Chemical Brothers, Grizzly Bear, The Shins, Richard Buckner, Counting Crows, Fall Out Boy, Imogen Heap, CSS, Grateful Dead, Cake, Postal Service, Lyle Lovett, Dr. Dre....

I kinda want to go on. And I could. go on and on and on. I need a music section! lol.

So, I have all that and more on my iPod, which I love BUT I have the old 30gb iPod. Don't get me wrong, it is awesome. I got it for my 30th birthday...and that was well, 2 years ago. I wasn't running then or even thinking about running. Running was the very last thing on my mind. Did I even own athletic shoes? I don't think so!

Anyway, I can't use it for Nike+ which sucks. Also, it's a bit bulky. But...do I want to buy a nano? Not really. I am still waiting for them to make improvements to the nike sport band. Oh well. I better get busy! Enough rambling!

Run on!!!

November? Really!?

Where did October go? Seriously. I cannot believe how fast the month went by. We have been so busy here. Between birthday parties and Halloween activities I wonder how I would have had any time to run at all.

Halloween hoopla is over. Bring on Christmas! I see they are already putting up Christmas decor around the city. Yikes. I'm getting over my non racing whining-sortof. I just feel sorta useless not racing-especially since there are so many good races coming up in the next few weeks! I will volunteer at one of them-just need to figure out what will work with our schedule. At least that way I can cheer some runners on! I know some of them need those few words of encouragement. I think it will be cool.

My ankle is still sore. Yesterday was the first day that I could walk halfway normal. I'm not noticeably limping anymore. Stairs are still difficult -putting that much pressure on the one leg hurts. So, hopefully I'll be back at the gym this week-biking and elliptical. NO running, no treadmill, no stairmaster. We'll see how it goes. I did listen to one of my running playlists the other day. It's like getting over a breakup or something. lol. I'm weird I guess. I don't really listen to most of my running music on a regular basic. I guess because it's for running. I listen to more laid back stuff normally, but not for running. That's totally different. My playlist always begins with Number 1 by Goldfrapp. So, when I heard the intro the other day I wanted to cry. God I'm a baby. I feel guilty for being such a whiny butt. I never thought I'd miss running. I think there was a time that I would have been thankful for a bum ankle so I wouldn't HAVE to run! (highschool) Sigh.

But, like I said. We've been busy. We had parties at the boys school and did the trick or treat thing last night. My Mom makes costumes every year for the boys and this year they were pirates. ARGH!



Now I just need to stay away from all the candy and we'll be fine! :) Anyway, good luck NYC Marathoners! Good luck to all the runners out there this weekend! Run on!

Saturday

I SHOULD be running this morning. I should be breathing all this cold air into my lungs and beating the pavement with my feet. Instead, here I sit with my lame leg. I think I feel a bit better. (but it's also hard to tell since I'm taking all this Motrin!) It's one week as of...well, right about now! Earlier in the week I could not even do the elliptical. I am hoping to get back to the gym this week and at least hopefully handle some biking-if the leg can handle the pressure.

Husband says to take it easy. Husband is a lawyer. A lot of the cases he has requires him to go over medical records. Sometimes this makes him think he is a Doctor. He doesn't really think I should race anymore this year. His fear is that if I don't heal properly the issue could become chronic. His fear is also surgery as it is his opinion that ankle surgeries do not fare well.

He knows how important running has become and really wants to see me out again in the New Year. That way I could start training again and do the OKC Memorial Half in April. I listen to his advice. THis coupled with what the Dr. has said makes me think-As much as I hate to think that way, it's almost November. It will be a very busy month then I am teaching at the Museum every Sat in December...then it will be January. Fresh start for the New Year? Maybe so.

My boys are tired of my not keeping up with them. Oldest child says, "when will your leg get better?" Youngest child informed me the other day that "his legs were all broke" and that he needed to be carried. Geesh.

OH! I went to the Landrunner meeting this past Monday night. Speaker was ultramarathoner Chisholm Deupree. He is the 3rd Oklahoman to complete the Badwater 135 mile ultramarathon. All I can say is holy f'ing BADASS. What a story. What an inspiration. It really is amazing what the human body can do. It is a machine!

Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Pound the pavement for me!

Run on!

I am posting my previous race schedule here as I don't want to delete it, but want to get rid of it from my sidebar.

Susan G.Komen Race for the Cure 10/20/07
finished 35.45

OP Thanksgiving 5K November 07
finished 33.29

Redbud Classic 5K 4/6/08
finished 38.05

OKC Memorial 10k relay 4/27/08
finished 1:09:05

Sooner State Games 10K 5/17/08
finished1:10:51

Red Earth Run 5K 6/7/08
finished 33:56

Midnight Streak 7/26/08
Finished 31:18

Run with the Bulls 8/23/08
Finished 33:26

Geico Race for Freedom 10K
9/13/08 Finished 1:17:40 :(

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K 10/4/08
Finished 31:52

Kelsey Briggs race against Child Abuse 5K 10/18/08-INJURED

:(

Well...no Route 66 Half for me. I saw an Orthopedic Dr. and I have partially torn my tibialis posterior tendon. I have some swelling and the brusing on my foot leads the Dr. to believe I have not just strained it, but partly torn it. It's not completely torn or I wouldn't be walking at all. I cannot put any pressure on my left leg alone. After 3 weeks if I am not better I will get an MRI and probably have surgery. I can't tell you how disappointed I am.

What I thought was shin splints on that leg has really been straining this tendon the whole time. I was doomed. So, now I just have to heal and hopefully I will be back on my feet soon. Now I am to slowly start back on with a bike-water exercise no running. Not really even walking. (ha! snort! Try that with a running two year old!) Need to keep leg elevated as much as possible. :( I am so sad. Running has been a big deal to me. The races have really been a huge accomplishment for me, especially since I am a stay at home mom. Anyway, thanks for checking in on me. Hopefully next post won't be such a pity me.

Sore, but better

Last night I tossed and turned. Whenever the Motrin wore off, I'd get sharp shooting pains. I was able to sleep in this morning as the boys slept in to a whopping 7:30-very unusual as we are all early risers here. 6am usually. I was thankful though for the extra sleep. The boys took care of me and I felt much better today. My lower leg is sore when I stand on it, but otherwise ok. I am going to keep on the Motrin for today and try a short walk tomorrow. I might make a trip to the Dr. Tuesday if I am still sore. What a pain! (literally!) Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice. I am very nervous about the race. I do have 2 races before the half- a 5k and a 12k. I think those will be very telling to see if I will be able to run. I guess even before that though, training will tell me if I can run at ALL right now. Beautiful but windy day here. I plan to get out and enjoy it as much as possible! I hope everyone enjoys the last day of the weekend!

OWWWWW!

Something happened to me on that 5K this morning. I was only about 1.5 miles in...going up a hill and my left calf went out. It felt like a noodle. Then sharp shooting pains shot down my lower butt through my leg? I used to get those pains when I was very pregnant-sciatic pain. wtf?! The calf thing is new. I am still in pain and it's 2 in the afternoon. So anyway, I stopped in the race and tried to stretch it out. My calf felt really tight. I tried to run on it and no can do. The pain shot through me it was terrible. I had to walk the rest of the way. I felt like and idiot. It hurt so bad though I wanted to cry. My husband almost came onto the course when I didn't show up after 40 minutes. 43 minutes later I hobbled to the finish and didn't want to cry, but made husband get the car. I immediately drank water came home put my foot up and put ice on it. I don't know. I've been doing ice and heat. My inner calf seems to be ok. It's not spazzing like it was. I still have a pain on the outer calf-not constant, but it shoots out if I move my foot in a certain direction. DAMNIT! Big race is 26 days away.

So, I am going to take it easy over the next few days-see if I need to see a doc if it's not better? I don't know. So, I'm loaded up with Motrin and I just might have to bust open a few of the pumpkin ales that are chilling in the fridge.

Terri tagged me with her awesomeness. Here are my answers.

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve answered the questions on your blog.

10 Years Ago (1998):
1. I was 22 years old.

2. I was living in secret with my boyfriend-who is now my husband.

3. I went back to school after partying my way out the first time. I learned when you pay for things yourself, you actually go to class! Imagine!

4. I started a bartending/waitress gig. Pretty good money!

5. Watched my Dad beat cancer.

5 Things on Today’s “To Do” List:
1. Run 5K in less than 30 minutes. Um-didn't happen.

2. Get together lesson plan ideas for meeting at the Museum on Tuesday.

3. Watch OU/KS. Drink beer to ease pain.

4. Make lasagna.

5. Drink more beer to ease pain.

5 Things that I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Pay all debts/secure boys future funds.

2. Pay all Brandon's Medical bills, etc. Set nephews up with future funds. Buy Missy new house (with WOOD floors! lol!) Pay off parent's debts. I'm pretty sure they are still paying for my wedding. Set bro and rest of family up.

3. Give a ton of money to Heroes for Children and set up a branch here in OK.

4. Provide money for local after school art programs in the city.

5. A few things for ourselves. I'd buy a ranch for hubby and build a massive walk in closet for me and all my NEW running shoes! :)

5 Places I have lived:
1. Buffalo, NY

2. Edmond, OK

3. Norman, OK

4. Oklahoma City, OK

5. Would like to live in Colorado! (Maybe on that ranch!?)

5 Jobs I have had:

1. Babysitter extraordinare.

2. Beer cart girl at a golf course.

3. Waitress at Applebee's Restaurant.

4. Bartender

5. Worked at a law office-besides my husbands.

Oh, but did I mention my new job? Very excited to be taking on a few classes as an instructor this spring at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art! I've helped fill in for a few classes and events and have had a great time. I am so thrilled. It's one of my very favorite places to be!

Oh look! It's almost kickoff! Go Sooners! Time to open that pumpin ale. Catch ya'll later!

p.s.

p.s. I am so happy to see they indicted that beyotch Casey Anthony!

I know I know...innocent til proven guilty. Whatever! That's why I'm not the lawyer in the family and why I'd never be put on the jury for this one!

randomness

Geez. I seriously need a computer! My blogness is lacking. On an upside though, I bought new shoes today! Made the trek to Edmond to go to OKRunner. They are great there. There were other runners in the store that were happy to strike up running conversation and more eager to share advice with a newbie runner like me.

The shoes I bought are just an upgrade of my current shoes, but it's pretty exciting for me. Whoever would have thought that I would spend my extra pennies on running shoes instead of like...a pair of red high heels or something? Totally bizarre. They are the Saucony Omni 7. I also got a pair of socks. Balega...these have a bit more cushion than the Adidas ones I have been training in. I needed to try somehting new though because the Adidas ones are a bit low in the heel-leading to some blister action. Actually it's not really blisters-more like bloody mess. So, I'll give these a whirl. I've been wearing them around today and they seem nice.

I think I am going to do a 5K this Saturday. It's the Kelsey Briggs Run Against Child Abuse. All proceeds go to fight child abuse in Oklahoma and in 2005, this beautiful little girl lost her life to child abuse. A sad heart breaking stoppable and grewsome story. I remember feeling so much anger at the time story broke my heart. I wish there never had to be cases of child abuse. This is one race for sure I want my money to go to. It's at 8am-downtown at Regatta Park. Might be a bit chilly...especially since it's on the water. I better think about that. 9 miles this Sunday! Rock on!

Day blog!

I know. First of all, what am I doing blogging during a weekday!? Did I finally get a new home computer? Well, no. Not yet. Husband left his here with me since he was not going into the office this morning. He had to be up early for a hearing a few hours away. So, here I am. One kiddo is at school and the other is watching Toy Story. I should be doing laundry or making beds or anything but sitting here on my butt. However, I never get the computer during the day! So what have I done? Looked at Runners World, looked into booking my hotel room for the Route 66 half, caught up on blogs that I read, searched for Spiderman slippers for child no 1., pretty much just being worthless.

Yesterday I forgot to mention one of the great things I have gotten out of running. The fact that both boys, even at only the age of 2 and 4 have really taken to it. They have their own races in the front yard and tell me to cheer for them. Child no. 1 even stretches and takes water breaks. I love that I am passing along such a healthy and wonderful past-time! Child no.2 loves to run around and says, "I'm fast! Fast and fast and fast!" Makes me smile.

Speaking of fast and fast and fast! Wouldn't I like to be? :) All I can do is work a little harder. I am curious about a training group one of my friends is doing through Fleet Feet. She says they have really helped her-short and long distance-I might get some info on it to train harder for my second half-which will be the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in April. I am not setting unrealistic goals at all for the half in November. It is going to be a big accomplishment for me to finish. I'd like to just keep up with a pace group. I'll stay between the 2 hour and 2.5 hour group and try that. I am more nervous by the day. Can I really do this? I'm also needing to figure out food. So I really need to pop gels etc for a half? I don't want to have another Clif bar incident so I need to try these things out now! That's about it. Computer time is over. I am being called to put together train tracks! Run on!

RFTC '08

What a turn out!

It was a beautiful morning for the Komen Race for the Cure in downtown OKC. Woke up at 6 popped my Motrin and got showered up. I may have made a fatal mistake by changing up my race breakfast. I know it's against runners rules to try new things on a race day. Well some lessons are made through trial and error. I thought I'd try a Clif Bar. I got crunchy peanut butter and it was pretty tasty. A little dense, but good. About 30 minutes later I heard the rumble. I tried to dismiss it. ugh. My stomach did not take kindly to it and I had er...problems all morning. I almost popped an imodium, but I was worried about time so we left. Before we could head downtown though we had to make a stop at Dunkin Donuts. Munchkins and chocolate milk for the boys!

It was a bit of a trick finding parking. Husband and the boys ended up dropping me off so I would be able to meet my group in time while they headed off to park and find their spot at the finish line. I made my way to our group's rendezvous, but decided to go to the baseball stadium where we were supposed to have group pics. Saw fellow teammates and waited. Looked at my watch nervously. 8am. race starts at 8:15. From where I am, I think, it is going to take me a good 5-10 minutes to fight through this freaking crowd to line up. I decide to skip group photo. I make my way through the crowd and no one seems interested that the race is going to start in 10 minutes!

I figured I would line up at a faster pace mark because last year I really got stuck behind a ton of walkers. Well, lining up at the 8 minute mile didn't stop that! The sun was rising, they sang the national anthem and the gun went off. I was stuck. and not the kind of stuck where you can't run because no one can run-just stuck behind walkers that had no intention of running. I had a friend tell me, RFTC is not a runners race. It's a social event. He said it's really just too many people for a 5K to sucessfully give good running times. I was a little frustrated because I knew I had my personal goal in mind. I think I might have grumbled and growled a little, sorry.

Then I tried to relax, taking in the beautiful morning light and remember why I was really doing this race. For breast cancer prevention and to remember those who lost their battle and for those who are fighting it. The first mile was uphill. I am still fighting allergies and should have taken an Alavert. I had a hard time breathing due to mucus.

Hit the water stop and kept going. Music was good. Oh, my playlist?

Number 1 :Goldfrapp
One More Time :Daft Punk
Destroy Everything: Ladytron
Busy Child: Crystal Method
Thanks Fr Th Mmrs: Fall Out Boy
I Love my Sex: Benny Benassi
Satisfaction: Benny Benassi
Stronger: Kanye West

Wove my way through people. I felt good, considering I didn't run that much since being kinda sick in the past two weeks. I glanced at my watch and it said 25 minutes. I was over a km away. I was angry thinking, I'm not going to make it in time! (I didn't but that's okay) Then I got sidetracked. By a group of firemen in all of their gear marching together chanting something. Oh hotness. Focus, Erin! Then I rounded the corner and was literally stuck behind a stroller brigade. Ugh! Then I could see the finish line. I jumped around the strollers and I start looking for my boys. I look and look! There are thousands of freaking people! Then at the last second, there they are. They are yelling and cheering for me and seeing their faces made my morning. no clock at the finish. Look at my watch 31:12. Damn.

Results per DG racing:

31:52 /10:16 pace

510 out of 3491 women total

74 out of 454 for my age group (age 30-34)

sniffle cough hack spit

Is that enough to gross you out? It's what I've been doing for 2 days now. Coughing and hacking my brains out. Going from a runny nose to a stuffy nose. It is so annoying! It started as what I thought was allergies. Now it's in my chest and we all have it. The boys are all doing better. If we could just get our two year old to blow his nose. He doesn't know how to! Any ideas?

So, I have been running my usual distances. I was debating the St. Gregory's 5K this weekend. It is an hour from here and the race starts at 7:30 am. I also need to register and that would mean we would have to leave here extra early. This race earns points though for the running club I belong to. So...we shall see. My long run this weekend is 8 miles. I'll probably head out to Lake Hefner trails or the Oklahoma River trails. We shall see. I also HAVE to get new shoes. I'd like to get them this week-might have to do that tomorrow.

I am very excited to run the Race for the Cure 5k next weekend. My friend organized a team this year-boobylicious-we'll be in black t's with our team logo-I am pumped and not only is it a great cause, but it is important day for me because it is one year (hooray!) of running for me. It is the first race I ran and it has lead to an exciting year for me. I know I have much to learn and am doing so through the club I joined as well as reading so many of your blogs. They give advice and laughter so thank you bloggers.

I have a personal goal set for the RFTC. I am going to try finish in 30 minutes. I think I can do it. My brother has been training me mentally over the phone and he knows I can do it. (Balls to the wall, sister!) He finished his last race in 24 minutes-sigh. If I do, awesome. If not, it's okay too. I will not beat up on myself anymore. It's not healthy. I am doing a wonderful thing and time is just relative. That's about it.

So, off to blow my nose and get the boys in their jammies.

Quotations

I know I was being down on myself then I saw these.

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
-John Bingham, running speaker and writer

Slow Poke

Well, I can make up several excuses for why I SUCKED so bad today at the Geico Race for Freedom 10K. I really almost cried and I am so upset with myself. Embarassed! I am very critical of myself, so I think I'll have a party. A Pity Party!

My "Why I sucked today" excuses:

*Super High Humidity. I could barely breathe!

*Tired! Husband is out of town and I have not been sleeping well. (of course I blame myself for reading that damn vampire book until midnight!)

* No cheering squad. :( With husband out of town, I had to leave the boys with their Gran. I missed seeing all of their faces.

* Pee pee dance. At mile 4.5 I thought I was going to pee my pants. I really thought about jumping behind a bush.

*Blister. I can't complain about my shins because they did fine. I did however acquire a blister on the side of my arch on the inside of my left foot. My foot was on FIRE! (And no, I didn't get new shoes, I wasn't able to get down to Norman in time.) I do wear sweat proof socks...what's the deal?

*Wacky course. (this is stretching) The course was pretty odd. I hate not knowing where I am running, it makes it seem so loooong!

and finally. Truth be told. I am just slow! Not this slow though, geesh!

For the embarassing numbers...
My watch said 1:15:40.
DG says 1:17:40

13 out of 15 for my age group. then this is weird though, for the female totals I am last. What about those 2 females in my age group that are behind me? Whatever. I have work to do and need to just tell myself at least I got up and ran. I did feel good, just walked a lot and that is okay. I finished.

5 miles

Got my 5 miles in on Saturday morning with my baby brother. I say baby because there is a 10 year gap between us, he is 22. Big, strong 22 year old that kicked my ass on the trail. He came with me because of a bet, but it just ended up hurting both of us. He bet me that my hub and I could not hang with him the night before. I bet him I could (and I did), but he'd have to get up with me and the boys when they wake at 6 am AND run my 5 miles with me.

We both lost. The 5 miles, while beautiful, hurt so bad as we were terribly dehydrated. Probably due to all the rum and cokes we had the night before. At least I did not partake in the shots he and my husband had. He was way worse of than I was and still managed to smoke me. He was yelling, use those legs, sister! Come on, faster! Maybe I should hire him to move here and be my personal trainer! Regardless, we did the 5 miles. It hurt so good. Left shin is still killing me. Going to Norman this week to get new shoes. 2 mile hill work tonight! Yippee!

Lake Hefner Trails

I didn't have the chance to blog about my run last weekend at the Lake Hefner Trails. I met a new friend out there with the other Landrunners. We met at Stars and Stripes and did 5 miles. (Marathon runners did 10) The trail was great. 2 lanes friendly for cyclists and runners/walkers. There were lots of trees and the weather was nice. I'm not so sure I would run there alone though. Parts of it are pretty wooded. We ran 2.5 miles and turned around for another 2.5 back. I was tired from the 5k the day before. My left shin also fired up. I'm not sure what to do about it. I've been doing stretches and exercises for it. Then I've read that it's also about just getting on it and strengthening it. I've also taken plenty of Motrin. Sigh. Maybe I need new shoes again. Guess I'll go visit Craig at OK Runner and get some new scoots. I've been wanting some new ones anyway. I think I'm due!

This weekend I was planning on doing the Brookhaven run, but went out of town to visit family instead. I looked for a 5k here, but the only one I could find close is a mud run. I don't really want to run in a mud pit, sorry. So, for my "long run" this weekend I will hit the trails by my parents house. They have great trails here. 5 miles tomorrow. I can do it. Let's hope my shins can too!

Run with the Bulls

Not my best. Not my worst. Good run this morning at the OKC Stockyards for the Run with the Bulls. (No bulls were out, but maybe there should have been! Would have moved me faster!) The weather this morning was great. Picked up my packet, got my chip and hung out with my boys until we lined up. As the time got closer I kissed my cheering squad and the boys went with Daddy to have chocolate milk and donuts...a racing tradition!

Lined up mid to back. Gun went off and I felt good...til I hit that first incline. Let's just say I need to do some hill work. It busted my butt. I loved watching the sun come up over Oklahoma City-it was a great view. Reached the turnaround point and was glad to have some flat ground. I knew I was not doing my best when I glanced down at my watch. Then a man about a hundred years old flew by me. Then a blind runner passed me. Not my best day. Then it was the return of the hill. Hills are evil.

I saw some familiar Landrunner faces and my next door neighbor was out. He had a great time of 24 minutes! He is a marathoner and is the one that pushed me to join Landrunners. I hope I can learn a lot from everyone.

I hit the second water stop and still felt good, I was just more tired. I know this is because I have not been running as much as I should. This is changing this week though as I seriously start the 12 week program til the half. As I drew closer to the finish line I saw my sweet boys-husband and 2 little ones-all cheering my name. I couldn't do it without them! Crossed at 33:26 106 out of 159 female runners. 16 out of 19 for my division. Guess I have work to do. I have to get below 30 minutes!!!!!!!!!!! Long run tomorrow with a friend. Gotta get my 5 miles in-I know that's not a long run to most-but it's my half schedule. OH- what is my program anyway? Hal Higdon's half marathon for a beginner.

I am a landrunner

Tonight I joined the Oklahoma City Running Club, Landrunners. I was a bit nervous when I pulled into the parking lot and saw all of 26.2 stickers on the back of cars. Very intimidating to say the least. I thought about leaving! I thought-I'm no marathoner-not yet! Then I spoke to my husband-he told me to get in there! So I did. The people were all incredibly friendly and welcomed me warmly. The speaker was great. He spoke about runners being part of a fraternity and how crossing the finish line whether we're first or last makes us part of that special club. He spoke about how 3 years ago he found himself overweight and slowly, very slowly he started walking...just moving. It all starts with just moving. He spoke about his first marathon and how he wept when he reached the finish line. He did it. While he had help along the way with training he did the marathon for himself. No one can do it for you. You have to do it yourself. While runners sometimes carry people with them in their hearts or on their minds, they cross on their own from their own hard work, blood, sweat and tears. I can't wait to get there. I hope I can. Run with the Bulls coming up this weekend! I am READY!

Olympics!

I have enjoyed watching the Olympics the past few nights. It really was history in the making. Michael Phelps is an awesome athlete. Have you seen his meal plan? 12,000 calories a day!!!! Wow.


Breakfast: 3 fried-egg sandwiches w/ cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, fried onions and mayonnaise.

Brunch: 3 slices of french toast w/ powered sugar, a 5 egg omelet, 3 chocolate chip pancakes, a heaping bowl of grits, and 2 cups of coffee to wash it all down.

Lunch: 1 pound of pasta, 2 large ham and cheese sandwiches slathered (with mayo…of course!) and 1,000 calories of energy drinks to choke it down.

Dinner: Another pound of pasta and a whole pizza!

And of course he needs another 1,000 calories in energy drinks to hit the grand total of…drum roll please…12,000 CALORIES!!!

Thanks to blogger, Donklephant for that impressive information.

Watching Track and Field has been exciting as well. I am just so impressed and amazed with the runners. Watching Usain Bolt (appropriate last name, don't you think?) last night was amazing.


I mean, all of the athletes are the very best-but wow. His physique...his calmness-making it look so easy-looking around, pounding his chest. He made it look like a walk in the park. Walk, no. Bolt, yes. His long legs seemed to propel him in lighting speed as he seemed to just leave the others in the well, dust. Set a new World Record too. 100m at 9.69. I guess I have some work to do!

easy 3

Back to the beginning of my training program for the half marathon. This morning I ran an easy 3 miles around our park. The hills are pretty good. You think it would be flat, but it's not. I didn't run with my iPod, which always drags things out, but I did it. It was a nice morning, besides the heat. I tried out my water belt. I have not run with it before. I felt kindof nerdy, but kept hydrated. I only took water after each mile. I'm trying to go longer without it... but got spoiled by running at the treadmill-water very handy. Of course I have pretty much just been road running since the treadmill really flares up my shin splints. How are they anyway? Well... my left is aggravated. It hurts until I get about a half mile in, then goes away. I found a really good article though and have been doing these exercises daily to help-or so I hope. At least the pain in my right leg is no more! yay!

Oh, here is that article. Shin Splints

So what!

I talked to my brother the other day. He is at the ripe old age of 22. I am 32. I told him about my last race and how excited I was to have my best time. He asked what it was. I told him. He laughed and said, "you're not telling people that are you?"

I felt embarrassed for a moment. Then I thought, NO! So what! At least my ass IS running!

Ohhh, and I noticed something really cool on my Nike tanks. I noticed the label said Nike +. I was like, what??? Then I kept looking at this plastic piece on the back of the shirt-midback. It came to me suddenly and I went and grabbed my ipod. Yesssss. The cord snaps into a little groove in the back. It keeps it from swinging into my face. Way cool. I'll take a pic of it soon to show you!

New runs coming up soon!

Midnight Streak 2008

My best 5K time! 31:18. 179 out of 286 female runners. This was a great run that began at 11pm. I made my playlist early in the day-newly adding Benni Benassi-Satisfaction. Moved my butt!

Registered and picked up my packet at 8. Came home, warmed up, stretched and mentally prepared myself. Got dressed in one of my new Nike tank tops. (It also has a reflector stripe really small along one of the shoulder seams-perfect for the night race!) It really helped keep me cool with it's fit dry protection. I think I definitely put it to the test as I ran in 90 something degree weather. I also made another change to dressing. I wore a pair of spandex bike shorts under my running shorts. This really helped the shorts from riding up and kept me from constantly adjusting and tugging at them as I ran.

Loaded the boys up at about 10:15 and made our way to the fairgrounds. Met my racing buddy and we chatted until go time. I watched my boys run in circles, waiting-what a good sport Daddy is! :)

Gun went off and away we went. It was strange running a race in the dark. When I started the Memorial Run, it was early morning and still dark, but it was not quite the same thing. This was really DARK! They did have a lot of volunteers and policemen along the course, that helped. I felt great. This was the first race that marked the course at kilometers instead of miles, that was strange to me as I am used to looking at my watch for miles. My pace was off, but I guess being that it was my best time, it was okay!

When I hit the water stop, I figured that was at least halfway. It also took some time away from me as they did not have it ready, I had to wait. That irks me. BE PREPARED!

Off again....I know I am a bit ahead of my usual pace because when a volunteer said, "half mile to go", my last song wasn't on yet. This is good I said. I could see the home stretch and a man running beside me said to someone he was running with "let's go! Finish strong!" and he bolted. So did I. Saw my sweet boys on my left and was so proud they were there to watch-even waaaay past their bedtime!

Saw the time as I ran in, very excited. I wonder though, there were not any start mats at this run-not that I saw anyway. Can I give myself a plus 15 -30 seconds at least for guntime? :) Next I will work on busting in under that 30 minute mark. I feel I am making pretty good progress!

Red Earth 5K

Up early for another 5K yesterday. It was the Red Earth 5K. Great event maybe about 250 runners or so? It was on the Oklahoma River at Regatta Park. Woke up, ate my toast with a bit of peanut butter and we loaded up the troops. We stopped to get the boys their usual donut holes and chocolate milk. Then we stopped to get me my sugar free RedBull.

Got there around 7:30 to register and get my chip. They had bananas, so I grabbed one of those and ate it, since I didn't have any at home. Lined up and the race started at 8am. I was off to a good start and finished my first mile in 9:22. Then the wind hit. Hard. There were times I felt I was running in place, not going anywhere. It was wicked. I felt great other than that and kept on. The trail was nice, a few hills and we went under a few overpasses. There were a few rowers out on the water. I kept my music playing so I didn't have to hear the rumble of highway traffic. Which reminds me, I need a new race playlist. I am sick of the two I have. Yesterday I rocked out to the same, Goldfrapp, Benny Benassi, LCD Soundsystem, Feist and Daft Punk.

There was one water stop at the turnaround point and I was fine. I thought once we turned around, the wind would be better. Nope. Made my way back to the start-finish line and saw my boys cheering me on! Came to the finish line and felt great!

Afterwards we walked around the Boathouse and watched rowing teams getting ready for what must have been a competition. There were lots of tents and tons of people milling around. Can't wait for the next race, hopefully without wind so I can work on beating this time!

Race time: 33:56

39 out of 73 in overall female. 6 out of 12 for my age group.

Sooner State Games

Last weekend,I participated in the Sooner State Games 10k at Lake Overholser. I had never been out to Lake Overholser, and it was beautiful. I got out there with the boys about 40 minutes before the race. I didn't get a chip in my race packet, and knew it was chip timed, so I wandered towards the pavilion to see if I could get one. Turns out no one gets them in the packet, they are borrowed, and returned. So, I got my number 78, affixed it to my shoe and wandered around. They had a nice spread of snacks and drinks set out, so I grabbed a bottle of water and went back to the car to meet the boys.

The boys were excited to watch me run. I made my way to the start line with about 140 or so other runners. It was cool, sunny and very relaxed. It's a go and we are off. Number One by Goldfrapp gets me going. What a great day. Mile one I felt I had a good pace.The 5k turnaround was there quickly and I watched most people turn around. I kept going. Mile two and three were great also. We made our way across the Old Route 66 bridge and I kept looking out for the 10k turnaround. I walked a bit here, felt a little tired. I only ran about twice in the past two weeks. Not so good. Back to it though, so next one should be better, anyway, my split time was 34:35 according to my watch. I started running again and then I walked some more. Ran than walked. Still knew I was doing ok. My goal was 1:15. It was really such a beautiful morning. The runners were relaxed and nice. Everyone smiled and waved to each other. Although there were not people cheering on the sidelines, the runners were good about keeping spirits up. This was not a group that needed cheerleaders. We were out to have fun doing what we like, running. I look at my watch, I know I am getting closer to finishing. I do not walk again. Just outside the finish line, my boys were waiting. I heard Alex first, "Go Mom, GO! YEA MOM!" I got close enough to see their smiling faces and it made me very happy. It's great to have a support system like I do. By my watch I was thrilled. I was at 1:09. I beat what I thought I'd do it in. Not a record breaking time, but super for me. I'm just happy to be out there. My final chip time was 1:10:51. Whats next?

What a day it was!

I think I have a few minutes to recapture my first 10k race as a relay member for the OKC Memorial Marathon. I ran the race route the week before and did pretty well. I started watching the forecast the week before and was nervous at the cool weather that was creeping in, along with rain and wind.

I was also nervous being part of a relay team...what if I wasn't fast enough? Even if it is just for fun? Well, those were some of my last thoughts when I went to bed the night before the race. Too bad I woke up around 3am...coughing. And coughing. And coughing. My 2 year old woke up. I looked at the clock bleary eyed. Man oh man. After that I was keyed up. I was ready to run right then. Alarm went off at 5am. I hopped in the shower, got dressed and made my piece of wheat toast. I put some peanut butter on it, ate half a banana and washed it down with half a sugar free redbull. Ready to rumble!

Looked outside. Rain. Temp about 40.Wind made it a bit cooler. Husband woke up and loaded the kids in the car at 6am. He made me a last minute poncho out of a garbage bag. So glad he did. The anticipation began to build as we headed downtown, which isn't too far from where we live, only about a 7 minute drive. The boys dropped me off and I joined a large procession of others, marching in the rain to line up.

I decided to use the bathroom one last time and put myself in the corral. I could barely see the start line. I jog in place...get my iPod ready and make small talk with the others around me. We are so ready. The National Anthem begins and I put my hand over my heart. It's not just a run....I think of the lives lost right there. I begin to tear up. Finally the horn sounds. We don't move and inch.



About 5 minutes later we move a step. One step. We all look at each other and laugh, smile. 2 more minutes and we are off to a walk. Turn my iPod up...Goldfrapp starts in with Number One.... oh yeah. I am ready. 4 more minutes and I hit the start banner. I tear my poncho off along with the thousands of others. I hop, skip, and jump over all the trash! I hit start on my watch and I am off to a slow trot.



Things finally start to weed out. I have a bit off room to maneuver. I tell myself, pace yourself! Don't go out too fast. At mile 1, I look at my watch-9:48-going good.

I keep it up and hit my first walking spot at the Walnut Street Bridge. The incline is pretty steep. I ran up halfway, and decided not to spend that much energy on that. Leveled out right at the top and was off again. Still cold. Glad I had those gloves. When I turned North on Lincoln, the wind really hit, but I didn't feel cold. I actually shed my long sleeve t around the capital. So many people cheering....really keeps you going.

I hardly notice what is going on around me. I am focused on the road. I hit the half mark-glance at my watch. 30:42. Really good for me. Hit Oklahoma and turned west on 23rd. Things got tight here, as they could not shut it all down. I start to get close to my neighborhood. Run north on Robinson. Medics are treating a girl...I try not to let this slow me down, but I say a quick prayer that she is alright. Past Goodholm park a cop car is on Robinson. The policewoman is yelling for relayers to go straight-and marathoners to the left. There is suddenly confusion. Some people go straight...I know straight is not the course, but she said relayers...I go straight...for a few steps. I shout at her and turn back. I knew it wasn't right. It kinda pisses me off. I need every second I can get!!!!!! GRRRRR!!!

Head down Harvey and get to my territory. Little american flags lined the street. I think I am doing pretty well, My family is supposed to be on the left here, so I move to the left. They could not cross to that side, I noticed them on a corner with other neighbors on the right side. I cannot cross over. I shout my husbands name! They see me and wave. This part is pretty hilly. I turn through the park towards Walker. I walk again...just to the top of the hill. I am so close to the finish line where I hand off. Once I am on Walker, I pick it up. Cross 36th, see the crowd. I am looking for Chandra like mad. Hit stop on my watch. 1:07. Triumphant. Still looking for my relay mate. Find her. She is ready to go. I pass off the ankle band and belt. I wish her luck. I am totally high on adrenaline. I did it. I got a medal, grab some powerade and make my way home. I walk back towards runners. I see an old high school friend. I cheer her on. Walk through the park and see my family and neighbors waiting. I was so happy. They all congratulated me. My husband was so proud. He said my run time was great, he actually expected me later-and missed taking a pic!

Final results in. I finish at 1:09:05

Relay team
time: 4:32:05
guntime: 4:40:55
pace: 10:24

10k 1:09:05
15k 1:43:25
half 2:17:10
27k 2:46:47
32k 3:19:43

OKC Memorial Marathon

Wow. What an amazing experience. I loved every second. My time from crossing the start line til hand off for relay was 1 hour, 7 minutes! Personal best for 10k. I felt very strong. More to come later...duty calls.

Ran 10k this morning!

I am so super pumped. I ran the race route this morning. 10k. 6.2 miles. Actually it was more than that as I ran on the other side of Lincoln (which took me on a big bend around the other side of the capital) so my husband could keep up with me. He drove the car along with me, staying ahead and giving me water breaks every 1.5 miles, like it will be on race day. He cheered me on, gave me cat calls, it was great. Actually, I was very glad he did it, as some of that route is pretty...how can I say politely....a bit dicey.
I wore the gear I'll wear on race day-all worked great! Loving those new shoes.

The second mile was probably the worst. Not sure why. Once I hit mile 4 I started bookin it. I really knew where I was and how far I had to go. Through my neighborhood went great and when I imagine the exchange coming up, I all out sprinted.

I can only imagine what my time will be without having to wait at crosswalks and having the ability to use my ipod. I am so pumped!!!! WEEEEEEEE!!!!

I can hardly wait to pick my next race. Yes, this one is not passed, and I am thinking to the future.

One week!

Well, all is well here! I am so excited for next weekend. I decided not to do the half. Realistically, I am just not ready. Thankfully, my friend offered me a relay spot with OKRunner and I think it will be perfect for me! I am doing the 10k first leg of the OKC Memorial Marathon. (click on enlarge map to see my route!) So, I get to start the race-6:30 am and run through my neighborhood. It's perfect! And it will give me a better base to prepare myself for a half down the road.

I got some new scoots. Very excited to have met Craig at OKRunner. He got me set up in some Saucony Omni 6's. He was able to tell right off the bat what my problems are. I roll in. I have almost flat feet. I need support and stability. He hooked me up! Also got my race gear. The OKRunner relay teams are wearing the Nike Livestrong collection. I got shorts and a shirt-awesome. The cool part about that collection is that proceeds go to the Lance Armstrong foundation. I am all in for beating cancer. It's a beast. My dad beat his battle with prostate cancer and my 2 year old nephew (Brandon) fought his hepatoblastoma battle and won. Read his Caringbridge journal. What a fighter!!!!!! He is an AMAZING inspiration and sometimes when I run if I'm hurting I actually think of him and he pushes me through it.

Been keeping up running, last night I only did 2.5. Had to try out my new shoes, and I didn't want to get blisters. No blisters. No rubbing and I could really tell that the shoes tried to help me from rolling in. The inside of the heel on these shoes is a bit taller-so the shoe tries to correct this problem for me.

I have been searching around online a lot for articles. This one bothered me. The Most Annoying Runner Ever at Runner's World. While some of it is funny, and I even agree with some of them, I think most of these people are runner snobs and seem to have forgotten they they too were once beginners. At least these annoying new runners are RUNNING! We are not sitting on the couch. We are works in progress. Help us along. I don't know, it just got under my skin.

So, those Redbud results....38....gulp 05. 92 out of 149 women for my age group. 573 out of 970 women. Blech. Not typical and I'm not going to let it get to me. Everyone has a bad day and that was mine. My sweet husband told me, forget about it! I did...sort of.

Bummed

I am my own worst critic, but I am bummed! Met my dear friend Chandra yesterday an hour before the race yesterday. It was a beautiful day-70 something degrees. I'm guessing there were about 5000 people or so. We made our way to the line up and inserted ourselves around the 9 minute pacemark. I had just run a 5k in 32 minutes on Thursday, so I was wanting a 31 minute goal finish time.

Didn't happen.

I had my worst time ever. I couldn't even run the whole thing. My body said no, no, no! I was dehydrated. Hit mile 1 no problem, but I was really needing that water. No water. Then all my mind kept thinking about is, where is that water? Water, oh water!? About a half mile later there was water, but she couldn't even keep up with the people, so I waited for about 30 seconds. I picked up my pace again... ran about another mile and body said...you need energy. Your gas tank is almost empty! I don't know what was going on with me! I'm really not trying to make excuses, but I didn't eat that much-worried about an upset stomach. I guess I am just used to running in the morning, so I know how to fuel myself for that. Anyway, I walked again and not even Kanye could get my butt moving. 3/4 mile out I ran again. I was tired. I could hear the finish line. I glanced at the clock feeling defeated. We'll see the final results online, but I saw 38.something. BLAH!!!!!

Found Chandra and her husband-looked for mine and my boys. Finally caught up with them and they looked so proud. That made me feel better, but I couldn't help but beat myself up all day. I just have to tell myself I did it. I did finish and hopefully I'll also have learned something from this. Eat more, drink more and return to my old playlist, lol.

Will post pics and official time later.

Recovery

Where has the time gone? Seems like we've been sick forever. We've all had something, passing it along back and forth to one another. I have also been battling serious headaches with dizziness. I finally saw the doctor. While I do have fluid in my ears, and my nasal passages are swollen, he does not believe that to be what is bugging me. My headaches are not sinus. They come up my neck and settle into the back of my head. He believes it is muscular and to see if that is what the problem is, I am on muscle relaxers at night and I am to log any headaches. I am also not to lift anything above my head-really past my arms extended straight out. So far so good! Could it really be this simple? I will probably have to seek physical therapy to learn some stretches, etc. Don't want to stay on meds forever!

Running has slowed down. I am running the Redbud Classic 5K tomorrow and am very excited about it. Here is my playlist:

1. Do the Whirlwind-Architecture in Helsinki
2. Over and over again- Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
3. Simply Being Loved- BT
4. One More Time- Daft Punk
5. I Love My Sex- Benny Benassi
6. Intergalactic- Beastie Boys
7. Where's your Head at? Basement Jaxx
8. Stronger- Kanye West

Pumped! I hope I run my tail off! I have a personal goal time in mind, but I'm not going to worry about it. Well, not too much.

Wake up toes!

Why do my last two toes on my right foot fall asleep while running? Wake up toes! It is so annoying. Got to the gym this afternoon to knock out 5 miles. Ran 4, walked 1. Then I did arms and abs. Lifted 10,100 lbs. I actually took yesterday off...dang shins were aching. BAD. I keep doing stretches for them and take Motrin...they were better this morning. I just wish it would warm up about 10 degrees so I can run outside. Problem should be solved.

Todays power song was: I love my sex-Benny Benassi. ha. Don't laugh. It's bumpin and it makes me R-U-N my ass off! It will be in my 1/2 marathon playlist for sure!

Date night with my hot husband tonight! Super excited. We are going to dinner and maybe a movie. I wish I could have a glass of vino...Hurry up Easter! (I gave up alcohol for lent.)

No more here! Big run tomorrow!!!!

Yesterdays workout

Well, I had plenty of workout around the house yesterday. I lifted two kiddos around, crawled on the ground being a dinosaur, danced in the kitchen, had a race in the backyard with my 4 year old and just generally had fun. Being a stay at home Mom has it's perks!

Last night I got to the gym after we put the boys down. It was a 2 mile or cross train day. I hopped on the treadmill and could feel it....my shins. I don't know why the treadmill bothers them so much. I only ran 1.5 miles then went to the bike. I talked to one of my friends about it. She has the same prob on the treadmill.Soon it will be warm enough to run outside all the time and I won't have to worry about it.

Did 5 miles on the bike and just did abs. Did a lot of stretching and came home to find dinner ready and waiting for me after a nice long hot shower. What will today bring? Oh yeah, Parent teacher conferences! Yikes!

Tuesday, Mar 4, 2008

I was getting my kiddos ready for MDO yesterday when my 4 year old asked if I was going to the gym. I said yes. He said, well, you can't I already went to the gym and put a sign on the door and it says to go home. He is so funny! Lately he just wants me at home. period. I'll take all the lovin I can get from him as long as he's giving it!

I dropped them off and got the they gym. I ran 3 miles, walked one. I did arms and abs as well. I think when I logged out there I had lifted like 9800 lbs. By the time I left, instead of feeling energized, I was TIRED. I have been tired for days, as our little one is waking every night anywhere from 4-5 in the morning! It's killing us! I think we may have to keep him from his 2 hour nap. I'd rather get some decent sleep at night!

So, tonight I will do crosstraining on the bike. Is there really only like 55 days til this thing!?

Today's workout

An extremely windy day today got me into the gym to do today's miles. Being out with the flu for a little over a week, I was surprised at how out of shape I felt already! According to schedule, I was to run 6 miles today-Sundays being my long runs. I did do 6 miles, but I only ran 3 of them. I didn't want to overdo it since being sick.

For my 30th birthday my husband got me an iPod. I wanted the 30gb so I could put ALL my music in it...it holds like 7800 songs or something ridiculous, but when you love music, it's not so ridiculous afterall. Anyway-I prefer to run to music. So, my friend told me I needed to look into Nike+.

I did and I am really disappointed in the fact that you have to have a Nano. Soooo frustrated. I'll just have to use this as my log. Maybe sometime I will get a Nano just for that reason, but it's not in my budget right now.

Today I listened to my dance mix. I listed to all sorts of music, but often when running, I prefer a techno/electro... fast beat. Todays power song was "Destroy Everything you touch" by Ladytron. It came on, and my running boosted to do a 8 minute mile. Did I mention I'm not really about speed yet? I'm just here to finish, we'll work on speed later.

Tomorrow is a strengthen and stretch day...I'll be up at 5:30 to hit the gym. Back tomorrow!

Getting back to it.

So, training has taken a back seat as we have all been sick. My 4 year old and I both had the flu. No fun at all, except it was great having everyone take such good care of us! I am going to miss having dinner dropped off at the door!

This week I will resume training. I am doing Hal Higdon's Novice program.

Did I mention I am a novice? I walked my first 5k for Heroes for Children in Sept 07. (I will do this again as HFC is very near and dear to my heart-I will blog about that later.) I did it with my sis and nephews-helped push a stroller and finished in about 45 minutes. It gave me the bug of wanting to run one. The race atmosphere was now in my blood. I ran my first 5k for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in October 07. I loved every second of it. Lining up with some of my girlfriends and 14,000 other people on a brisk morning...iPod rockin finished in 35min 45 seconds. My next conquest was done in Kansas City with my brother-The Thanksgiving 5K in Overland Park. It was a chilling 22 degrees, but I finished 33 minutes 29 seconds with my Dad, husband and son cheering me on. I have great cheerleaders!

It's been a little cold for me as far as running outside. Not to mention ice and snow factors, but I think that is over for the most part. So, I have been running on the treadmill at the gym. I dislike running on the treadmill-it gives me shinsplints. That is another story. I overpronate. I am aware of it. I do stretches for them, and for now they are gone and I hope they don't come back!

Duty calls, I will return...

Training

I am training for my first half marathon. I am planning on running the Oklahoma City Memorial half Marathon Sunday, April 27th in OKC. This is to help me talk about training among the other daily things here...like being a mom. More to come. I'm just getting started.