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!