It's getting closer....

Well, I sure have slacked when it comes to blogging about the training for my upcoming Marathon. Rob told me he was disappointed I haven't kept it up, so...I will try to do a little catch up.

After Week 7 of training and a 14 mile run, we flew to Florida for 10 days of Disney adventure. The running definitely took a back seat to Disney World and a Disney cruise, but I was able to get a couple runs in during those 2 weeks. One was a 5K race on Disney's private island Castaway Cay with Millie and Jacob.

We flew to Utah for Thanksgiving and I got a 7 mile run in before Thanksgiving dinner, and squeezed in 16 miles somehow between family photo's and an 11 hour drive home on Saturday.

We returned home to Arizona and back into training full force. We were in the stretch of the long runs. Who would have thought 4 months ago I would run 5 miles, 8 miles, 5 miles, and then 16 miles in a week. Then turn around and do the same thing the next week, and then increase the 16 miles to 18 for two more weeks? Well, I never would have....but I did it!

The second 16 miler I had a really upset stomach the second half of the run. I kept going but I was really cramping and in a lot of pain toward the end. I had to stop and walk for a couple minutes at mile 15, but I pushed through the pain and finished it...not like I had a lot of choice, I had to get home and running is faster than walking :).

The first 18 mile run was an emotional experience for me. I was feeling a lot of pain, and fatigue at the end of the run. I hit mile 17 and didn't think I could go any further. Just then the song, "Something That I Want" from Tangled started playing. It is an upbeat song about a girl going after something that she wants and needs... I started thinking about how hard I have worked and prioritized to run this Marathon, about all the hours and effort I have put in, and how this is something that I really want, and maybe even need. I pulled some new found energy from somewhere I didn't know I had and just started running.... I felt so much emotion, I felt like anything is possible when you believe, that it may not be easy, but we can do what we set our minds to do. I cried, and ran, and finished 18 miles feeling strong and like I could do anything.

Last week was a repeat training schedule from the week before, I ran 5, 8, 5, and then 18 miles again. The 18 miler fell on Christmas Eve, and I really didn't want to do it. But Rob and I put on our running clothes anyway, and went out and ran 18 miles. This 18 miles was a lot easier than the first 18. I don't know if it's because I had already done it once, or if it was because Rob ran with me (for the first 15-16 at least) or if I was better fueled or hydrated, but I felt great and knew I could keep going. That's good, because in two weeks I will have to keep going....for 8 more miles. I know I can do it!

We are now officially on the taper. It feels so good to know there are no more long runs until race day January 15. This week's training is 5, 8, 5, and 9 miles for the long run. I have actually struggled a little this week so far. I have felt sluggish and heavy these last few runs. I have not been able to really feel effortless and fast like I have in the past. I'm not sure if this is a physical problem or a mental one, but I hope to get it corrected soon!

12 miles

This week's training schedule had us run 4, 6, 4, and 12 miles.

The four mile runs went fine, no issues, pretty unremarkable, except for further decreasing my time, yeah! I ran the six mile again on the treadmill.

The trouble started with my 12 mile run. Not that is was trouble, the run itself actually went really well. Rob and I went a little later at night. I worked Friday night, and after I got up we had some errands and then ate dinner and got all the kids ready and settled into bed before we actually started our run at about 8pm. I was able to mentally and physically stay strong and motivated. Rob and I both agreed that it is amazing that we have come so far. At the beginning of training 12 miles seemed so long, and now we're doing it with little difficulty...

Except for my knees. They both started out a little achy but that went away and they felt great until between 5 and 6 miles. Then they really started to hurt, especially my left one. The pain would come in waves; achy and sore, alternating with sharp stabbing pain that made me feel like I could hardly walk, let alone keep running. I kept going, because I knew if I stopped they would really stiffen up and I wouldn't be able to get going again. It is extremely frustrating, because outside of the knee pain, I felt like I could run and run and run. I really wasn't too tired or fatigued. I finished the run with a good time, even though I was frustrated with pain.

For those with a weaker stomach, skip this next section. My stomach started cramping and rolling the last couple miles. I really needed to get home, if you know what I mean. I got home and through the gates and headed straight for the pool. I sped walked past a couple making out in the hot tub and made it just in time to the bathroom. Pheww.

Anyway, I'm having a little bit of internal debate and uncertainty at how to further proceed in my training. Today, after resting 2 days my knees are feeling somewhat better. I have been icing and taking ibuprofen. I also started taking Glucosamine today. But, I'm not running. I'm afraid at how far I should push this pain. I don't want to cause further damage, but I also really don't want to miss out on any training. I keep thinking my knees will get used to the added strain and get better on their own, but now I'm beginning to wonder. hmmmm. I just don't know.

Well, I guess you will just have to stay tuned for next week to see what I decided.

It just keeps getting better...

Training went really well this week. I really feel like my body is adjusting to the endurance of running. It is really amazing for me to think about how far I have come in 4 months. I never thought I would get to the point that I actually like running! Amazing!

This week the runs were 4, 5(6), 4 and 11. The first 4 miles went great, I really pushed myself to try and made a quicker pace. I thought I was going to break the 9 minute pace...no such luck. But it's OK, it still felt good.

The second run was supposed to be 5 miles, however, somehow I thought it was 6. So...I ran 6. I ended up running on the treadmill. I have mixed feelings about treadmills. I was able to run at a pretty good pace, but it is so monotonous, even with the TV going. I feel like I can just stop at anytime, and it feels so much longer.

The last two runs were a special treat. Rob actually ran with me! I guess I am now such a speed demon that we are running at the same speed now. I was surprised at how much of a difference it made. I was able to run the 4 miles at my fastest time ever. 9:09. It was nice to just have the distraction of another person there, and it helped me push myself. The run was very comfortable too.

Today we ran 11 miles. It went so well too! Rob and I ran together the whole run, we never stopped and ran a 10:30 pace. I felt like I had adequate energy. My body didn't feel overly tired. My muscles, lungs, and heart felt very strong and I felt I could have run longer. The only thing that held me back were my knees. They both started out achy even though I took ibuprofen before we left. The pain got worse about half way in, especially the left. After the run, I iced and used Tiger balm. I think knee pain may just be something I have to deal with. It's OK as long as I don't injure myself.

Ten

10 miles. A testament to the power of visualizations and mental strategies.

Last weeks runs, were 3, 5, 3, and ...10! I worked at making 2 mental "videos" to play while I ran to help me keep going. One video is of a training run that I had that felt really well and I felt strong. The other is a visualization of myself crossing the finish line the day of the marathon. I had to construct these videos in my mind with as much detail as possible and play them over and over until they become familiar. While I was running my 10-miler, I played these videos. I was surprised at how well it actually worked! It was still difficult, I was still tired, but it wasn't that bad. I felt renewed and was able to go faster with less effort with the mental strategies. My pace was about 45 seconds faster on this 10 mile run than it was on the 8 mile.

This week...11 miles...bring it on!

Roadrunner

This last week's training schedule was 3, 5, 3, and 8 miles. I ran tuesday, wednesday, thursday and saturday. The first two runs went well without any notable problems or issues. I ran my 3 mile run on tuesday my fastest time yet, not that it matters, but it makes me feel good. Thursday's 3 miler I really dragged. I ran in the evening and the weather was ok, but I felt really tired. Rob thinks it was because it was the third day in the row of running. Lets hope so.


Saturday was my 8 mile run. To be honest, I really had a hard time with it. For starters, I didn't get to go out in the morning like I had planned. I started the run at about 4 pm, in the blazing heat. The sun was hot and it was 96 degrees when I started. Secondly, I was mentally not at my peak and had a rough couple days leading up to the run. I had a hard time keeping my thoughts positive, and for the first time since training, I really struggled with negative thoughts. I have been tired and had discomfort in the past but I have never really wanted to stop until Saturday. I started doubting my ability to do this training, and wondered how I was going to do 10, 12, 18, and then 26 miles if this 8 mile run was so hard! I kept myself going. I told myself that this run was my test, and I needed to prove to myself that I was stronger than the conditions around me. That my mind was in charge, not my body. I know I need to focus on what I am doing while I am running and not worry about what is coming up, but it's hard sometimes to focus your mind. I know I have a long way to go to train myself mentally to do this. I finished the run, but it was slow, stumbling and clumsy. I think I even shuffled my feet at some points. I did finish, didn't stop or walk, and I survived. My knees however, were pretty sore near the end, and have been pretty sore since. Thank goodness for a day or recovery after a long run. I really need it.


The highlight of my run was seeing a roadrunner at about mile 4. I've never seen one so that was cool. Especially since I am road runner...hee hee. I have seen quite the variety of desert animals on my runs thus far. The trail I have been running on is called Skunk Creek Trail. It runs beside a dry creek bed. I've seen multitudes of cotton-tailed rabbits. They are always running across the running path and through the shrubbery. There are also many quails, and mourning doves. I've seen a few lizards, and I even once saw a coyote at night.


This week I have also been focusing on stretching. I've tried to make sure and stretch well after the runs. I like stretching, but usually I am in too much of a rush to concentrate on stretching well. So, I've tried to get a good all body stretching session at the completion of each run.

Training...continued.

Training continues. It's going great! My mileage last week was 3, 4, 3, and 7. I tried to increase my pace on the shorter runs. I figure that if I can increase my heart rate and speed on the short runs, it will help with endurance on the longer runs. I have been able to decrease my time on each 3 mile run, even if only by a few seconds. I have also been trying to start my pace slower to warm up and make the second half of the run a little faster than the first half.

My most difficult run was the 4 mile. I got really tired and slowed down the second half. I also got a side ache the last mile that I had to push through. Yuck. What's up with those?

I ran the 7 mile with Rob on Saturday. It is the furthest I have ever run. I was excited to do it because I knew I could! I told myself that it didn't matter how fast I ran or how long it took, as long as I did it and didn't stop. Well, it went great! It felt a lot better than my 6 mile from the week before. I tried to push my pace to where I felt comfortable but not too winded or in pain. I fueled at about mile 5 with half a mini Clif bar, and I really think that helped me finish those last couple miles. I was able to run it at a whole minute faster pace than the 6 mile. I don't anticipate all the upcoming long runs to feel so good, but it doesn't matter! Right guys? It may hurt, I may get tired and want to stop, my knees and hips may ache, but it doesn't matter! I will run and not stop!

Marathon

OK, so I have decided to run a marathon. I have to put it out there so I am obligated now to actually follow through and do it, right? I am planning on running the P.F. Changs Rock and Roll Marathon in Phoenix on January 15, 2012.

So, why am I doing this? Good question. I've been exercising, running and doing weight watchers since mid-May. I've lost 20 pounds and really feel good about what I've been able to achieve. So, why not push myself a little harder and do something I've never thought I could do? A couple years ago Millie and Jacob ran the same marathon, and watching them and all the other runners was very inspiring. It was amazing to see all the different sizes and types of people who were able to push themselves to run 26 miles! If they can do it, so can I!

I've just started my official training September 19. So far, things are going well! This last week I ran 3, 4, 3, and 6 miles. My knees are starting to bother me a little bit, but I'm hoping they will adjust to the extra mileage and be ok. I'm a little nervous about the longer training runs coming, but I know I can do it. I am just going to run, and not stop. Pretty simple right? I can do that...:)

I'm not alone in this either! Millie is running it again, and Rob is going to be a first-timer with me. Katie and Brandon are also running the half marathon that day. It'll be fun having all these people going through the same thing to support each other. Well, wish me luck, I'll keep the blog updated on my progress!

First word

Well, I think it's official. Robi's first word. ....uh oh! She's said it a couple times, and it seems to be in context, like when she is standing and falls down, or when she drops a toy. It's only been a few times, but I am calling it. Robi has spoken. Yea!!! Now she just needs to learn how to walk and grow some teeth! It's OK, no hurry! She can stay a baby as long as she wants :)

Big Steps

So...it sure has been a while since I added to our blog. I guess I'll make the excuse that I've been busy. Not that I haven't but I'm sure I could have squeezed in time somewhere. Oh well! I was just reading Millie's blog about the funny things Ellery says. It sure made me chuckle, and I couldn't help but think of our own comedian Meggers, and had to share as well. Meggie suffers from a condition that I think a lot of little children suffer from. Her mind is so active, she is always thinking... and talking, and sometimes what she verbalizes is only half of the thought process... A couple Sundays ago we were driving home from church and Meggie tells me...

"Mom, I had to hop on every one!"

"What? I don't understand Meggie, you had to hop on what?"

"I had to hop on every one! They were really big!"

"What did you have to hop on?"

"The steps to Jesus' castle...they were really big steps and I had to hop on every single one. There are four steps to Jesus' castle and the first one is Faith, but I don't remember the other ones."

I really had to laugh. We all did. I think sometimes she just thinks we are all partial to what she is thinking before she starts to talk. Right after this episode she said something equally as vague about a woman.

Brinley, in a very annoyed big sister way, said, "Meggie, what are you talking about?"

Then Meggie, in a very frustrated little sister way, said, "Brinley, you know!!"

"No, I don't!"

"Yes, you do!"

You get the picture. uhhhh.