I went to see this tonight in Greenville. If you weren't there, you missed a great documentary. Watch this trailer, and hope that you'll get to see it one day!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
NYC 2011
Yesterday I did something I NEVER EVER thought I would do. I officially put my name in the lottery for the 2011 NYC Marathon. It is a total luck of the draw out of tens of thousands of people, but I figured what the heck right? I have as good a shot as anyone else. It costs 11 dollars just to put your name in the hat. I cannot tell you how ecstatic I will be if I get chosen. The thought of actually running in this historic race is overwhelming to me. If you want to learn a bit more about the NYC Marathon visit their site here.For those of you who won't go to the site, here a few facts about the NYC Marathon that you may find interesting:
1. There are more than 40,000 runners each year!
2. Over 2 million spectators line the race route. (WOW!!! That would be amazing to run in!!!)
3. David Lee Roth, Meredith Baxter, Al Roker, Meredith Vieira, Mike Huckabee, Katie Holmes, and P. Diddy are just a few of the celebrities who have run the NYC Marathon.
4. In 2008, 2 men died just moments after crossing the finish line.
5. In 1977 an 8 year old boy, Wesley Paul, ran the marathon in 3 hours 37 seconds!!!
6. At the first race in 1970 the winners received wristwatches. Today they receive about $$130,000.
7. Runners drink more than 100,000 gallons of water and Gatorade during the race.
8. 5 tons of ice are available during race time to treat injuries.
9. There is a soon to be 33 year old male from SC who is anxiously awaiting to see if his name will be pulled to run this fall! Wish me luck!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Post Race Let Down
Prior to my marathon last week I heard lots of advice about how to get through every grueling mile of the 26.2 that I would need to complete the race. Every runner I knew was sending me messages about various things that had helped them as they ran marathons. Some said eat a big meal 2 days before, while others said eat a big meal the night before. Some said drink a ton of water before the start, and others said drink a little or else the port-o-let would be calling. Some said there would be a big wall at mile 20 that I would most surely run into, others said mile 23 would be a booger.
All of those were good bits of advice, even though I never hit that wall at mile 20, but none of the folks ever mentioned the post race let down that would come as you allow your body to heal from the tiring 3 hours of the race. The mental fight that I have had to face over the last week as I have had to force myself to rest a bit more than anticipated has been very tough. For the first 5 days after the race I did absolutely no running. My IT band, a muscle running from your hip to the knee, was a bit strained pre-race... post race, it was REALLY strained. I had to rest to get it back to somewhat normal.
Saturday was the day I committed to be my first day back out, and of course it was POURING down rain and cold. My leg was hurting from the first step. It was, in fact, one of the hardest runs I have had in the whole past year. Thankfully, I had a great friend that braved the elements with me. She said she hadn't run in weather like that since high school. I was so thankful that she came. I skipped Sunday, and ran again on Monday. I managed to get it 5 miles, but of course the leg started bothering me again around the 3rd mile.
Before you all start worrying about me, a strained IT Band is a pretty normal and VERY recoverable injury. It just takes rest, and a bit more rest. Lately though, rest is the last thing I want to do. Who would have thought? The good thing about this kind of injury... It is a good excuse for an hour long massage. :0) I have an appointment at 9:30 in the morning. :0)
All of those were good bits of advice, even though I never hit that wall at mile 20, but none of the folks ever mentioned the post race let down that would come as you allow your body to heal from the tiring 3 hours of the race. The mental fight that I have had to face over the last week as I have had to force myself to rest a bit more than anticipated has been very tough. For the first 5 days after the race I did absolutely no running. My IT band, a muscle running from your hip to the knee, was a bit strained pre-race... post race, it was REALLY strained. I had to rest to get it back to somewhat normal.
Saturday was the day I committed to be my first day back out, and of course it was POURING down rain and cold. My leg was hurting from the first step. It was, in fact, one of the hardest runs I have had in the whole past year. Thankfully, I had a great friend that braved the elements with me. She said she hadn't run in weather like that since high school. I was so thankful that she came. I skipped Sunday, and ran again on Monday. I managed to get it 5 miles, but of course the leg started bothering me again around the 3rd mile.
Before you all start worrying about me, a strained IT Band is a pretty normal and VERY recoverable injury. It just takes rest, and a bit more rest. Lately though, rest is the last thing I want to do. Who would have thought? The good thing about this kind of injury... It is a good excuse for an hour long massage. :0) I have an appointment at 9:30 in the morning. :0)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Reading Goal Update
For those of you wondering about my reading goal for the year.... Thanks to my package that arrived today, books number 3 & 4 arrived today! I am already well into one of them. I was so busy reading that I almost forgot to blog. I cannot believe I have actually read 2 already. I think my goal was just 3 for the year.
Posted from BB's iPhone!
Posted from BB's iPhone!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Spring Break
Here I am on the cusp of spring break. It is a glorious feeling to know that as I sit here tonight that there are no clothes that have to be ironed, no alarm clock to be set, no lunch box to be packed, and no lesson plans to be made. A lot of my friends fled the schools so fast on Friday that you would have thought there was a million dollars out on the streets. I envy those friends who were in a hurry to travel some place fun for break. I know people who are at Disney, cruising to the Bahamas, doing mission work in Asia, and sunbathing in Hilton Head. I have never been much a spring break traveler. I kinda like to use this time to do little tasks around my house and other errands around town. I am posting my to do list on here so I'll keep myself accountable. I hope to get these things done this week!
1. Clean out the guest room closet.
2. Swap out winter clothes for spring clothes.
3. Get back on my running schedule. Rest time is over.
4. Massage on Wednesday.
5. Cut the grass for the first time. Ok, who am I kidding... Cut the weeds!!!
6. The bathrooms need some attention.
7. Clean the fridge.
8. Place the order for my marathon photos.
9. Read my new running book.
10. Finish a project for a class I am taking. It's due April 4th.
Posted from BB's iPhone!
1. Clean out the guest room closet.
2. Swap out winter clothes for spring clothes.
3. Get back on my running schedule. Rest time is over.
4. Massage on Wednesday.
5. Cut the grass for the first time. Ok, who am I kidding... Cut the weeds!!!
6. The bathrooms need some attention.
7. Clean the fridge.
8. Place the order for my marathon photos.
9. Read my new running book.
10. Finish a project for a class I am taking. It's due April 4th.
Posted from BB's iPhone!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Lazy Day
On days like today it is so hard to get motivated to do anything. Especially when our bodies were getting used to 80 degrees and melatonin was flowing all through our veins. What else can you do when it is in the 40's and pouring down rain??? Sure, I went running in the deluge this morning, but since then I have been a piece of worthless. The most strenuous thing I have accomplished since the run was loading the dishwasher. After that I sat down on the couch and next thing I know my eyes closed. 2 hours later I awoke to my phone buzzing. It was my brother-in-law calling to tell me that they were on the way with the girlies for me to babysit for them. Thankfully, the girls were in a lazy mood too. We have been sitting on the couch playing Angry Birds and Ant Smasher on my iPhone, and watching every show possible on the Disney Channel. The forecast calls for more rain and cool temps...thus, the laziness will continue!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Race Photos
Today when I got home the official race photos were in my inbox. I was SO excited because I have been waiting with anticipation like I was 5 years old waiting on Santa. There are lots of great pictures and even a video of me crossing the finish line. I had no idea there was gonna be a video. I would have cut a cartwheel or something crazy. O well... I'll remember that next time. O yes.. There WILL be a next time. I am headed back out in the morning after 5 days of rest. CAN'T WAIT. If you want to see the pics, CLICK HERE. Let me know what to order!
Did I mention that it's Spring Break... YAHOO!!!!!!!!!
Did I mention that it's Spring Break... YAHOO!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Decisions....
Decisions??? Both are great shoes... I have tried them on and love them both. It is down to color. Help me decide!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
26.2 Lessons
Here are a few lessons I learned along the 26.2 miles!
1. You can do anything you set your mind to!
2. It is all about pace!
3. Go with a group. You'll keep up because you don't want to be left behind.
4. Have some family cheering somewhere along the way.
5. Thank the water people.
6. Read every sign you pass. It is entertainment!
7. Talk to those around you, you may need them.
8. If someone sticks an orange in your face, take it.
9. Don't throw a green banana down, anything tastes good at mile 20.
10. Throw your cup in the trash box and not at the volunteer.
11. Look before you spit.
12. Look before you shoot a rocket.
13. Push through the pain.
14. Watch the curves and potholes.
15. Ignore what you have heard about the 20 mile wall... just keep going!
16. Did I mention that it's all about pace?
17. Don't rush down the hills. The faster you get to the bottom, the faster you have to go back up.
18. When you run with 19,000 people, you will bump into someone. Get over it.
19. Chuggin' water while you run = choking! Take small sips.
20. Cheer for the little kids who stand along the route and cheer for you!
21. Band-aids are your friend!
22. If the stuff in your pockets is getting on your nerves, give it to a volunteer at mile 24.
23. When the last 3 miles are uphill, just know your thighs are gonna bless you out!
24. When there are no fans on the last mile, cheer for yourself, you are almost there!
25. When you cross the finish line, get out of the way so you don't get run over.
26. When you finish, you become part of a small group of humans... If it was easy, everybody would do it!
1. You can do anything you set your mind to!
2. It is all about pace!
3. Go with a group. You'll keep up because you don't want to be left behind.
4. Have some family cheering somewhere along the way.
5. Thank the water people.
6. Read every sign you pass. It is entertainment!
7. Talk to those around you, you may need them.
8. If someone sticks an orange in your face, take it.
9. Don't throw a green banana down, anything tastes good at mile 20.
10. Throw your cup in the trash box and not at the volunteer.
11. Look before you spit.
12. Look before you shoot a rocket.
13. Push through the pain.
14. Watch the curves and potholes.
15. Ignore what you have heard about the 20 mile wall... just keep going!
16. Did I mention that it's all about pace?
17. Don't rush down the hills. The faster you get to the bottom, the faster you have to go back up.
18. When you run with 19,000 people, you will bump into someone. Get over it.
19. Chuggin' water while you run = choking! Take small sips.
20. Cheer for the little kids who stand along the route and cheer for you!
21. Band-aids are your friend!
22. If the stuff in your pockets is getting on your nerves, give it to a volunteer at mile 24.
23. When the last 3 miles are uphill, just know your thighs are gonna bless you out!
24. When there are no fans on the last mile, cheer for yourself, you are almost there!
25. When you cross the finish line, get out of the way so you don't get run over.
26. When you finish, you become part of a small group of humans... If it was easy, everybody would do it!
... .2... Be prepared to do it all over again... It is totally worth it!!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Black Belt
Ok... enough about me and my marathon. Let me brag like a proud dad for a second. Last week I got a text from one of my very first students, Jamie, inviting me to watch as he went for his 1st degree black belt in Karate. I was so proud that he asked me to come. I went tonight and saw as he sparred, split wood, and did all kinds of crazy karate moves. At the end, he had earned his belt. It was awesome to be there for him. I wish I could be there more, but it just doesn't always work out. Nonetheless, I was there tonight, and I was VERY PROUD!
He and I have kept in touch over the years. I have had the privilege of watching him be baptized. I saw him perform in his first band concert. I have been to see him march in band competitions a few times, and been to quite a few birthday parties over the years. If there was ever a kid that was my favorite, this is him. Shhhh, I know we are not supposed to have favorites, but he has been long gone from my classroom. I cannot believe it, but he is starting high school next year.
After I got home he sent me a text thanking me for coming... I asked him if he was trying to make me cry. He responded, "No, but the day I graduate, I think we will both be crying!" I cannot wait to be there that day!
He and I have kept in touch over the years. I have had the privilege of watching him be baptized. I saw him perform in his first band concert. I have been to see him march in band competitions a few times, and been to quite a few birthday parties over the years. If there was ever a kid that was my favorite, this is him. Shhhh, I know we are not supposed to have favorites, but he has been long gone from my classroom. I cannot believe it, but he is starting high school next year.
After I got home he sent me a text thanking me for coming... I asked him if he was trying to make me cry. He responded, "No, but the day I graduate, I think we will both be crying!" I cannot wait to be there that day!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Publix Georgia Marathon Part 2
When there are 19,000 runners crammed into a downtown street, it is hard to capture what your eyes see. There is a crazy commotion and organized chaos that cannot truly be described, only experienced. Here are a few images we managed to capture on marathon day. My sister has some more so I'll post those when I can.
This first video shows the start of the race. Obviously you can see it was still dark and there were TONS of people. I definitely had the cutest little cheerleaders though!
Here I am celebrating my big day with a food reward! Of course I wore that medal inside. I was NOT taking it off!
This first video shows the start of the race. Obviously you can see it was still dark and there were TONS of people. I definitely had the cutest little cheerleaders though!
This is a pic and video of me hitting Mile 23. That was the farthest I had ever been at that point. It was a perfect place for my family to be cheering. The video does NOT do that hill justice. The last 3 miles of the 26.2 were uphill!
Here I am after the big finish with my "blanket" and medal! This was a proud moment. I cannot wait to see the official finish line photo from the race photographers. I am sure that it will be an ugly face!
Here are my cheerleaders, minus the photographer Jason, who drove all the way from North Augusta just to cheer me on. I have such a great family and friends!!!
Here I am celebrating my big day with a food reward! Of course I wore that medal inside. I was NOT taking it off!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Publix Georgia Marathon
Wow... Today has been in the top 5 days of my life. I cannot seem to find words right now to describe the emotions I felt throughout the day.
One thing I can tell you is that I love this people in this picture. They are the best cheerleaders I could have ever asked for. They cheered me on to great results.
3:29:11 was my time. Beat my goal!!!
135th overall, 113th male, 26th in my age group.
Out of 2,119 full marathoners finishers.
There were 11,000 half marathon finishers.
I'll be posting more this week about the actual 26.2 mile journey. It was AMAZING!!!
Posted from BB's iPhone!
One thing I can tell you is that I love this people in this picture. They are the best cheerleaders I could have ever asked for. They cheered me on to great results.
3:29:11 was my time. Beat my goal!!!
135th overall, 113th male, 26th in my age group.
Out of 2,119 full marathoners finishers.
There were 11,000 half marathon finishers.
I'll be posting more this week about the actual 26.2 mile journey. It was AMAZING!!!
Posted from BB's iPhone!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
1 Day Til The Marathon
Right now as this posts, I am loading the car, and heading to Atlanta. For those of you readers who have stayed tuned in each day for the past 19, thanks for being there. I have no idea who you are, but it was encouraging to see my same 50 readers return each day. I envisioned you out there cheering me on. You could have been laughing, but in my mind, you were my biggest fans, reading along with baited breathe, as I have taken this journey towards my goal to complete my marathon. I am so excited that this day is finally here. I cannot wait to share the big finish with you tomorrow, but first there are a few miles to run!!!!
As I travel today I ask that you take a moment to pray for a few things as I enter the last 24 hours before the race.
1. Pray for the mental battle. Running 10 miles is tough on the mind...26.2 is sure to weigh heavy. Thus far the mental battle has been 99% of the fight for me.
2. Pray for my endurance. I have trained hard for this, but you never know when a tired spell might hit! I did 22 miles just 3 weeks ago and finished that fine... Pray me through that last 4.2!
3. Pray specifically for my left leg. There have been some issues this week that have been aggravating to say the least. Nothing too major, but annoying! Pray that the adrenaline will over come any pain.
4. Pray for our safety as we travel. My mom, sister, bro-in-law, nieces, Matt and Jason are traveling down. It is gonna be a weekend to remember no doubt!
5. Pray that I will honor the Lord with every step of the race! He has given me these legs, my strength, and a life story of His faithfulness to share!
As I travel today I ask that you take a moment to pray for a few things as I enter the last 24 hours before the race.
1. Pray for the mental battle. Running 10 miles is tough on the mind...26.2 is sure to weigh heavy. Thus far the mental battle has been 99% of the fight for me.
2. Pray for my endurance. I have trained hard for this, but you never know when a tired spell might hit! I did 22 miles just 3 weeks ago and finished that fine... Pray me through that last 4.2!
3. Pray specifically for my left leg. There have been some issues this week that have been aggravating to say the least. Nothing too major, but annoying! Pray that the adrenaline will over come any pain.
4. Pray for our safety as we travel. My mom, sister, bro-in-law, nieces, Matt and Jason are traveling down. It is gonna be a weekend to remember no doubt!
5. Pray that I will honor the Lord with every step of the race! He has given me these legs, my strength, and a life story of His faithfulness to share!
1 Sleep to go! Wish me luck!
Friday, March 18, 2011
2 Days Til The Marathon
As you can imagine, I am running around the house like a mad man getting myself ready to leave for Atlanta in the morning. There is no more training, running, push-ups, or anything else I can do now to get ready... I just have to get my game face on, and get this done!
One of the last preparations I had to do tonight was eat a big dinner. I ate so much spaghetti I am about to pop! It was sooooo good. I had 2 big pieces of bread (no butter of course.) with it too!!! A lot people asked me what I was eating tomorrow, but today is really the day for me to load up. I don't really like to eat too much the night before the race. You don't want to have to stop at the port-o-let as you get to mile 25.... After that many miles, you may not be able to get back up!! HA! Tomorrow I will probably have some type of chicken and a sweet potato somewhere in downtown Atlanta.
My bags are packed and my running shorts are in the dryer... Don't worry, I won't forget them... I have a note on my bag just in case! I got shoes, socks, ipod, watch, signed racing shirt,... OOO Gold Bond, I haven't packed that yet... shoot, or my band-aids.... I better go get them now, while they are on my brain.... WISH ME LUCK!!! 2 days to go!!!
One of the last preparations I had to do tonight was eat a big dinner. I ate so much spaghetti I am about to pop! It was sooooo good. I had 2 big pieces of bread (no butter of course.) with it too!!! A lot people asked me what I was eating tomorrow, but today is really the day for me to load up. I don't really like to eat too much the night before the race. You don't want to have to stop at the port-o-let as you get to mile 25.... After that many miles, you may not be able to get back up!! HA! Tomorrow I will probably have some type of chicken and a sweet potato somewhere in downtown Atlanta.
My bags are packed and my running shorts are in the dryer... Don't worry, I won't forget them... I have a note on my bag just in case! I got shoes, socks, ipod, watch, signed racing shirt,... OOO Gold Bond, I haven't packed that yet... shoot, or my band-aids.... I better go get them now, while they are on my brain.... WISH ME LUCK!!! 2 days to go!!!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
3 Days Til The Marathon
When you are a runner, your family and friends become runners... They may not be out there pounding the pavement with you as you trod along, but they know all about every step.
They listen to your stories about speeds and distances.
They examine your black toes and blisters.
They walk slower than normal with you in the parking lot at Target right after your long run because you are too sore to walk at a normal speed.
They get defensive for you when they hear about someone waving with the wrong finger as you run.
They rearrange their schedules around your running times.
They deal with stinky, wet clothes that pile up in your cars.
They ride around with you while you check your mileage from the run earlier in the day.
They might let you sneak out of work a bit early so you can get 10 miles in before the winter dark sets in... Of course, you have to go back later and finish your job!!!
They make grocery store runs to get bananas, protein bars, and Gold Bond!
The list could go on and on!!!!! I have had the most supportive network of family and friends over the past year, especially since November when I officially started the marathon training. I could not have made it through the 642 miles of training without the support of these folks... They are my biggest fans! They help me tune out the naysayers, and keep running! You all know who you are. Thank you so much for the way you have been an active participant in help me work towards this goal. I hope I will do you proud this weekend!
3 DAYS TO GO!!!
They listen to your stories about speeds and distances.
They examine your black toes and blisters.
They walk slower than normal with you in the parking lot at Target right after your long run because you are too sore to walk at a normal speed.
They get defensive for you when they hear about someone waving with the wrong finger as you run.
They rearrange their schedules around your running times.
They deal with stinky, wet clothes that pile up in your cars.
They ride around with you while you check your mileage from the run earlier in the day.
They might let you sneak out of work a bit early so you can get 10 miles in before the winter dark sets in... Of course, you have to go back later and finish your job!!!
They make grocery store runs to get bananas, protein bars, and Gold Bond!
The list could go on and on!!!!! I have had the most supportive network of family and friends over the past year, especially since November when I officially started the marathon training. I could not have made it through the 642 miles of training without the support of these folks... They are my biggest fans! They help me tune out the naysayers, and keep running! You all know who you are. Thank you so much for the way you have been an active participant in help me work towards this goal. I hope I will do you proud this weekend!
Here are 2 examples of family and friend encouragement that I got just today.
This is a good luck banana that one of mys students brought me today. I almost cried when she gave it to me. So thoughtful of her! She gave me permission to eat it right then because it would be black by Sunday.
The family came over for dinner tonight, and while we were cooking inside, Taylor and Sophie were "sidewalk chalking." This picture is right at my front door! I LOVE IT! I hope it is dry for a while so it won't wash away!
3 DAYS TO GO!!!Wednesday, March 16, 2011
4 Days Til The Marathon
Have you ever been driving down the same old street you drive down every single day, and all of a sudden you notice a road that you have never paid much attention to before... You ask yourself, "Has that road always been there?" One day when you are on your way home and you are in no particular rush to get there, you decide to turn down that road. When you get down that road you find another road, and you turn again...then again... and maybe once more, and then as you come around the corner of the last road, you come out right near where you were headed? In some weird way your new path led you to the same destination, even though you had no idea where you were heading?
This is kind of how I feel about my running adventures over the past year. When I started out, I was running up and down the same old streets in my neighborhood that I have lived in for the past 5 years. I passed these roads everyday in my car, and then one day I introduced them to my feet. My feet kept going and ventured out of the neighborhood up to a nearby church and a school... A few months later they were finding new paths, new trails, and new roads to sprint down all over town.
Now, here I am a year later, going to new roads in a different state, starting another new path, a new journey. I have no idea where the road will lead, how I will get there, if it will be easy, or how many pairs of shoes it might take... but I do know this... I will get to wherever I am supposed to be, and it will be a fun run getting there! 4 DAYS TO GO!!!
This is kind of how I feel about my running adventures over the past year. When I started out, I was running up and down the same old streets in my neighborhood that I have lived in for the past 5 years. I passed these roads everyday in my car, and then one day I introduced them to my feet. My feet kept going and ventured out of the neighborhood up to a nearby church and a school... A few months later they were finding new paths, new trails, and new roads to sprint down all over town.
Now, here I am a year later, going to new roads in a different state, starting another new path, a new journey. I have no idea where the road will lead, how I will get there, if it will be easy, or how many pairs of shoes it might take... but I do know this... I will get to wherever I am supposed to be, and it will be a fun run getting there! 4 DAYS TO GO!!!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
5 Days Til The Marathon
Holy Cow!!!! It is getting so close. I have really got to stop this whole mental battle in my head and stop all this worrying. I am worried about pulling muscles, straining or spraining something, developing some kind of new fat blister, losing a toenail, slipping and bruising something, or better yet.... a student sneezing all over me and causing me to get sick. I have come so far... If you are a praying person, pray for my protection over the next 5 days...until I can cross that finish line!!!
Speaking of protection... There is a big debate in the running world over the safety of these gadgets while running.
The safety issue being that you can't hear cars honking at you if you are running to beat of GaGa's "Poker Face," or Little Big Town's "Little White Church." The key to being safe with the iPod is not leaving it at home, but keeping the volume at a minimum. If you can't hear a car horn... It's too loud.
After I got into running a bit, I discovered another debate about these little gadgets. Some runner's argue that they keep you from the real running experience... communing with nature, listening to the rhythm of your breathing, and making sure your feet aren't scraping funny as you get tired in the longer runs.
I say to each his own... If the thump of the beat helps you to run at your best pace, then thump away... If you need to hear your breathing, then leave it at home. I really don't get the fuss over such an issue. If you are taking the time and energy to better yourself by running, or doing any exercise to the beat of an iPod, then I say good for you! Carry on!
I mix up my runs with and without the iPod so I don't become completely dependent on my John P. Kee, Hezekiah Walker, Kirk Franklin, and Fred Hammond play list to push me to my best runs. If you don't know those singers, google and download everything they have!
Sometimes I even wear the headphones just to keep my ears occupied, but I never turn the music on. During my longest run of 22 miles, I wore the headphones the whole way, and didn't realize til I got finished that I never turned it on. Believe it or not, my mind kept bust the entire 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Some road races don't allow iPods, so be sure to check your particular race if you have one coming up. Thankfully, the Georgia Marathon does allow them. I am taking mine, but I am planning to use it only if necessary! 5 DAYS TO GO!!!
Speaking of protection... There is a big debate in the running world over the safety of these gadgets while running.
The safety issue being that you can't hear cars honking at you if you are running to beat of GaGa's "Poker Face," or Little Big Town's "Little White Church." The key to being safe with the iPod is not leaving it at home, but keeping the volume at a minimum. If you can't hear a car horn... It's too loud.After I got into running a bit, I discovered another debate about these little gadgets. Some runner's argue that they keep you from the real running experience... communing with nature, listening to the rhythm of your breathing, and making sure your feet aren't scraping funny as you get tired in the longer runs.
I say to each his own... If the thump of the beat helps you to run at your best pace, then thump away... If you need to hear your breathing, then leave it at home. I really don't get the fuss over such an issue. If you are taking the time and energy to better yourself by running, or doing any exercise to the beat of an iPod, then I say good for you! Carry on!
I mix up my runs with and without the iPod so I don't become completely dependent on my John P. Kee, Hezekiah Walker, Kirk Franklin, and Fred Hammond play list to push me to my best runs. If you don't know those singers, google and download everything they have!
Sometimes I even wear the headphones just to keep my ears occupied, but I never turn the music on. During my longest run of 22 miles, I wore the headphones the whole way, and didn't realize til I got finished that I never turned it on. Believe it or not, my mind kept bust the entire 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Some road races don't allow iPods, so be sure to check your particular race if you have one coming up. Thankfully, the Georgia Marathon does allow them. I am taking mine, but I am planning to use it only if necessary! 5 DAYS TO GO!!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
6 Days Til The Marathon
The best thing I did to be a better runner, besides get new shoes, listen to the wisdom of other runners, and learn to use band-aids when I go out on a long run, was to order a subscription to Runner's World magazine.
As you frequent readers know, I am NOT a reader, but when this magazine comes I read every word cover to cover. I even read the editorials and the ads in the back. Funny thing is, the ads in the back always seem to be the same ones over and over, yet I read them anyway for fear of missing something important! If you are a runner and don't have this coming to your mailbox every month, get it now!
If you are thinking about starting, pick up one at Barnes and Noble and read every word. There is so much good advice in every issue. There website is great too! Go here to check it out! FYI..... 6 DAYS....... I AM FREAKING OUT!
As you frequent readers know, I am NOT a reader, but when this magazine comes I read every word cover to cover. I even read the editorials and the ads in the back. Funny thing is, the ads in the back always seem to be the same ones over and over, yet I read them anyway for fear of missing something important! If you are a runner and don't have this coming to your mailbox every month, get it now!
If you are thinking about starting, pick up one at Barnes and Noble and read every word. There is so much good advice in every issue. There website is great too! Go here to check it out! FYI..... 6 DAYS....... I AM FREAKING OUT!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
7 Days Til The Marathon
WOW, I cannot believe that the final week is here!!! I cannot even describe in words the emotions that I am feeling as I think about the next week. I am excited, nervous, anxious, worried, and loving every second of it. When I think about the last 17 weeks of preparation and all the running I have put in, I cannot wait for next Sunday to be here. Before I get there though, there is one more week of running for me to do. Here is my schedule for the final week.
This is a snapshot from the app that I have been using as my training guide. Many of you may look at this and think that I am doing a lot resting for it to be the week of the big run, but that is how it works. I have shorter distances this week so that my muscles can rest and get ready. It is gonna be hard to stop at 3 miles since I am used to my shortest run being 8 miles for the past 3 months, but I know its what I need. Honestly, I am kind of looking forward to a bit of rest. 7 days and counting...
This is a snapshot from the app that I have been using as my training guide. Many of you may look at this and think that I am doing a lot resting for it to be the week of the big run, but that is how it works. I have shorter distances this week so that my muscles can rest and get ready. It is gonna be hard to stop at 3 miles since I am used to my shortest run being 8 miles for the past 3 months, but I know its what I need. Honestly, I am kind of looking forward to a bit of rest. 7 days and counting...
Saturday, March 12, 2011
8 Days Til The Marathon
As you evolve into a runner you become very aware of your body. You begin to learn what foods and drinks help your body to work better while you run. You begin to analyze the sound of your breathing and what it means as you run. You learn to read your muscles as well as any book you've ever read. You begin to learn what it can and cannot do. (Really it can do way more than you give it credit!)
Listening to your body is the key to any physical activity I suppose, but, it is also key to knowing when not to be active. During week 10 of my training my body started to scream at me. I was becoming EXTREMELY tired on my weekday runs. I was doing exactly what the training plan suggested, but every stride I took that week felt as if I was lifting a 2 ton elephant leg. My feet hit the ground with a thud and my breathing was near asthmatic! I set out each day with a sense of dread! I had a HUGE bout of the self doubt that I wrote about yesterday. I begin to question the entire past year... At week 10, there was still 8 weeks of training to go. If I was already struggling at week 10, how in the world was I gonna make it through 8 more weeks... 3 of which included a 20 miler and conclude all of it with a big 26.2 mile run!
I listened very carefully to my body that week. It needed a break. Not just a day off of running, but a break from the amount of pushing I was doing... That week My run schedule was this:
Mon-11 miles
Tues-off
Wed-10 miles
Thurs-11 miles
Fri-off
Sat-12 miles
Sun-off
Grand total of 44 miles. I was used to that kind of weekly mileage. Back before the official training began I was doing 48 miles a week, but that was at 8 miles a day... A bit more manageable for me. Plus, those were miles I was running first thing each morning. These miles were all after a long day of teaching. I was running as fast as I could too because I was trying to finish each run before dark set it... This was during the heart of winter.
After that week I was supposed to inch my mileage up a bit further... but instead, I listened to my body, and the advice of a great running friend, and toned back my weekday runs to 8 and 9 miles, but kept my long Saturday runs the same.
I am so glad I listened. It completely changed my training the next 8 weeks. 8 and 9 miles after school is so much easier than 10-12. I came to each Saturday run ready to push my distance further. Listening to my body was great because in the long run (no pun intended) my cut backs only allowed me to go further!
Listening to your body is the key to any physical activity I suppose, but, it is also key to knowing when not to be active. During week 10 of my training my body started to scream at me. I was becoming EXTREMELY tired on my weekday runs. I was doing exactly what the training plan suggested, but every stride I took that week felt as if I was lifting a 2 ton elephant leg. My feet hit the ground with a thud and my breathing was near asthmatic! I set out each day with a sense of dread! I had a HUGE bout of the self doubt that I wrote about yesterday. I begin to question the entire past year... At week 10, there was still 8 weeks of training to go. If I was already struggling at week 10, how in the world was I gonna make it through 8 more weeks... 3 of which included a 20 miler and conclude all of it with a big 26.2 mile run!
I listened very carefully to my body that week. It needed a break. Not just a day off of running, but a break from the amount of pushing I was doing... That week My run schedule was this:
Mon-11 miles
Tues-off
Wed-10 miles
Thurs-11 miles
Fri-off
Sat-12 miles
Sun-off
Grand total of 44 miles. I was used to that kind of weekly mileage. Back before the official training began I was doing 48 miles a week, but that was at 8 miles a day... A bit more manageable for me. Plus, those were miles I was running first thing each morning. These miles were all after a long day of teaching. I was running as fast as I could too because I was trying to finish each run before dark set it... This was during the heart of winter.
After that week I was supposed to inch my mileage up a bit further... but instead, I listened to my body, and the advice of a great running friend, and toned back my weekday runs to 8 and 9 miles, but kept my long Saturday runs the same.
I am so glad I listened. It completely changed my training the next 8 weeks. 8 and 9 miles after school is so much easier than 10-12. I came to each Saturday run ready to push my distance further. Listening to my body was great because in the long run (no pun intended) my cut backs only allowed me to go further!
Friday, March 11, 2011
9 Days Til The Marathon
When I originally planned out this 20 days til the marathon blog series, today was supposed to be a continuation of yesterday's blog about cold weather running... but like lots of runs I take I decided to turn in a different direction.
For those who frequent my blog, you know that there are times when I am more transparent than others. Running miles upon miles and spending 1-3 hours all alone can cause you to be really reflective and having a blog gives me an outlet to share my thoughts that I collect along the way. Today's running thoughts were a bit cloudy due to the overwhelming amount of self-doubt that I poured all over myself as I ran.
Not sure where it came from. Not sure why it came. The doubt was not sneaky at all. It didn't creep up on me while I ran. I took one step into today's run and it popped up right in my face like a Jack-in-the-box.
Through the entire run I heard some kind of horrible voice that kept asking me, "Why are you doing this? What are you trying to prove?" It repeatedly said..."You can't, You won't!" I tried to tune it out only to hear it scream louder with every pound of my foot on the pavement. Not only did the voice scream louder with each passing step, but the muscles in my body seemed to be listening. I became more tired and weary as I ran.
I was bound and determined to ignore those negative thoughts and finish my run today... and I did. Every time the doubts got louder I attempted to counter act the attack of self by reminding myself of all that I have done to prepare for next Sunday.
The doubt said "you can't", then I said, "I did!"...4 20+ mile runs as I trained!
The doubt said, "you haven't worked hard enough", then I said, "I have"... Over 18 weeks of training and not a day missed!
The doubt said "you'll quit!," then I said, "I haven't yet!"... I have finished every mileage I set out to do!
The doubt said, "your friends think you're an idiot," I said, "then they are not real friends!"
The doubt said, "stop!", but I kept going!!!
Self-doubt is a huge part of a runner's mindset. One thing I have learned as I have read, and tried to become a knowledgeable runner, is that there are times when every runner hits the proverbial "rock bottom." Sometimes it's caused by an injury, an unmet running goal, a few missed work outs, or sometimes....just a mental battle.
For me, today was just one of many mental battles that I have had to fight through over the last year. I am determined to push through the funk and finish strong... Running is still awesome... It just ain't always pretty!
For those who frequent my blog, you know that there are times when I am more transparent than others. Running miles upon miles and spending 1-3 hours all alone can cause you to be really reflective and having a blog gives me an outlet to share my thoughts that I collect along the way. Today's running thoughts were a bit cloudy due to the overwhelming amount of self-doubt that I poured all over myself as I ran.
Not sure where it came from. Not sure why it came. The doubt was not sneaky at all. It didn't creep up on me while I ran. I took one step into today's run and it popped up right in my face like a Jack-in-the-box.
Through the entire run I heard some kind of horrible voice that kept asking me, "Why are you doing this? What are you trying to prove?" It repeatedly said..."You can't, You won't!" I tried to tune it out only to hear it scream louder with every pound of my foot on the pavement. Not only did the voice scream louder with each passing step, but the muscles in my body seemed to be listening. I became more tired and weary as I ran.
I was bound and determined to ignore those negative thoughts and finish my run today... and I did. Every time the doubts got louder I attempted to counter act the attack of self by reminding myself of all that I have done to prepare for next Sunday.
The doubt said "you can't", then I said, "I did!"...4 20+ mile runs as I trained!
The doubt said, "you haven't worked hard enough", then I said, "I have"... Over 18 weeks of training and not a day missed!
The doubt said "you'll quit!," then I said, "I haven't yet!"... I have finished every mileage I set out to do!
The doubt said, "your friends think you're an idiot," I said, "then they are not real friends!"
The doubt said, "stop!", but I kept going!!!
Self-doubt is a huge part of a runner's mindset. One thing I have learned as I have read, and tried to become a knowledgeable runner, is that there are times when every runner hits the proverbial "rock bottom." Sometimes it's caused by an injury, an unmet running goal, a few missed work outs, or sometimes....just a mental battle.
For me, today was just one of many mental battles that I have had to fight through over the last year. I am determined to push through the funk and finish strong... Running is still awesome... It just ain't always pretty!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
10 Days Til The Marathon
After the half marathon came one of the hardest parts of running... not the mileage, not the scheduling of runs, not the sore muscles, but what to wear while running in the cold!!!!
Since I have lost weight, it has been hard for me to keep warm this winter. I wore 2 pair of socks almost everyday through the coldest parts, I usually had on a dress shirt and a sweater, and for the first time in my life I wore gloves to school every single morning. I looked like an Eskimo at recess everyday because I would wear my jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and then wrap it all up with a blanket!!!
As you can imagine, it was a bit cumbersome to say the least, to attempt an 8-20 mile run wrapped up in a blanket and scarf!!! Once again, I found my self researching, asking running friends, and visiting running stores to find out what to do. Clothing, like everything else I had learned about running however, was a relative topic... Some people like to run in shorts and no sleeves even if it was 30 degrees, while some people wrap up like they are on an Arctic adventure for their 60 degree runs.
For me, I decided to start with the running tights and a pair of shorts on top, with a long sleeve running shirt. My "long distance" running coach, Cpt. Jake, quickly informed me that the tights with shorts on top was a big faux pas. I didn't really care at first because it was warm, but as I looked around at the Turkey Day 8k, I saw LOTS of faux pas!!! My tights gave the kiddos in our after school program something to laugh at as I headed out of school to run each day!!
As the winter got colder, I quickly added a "toboggan" and gloves. When the wind was really bad I added an extra shirt and an Under Armour pullover... A few times I even had on one of those ear muff head bands underneath my hat.
The coldest temperature I ran in all winter was 21 degrees with no wind. I mentioned no wind because the 21 degrees was not all that bad due to the calm air around me... The 35 degree run with a 30 mph wind was by far the worse!!!
I have run in the rain several times, but thanks to my North Face rain jacket it was never that bad. One run started off with clear skies, but soon started raining, only to change to heavy sleet and snow, and then back to rain... All over the course of a 2hr 16 mile run. It was an awesome run, but there were parts of me bleeding that day that had never bled before!!!
Now that Spring is sneaking back into the picture, the shorts have made their return only to expose my untanned, ashy white legs. I am looking forward to a nice "run" of spring like weather to keep me going right on into the summer heat!
Since I have lost weight, it has been hard for me to keep warm this winter. I wore 2 pair of socks almost everyday through the coldest parts, I usually had on a dress shirt and a sweater, and for the first time in my life I wore gloves to school every single morning. I looked like an Eskimo at recess everyday because I would wear my jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and then wrap it all up with a blanket!!!
As you can imagine, it was a bit cumbersome to say the least, to attempt an 8-20 mile run wrapped up in a blanket and scarf!!! Once again, I found my self researching, asking running friends, and visiting running stores to find out what to do. Clothing, like everything else I had learned about running however, was a relative topic... Some people like to run in shorts and no sleeves even if it was 30 degrees, while some people wrap up like they are on an Arctic adventure for their 60 degree runs.
For me, I decided to start with the running tights and a pair of shorts on top, with a long sleeve running shirt. My "long distance" running coach, Cpt. Jake, quickly informed me that the tights with shorts on top was a big faux pas. I didn't really care at first because it was warm, but as I looked around at the Turkey Day 8k, I saw LOTS of faux pas!!! My tights gave the kiddos in our after school program something to laugh at as I headed out of school to run each day!!
As the winter got colder, I quickly added a "toboggan" and gloves. When the wind was really bad I added an extra shirt and an Under Armour pullover... A few times I even had on one of those ear muff head bands underneath my hat.
The coldest temperature I ran in all winter was 21 degrees with no wind. I mentioned no wind because the 21 degrees was not all that bad due to the calm air around me... The 35 degree run with a 30 mph wind was by far the worse!!!
I have run in the rain several times, but thanks to my North Face rain jacket it was never that bad. One run started off with clear skies, but soon started raining, only to change to heavy sleet and snow, and then back to rain... All over the course of a 2hr 16 mile run. It was an awesome run, but there were parts of me bleeding that day that had never bled before!!!
Now that Spring is sneaking back into the picture, the shorts have made their return only to expose my untanned, ashy white legs. I am looking forward to a nice "run" of spring like weather to keep me going right on into the summer heat!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
11 Days Til The Marathon
.... Speaking of running more. After the last 5k back in the summer I decided I was ready to run a race that was a bit longer. Most people would go from a 5k to a 10k... I was already running 10k distances on my daily runs so it just seemed logical to skip that step and push to the next distance...so, I signed up for a half-marathon at Myrtle Beach. The race was on Oct. 23. If you have been visiting here for a while then you may remember this post.
I had a fantastic first experience with a longer distance race. I had friends and family there to cheer me on, I had a good race time, and I ate a big ole lunch when I finished. After it was over, I guess people started to notice my running, because I began to get LOTS of questions from people wanting to know how they could get started, what food should they eat, what shoes to buy, how far should they go to start with, etc.
One question I got very often was... How far was your half-marathon? I tried not to chuckle when people asked me this because I realize not everyone is a runner... but, half-marathons are only 1 distance... 13.1 miles. It is exactly half of a full marathon... 26.2 miles. That is the other question I get... "Well, how far is your marathon in March?" If you want to read about the history of the marathon, go here and check it out.
Just so you know... Here are the distances of other races. Now you will know.
5k= 3.1 miles
8k= 4.97
10k= 6.2 miles
Half Marathon- 13.1 miles
Marathon- 26.2 miles
Ultramarthon- Any race distance longer than the normal 26.2 marathon.
I had a fantastic first experience with a longer distance race. I had friends and family there to cheer me on, I had a good race time, and I ate a big ole lunch when I finished. After it was over, I guess people started to notice my running, because I began to get LOTS of questions from people wanting to know how they could get started, what food should they eat, what shoes to buy, how far should they go to start with, etc.
One question I got very often was... How far was your half-marathon? I tried not to chuckle when people asked me this because I realize not everyone is a runner... but, half-marathons are only 1 distance... 13.1 miles. It is exactly half of a full marathon... 26.2 miles. That is the other question I get... "Well, how far is your marathon in March?" If you want to read about the history of the marathon, go here and check it out.
Just so you know... Here are the distances of other races. Now you will know.
5k= 3.1 miles
8k= 4.97
10k= 6.2 miles
Half Marathon- 13.1 miles
Marathon- 26.2 miles
Ultramarthon- Any race distance longer than the normal 26.2 marathon.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
12 Days Til The Marathon
After I finished that last 5k and won my age division I knew that it was time to take my running one step further. I made the big trip over to Greenville to Run In, a specialty running store to get another new pair of shoes. I was starting to go further in my daily runs and needed something with a bit more cushion. After trying on every pair in the store with the help of an awesome staff, I chose these shoes.
These are Mizuno Wave Rider 13. They are not the lightest weight shoe to run in, but I love the way they feel on my feet when I run. I must like them. My 3rd pair just came in the mail today! The clerks at the store said that running shoes are good for about 500 miles. So I get new ones pretty often.
One of the things I started doing when I got my first pair of Mizunos was to keep a running log of my mileage, run time, and any special notes about my run (ie: weird weather, achy muscles, sick feelings, etc.) I blogged about the journal being like my reward chart where I could see my progress. You can go here to read the post. When I started the journal I was so excited to fill up that first page. I felt such a sense of accomplishment. This week I started page 10! I totaled up the mileage since the first day that I started recording on July 25th... Grand total so far: 1,152 miles. (This doesn't count the runs from March 1st-July 24th, I am assuming I am at about 1500) I am looking forward to many many more!
These are Mizuno Wave Rider 13. They are not the lightest weight shoe to run in, but I love the way they feel on my feet when I run. I must like them. My 3rd pair just came in the mail today! The clerks at the store said that running shoes are good for about 500 miles. So I get new ones pretty often.
One of the things I started doing when I got my first pair of Mizunos was to keep a running log of my mileage, run time, and any special notes about my run (ie: weird weather, achy muscles, sick feelings, etc.) I blogged about the journal being like my reward chart where I could see my progress. You can go here to read the post. When I started the journal I was so excited to fill up that first page. I felt such a sense of accomplishment. This week I started page 10! I totaled up the mileage since the first day that I started recording on July 25th... Grand total so far: 1,152 miles. (This doesn't count the runs from March 1st-July 24th, I am assuming I am at about 1500) I am looking forward to many many more!
Monday, March 7, 2011
13 Days Til The Marathon
One thing I learned pretty quickly about this new hobby of mine is that everyone has an opinion about running, and they are eager to share it with you whether you want to hear it or not. I decided early on in this hobby to tune out the naysayers and critics. They were simply jealous folks who were threatened by someone trying to better themselves while they wallowed in their own misery.
I did however LOVE getting advice from fellow runners. 2 great friends of mine in particular who have really helped me understand things about running are Joy Avery and Jake Wade.
Joy is an ultramarathoner friend of mine who lives in Chicago. She does runs of 50-100 miles at at a time. Ultramarthons are any running event that involves running more than the traditional 26.2 mile marathon. There was one week in particular during my training where I hit a big wall.. no not literally... the figurative kind! I was running myself to death trying to keep up with my schedule so I would be ready for my 26.2. I sent her a long email about what I was experiencing and she offered some great advice to get me through. She closed the email with... "You are a runner!" Those words encouraged me so much. Having never been athletic, those words meant something to me. I hope she reads this to know how much I appreciate her kindness from a far... Maybe one day I will run that 50 miler with her!
Jake was my former RA at North Greenville. Long about our junior year, Jake was quite the "hoss." Not sure how much he weighed, but it was enough that it bothered him, and he decided to do something about it. He got moving and lost tons of weight! He is now Cpt Jake Wade in the Army and lives with his family in Texas. He has been a HUGE help to me explaining the logistics of running. For those who don't run, there is a lot more to training than just putting on your shoes and running. Jake told me about the dreaded "ice bath," negative splits, GPS running watches, and tempo runs. I won't take the time to bore you with those... you have Google. I remember one conversation that we had where he was telling me about "long runs." He asked me about my long run, and then proceeded to tell me that his long run was anything over 12 miles... WHAT?????? Are you kidding me???, I asked. My long run at the time was like 7-8 miles. I thought I would never get to that... Now, thanks to Cpt. Jake's encouraging and pushing from a far, my long run is anything over 15. Maybe one day the captain and I will get to run together. He is probably faster than me though... After all, he is an army man!
Coaches are necessary in any sport. They push, they pull, they stretch, and they guide. A big thanks to these 2 friends who have encouraged and coached me greatly over the last year!!!
I did however LOVE getting advice from fellow runners. 2 great friends of mine in particular who have really helped me understand things about running are Joy Avery and Jake Wade.
Joy is an ultramarathoner friend of mine who lives in Chicago. She does runs of 50-100 miles at at a time. Ultramarthons are any running event that involves running more than the traditional 26.2 mile marathon. There was one week in particular during my training where I hit a big wall.. no not literally... the figurative kind! I was running myself to death trying to keep up with my schedule so I would be ready for my 26.2. I sent her a long email about what I was experiencing and she offered some great advice to get me through. She closed the email with... "You are a runner!" Those words encouraged me so much. Having never been athletic, those words meant something to me. I hope she reads this to know how much I appreciate her kindness from a far... Maybe one day I will run that 50 miler with her!
Jake was my former RA at North Greenville. Long about our junior year, Jake was quite the "hoss." Not sure how much he weighed, but it was enough that it bothered him, and he decided to do something about it. He got moving and lost tons of weight! He is now Cpt Jake Wade in the Army and lives with his family in Texas. He has been a HUGE help to me explaining the logistics of running. For those who don't run, there is a lot more to training than just putting on your shoes and running. Jake told me about the dreaded "ice bath," negative splits, GPS running watches, and tempo runs. I won't take the time to bore you with those... you have Google. I remember one conversation that we had where he was telling me about "long runs." He asked me about my long run, and then proceeded to tell me that his long run was anything over 12 miles... WHAT?????? Are you kidding me???, I asked. My long run at the time was like 7-8 miles. I thought I would never get to that... Now, thanks to Cpt. Jake's encouraging and pushing from a far, my long run is anything over 15. Maybe one day the captain and I will get to run together. He is probably faster than me though... After all, he is an army man!
Coaches are necessary in any sport. They push, they pull, they stretch, and they guide. A big thanks to these 2 friends who have encouraged and coached me greatly over the last year!!!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
14 Days Til The Marathon
Once school was finally out, and I could run whenever I wanted, I decided it was time to sign up for some races. I chose 2 totally random ones to sign up for.
1. Jim Hauser Race For Sarcoma 5K in Greenville- I chose this one because of an invite from a great family at my church; The Payne's. Their son Andrew runs cross country for Dorman and he was running in this. Allison, the mom, had been a big encourager for me that day at our church race, and she thought that I would enjoy running. I even talked Matt into running it with me. It was a great race. I felt really good about it as I ran. We stayed for the award ceremony because we were pretty sure Andrew won his age group, and mush to my surprise, I place 2nd in my division. I WAS SHOCKED! Just months ago I started this whole thing, and here I was winning something... My time was 21:48. That is 6.9 minute mile... Way better than my 10-11 minute mile at the beginning of March, and this was July.
2. Back To School 5k in Duncan. I signed up for this one on my own. Don't have any pictures of it but I sure wish I did. This one was a month later, and I was more conditioned. My time improved to 21:16...6:51 minute mile. I was ecstatic as I crossed the finish line and saw that time. We hung around for the award ceremony, and low and behold... I WON my age division. I was shocked! I had never been so proud to receive a prize as I was that coffee mug that they presented to the winners.... I wonder where that thing is???
1. Jim Hauser Race For Sarcoma 5K in Greenville- I chose this one because of an invite from a great family at my church; The Payne's. Their son Andrew runs cross country for Dorman and he was running in this. Allison, the mom, had been a big encourager for me that day at our church race, and she thought that I would enjoy running. I even talked Matt into running it with me. It was a great race. I felt really good about it as I ran. We stayed for the award ceremony because we were pretty sure Andrew won his age group, and mush to my surprise, I place 2nd in my division. I WAS SHOCKED! Just months ago I started this whole thing, and here I was winning something... My time was 21:48. That is 6.9 minute mile... Way better than my 10-11 minute mile at the beginning of March, and this was July.
This is the group of winners. I lost to the guy on the far left in the blue shorts. It felt good to lose to someone who looked like a "real" runner.
2. Back To School 5k in Duncan. I signed up for this one on my own. Don't have any pictures of it but I sure wish I did. This one was a month later, and I was more conditioned. My time improved to 21:16...6:51 minute mile. I was ecstatic as I crossed the finish line and saw that time. We hung around for the award ceremony, and low and behold... I WON my age division. I was shocked! I had never been so proud to receive a prize as I was that coffee mug that they presented to the winners.... I wonder where that thing is???
Saturday, March 5, 2011
15 Days Til The Marathon
With new shoes in tow, I was ready to get serious about this running thing. The church's 5k was on Saturday, and I remember heading out for a "long run" of 4 miles on Sunday after church to test the new footwear out. I continued on with 4 miles a day for a while and then ventured up to 5. I remember the first time I got 5 miles, and I did it in 45 minutes. That was a big improvement from my 10-11 minute miles when I started in March, and by this time it was the beginning of May. The bug was getting stronger and stronger. I couldn't believe it, but I was starting to love this thing!
Running quickly took hold of my daily schedule. I learned that this hobby, like any other thing you want to do, would require planning and time management to get it done. I had to take clothing to school so I could change and run afterward. I made appointments and conferences around running times. I even found myself getting up way earlier than normal so I could get the daily run in. I even delayed a trip out of town so I could the run done. I was so glad when school finally ended for the year and I could have all summer to run and get better!
When you start building your schedule around things people notice... Lots of people said I became obsessed right away... Many of you are saying that now. But, if we all scrutinized your lives, I am sure we would find something that is important to you that others would call you obsessed with... my thing was becoming running. At least it wasn't something like a unicorn collection or stamp trading. (No offense to those folks who do either!)
I can list lots of things that some of my friends are obsessed with but would never admit it... video games, college football, scrap booking, clothing, etc. I was happy to finally have something to add to the list. Running is great, and its very healthy for me. Every time someone gave/gives me some sort of weird look for running "so much," I would just grin in my head!
Running quickly took hold of my daily schedule. I learned that this hobby, like any other thing you want to do, would require planning and time management to get it done. I had to take clothing to school so I could change and run afterward. I made appointments and conferences around running times. I even found myself getting up way earlier than normal so I could get the daily run in. I even delayed a trip out of town so I could the run done. I was so glad when school finally ended for the year and I could have all summer to run and get better!
When you start building your schedule around things people notice... Lots of people said I became obsessed right away... Many of you are saying that now. But, if we all scrutinized your lives, I am sure we would find something that is important to you that others would call you obsessed with... my thing was becoming running. At least it wasn't something like a unicorn collection or stamp trading. (No offense to those folks who do either!)
I can list lots of things that some of my friends are obsessed with but would never admit it... video games, college football, scrap booking, clothing, etc. I was happy to finally have something to add to the list. Running is great, and its very healthy for me. Every time someone gave/gives me some sort of weird look for running "so much," I would just grin in my head!
Friday, March 4, 2011
16 Days Til The Marathon
After that first 5k I knew that I had been bitten by a strange, new bug. It was an unfamiliar feeling to this nonathletic guy. I had never had any kind of desire to get better at any kind of sport, but I was hooked and wanted to be better at running. My time of 27.5 minutes was a good 5 minutes faster than I had ever done during a practice run. I wanted to get faster and go further.
I had been talking to several people who were runners as I prepared for this race. Sam and Chara Hosom, and Teresa Coats were kind of my go to people at first. I go to church with Sam and Chara, and I work with Chara and Teresa. Chara and I actually finished the race together. I will always remember that final few steps to the finish line with a great friend running there. I think she let me speed ahead of her to protect my manly ego... maybe not.
I texted Chara and Teresa all the time as I finished runs. I needed someone who knew about running to push me on. They did. Like any good runner would advise, they both told me to get good shoes! I knew I needed them when I got to the race and someone laughed and asked me, "You are not running in those are ya?" They were talking about my worn out New Balance sneakers that were for looks... not running!
As soon as that race was over, I went straight to Academy and bought these.
At the time I was so proud. These are Ascics. Little did I know that these were really no good either, but the salesman convinced me they were. It took me a few more miles of running before I realized that the only place to get running shoes was at a running store. But, for the time being I was happy, my feet were somewhat cushioned, and I was ready to push myself to further distances in style with my new shoes!
I had been talking to several people who were runners as I prepared for this race. Sam and Chara Hosom, and Teresa Coats were kind of my go to people at first. I go to church with Sam and Chara, and I work with Chara and Teresa. Chara and I actually finished the race together. I will always remember that final few steps to the finish line with a great friend running there. I think she let me speed ahead of her to protect my manly ego... maybe not.
I texted Chara and Teresa all the time as I finished runs. I needed someone who knew about running to push me on. They did. Like any good runner would advise, they both told me to get good shoes! I knew I needed them when I got to the race and someone laughed and asked me, "You are not running in those are ya?" They were talking about my worn out New Balance sneakers that were for looks... not running!
As soon as that race was over, I went straight to Academy and bought these.
At the time I was so proud. These are Ascics. Little did I know that these were really no good either, but the salesman convinced me they were. It took me a few more miles of running before I realized that the only place to get running shoes was at a running store. But, for the time being I was happy, my feet were somewhat cushioned, and I was ready to push myself to further distances in style with my new shoes!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
17 Days Til The Marathon
The day after I managed to muster up enough energy to get through 2.4 miles, I was so proud of myself. I made up my mind right then that I was gonna keep doing at least that much everyday... Well, at least 5 days a week.
It wasn't long after that day that I found the energy to make it one more time around that .8 loop, for a total of 3.2.
Now, I am not good at math...never have been...Just ask Mr. Johnson (9th grade Algebra), Mrs. Blanton (10th grade Algebra), Ms. Jackson (11th grade Geometry), or Mrs. Inclan (12th grade Pre-Cal). I think the only one I made an A in was Geometry...the rest of them I earned the proverbial, HARD C! But, I knew that 3.2 was close to the distance of a 5k... After a little googling, and figuring, I realized that it was indeed a tenth of a mile longer that a 5k. If I could run that in my neighborhood, then surely I could run it in a race... and after a month of training, that is what I did. On April 10th, 2010 (My 32nd Birthday), I ran my first 5k in 27.5 minutes.
I remember that day like it was yesterday. You can read about it here.
It wasn't long after that day that I found the energy to make it one more time around that .8 loop, for a total of 3.2.
Now, I am not good at math...never have been...Just ask Mr. Johnson (9th grade Algebra), Mrs. Blanton (10th grade Algebra), Ms. Jackson (11th grade Geometry), or Mrs. Inclan (12th grade Pre-Cal). I think the only one I made an A in was Geometry...the rest of them I earned the proverbial, HARD C! But, I knew that 3.2 was close to the distance of a 5k... After a little googling, and figuring, I realized that it was indeed a tenth of a mile longer that a 5k. If I could run that in my neighborhood, then surely I could run it in a race... and after a month of training, that is what I did. On April 10th, 2010 (My 32nd Birthday), I ran my first 5k in 27.5 minutes.
I remember that day like it was yesterday. You can read about it here.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
18 Days Til The Marathon
In the beginning the runs were slow and the distances were short. I mapped out a quick loop of .8 miles in my neighborhood because I wanted to train for a 5k at my church in April. Remember yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of that first run. I started out running that loop 1 time, then walking 1, then running then walking. That gave me a grand total of 3.2 miles...actual running was just 1.6.
I did that for 5 days in a row, and it felt good, even though some of the running was soooo hard. Sometimes I felt like my lungs were gonna come up my throat and fly out of my mouth onto the pavement and laugh at me!! I think my pace would have been something like 11 minutes per mile... Like I said above... IT WAS SLOW! But hey, I was out there right? Running an eighth of a mile was more than I was doing a month prior!
After that 5th day I was feeling a pull to do more running and less walking. I remember getting out there and just going for it. In my head I was full of doubts, trying to tell myself I couldn't do it, screaming inside "No No No, What if someone laughs at me?" I guess all those thoughts kept my mind busy because the next thing I know I had made 3 laps around the .8 loop for a grand total of 2.4 miles.
I was shocked... I was in total disbelief. How could this happen?, I thought. Wasn't I about 50 pounds over weight just months before? Wasn't my diet McDonald's, Burger King, and Chick-Fil-A just a few months ago? My idea of activity was using my legs to push the porch swing.
Then it hit me... The reason I was able to run was because months prior to this moment I had taken steps to get my body ready for exercise like this... I had eaten vegetables, whole grains, fruits. I had avoided grease, fries, and soda like the plague. I had been doing the Wii Fit every morning at 5:00AM for 3 months. Aside from lots of weight loss, my hard work was paying off big in other ways... I was able to be active without feeling like I was dying!
That day I made it to 2.4 miles was HUGE for my confidence. I knew if I could make it 3 laps, somewhere deep inside of me there had to be 1 more lap!
I did that for 5 days in a row, and it felt good, even though some of the running was soooo hard. Sometimes I felt like my lungs were gonna come up my throat and fly out of my mouth onto the pavement and laugh at me!! I think my pace would have been something like 11 minutes per mile... Like I said above... IT WAS SLOW! But hey, I was out there right? Running an eighth of a mile was more than I was doing a month prior!
After that 5th day I was feeling a pull to do more running and less walking. I remember getting out there and just going for it. In my head I was full of doubts, trying to tell myself I couldn't do it, screaming inside "No No No, What if someone laughs at me?" I guess all those thoughts kept my mind busy because the next thing I know I had made 3 laps around the .8 loop for a grand total of 2.4 miles.
I was shocked... I was in total disbelief. How could this happen?, I thought. Wasn't I about 50 pounds over weight just months before? Wasn't my diet McDonald's, Burger King, and Chick-Fil-A just a few months ago? My idea of activity was using my legs to push the porch swing.
Then it hit me... The reason I was able to run was because months prior to this moment I had taken steps to get my body ready for exercise like this... I had eaten vegetables, whole grains, fruits. I had avoided grease, fries, and soda like the plague. I had been doing the Wii Fit every morning at 5:00AM for 3 months. Aside from lots of weight loss, my hard work was paying off big in other ways... I was able to be active without feeling like I was dying!
That day I made it to 2.4 miles was HUGE for my confidence. I knew if I could make it 3 laps, somewhere deep inside of me there had to be 1 more lap!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
19 Days Til The Marathon
One year ago today, I became a runner!
I didn't really know when I set out on that pre-spring day, in my New Balance tennis shoes (not good for running!) for my 2 mile trek, that the distance I traveled that day would be the first of a thousand plus miles I would run in the upcoming year. I honestly thought that I may get ready for my first 5k ever at my church, and then fall away from it...but today, I cannot imagine life without running!
I have never been athletic other than my humiliating and paternal pushing into little league baseball in the 5th grade. There was a girl on the team, and she outplayed me by a long shot. Being out played by a girl is not very good for a sports shy preteen boy who leaned to the arts. It was downright detrimental if you want the truth. I cried almost everyday on the way to practice because I just didn't want to suffer through the embarrassment of not being able to hit, catch, throw....Pretty much any skill required to play baseball was left out of me when the Big Guy was knitting me together in my mother's womb.
Now here I am, on the verge of being 33, and just a mere 20 days from my first marathon. I have so many thoughts, fears, and emotions about the upcoming feat on March 20th. Over the next 20 days running will consume my blog just as it has consumed me for the past year. I will write all about my journey to this point: the training, the pain, the mocking from strangers, friends, and family... I will share it all because I know that somewhere out there someone is thinking, "Man, I wish... but I could never do that!" I will be here to tell you for the next 20 days that IF I CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT!!
I didn't really know when I set out on that pre-spring day, in my New Balance tennis shoes (not good for running!) for my 2 mile trek, that the distance I traveled that day would be the first of a thousand plus miles I would run in the upcoming year. I honestly thought that I may get ready for my first 5k ever at my church, and then fall away from it...but today, I cannot imagine life without running!
I have never been athletic other than my humiliating and paternal pushing into little league baseball in the 5th grade. There was a girl on the team, and she outplayed me by a long shot. Being out played by a girl is not very good for a sports shy preteen boy who leaned to the arts. It was downright detrimental if you want the truth. I cried almost everyday on the way to practice because I just didn't want to suffer through the embarrassment of not being able to hit, catch, throw....Pretty much any skill required to play baseball was left out of me when the Big Guy was knitting me together in my mother's womb.
Now here I am, on the verge of being 33, and just a mere 20 days from my first marathon. I have so many thoughts, fears, and emotions about the upcoming feat on March 20th. Over the next 20 days running will consume my blog just as it has consumed me for the past year. I will write all about my journey to this point: the training, the pain, the mocking from strangers, friends, and family... I will share it all because I know that somewhere out there someone is thinking, "Man, I wish... but I could never do that!" I will be here to tell you for the next 20 days that IF I CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT!!
Stay Tuned...
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