The last three weeks!

Yet again, I have failed to write in here to chat about my running training. So here is the three week update, in fast forward!

Triathlon

The tri went really well actually and I was completely surprised about that! The morning of the race I kept telling dad that I didn't want to do it and that I should just drop out. I knew I wasn't trained and I knew it would be a long race since I was not trained. It was a cold morning, which meant it was going to be a cold swim. But I did it! The first two minutes or so I was just trying to get use to the cold water. It seriously took my breath away the whole two minutes because YES it was that cold. Then out on the bike I booked it! I was thinking it was only a 13 mile bike.. well I was wrong. It was 19. So I got tired in the end. (I seriously think I could be like a Lance Armstrong.. I am super fast on my bike). I didn't rush changing because I knew I wasn't going to win any medals or anything. The 3 mile run was the worst.. my legs felt like bricks, my body felt numb. But what kept me running was I saw my dad twice on the run! He encourage me to keep going and I was pissed that my almost 60 year old dad was beating me.. lol! So I finished in good time and even placed 2nd in my age group! That is exciting.. but the bike and the swim suit is put away till after this marathon.

12 mile run

Group run last week was okay. I started running with Jeannie and some lady from the club. We ran a good pace and chatted along the way. There is just something about running with people and talking makes the time go along so much faster. Jeannie was having issues with her breathing so she decided to hold back on her pace. So I got to run with the nameless teammate. She was only schedule to do 9 miles but decided since we were walking every 5 minutes that she would stick with me. Thank god! Because the last two miles were HARD! My legs felt like bricks! But I felt great a little sore nothing to bad. The chafing was a little bad under my arms but I expect that now.

14 miles--ALONE!

So I am currently on vacation. Usually do the long runs on Saturday with the group but since I am in sunny Florida I knew I wouldn't run 14 miles here. So I decided to run the 14 miles before I left on Wed. I got up at 5 AM to get ready and head out. Went to a trail that is down the street from me. I guess I didn't realize that it would still be dark at 6 AM. I just knew I had to get out and start running I couldn't wait for the sun to come up. BAD mistake next time I need mace because I couldn't of seriously been hurt, raped you name it. It was a little light so I just headed out. The run went great actually. I saw four deer and they didn't run away when I ran up to them. This is another reason I love running! After around 8 miles, I really started to feel it in my quads. So I told myself every 9 minutes you need to stretch. I didn't really follow that but I did stretch a ton. The last 2 miles again were the hardest for me. I was afraid to walk because I didn't think my legs would be able to start running again. I walked maybe twice in those last two miles. I finished in like 2 hours and 35 minutes. Which is super fast! I think I was just nervous because i didn't want to get back late since I was flying out in a few hours!

I love running! It just makes me happy! I get to think about the stupidest stuff when I run. I get to just run and be me for those however many miles I set out to complete. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. I mean really-who wakes up at 5 AM put their running gear on and run 14 miles because they can. Well that would be me! I wouldn't trade this training program for anything right now! I am having the time of my life doing this! I just wish that I remain this healthy and excited when I am running like 20 miles!

Gosh I haven't written here in a long time.  Actually my life on the computer has been completely non-existent.  I have just been to busy with work, babysitting, starting my masters classes and just relaxing.  Plus my computer is broken so I only get a chance to jump on every few minutes here and there.  

So what you have missed!  Jeannie and me ran a 10 mile run last Friday! We went to a Dublin park and decided to run on a horse trail (so basally that means grass).  At first it was fine, sort of loved it.  But the dirt underneath the grass was hard and the surface was so uneven.  Since it was a horse trail there was a ton of horse crap on the trail.  Half way thru this run I was telling Jeannie we need to find a paved trail.  It was super hard to run on this trail and it made us super slow.  So goodness-we will never do that again.  The 10 mile run seemed like it lasted forever.  I was tired and my muscles were totally feeling it.  At the end of the run we were stretching and I found a tick on me.  YUCK! Then I found one on Jeannie, so basically that was a huge decision on never wanting to do that trail again. 

Since I am doing a triathlon this Sunday, I decided to do a brick workout on Sunday.  Man.. I am telling you if I don't die doing this tri it will be amazing.  I completely have failed to swim and bike in the last month and 1/2.  So the workout was a 10 mile bike and a 4 mile run.  Dang, that run killed me.  But hopefully all will go well and I can finish on Sunday! 

What even killed me more-is that I didn't take a day of rest after that brick workout and went straight into a 11 mile run.  What a mistake! I mean I was really sore running, but I wanted to get this run in before my triathlon on Sunday.  I ran the first 5.5 miles alone! Then thank god a good friend of mine decided to help me finish the rest! Thank god for her no lie! Because I haven't ran a long run alone in a long long time! I really missed Jeannie and it truly wasn't the same without her!  Another reason I felt like I may die during this run was because I ran it at night.  I never run at night always in the morning.. so I just felt like I had nothing in me.  Oh well-glad its over!  I did toss and turn almost all night last night however.. I know it has to do with running that late! 

So I have a five mile run to complete for this week and a Triathlon!  Hopefully it will be a great week! 

Week 4 done and over with!

This week was really hard on me! I am not sure why but it was terrible! Getting my runs in, working out at the gym and just having time where I felt like I could relax was hard.  I started teaching summer PE this week, so I probably am just tired from working all day.  Better get use to it school starts up in Aug and I will be deep into my training then! But I am sure glad this week is over with and ready for the next week! 

I got a new running toy the Garmin! This is my new favorite running equipment! I don't know if I would ever be able to run without it now! I love that it tracks your miles and your pace! Gosh its nice to know what my pace is after running 10 miles! Love it and would suggest any serious runners in getting it!  I love the fact that I lace my shoes, put the garmin on and out the door I go.  I now don't have to have a plan or a map! 

Monday's morning-I ran 4 miles in the morning! It was an early run 5:20-I was out before the moon went down.  It was very peaceful, but boy did that make work hard.  I haven't had early morning workouts in a while so it was tough.  I know once I get back into working out in the morning running that early will be fine! 

Speed Work-Went to the track with the group and we ran the straight aways and walked the curves.  We ran the straight aways fast! I loved this workout! Sort of weird since I hated doing this in track! But I guess now I get to pick my pace and I don't have my coach yelling at me go fast Morgan!   We ran about 4 miles! 

Thursday 4 mile run-this was a hard run for me.  It was super hot outside and I was super tired from work.  I knew that I couldn't skip this run and really needed to get out there and get the miles in.  But it was mentally rough on me-I started telling myself that I couldn't do it.  Which in turn made my body feel that way.  I struggled and when i was finished I questioned myself on why in the world am I doing this to myself.  But the goal is to finish a marathon and I have to keep thinking about that finish line! I know there is going to be hard runs, there will be days I hate running! I just have to keep thinking about the overall goal! 

Saturday long run-it was a great day for a long run.  My legs were tight and a little sore from probably all the work i have made them do in the last week.  I have decided after this run its time to cut back on lifting.. I am getting the strength I need from the runs.  Another thing I think I had to learn was about what I eat the day before.  I could tell this run wasn't as easy on me as the past runs.  I knew it had to do with what I ate the day before.  So fuel is going to have to come into play on Friday's!  

But the run was nice and cool-not to hot! We have been really lucky! I was a sweaty mess but I had no problems with rubbing anywhere!! YIPPIE! I think i found my running shorts from now on! No problems means get more shorts!  The last 2 miles I think Jeannie and me both struggled.  We went out way to fast the first two miles and you could tell at the end.  So we need to really focus on staying with out pace and try not to stay with the group ahead of us! So what if we finish last or close to last! At least we are still walking when we finish! 

Next week-10 mile long run! Bring it on I say! 

4th of July 10 miler

Freedom is why I am able to do the things I want to do! I have that freedom because of the people that have fought for this country, is fighting and will be fighting for us.  So the one thing I can do is show my pride by waking up early on the 4th of July and run a 10 mile race :) I am happy to say this was my first 4th of July race and I am sure glad I did it! 

I worried about signing up for this race because it is July and the heat can be rough.  However, we were blessed with wonderful weather today! The sun was out but it was super cool, PERFECT weather! I wish i could have that weather every long run, but I know that is a wish that will not come true :( 

Jeannie and me really pushed it this race! We went out fast and we finished fast! I over all felt wonderful the whole race! There was a time when I was like crap is this race every going to be over with.  Then I remember that this is only half of the marathon and I need to suck it up! I think the speed workouts or overall just getting use to running with Jeannie is helping our pace.  We know when we can push it and when we should slow it down! I actually love running with Jeannie! I love talking with her but what I love the most is if it wasn't her I probably would be running the whole time and feeling like crap big time.  I love love love the walking method and I am so glad that I started to do it! But even if I was running and walking alone I probably would be pushing myself to pain, so it is wonderful to have someone keep me on track! 

So anyways-the race was nice, small but perfect really! We finished under 2 hours, which I was so happy about! I did take a 1/2 hour nap today and am not overly tired.  So that means I am getting into shape and I am eating the correct foods to keep up the stretch! I have no sore muscles right now but that could change tomorrow morning.  I hope not!

I am so happy that I am doing this! I can't wait to see what the next couple of months hold! Terrified but excited! 

Week one down! Week two is here!

"The first thing I had to do was learn that I can do it" Sue Stricklin runner

I love that saying and it is so true! You have to learn to run the right way, learn to believe that this dream is possible and learn to NOT over do it! You really have to have faith in others when completing something this major! I have to put a lot of faith in my coaches, the guy that sold me my shoes and my running partners.  Everyone thinks running is a event that you do alone, but without everyones support I wouldn't be able to complete this!  So the first thing I have to do is learn .. learn to lean on them and learn to dream big! 

Week one is now over! Its was a great week and I ended up skipping a run.  I need to really figure out my schedule and if that means waking up at 5 AM to do my runs then that is what I am going to have to do.  We ran with the running group saturday.  It was a great run, but I have noticed that my left knee has slight pain from it.  It sort of feels like I need to crack it! Nothing I can't handle but need to make sure that I ice it and make sure I don't over do it! It may have been because I didn't walk the whole time for the 6 miles or from adding another leg day in my Strength training program? Overall, the run really felt great! 

This week-I am running a 10 mile race on the 4th! I have always wanted to run a 4th of July race and I finally get to do it this year! I just pray to god it isn't smoking not out there, since we will not be running in shade.  But I can deal with it if its hot! Wednesday is speed work day! I hate speed work, reminds me of track and I hated track! But I think it is important for me to get some speed work in, so I better just deal with it!  I also have to throw in another 2 runs in the schedule. I ran 2 miles yesterday with a friend so I may cut out a run to give this knee a rest.  Not to sure yet what I will do... 

I have decided to join weight watchers, or at least follow the program.  I have been doing really terrible with the food and I know that it is just going to get harder as the miles pack on! So I want to get control now because I will not gain weight over this marathon journey not going to let it happen! 

First training run

"We all have dreams.  In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort." Jesse Owens

The above quote is so true! You can dream something, but dreams can't come true without the hard work! This is something I will need to read before each run and reread after each long run.  I can't reach that finish line without the work that has to happen to get there.  

Today, June 20th was my first group run!  I was super nervous, excited and couldn't wait to get started all in one.  The group was a lot bigger than what I expected, I would say there was at least 30 runners there!  The thing I was nervous was about people looking at me and saying can't believe she is going to run/walk 4 miles.  Its just that weird feeling I get sometimes, which totally is me trying to put myself down.  All the runners there were there for one reason only. To run together and train for a race that is coming up in the future.  This group is going to be my support system, this group will end up being family at the end I am sure! So I just needed to feel bad about running/walking for a second and am now over it! 

The run was a 4 mile run, cake is what I call it! My foot did have a slight pain in the arch, just wishing it is my feet getting use to the new shoes!  It wasn't to hot, which is nice!  We ran with a pacer, he was really nice and shared a ton of knowledge! He usually does 30 races a year, Wow!!! It was nice of him to slow way down for us, but I think he enjoyed all our questions we asked! 

Then a girl from the 11 minute mile group slowed down and joined our group.  She was really sweet and I can say I would enjoy running with her every week!  This will be her first marathon as well!  We probably ran about a 11 minutes 30 second mile.. sometimes faster and sometimes slower!  Good pace is what I call it! I remember when I ran without walking, I was doing around a 10 minute mile for long runs.  The walk break is so worth the extra time added on to my finish time, it will help me recover so much faster!

Anyways-nothing really major to say besides it is great to have one run down and a million and one to go! 

Coming up this week is one 4 mile run, two 3 mile runs and one 6 mile run! I have to really nail down this schedule! I need to decided if I am running in the morning or at night.  What I want to do is stay away from the heat, the heat kills me and makes me hate running! So I may run at 5 AM so i can beat the heat, I can always go back to bed!!! 

Till next time! 

Shoes 101

Running Shoes are the single most imporant piece of equipment for a runner. A good running shoe should fit like a glove and should feel like your running on clouds! Shopping for a good quality running shoe is like shopping for a diamond ring. I want the best fit, the best look (sorry i am a girl!) and the best shoe out there.
There is no perfect shoe out there for all of us, because every runner is different, every shoe is different. The challenge is to find a shoe that fits you in every perfect way! That is why heading to a running store is worth it! Running stores are educated in this area, they can tell just by you walking which shoe can help with your runs! I highly suggest finding the nearest running store in your area and get fitted for your diamond shoe!

I learned the hard way why running stores are important and why having a good shoe is worth every penny. My first 10K I ran in Nike shocks, I believe they were size 8's. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Nike shocks-LOVE THEM! They look amazing, they feel amazing when I am not running in them but they did not work when i ran in them. I trained with them but only ran 3 miles at a time. Doubling the miles to 6 made my feet bleed and get some nasty blisters. The last mile of that race was like death to me, I hated it. I valued after that 10K that I would never run again. After the race I was unable to wear shoes for 2 weeks, kind of hard for a PE teacher flip flops saved me!
Shortly after my first 10K I decided that NO bloody feet was going to stop me in my dream of being a runner. So I joined team in training and valued to run a 1/2 marathon. I was told by the coach that I should go to a running store to get a shoe that works for me. Lesson one-ALWAYS go to a running store when buying running shoes! The guys at the store were amazing! I told them my issues with my 10K and they explained that my shoes were to tight and that the toe box was causing my feet to bleed. He came out with size 10's and I about fell over. I was wearing 2 sizes to small my first race. I tried on about 10 pairs of shoes and found the perfect fit, I honestly felt like I was running on clouds! Lesson two-Always get your running shoes one size bigger!

So anyways-I got my running shoes last night from the columbus running company. My main worries about this race is my feet. Every race I have ran in my feet have been the injury. 10k bloody feet, first 1/2 numb toes, second half pain in the ankle area and last half pain in the left arch. I just want to get thru a race without wishing I had a new pair of feet! So i got a new pair of shoes, I usually run in saucony's so it was hard for me to stray away from them. After trying on a million shoes, i decided the best show was Nike structure 12. They fit great, feel great and hopefully when I am done running 10 miles I will still love them!

So hopefully what you get from this post is---Shoes are so imporant! So go get a pair from the running store! Even if you think they are to much money, buy them its totally worth it!