Back again...

It's been a few weeks since my last entry and I've decided that I'm a horrible blogger. I am very sporadic and would like to post more often. Unfortunately, my busy schedule is to blame. Maybe someday, I can actually blog on a regular basis. Because, let's face it, you all are DYING to read my daily entries!

Update #1 (for those who don't know or haven't seen) - I recently chopped nearly ALL of my hair off! Yep, I had 16" cut off and donated 2 very thick pigtails to Locks of Love. I've been wanting a major change for a while, but couldn't get the guts. I finally reached the point of full on annoyance with my mass of curly hair, that cutting 16" was PAINLESS! I didn't even flinch!

So far, I have no regrets and am really enjoying the new 'do. I can't believe how much easier life is with short hair. Seriously. It's easier. I'm not making this up! For the record, I lost 3 pounds of hair...3 POUNDS! That. Is. Ridiculous. 'Nuff said.

I've run a few more races since my last post. They have both gone well. Most recently, I ran a 5K and hit a big PR. My goal this year was to break 24:00, and I came close in April, with a 24:10. With all the speed work I've been doing, I was 90% sure that I'd break 24:00, but didn't expect my 23:21 final time. Total surprise!

This was the Especially For You 5K (benefits breast cancer research) and I ran in honor of my Aunt Marilyn. She must have been pushing me along, because I felt pretty good throughout! It was incredible to see over 15,000 people out walking/running for this great cause. What a sight!

So now, my new goal is to break through...23:00? Seriously? I would NEVER have set that as a goal. For some, that might seem easy, but that's a time/pace that wouldn't have occurred to me until this past Sunday.

I'll say it again...Our bodies are AMAZING!!! I don't think I could have run a 23:21 5K when I was in college. So, to run that 10 years later is exciting!

In other news, my fave workout buddy, Carrie, is back in town. So, we are taking advantage of running/biking together and catching up, which has been fun! She's joining me for my final 20 miler this weekend.

My 8th marathon is only a few weeks away and I couldn't be more excited! Life is somewhat stressful/busy/overwhelming lately, and I'll take any break/vacation I can get. Even if it involves me running 26.2 miles.

At age 33, I still haven't learned the word NO. There are multiple "adds" in my life right now that I need to just say NO to and/or quit. If I don't, I'll never get sleep or time to clean my house. Or, time to just SIT.

So, here's to REST! May I get plenty of it in the next few weeks leading up to the marathon!

Catch up...part deux

Seriously, I have no idea what happened to the month of August. Absolutely. No. Idea!

Work has been busy, weekends have been busy...

OK, we'll start with running. For a while now, running has been a real chore. I've felt tired on runs and just really struggled with it in general. In mid-August, I ran a 10K race. Well, saying I ran it is generous...I pretty much willed myself to finish. In my defense, it was a very hot and humid morning, but still - the race shouldn't have gone that bad. I was winded, nauseous, and light headed.

Then, I attempted to run 18 miles the next day...I managed to complete 14.5, with a lot of walking. (My friend Denton is a true gem, for sticking with me, and for convincing me to stop.)

I talked to an elite runner friend of mine and sort of self diagnosed myself with anemia. I've been anemic before, but sort of slacked on taking my iron pills for a long while. So, now that I've been taking iron again...things are hopefully turning around.

I ran 2 half marathons within a week of one another and set a PR by over a minute. While I'm very happy to have PR'd, I really just wanted to run long and feel GOOD - for once. So, for both races, I was able to push myself but also feel strong. (Oh yah, and being able to breathe and not want to puke? Those are also good things!)

I went for a 10 mile run tonight and felt pretty good. It was 80 degrees with a breeze, but I felt good throughout. A month ago? I wouldn't have made it a few miles without dying.

So, I think things are turning around and I'm on the right track. Good thing, too...since my marathon is in 6 1/2 weeks!

OK, moving on to some fun stuff. I had my 2 nieces over for a sleepover at Auntie Mariah's. It was soooooo much fun! We colored, watched movies, ate pizza, painted nails, and just had a good time. And this past weekend, I took my nephew on a "date" to Chuck E. Cheese. I'm so fortunate to be an aunt.

My brother and his wife welcomed their first baby, Sydney, so I can't wait to meet her at the marathon. She's a doll and I can't wait to hold her!

The only other big news I can think of is that I will no longer have a ponytail after this weekend. The hair is getting chopped! I've had long, curly hair for a very long time and am just bored with it. I found a cut I really like and I'm hoping it works out. If not...I'll be on the hunt for a wig!

Catch up...

Ooh, yet again, it's been a while since my last post. I guess life got a little too busy for me this past month! Let's see, what have I been up to?

This past February I auditioned for a local CR production called, "Follies." I'd heard of it before, but had never seen it, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. Basically, it's a variety of singing and dancing acts - this year's theme was "Viva Las Vegas."

We've been rehearsing since May, but the schedule became really crazy in July, when we neared opening night. The show (all 6 of them!) went really well. I was very fortunate to have many family and friends come and support me. I think I had someone at nearly every show!

I'm glad I did it, because it gave me the opportunity to do something I love, singing. I mean, I sing at weddings and church, but this was different. I also met some super fun people and had a great time!

Thanks to all who came to see the show - it meant a lot to have some "fans" in the audience!

OK, in addition to Follies, I began training for marathon #8 (Marine Corps). This new plan (Run Less, Run Faster) is a tough one. But, I think the change up in training will ultimately be good for me.

I went to Adventureland with a few friends a couple weeks ago. I hadn't been there since I was a little one, so it was fun to be a kid for the day. We had a great time, but there is one lesson I learned in a big way. Do NOT. I repeat, do NOT go on the Silly Silo as an adult. It will not work out for you, I promise. The Silly Silo was my fave ride as a kid, but not so much as a grown-up.

Then it was vacation time and I traveled to Denver, CO to visit my brother and sister-in-law. I had a good time and it was fun to be in Colorado again. I even met up with a random running club for my long run. It was so fun!

I really miss living out there and would love to live there again some day. (Too bad it isn't cheap!)

Now it's back to work and marathon training!

You just have to laugh...

This past weekend, I had a half marathon on the calendar. It's in my hometown and I look forward to it every year. While I wasn't planning to PR, I was hoping to have a good race.

Plans change...

Late Friday night, I woke up to go to the bathroom and walked back to my bedroom...in the dark. Well, I slammed/stubbed my pinky toe into the dresser (I think). Several thoughts went through my mind as I held my foot. The pain...oh the pain!

I really really wanted a good night's sleep, so I crawled back into bed, without looking at my toe. After about 10 minutes, the throbbing stopped, and I drifted off to sleep.

I woke up 7 hours later...remembering that I'd had a little mishap. My toe was at least twice its normal size and changing colors. OOPS! I've broken toes before, so I was fairly certain it was broken.

I tried to put my running shoes on, just to see, and that wasn't very fun. It felt so crunched in the shoe. I was a good girl, though, and elevated my foot. I even iced it!

Of course I was still planning to run my half the next day...stupid, I know. As I looked at the course route, I realized they'd made some changes, due to flooded trails. The course was going to be a bit boring and slightly more challenging.

It rained (for the millionth time this month) all night long. When I woke up on race day, it was STILL raining. Ugh! My shoe went on easier, so I took that to be a good sign. I picked up my friend and we headed to the race.

At this point, it was still raining, so I opted to leave my Shuffle in the car. I saw a ton of familiar faces, which was so fun.

Just as the race started, the rain stopped. Um...dang, I could have had music?

My friend took off and I just kept my own pace. I wasn't sure what I'd be able to do, let alone run the whole 13.1 on a bum toe. My plan was to quit, if necessary.

The first 4 miles were a bit of a chore, I was just telling myself anything I could to get to mile 5. By mile 5, I was convincing myself to make it to 7 miles. Actually, the last 8 or so miles, weren't too bad. My toe didn't bother me too much (thank goodness it's my pinky toe), until the last few miles. I'd say the humidity/muggy weather bothered me the most.

It turns out the course was shortened on race day, due to rain, so it was a 20K.

As I came around the final stretch, I saw members from my running club, my parents, my brother, sister-in-law, and their kids cheering me on. Seeing those kids brought the biggest grin to my sweaty face!

So here's my point (and the reason for the title of this post). Sometimes, things just don't go your way. But, you just have to laugh and embrace it a little. I'm not trying to be Sally Sunshine (ok, maybe a little), but I could have had the WORST attitude during this race.

1) I've got a broken toe - not ideal for running any distance, certainly not 12+ miles
2) The course has changed and is a bit more difficult, to me (on a street I hate)
3) The weather - very muggy and gross
4) No music (anyone who knows me as a runner, knows I prefer music and it gives me a
boost)

These four reasons alone, are enough for me to get super irritated and just not want to do it at all. But, I saw all of these familiar faces (ahead of me and behind me) and it just made me smile. And the fact is, everyone looked a little miserable. But it's that sort of miserable that is secretly happy...know what I mean? It sort of bonds us as runners.

I finished the 20K in 1:52:44 (9:05 pace). Considering I walked a bit a few times (and the reasons mentioned earlier), I was pleased.

The thing is, running is basically a hobby for me. It keeps me fit, sane, and usually happy. But having a bad race or less than ideal conditions, shouldn't get the best of you.

I have a friend who is out of work, a cousin with a baby in the hospital, and I'm sure there are so many other people suffering hardships. THESE are real problems that deserve care and attention.

Me having a crappy race? Not so important in the scheme of things.

Confidence Boost!

Yesterday, I ran a local race that commemorates the flood that hit Iowa 2 years ago, "Run The Flood." The race route (7 miles) takes you through many of the flooded neighborhoods and you can see where progress has been made and how far there is to go. I'm happy to support such a great cause.

But, I must say I didn't have high hopes for my performance at this race. For one, I've not run more than 5 or so miles since the marathon on May 2 (other than a slow 10 miler a week ago).

I've been running on the treadmill lately (I know, I know...) as well. I can't stand humidity and heat. There, I've said it. And no, I don't want to become tougher by suffering in it. Also, I've been trying to get back into a regular lifting routine. It's quicker for me to hop off the treadmill and go straight to the weights. If I run from my house, there's about 2% chance I'll go lift at the gym afterwards.

Aside from those things, I've just been kind of blah about running lately. I think the La Crosse Marathon really bummed me out. Of course, I've been running regularly, but just not very pepped up about it.

So, going into this race, I was thinking it would be a fun run - with NO expectations. I PR'd at this race last year, but didn't feel like that was realistic this year.

Add to that, the awesome forecast - 80 degrees with 90% humidity...and rain. Um, woohoo?

Alright, I decided I'd go run the race and plan on finishing anywhere between an hour to an hour and 10 minutes. Honestly, I'd have been happy with ANY time in that window, considering my attitude and the weather.

I found a bunch of my fellow CVRA club members at the start and got ready.

Mile 1 - I took off fast and then after a bit, realized I was running a 7:20 pace. While I dream of doing that consistently someday, I wasn't in any shape or attitude to do that to myself for the first mile. So, I made a concious effort to slow down a bit. I hit mile 1 at 7:53.

Mile 2 - I was feeling ok and tried to settle into a decent pace. I hit mile 2 at 8:20.

Mile 3 - Well, by now I was feeling pretty toasty (thank the LORD that the sun wasn't out). But, I tried to hold pace. I hit mile 3 at 8:22.

Mile 4 - At this point, I told myself that I was nearly half done and could do whatever I wanted for the second half. I hit mile 4 at 8:24.

Mile 5 - I was getting a little tired, but still trying to keep pace. I hit mile 5 at 8:36.

Mile 6 - When I saw that I hit 5 miles around 41:00, I did some quick math. Basically, I could run 9 minute miles for the last 2 and still finish under an hour. Since I honestly thought I wouldn't be finishing in an hour, this made me happy. I'm pretty sure I slowed down and "phoned in" the 6th mile. I hit mile 6 at 8:42.

Mile 7 - OK, 1 mile to go, so I might as well push it. By now, I'm positive I'll finish under an hour (unless something horrible happens). But, I still was doubtful of a PR. When I had about a half mile left, I was looking for the finish. They revamped it this year, so it was different than I remembered. All of a sudden it was in front of me - oops! So, I went as hard as I could. Mile 7 was 8:01.

I could see the clock and thought I could at least tie my time from last year. When I got home, I realized that I actually set a PR! My final time was 58:19. (Last year's time - 58:29) Woohoo!

I'm one of the biggest whiners about weather, so I am very excited that I set a PR in less than desirable conditions. It could have been much worse, had the sun been out or the rain come down harder. We even felt a breeze from time to time - which was heavenly!

This was a huge confidence boost for me right now. I have a half marathon at the end of the month and hopefully it will go well.

Make-Up

I ran my 3rd 5K of the year this morning. I have a little cold (again) and so, I wasn't feeling 100%. But, I still feel pretty good about my time and the race overall. Now, onto the point of this post.


I've noticed, for quite some time now, that many women show up to these races in full make-up and with their hair quite done up. We're talking, more make-up than I wear to go out with friends on a Saturday night. And the hair? Well, they're doing fancier stuff than what I have paid to have done to be in a wedding.


Let's get this straight, ladies...you are running/walking a 5K (any other distance), in other words, EXERCISING!!! Why on earth would you need to have your face covered in make-up and your hair done? Even if the pace is slow, you still might break a sweat.


OK, I'm not an idiot. I realize that maybe a single lady would want to put her best self forward, just in case. Um, I'm one of those single ladies and it's never occurred to me to wear make-up or do my hair. Well, I do throw my haphazard curls into a ponytail...but I don't think this qualifies as a hairdo. Make-up? Oh, I put Chapstick on, if my lips happen to be chapped. There ya go.


It's not that I don't care what a guy thinks of my looks, but it's that he should know that I'm there to exercise, not go clubbing. I guess I would naively hope that he'd be interested in me because of my interest in running/athletics. But, maybe I'm wrong.


I remember playing basketball against a certain school when I was in high school. Most of the girls on the team wore a LOT of make-up. So, halfway through the game, they've got mascara running down their face. And I'm wondering, "Why???"


I know a certain friend/fellow blogger who wears make-up to races...that's right, I just called her out. She's happily married and beautiful without make-up, but wears it. And honestly, she's the LAST person I'd suspect would wear make-up to a race.


So, apparently I've missed a memo somewhere about wearing make-up to races. All I know is that I look much better after a race without make-up on, than I would after a race with make-up running down my face.

It shouldn't surprise any of you, based on this post, to know that I also don't get all dressed up to get groceries. I mean, if I happen to already look nice, then yes...but I don't put a bunch of effort into looking good - for the grocery store. My mom is one of those, "you should ALWAYS look your best, because HE could be there." Well, he hasn't been there yet (and I've looked nice a few times)...so I don't plan on extending the additional effort.


Does anyone have any thoughts/opinions on this? Am I missing something?

Marathon #7 - Not so lucky...

Well, I had hoped that having the number 7 attached to this marathon would mean I'd FINALLY hit my goal of finishing in under 4:00.

I'm not a complete moron, I assumed my training would have something to do with it as well. But, it just didn't go as I had hoped.

This was the second year for the La Crosse Marathon and just under 300 people were registered, with several more running the half marathon.

We travelled to La Crosse on Saturday afternoon and then had a wonderful pre-race meal at Applebee's. We wanted Olive Garden, but the wait was too long. We went to bed at a decent hour and I think my sleep was pretty restful.

Here is something that was a little irritating, breakfast. We figured we could grab toast and/or cereal before heading to the race. The sign on the breakfast door said, 6-9am. So, we called the front desk, who snottily informed us that that was Mon. through Fri., Sunday breakfast starts at 7am. Um, wouldn't you think they'd make an adjustment knowing that most of their business the night before was in town for, um, a RACE???

My dad was nice enough to take us to the start, so we didn't have to deal with the shuttle. After an impromptu stop at Kwik Trip for a granola bar breakfast, we were on our way. We greatly misjudged how long it would take and arrived at the start area around 6:15am. The race was to begin at 7:30am. Oops!

Without going into any detail, let's just say my stomach was very nervous that morning. I'm fairly certain I started the race on a less than empty stomach. 'Nuff said.

The bonus of a small marathon is that you cross the start line within seconds...as opposed to minutes at a larger race. The negative? There were no pace groups to align myself with. I usually like to start with one and see how long I can hang on.

We took off and I felt pretty good. The first and supposedly only hill in the race was within a few minutes of the start, over a huge (and beautiful) bridge. Even though I felt like all 300 people were passing me, I tried to focus on not going out too hard. Well, I was marginally successful, but the first mile was 8:21, a little fast for what I was planning.

So, I re-evaluated and tried my best to slow down, but the pace I was running felt fine. Mile 2 was 8:25. OK, still not getting into the right pace...grrr!

My dad, stepmom, and Carrie's Dad were GREAT at getting around the course. We must have seen them at least 4 times before the first 4 miles, then again at mile 15.

I finally started to settle into a better pace around mile 3. Mile 3 was 8:38, Mile 4 was 8:46, Mile 5 was 8:42, Mile 6 was 8:51, Mile 7 was 8:45. All of these splits led to me hitting the 7 mile mark in an hour, 8:34 pace.

While I would normally be happy with that pace, I knew it could possibly come back to bite me later on. It did.

I still felt alright, but could feel myself slowing down, which was discouraging. Miles 7-14 were variations of 9:00, 9:15, etc. But, since the first 7 were a bit faster, I wasn't completely off my chance of breaking 4:00.

There were a few miles of panic where I thought I missed the turn off for the marathoners. It occurred to me that we hadn't yet split. So, I looked around me to see if there were any marathoners around me. Nope, all of them were half marathoners. So, I was beginning to wonder if I'd be running 13.1 rather than a full? As I approached the 13 mile mark, I could see that the half marathoners turned to the right to finish, while the marathoners continued ahead. Phew?

I saw my Dad and the crew at mile 15, which was encouraging. I have to say, with only 300 runners, I felt pretty lonely at times. I train with friends often, but I also run alone quite a bit. But, for some reason, it sure gets lonely in a marathon when there's no one else around you.

OK, so they advertised that this race was flat, other than the bridge in mile 1. I wouldn't say it was crazy hilly, but they could have been a bit more informative. We went over several overpasses and came back over them on the turn around. As I approached an overpass in the latter half of the race, I was SO negative, "Um, what the heck? Why does this overpass have to be here, now, at this moment?" So, I tried to push my way up the hill and then I see a mile marker sign, turned the other way. Frick! Now I know for sure that I will be coming BACK over this stupid overpass when my legs are even more tired. I checked the mile marker...mile 23. Grrr...

At this point, my splits are going into the high 9:00s and low 10:00s. I'm so disappointed in myself that I'm sure it's affecting my attitude, therefore my running. I hit the 20 mile mark around 3:05. So, if I busted the final 6 miles, maybe I could break 4:00. I can tell you right now, there was no "busting" in my vocabulary at that point. I tried my best to fight the negativity and make myself run through it, but it just wasn't enough.

My lower back wasn't really a big issue at this race, as it has been before. It did start to flare up in the final miles, but I can't blame it for my performance...or lack thereof.

As I finished the last few miles, I tried to remind myself that I was about to complete marathon #7 in less than 4 years. While that is a great accomplishment, it just didn't make me feel much better.

I crossed the finish line in 4:11:51, full of disappointment and frustration. Everyone has been so encouraging and telling me that I'm too hard on myself, which I so appreciate! But, when you spend 4 1/2 months working toward a goal and on the 7th attempt STILL don't do it...it's VERY upsetting. It's not as if I'm going to quit marathoning once I break 4:00, but it's just a barrier I need to break through. Then I can focus on qualifying for Boston (hopefully some day!).

I'm still down about it, but of course I realize there are much worse things than this. I have a ton of races on my schedule in the next several months. My goal is to set some PR's in the shorter distances and then start training for the Marine Corps Marathon!

Our post race "meal?" We stopped at Kwik Trip and purchased a 44 oz. diet pepsi fountain pop, a large bag of Cheetos, and a Twix ice cream bar, EACH of us. Mmm, very healthy!

Here are some pics from the race!

Me & Carrie before the race, we've run 5 marathons together (sort of)!

Here I am, I think maybe the first few miles of the race.

Here I am around mile 15, feeling tired...

Me & Carrie after the race
Carrie ran a PR and was the 4th female overall!