Back in it to win it!

Ok, maybe not in it to REALLY win the upcoming 5K, but I've been down with the flu so I've not been pounding the pavement. Now that I'm A-OK, I'm gonna get back out there and start over.
*ugh*
start over...

Long time, huh?

After a LONG hiatus, I'm back to blogging about my running adventures (mostly misadventures). Let's see, November was my half marathon. December was my birthmas/graduation. January I started training again and I just finished a 4 mile race (that of course I didn't actually WIN). Next I'm signed up for a Shamrock Shuffle 5K followed by the Susan G. Komen Race for the cure 5K then the big event: Beach to Bay! I'm so excited b/c I've recruited some co-workers to run with me. I love their enthusiasm and commitment. They're so awesome! Our team name? RYAO (and yes, it's what you think it is)
So, TTFN and get out there and RYAO!

TAH DAH!!!

I have finished my first half marathon! Matt asked me if I would run it again next year...
uhhhh YEAH!!!

I'm hooked! I'm now going to race the Warrior Dash in Conroe, Texas and the Beach to Bay Relay in Corpus. I can't WAIT!!! I'm so pumped! Now...time to take a nap. LOL

Tough Day

I have discovered a new favorite running time: evening. I've usually run after work, but today I ran in the dark. Now, I wasn't necessarily IN the dark as I was wearing my husband's caving headlamp. I kinda liked not knowing how far I had gone or how far I still needed to run I just knew I was running. I had to. Today was a tough day and I needed to clear my mind of all the toxins floating around. I didn't complete my 5K like I had planned b/c my calf was cramping and I had just read an article about a runner who pushed past the point of pain and is now in rehab. That's not a risk I'm willing to take right now ESPECIALLY with mere weeks until the half. Speaking of, I'm nervous as hell! My knee might explode, but I'm GOING TO CROSS THAT FINISH LINE!!! Until Saturday! Oh!!! Did I mention that I'm running my first "official" 5K on Saturday? I'm SUPER pumped!

ROCK-N-ROLL

cough-cough

I am so sick and tired of being sick and tired! Here's an update:
1. I got to mile 9 then my left knee almost broke in half (not really, but it hurt like hell).
2. I STILL have this upper respiratory virus that will NOT go away!
3. I run my first 5K this coming weekend and I cannot WAIT!!!
4. I have a team of teachers running with me (I think).
5. My half marathon is coming up and I'm deathly afraid I won't finish, but I've told my husband that I am going to finish that race even if I have to WALK all 13.1 miles.
So many wonderful people have donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and while the money is going to a good cause, I feel extremely obligated to run/walk. I hope I don't die. I'd love a medal to say I finished, but to be honest, I'd just like to finish. :-)
ROCK-N-ROLL!!!

Six miles!

It was hard. It was hot. Running in 98 degree weather at 8:00 p.m. is TORTURE! I mostly walked, but still averaged a 12 minute mile. Not bad for someone who was about to puke and pass out. I felt so bad that I came home, showered, didn't eat dinner, and went straight to bed. *ugh*
I'm almost at my fundraising goal. I'm super excited. I'm also only 7 miles from a half marathon. I can't wait! It's starting to hit me that I'm actually going to participate in a half marathon! ME! LOL
Here are a few reasons why I like running:
1. It's better than sitting on my fat a$$ all day.
2. I feel like I've accomplished something productive.
3. I visualize that my blood is flowing through my body and heart and it's making me healthier.
4. I can clear my mind of all the noise.
I think I'll add new reasons as they come up. Well, keep on keeping on, right? HEY WORLD! I'M RUNNING A HALF MARATHON!!!

Rock-n-Roll!!!

What in the world?

Thanks to my podiatrist, I now have a new running stride. He said I was very "hoppy" when I ran so he suggested some things to keep me more grounded. I am also a "heel striker." That means I run from heel to toe. No bueno. Took his advice and guess what? I have FREAKING SHIN SPLINTS AGAIN!!!! grrrrrrr
I guess the good thing is that my shin splints aren't in the same spot. New stride, new shin splints. booooooooo!
I still ran about 3.5 miles in 40' or so. Otherwise I feel FANTASTIC. My breathing is great, mentally, I'm doing good. If my legs would just cooperate, I'd be in perfect condition! Tomorrow I rest and I start again on Wednesday. Wish me luck!
ROCK-N-ROLL!