Insanity and Rain

October! How can it have been so long. I have been running, but not as much as I would like. I did do a half marathon in September, just for fun. I hadn't run long for quite some time. I was a little disappointed because I walked some of the last 3/4 mile. How do you run that far and give up in the end? It was all mental. There was a hill at mile 10-11 that I didn't know about, and when I saw it, I was finished. Before that, I felt amazing. I have been coaching a jr. high cross country team this fall, and always tell them to let their minds win over their bodies. I just wish I would do the same. I guess it is true what they say...Running is a mental sport...we are all crazy. I guess I would rather be crazy than go crazy. I tell you, running keeps insanity at bay.

Today I would like to celebrate rain. I love the rain. That may be because I live in the desert and don't see it much, but nonetheless, I love it. I love the way it smells, the way it feels, and the way I feel when it is around. It may have something to do with its life giving qualities. Have you ever noticed how clean it smells after rain, or just how green things look after a good rain. The lighting is breathtaking after a nice rain. I can't wait to run in the rain today!

Spudman Triathlon and Kindness

That is me in the green and blue, in the background. The biker is my friend, Alice.

Spudman 2010! I can't believe it was here, and now is gone. This summer has flown by. It is funny how my summer is kind of defined by the Spudman. So much of what I do in the summer is determined by the Spudman. Now that the race is over, I feel like summer is over; but lucky me, I still have another month until school starts. Maybe even another triathlon before the season is over. I have never done more then one in a season (okay, I have done a short little tri besides the Spudman the last two years, but it is not really a race.??? I guess it is, but I don't consider it one.)

How did I do, you ask? Depends on who you are. Some may say I should not even run, because there is no chance for me to win. Others may think I am Superwoman, just because I finished. All that matters is what I think, I think I did well, but could be so much better....

I love the whole feeling of the Spudman event. It starts for me Friday morning. I know they are setting up for the event, so I have to drive to the park. It is an amazing transformation there. Porta-potties like you wouldn't believe line the park. Tables and chairs, fences and booths start to fill up the grass. Then about 10:00, the roads start to fill with cars littered with bikes. There are cars with bikes on top, cars with bikes on back, and cars with bikes inside. I don't know what I think is so great about seeing those cars, but it is an amazing site. Soon, the parks all around are filled with tents and campers. I am in awe at those people who sleep in a tent, then run that race the next day. Many have small children....sleep??? I guess most people don't sleep much the night before anyway, too many nerves. (I do not have this problem.)

Packet pickup and the carbo loading dinner are also exciting to me. There is something so energizing about so many people talking and anticipating the same event. People are comparing notes, bragging about past events, and making excuses for why they will not do there best the next day. I love to listen to these conversations. I don't mean to eavesdrop, but I can't help to listen to people's reasons for running, worries about the race, and expectations for the next day. So many people with the same goal in sight.

Choosing where to place your belongings in the transitions is also an interesting task. Everyone has their ideas of the best way to do this. My strategy this year was to just get out of the transitions with everything I needed. I got a great spot for both the bike and run transition. I felt good.

As I said, I do not have a problem sleeping the night before, and had a good night's sleep. We headed out to the race about 6:00. My brother Don raced also, so we had our dad take us in to drop us off. We headed to T1 (transition 1 where you come out of the water and get your bike.) to check our bikes, and leave our gear. Last year Don had a flat tire, and almost didn't get to race. This year, no problems. I try to take my time, and not rush before the event, because feeling rushed really gets my nerves going. Many people used my pump before we left, and many well wishes were exchanged. It was nearly 7:00 by the time we left the transition area. raced at 7:30 and Don raced at 8:10. The cars really get backed up between T1 and the start, so it took us a few minutes to get to the drop off. By the time we got to the park, the were starting wave 2, it was 7:10. I had 20 minutes. All of a sudden, I felt rushed. I still needed to put up my running stuff in T2 (end of bike, start of run. T1 and T2 are in two different places.), go to the bathroom (very important to do, and the wait time can be tremendous, even with 50+ porta-potties.), and put on my wetsuit. Those 20 minutes rushed by, and by the time I got to the water, there was 2 minutes left. I said a little prayer, slid into the water, and got ready to swim.

My swim is slow, and this year much slower, even though some amazing person gave me a brand new wet suit. (21:40ish)My transition was slow also (4:18). I flipped all my stuff all over when I grabbed my towel (next year I will just put my towel on top) and stuffed my helmet in my gear bag, then had to try to fish it out. But then I was off. I grabbed my bike and ran to the bike start. I love to bike, but my odometer was not working, so I had no idea how fast or far I was going. I just rode, and loved it. I passed a lot of people. Less then ten men passed me, and no women. It is amazing how fast those guys can pass you. You can even hear them coming up behind you, and they sound fast. I thought a couple times as I passed someone, "I bet I sound fast." I guess you can always dream. I passed a couple women who decided they were not going to let me pass them, and they sped up to pass me again. I love it when they do that, it gives me extra energy. Anyway, needless to say, I blew them away. I cruised into T2, left my bike, and grabbed my race number. It was only when I got outside the T2 area that I realized I still had on my helmet. (Not the first time this has happened, I am an idiot.) Anyway, I snatched it off and left it at the aid station. I was off. I felt slow on the run, and had more women pass me then I remember other years. The first two miles I felt okay. Mile three had me thinking the run was going by pretty fast. Then, between three and four I got a little tired. Four to five, I just kept telling myself, run to the aid station (it was at mile five). I walk through the water stations, so I kept telling myself, water=walk, water=walk. Usually, this is where my body takes down my brain, and I walk. However, this time, I made it to the water station. One cup of water over my head, one in my mouth, and I was off. I decided it was time to run. One mile and I was finished. I took off (not as fast as I thought, I am sure) and finally felt pretty good. I started passing people who had passed me between mile 4 and 5, and then even passed some of those women who passed me at the first of the race (even the Hammer women who looked like she was invincible). Just when I thought I would have to give up, I saw people I knew running the other way, Don, my cousin Carl, some of the boys from our scout group. After too many good jobs (I can't believe how much energy telling someone good job can take.) I was on the last hill. It is downhill, so I ran. The finish line.....yeah for me! 2:31. (55:04 run). Not my best time, but I will take it. I felt great though, and can't wait til next year. Reflections later about what I learned about myself, and how I will get faster. This post is already too long.

I do, however, need to celebrate. Today I celebrate anyone who has done something kind for another. I mentioned earlier how someone had given me a wetsuit. This was my 6th Spudman, and I have considered buying a wetsuit many times, however, I can never justify it. Well, last Thursday, my friend stopped by with a box. She told me she had been given instruction to give it to me, take a picture, and never tell who had given it to her. I couldn't imagine what it could be. I opened it, and still had no idea. It was something in a bag. Then I opened the bag and was floored. I could tell as soon as I opened it what it was. I am not good at accepting things from others, especially something so expensive. I was in awe. I don't think I have ever felt like that before, and I know I have never received a better present. I think it was the whole fact that I never expected it, and had done nothing to deserve it. It was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I feel so undeserving and so grateful. It is amazing what a small act of kindness can do for another. I know you all have done kind acts in your lives, and I thank all of you. You may not have done this for me, but you have done others things for me, and for other people. THANK YOU! I love to hear about acts of kindness, what is one kind act someone has done for you?

Thursday evening: 5 miles; basketball
Friday: 4 miles
Saturday: 20 mile bike; 5.75 mile run
Monday: 10.5 mile
Tuesday: 20 mile bike
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 26 mile bike easy, 4 mile run, basketball
Friday: 5K race 23:27
Saturday: 8 miles

Summer has been crazy, without much time for anything but the essentials. I have trained pretty hard the last two weeks, and even got a decent bike in on Tuesday night. I didn't do any real bricks last week, but did do three the week before. Iwill be up in the mountains the next few days for a family reunion and hope to get in some workouts. It gets hard with so many people around. Duty calls!

Fast v. Fun

Monday: 8 miles
Tuesday: 11 miles bike, 4 miles run; 35 miles bike very eay pace
Wednesday: 4 mile
Thursday: 20 mile bike very easy pace

I just got done riding with a women's group. It was a lot of fun. I am still freezing, though, enough that I can barely type. I enjoy riding so much, because it is so social for me. I love being able to talk to adults. A good conversation while on a ride is pretty hard to beat.

As much as I love to talk and ride, I have been a little anxious about my training. I haven't ridden hard yet on a Tuesday night ride. We have a big group ride on Tuesdays, and this is usually my "fast" ride. I haven't really rode fast yet, and was a little discouraged. I have had a lot of fun riding these rides though, and have meant some great people. There is always time to ride fast, but not always time to learn about another person. I need to remember this more often.

Tuesday was also my first brick work. Brick work is when you do more then one activity in a day. Usually, for me, it consists of riding and then running. I felt pretty good on the run. I don't even remember that rubber feeling of the legs that is usual for the first mile. Can't wait to do my next brick.

My baby is awake! Real quickly, I would like to celebrate meeting new people. Everyone has a unique story of how they started running (or exercise of choice), I love to hear them. I started running to lose weight. I remember telling myself in high school that I would never be out of shape, and definately never be fat. 10 years and three kids later, I was both. I didn't even realize how bad I was until I started exercising. My reasons evolved from there, and now I exercise for sanity, for control, for improvement, and for many more reasons. What motivated you to start running?

One may go a long way after one is tired.

French Proverb

Wednesday: 6 1/2-7 miles

I almost missed a great run last night. It got to be 8:30, and I was tired. I decided to run for awhile, thinking I would have my husband pick me up if the weather turned worse. He suggested instead I run at the track, which I did. I hate running on the track when I have further than 4 miles, it just seems like forever. Anyway, the first three miles were brutal. Finally, on lap 13, my muscles loosened and my lungs opened, and I could run. Just goes to show, sometimes, you have to run further to make it easier. Seems so backwards, that running more will make that run that day easier, but it is true. (Did that even make sense?) I ended up running a mile further than I first planned. I love those days. I even run fast the last 800.

I don't have anymore time, I have things to accomplish. I will expand on the following quote later. Kind of ironic, isn't it.

Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something

stand in the way of your doing it.

The time will pass anyway;

we might just as well put that passing time

to the best possible use.

Earl Nightingale.

Change

Wednesday: 6 miles
Thursday: Can't remember
Friday: 2 mile warm-up, 3x800, 1/2 mile cool down
Saturday: 30 miles bike tool shed and back
Monday: 4 miles pushing Jayci
Tuesday: 20 miles bike Burger King

Change is the essence of life.

Be willing to surrender what you are

for what you could become.

author unknown

I was on vacation, and have been home now for a week. I just haven't had time to recap since school was out. I did not get out much while vacationing. I did run 6 miles one day in the most wonderful rain I have ever been in. Wow!

Truthfully, I don't have much to report right now. I have decided that I definitely need to stretch, and I mean good stretch, a few days a week. I have always been very flexible, but when I first started exercising, I was coaching tumbling, and stretching 2 times a week. It is amazing how much flexibility I have lost. I imagine that I am like the tin man in the wizard of oz before he gets oiled, creaky and stiff. Stretching is like oiling a machine, it allows the joints to move more freely. I truly believe it makes a difference. However, it is just one more thing in the list of things to do, and often gets left out. Mental note, stretch!

I had a friend and a cousin that each ran their first 5K last Saturday. They did so great. My cousin called me when she finished, and was so proud, as well she should be. I tell you, it is amazing. They ran 3.1 miles, and are alive to tell about it. I was so excited for both of them, I can feel their happiness. There is something so wonderful about working towards a goal you once thought impossible, and achieving it. I think that is why running becomes so addictive to some. It is kind of a test of strength, physical and mental. It is nice to be able to control something when so many things in life leave us feeling out-of-control.

Today I would like to celebrate change. Change is something I have found hard all of my life. I like to have things stay the same, to know what to expect. Arnold Bennett said, "A change, even a change for the better, has its drawbacks and discomforts." I fear those discomforts. However, change is inevitable. It seems like the times I dread change the most, is the times the change has been the best for me. I have new neighbors who just moved in on Saturday. I think of the change they are dealing with, new friends, new community, new schools. They are in such unfamiliar territory. That is a huge discomfort and drawback to me. I am glad I am not them. This kind of change terrifies me. But on the other hand, I am somewhat jealous of them, it is a new adventure, and new chance to grow and stretch. Changes grows a man (or woman in this case.) I need to be willing to surrender what I am now for what I can become. Running helps me realize this, I am becoming something I once thought impossible. I run today to surrender the former me so I can become what I am meant to be in the future. Keep running!

The Truth Behind Me

Monday: 6 miles
Tuesday: 20 miles bike
Wednesday: 13/4 miles; 2x800' (3:29, 3:34); 13/4 miles
Thursday: 5k weights

Yesterday I ran in the rain. It was more of a drizzle than a real rain, but I loved it. Running in the rain when it is not too cold is wonderful. As I headed home, the sun was coming out and hitting the tops of the trees. There was a rainbow; it was all beautiful. I stopped for a couple minutes, just to look at it.

I lifted at the school gym yesterday. As I was leaving, I looked in the trophy case, and saw the tribute they had to one of my friends in high school, Thais, who died in a car accident more then 12 years ago. I've seen this many times, but for some reason, I stopped and really looked. I don't know if it is because it is the end of the school year, and I kind of think about school then, or just what it was, but I got kind of emotional. Thais was an amazing athlete. She and I were inducted into our school's athletic hall of fame a few years back. Truthfully, there was no reason for me to be in the hall of fame, except for her. One of the plaques I read talked about how she would give up a shot so another girl could take it. It was true. She made me look good. I remember giving a speech at the hall of fame induction and thinking how I would have never been there, except Thais had already passed away prior to the hall of fame thing. Her uncle always said we made a great team. We worked together well on the basketball court, mainly because we had played together so long. But when it came down to it, I looked good because of her. I knew she was the one who really deserved all the glory. She was amazing.

Today, I would like to celebrate one who makes me look great today, my husband. He is a wonderful man. He works hard all day in a pretty much thankless job. He gives up doing things he loves so I can do things I love. He knows what buttons he can and cannot push. He treats me like a queen, even when I act like one. We make a good team, mainly because we have been together so long. But when it comes right down to it, I look good because of him. When people comment about how they don't know how I run and do all the things I do, I realize it is because of him. He makes me, well me. I will get to run today, because of him. I love you!

Determination

Saturday: 8 miles

I ran and I ran and I ran everyday,

and I acquired this sense of determination,

this sense of spirit that I would never, never give up,

no matter what else happened.

Wilma Rudolf

I headed out Saturday in the wind and cold. I decided a little cold never hurt anyone. I got about a mile out and noticed little snow flakes. I thought, "Hey, it is not too cold, and the snow is kinda pretty. This is great." It was just a small flurry, and I was quite enjoying it. Besides, I was running with the wind, and it felt warm. The flurry only lasted a second. I turned at mile two, and the wind was whipping, kind of a head/side wind, if you know what I mean. A half mile up ahead, I could see a wall of snow. It got closer and closer while the wind got stronger and stronger. As I got into the snow, I stopped to put my hat back on. It was blowing and snowing hard enough that it was hard to see. I turned around when I put my hat on to keep the snow out of my eyes, and contemplated turning around. Then the thought came to me, "How often do you get to run in the snow on May 22?" The answer, not very often. Infact, once a year at the most, but much less frequent than that even. I turned back around and ran on. I was slow, but determined. I proved that slow and steady does win the race, because I outran the snow. However, the wind was a different story. The last mile, I was running against the wind. I think it even pushed me backwards a couple of times. That definately gives new meaning to the term "negative splits."

Today I would like to celebrate determination. I am not always as determined as I should be. However, when I am determined, I can do anything. Determination is the key to success in anything we do. Sometimes, our goals seem impossible, but as Danny Paradise, a yoga instructor stated, "If you keep at it, one day something which at first appeared impossible will become merely something very difficult indeed." I really like this. I think somethimes, we think if we keep trying, it will be easy. He never says that, he only states that the impossible will become possible. I can and will do hard things. Maybe they will never be easy for me, but they will be possible. I am determined to run today so I can do the impossible tomorrow.

I love riding! Yesterday I went out with a group of women and we rode with the wind. I rode part of the same course as my twenty mile long run. I kept thinking how it was so great to be going 20+ miles/hr instead of 6. I had a grin on my face the whole time. Riding gives me a kind of perma-grin. I don't know exactly why, but I love it. It was especially great after a winter of only running.

It has been a week of mostly rest. I ran two miles and lifted on Tuesday, rode 12 on Wednesday, and then rode the 24ish (my speedometer wasn't working, but I think that was about what it was) yesterday. I am now turning my focus to the triathlon in July. I am glad I have something else to look forward to. I remember when I finished my first triathlon, I had a sense of loss. I had spent close to a year training to get ready for it, and when it was over, I kept thinking, "Now what do I do?" It was almost a let down. This time, I am already signed up for the triathlon, and am contemplating a 1/2 ironman in Sept. I might even do another marathon in October. So, I think rest time is over, I better start working.

Today I would like to celebrate something kind of different: transportation. When I ran my 20 mile long run, I couldn't help comparing how long it took me to run it with how fast I could drive it. In the time it took me to run, I could have rode to another city, I could have drove to another state, and I could have flown half-way across the country. Transportation has made it possible to travel the world, or out of the world for some. I can only imagine how hard it was when just going into town was an all day journey (okay, it still is for me, but for different reasons). Isn't transportation amazing. Thank goodness I can hop in my car whenever I feel like it, and in a few short hours, be at my cousin's house 180 miles away. This is something I have taken for granted all my life. Isn't it crazy how something like running 20 miles can affect how I look at travel. Today I think I will run a few miles, in hopes that someday I can ride my bike to my cousins; not because I have to, but because I can...it just might happen.

26.2 Miles

It is done. Saturday was the day I have been training for since January. As with any run, I learned a lot. I have reasons to celebrate, and reasons to reflect; kind of a good news, bad news senerio. I will start with the bad news, because I like to end on a positive note.

Bad news
1) I did not make my goal time . I wanted to finish in 4:30, but finished in 4:34 instead. Not too much off, but still a little disappointing. I did not have my watch, so I wasn't sure how long I had run. I really thought I was closer to 5:00, so I was surprised when I got close enough to the clock to see my time. A watch may have pushed me a little more, because I would have seen how close I was and pushed a little further. Maybe.
2) This is my biggest cause for reflection. One time I blogged about one of the lessons running has taught me. (http:/running2learn.blogspot.com/reason-to-celebrate.html) Anyway, it is basically that I start too fast in everything I do, almost give up in the middle, and walk in the end. That is what happened in the race. I started way too fast. I may have had a PR in my half, if I would have been running a half. (Since I didn't have a watch, I don't know my exact time, but was on pace for under a 1:50 at mile 9.) Anyway, then about mile 20, I almost gave up. Don't get me wrong, I still intended to finish, but I thought I might walk the rest. I didn't walk the whole thing, but I couldn't go more than about 1/10 of a mile before I walked again. I kept telling myself, "You can run at least a mile before you stop," but instead, I would just stop and walk. Finally, about mile 23ish, I decided I need a system. The trail we were on was marked in .10, so I decided I would run .3, then walk .1. I finished this way. A couple times I even went a little more, and I finished. But, although I didn't walk the last 20 yards, my time goal was achieveable, but I let other things get in my way. I could and should have been able to reach it, but kind of gave up on myself in the middle. I need to understand why I give up on myself, and change it. I am worthy of reaching my goals and bettering myself, so why do I hold myself back. I didn't train quite as hard as I should have. Was there really not enought time, or was I setting myself up for failure? The things you learn about yourself when you run are enlightening.

Good
1)I finished! That is reason to celebrate in itself. I finished a marathon. Wow!
2) I got a PR. There is a good thing about being a little slower then expected, I can get a PR next time I run also. Looking forward to that!
3) I placed tenth in my age group. Not really too bad, better than half. I place 42nd in the women overall, still better than half! Yeah for me.
4) I had been hurt for the last two weeks, really bad the last week. I didn't even know if I would be able to run on Saturday. I was determined to do the race even if I had to walk. (I had already paid, and I put in too much time training.) I did not hurt my leg any worse, although it forced me to walk several times.
5)I finished a marathon! (Did I already mention that?) Wow!

So, the good outweigh the bad. I think the best thing was, I never once thought I would never run a marathon again. Instead, I thought about how I would change my training schedule to run better next time. Overall, it was one of those #2 days I blogged about before. (http://running2learn.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-i-run.html). I didn't quit. I can do hard things. I will do hard things. It is time to start training for my triathlon. Yeah! I love to ride!!! I will still be out running though, learning about myself on the road.

Now, my question for you...what have you learned about yourself from running? What great truths do you know about yourself because you run? How has running improved your life? Everything I need to know about myself I can learn from running. I will run tomorrow to improve me.

Tips for Effortless Running

I have had people ask for pointers on how and when to run. My last post I added a link from a guy named Seth who has just begun running. It has some great tips and pointers. Seth's post was great, make sure to check it out. (You can find a link to the right.) Today, I will add my own ideas for running.

One thing I want to clear up from Seth's post is that it is not just hard for overweight people to run, I believe it is hard for most people to run. Although there may be a few natural runners for whom running is easy, more than likely, that guy who you see running around effortlessly has put in, and continues to put in, a lot of effort to be a great runner. His effortlessness comes from hard work and determination. You get out of running what you put into it.(Wow, what did I tell you. Running is just like life). Many think I make running look easy, but most days, I still beg the stop sign to come closer so I can be finished. Running (like life) is 90% mental, if you think you can do it, you will. (More on that @ http://running2learn.blogspot.com/2010/04/long-runs.html.)

Set Goals

This is probably the most important aspect of running. Find your reason for running, and then run. I know a lot of people run to lose weight, but I would suggest to you that you need other reasons for running. Sometimes, the weight doesn't come off as fast as we want or expect. When this happens, if it is the only reason one has for running, the running will come to a halt. My suggestion, enter a race, then tell everyone you know you are running it. You will have a goal, and will be accountable to tons of people. Besides that, there is no greater reward, or motivator, then stepping across the finish line after training so hard. It is amazing, and you realize you are amazing.

Once you have a long term goal, set daily and weekly goals. The more successes you have, the more you will want to run. Make the goals accomplishments, but achievable. By this I mean, make it something that takes some work, but can be done. Remember, not every day will be a great day running (just like life) and not every goal will be attained today, but there is always tomorrow. I would suggest taking a look at my first post to get a better understanding of this. http://running2learn.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-i-run.html

Have a Routine, but be Flexible
Running must become a habit. The best way to do this is to run at the same time every day. That being said, you must be flexible. Some people (like me) are not morning people. You have all heard that person who says, "Running in the morning makes me feel great all day!" That is not the case for me. Running makes me ready to sleep. I love to run at night. It relieves the stress of a long day and makes for a restful night. I used to a run exclusively at night. Now, however, in the summer, I run in the mornings, and during the school year, I run when there is a free second. That is a benefit of running, you can be ready at the drop of a hat. Find a time that works for you whether it is morning, night, or (like me), at the drop of a hat. If you know ahead of time that you will have a conflict on a certain day, schedule a different time to run. Know that as your life changes, your schedule might also. Be flexible!

Include your Kids
This is probably more for women, but would be a great idea for men, too. Take your little ones in a stroller. It doesn't have to be a jogging stroller, I have used a big, heavy stroller for years. Although a jogging stroller is lighter and and much more jogger friendly, any stroller would work. (I would probably forgo a little umbrella stroller as they are not as stable.) There are even some benefits to a regular stroller that I like: 1) Most jogging strollers don't recline, but my big stroller does. Running during nap times is perfect for me! 2) Can hold drinks and toys close at hand. My little ones love to go with me in the stroller, and it can help you gauge if your running too fast or slow. (Should be able to carry on a conversation with them, but not sing the National Anthem at the top of your lungs.) Older kids can ride bikes with you. When my daughter was seven, she rode six miles while I ran. If they are a little older, they can circle back to catch you if you are too far behind. This gets the kids away from TV and video games, and gives you extra encouragement. (It is amazing how inspirational a three-year-old's "Go, mom, go!" chants can be.) When you register for races, find ones that have toddler and child races. Many have half-mile and mile races for kids. They can watch and cheer for you, then you can watch and cheer for them.

Cross train
Running can be very hard on your joints, so cross training is essential. It also changes up your routine so you don't get bored and your body doesn't plateau. Cycling is a great alternative. It uses some of the same muscles, but without the impact. I love it! Find a riding group near you and ride with them, or take a spinning class at your rec. center. An elliptical trainer is also a great idea; same muscles, no impact. Weight training is essential. (I need to work on this!) It builds muscle, which in turn, speeds up metabolism and burns more fat. Besides, who doesn't want to see the guns instead of the drops? One to two days a week of weight training is plenty.

Rest
There may be nothing as important as rest. Rest at least one day a week. (I choose the sabbath.) Allowing your body to recover helps it to perform better later. If you are particularly tired one week, take another day off or two off (just don't make it too much of a habit).

Start Slow, but Change up a Bit
I think the two biggest downfalls of a beginning runners are they try to run too fast or too far at first. When they can't keep up the distance or pace, they give up. I started by walking, a lot. While I was pregnant with my fourth, I walked (and I am talking 4-5 mile/hr walked) 3 miles everyday. Of course I worked up to that. But when I started running, I would go a little (sometimes very little) further each day. Make sure not to increase more than 10% each week to avoid injury. However, it may be good to know that the first mile may be the hardest. Some of it is mental, but some is actually physical. It actually takes about a mile for your muscles to warm up, and more importantly, for your lungs to open up. After that mile, your body gets into a rhythm and your breathing evens out. My first mile is still my hardest for this reason. If you are running a mile, go a little farther, you may get to experience this phenomena.

Once a week, go fast. Even if it's just for a minute. I alternate between telephone polls, faster between one set, regular between the next (sometimes two or three) sets. Going faster one day will make it easier to go faster the next.

Make Running a Celebration
For so many of us, food is the way we celebrate. Make running a celebration. When you go on vacation, find a new place to run. I ran across the Golden Gate bridge while in San Fransisco and on the beach in San Diego. The great thing about running is all you really need is a pair of shoes (sometimes shoes can even be forgone). You could run in a suit or dress if you needed to. I, however, would suggest taking running clothes with you everywhere, and run when you get the chance. See a pretty sunset, run. Visit a historic location, run. It makes great memories that last longer than food. Also celebrate your accomplishments. Reward yourself for reaching those goals you set. Rewards are great motivators.

Runner's High
This is a little side note. Runner's high is an actual occurrence. It may take a while to get it or to realize you have it. People ask me all the time, "How long will it be before I love running." The answer may sound discouraging. Lots of times, I tell them that I don't love to run. That is a little misleading. I do love to run, but most days, it is a struggle to go out and run. Sometimes, there is other things I want to do, sometimes I am tired, and sometimes I am just plain lazy. One thing I have noticed is, once I start running, things change. My troubles seem to melt away, and before I know it, I am thinking, "My life is good." I get that runner's high and I feel great. An important thing to note is something my friend mentioned to me yesterday. As we run, we need to be in the moment, not thinking about how far we have to go. Realize you are doing something that you used to think impossible. Know that you are great.

Most importantly, find what works for you. I like to run without music, it gives me a chance to think. (I do take music on those extra long runs.) Some people use music for motivational purposes, and find songs that help them run faster, or longer. Do not try to run another's race. Translation, you are you, nobody else. Maybe your best friend runs 6 miles everyday, and you only run for ten minutes. Maybe your neighbor runs a 6 minute mile, and you are struggling with a 13 minute mile. Don't beat yourself up. Celebrate that you are running! You are amazing!Run today to live tomorrow!

Rock

May 9: 8 miles

This is a humorous picture. When taken, it was posted on the wall at Rock's bike shop with the caption, "What would Melanie have done without Sargent Rock to show her the way?" Rock is the owner of the bike shop, and I would call him the captain of our team. We don't really have a team, so I guess he cannot be our captain, but he is our fearless leader. During the summer, he leads a riding group from his shop on Tuesdays. For the first ten minutes or so, he weaves through the crowd, giving encouragement and tips to the new riders, and old as well. The last half of the ride, he is pushing the pack, making them work. In the winter, he is the coach (some call him Sensei). When riders are on the velodyne, he reminds the rider of their competitor's time and pushes everyone to ride to the best of his or her ability. He is a great guy.

Back to the picture. He is actually telling me, "They are right in front of you, go catch them." (I think Rock just wants to see a good race, so he baits everyone as they go by.) As I think of this picture, I realize that we all need a "Rock" in our lives, we all need someone to point the way. Sometimes, it is difficult to know which way to go, and even when we do know the right direction to go, sometimes it is hard to keep going. That encouragement from our "Rock" allows us to believe we are capable of our destination. We need that extra push that only our "Rock" can give. And when we are almost to our goal, our "Rock" knows just the thing to say to bait us to do our best.

Today I celebrate my "Rock." I have many "Rocks" in my life. Each gives encouragement and hope when I need it the most. I hope you know who you are. You point the way for me to go and are my light in the darkness. I am a better person because of each of you. I hope I can return the favor for you sometime. Thank you Rock.

One Week

Saturday: 10 miles (4 miles warm-up; 10k race)

In one week, I leave for Boise. I am running a marathon! Wow, that is all I have to say about that. I raced last week, and felt great the first five miles. I had pulled a muscle in my calf the Thursday before, and really had troubles with it the last mile. My time was okay still. I averaged about an 8:15 minute mile. I have been running so slowly getting ready for the marathon that I wondered what my pace would be. I believe it would have been around 8 minute miles if I wouldn't have had the pain. I have tried to pick up the pace a bit lately. I realize that the marathon is not my ultimate goal. I will still run when it is over, so I have to start looking beyond the run to the future.

I posted my blog on facebook today. That was scary for me and I don't know exactly why. I am still shaking as I type. Maybe it is because writing this is very personal for me. I don't really write anything about my "real" life, but in a way I write everything about my "real" life. Maybe I'm afraid everyone will read it, and judge me, or maybe I'm afraid no one will read it, and I will judge myself. Then I realize, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. This is for me, and I enjoy it, and it inspires me. Maybe it will inspire someone else, maybe it won't, but it doesn't change me. Why are we so critical of ourselves? Or more to the point, why am I so critical of myself.

I had a birthday a couple days ago and I am old. There is a song we sing in Primary that says, "Another year older and wiser too," I most definately must be getting wiser, because I certainly am old. Today I would like to celebrate birthdays. I am older, one year older than last year to be exact. I am wiser also. We seem to think of aging as a bad thing. We think of the negatives, not the positives. I love the idea of "growing old gracefully." We cannot stop time, people have been trying since the beginnig of time. We can, however, accept the change. Each year, I may be getting a little slower, but I am also getting a little wiser. I know how and when to hold back when I run. I know when I have a little more to give. I have a friend who is an amazing runner at 51 (or 52), and I believe she will only get better. She shows no signs of stopping anytime soon, or slowing down for that matter. She is much faster than I. She hasn't given up, and she doesn't believe she is too old to run. She is not! She will not be for a very long time, maybe for the rest of her life. Infact, at the race on Saturday, the oldest person was a woman 76ish years young. I believe that we are as old as we think. When we start believing we are too old, too young, too fat, too thin, too scared, too stupid, too smart, too whatever it may be, we limit ourselves. I limit myself, you limit yourself. Remember when your mother used to tell you that you could do anything? Remeber the other day when you told your child she could do anything? What happened? You can do anything! I can do anything, if I don't limit myself. For now, my sights are set on a marathon, who knows what the future will bring. Until then, I will keep running.

One Step at a Time

April 17: 12 miles
April 24: 20 miles!!!

I was nearly as anxious to run the twenty miles as I am to run the marathon. Oh, by the way, I signed up for the marathon on Monday! Friday the 23, the wind was blowing so hard, I decided I didn't care which way the wind was blowing, I was just running with it. I had planned to run to Malta (or nearly there) for my 20 miles the whole time, and was glad to see the wind cooperate. I was running pretty well until about mile 16, when I stopped to find some water Nate stashed for me. I looked all over and couldn't find it. I finally found it right where he told me he left it. I took a drink and tried to run again, but my body was tightening up. I did finish, but my body seemed to fight me every step. When I finished, Nate was there to pick me up (since I ran with the wind, there was no turn around. Nate was kind enough to drive and get me.) He told me I did a great job, but all I could think was that on race day, I have a whole other 10k to run. It will get done.

On my run, I thought, as I have other times, how our life is like a run. Each step we take gets us one step closer to the end. All roads lead to home. If I run a loop, each step is a step in the right direction, and is a step closer to the finish. When I run an out and back, it seems as if I am getting farther and farther from my goal, but it is good to know that at any time I can turn around and head for home. It is my choice. Sooner or later, though, I always turn around. Every step I take is one step closer to the finish.

So it is with life. Each step, for good or bad, takes us closer to our finish. Sometimes we are running a loop, and continually moving forward. Sometimes, we are running an out and back, seeming as if we are going the wrong direction. Isn't it good to know that we can turn around at any point. It is our choice. I think most of us, sooner or later, turn around. Whether we do or not is up to us. However, every step we take still takes us closer to the finish. How we finish is up to us, noone else.

Today I celebrate free agency. It is great a gift to be able to determine our own destiny, our own happiness, our own fate. We are not products of our circumstance, we are builders of our future. Sometimes things happen that are out of our control, but we still have a choice in how we react to each and every situation. Life is what we make it. I choose to make it great. I choose to love it, experience it, and help others love and experience it. Running helps me do just that. I feel great when I run. It helps me see how great my life is. I will remember and celebrate this fact on my hard runs. Today determines my future, so to make that future shine, today I will run.

Long Runs

Long run week of March 6: 15 miles
Long run week of March 13: 16 miles
Long run week of March 20: 12 miles
Long run week of March 27: 17 miles
Long run week of April 3: 18 miles
Long run week of April 10: 19 miles

I haven't logged my miles in quite some time, so I can only remember the long runs. Last time I wrote, I was afraid I might have a hip injury that would sideline me. I almost didn't run the next weekend. I went ahead and ran, and only had minimal pain. It is almost healed now. The week I ran 14 was the worst week for me. I was discouraged, maybe that is why I haven't written since. Now I am only 7 miles away from the 26, and I know I can make it. My question now is, how long will it really take.
I had a hard run again Saturday, the wind was torturous. I ran with a group in Burley for about seven miles, then headed home to Declo just as the wind started blowing. When I got to 250 E, I decided I better run South for a mile, to add a couple more miles. It was a good thing I did then, because I never would have finished if I wouldn't have. The wind got to blowing so hard, I was barely moving. The only thing that kept me going was that I didn't have any other way home, and Austin had a t-ball game at 10:00. Anyway, it nearly killed me, or I thought it would, but I made it.
I have known for sometime, but have reaffirmed the fact that running is 90% mental, (see, Joe the snowboard instructor was right). Running long is hard, but, as stated by others, if you can run a mile, you can run a marathon. Someone asked me, "How can you run 16 miles, I get tired at 4." I told them, I get tired at 4, too, when I am running 4. It is all in your head. If you think you are running four, you will get tired before you're finished. If you think you are running 16, you will feel pretty good at four, but get tired before 16. I hope if you think you are running 26, you will feel great at four, medium at 16, and not get tired unitl about mile 24. I guess if I believe that is how it will work, it probably will. Maybe I should believe I won't get tired until 26.

So, in a bold move, today I will celebrate the wind. The last few weeks the wind has blown every time I have run. And when I say blow, I mean knock-you-over, take your breathe away, blow. My friend Lisa has a great saying when she rides in the wind, "I love the wind, it makes me strong." I too, love the wind (cringe) it makes me strong. That saying is true, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Isn't it funny how those things that are the hardest, help us the most. As I run, I think about what my brothers always tell me when I inform them that it is blowing in Declo, "It never blows in Boise." See how strong I will be, I will blow by those other runners, as the wind blows by me. I will be stronger because of the wind, and for that, I celebrate the wind. That being said, I hope the wind doesn't blow when I run tomorrow.

How Far is Too Far?

Monday: 4 miles
Tuesday: 6 miles
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 4 miles
Friday: 6 miles
Saturday: 14 miles

Saturday was the first time I really thought a marathon was a long ways. OK, I always knew it was a long ways, but my brain started questioning whether I could really run 26 miles. Part of the run Saturday went alright and the first ten miles I keep telling myself I could make the whole 14 no problem. I visualized, I uttered words of encouragement, (someone had to), and I knew I could finish. About the middle of mile 11, I wondered if I would even make it to 12. I took it one mile at a time, and eventually made it. Every mile, however, made a marathon seem impossible. A marathon is still 12 miles further than what I ran on Saturday. It is just under half of 14. I have a little hip pain now, and am hoping I do not go on the injured reserve list. With all the doubts and pains, I keep looking to my run tonight. I hope my hip feels alright as I run. I know if I can get through this week, and run 15 on Saturday, that a marathon will seem that much closer. Amazing how resilient we are.

Today I think I will celebrate B. He is a great kid who keeps me laughing all day. He is my biggest fan, and when he goes in the bike trailer with me, he chants, "Go mom, go." Funny that a little thing like that can give one energy, but it works for me. He always runs to give me a hug before I leave for a run, and if he is outside when I come home, he runs to meet me on the road. He likes to run with me, and do the "Hammer Run" in the summer. (Any time he runs is the Hammer Run.) He goes to first grade next year, and keeps asking me if I will miss him "so much" when he is gone all day. The answer is definitely yes. I will miss him. He can be stubborn and defiant, but he is also loving and funny. I will miss him, more than he will ever know. I love you Austin. One day, I hope to run with you, or at least not too far behind you. I will keep running for now, so when the day come, I will be ready.

Rest

Monday: 4 miles
Tuesday: off
Wednesday: 4.5miles
Thursday: 6 miles
Friday: Snowboarding
Saturday: off

This week in my training was suppose to be a "rest week". I ended up resting more than planned. Saturday's long run was suppose to be 9 miles (I know this doesn't sound like a rest to some, but it is a rest from the double digits it has been the last month). Anyway, I hurt my arm snowboarding Friday night. Of course, it was on the last run, right near the bottom of the hill. I wasn't even doing anything stupid (unless you count trying to learn to snowboard at 36 stupid). I really thought it was broken due to the funny pop I felt when I landed on it. Luckily, it is just a sprain and feels much better already. So now the question is, do I still do the nine miles today, and then run the 14 scheduled for Saturday, or just start where I would have normally been today. Maybe an in-between 7 miles today would satisfy the missed miles, but not add too many miles in one week. Running makes you think.

So, then comes the other question. Is it time to give up snowboarding? At first, I figured I was finished. I can't afford to get hurt. Now, I keep thinking, "I got bucked off. I just need to get back on the horse." When is it wise to quit? Should an old woman like me stick to what she knows, and not try something new? Am I just asking for an injury? I remember when Nathan blew out his knee playing ball. It upset him the first time. However, when he did the same thing to the other knee the day he went back to playing, he said he was finished. I remember telling him it was worth getting hurt every once in awhile when you are doing something you love. I told him I wouldn't be able to just sit on the couch and do nothing. Am I actually ready to do that now? Give up snowboarding because I got hurt once. The bad thing is, I am actually thinking maybe I will give up snow sports altogether. I guess I need to decide if the potential of injury is too great to even try. I hope not. I hope I go back on the hill, if not this Friday, then next. I am scared though; scared of really getting hurt. Scared of Nathan's reaction if I do. (I can't handle an "I told you so." I don't deal well with being wrong.) For now, I think my arm is well enough to run. Friday is in the future, today I run.

Meant for This

Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: 1 mile; weights
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday: off
Friday: 13 miles
Saturday: off

Seems I took a lot of days off this week. It was Ethan's birthday, so we partied a lot. My cousin also came to visit, so I did my long run on Friday instead of my usual Saturday because I knew I wouldn't fit it in. We were to go skiing on Saturday, but life got in the way. Oh, well, we had an enjoyable visit anyway.

While running on Friday, I thought about how people are so amazed when they find out I have run a long run. As I thought about this, I realized that our bodies are meant to do this. They are made to run, to work physically. They are machines, and very efficient ones at that. They were not made to sit around in front of a computer or television all day. They were not made to eat excessively. But all of those things I do. This gave me motivation. I was doing what I was meant to do. To run, to labor, to work hard and enjoy life. Depression is so common today, and I believe it is because we are depriving our bodies of what they need, what they crave. I will remember each time I run that I am meant for this. Go out and do something physical today, sweat, get physically tired, and see if it doesn't feel great. I don't know what you will do, as for me, I will run.

It is All in Your Head

Distance:
Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: 4 miles
Wednesday: 3 miles
Thursday: 6 miles
Friday: Snowboarding
Saturday: 12+ miles

Friday I went snowboarding with my sons' school. They both board, so I have taken it up, too. It is quite enjoyable, and makes me work hard mentally and physically. I love to learn something new, and to challenge myself to get better at it. I really enjoy snowboarding for this reason. The school will go three more times, and as much as I am enjoying snowboarding, I think the last time I will ski, it is also fun to do something that you haven't done for a long time.

Our snowboard instructor's name is Joe. He is a really great teacher. I had him a couple years ago when I was very first learning to board. (I have now boarded a whole two times since then.) He really has a way of helping his students understand what to do. One of the girls said he was the best snowboarding instructor she had, I know that is the case with me. Anyway, in the process, he said something profound. He told the kids that snowboarding, and everything in life, is mostly mental. If you believe you can do something, and go so far as to visualize yourself doing it, 90% of the work was done. He told them to go through the motions in their heads before they tried it for real. This was most of the battle. The other 10% was practice. Now, that is one smart snowboarder. I thought of that wisdom all night that night, and the whole time I ran the next day. I did just as he said as I snowboarded, and as I ran. It really worked. I saw myself doing what needed to be done, realized I could do it, and then went ahead and did it. What great words of wisdom.

Because of Joe, I would like to celebrate teachers. I have had some teachers all my life, like my parents. They have taught me about love, family, and all that goes with it. There are others like Joe who I have only known for a short time, but have taught me concepts that will stick with me my whole life. Life is a teacher in itself, and we learn something new from each person we meet, and each experience we have. Our job is to learn what is being taught, and to use it to better ourselves and others. I would like to thank all of those who have taught me, in school and in life. I am who I am because of you, and will continue to be molded by others along the way. In turn, I hope to be a teacher to other's in my life.

Is it Determination or Stupidity?

Distance: Thursday: 6 miles (200 route)
Friday: off
Saturday: 10.5 miles (Skagg's and back)
Weather: Beautiful high 30's to low 40's

This is the question of the day, is it determination or stupidity? Saturday I spent the day with the boys at Pomerelle. I did not get to ski or board, I just watched. I had planned a long run for Saturday, because I need to start logging miles if I truly am doing a marathon in May (I have not signed up yet, how is that for dedication). When I got home, I was tired and cold, and only wanted to sit on the couch. It was getting late, and the wind was blowing. Really, I pulled out every excuse in the book. I finally decided I would run with the wind, that way, I wouldn't get any colder than I already was. I asked Nathan to pick me up in an hour at Skagg's, and somehow we got to talking about the marathon. Nathan said, "Good luck with that." When I asked him what he meant, he said he didn't think I would be able to finish a marathon because I did not have enough miles under my belt. Now, he was not trying to be rude, or discouraging, he was just trying to be realistic and logical. As I started out to Skagg's, I felt slow and heavy. Once I got to the base of the hill, I started to feel great (it is amazing how that happens) and felt like I was running pretty strong. It was there that I decided that when I got to my turn around spot where Nathan was to pick me up, that I would start to run home. If the wind was not too hard, and I didn't get cold before he picked me up, I would run all the way home. I got to thinking how I did not want to be realistic and logical, I wanted to be crazy and fearless. Was it determination or stupidity? It may be crazy to run the marathon, but I am determined to do it. I noticed the wind had died down, and realized it didn't matter what the weather was like when I turned around, I was running home one way or another. I would prove to myself and to Nathan that I could run this course, and I will run that marathon course. I had thoughts on the way back about how amazing our bodies are, and how they will do things we don't know they can do.

Nathan was worried that cars would not be able to see me on the way home, however, he didn't even need to, because I ran so fast, no cars even passed me. This is one of the thoughts I had while running, it made me laugh. I mention this little side bar about the cars not passing because I have said before I have great thoughts while running. Anyway, when I got home, I was reading Readers Digest, and in an interview with Dr. Oz he mentioned that he used to try to do his thinking when he was on the treadmill. He would keep hoping off to jot down some terrific idea he had while running, only to find out later they weren't so great after all. Hum, could be my problem, too. He suggests yoga, but I might stick with my less than great thoughts I have while running.

I will celebrate my body today. It is amazing. It can take me anywhere I want to go. I am strong. I am healthy. I can run. Thank you body. Please hold our for ninety more years! I want to run again tomorrow, and forever.

One Day

Distance: 4 miles

This seems to be the continual theme: I was tired. More tired when I started then when I finished, but I can't seem to get over the tired stuff. I can feel proud though, I ran, even when I would have rather stayed home and slept. I haven't been going in the morning for the last week, so I didn't run til 9:30 tonight. I did it. I try to tell myself I will never have this day again, so don't waste it.

I did run 5 miles on Monday, and I felt pretty good when I did. I also walked/ran for 30 minutes last night. I'm sure I have had some great thoughts during those runs, but I cannot remember them now.

I think I would like to celebrate Nathan today. He is the one who got me out of bed (I fell asleep about 8:30 tonight, and did not want to go run.) He always encourages me and makes me a better person. Isn't that what a spouse is suppose to do. I know I have a great one.

I am hoping I can get over this tired stage and get on with life. (Funny how I was so tired, but now it is 11:00 and I am still up typing on this blog.) I guess I shouldn't wish anything away. Like I said, I only have this day once. I can be tired today, and I can feel great tomorrow.

Marathon

Distance: To and from; gym 2 mile warm up; 4/4laps
Time: Why do I even add this, I never keep track
Weather: Calm 30ish

So, I am writing today because of a friend who said she read my blog. Stupid that it takes someone reading it to continue, but as a mentioned before, I know myself and I am not self-motivated. Thank you for the encouragement.

I have decided to definately run a marathon. It was a tentative New Year's resolution, but had not mentioned it in case I changed my mind. Now that is dedication isn't it. I know if I post it, I will do it, so now it is done. Ethan thinks I can do it, so it must be true. Please ask me how the training is going every chance you get, I need the motivation.

Today I celebrate food. I really enjoy food, it is one reason I run, so I can eat. We had a luncheon today, some friends and I. I think people make food taste so much better. Just my thought. I will definately have to run extra tomorrow. I am lucky!

Hard Things

Distance: To gym and back; 60 laps in gym
Weather: cold, no wind

I was slow! I was tired! I finished! I wasn't sure it would happen, but it did. I can do hard things.
Saturday I ran the grade. I parked at the bottom, ran almost to Albion, turned around and ran back. It was about 8 miles and I really felt great. I wish everyday felt great. Maybe I was tired from the long run on Saturday, so I was extra slow today. Tomorrow!

Tomorrow

I didn't run at all today, I only lifted. My little one needed attention before I could leave, so by the time I got to the gym, I only had 30 minutes. I lifted hard, but not long. There are more important things in life than running. I think I will celebrate motherhood today. There is no better or harder job than being a mother. It is as frustrating as it is rewarding. It is as hard as it is wonderful. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. My husband said today "you get to do what you want all day" (he was teasing me, I am a stay-at-home mom). As I thought about it, he is right, I am doing what I want all day. I love being a mom. Some days I feel like I am worthless, but I hope down the road, the rewards will be worth it. As for running, I am certainly glad there is always tomorrow.

Amazing

Distance: 2 mile warm up -10/2lap fast walk one-10 laps
Time: around 45 minutes
Weather: Windy-did not run outside at all

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.

Speak kindly, and leave the rest to God.

Change the way you look at things,

and the things you look at will change.

Stop telling God how big your storm is,

start telling your storm how big God is.

Don't worry about the world coming to an end today,

it is already tomorrow in Australia.

Charles Shulz

I just found this quote on a primary music group I belong to. What strong words. Many days I need to remember these words.

Today I ran. I was doing speed work and one of my friends said, "Amazing" as I ran by. This is the same friend who I mentioned before had just started running and should celebrate. I thought about it, and decided it was amazing, but no more amazing than her accomplishment. Our school's theme this year is "Where amazing happens." I am witnessing amazing every day and it feels great. I get up in the mornings way too early for me (an amazing feat in itself ) and run. I guess I should change the way I look at things, as the quote says, and think about the fact that it isn't really early. In fact, in Australia, it is quite late. Tomorrow is already here and I'm ready to run.

Friends

Distance: To and From School 3 miles on track

Time: ?

Weather: Mid 20's felt really nice when I walked outside this morning.

I ended up running farther than planned this morning, and all outside. Usually the janitor shows up a few minutes after six, so I decided to run on the track. By six-thirty, the janitor was still not there. On Tuesdays and Thursdays we usually lift, so I was going to warm up with two miles anyway (however, I imagined I would be running in the warmth of the gym). About lap seven, my lifting partner gave up waiting and went home. When I got done with two miles, I was ready to be done and go home too. Just as I was coming around the last turn on what I thought to be my last lap, my neighbor, and very good friend showed up. Friends are great aren't they. Seems they always show up just when you need them. Because of her, I ran four more laps before the gym opened and I could lift weights.

I said yesterday we all need a reason to celebrate each day. Today I celebrate my friends. I have wonderful friends that help me survive life. Some friends I lift, run, or ride with, and others I just hang out and laugh or cry with. Without them I would be worse off by far. Thank you for your help. Thank you for your friendship. I love you all.

A Reason to Celebrate

Distance: School and back- 68 laps around gym

Time: 1 hour (I'm not too stuck on time now, but may become later)

Weather: 20's Warm enough to at least run to the gym and back.



I think today was on of those barely made it days. I wanted to quit a few times, but I didn't. I kept going. I only felt like quitting once or twice, could have been worse. Near the end, I was moving somewhat slowly, and I thought about how I live my life exactly how I run.



When running, I always start too fast and then start to sputter in the middle. Once I start sputtering, I allow myself to think about quitting. By the end of the run, I seem to barely move, and end in a walk about 20 yards from the finish. So it is in my life, when I start something new (like this blog), I go all out. I run faster than I should, so to speak. In the middle, I continue, but begin to think about giving up. In the end, I fizzle out and although I finish, it is not with the same gusto as in the beginning. Today, I decided to change that, I ran to the finish. Then after walking a couple laps with some friends, ran eight more, just for fun.



A friend of mine joins us at the gym in the mornings. She started out only walking, but has just started running, one lap at a time. She has never run before, yet is willing to try something new. As I watched her, I thought about how proud she should be of herself. I wanted to tell her what a great accomplishment it is, and how she should celebrate, not just today, but every day she runs from here on out, as should all who start something new and stick to it. Everyone needs something to celebrate. Life should be a series of celebrations. Running allows me to see how great life is. Even when things seem bleak, I can look back on my life to see how much I have been given and how the good times outweigh the bad. Is there any better reason to celebrate?


So, even though my run wasn't my best, I have reasons to celebrate. I ran! I finished! I didn't give up! I went further than planned! I will run and celebrate again tomorrow!

Why I Run

Distance: about 6 miles

Time: 1 hourish

Weather:Sunny 40ish, finally

Some run for the gold...

Some run for fitness...

...We run for Popsicles

This is a quote from the back of my son's cross country shirt. What a great mantra to live by. Everyone who runs has their own reasons to run. It is one of the greatest truths about running. I run for me.

One of my New Year's resolutions is to track my running better. I am not new to running, I have run for five years or more. I am not fast, nor am I slow. I would, however, like to improve. I started running because I was overweight, and not happy with my life. Since I am not very self-motivated, I entered a triathlon and told everyone I talked to that I was competing in it. I am one of those people who has to stick to something when others know about it, so this gave me the strength (although guilt inspired) to keep going everyday. People constantly asked how the training was going. I felt obligated to work as hard as I could because everyone knew I was running the race. For this same reason, to have other people's encouragement, I have decided to blog my training online.

For me, running clears my mind and allows me the time to think (something I don't get a lot of with five children). As I run, I come up with some of my most inspirational and profound ideas. The only problem is, I forget these profound ideas by my next run. So I will blog these as well. I guess now I will know if my ideas are really profound, or if they just seem that way at the time because of oxygen deprivation.

My friends always ask me why I run, or when it gets easier. Today, on a 6 mile run over a large hill with the wind at my back, (I only ran out, not back, because of the wind. My husband picked me up at my destination.) I realized everything in life can be related to running. I think my friends get sick of me relating their troubles to running, but it is so true. Running is a parallel to life. As an individual, I can relate the way I run to the way I live life. As a whole. I can relate life's experiences to the experience of running.

In life, as in running, there are many ups and downs. It is what we do with the ups and downs that determines success or failure. Every run can end differently, each day you have to work. Just because you run great one day does not mean the next day will be easy. Many times a great day is followed by a horrible day, or vice versa. A run can end in one of four ways, so can each day.

1). You can quit. Sometimes we just give up. We have the ability to keep going, but we lack the desire. Other times, we realize that what we have done is all we can do that day, even when we have further to go. I have heard the motto, "never give up". I don't know that this is a realistic goal. I like the message in the Serenity Pray by Reinhold Neiburh,

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

In running, as in life, you need to determine your reason for quitting, fix it if possible, then move on, remembering tomorrow is another day to try again.

2). Although you want to quit, you keep going until the end. This might be the best day any runner, or person can have. This is a great accomplishment. When you run to the end, even when you don't think there is any way you can make it, you become stronger. Stronger in so many ways. Not only do you have more endurance, but more confidence. This can carry over to everything you do. Once you do one thing that seems hard, the next hard thing becomes easier. Tomorrow we have the ability to work harder. We have to work hard again, and do other hard things.

3). You have a good day. You finish strong. You can tell that you had a good workout but you still have energy and feel great. These are the days that you love to have, if only every day were this good. But maybe these days make you a little too content. It is easy to think you are on track, you can let your guard down a little, ease up for a couple days. You have to have good days, or how could you keep going, but in running, as in life, you cannot become content with your progress, but work for your goal each day. Tomorrow is still coming, and today will soon be in the past.

4). You can blow it out of the water. This is one of those rare days were everything goes right. You are on, running hard with little effort. PR day! You seem untouchable and can be truely proud of your accomplishment. It has come because of hard work and perserverance. I have noticed that sometimes my best runs are on a day when I don't feel like running. That day when I wonder why I even run, and I want to sit and mope around the house in my pj's and flip flops, ends up being the day I run my best. Maybe it is because I know I have to work harder or I won't finish. Maybe I don't have expectations, so I allow myself to just run. Whatever it is, I go out and run. Usuallly, within the first half mile, I get to thinking, "My life is good!" And it is. In life as in running, sometimes the things that seem the hardest at first are the most rewarding . And when you really think about it, life is good. There are bad things here and there, but life is good. So celebrate the accomplishment, then gear up for tomorrow.

So, as you see, running is life. Everything you need to know about life you can learn by running. I run for me, to know myself better, to understand why I do the things I do. I run for peace of mind and happiness, for humility and sanity. I run for today, and keep running for tomorrow.