North Texas Great Santa Run

Today was my first 5k since I began training with Lesley on October 20, 2011.  So I have been training for 6 weeks with an almost 3 week break in the middle for ear infections and Laryngitis. (Boo!)

It was a fun experience but it was also painful one for me.

I was honestly surprised to see the dense sea of red when we walked into the circle.  It was overwhelming but I had Holly C. and Lesley there to support me.  I have to admit, when I first decided that I wanted to run, I was intimidated by runners.  I had this idea in my head it was an inner circle of athletes and you had to be the best to roll with the best.  WRONG.  Runners are some of the nicest and most supportive people I have ever met.  Today just confirmed what I already knew.

So to the actual part where I run...walk...hobble?  Whatever, I crossed the finish line.
The first mile wasn't so bad but my inner calves began to hurt and tense up on me.  This has been a problem for me for the past week.  So we dropped down our intervals and tried to chug on.  Yes it hurt (a lot) but Lesley got me through it.  At about 2.5 miles I wanted to just cry it hurt so much but I kept going.  I don't care that I walked more than desired because I did not give in to the pain in my legs.  I finished the run which is what I came to do!  That is what matters.  I know Lesley wanted me to hit 40 minutes but my personal goal was to hit under an hour.  We ran across the finish line at 50:15!

We finished without the police chasing us, we weren't last, there were more Santas behind us than when we began and we beat the present to the finish line. And I got a free massage to remove the knot.  Now, THAT is a great start to a Saturday morning!

With the boys before the run.  

Can you find Santa?

The Littles and Daddy hit up Dunkin' Donuts while Mama ran. 

The Santa Posse.

A little love from Colorado

"Run!  Don't let the present pass us."-Lesley

(This was actually taken before the race started.)

Lesley and I crossing the finish line.  

(Remind me to NEVER tie a huge coat around my hips while wearing two pairs of pants and running next to Lesley.)

Little Man found Santa and asked him to bring him a bike for Christmas. 

In the end, I am proud of what I did today.  I am proud that I was able to overcome the pain in my legs and finish.  I am proud the present didn't beat me to the finish and I am thankful for having such an awesome Coach.

Now I need to get ready to rock the New Years Double in 3 weeks.  

40:00 - BRING IT!

Pushing Harder and Rambling

I have no excuse not to accomplish my goals.  

I had to sit down and write an email to my Coach the other day that I do not wish to write again.  The short - I missed a few runs.  

The long - 

I enjoy running I feel better afterwards...it's just...doing it.  I have a million and one excuses but none of them are valid.  I just need to do it.  I just need to say "drop it all" and just get out there.  But, that is easier said than done.  I am a Mother of two, Wife, Business Owner, Team Mom and Caregiver.  Where does running fit in?  How many balls can I juggle and what if I drop them?  Perhaps I ought to take up joggling?  But, again, it feels so good!  

Setting a goal and following it to the end just feels amazing.  It doesn't matter how small or pointless it seems to others.  It is MY goal not theirs.  It's not a big deal to them but it's a HUGE deal me.  Yes, I feel like I am going to die about halfway into my training and no one will know until they drive past my corpse on their morning commute but I have to push on...I do it for my kids...I do it for me.

So why do I miss my runs?  I lack discipline.  I grew up in an unhealthy household surrounded by obesity, overindulgence and quitting.  I have to retrain not only my body but my way of thinking.  No, it's not ok and it's not acceptable.  I need to set an example and break this vicious cycle not only for myself but for my children.  

I need to push myself and be pushed.

I need to focus and follow through.

I need to be smacked around when I quit.

So goals...

I am signed up for my first race on 12/10 and will be running with my Coach, Lesley.  

I am also running both days of the New Years Double!  

MIA - Regrets

The short, I was silly and pushed myself too much too fast.  The result?  An old injury made it's self very well known.  Unfortunately, during recovery I lost my motivation.  I spent the following months walking the treadmill and having no desire to push myself.  "I don't want to hurt myself again."  I have been kicking myself for giving up but have done little to rectify the situation.

Then, Friday came.  I had no children but my own and before I knew it I had ran 2 miles on the treadmill.  My pace was not great but I was pleased.  This weekend, several friends crossed the line at The Hottest Half and I was inspired.  If they can do it - what's my excuse?

Last night I ran outside with a pace of 15:09.

"You can quit, and no one will care if you do. But you will know." ~John Collins,Ironman founder

I went with the Brooks

Yesterday I learned a valuable lesson.  No amount of research can replace real life experience.  I was very excited about the Asic Foundation 9s putting them on was a bit disappointing for me.  They just did not feel right and I quickly found myself at Run On! for a fitting.  Holli was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful!  In the end, I walked out with a smile on my face and a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11 under my arm.

Still No Shoes...

It's raining and I needed a little inspiration.  

Then I registered for my first 5k!  

Shoes Glorious Shoes!

First let me say, I LOVE SHOES!  I had a pretty bad shoe fetish before my obsession moved to dinosaurs and crafty kid projects.  My biggest love was heels and since having my oldest, who is now 3 1/2, I have hardly worn them. I always picked my shoes on their cuteness factor and the pain....it was worth it.  Not anymore.  These days, you will find me in my favorite pair of Birkenstock or my Old Navy Flip flops.   I love their $1 flip flop sale!  Actually.....I love sales in general.

I am now trying to relearn how to pick my shoes.  I need to look for function. Why?  As I have learned the hard way, shoes can literally make or break your run and you.  I have a few physical and genetic issues that I need to take into consideration as I pick my shoes.  To start, I have developed Plantar Fasciitis.  In short, I have a lot of pain in my right heel that makes it hard to walk in the morning.  I was also blessed with bad knees and fat genes from my Mother's side.  I am sure all three of these go hand in hand with the fat genes being the cause.  

Anyways, I have been doing a lot of research when it comes to what will suit my needs best.  Yes, I have been distracted by some really cute green and pink sneakers.  Shhh!  In the end, I want to start out prepared and avoid injuries as much as possible.  So what shoe am I going with?

ASICS Women's GEL-Foundation 9 Running Shoe

I can't wait for them to arrive!

Shoes Part 2