Those Girl Scouts should be ashamed of themselves.

The neighbor girl that is a scout came by our house long before we started this "running" thing. I held great restraint and only purchased two boxes of heaven, aka Thin Mints.

Well, they arrived last week on our doorstep and are almost gone. Granted there are two of us that know they exist, I've successfully hidden them (in the freezer of course) from the kids!!!, but still. Only one sleeve is left which means we've eaten THREE sleeves of cookies in less than a week. I'm fairly certain the shelf life on those things is expressed in years, not days.

I'm just so angry at those Girl Scouts and their fundraisers. My running has been severely detoured because of them. I think I'll call our state rep and start a campaign against them selling cookies to raise funds. We need more needless legislation, dontcha think?!

There I go blaming others for my lack of running again. In all honesty, Kellan and I caught some kind of bug and it's yucky. So my lack of running is definitely from that and not from the cookies. Back to accountability on here as soon as we're better. Hopefully by the weekend!!

Trail Running

Grabbed a run with my dad this afternoon on the trails of Pickeral Lake. We think we did 6.5 miles based on time. We took several detours as we explored the trail system out there. It was a gorgeous run, particularly when we hit a trail ridge that overlooked the lake. The sun was shining and temps were warm...wish every day could be like today. I will never win a race, take home any prize money, or sign any shoe contracts. However, today, running gave me the gift of a conversation with my dad and pure enjoyment of God's creation. That's why I run.

Measuring Issues

Ok...so there is a reason I am not an engineer. Apparently it is 12.2 miles from my doorstep to Reeds Lake, 2 laps around RL,and back to my house. Good news is that I knocked out a 12.2 mile run today. Bad news, double-check any measurements I give you! Seriously, the beautiful thing about hitting 12 miles in training is one now knows for sure they can finish RBR. The 12 mile mark is just before John Ball Park and marks the end of the hills. Even if tired and demoralized you are just 3 miles...ok 3.5 miles from the finish. This is where the mental war is most often waged. You will feel tired, you will want to be done, and you might even make a solemn oath to never run this distance again. But alas, you will hear the deafning crowd as you approach the finish line and ache for your post-finish reward of barley and hops. You will tell of the lore of your journey and start to make plans for next years race.Running is beautiful, finishing is glorious, telling your story to friends is unmatchable. Keep running...lifetime memories don't come easy.

Love Doesn't Hurt Much Anymore, but Running Sure Does...

When you are young they say love hurts. When your older it is the running that hurts. I completely understood Julie's post on the impediments to training - time, injury, etc etc. Too bad you don't burn many calories playing bocce ball. It is a lot easier on my aging body!

Last week I feel like I went backwards. When I am out of town my constitution is wasted. I only got out on one run and barely had time for that. I missed out on healthy food, not drinking, and a lot of sleep. I got back and stepped on the scales (or as I call it right now the 'lie machine') - YIKES! Like I said - backwards.

Now that I am back without any traveling in the foreseeable future, I am on track to beat this run (instead of the terrifying inverse)! Janey and I ran a 9 mile training run this morning. It wasn't Dan/Pete time, but we did 9 miles in 1hr 19min. Huge sense of accomplishment today. It was fun running with my partner and pushing each other. Accountability is huge for us and thank you all for providing lots of it here!

Running Partner

Had a great run with my dad today. We knocked out 6.5miles and it was work for me. My legs felt like lead and the humidity level at lunch was high so it felt like a lot of hard work. I love running with my dad and today was no exception. He kept me from quitting! It is such a blessing to have someone lead the way who is more skilled and can provide encouragement. On another note...I am officially signed up for the 3.27 Ridge Run and River Bank! Should be a blast...hope you are all running well. Keep working hard and enjoy the journey!

Back on the horse!

I ran tonight. I even pushed myself. And it went REALLY well. 2 miles ran, 1 mile walked.

WTH?!

I take a 2 week hiatus and it goes better than when I was running consistently. I don't get it.

But I also don't care. I'll take it.

Feels GREAT to be back at it.

Thanks Dan for the encouraging words. I'm assuming there is a learning curve since I've never been a runner before, just wish I could get over that hump sooner rather than later. But I will get there. I will definitely keep your scriptural reference in my mind as I run; great source of energy. I welcome any and all other advice you have to offer!

We're Gonna Run This Town

Drew and I are now financially committed. We have both signed up for 25K, so there is no backing out now. Surprisingly there is no anxiety yet, just excitement. My goal is to finish under 2 hours and 20 minutes. Under 2 hours would be fantastic, but not realistic for me. I will probably feel like a truck ran me over by the time I cross the finish line, but that's okay! :)

Keep up the good work everyone - looking forward to making this memory with you all!

Glorious Day

Hey all...it was a thrill to get out in a t-shirt and shorts with no hat and gloves this afternoon. I must admit that during my first lap around Reeds Lake that I was tempted to quit and call it good. I especially felt justified since I raced Saturday. However, something in my spirit compelled me to keep going and finish my intended run of two laps...8.4 miles. I was glad I did...upon beginning my second lap I felt like I was running on air! I don't mention that to brag, but to share my mental struggle. I am learning that my mental victories are far more valuable than any time goals. I guess that's why the Apostle Paul used running imagery to explain the Christian journey. What a joy to keep running when all the indicators suggested quitting. What a joy to love others, serve unconditionally, model forgiveness, and demonstrate graciousness in the face of difficulty and a strong desire to quit. Running can teach us much about following Jesus.God is good.
On another note, Julie hang in there. Being a mom has challenges that make running consistently very difficult. I tell Sarah all the time that I can't run without her gracious support. YOU ARE NOT LAZY!!! The demands of being mom are unmatchable. Hang in there...you'll find a routine. It can be very difficult to develop a new fitness routine because our bodies don't like the demands right away. It'll get easier as you find a routine.Plus, its ok to walk.
Till my next run...

Accountability Please

For being really out-of-shape running was going pretty well for awhile there, now it has completely ceased. I know May 8 will be here before I know it and that kinda freaks me out. There's no way I can go back on my word now and wuss out.

I will admit to employing a load of excuses. I have asthma, which makes running harder for me initially. Lately my ankle has been hurting...I should probably rest it a bit. Do I need new shoes? The kids kept me off the treadmill again. My stomach hurts tonight. It's supposed to be really nice out tomorrow, I'll go tomorrow. There's laundry and grocery shopping to do. And so on and so forth.

So what's my problem?! I totally want to do this. So why am I making every excuse in the book?

My husband suggested I use this blog to help w/ accountability. I'll try it. Why not?! Can't hurt.

And if anyone has suggestions for how to get through this-whatever it is-that would be great. (And feel free to just call it laziness if that's what it is. I can take it.)

Here's my running plan for the week:

Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Sunday

Before I took my hiatus I was doing about 3 miles; running 2 and walking 1. I'd like to scale it back a little just to start. So my plan is just to get back at it this week and I'll worry about mileage next week.

Please plan on giving me all kinds of heck on Sunday if you ask me if I ran this week and I tell you no.

Todays workout

Got up this morning and ran 1.7 miles at about the same time Dan and Pete were running their race. But I have a quick question...when you all are out running your 5-10 miles do you ever have to walk? Reason being I will run about a mile but either my chest is an ice block or my legs are tripping over each other.
Also I have added a LINK to the Kent City Race. Not sure if I will make that one. But I am still in the running for the 10K at 53.
Thanks
Adios

8 miler

I just got back from running the 8 mile "fun" run with Dan and his Dad. For the most part it was fun. And good news, I did not puke or defecate myself like part of me feared. We were able to run it together and all finish at the 1 hour mark which is very encouraging for me (Dan and his Dad probably took it easy for my benefit though). Dan, I think I will run the Kent City 15K in a few weeks. Any other takers?

I Hope I Don't Die Before Next Christmas

My body hurts. I think I have been dying a little every day since that 9.80 miler last Monday (as in two mondays ago). I am getting the workouts in. Unfortunately I also set records at the dinner table on vacation. Eating right is key for me. I can workout all day and never be mistaken for Calista Flockheart (who?) when I eat a lot, but if I eat right I can lose weight without working out. Makes sense, right? Too bad I have a gigantic appetite, so until i figure out how to tame that I am shackled to the gym. I need the stress reliever anyway. Exercise is great for that. Suicide - although also a great stress reducer - is much too permanent.

For the sake of accountability and to show my training 'cards' or lack thereof, here are my workouts:

Monday 2/22 - 9.8 miles
Tuesday 2/23 - in pain
Wednesday 2/24 - lots of walking, swimming, and complaining about my joint pain
Thursday 2/25 - ran 4.5 mi.
Friday 2/26 - Tennis
Saturday 2/27- Ran 5.0 mi.
Sunday - 2/28 Tennis
Monday - 3/1 Ran 3.5 mi.
Tuesday - 3/2 In car for 22 hrs straight
Wednesday - 3/3 Ran 4.0 mi.
Thursday - 3/4 Got my ass handed to me at Boot Camp

Okay, this makes me feel more accountable and will get me into the longer runs if I feel I have to report here.

Anybody having any body part problems? Bleeding nipples don't count (we don't need them anyways, right? I think God is quite a comedian sometimes). My knee was doing something interesting on Monday, but thankfully that hasn't returned this week. Did you guys already register for the race? I am 98.7% sure I am registering. (GULP)

These are great days!

Hope you are running...this has been a great week. I did a mini-taper so I was rested for Saturday's run. It will be interesting to know my fitness level after this first race for 2010. You guys out there running or hitting the treadmill? Would love to hear how its going.

Beautiful Day

Hey all...hope the running is going well! Today was a great day to get out...a welcome respite from the Winter doldrums. I was able to knock out 8.5m today. It was a great prep for the 8 miler race I am doing this Sat out at Robinnettes.Keep training wherever you are at. You all inspire me while I run because I don't want you passing me in a race! Seriously, keep running...and share your stories!

Running today

On days like this it would be nice to have a treadmill. Yet I would find it hard to operate. Enjoy the Video

Great job on the blog Rick!

Some things to consider: allow your body to get used to the new regiment...you will feel great this week, it's next week that you will feel the effects of your new routine. You will probably hit a lull in your training sometime in the next couple of weeks and you will probably have to grind through some runs to get over the hump. Every runner experiences this so don't be alarmed. Also, you will probably have to play around with what you eat before a morning run. In my case, a cup of coffee or two does the trick. However, each runner is different. You might require a bowl of oatmeal, a banana, or cereal of some sort. It will take some trial and error to figure that out. The challenge is to eat just enough for fuel without overloading. You don't want a side-stitch or to be loaded down and have to make a pit stop on the side of the road. Ultimately, the fact that you got out is huge! Keep going after it and allow your body time to adjust. You will want to do more and run farther, but every marathon starts with one step...how's that for philosophical at 8.45 in the morning!

Tunes to run by

Anyone have good running tunes? Ones that really energize and keep ya going? Let me know...I'm compiling a playlist and need suggestions.

Also-can you run a race w/ an iPod or do they not allow that?

Happy Running! :)

-Julie

Drink this, not that.

If it helps me cross the finish line, I'm all about it. Read here.

Like Rick, I also have a question for the more experienced runners of the group. I'm an evening runner, my muscles are all stretched out by evening and my runs are so much more productive. My muscles are SUPER stiff in the morning...which is when the races are. How do I prepare myself for a good race when I'm so stiff?

Thanks!
-Julie

Yesterday morning

Well I have made my first mistake... I did not stretch out before I ran. I am feeling it today. I have a few questions for everyone. I like to run in the morning before work should I eat something first or wait till I calm down from my run? Also is it too much to run twice a day? Note: I am just starting to run.

Let's Do This!

Here it is fellas. Our running blog with a side order of music. Post Away!