FINALLY!!

I have been battling this wretched cough for 3 weeks now.

It's the deep chested nasty cough that

whenever I am out and about and cough I get the crustiest looks.

So I thought to stop exercising to help my body recover.

After two weeks of no exercise I am done.

I still have my cough and I don't care,

I'm jumping back on the working out train.

Today I will do Jillian 30 day shred.

I may add in a Turbo Jam cardio as well,

just depending on how bad I am coughing.

Working out truly is so awesome!

Nothing is better that a good strong workout.

Watch out... here I come!

Where does time go?!

I can't believe I haven't posted in a month.

Shame on me.

Running has been good.

I got back to my 6 mile runs.

Then I got sick.

Bronchitis sick.

And haven't been able to run for almost 2 weeks now.

I can't wait until I am finally over this,

hopefully next week.

It will feel so good to hit the roads again!!

I went to a bootcamp on Thanksgiving morning.

Something about working out on Thanksgiving that

makes that day even more fun to eat all the yummy food!

I'll be back to running next Monday!

I can't wait!

Great article

A great article on running I found today.

I enjoyed reading about the little things

to do to help make running better.

Article here

Whoops

Didn't realize I haven't written in so long.

Running has been going well.

I am surprisingly working myself back to a constant run.

I want to have the weekly schedule of 4, 6, 4, every week.

With other strength and cardio workouts as well.

I want to be strong.

I want to be a faster runner.

I want to conquer exercise

and make it a part of my life that is constant.

Balance is good. I like it.

First one back

Today was the first run since my marathon.

I was nervous.

I don't know what for,

I was only running 3.5 miles, not 26.2!

It went surprisingly well.

I felt good.

I did feel a little sluggish.

And I did a lot of hills.

Every time I ran up a hill all I could

envision were all the hills during the race.

I wanted to beat the crap out of the hills.

Then I felt something in my shoe

that I for sure thought was my toenail.

Good thing it was only a band-aid!

I'm excited to get re-conditioned in running again.

Hopefully getting new shoes soon,

and I am going to start pushing myself.

Maybe even plan a fake race for myself.

A half marathon the day after Thanksgiving.

Something to look forward to,

and burn off the yummy Thanksgiving feast.

Sweat sweat sweat

We live in a tiny cottage.

And when I work out it turns into a gym.

Or at least smells like one.

HA!

I should have looked at my schedule

because I did the 20 min Turbo cardio,

and the Jillian DVD today.

40 minutes of excercise.

Then a bike ride to the post office.

As much fun as I had being super lazy,

it made me feel so crapy.

Nothing feels better than to sweat!

And it's over...

The training and anticipating is over for the marathon.

There are a few things I will do differently next year.

1. More strength training during all the runs.

2. Keep my mind strongER. Know that it will all work out and doing your best IS ENOUGH!

3. Enjoy the training. Your body goes through so much and gets so strong, enjoy it!

I'm almost a little said the training is over.

I sure don't want to loose the power and strength and distance I built up.

I don't know how my knee will hold up, I'll find out Tuesday.

I am going to focus on my strength these next three months.

Included with a schedule of 4, 6, and 4 during the weeks for my runs.

And some long runs twice a month.

It's nice to have a goal to look towards.

Makes the days feel more rewarding.

I am looking forward to these next 3 months of workouts.

Push my body in another way and see what I can do!

26.2

I ran a marathon!!

It was incredible and oh so awesome!

Kellie and I decided we wanted to be on one of the first

busses up to the start line so we were there at 3:50am!

It was early.

But I am glad we did it.

It was awesome to be up there.

Music blaring to get you excited.

Hundreds of porta potties.

Big bon fires blaring.

The race started right at 6:45am.

We crossed the start line around 7:00am.

And so the race began...

Mile 1: Went by really quick. I blinked and we passed it.

Mile 2: Made some friends in the pace group

Mile 3: Settled into a good running groove

Mile 4: Met another friend with a sweet GPS running watch. We were jealous.

Mile 5: Made a bathroom pit stop and lost the pace group.

Mile 6: My knee and IT Band started hurting like a motha.

Mile 7: The big hill. Not too bad.

Mile 8: Cursing out my knee. Considering making a deal with the devil to make pain go away.

Mile 9: Sun finally up and blaring. Feels good.

Mile 10: I think it was a good can't really remember it.

Mile 11: Told Kellie to go on. I didn't want to hold her back cause I was in pain.

Mile 12: Red Rock canvasing the trails was awesome.

Mile 13: Just completed a half marathon... one more to go.

Mile 14: Kept getting passed by two guys talking about spiritual problems. I finally stayed ahead.

Mile 15: Got my legs rubbed down with Bengay from a stranger.

Mile 16: Saw my parents and their awesome signs. I cried. So cool they were there. Kellie waited there for me. She's a nice sister.

Mile 17: Called Todd and chatted with him. Ya know, just running a marathon and chatting on the phone. Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do to survive.

Mile 18: Called Cory. Gave good mental advice.

Mile 19: Another hill. I swear they said this race was all downhill. Liars.

Mile 20: Only 6 miles left. That's not bad!

Mile 21: Got my knee bandaged up and more Bengay rubdown.

Mile 22: Feeling really hot thinking I am a baby.

Mile 23: See James to cheer me on!!

Mile 24: Finally on the streets with lots of people cheering.

Mile 25: Feeling dehydrated and getting sprayed by a man with a hose.

Mile 25.2: Made a new friend. One mile left!

Mile 26.2: See family and push hard across the finish line.

I DID IT!!!

I RAN AND FINISHED A MARATHON!!

The best part after finishing was getting the medal,

AND standing in the water tunnel.

They said it was the hottest race they've had in 20 years.

The race was hard with being hurt. It broke me too early.

And with it being so hot it was like a double whamy.

It feels so awesome to have accomplished this feat.

I may have not gotten the time I was hoping for, but I am ok with that.

It just gives me a goal to beat for next year.

I am totally addicted!

And I am totally a marthoner!

22 miles

Yesterday I set out to run 14 miles.
I only ran 12.
I have done two 18 mile runs,
but was beyond freaked out for the marathon in two weeks.

I had it stuck in my mind I really wanted to do 22 miles before the race.

It is advised to not do super long runs close to the race,

but I didn't listen.

I woke up early and ran 22 miles.

I started at 5:15am and

it was awesome to see the world wake up and get moving.

Some highlights from the run:

- Waking up at 2:00am and eating a bagel {I have to eat 3 hrs before or bad things happen}

- Running the roads I've always ran but seeing them in a different light, literally

- Stopping at a park to use the restroom and walking in on an old asian lady going to the bathroom. There are locks on doors for a reason.

- Getting to 18 miles and debating of stopping but remembering James advice the night before, 'Pick a goal you want to run and do it no matter what'

- Breaking past my physical and mental wall in running

- Running like Pheobe from Friends for a bit {it was exhilarating. please try it soon!}

- Hurting so bad I wish I had no legs

- But having the most incredible feeling in the world when I finished

Bring it on St. George Marathon!!

Just plain working out

I love Sundays cause you can rest.

I love being lazy, and taking a snooze.

But come Monday morning I can't wait to workout.

I don't feel good and ready for the week until I do.

I wanted to do 22 miles on Saturday,

but I just plain couldn't do it.

But I've set a goal to do at least 22 miles before the race,

and I intend on meeting that goal.

And I feel much better about running 26.2

if I have hit the 22 mark on my own.

So this week I will watch what I eat,

except for GNO dessert night Tuesday night,

and mentally prepare so I can have a good run.

It's exciting to have such big goals to accomplish each week.

Marathon or not,

it just feels good to push your body and work it!

It's a science

The running is a science.

Listening to your body.

Pushing your physical, mental, and emotional self.

Eating GU at just the right time.

Making sure I eat a banana and bagel at least 3 hours before,

or body will not be happy.

Drinking plenty of water and gatorade,

but only at certain times to not get over hydrated and cramp,

or get dehydrated and cramp.

It's been a fun and interesting science experiment.

I'm just glad I've finally nailed down my specifics and can just run!

You know what's awesome...

is getting stronger.

Is falling in love with running.

To feel better about myself,

and proud of achieving something on my own.

I was scared out of my mind to train for the marathon.

Most everyone said I would need running partners,

but I did this completely solo.

And it feels pretty freaking awesome.

I ran a tough 3.5 mile hill course today.

It was my fastest time yet of doing the course.

And nothing can take away the high I got from doing so well!

Running definitely has improved my life.

2nd 18 miles

It felt good.

I felt strong.

I managed the Gu's, water, and gatorade to a T.

I most likely will drink more during the marathon,

but during these practice runs it feels good to be able

to manage what I am intaking and

to be able to push my body past it's limits.

It's pushing your physical well being,

your mental well being,

and your inner spirit.

Sounds corny?

It totally is.

But that's what I go through to help myself with these ubber long runs.

I am doing this training without any running partner.

Does it suck at times?

Totally.

But it makes me proud of myself that I can accomplish

this big feat by myself.

With supporters of course, but when it comes down to you

and finishing those 26.2 miles... it's all me!

This second 18 mile run felt good.

I am going to shoot for 20 - 22 this coming Saturday,

then taper down until the big race!

WOO-HOO!!

Even for 4 miles

Today I set out to do 6 miles.

I only made it 4.

It was hard.

It made me realize that whether you are pushing your body

to do 18 miles or 4 miles there are times where you

still have to push yourself.

And that's ok.

Another revelation I had was I HAVE TO stop eating junk.

I had a bowl of ice cream last night

that I am sure led to the wanting to throw up feeling.

So I am going to try to only have a treat on Saturday nights after long runs.

It's only a month, I can do it.

I have to do it for the sake of running

and wanting to do good for the marathon.

Holy Mother of Pearl

I ran 18 friggin miles today.

Not 4.

Or even 12.

Freaking 18!!

I did three 6 mile laps around where we live.

The first lap I was all smiles, feeling almost cocky that I was doing well.

Second lap was pretty good.

Felt like I had it all in the bag.

Then the monster reared it's ugly head on lap three.

Holy crap.

There was a time when my legs were so sore and starting to cramp

that I started to bawl like a baby.

You know those crys where your face looks ugly and deformed

because you can't control this outpour of emotion.

The funny part is I had no water left in me because I seemed to have sweat it all out

and it was now salt on my skin that no tears came.

So here I am some freak hobbly running down the road with the ugly distorted crying face.

It was awesome.

But I did it.

I bit the ugly monster in the butt and finished those 18 miles.

The Sunday nap tomorrow sure sounds even more sweet than it usually is

14 miles

I was ready.

I made sure I ate the right foods the night before

and all morning long.

I didn't eat 3 hours before and stopped drinking water 2 hours before.

Mentally I was a bit nervous,

14 miles is the longest distance I have ever ran. EVER.

I set out on my course I mapped out feeling pretty good.

I had to stop at a couple different stop lights

that I think threw off my groove.

Because before I knew it I was focusing on pain

in my foot and discomfort in my knees.

It was as though my body was telling my mind to stop,

then in turn my mind was telling my body to give up.

And that's what happened.

I only ran 8 of my 14 miles I intended to do.

I had a feeling this may happen.

I couldn't believe how good I was feeling and

how lucky I have been to get my runs in.

Bad days happen.

I felt defeated.

But I know I can do this.

I know that running the long distance runs

and pushing myself physically and mentally

I will have to go past barriers in my way.

Sometimes they will beat me,

but in the end I will overpower them and do this marathon!

Power

It's amazing the power you feel from running.

From continually doing it and pushing yourself

further than you ever thought than you could go.

It is empowering.

It makes you feel strong.

It helps you with feeling so wonderful!

Who knew running could be so awesome!!

I am so glad I am now another member in this sport.

The itch

I finally have the running itch!

I was about to have one of those awesome lazy nights,

but I felt like I wanted to go running.

How awesome is that?!

Hopefully I can start calling myself an official runner,

but just lightly of course.

12 miles

Pretty much a half marathon.

It was the first time running with Gu's and shotblocks

since my last half marathon I ran.

I can't decide if it was the energy supplements

or what I ate last night but I do know I have

to go to the library and rent some books and go

on some sort of marathon diet.

My digestive track hates me when I do long runs.

It's not a huge deal,

just frustrating when you get into a good rhythm

and then you have to stop because of nature.

I had a family friend recommend

Marathoning.

Hopefully it give me some good advice!

Funniest thing ever

I found this half marathon blog post the other day.

It is hilarious.

You must read it!

A week off

I recently had a week off.

6 days of no running, but lots of walking.

Even though I was getting stressed over not doing my runs,

it was nice to just enjoy the walking and relaxing.

The run today felt good.

My joints were a bit sore, but they always are

after they have rested for awhile.

The people I nanny for are really intelligent chemists.

They invent medical equipment for a living.

I asked them about what vitamins or supplements to take

during this marathon training and

they said that Omega 3 is proven to help your heart and brain.

The oils will help your overall body to stay strong.

Glucosamine has not been proven,

but they said taking it wont hurt anything so I may as well.

So that is the vitamin system I am currently on.

Omega 3 and Glucosamine every morning.

Even though you can't always tell the effects straight off,

it feels good to be continually taking vitamins.

Doing the body good.

10 mile

Yesterday I did my 10 mile run.

It was intense.

I haven't ran that long since my last half marathon.

I do know that I no longer can eat turkey sandwiches before long runs.

I did have to walk some of the run,

but I figure that is fine.

I even read on halhigdon.com

that while training, especially on the long runs,

it's ok to walk for 1 min every mile you hit.

Needless to say I want to run the full marathon,

and I know by sticking to the training and continuing to push myself,

I will get there.

Making Time

Yesterday I didn't make the time early enough

to be able to do my 10 mile run.

So I did 6 instead.

I plan to run the 10 miles on Monday,

and I am hoping I still get some good running in

even though we have visitors coming to town.

Total mileage this week: 14 miles

Food and running

I am not always great at eating the good food.

I love junk food.

Pizza. Candy. Especially frozen yogurt.

But I have now realized I totally have to restrict if I want to run well.

Running is easier and I feel better when I eat better.

I wish it wasn't the case,

because eating a slice of pizza everyday would be stellar.

I guess I could eat a piece everyday,

then end up on Biggest Loser.

But no, my goal is to be healthy and fit.

I hope that I don't get burnt out of running training for this marathon.

Because so far I am just falling more and more in love with it.

And I really hope I can maintain my longer runs,

to hopefully be an example and help teach my future chickens.

Hard

Sometimes it's hard to get out the door and run.

Like today...

I ate like I was going to run the 6 miles.

I drank water in correlation to running the 6 miles.

I was dressed like I was going to run the 6 miles.

But I never made it out the door.

It happens.

And I am ok with it.

Tired bug

Do you ever get the tired bug where it takes all your

energy not to fall asleep?!

I definitely had that today.

Needless to say I didn't know if my run was going to happen.

I had a break in work and threw on my running clothes

and just did it.

I'm glad I did.

The run went well,

and I had so much more energy after I ran.

The best part is I set a goal for myself to be able to run

4 miles during the week, instead of 3.

And with this training I am now there.

8 Mile

Isn't that the title of Eminem's movie?

I secretly really like Eminem, especially his new stuff coming out.

Who knows, maybe after I become a broadway star

I will become a rapper.

HA! That's just ridiculous.

Today's run freaking rocked!

I wound up and down, in and out of Palo Alto.

The sun and trees were always in perfect spots,

and my body felt good.

It's the biggest high to finish these longer runs and

to know that you conquered it.

This motivates me and inspires me for all the training I have.

It helps keep in perspective the sweets and not good foods

to not put in my mouth or some serious problems happen while running. :)

Now I can enjoy my Saturday night and Sunday resting.

Relaxing and enjoying the total of 18 miles I ran this week.

A runners life isn't too shabby after all.

6 miles down...

Or I hope to be saying in 15 weeks,

6 miles to go!!

Saturday I set out and tried to do my 6 miler.

It was a bit traumatic and made me doubt my ability as a runner.

I mean I have some races on my feet,

but for some reason I always re-start my brain for each race.

I train as though I never have run.

Who knows if that is smart or not.

Today I had the chance to fit in the 6 miler

and when I was done I did a big WOO-HOO!!

The run felt so freaking awesome.

I only had to stop once for a stop light.

And I could have gone further.

It gives me high hopes for my 8 miler on Saturday.

But I do understand you have good runs and bad runs.

So I hope that with sticking to my training plan that soon enough

my muscle memory will pull me along and my mind will push me further.

My own plan

I don't even dare say it out loud,

but I am running a marathon in October.

I should be further along in my running training for this event,

but I still have high hopes for myself to finish.

That's all my goal is for this marathon,

to finish with my head held high.

I want to be able to run the whole thing.

I know I can.

I know I will do my best.

I'm going to start just pushing myself and making myself stronger.

To make sure I get in the short runs, the long runs, AND strength training.

I feel better running after I have done some strength workouts.

The muscles respond to the lifting weights and seem to enjoy the freedom

that comes when I run.

So here is to announcing to myself on this running blog

that I am going to run a marathon.

The funniest part about this post was I was so scared to admit it out loud.

But the funnier part is no one reads this blog.

Well here is to running!! Just do it!

Mental or Physical?

Running to me at the beginning was all physical.

Keep up the endurance push my muscles further.

But as time has gone on and I have read tidbits here and there,

I changed to more of a mental state.

I wish I hadn't.

Lately I have been mentally spent,

so it's been harder to get out and run.

I want to switch back to the physical run,

and hopefully in turn my mental toughness will become,

well... more tough.

Which reminds me,

have you seen Alice in Wonderland?

I love how the Mad Hatter says,

"You've lost your muchiness".

I want much more muchiness!

The Dish

We have an area close by that is called The Dish.

It is on Stanford campus and is called the Dish due to the extra large

satellite dishes they have on the land.

It's great to run on because of the hills you run up and down,

hard to find when you live at sea level.

I took the nanny girls today to get us out of the house,

and to help me get some running in.

I give it up to the momma's who use jogging strollers.

Pushing the six year old up and down those hills was intense.

Hard and slow going up,

and super fast going down.

But I realized something when the run was done,

it just feels good to go out and run.

To push yourself physically and mentally past the barrier you put on yourself.

That's why I am going to accomplish that 6 mile run I tried on Saturday.

I had a few complications that I am determined to overcome.

I hope to stay this active all through when I finally have children,

and when the kids are older.

Not only for my own sanity but for the example and

hopefully my kids will catch the bug and want to be healthy and fit too!

4.13

The last time I ran 4.13 miles was so long ago.

Long as in over 6 months ago.

I was nervous as a wee little one to do this run.

I do 3 mile runs.

I do workout videos.

But the longer distance runs sure do get inside my head sometimes.

Surprisingly to myself I did it.

And I felt good.

My mind was strong, my lungs felt good, no sore muscles.

WOW!!

You actually can get stronger and truly enjoy a good run!

Now I can enjoy my Friday night knowing that I just

beat another little wall down.

Booyah!

Running

I am about to start working on a huge goal.

A goal I never thought I would get to.

I am scared.

I am excited.

Bring it on!!

Talk about tough

I am super dooper lucky with my job.
I have a six hour break in my day to do what I want.
So it's awesome to get my good workouts in.

But boy oh boy I am going to have to figure something
out for this coming Summer.
It was rough trying to workout after being with the girls
for 12 hours straight.
Hats off to the momma's who work out and have
kiddos with them 24/7.

So I only got 3 workouts in.
But I got 3 workouts in.
That's a good thing.
Any workout is a workout.
And knowing I put in some extra effort to get those
in feels extremelly good.

I have high hopes for this next week.
Trying to get myself up to a comfortable 3 miles,
but in a quicker time than I usually run.
Why?
Well ultimately I want to run a half in under 2 hours.
And may as well start now getting my strength,
endurance, and quickness up while I am starting anew.

First week

The week is not quite over yet.

But how did you do?

I did good!

I feel good about myself for completing most of the week

and am excited to start next week.

Next week will be more difficult because

my nanny girls are on Spring Break

but I will make the time.

Cause when I make time to work out

and take care of myself it just feels great!

My 60 Day Plan

Why not 30 Day?

Well it's quite simple... I want something to be long lasting.

I know it's 21 days to form a new habit, but I want this to last.

I love working out and working towards goals

and I feel it is more effective to have a bit of a bigger goal.

I am also doing this all without going to the gym.

I wish we had a gym membership,

but sadly they are pricey here in California.

So here is to making a plan and sticking to it!

The Plan:

- Make a calendar you can cross off every day

{if you miss a day, don't feel bad, but circle it. It helps you see what days it's harder for you to achieve that days goals}

- Get your favorite workouts lined up

Mine?

Jillian 30 Day Shred and Turbo Jam 5 Disc DVD set.

and of course.... running.

- Write down your goals

I want to be lean. I want to be stronger.

I want to be able to run 4 or 5 miles as my usual run.

Day 1:

Today rocked.

I started Jillian Level 1 and will continue to do that all this week.

I also ran 2 miles.

It was hard while doing the workouts,

eating junk and not running for awhile will tend to do that to you.

But once completed it felt great to have accomplished the feat.

The DVDs I am using.

Running

I set a goal with my nanny girl to do a 5K this summer.
She plays soccer in the fall and has never really 'ran'.
So far it has been fun seeing her reach new goals,
and to also help her see she can accomplish feats such as
1 mile, 1 1/2 miles, and by next week 2 miles!!

Surprisingly it helps me to want to be a better and stronger runner.
I want to be able to run with her and help her if she needs help.
To motivate eachother and to experience it together.
Races are so fun, it makes all the running worth it.

It begins again

The training starts again for the SLC 1/2 Marathon.

I have been toying with the idea of a full marathon

but I think we will stick with the half marathon for this April.

So before the regular training chart starts,

I am getting my running lungs back into shape.

Today on my 2 mile run it felt good.

And the most surprising fact is I decided I actually

really love to run.

I never thought I would get to that point.

I have enjoyed the benefits of running, and

achieving goals I never thought I could.

But love it?

Now I do.

It supplies me with a new fresh breath for the training.

I am excited to push myself harder

and see what other limits I can surpass.

80%

Are we for real?!

80% of what we eat is how we look.

This concept is by far the hardest thing for me to grasp.

It needs to soak in.

Soak in real nice and deep.

I love to work out hard. Make my mind suffer. My sweat drip. My muscles ache.

But food... Can't resist the stuff.

I want to try.

I want to try hard.

I have done it once before.

I ate when I was hungry.

Truly hungry.

And when I ate it was good healthy stuff,

not like the yummy Ghiradelli chocolate squares like last night.

So here is to 80% of what we look like.

I can do this.

You better believe I AM going to do this!

And if not for anything else... I have a 1/2 marathon I want to do well in.

Do I dare say under 2 hours?

That may be absolute insanity talking.

We shall see.

Until then.

Happy 80% to look 120%!!