How it All Began

Tomorrow, I'll run my first marathon.

A few years ago, I didn't even know what the round black & white sticker, 26.2, meant. I would see that on cars and assume it was some secret club. Hard to believe that I'll soon be a member. And yeah, I'm totally putting a sticker on my car next week.

Let's take a look back at how it all began...

January 1st of 2006. I was tired of being out of shape. I wasn't overweight, but I knew I was underfit. A sad state for someone my age. I was always active when I was younger, but in the blink of an eye I had become sedentary. So I walked myself up to our local YMCA and joined. Right then on New Year's Day.

And I started walking on a treadmill. I'd walk for 20-30 minutes at a time. And you know what? I lost over 10 pounds those first few months, just walking! That's how out of shape I was! This continued and I started to learn how to use the other equipment, starting loving the elliptical machine. Started loving the way I felt now that I was exercising regularly.

Always goal oriented, I signed up for my first 5K in years. The October Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I printed out Hall Higdon's 5K training plan, taped it to the medicine cabinet in our bathroom and I was off!

I wish the picture was full length. I was in head to toe in cotton. Nice. Also, wearing the race shirt. Now I know that's a no-no! Look how high that bib is! Long forgotten is the time, but time wasn't the goal. Finishing was my prize. I was so proud of myself for running an entire 5K. (Even though I wasn't really sure how far a 5K was) I suspected around 3 miles. You can imagine my horror when I saw the 3 mile marker...and it wasn't the finish line!

A coworker told me about the White Rock Marathon held each December. You could run a relay team through the marathon course so we excitedly put together a team. I signed up for the 4.5 mile leg of the race. I had never run this far, even in "training." (which at this point, still consisted of jogging/walking on the treadmill and the elliptical machine) I was so inspired by those who were really running a marathon. I felt unworthy to be running alongside them, my piddly 4.5 miles that felt like 40!

Again, race tee and head to toe cotton. Clearly I'm the one in pink.

The following Spring, I discovered the half marathon distance. And while extremely daunting, it seemed doable. I convinced my relay buddy Jarrod to train and run with me. We were pumped! Notice again, the cotton race shirt. At least I had discovered running shorts by this point! (do you like the jazz hands Chic Runner?) Check out those muscles, sedentary no more! I had a BLAST! I felt great the entire time. Once again, no time goal. Finishing was my prize. I still remember that feeling; like I had conquered something huge.

And then of course, I was hooked.

I returned to White Rock in December, this time not a relayer, but a half marathoner. Undertrained, but overly excited, I loved every rain soaked minute of it. I couldn't wait to run another!

I only owned one long sleeve techincal shirt, but my how my clothing choices had changed!

January of 2008 I enrolled in a Speed Clinic with my local running store. My magic mile was just over 10 minutes. Speed wasn't exactly a word used to describe my particular style of running. But I met Sarah and we clicked. She too wasn't the hare, but had run several halfs and even a full! I looked forward to those tortuous chilly nights on the track with her.

I cautiously joined her morning run group. I made even more new friends. My speed class mates were working on getting in under 22 minutes. I finally ran a 5K in under 30 minutes. Time now meant something to me. Not so glamorous, but that's what the hills of Austin in May will do to a girl!

I gained entry to the Nike Women's Marathon for my 3rd half. So hard to believe this was just over a year ago!

Running had officially become an addiction. I ran 3 halfs (havles?) in 3 months that Fall. I ran 3 more in the next 3 months after that. I got faster and my times came down. I got stronger. I grew to love running even more.

Then I set my heart on a full marathon. Signing up for NY was the scariest thing I'd ever done. By committing to fund raise for charity, I knew I was committed to running it.

But the challenge excited me.

So tomorrow, I'll get on the subway early in the morning, Eminem blaring in my ears to calm my nerves. I'll hop on that ferry to Staten Island, not a stitch of cotton on my muscular frame. And in my heart I'll hold that feeling from my first 5K. My first relay. My first half. Finishing will be my prize.

I am a female.

I am an athlete.

I am a runner.

Soon, I will be a marathoner.

And if history tells us anything about this challenge motivated girl, it won't be the last.

The race is not won by the swift nor the strong, but to he who endures in the end.

Ecclesiastes 9:11

Thankful Thursday...and more

I have the best friends.

I'm sure I've mentioned that before, because, clearly, my friends R-O-C-K in the USA. I'm blessed. Very. Yesterday I had a doctor's appointment in the middle of the day; I went over my lunch break. I arrived and saw a vehicle that looked just like Michelle's. Uh, because it WAS Michelle. She had an appointment a bit earlier, stayed and presented me with the sweetest gift. Plus I got to see cutie Kristin too! And then when I returned to my desk after a meeting, I found a sweet poster signed by all the ladies in my department. What a thoughtful group of girls I work with!!!

Headed to Fadi's for lunch today, my fave Mediterranean restaurant, with Lauren. One last lunch together before she is a married lady - just over a week! Next time I see her, she'll be a stunning bride! Speaking of beautiful, is that not the most gorgeous hummus and basket of bread? On a totally unrelated note, this afternoon I rearranged furniture in our guest room. You see, I have a strange addiction to moving furniture. I'm compelled to try new floorplans. I can move just about anything on my own. I use the scoot method. See Before...And after...Totally different, right? I know, I know, the only visible difference is the addition of a cat. That's Hank on the bed. What you can't see is that there was a gigantic dollhouse opposite of the bed. It's a pretty small room and with one wall taken up with a window, one with a closet and another with an enormous dollhouse...well, it didn't leave a lot of room for variety. I'm excited to announce I've found a home for the dollhouse! Or at least a potential home. It is sitting the front room awaiting it's exit. Finally!

I'm hitting the biscuit now. Tomorrow is a busy day of laundry, packing, hydrating and last minute errands. Night y'all!

Tapering

Tomorrow is my last run.

Well, until Sunday. When I'll run, you know, something like a bazillion miles. Or 26.2. Aroundish.



I've heard so much about tapering. Taper madness. Tapering makes you write hilar blog posts chronically celebrity marathon times and pic. (which one of y'all funnies did that last year? I remember the post clearly, but cannot remember who it was..come out of the woodwork if it's you! I'd love to read it again and link to it!)
I must admit, I've not struggled with tapering at all. Like at all, at all. Not one bit. You see, I run early in the mornin'. Early. Okay, not as early as some of y'all, but I'm usually up on the wrong side of 4:30 am. So, yeah, sleeping until 6 hasn't exactly been difficult. I'm making good use of my extra time. And still running! Getting to work on time has been a nice change. So has arriving to work with DRY hair and full makeup! I'm sure my co-workers appreciate this as well.

Tomorrow morning Michelle and I will hit our old trail for 4 lazy miles. And then we'll rest until, well, Race Day. Whoo hoo!

This has been an incredible journey. I've learned so much about myself these past five months. (good and bad) It still amazes me that anyone would read what I have to say. Much less people that don't know me IRL. I'm blessed by your words of encouragement. Thank you for sharing your comments, your wisdom and your experience with me. What a great blogging community! I'll be thinking of y'all as I "run with endurance the race that is set before me."

All Kindza New Things

I'm a vegetarian.

Most vegetarians can eat just about anywhere. Personally, I am a very skilled orderer. I get so frustrated when I'm out and people try to help me order. I'm a big girl. I've been eating for many years now and as mentioned before, I'm very skilled at it. Sure it comes from a good place, a place of concern, but still. It's no fun, as a grown girl, to hear, "You could order the pasta, do you eat pasta? Oooh, there's soup! You could eat soup! Can't you just pick the bacon OUT of the green beans? Do you eat fish? Fish isn't meat! You could order fish!" The litany goes on.

So imagine my delight when I have the occasion to eat somewhere made just for us veg heads. Somewhere we can eat anything we want! In Ann Arbor I enjoy Seva - don't miss it if you are ever there. Even Hubs, a devout carnivore, loves the place.

Yesterday, Mindy took me to a Hare Krishna vegetarian restaurant, Kalachandjis. Nearly hidden in a residential area, there is no way you'd stumble upon this. You have to know it is there, to know it is there. You know what I mean?

Built in an old church, now a temple, they serve a small buffet each day. The food was decent and it was such a treat to know I could eat anything I wanted! I def got my daily serving of veggies in just at lunch. I even tried BBQ tofu! Thanks Mindy!

Now who doesn't love coming home to find a surprise package? I do, I do! UPS left a big box on my porch. This wasn't something I'd ordered so I was intrigued. Imagine my delight when I opened it to find an ING Run For Something Better duffle bag! (this is the charity I'm fundraising for the race) How fun!

Dummy me didn't open the bag right away. About 30 min later I opened the seemingly flat bag to see how big it was. And you know what? It was crammed with stuff! Even better!!! I got a hat, a long sleeve NYC marathon tee, orange laces and...a RFSB tee shirt that I think, might just be sized for a small child. I did manage to squeeze into it (thank goodness for stretch) for a picture. Trust me, if I didn't already have ON a shirt, this one wouldn't have even covered my belly. And we don't need to bring back the 80's half shirt. (shudder)

Thank you ING for all my cool stuff! Now I can travel in style with my new bag! Whoo hoo!

It Just Keeps Getting Better!

This was a perfect weekend.
And it's not even over! Started off my Saturday at the local high school craft fair. They host it ever year as a fund raiser for the drill team, The Pacesetters. Who doesn't love a good drill team? We take our cheerleading AND our drill teams very seriously here in Texas. So my mom and I set out to see what kind of damage we could do. Oh, I scored BIG! I have a lot of little girls in my life and I found the cutest dog purses and beaded necklaces. Only $5 each - what a deal! Snagged some yummy pumpkin dip mixes, a vintage Bingo card, some adorable Christmas cups and...a PHS tee shirt! I didn't go to school there, but I live here. I pay school taxes here and hey, it is a good cause.

Made it home in time to put our our Halloween decorations, or at least some of them. That paper skeleton has been a part of my Halloween since I was a very small child. My mom gave it to us when we got our house. He's got years of yellowed tape on him and I just love him!Then installed myself on the sofa to watch some college football. Not just any game, the Texas v OU game! It was an exciting and nerve wracking game, but Texas won, OC. 16-13. Hook 'em Horns! Here I am getting ready for my afternoon run. Do you know how difficult it is to take a photo your both your hat AND your knee all the in same photo? By yourself? Not an easy task. I did have to take a few because the first several were all Meghan McCain. It's a difficult angle.

This was my first run with the kinesio tape. My doctor said about 50% of patients think it's a miracle and 50% think, eh. Clearly I was hoping to be in the whoopee category. She asked me to try 6 miles. So figured 8 would be a good test. Check that mileage on my Run'd Performance. 10 miles baby! 10 pain free, glorious miles!!! It worked! I haven't felt that good during or after a run in well over a month. What an amazing feeling!!! I'm once again hopeful. I go back to see her on Monday and I'm going to buy a case of kinesio tape and probably stock in the company. This stuff is amazing!

Off to enjoy my Sunday afternoon with Hubs. Can't wait to read all the Nike Women's Marathon race reports!

Crybabies and Birthdays

This morning I set out to rock 20 miles.

I had on my super cute practice race outfit. I took a baby aspirin to prevent "sudden death" just like my race handbook suggested. The weather was perfect - 52 degrees with light rain.

I was ready.

But, uh, my body had other ideas. I struggled from about mile 4 on. Yep, that early. I stretched every 2 miles when the other stopped for water. Little to no difference. I got very far behind after about 10 miles. I limped along. At mile 13 I lost everyone completely. I drug my lame leg behind me all sad, like a gimp dog that really needs one of those little carts for his heiney. My knee felt like it was encapsulated by a steel band and about 4 times it's normal size. (but it wasn't actually swollen) The pain was beyond intense.

I prayed out loud. A lot. I asked God to help me "run with endurance the race set before me." Hebrews 12:1 I called out to Jesus on several occasions to help me "run and not grow weary, walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 I selfishly asked Him to take away my pain, then realizing what a whiny butt thing that was to ask for, I asked (again, out loud mind you) for Him to help me bear the pain. At one point I actually sat on a curb and cried. I'm not a cryer. That's how frustrated I was.

God is faithful. He always answers our prayers. Sometimes though, He says "no!" And as the pain continued, I repeated Isaiah 40:31 and then it hit me, I'm asking for help running AND walking, not just running. So I walked. And then pain went away. Run, pain. Walk, not so much. So I walked the last 3 miles.

I cried some more when I got back to the store and Kat hugged me. Cried when Michelle hugged me. Cried again the whole way home. Cried during my ice bath. Cried in the shower. It's been a crybaby day. In three weeks I have to somehow find the balls to double my running distance from today. Without crying. Without hobbling like Tiny Tim.

Later, Jules stopped by for a visit. She's training for the 3 Day Walk for the Cure so she walked over. I'm so proud of her! It's always good to chat with a sweet friend. While she was here, my dear momma stopped by to bring me some Halloween soap. Sweet cinnamon pumpkin! Everyone is so good to me.

We then proceeded to Mikayla's 2nd birthday party. Mikayla and Amelia are the sweetest little girls. Here is the birthday girl, pretty in pink!

Me and Amelia, she was wearing the bows from the gifts in her hair, plus the lip gloss and body glitter I bought for her. What girl can't use a little glitter in her life?It's cool and rainy here, dark and gloomy. So what better way to relax the evening away than to slip into your Hello Kitty jammies, your favorite gigantic Michigan sweatshirt and fuzzy pink slippers? Bliss. I'm taking my kitties and headed to bed. 4:20 was ages ago and it's been a long day. Tomorrow will be better for sure. And better still if I can get 10 hours of sleep tonight!

Texas Toast

So I'm still not running.

I'm planning on grabbing that 20 miles tomorrow and growling.

Right now, my hip hurts just sitting on the sofa. So, you know, we'll see.

I have been busy doing other things. Like shopping for a new dresser and pondering new paint colors for our bedroom. You know, important stuff.

And enjoying some amazing pizza at LA Gourmet.

And pondering things such as, do y'all have Texas Toast where y'all live? Assuming you don't live in Texas. It's basically just white bread cut into thicker slices. Do y'all call it Texas Toast? I picked this up from our BBQ this week. We had a bit left over and it makes the BEST grilled cheese sandwiches.

I will say, it's not very toasty in Texas today. Yes, I know, it's nothing like where some of y'all are. No snow, no freezing temps. But it IS in the 50's here today. Which is practically freezing in Texas. I refuse to turn the heat on. I mean really, the a/c was running 2 days ago. I'm NOT going to turn the heat on so soon. I'm comfortable with the house being at 65. Hubs, not so much. He's wandering around bundled up with a beanie on his bare head. I guess having lot of long hair does keep me a bit warmer!

I picked up a pink Swiffer. Yes, okay, some might say I already have a Swiffer. But it isn't pink. And clearly I can clean the house much more efficiently with a pink Swiffer. It is flu season afterall. Surely a cute pink Swiffer will keep that flu virus off of our, uh, floors. Hey, it was on sale!

Congratulations to Carlee and to Kristen who both ran amazing races this morning! And best of luck to Morgan who will be taking the Chicago marathon by storm tomorrow!
I'm hopeful for tomorrow. I'm wearing my race outfit, or what I plan to be my race outfit. I'm really not sure what to expect weather wise for the race. New York in early Novemeber. I'm thinking it will be shorts weather. For runners, clearly not for tourism. Just for running. My cut off for tights is usually around 50. Sub 50 and I'll keep my legs warm. Above 50 and I'm going to want my legs to fly free and clear. I think I'm happy with the Thorlo Experia socks. We'll see tomorrow!

I've had a warm bath with my favorite Dove body wash, Cucumber and Green Tea. Makes me feel all sleepy. I've stretched one last time. Now off to bed, repeating my new mantra, "I AM a strong runner!"
Night y'all!

8 Mile

You've only got one shot.
Do not miss your chance to blow. 'Cause opportunity knocks once in a lifetime.

The lyrics to Em's Lose Yourself keep running through my head. Truer words have never been spoken about my first marathon. It's a great tune to run to, the tempo is just right, it's inspirational and hey, it makes me feel tough. True, I do love Eminen more than I should, but we all know I adore those Detroit boys, right? (winking at you Hubs!)



Mostly though, because I seem to only be able to get to 8 miles before I fall apart. My knee! My hip! My confidence! "You used to be such a strong runner." These words, spoken by my pal Kat, keep running through my head. Used to be.
True dat.



I've seen my chiro twice now. She's trying her best to be helpful. I'm trying to be optimistic. But this morning, once again, my knee just stopped cooperating. I was close enough to the finish to touch it with my hands. (well, almost) Yet I couldn't run another step. So frustrating. I've got 22 miles on Sunday. 22 is like, officially a lot more than 8. Just so you know. All the soda in the world isn't going to get to me 22!



I hate to self diagnose, but I really am starting to think it's my IT Band. So common for runners. I'll keep seeing the doc, but I'm going to stretch, roll and ice with a hopeful heart. Runner's World says 33% of readers responded to having ITB issues. Uh, can you say ouch?



I'm at the park all week for work. I know, I know, rough job. We are hosting an employee celebration this week. Each day 1/4 of our staff is coming out for BBQ and some fun. We had a BLAST yesterday playing football, frisbee and washers. I think the indoor peeps enjoyed Spoons, Bing and Dominoes. Yeah, we are a crazy crowd for sure. It's supposed to thunderstorm today so maybe not so much football. If I can figure out how to post a video on here, I'll post a hilar clip of the girls throwing the old pigskin around. I declared that if you let it bounce FIRST before catching it, you get 8 points. Men and their traditional rules.

I'll leave you with words from another inspiring artist, one who is a tad cleaner than my pal Em.

Now I feel like a star, a daybreak about to expire.
And get lost in the sun, Me and you
We gotta leave and just run and run
Run and Run, You can't stay, Can't stay
Run and Run, We will walk until my bloodruns out until my heart is burned
~ Matisyahu, We Will Walk

Yeah, that's me. Diverse. Abusive rappers and Hasidic Jews. I got it all on my playlist, that's for sure!

Saturdays Rule!

Some days are just awesome.

Okay, yeah, any day you wake up is awesome. For sure. But some days just rock a lot more than you expect them to. Even if you have high expectations!

Started off my Saturday by sleeping in, which, c'mon, is always just plain wonderful. My mom and I headed to our neighborhood Octoberfest, which consisted of one clown, a bounce house and us. By us I mean my mom and me. So we ditched that and checked out the craft fair at the Methodist church. No more exciting than the Octoberfest. Lunch at Panera which is always delish (black bean soup, holla) and a quick trip to Knox...

Picked up birthday gifts AND a super cute Gooseberry Patch cookbook.

I can seriously throw down party food. How are such tiny morsels to amazinly fantastic? This cookbook is full of easy recipes that look scrumdiddledeedumptious. I can't wait to have a shindig to try it out! Speaking of yummy party food, my girl Jules will be walking in the 3 Day Walk for the Cure on Nov 6-8th. Is she hardcore or what? That's 60 miles in three days! I'm so proud of her raising funds for an amazing cause. She hosted a Scentsy party and a portion of the proceeds from the party sales will go towards her fundraising. Jules throws down a sick party, complete with pumpkin dip! It was all so cute and for a wonderful charity!So impressed with her Fall decor, Morgs and I headed to Hobby Lobby to score some orange cutsies of our own. It was all 50% off - I just LOVE the Lobby! Picked up this adorable turkey and inspiring plaque. All for less than $12. Thank you HL!It's pouring down rain right now. The forecast shows an 80% chance of thunderstorms all morning. Perfect for my long run. Hey, at least it will be cool! Gotta practise running in all conditions; it could be raining on race day. Goodness knows I've run in enough heat!

I want you to know, I've been kind of blog gripey lately. It's all coming from frustration. I DO realize that I'm very fortunate. There are so many people who would be grateful to have hip pain, blessed to be able to feel any pain at all. I KNOW that. And I've been waaay to wrapped up in my own marathon frenzy. I can hobble across the finish line if I have to. I'm blessed with a healthy body. I'm thankful for this opportunity to do what so many people could only dream of, to run.

I'm very optimistic after consulting a chiropractor yesterday. She thinks it is a nerve issue and I'm inclined to believe her. A quick adjustment and I'm hopeful for my run tomorrow. But if the pain, the wonkiness doesn't go away, I'll still make my marathon. I've got two strong legs, two healthy lungs, and a heart that beats strong for the Lord. I'll never take that for granted. I so appreciate your encouraging comments. They lift my spirits and make me smile!

Diagnosis!

After consulting 2 specialists this week.

After hobbling through my days. After icing until I'm all frozey. After stretching until I should be as flexible as an 11 year old Chinese gymnast. After all that.

I'm not better.

Diagnosis? Swine Flu of the hip.

That must be it.

Had an hour long massage on Tuesday. I have bruises to prove it. He says he can help temporarily, and refers me to a sports therapist. He takes some of my money. But it is worth it. I desire to have my muscle kinks oozed out of me for an hour at a time on a regular basis.

On Wednesday I see sports therapist. I suspect he is selling me some type of snake oil. I don't feel any differently, just sore from being poked and twisted. He tells me I'm all better and that my plantar issues should resolve as well. He takes more of my money. A LOT more.

My plantar starts to hurt as I drive away. I can tell that I am walking weird. My OTHER hip gets all wonky during my morning run today. My knee gives out in the stairwell and I almost fall down the stairs. I suspect I am falling apart. I begin to get angry at my failing body.

BTW, I'm sorry body. I abuse you and you are always there for me. I'm sorry you are hurt and I'm working on making you feel better. I'm trying not to pour so much soda into you. Is that why you are giving up? Do you miss the soda?

I begin to suspect that my joint might actually have been held together with high fructose corn syrup. And cupcake frosting.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with a chiropractor to see if she can fix what Billy Mays did to me yesterday.

4 weeks. I need to be healthy for 4 weeks. (and 3 days) I can fall apart Nov 2nd. Not a moment before!