As Fast As My Feet Will Carry Me

Getting My Butt In Gear

2009-07-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well, after the disaster that was the BB, I did indeed break from all running. I've gone back to step class and the elliptical in hopes of getting back in shape and ready to start training for the Donald Duck Half Marathon in Walt Disney World. Since my goal isn't to be super fast but rather have fun, I'm not stressing about it. I know my body can do a half, the idea is to not be in pain while doing it! I mean, I'll wanna look cute when I stop and take a picture with a character.

I will need to spend July & August working up to running 3-5 miles, so when I start the real training in September it will go smoothly. I could really use your encouragement. For me, running is almost half physical, half mental.

Bolder Boulder

2009-05-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Me, running in place waiting for Geoff to take a pic. Yes I can smile, but I was NOT happy!

Ugh.

Let's start with the positive. It was fun cheering for Geoff at mile 1. It was fun hanging out with Chad & Khara after the race. The weather was nice.

Yep, that's about all I can say. I flaked on the last few weeks of my training, not pushing myself at all. As a result, it was a painful race, felt like the longest 6+ miles of my life!

I told people, I'll finish the race, but it won't be pretty. I'm not in any mood to run again anytime soon, so all talk of half marathons will wait.

Here are my results. Once pics are up, I'll link them.
*Updated: here are the pics, I'm not in any of the big group shots.*

The Adapted Plan

2009-04-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have not been following my plan exactly how it is written. My real goal is using the days it tells me to run, and trying to stick to the mileage it asks. Haven't been wholly successful, but I think it's still paying off.

My legs HURT! My friend Lisa asked me to join her in her No Limits Circuits class (Wed), which she told me was intense. Well, at the time, it didn't seem intense, i walked away thinking, that wasn't so bad. But there was a sub that day. And later that night, the pain in my legs started to grow. I had trouble with the stairs yesterday. I have never done so many squats and lunges, and my legs hate me for it.

I've got my eyes on a half marathon for September, and Cristina is on board. Now I need to come up with the money. It's local, here in Denver. I think the timing will be good to get me ready for DisneyWorld.

I had lost 5 lbs earlier in the month, but all the feasting with my in-laws put them back on. :( I need to work on smaller portions.

Pray that I can stay healthy, and amp up my mileage. Bolder Boulder is just 38 days away.

Going

2009-03-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

How's the training going?

It's going.

I think I can see a change in my appearance, but more importantly, my pants are fitting much more loose. Yay! Not ready for my skinny jeans yet, but maybe soon?

The mileage is growing each week (yikes), now I still need to get mentally on board. I think that I will need a fall race to keep me out and running. Perhaps the Denver Marathon relay. Then I will train for the half in January.

Now tell me, what are you doing to get/stay fit?

A Plan

2009-03-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

I got myself a training plan off the Runner's World website, and I have been able to complete the two weeks thus far. The mileage is only going to get higher, but I hope Geoff is right, and my body maintained muscle memory. He says my body will remember the training for the half last year, and I'll be able to do it. Now my mind needs to get on board, because I'm sure you know how your mind can sabotage you.

I've been able to go to step class and amazingly my abs don't hurt as much this weekend as they did last weekend. My weight is also down a few pounds, but then I have found it to be fluctuating. Ideally, I'd like to lose 10 lbs, and go down a size, where I was last spring.

Keep praying I can stay healthy and train. 64 days until the Bolder Boulder!

Getting Fit

2009-02-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

I've been able to go tot step class on Thursday & Friday nights. It's a good workout, and now that Karen the instructor knows me, she's calling me out when I'm not working hard enough. She also teaches an abs class after Friday's step class, which i've done twice now. Man what a pain that creates the rest of the weekend! But with any luck, my waist will shrink by summer.

I'm trying to get back to running, since the Bolder Boulder is in 95 days. That's a 10K race, so a little over 6 miles. Very doable, but I need to set a goal and start training! And I haven't been motivated to do that.

Pray I can stay healthy until then, and that I get my butt in gear!

Running With Mickey

2009-01-17T07:21:00.001-08:00

I registered for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon! I'll be running in January 2010, Geoff is doing the full, and then we'll enjoy a few days exploring WDW with the kids. We invited Colin, Dawn, Dylan, Ryan & my mom to come watch and have fun at the parks with us. The guest list might get bigger (Lisa?), if you wanna come cheer us on as we run through Sleeping Beauty's castle, drop me a line, I'll get you some info.

Now January is still far away, so in 2009 I'm running the Bolder Boulder for the first time. It's a 10K race. My bud Cristina is going to run it with me, but I foresee me eating her dust. The goal is to also run a half marathon this year, but I haven't settled on one yet. It'll have to be local (meaning in Colorado) since I need to save for DisneyWorld.

I've been going to my step class weekly, and I'd love to go twice a week, if I can find a class at a good time. It's a good workout.

Now you are in the loop, there will be a posting later (either here or my other blog) about the cause I want to raise money for by running the half. Stay tuned.

Not Dead

2009-01-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

This blog is not quite dead yet.

I took my first yoga class this week, and learned I have muscles (or at least should) in places I never knew. I may take another class in the future, because I felt taller when I left. :)

Yes, I am aiming to do another half marathon this year, and have my sights set on another one in 2010 (If I get in the registration before it fills up). More on that in a few weeks. This year's may be Steamboat again, but it isn't certain.

I'm determined to lose 15 lbs, that my body's messed up chemistry gave me.

Keep me in your prayers, keep giving me encouragement. And get out and get fit yourselves!

Not The Marathon

2008-09-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

I'm not running the Denver Marathon, but I am running in it. I was asked (by some desperate people, clearly) to be part of a relay team. So I will be running 6 miles of the marathon for them. Am I ready? Heck no! I need to get off my but and train. The race is October 19. Pray for me to train well, and stay injury free.

Other than that, I'm trying to hit the gym at least 3 days a week, trying to lose the 10 lbs I put on this summer. It's either medical-related, or because I stopped running so much. Either way, those 10 lbs are NOT welcome here, and they must go!

Facing Fears...

2008-08-07T15:39:00.001-07:00

and getting fit at the same time!

I took my first of two wall climbing classes last night. I do have a fear of falling, and I long believed I was also afraid of heights. I confirmed that last night, halfway up the wall. It wasn't an overpowering, paralyzing kind of fear, but I was definitely out of my comfort box. Still, I pushed a little further, then I asked to get down. Next week, I will learn to belay, and I will push myself to climb higher than I did before.

It was exciting, and scary, but I am glad I did it. I don't want to live a life where I didn't take risks. Whether I climb outdoors, who is to say. Right now, I want to climb again, I want to work new muscles, try new things.

I am still running 1-2 miles a few days a week. Because my mileage is so low, I am able to run faster. I hope to add more miles, and keep the speed. 113 days until the Turkey Trot!

Lazy?

2008-07-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have not kept any kind of schedule of running since my half marathon, though I am trying to remedy that. I have done some short runs (a mile or two) and kicked up the pace, much as it was a year ago when I started. My goal is to increase my speed, hoping to best my 4 mile time at the 2007 Turkey Trot. I also got roped into taking a cross conditioning class, it kicked my ass. It felt good at the time, but the next two days it hurt to move. I hope to add a class like that to my schedule, since it allowed me the opportunity to work new muscles, and (hopefully) tone my abs.

Keep holding me accountable. I'm working on my diet, not to say I am on a diet, but I am working on watching my food intake. I am not counting calories or anything, but trying to eat smaller portions. This is considerably hard since if food tastes good, I want more!

Feeling Fine

2008-06-23T18:55:00.001-07:00

I had a great run today. Two miles, the first at a 13 minute pace, the second at a 10 minute pace.

My body & mind were both on board. I really want to best my time from last year's Turkey Trot. That's my goal. So I'll be training for that. I'd like to be running 10-12 miles a week.

That is all I have laid out before me. I hope I have encouraged you too to get out and get active.

Photo Op

2008-06-05T05:30:00.000-07:00

Need more pictures of your favorite half marathoner? Here are the professional ones. I haven't yet decided which one I want.

Running Down A Mountain

2008-06-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

The half marathon was harder than I thought it would be. Sure, my longest run had been around 8 or 9 miles. But I wasn't prepared for how the downhill would hurt my knees. I knew I wasn't going to be fast, and being left in everyone's dust wasn't awful. It meant for most of my run, it was me & nature. To be in a valley between hills, mountains and farms, was peaceful. To see horses running in the fields, was inspiring. Less inspiring was seeing two dead skunks on the road, two dead deer beside the road, and even a small dead vole on the road.

The water/Gatorade stations had very friendly encouraging people there, so I would be sure to remove my iPod earphones to converse with them. Yes, I was discouraged against wearing an iPod, since we did run on roads with cars. But a lot of people had them.

My favorite part of the race was the end. Once I hit the main street, I saw Geoff & the boys at the end. Ringing their bells, cheering for me (Elijah called me super!), it spurred me to run to the end faster. I was virtually the only person in sight, so all the people lined on main street had no choice but to cheer for me. It was awesome. I would raise my hands in the air, ham it up, huge smile on my face, knowing that the end was nigh. Almost across the finish line, they called out my number, "And here's number 1140, look at her smiling. That's Melissa Armstrong, Lance's wife." I looked up at the clock, very happy with my time, and they handed me a sopping wet ice cold towel. NICE! I draped it over my shoulder, grabbed a water, and walked into the first aid tent to sit down. They kept asking me if I was okay, I said, I just want to sit. Once I felt like my knees would survive movement, I left, grabbed more water and reunited with my fans.

My goal had been to finish in less than 3 hours 30 minutes, I finished in 3:13. Geoff says it is a good starting off point for my next race. While I am not ready to think about running for a few more days, I'm not ruling it out. Next race, I'm looking for flat. I want it flat, so I can be faster.

I Am A Half Marathoner

2008-06-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

Less than a half mile to go

Well, resting all day yesterday, plus my training, must have done the trick. While I struggled through miles 8, 11, & 12, I was able to complete my first half marathon in 3 hours 13 minutes. I was hoping to beat 3:30, so goal succeeded! I have a blister on my fourth toe, left foot, very sore knees, and some back pain. But I also can say, I am a half marathoner. Now I want to rest!

(I may write more when I'm less tried)

You're Joking Right

2008-05-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

After months and months of training, almost a year of planning to get here, I woke up sick this morning.

For me, not running, is not an option. Call it my cheap Scot roots, but I paid for this race, I'm gonna do it.

I don't know how, it probably won't be pretty, but I plan to complete the task before me. Pray that I am able to get it done.

(side note: if I think I am in any serious medical danger, I will seek out help)

Almost Go Time

2008-05-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

I've been resting all week, per my instructions, and it's been ok. I kinda missed hitting the gym at least once.

We leave today for Steamboat Springs, race is at 7:30am on Sunday. I'll have the laptop, so I will try to blog about it and possibly post a picture.

Keep me in your prayers, we're almost there!

Not Sweating It

2008-05-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

I did not meet the goals last week, but I'm not worried about it. The race is so close, and my excitement is mounting.

This week...
Tuesday run 4 miles (which I did, outside, the weather was great)
Wednesday & Thursday run 5 miles
Saturday & Sunday run 4 miles

Then I rest the whole week before the race. I also get to carb up. Whoo-hoo!

Pray I stay healthy (my allergies have been acting up), and that I stay encouraged.

Don't Ask

2008-05-12T13:32:00.001-07:00

First off, there were no pictures of me from the Cherry Creek Sneak. seriously, I looked through all 630 some odd pages. I'm disappointed too. Good thing I have the ones Geoff took.

Secondly, last week's training was a disaster. So let's move on.

Race day is in 20 days. Go me go!

This weeks goals are...

Tuesday & Wednesday run 5 miles
Thursday cross-train 45 minutes
Saturday run 6 miles (I may do more, since I didn't do my 12 last week)
Sunday run 5 miles

Normally, Monday & Friday are rest days. But since I haven't touched my shoes since Wednesday, today I'm going to do some time on the bike, then maybe run a mile.

Keep encouraging me. Pray for me to stay healthy.

Not Quite

2008-05-06T05:40:00.000-07:00

My goals were not met, due to some scheduling issues. I'm not sweating it, I'm staying flexible. I still feel good mentally & physically. My long run this past weekend was for 90 minutes, around Garden Of The Gods. Got my first real taste of running up & down hills. Not so awful, but not a lot of fun.

This week I'm not sure how it will play out but here is the goal list.

Tuesday & Wednesday run 4 miles
Thursday cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday run 12 miles (Holy Cow!)
Sunday run 4 miles

26 days left!

Consider The Cherry Creek Snuck

2008-04-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

I did it. I ran 5 miles in the Cherry Creek Sneak yesterday. It was a beautiful day to be outside. I had set a goal of running it in 70 minutes, it took me 64. I talked to some people along the way, and then Geoff treated me to a Mocha Freddo at Peet's. A pretty good morning if you ask me.

I think it helped me to practice my pacing for my big race. Here's what I have to do this week.

Tuesday run 5 miles
Wednesday run 4 miles
Thursday cross-train 45 minutes
Saturday run 7 miles
Sunday run 3 miles

Here are some pictures of me at the Sneak. I made sure to pose for the camera guy, I'll let you know when those pictures are available.

Before the race

That's me, in the blue glove

Before Mile 3

Registered

2008-04-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

I am registered for the Cherry Creek Sneak Sunday. I'm excited, and have not really thought about a time goal.

In making our lodging arrangements for Steamboat Springs, I got some great info from a local. She suggested places to eat (including a good restaurant to carb up at), as well as tips for my fans to watch & cheer, and past race day weather. I'm very excited. 37 days to go!

Much Better

2008-04-20T18:13:00.001-07:00

I felt like I had a good week. I feel mentally and physically ready for the race, now I just pray I can stay that way.

The goals this week are
Tuesday run 5 miles
Wednesday run 3 miles
Thursday cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday run 7 miles
Sunday run 5 miles

I hope to run the Cherry Creek Sneak on Sunday for my 5 miles. It's a fun race, though I usually participate in the 3.1 mile run. I'll have my cheering crew there practicing too.

Ugh

2008-04-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

Not a successful week AT ALL. Tuesday, I was able to squeeze in my run. Wednesday, I came down with a 12 hour stomach bug. Thursday, I tried to take it easy. Saturday, I had a baby shower to throw. So Sunday was my next venture back into running, and I wanted to do my long run. I was not thrilled with the idea of running 4 laps around Wash Park, so we went to Cherry Creek Reservoir. Geoff spelled out for me my route, but what would have been better would have been GPS, or a map. I took a wrong turn, and then another wrong turn, and I got lost. But I kept running, figuring eventually all roads would lead to Rome (or the car, as it were). I was able to find my way back, with some deductive thinking, and with the help of strangers. Let's hope this week proves to be better, running wise and health wise.

Tuesday run 7 miles
Wednesday run 5 miles
Thursday cross-train 45 minutes
Saturday run 7 miles
Sunday run 4 miles

Pretty Close

2008-04-08T07:59:00.001-07:00

I missed last week's goals by 2 miles. Not too shabby. Motivation is harder for me this week, because my buds are in town, and I don't want to miss out on time with them. But a girl has to train right?

This week...
Tuesday 5 miles
Wednesday 3 miles
Thursday 45 minutes cross-training
Saturday 9 miles (Yikes!)
Sunday 4 miles

I need a swift kick in the butt to get me out and running. :)

More Than Halfway

2008-03-31T11:04:00.000-07:00

I am more than halfway through my training. Has it gotten any easier? I dunno. My long runs are still hard, but but short runs (3 miles) are like nothing to me. The running just got better with the addition of Mr. Krabs, my new iPod shuffle (he's small & red). Our other iPod was too big and weighed me down.

This weeks schedule is

Tuesday run 6 miles
Wednesday run 3 miles
Thursday cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday run 8 miles
Sunday run 5 miles

Pray for strength of spirit, and health for me & the kids. If they aren't healthy I can't take them to daycare, forcing me to run earlier in the morning or at night (brr!)

Ergh

2008-03-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, some days went better than others. The biggest disaster was trying to run Tuesday after dinner. It was chilly, and I didn't dress warm enough. And then I had to pee. Thankfully there are port-a-lets at the high school. So I did not make the whole run, and it was pretty defeating. I also had issues with my allergies acting up. But that was last week, this is a new week.

Tuesday is 5 miles
Wednesday is 3 miles
Thursday is cross-training for 45 minutes
Saturday is 7 miles
Sunday is 4 miles

Go Melissa Go!

Not As Successful

2008-03-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

This week's goals were not met, but I am not discouraged. Let's look ahead to this week.

Tuesday & Wednesday are both 5 miles
Thursday is 45 minutes cross-training
Saturday is 6 miles
Sunday is 5 miles

Pray for me to stay healthy, and motivated. 76 days until Steamboat!

Another Week Done

2008-03-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

Phew. Each week I accomplish, I am closer to the race. I kinda wish it was sooner rather than later, just so it is done. No wait, change that. I wish the training wasn't so hard!

This week's goals look like this:
Tuesday & Wednesday 4 & 5 miles
Thursday cross train for 45 minutes
Saturday 5 miles
Sunday 4 miles

I found that I am running about a 15 minute mile. I want to pace myself so I am sure that I will be able to do the whole 13.1 miles. Keep praying for me, for endurance, strength and to stay healthy.

Whoa!

2008-03-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you about the conversation I had with my feet on Sunday.

Me: Okay, it's just a 40 minute run.
Feet: Wait, are those the running shoes? No, We're not going in there again.
Me: It's okay, it'll go by fast, just 40 minutes.
Feet: NO! Don't you put us back in there. No No No No (muffled whining). (feet thinking) Fine we'll just be stiff as boards!

Nothing was as awkward though as trying to walk down the stairs Sunday morning.

But I made it through the weeks goals. Here is what this week looks like:

Monday & Friday are always rest days.
Tuesday & Wednesday 45 & 40 minute runs
Thursday is cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday is 3 miles (though Geoff says I should stay closer to 5)
Sunday is 4 miles, and I need to find someone to watch the boys so I can do that.

I Didn't Die

2008-03-01T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hey, I ran 90 minutes today, and I didn't die.

Just wanted to share that. Oh and if my feet hated me before, they really hate me now.

I'm Trying

2008-02-27T13:58:00.000-08:00

Okay, so once again, my training had a small setback due to illness. I missed my cross-training and both weekend runs. But on the plus side, Tuesday's run was the best one I've had in a long time. I felt great.

This week's goals:
Tuesday & Wednesday run 45 & 40 minutes
Thursday cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday (I will do last week's goal of 90 minutes)
Sunday run 35 minutes

Pray for health and my renewed spirit to carry me through the week.

Week 4

2008-02-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

This last week, I was able to do my 50 & 55 minutes runs on Tuesday & Wednesday, but then I was too sick to do my cross-training on Thursday. Saturday I was still getting over it, so rather than run 60 minutes, I walked it. Sunday I was able to run my 40 minutes.

This week is...
Tuesday 45 minutes
Wednesday 40 minutes
Thursday cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday 90 minutes (yikes!)
Sunday 35 minutes

Pray for mental blocks to get the boot and for strength.

Week One (or Three) Done

2008-02-10T14:44:00.001-08:00

Phew! My first week of training is done. Since I had to start on Week Three, it's a little confusing.

My weekend runs were hard, but I did it. A little bit of walking, mostly running. Saturday's run in Wash Park was alright, but would have been better with an iPod. I did my 50 minutes today in the gym on the track & the treadmill. I may try to find a way to publish my training schedule online so you can see, and know what to pray for that day. Just remember Mondays & Fridays are my rest days.

Short

2008-02-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

I was a little short on my runs this week, but I am not discouraged. Tomorrow I've roped Geoff into running with me in Wash Park. Today is my rest day, and I am happy to take it.

Overwhelming

2008-02-04T13:11:00.001-08:00

So I got out my training guide and inputted it into my computer. Now I am frightened. I am two weeks behind (oops), but I will give it my best shot.

This week, I will have to run 4 days, and cross-train for 45 minutes. I think I need more clothes, and a swimsuit.

The schedule is...
Mon & Fri are rest days.
Tues & Wed run 40 & 45 minutes
Sat run an hour.

Pray for strength, and no mental blocks. Warm weather too. :)

Treading Mills

2008-01-30T12:56:00.001-08:00

So the last two workouts, I tried running on the treadmill. It's nicer than the track, because I don't have to dodge other people. But it is a little disorientating getting off.

I think I need to concentrate more on distances rather than speed. So I'm not wearing my watch much.

Keep praying for me.

I'm Trying

2008-01-25T06:57:00.000-08:00

I did get on the elliptical (for a mile) in D.C., and was back at the gym this week running on the track. Those two days I was only able to do a mile each, and then I felt like I had shin splints from below my knees to the top of my feet.

I'm going to try to reread my book for encouragement. Geoff took me to see Spirit Of The Marathon, and I left feeling pretty inspired. They are showing an encore of it next month, check to see if it's showing near you.

Monday

2008-01-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

I ran one mile, really fast on Monday. It had been a while since I could get out and run, with being sick, and the boys are still too sick to take to daycare. If I don't make it back to the gym this week, I do plan to use Kelly's elliptical in D.C. this weekend.

Dashing Through The Snow

2008-01-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had high hopes of going for a run in Cherry Creek State Park, aiming for a 4 mile run. This did not occur. Rather I ran for 20 minutes (towards and back from CCSP) in the snow. I thought the trails would be dry, but they obviously don't get the same amount of sun we get on our sidewalks. It was a good workout though.

My plan this week is to reread my training book, and to get on the track 3 days (or nights). The boys are taking turns being sick, so I can't take them to the daycare until they are better.

Ouch

2008-01-03T14:28:00.001-08:00

I went to the gym for the first time in two weeks (or so). Was able to punch out a mile in 10:23, so I was happy with that. Not as happy with how much my hip hurt afterwards. Unfortunately, I need to amp up my gym time, and with kids who are sick, that's a little challenging. We'll see how it goes.

And if I'm going to do swimming for cross-training, I better get a real swimsuit. Not something cute (like I have now), but something functional.

Game On

2008-01-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

It's official. I registered for the Steamboat Springs Half Marathon. Game Day: June 1, 2008

This is gonna be me. But probably near the back.

151 days to go. Feel free to come out to Colorado and watch.

Still Going...Sort Of

2007-12-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

I am still plugging along, albeit, not at the rate I was. I'm finding it hard to make the time to go to the gym. But the real training will have to start soon, and I will need to pick a race. Keep encouraging me. :)

The Old Bones

2007-11-30T13:52:00.000-08:00

Went for my first post-race run on Wednesday. I felt so creaky, like the tin man. I felt like my gait was similar to Terry Fox. I felt awkward and like I had gone back to square one. I had to walk one lap, but then I kicked my butt to make the whole two miles.

Went again today, but my head wasn't in the game, and I could only squeak out one mile. I still felt creaky, and distracted. Gotta get my act together, because in one month it will be train-for-real time. January 1st also marks the day I can register for the Steamboat Springs Half-Marathon.

Turkey Trot 2007

2007-11-24T06:07:00.000-08:00

before mile three

Race Day: I did not get a good nights sleep. Miles was up a lot, and there was a chill in the air. The high was supposed to be 31F. All I could think was, I don't want to do this. What was I thinking? But I ate a bowl of Cheerios, and a sandwich for breakfast. Got all dressed in my running clothes, threw on my parka and we packed up the kids and went. Once we got there, and I stepped out of the car, I was thinking, no way. I'm going to freeze in my running tights. Geoff kept assuring me I'd warm up once I started running.

We had 45 minutes before the race, so we walked around, picked up my bib and timing chip. Walking was not warming me up at all. I jogged a little, but was certain I'd want to keep my parka on for the race. At 10am I had to go line up. I found a spot in the crowd and tried to keep warm. I had given up my parka, but there were a lot of people wearing more than me, and a lot of people wearing less. The announcer was filling the time with a list of people who were there. The woman next to me was annoyed her "nemesis" was there. I chuckled at the idea you could have a running nemesis. Her friends were chuckling too, while she bemoaned that this woman was going to move into her age group next year, making it harder for her to win anything.

Once the race started I waited until everyone around me was jogging, and we started. I waved to my boys as I was off. I listened to the chatter of people, the mundane conversations about work, tv, and dinner plans. I swear the 11 laps at the gym don't feel as long as these miles felt. Before mile one, there was a house with a big group outside cheering people on. They even had a bagpiper! Another house around the corner from them also had a cheering party. If I had a place at Washington Park, I'd do likewise.

Before mile two is a water station. I partook of some water and continued running. Saw Geoff and the boys and heard Elijah ringing his bell. Saw them again before mile three, where there was another water station. I didn't stop for this one, just wanted to finish. It felt so long, but I wasn't overly tired. I got very excited once I finally saw the finish line. I pulled out a little more gas and was able to cross under the banner at 49:59.

I eventually found my fans, which had now grown to six. Kevin, Ali, & Kevin's mom Cindy arrived to applaud my effort. I was sweaty and thirsty, and had to hunt down a bottle of water. I did manage to grab a yogurt for Elijah, but did not want to wander around collecting what little swag there was. I was feeling discomfort in my back and feet, I just wanted to go home and have a shower.

So, would I do it again? Why not. It's doable. But next year, I want a running buddy. And it's for a good cause, the United Way. And it justifies the Thanksgiving feast.

My goal was to run the whole thing, and I did. I believe this half-marathon isn't so crazy. I just need to train properly. And that will start sooner than I think.

Cramp

2007-11-20T11:50:00.000-08:00

No, not a physical one. The boys both have nasty coughs, so this has put a cramp on going to the gym during the day. Funny thing about childcare, they don't want you to bring in sick kids. So after a week away from the gym, I ran 2.5 miles last night.

Very nervous about the race on Thursday. Not so much an issue of "will I finish?", but rather "will I freeze?" The temp predicted by my trusty weatherman keeps dropping each day. Now a 10am race start looks like I'll be lucky if it's above freezing! Geoff took me shopping for warm running clothes, but now I just want to wear all the clothes I own!

Yes yes I'll warm up once I start running, and I'm hoping the crowd will keep me warm too. Go Melissa Go!

I Can Do It!

2007-11-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I ran 3 miles! Even with feeling sick, I was able to do it. It was hard for me to force myself to run slow, because I didn't want to run out of steam. But I could feel after 2 miles, that it was going to happen, so I notched my speed up a little.

My goal this week will be to try and replicate 3 miles, so pray that this cold (or whatever) doesn't kill my buzz and I can get out there. I may try to go running on Saturday, as Geoff says a cooler run will better prepare me for the race temperatures.

Workout Buddy

2007-11-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

Friday, instead of my run, I went on the elliptical for 25 minutes. I burned like 277 calories. Ali met me there, so it was neat to have a workout buddy. I hope to do my run today at the gym.

I can totally see my endurance has improved since I began running in August. And that's pretty cool.

I have signed up to run the Turkey Trot. My only goal is to run the whole 4 miles, to not have to stop and walk. Who cares how long it takes me!

Afternoon Delight?

2007-11-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

Did my 22 laps at the gym yesterday afternoon. At least there weren't as many annoying people as on Monday. It seemed that a rock was lifted up that day and people who have no idea about respect for other runners on the track were out in full force.

I'm feeling excited and nervous about running in the Turkey Trot. I had the data wrong, it's only 4 miles, which is longer than I have run before. But I think if I pace myself I can do it.

Still Going

2007-11-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

I've been running, I just haven't had the time to blog it. Let's say I'm still going three days a week or so, and I'm consistently finishing my 22 laps in 20 minutes or so. Depending on my mood, I'm either faster or slower.

I'm trying not to think about running 13 miles, because that thought overwhelms me. Right now, I'm focussing on being able to run in the Turkey Trot (5K) on Thanksgiving. Geoff has offered to run with me, but I worry he'll find it boring to go so slow.

I'm Still Moving

2007-10-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I was quiet there for a while, but I was still running. I find that I don't have time to blog when I get back from running, so I've been slow to get it logged.

Two weeks ago, I was in a low place mentally, and I tried to run but was defeated. I only made it a mile and a half before I started walking then gave up all together. The following run day, I was the opposite, I was high on running. That run I punched out in 20:23, and the next run (which was 3 days later) I did in 19:12! I was on fire. I also was running counter-clockwise (as you have to on Tues, Thurs, Sat at the gym).

Yesterday, Geoff was nice enough to inform me that I had the track length wrong still, and I was shorting myself. To clarify, the track is 1/11 of a mile. So 22 laps=2 miles. I won't change my mileage, since I usually walk a lap warmup and a lap cool down.

Last nights run of 22 laps took me 20:50. I was feeling good the whole run. I made yet another run mix, and the song that makes me get the pace kicking and puts a smile on my face is Hey Ya! Great for running, if you ask me.

Just Can't Do It

2007-10-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

Friday's run was okay. By lap 16, I had a very painful cramp that wasn't going away, so I had to walk a lap. I was able to pick back up to running laps 17-20, and finished with a time of 20:22.

I'm going to go to the gym again this morning. I better eat more than just my bowl of cereal, as that may have been the cause for the cramp. I'm also now searching for a new swimsuit, one that is just simple and can be used for my cross training. My cutsie bikini just doesn't work for swimming.

Pooped

2007-10-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

I forgot my watch Monday night, so I don't know what my time was. But I think it was pretty close to usual. Today I ran in the morning, feeling run down from a poor night's sleep. But I didn't think putting off the run until evening was going to make me any more motivated. The track was busy with walkers, and I did my 2 miles in 19:45. My last lap I like to push myself hard, and I accomplished that in 40 seconds.

I've been thinking I may opt for a half marathon closer to home, rather than the Flying Pig in Cincinnati. But we'll see in a few months. If I get a running partner for either, that will swing the decision easily.

Run Run

2007-09-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night, went for a run with my posse. Geoff wanted to do a different route, so as he could push the stroller beside me and tell me about his day. It ended up being about 1.67 miles, and completed it in 20:30.

Friday night I went to the gym and ran 25 laps. Felt good until lap 12, then I started to get worn out. But by lap 17, I knew I had it in me to make it to 25. Tore up the track with my last lap and ended the 2.5 miles with 24:45.

Found that on Wednesday that same shirt was chaffing me. It may be it's been washed too much, or my weight loss has made it too loose. I may have to retire it. :(

Kicking Ass

2007-09-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

Had a good run last night. The first time I felt good from start to finish. Punched out my 20 laps in 18:59.

I hope someday all my runs will feel this good. I think the reason for it was my mind was worry-free, and I had new music. Sometimes the littlest thing makes all the difference.

Catch Up Again

2007-09-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I try to blog after my run, but usually I just have time to shower than get back to being Mommy.

Wednesday, I ran at the gym, 20 laps in 19:03. Felt pretty good, even with the smell of paint fumes on each lap.

Friday night, I ran around the neighborhood, adding another half block to my usual route, making it 1.75 miles. Finished that in 18:05.

Bought some new running clothes, since my top was chaffing me on Wednesday. We'll see how they work out.

Catch Up

2007-09-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

Didn't get a chance to post about my run on Friday. It was alright. I felt pretty good, I really felt like my pace was on. I did my 20 laps in 19:10.

Missed my run Monday due to company & allergies wearing me down. But I hope to hit the gym this morning.

My Lungs!

2007-09-12T14:10:00.001-07:00

Monday night I went for my run. It had been rainy earlier, but since it had long let up, I went out. I was not used to the cold air, and my lungs felt like they might explode. Add to that I had NO desire to even run. But the run wasn't terrible, neither was it overly enjoyable. But I can justify snack food because I'm running.

1.68 miles, 17 minutes

Today I ran at the track. I had thought about doing 25 laps again, but I couldn't get my mind to go for it. All the mental punching through walls wasn't going to work, so I figured it better to concentrate on giving a good 20 laps. those 2 miles took me 19:44.

Slow, Then Faster

2007-09-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

I went to the gym before dinner last night, and got in my 2 miles. The first 12 laps I felt were slow, then I hit my stride and felt like I was actually running. But obviously I had my pace way off, because it took my 21 and a half minutes to do it. My head just wasn't straight, my mind was all over the place. I couldn't focus on either the running or my music. So I didn't feel like it was my best run.

I'm going to try and run outside more next week with the weather cooling down.

Plus Five

2007-09-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

I added five more laps to my run last night, and still felt okay at the end. I was able to do my 25 laps (2 1/2 miles) in 24 minutes.

I'm feeling good and my appetite is bigger than usual. I'm staying focussed on my little goals, rather than thinking about the goal of being able to run 13.1 miles. This seems to be working for me.

There Are Hills???

2007-09-05T09:05:00.001-07:00

Last week when we did the family run, Geoff pointed out that my route had hills. This was news to me, as I have never really noticed them before. Now Monday I head out and it's in my head. There are hills (oh so slight, but there nonetheless). And don't your feet feel like lead? Feel how heavy your legs feel? Just quit now, and write this run off. These were my thoughts. But I plugged along, and once I hit the turn around point, it was like I got my first wind. I had the energy and drive to run home. Perhaps I needed to defeat my attitude, or maybe it was having the goal visualized. In any case, I was able to run back with a smile on my face, and a song in my heart. Incidentally, the song I heard on the turn around was Good Times by INXS. An excellent kick you in the ass kind of song. The 1.68 mile run took me 18:32.

Friday Night Is Alright For Running

2007-09-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

I hit the gym Friday night after dinner. I was feeling good, and I had the whole track pretty much to myself. I could feel that I was running faster than usual. I did my 20 laps in 19 minutes. Forgot my watch at home, so I had to use the clock on the track.

I was feeling good the whole run, did not have to punch through any walls. Geoff says I should try to add a 3 miles run one day. So I'm keeping that in mind.

Me & My Posse

2007-08-30T18:42:00.001-07:00

Wednesday I got out for my run before dinner. I had my cheering section with me. We went a little farther than I usually go, and I ran for 1.68 miles. Took me 17 minutes and change (can't be bothered to get my watch right now). Felt weird to run the neighborhood. But the weather was nice.

I think I enjoy running more in the evenings, because I like knowing the boys are with daddy. But I am quite comfortable with the childcare at the gym.

I need to add more songs to my running playlist, so I don't get sick of the ones I got.

Gym Snob

2007-08-27T19:28:00.001-07:00

Okay, I'm becoming a gym snob. I nitpick the other people who are there. Like girl on the track talking on her cell phone, guy wearing too much cologne, people using the track to look out over the rest of the Trails.

Did my two miles (20 laps) in 20:15. Felt okay, thought I had a cramp after lap two. I focussed on my music, and how yummy my dinner was going to be when I got home.

Had it not been rainy, I would have run around the neighborhood. That may be my goal for Wednesday night.

Klopp Klopp

2007-08-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

That's the sound of my feet plodding along the track today. Two more miles added to my total. I just had no energy for the run, I felt like I was going so slow. Yet my brand new watch said I did the two miles in 20:45.

Been thinking about how to adjust my schedule so I'm not doing all my training at the gym, and I am not even considering pushing the joggy stroller.

I'm pooped. I need a shower and a nap.

But I Ran All Night

2007-08-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

Last night I dreamt I was running away from monsters and bad guys. So when I woke this morning, I wasn't really in the mood to run. Amazingly enough, in my dream I wasn't tired from all the running, and I was making good time. Usually in a dream if I'm running, I feel like I'm going at a snail's pace.

Hit the track early and did another two miles. Felt okay, not great. Oddly enough, I was going at a 10 minute mile pace.

I'm due to get my running watch soon. Yay! It's pink. :)

Two More

2007-08-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Ran another two miles today on the track. Felt pretty good between laps 6-10. And of course 19 when I booked it. My visual aid was a flashback to when I was playing softball on the church team and Erik was running behind me, hoping we'd both cross home plate. I can't believe how out of shape I was then. I collapsed on home plate, my legs gave out from underneath me. To the fans, it looked as though Erik had pushed me.

I keep going to the track and thinking, today it will be easy to punch out two miles, I've been doing it for over a week. But each run brings its mental blocks and walls. I even got a cramp in my side by lap 18, but didn't stop. I tried to work it out during my cool down and stretch.

Feeling Good

2007-08-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

I decided to go to the gym a little earlier today. Whereas I went around 11am before, today I went at 9. I was able to punch out my two miles, staying around my 12 minute per mile pace. But lap 19, knowing it was my last I gave it a little gas. And I felt good doing it. I was surprised I have that energy. When I felt like I was putting up walls, wanting to quit and walk, I'd physically punch away the invisible walls. It may look silly to an outsider watching my run, but it empowers me.

Another week of two mile workouts is what I have in mind. Then I may up it a mile or two.

The Beginning

2007-08-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

I read an article in Geoff's Runner's World and it inspired me. What I mean to say is I read it, and the message stuck with me for a few days. So I got this crazy idea in my head... I should do a half marathon.

Geoff ran a marathon, and half couldn't be so bad, right? It's just 13.1 miles.

I asked Geoff to buy me a book to help. It's The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide For Women. This book is awesome. It has a lot of good advice, and more importantly, it's hilarious!

Before you start training you are supposed to be in the habit of running/exercising a few days a week. So Friday I hit the track at the Trails. I thought I recalled Geoff saying that 8 laps equals a mile. So I ran 16. Without stopping. Go me! I felt so proud of myself. Turns out 10 laps is a mile, but I still celebrated my victory.

Monday morning I got out before 8am to run around the neighborhood. The air was cool, my iPod started my run with I Need You (Jars Of Clay) and I was feeling good. I ran 1.26 miles

Today, I got onto the track around 11am, and started running. By lap 12, I had a mini panic attack. I'm going to try and run 13.1 miles? am I crazy?! I pushed and made it the whole 20 laps, and raised my arms in victory. I had to chant my way through the last 5 laps (you can do it!).

Anyways, I'm supposed to keep a journal of my training, so this is it. It's my accountability and I hope one day to reflect back on this.