National Running Day 2014

Last year on National Running Day I went back & forth on whether or not I should post something inspirational or motivational – I eventually decided on doing neither.

Instead I decided to share some of my “best” race photos over that past year. And by best I mean – absolutely shameful. The kind of photos you would un-tag of yourself if they showed up on your Facebook feed and then give your friend the stank eye for even uploading them in the first place. Well, everyone except me.

You see, I love every single race photo I take. Even the bad ones (especially the bad ones!) because they share my personal message that you don’t have to look like a runner to be a runner. It’s all in the attitude you have.

 From sliding down a 40 foot tarp into a pool of mud.

To using all your strength for a jumping photo in a race only to find out the photographer didn’t even capture the jump. Or maybe he did and the fact is, you really just have no ups.
#whitegirlscantjump

To running incredibly fast by your husband that he catches the most amazing action* shot known to man. Even though clearly there’s a girl in a boot beating you.

*this photo may or may not have been staged for the purposes of this blog

And there was that one time when I had no neck. After the race, I went home and the only shampoo I could use was Head & Shoulders. Get it? Get it?! BECAUSE I HAVE NO NECK, IT’S ONLY FOR HEAD AND SHOULDERS.
Oh, I kill me. 

Hope you all had a wonderful National Running Day! Until next year!

Runners Tell All: Well, That Was Bad

 

Topic: Share a bad race or training experience and what you learned from it.

 

So, I’m pretty sure if you’ve been around for a while you know exactly what I’m about to reference.

 

My Non-Marathon Story.

 

It’s long detailed but that is absolutely my worst race, hands down. And it wasn’t actually anything about the race itself, really just the circumstances (*ahem* shitty weather closing the course on me *ahem*) of it all. Making a goal and working towards it for 5 months only to have it slip from your feet 2 miles from the finish line takes a toll on your emotions.

 

It’s been nearly two months and I’d like to say “I’m all good now!” but whenever it pops up in my mind, or I see someone post about their training, I get all side-eyed with myself. Because certainly had I trained harder, I would have been faster and already been done, right? Or perhaps I should have paid closer attention to the course itself before I registered? Maybe I needed more hill training? I shouldn’t have walked, I could have kept pushing through – I think? It’s probably because I didn’t eat enough carbs the week before. Yep, that’s got to be it.

 

After the constant barrage of what-ifs my mind has slung at me since March 2nd the one thing I know for certain that I should have done before my marathon is this -

 

Take into account the unknown

 

I had absolutely no doubt in my head I would cross that finish line. And it wasn’t that I was focused on a certain time, I had allowed myself to acknowledge that it may not be the time I want but DAMMIT it was going to be a time. And, I think for training, that was a good thing. I wanted it and there was nothing that was going to stop me – but then there was. And for me personally, I prefer knowing all my options before going into something.

 

For example, when I was pregnant I knew I wanted an epidural and to deliver vaginally. HOWEVER, I also knew that things happen so I also researched breathing techniques/pain management and c-sections just to cover my bases. I also (I know this will sound morbid, but this is how I roll) looked into stillbirths, etc. Because that is also a possibility. I felt prepared. Much like I felt I was prepared for my marathon ending.

Having the weather close me down wasn’t even an option on my radar and it was an unknown that I did not account for. I really think had I even considered the fact that I may not cross the finish line, I wouldn’t have had such a hard time adjusting to the idea that I’m not an ‘official’ marathoner despite the medal, t-shirt, and months of training. Which, I still haven’t worn my medal – the only reason it’s hanging up with my other ones is because Alfred put it there. I had it in the junk drawer at our house.

 

I think some people do well not knowing the outcome of things, I am not one of those people – and so, for my future marathon (and other races) – taking in all the possible outcomes is definitely on my list.

 

Runners Tell All: Favorite Runner Gear

You know, I’ve been running consistently for at least 2 years and I don’t think I’ve once talked about my running gear in a post. I mean, a mention here or there, sure – but nothing specifically about what I use/have for my runs. Thank goodness for this link-up (join here!)

When I first started running, I just had cotton Wal-Mart capris and t-shirts and those did me just fine – but when I realized I actually enjoyed it and was signing up for races left & right, I decided to take the plunge and buy a few running specific items. I could certainly do without these, but they make it easier for me to get out the door and truth be told, they make me feel like an actual runner. Like, I’m not faking it when I put on my shoes and watch and runner fanny pack (yeah, I got one of those) and my own personal sassy man. I like to think I’m the real deal.

My Go-To Gear List

• Shoes. I’ve been wearing Mizuno Waveriders (I’m currently in the 16s in the picture above –Christmas present from the husband, but lived in my 15s forever) and I love them. They give me enough support without feeling like they weigh me down. Shoes are different for everyone, so I would highly recommend getting fitted. I actually did that when I got serious with running – you can read about that process here – it was, uh, interesting but not scary at all. If I can face my fears of having man-feet, you certainly can.

This selfie shows off my shoes, but mostly it just proves that I’ll never be a fashion blogger. Ever.

• Garmin 405cx. This watch lets me know how slow fast I’m going and my elevation and even where my heart rate is sitting at (if I ever actually wear the HR monitor) and so many other things that I don’t even use. I bought it on a whim, well before I actually even needed it. I was a little excited about my running future and wanted to feel like a real runner.
  For the first year of my running escapades I lived on the treadmill, so the only time I needed/wanted it was during my races. Looking back it was not worth the price (for me) because of how little I used it in that first year, but it definitely has had my back this past year as I finished my sixth half-marathon and my non-marathon.
  Basically, if you’re starting out I would not spend this much money on a watch ($180 at the time, on sale). You live, you learn right?

• Wireless headphones. These were a surprise Christmas present from the husband. I knew I was getting new running shoes (above) and even though I dropped a ton of hints (as in, “HEY ALFRED I WANT WIRELESS HEADPHONES, KAY?”) I didn’t expect to get them because, uh, they can be pricey and he kept telling me “NO. YOU DO NOT NEED THEM.” He was right, they are not a need, I mean, my regular headphones do just fine. So, I was way pumped about them come Christmas morning. Alfred picked out the Motorola S11 HD Wireless Stereo Headphones on the recommendation of the guy in the store (it was either Radio Shack or Best Buy). The instruction manual said they’d be good for only an hour of play time, but I’ve used them in two of my half-marathons recently for the entire 3 hours of running and they were still going strong afterwards. WINNING. They’re actually really comfortable and don’t interfere with my swanging ponytail at all. If you have extra monies and love your jams, I definitely recommend a pair.

• Moving Comfort Sports Bra. I have a few of them (all bought on sale because pricey) and they are fantastic. My favorite ones are the ones set up like ‘regular’ bras where I don’t have to pull a boob-sweat soaked racer back over my face to get it off.

I don’t consider myself huge in the chest region but I’m big enough that I need support (at a ‘full’ C, sometimes I get into the D range) and despite my best efforts, the cheapie Wal-Mart bras don’t cut it for me past the 10k mark. They chafe me every time. It doesn’t look like much but I promise you, it hurts like a mofo.

A couple places where I consistently find cheap, great workout clothes are Zulily and Sierra Trading Post.

What’s your favorite running/workout gear?

20 Miles

Last Friday I felt ready to tackle my long run for the weekend (20 miles). I had read weather reports and thought it would be similar to what I’ll encounter during my marathon.

In short, it was not.

But this is a blog, who wants the short of it?  So, let me give you the long of it instead. (Ha. That’s what he said.)

Alfred had to work Saturday morning, but I managed to convince my sister to stay the night Friday and watch Lillie for me in the morning. I wanted to do all 20 miles out on the road (since those miles always go faster than treadmill miles) and had planned to break them up into two 10 milers. After the first 10, I would be back at the house to refill my water bottle, let them know I’m still alive and then head back out.

I had a pretty horrible chafing experience during my 18 miles, so I slathered on some Vaseline, procrastinated a bit and hit the door about 8:30 am. I wore a pair of running capris, a long sleeve tech shirt, my Spibelt (filled with my phone & some GU) and had my water bottle.

Well, I thought I had my water bottle. By mile 3 I realized I had forgot to grab it. Instead of turning around I figured I would just power through.

Note: Do not “power through” a 10 mile run with no water.

I had expected the clouds to open up and the sun would beam through around 9:30 am and things would be glorious. That did not happen. It actually seemed to get colder, the wind picked up and I was running through mist/fog situation that seemed as though it was out to get me. Pretty similar to Lost actually.

Around mile 4 & mile 6 of my run I had to take a miniature break and run some cattle that had gotten out onto the road back into the pasture. Country life, y’all.

At about mile 7, I was so fucking over it. I felt like I was barely able to pick up my feet and my body felt cold. Like, I felt warm but touching my actual body it was freezing. I didn’t wear a jacket or anything because I had thought it would warm up. I told myself just to make it to 10 (I’d be back at the house) and then I’ll just go from there.

I knew the second I walked inside I wasn’t going back out in the weather and I sent the husband a text to say as much.

Normally, I love his tough love approach (it usually does the trick) but this time - turns out, I’m a puss.

I finished the last 10 on the treadmill inside the house hating and loving the decision simultaneously. I was so red and cold when I came in from the first 10, my sister even gave me the side-eye. I managed to watch Hercules and answer 20 questions from Lillie while I did the second 10.

Mom, why you running?
Mom, where is bear?
Mom, where is my milk?
Mom, can I have candy?

…and repeat.

About mile 5 I seriously considered bucking the fuck up and finishing outside just to get away from the questions, but then I looked out the window and settled on the lesser of two evils.

All-in-all, it was a shitty run. But it was still a great training run. For those that don’t run, that may not make sense, but for those that do – I know you feel me. I learned not to forgo water. I learned that Vaseline works wonders on chub rub thigh chafing.I learned not to underestimate the weather. I learned not to wear that particular purple tech shirt because it has a horribly placed tag on it resulting in a SpongeBob band aid.

I just took this photo, I promise it looked about 20 times worse than this on Saturday. Or maybe it just felt 20 times worse. Either way – sad face.

But I think the most important thing I learned was, even if the situation got shitty I still powered through and ultimately, I think that’s what I needed to know about myself before I tackle 26.2.

Here’s to powering through!

What do you know? A post about running.

So, let’s talk running. Specifically, let’s talk about my running. I mean, we can talk about your running if you would like but you’ll have to email me for that. You know, since blogging can be kind of one-sided when writing posts.

Well, if you haven’t noticed lately, I’ll be running my very first marathon in less than a month.

Before I hit the register button for this race I remember feeling incredibly nervous because dude, that’s 26.2 freaking miles I’m committing too. At one time. And I’ve continued to feel that way throughout my training – as well, as anxious, scared to fucking death and completely underprepared.

But you know what else I’ve felt throughout all of those emotions – really fucking excited. Excited for myself because not only have I come so far in my journey as a runner but excited to to know I can do it. I took something I once thought was completely impossible and turned it into a possibility. It blows my freaking mind.

You know what else blows mind? That last year 8 miles was my long run and this year it’s my short run. Cuh-razy.

I’ve increased my mileage from a 5k, to a 10k, to a half, to 16 miles (all done on a treadmill, mind you), to 18 miles and tomorrow, I’ll be able to add 20 miles to that list. Which means, after this weekend, I’m officially in taper mode where my mileage will be cut back so my legs are fresh for March 2nd.

I’ve been hounding the shit out of the website for the most current information and trying to figure out the game plan. I’ve even looked at weather a month ahead trying to predict what I need to wear.  And it looks like tomorrow and race day could be pretty similar. I’m hoping that’s a good sign for my two 10 milers I’m doing back to back (that’s what I’m telling myself because 10 miles seems much more do-able than 20.)

Things that make me nervous

• This will be my first point-to-point race. Everything else I’ve done has been out-and-back, a loop or at least ends up right back at the starting line, somehow.
• The course will shut down after 7 hours. That means there’s a 16 minute mile pace required. I don’t really doubt I can do that but then again, I’ve never ran 26.2 miles, so who freaking knows.
• This is The Army Marathon – there’s going to be some badass soldiers/veterans running this. I’m usually really good at not comparing myself with faster runners but I still can’t help but feel like I’m going to the last one to cross the finish line, or even worse not being able to finish at all.
• I had a serious chafing issue with my 18 miles I did two weeks ago and I really hope that doesn’t happen again. It won’t stop me from running, but it will slow me down and make the next week miserable. I only want to be normal miserable from a marathon not extra miserable. That makes sense, right?

I feel a little better after typing out my nervous points. Blogging – good for the soul.

I have two goals for this race.

Ultimate goal: Finish. With this being my first one, my focus is to cross the finish line and enjoy the experience.

The following goal is what I’m shooting for but not at the expense of the first goal. I don’t want to out so strong that I can’t finish.

Extra goal: Finish under 6 hours (preferably closer to 5:30). I am not what I think of as a fast runner (single digit miles) and I know I’ll be even slower trying to pace myself for 26 miles. Right now based on running calculators it has my finish time at 6 hours or later.

And there’s my running spill for the day. If you have any advice, etc please please comment or shoot me a message. I am not to proud to say that I will need all the help I can get come race day.

In other non-running news, I thought I’d update my blog for 2014. I used PicMonkey to edit my photos and then just kind of googled ‘how-to's’ for the rest of the content. I think it turned out pretty swell (please feel free to nod in agreement).

Stay safe out there this weekend, friends!

Underprepared 2.0

A few weeks ago I had written how I felt underprepared for a 10k I participated in. I didn’t think I was (obviously not, I mean I did PR – yahoo!) but I sure felt that way. Even though I had been following my training plan, I guess I was just nervous because it was the longest distance I had covered in months.

And tomorrow, I’ll be throwing down twice that with a half-marathon I signed up for on a whim.

But where I felt underprepared for that 10k, for this half – I actually am underprepared.

I haven’t ran anything in over a week (I have done a few other workouts though) and my longest run so far has been an 8 miler (done about 3 weeks ago). If you’ll look over most training plans circulating the internets they have you run at least one 10-miler and yeah, uh, oops.

I thought about bailing. (I couldn’t really since I have a friend running with me. Hi Courtney!) And who knows, I may get to mile 8 and just can’t go anymore, but I’m still going to go for it. If I didn’t, I think I’d really just be disappointed in myself. But I have no intention of trying to push the hell out of myself to PR. When I said I was going to run a marathon I planned on killing my training schedule, just knocking that shit right out of the park but other things have taken priority (one of the reasons I’ve been fairly absent around here) and like I said, the past couple weeks have been a struggle for me emotionally & physically. All of the races I’m participating in up until the big 26.2 are on my schedule with the understanding that they should be handled as a training run. (Just, like one with 300 other people.) Even though when I step up to that starting line the little bit of competitiveness I do have surges forward and I want to smash any of my old times.

This time last year I had just finished my first half in Vegas and completely stoked about it. Crazy where a year can take you. It almost feels like I’ve been lazy with my training simply because I know my body is capable of running 13.1 miles already.

I feel like this race tomorrow is going to be a massive failure on my running ego, but I’m still excited for it. Weird, right? It’s supposed to be in the 40s but with the wind chill, low 30s and for this Texas girl, that’s going to be um, interesting. Hopefully the rain will stay far, far away but even if doesn’t - been there, done that.

So, here’s to me – admitting my faults as a runner and saying, “Fucking shit. Sometimes I suck at running…and pig & cow shaped pancakes. Definitely suck at those.”

 

Underprepared

Have you ever studied your ass off for a test but when the day comes you just can’t shake this feeling like you didn’t do enough?

Or you’ve done a ton of mock interviews, studied a company’s entire profile, only to walk in on an interview like a deer in the headlights?

OR have you been running fairly consistently for the past two years and already completed a distance beyond what your race that is coming up for tomorrow is for only to feel like you’re going to shit yourself?

Please, for the love of sweet baby Jesus, tell me I’m not alone in this feeling. This underprepared nonsense that engulfs your whole body in ways that aren’t lady-like to talk about in a public setting feeling.

I am not a fan.

I’m gearing up to run a 10k tomorrow. One that I ran last year (and PRed on) and that when I registered for was very excited about. It set up nicely in my marathon training – I’m in week 4! And it just seemed like a good fit.

It also doesn’t hurt that I get to run through a freaking zoo. But what does hurt? The hills that are involved.

This is from my Garmin last year. So yeah. There’s that.

My time last year was 1:21:56, roughly a 13:13 minute per mile pace. I was way excited about that considering the difficulty of the course and I had done no hill training whatsoever prior to that. All I was concerned about was pooping. As in – not pooping myself and not having any monkeys throwing poo at me.

#runnerproblems, am I right?

The competitive part of me really wants to push to try PR (Personal Record, just in case you weren’t aware) but the logical, sane part of me that’s trying to hold its own concerning this marathon training I’ve gotten myself into is saying “This is just a training run. Nothing more. You don’t want to be injured before you even get to the starting line come March 2nd. Just chill.”

Maybe that’s where this feeling of dread and not being prepared is coming from – is not knowing which way I want to go? Or maybe I’m not actually prepared? Or maybe I am prepared but I just ate too many nachos today for lunch claiming I was carb loading and now my stomach is just getting me back?

Sigh.

I have no doubt I will cross the finish line tomorrow. That, to me, is not even question – it’s just being nervous that I won’t be able to report back that I am faster from this time last year (it is one of my resolutions, after all) and…

Fuck. I don’t know.

Tell me something good to get my mind off it. Or tell me something worse, so I can feel like a complete douche for being worried about something trivial.

Either way. Just tell me.