I can't believe it's almost here. By this time tomorrow, I will be a marathoner. I will have completed the NYC marathon, thus popping my "marathon cherry."
How am I feeling? Well, you name it, I'm feeling it. I'm incredibly excited, unbelievably anxious, a bit scared, a bit sad that my family can't be there, but very happy that my babysitting families will be on the route, and just overall in disbelief that this is actually happening! I have to say that already, this has been a life changing experience. I can only imagine what tomorrow will bring.
This week has been quite an eventful one! It seems unreal to me that less than a week ago, I was still performing at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. In one week, I have completed my favorite professional acting gig, packed up all of my belongings, said goodbye to friends, moved away from my boyfriend (without knowing when we will be in the same city again), moved back to New York, and prepared to run a marathon. Needless to say, I've been rather emotional this week! I've cried both happy and sad tears more times that I can count. In a strange way though, I'm grateful that all this has happened at one time. It has reminded me how human I am, how strong I am, and helped make me so conscious of all of the emotion that comes with running a marathon. I love that I teared up with excitement when I walked into the marathon expo to get my number. I love that I tear up with a bittersweet recognition that my boyfriend and my parents aren't here. I love that the sheer smell of city air gets me excited to run right now! I have to say - I wouldn't trade this emotional ride for the world.
Now, as I sit and type this, I'm only 14 hours away from the start of my race. All of my hard work, the races I ran, the long training runs, the discipline - is going to be put to the test tomorrow. And it's going to be worth it!
I promise a full update within 48 hours after the marathon. Thank you to everyone who has been following this blog. Thank you for your support, your encouragement, your advice, and for celebrating with me along the way! This has been an incredibly journey - and I cannot wait for it all to come to fruition tomorrow.
Signed,
Your-about-to-lose-her-marathon-virginity-runner,
Kelly
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Doing the "taper"...
For the past week, I have been on what is commonly called "the taper." The taper is the portion of my training where I taper down my overall mileage, including my long runs, for the final weeks leading up to the marathon. It is supposed to allow my body to rest, recover, and store up energy and strength in preparation for the upcoming 26.2 miles. How is it going? Well, here's the truth:
- I missed my mid-week runs the first week of the taper. Performing four days a week, combined with absolutely terrible, cold and rainy weather... I just kept finding reasons not to run. Truth be told, I actually just flat out forgot to run one day. This concerned me.
- I ran my first "long run" of the taper - which was only 9 miles. (I know - ONLY 9 miles... but when you just ran 20 the week before, 9 is almost laughable.) Luckily, even though I had not actually completed a run since one week prior when I ran 20 miles - this run went well and felt easy.
- I am back on track this week, running 3 miles yesterday, 5 miles today - and I'm all set for 3 miles tomorrow. In a normal training lifetime, I would have a day of rest between these three runs, but as I perform all day Saturday and Sunday, with Monday as my long run day and Tuesday as my day of rest... there's really no other option. As Nike tell us... I "just do it."
Now here's the thing that I don't think anyone tells you about the taper... It feels WEIRD. I've been working my brain, my body, and my spirit up and up and up this past month and a half. I've been constantly breaking personal records in distance and in overall ability! I have always gone on my long runs with gel packs, and back up water bottles, and my Starburst... and now I only need one water bottle, and maybe one or two Starbursts for good measure. I run 3 miles, and I feel TIRED - because I'm pushing too hard. When I know I have a longer distance to go, I seem to pace myself better. These short runs are troubling me a bit!
Interestingly enough, I have only been able to run in the evenings this week. By doing so I've discovered that running in the evening is HORRIBLE for me. I'm either hungry - or I'm too "full" from the snack I had in the afternoon. I cramp more, I feel sluggish, and I just want the run to end. If I run in the mornings, I feel refreshed, ready to start the day, and I'm only hungry after running long distances. The lesson? As much as I hate getting up early - the morning is DEFINITELY my time to run. Good thing the marathon is in the morning! :)
So, here I am... "tapering" away. I'm not sure how I feel about all this just yet. I suppose I just need to keep my mind focused on what lies ahead. After I finished those 20 miles, I knew I could do this marathon. I still "know" that - but right now my body is having a hard time feeling that way. Encouragement is welcome. I've got less than 10 days until this marathon - so anything that helps me mentally prepare is worth it.
Thank you all again for joining me on this journey... I can't believe it's almost D-Day!!! Or should I say, M-Day!!! :)
Signed,
Your-anxious-to-run-the-marathon-runner,
Kelly
- I missed my mid-week runs the first week of the taper. Performing four days a week, combined with absolutely terrible, cold and rainy weather... I just kept finding reasons not to run. Truth be told, I actually just flat out forgot to run one day. This concerned me.
- I ran my first "long run" of the taper - which was only 9 miles. (I know - ONLY 9 miles... but when you just ran 20 the week before, 9 is almost laughable.) Luckily, even though I had not actually completed a run since one week prior when I ran 20 miles - this run went well and felt easy.
- I am back on track this week, running 3 miles yesterday, 5 miles today - and I'm all set for 3 miles tomorrow. In a normal training lifetime, I would have a day of rest between these three runs, but as I perform all day Saturday and Sunday, with Monday as my long run day and Tuesday as my day of rest... there's really no other option. As Nike tell us... I "just do it."
Now here's the thing that I don't think anyone tells you about the taper... It feels WEIRD. I've been working my brain, my body, and my spirit up and up and up this past month and a half. I've been constantly breaking personal records in distance and in overall ability! I have always gone on my long runs with gel packs, and back up water bottles, and my Starburst... and now I only need one water bottle, and maybe one or two Starbursts for good measure. I run 3 miles, and I feel TIRED - because I'm pushing too hard. When I know I have a longer distance to go, I seem to pace myself better. These short runs are troubling me a bit!
Interestingly enough, I have only been able to run in the evenings this week. By doing so I've discovered that running in the evening is HORRIBLE for me. I'm either hungry - or I'm too "full" from the snack I had in the afternoon. I cramp more, I feel sluggish, and I just want the run to end. If I run in the mornings, I feel refreshed, ready to start the day, and I'm only hungry after running long distances. The lesson? As much as I hate getting up early - the morning is DEFINITELY my time to run. Good thing the marathon is in the morning! :)
So, here I am... "tapering" away. I'm not sure how I feel about all this just yet. I suppose I just need to keep my mind focused on what lies ahead. After I finished those 20 miles, I knew I could do this marathon. I still "know" that - but right now my body is having a hard time feeling that way. Encouragement is welcome. I've got less than 10 days until this marathon - so anything that helps me mentally prepare is worth it.
Thank you all again for joining me on this journey... I can't believe it's almost D-Day!!! Or should I say, M-Day!!! :)
Signed,
Your-anxious-to-run-the-marathon-runner,
Kelly
Monday, October 12, 2009
The long runs are complete!
I was unable to update the blog last week - but I cruised right on through my 18 mile run! I even had a running buddy, who managed 17 of the 18 miles with me! It was awesome :)
And today... I RAN 20 MILES!!!!!
I honestly can't believe it. Well, no - I can believe it. It's just so surreal still for me to say (or type) those words out loud. Never in all my years prior to this one did I ever think I would have stories of workouts (especially runs) that lasted more than an hour. Today? I ran 20 miles in 3 hours and 27 minutes. I actually ran for 3 hours and 27 minutes!!! I didn't even hit a "wall" as I was expecting. I kept fueling myself with water, PowerBar Gels, and Starbursts - and everything just worked. It was amazing!
What I am realizing is more amazing than the quality of the runs, or what happens during my runs... is my overall feeling of self-worth. I feel so accomplished, so elated, so PROUD with each run that I complete. Training for the marathon has proved not only to improve my physical fitness - but my self esteem too. Many of you who read this blog have told me "I could never do that!" and I'm here to tell you that you can! More importantly, I'm telling you that YOU SHOULD. It doesn't have to be an actual marathon that you train for, but find some goal that may seem just outside your abilities at the moment... figure out how you could "possibly" accomplish it... and GO FOR IT. You will not regret it!
From here until marathon day, I taper down my mileage. The science behind it is that I have now trained my body to physically handle the distance, and now I need to scale down the distance so that my body is well rested and ready to tackle the 26.2 miles of the marathon. Next week my long run will only be 9 miles, and then 8 miles the week before the marathon. My mid-week runs (which have been 5 miles, 8 miles, and 5 miles) go back to 3 miles, 5 miles and 3 miles. I will spend the coming weeks really honing in on my mental training as well as my diet. I don't want to be overindulging in carbs, as any weight gain would be detrimental to my knees, but I need to make sure that just over more than 50% of my calories come from carbohydrates. With protein, good fats, fiber, and all my vitamins and minerals included in correct proportion - I should be ready to rock and roll come marathon day! :)
In exactly 20 days, from this very moment, I will have just finished the biggest goal of my entire life. I look forward to my personal experience and to sharing it with all of you. Thank you all for joining me on this incredible journey! :)
Signed,
Your-physically-ready-to-run-a-marathon-runner,
Kelly
And today... I RAN 20 MILES!!!!!
I honestly can't believe it. Well, no - I can believe it. It's just so surreal still for me to say (or type) those words out loud. Never in all my years prior to this one did I ever think I would have stories of workouts (especially runs) that lasted more than an hour. Today? I ran 20 miles in 3 hours and 27 minutes. I actually ran for 3 hours and 27 minutes!!! I didn't even hit a "wall" as I was expecting. I kept fueling myself with water, PowerBar Gels, and Starbursts - and everything just worked. It was amazing!
What I am realizing is more amazing than the quality of the runs, or what happens during my runs... is my overall feeling of self-worth. I feel so accomplished, so elated, so PROUD with each run that I complete. Training for the marathon has proved not only to improve my physical fitness - but my self esteem too. Many of you who read this blog have told me "I could never do that!" and I'm here to tell you that you can! More importantly, I'm telling you that YOU SHOULD. It doesn't have to be an actual marathon that you train for, but find some goal that may seem just outside your abilities at the moment... figure out how you could "possibly" accomplish it... and GO FOR IT. You will not regret it!
From here until marathon day, I taper down my mileage. The science behind it is that I have now trained my body to physically handle the distance, and now I need to scale down the distance so that my body is well rested and ready to tackle the 26.2 miles of the marathon. Next week my long run will only be 9 miles, and then 8 miles the week before the marathon. My mid-week runs (which have been 5 miles, 8 miles, and 5 miles) go back to 3 miles, 5 miles and 3 miles. I will spend the coming weeks really honing in on my mental training as well as my diet. I don't want to be overindulging in carbs, as any weight gain would be detrimental to my knees, but I need to make sure that just over more than 50% of my calories come from carbohydrates. With protein, good fats, fiber, and all my vitamins and minerals included in correct proportion - I should be ready to rock and roll come marathon day! :)
In exactly 20 days, from this very moment, I will have just finished the biggest goal of my entire life. I look forward to my personal experience and to sharing it with all of you. Thank you all for joining me on this incredible journey! :)
Signed,
Your-physically-ready-to-run-a-marathon-runner,
Kelly
Monday, September 28, 2009
17 miles... check!
I had the best long distance run today! Not only did I set a new personal distance record of 17 miles, but I ran at an overall quicker pace, I did not have to stop to walk, and I finished feeling as though I could have run longer!! How great is that?!?
Interestingly enough, I actually finished this week's 17-mile run in the same amount of time as it took me to run last week's 16-mile run. I didn't necessarily run any faster, but I didn't have to stop for the bathroom, or to stretch, and I never hit any kind of "wall" - as I did last week. I finished my 17 miles in 2:57:15. Under 3 hours!!! :)
So, for both my own record, and for those who are interested, I want to break down the aspects of the run (both before and during) so it can be seen as to what might have been helpful.
- I went to sleep at a decent hour the night before, and slept nearly 9 hours before waking.
- I had a PowerBar approximately 2 hours before beginning my run. (Typical, but usually it is only 1 hour for me.)
- I ran not only with Starburst this time, but actually had 2 PowerBar Gel packs with me, and I ended up using both of them. Since I had not any other food besides the PowerBar that morning (and I went running at 12) - I found myself feeling hungry very early on in the race! So, I took a gel pack just after mile 3. Though my energy stayed high and strong... I do not attribute that to the gel pack, as my energy typically does not dip until around mile 9. I then took another gel pack around mile 11-12. I do think this choice was crucial for me, as I experienced no major struggles during this section of my run, as I did last week.
- It actually started to rain around mile 6, and rained for the remainder of my run! I found this very funny at first, then was actually quite grateful for it, as I realized I had yet to run in the rain until today! (I mean, what if it's rainy and gross on marathon day?? It's possible!) I ended up enjoying the rain quite a bit, as it kept me cool. However, by the time I had hit mile 17, I was quite grateful, as it had become a bit irritating running in a soaking wet shirt, bra, shorts, socks, etc...
- I started off the run using my mantra "I am a marathoner. I love to run. I am strong and I can do this!" but found that my mind quickly went to songs. At first, I found myself singing the German Oktoberfest songs I heard all weekend - but setting them to the rhythm of my feet! :) Then, about 5 miles in, I found myself thinking of "Dona Nobis Pacem." We are currently singing that song for Finale, so it's been on my mind. I found I could perfectly sing it to myself to the rhythm of my feet, and still stay focused on my running. Before I knew it, the miles were just passing by! It was the most spiritual, beautiful experience I have had while running. I ran the 12 remaining miles just thinking "Grant us peace.... grant us peace.... grant us peace...."
- Due to my peace mantra, when I finished the run, I found myself thanking God for just about everything: the successful run, the rain, my strong body, my feet, my shoes, the trees, the sky, my life, my boyfriend, my parents, my family... the list just went on and on. I teared up as I uttered these words of gratitude aloud. No matter what your spiritual background is, I'm realizing that pushing your body to and PAST it's previous limits just puts you in a more wonderful and surreal place than you could have ever imagined. It's incredible - and I encourage and support anyone else who would try this venture.
So all around, the run was a HUGE success. I now know, beyond all shadow of a doubt, that I will finish this marathon! I look forward to the soreness, to the stomach that turns in knots, to the sweat, to the tears.... to all of it! What an exciting adventure this has become!
Signed,
Your-dona-nobis-pacem'ing-it-up-runner,
Kelly
PS - Next week? 18 miles!
Interestingly enough, I actually finished this week's 17-mile run in the same amount of time as it took me to run last week's 16-mile run. I didn't necessarily run any faster, but I didn't have to stop for the bathroom, or to stretch, and I never hit any kind of "wall" - as I did last week. I finished my 17 miles in 2:57:15. Under 3 hours!!! :)
So, for both my own record, and for those who are interested, I want to break down the aspects of the run (both before and during) so it can be seen as to what might have been helpful.
- I went to sleep at a decent hour the night before, and slept nearly 9 hours before waking.
- I had a PowerBar approximately 2 hours before beginning my run. (Typical, but usually it is only 1 hour for me.)
- I ran not only with Starburst this time, but actually had 2 PowerBar Gel packs with me, and I ended up using both of them. Since I had not any other food besides the PowerBar that morning (and I went running at 12) - I found myself feeling hungry very early on in the race! So, I took a gel pack just after mile 3. Though my energy stayed high and strong... I do not attribute that to the gel pack, as my energy typically does not dip until around mile 9. I then took another gel pack around mile 11-12. I do think this choice was crucial for me, as I experienced no major struggles during this section of my run, as I did last week.
- It actually started to rain around mile 6, and rained for the remainder of my run! I found this very funny at first, then was actually quite grateful for it, as I realized I had yet to run in the rain until today! (I mean, what if it's rainy and gross on marathon day?? It's possible!) I ended up enjoying the rain quite a bit, as it kept me cool. However, by the time I had hit mile 17, I was quite grateful, as it had become a bit irritating running in a soaking wet shirt, bra, shorts, socks, etc...
- I started off the run using my mantra "I am a marathoner. I love to run. I am strong and I can do this!" but found that my mind quickly went to songs. At first, I found myself singing the German Oktoberfest songs I heard all weekend - but setting them to the rhythm of my feet! :) Then, about 5 miles in, I found myself thinking of "Dona Nobis Pacem." We are currently singing that song for Finale, so it's been on my mind. I found I could perfectly sing it to myself to the rhythm of my feet, and still stay focused on my running. Before I knew it, the miles were just passing by! It was the most spiritual, beautiful experience I have had while running. I ran the 12 remaining miles just thinking "Grant us peace.... grant us peace.... grant us peace...."
- Due to my peace mantra, when I finished the run, I found myself thanking God for just about everything: the successful run, the rain, my strong body, my feet, my shoes, the trees, the sky, my life, my boyfriend, my parents, my family... the list just went on and on. I teared up as I uttered these words of gratitude aloud. No matter what your spiritual background is, I'm realizing that pushing your body to and PAST it's previous limits just puts you in a more wonderful and surreal place than you could have ever imagined. It's incredible - and I encourage and support anyone else who would try this venture.
So all around, the run was a HUGE success. I now know, beyond all shadow of a doubt, that I will finish this marathon! I look forward to the soreness, to the stomach that turns in knots, to the sweat, to the tears.... to all of it! What an exciting adventure this has become!
Signed,
Your-dona-nobis-pacem'ing-it-up-runner,
Kelly
PS - Next week? 18 miles!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A test of speed...
As I did not have time to get in a full 5-mile run today, I chose to do a speed 2-miler. Not sure if that was necessarily the smartest decision or not... but I wanted to make sure I ran SOMETHING! I honestly was just curious as to how much I could increase my speed while still being able to maintain a steady pace.
Well - my first mile, which included two steep hills, finished at approximately 8:40! (If only my physical fitness test coach could see me now!) I finished the 2 miles in just under 18 minutes. Crazy, right?
I'm certainly NOT running the marathon for speed, but it was rather encouraging to realize that I'm in much better shape than I was a year ago!
We'll see how the next steady, easy paced run goes...
Signed,
Your-Speedy-Gonzales-runner,
Kelly
Well - my first mile, which included two steep hills, finished at approximately 8:40! (If only my physical fitness test coach could see me now!) I finished the 2 miles in just under 18 minutes. Crazy, right?
I'm certainly NOT running the marathon for speed, but it was rather encouraging to realize that I'm in much better shape than I was a year ago!
We'll see how the next steady, easy paced run goes...
Signed,
Your-Speedy-Gonzales-runner,
Kelly
Monday, September 21, 2009
New personal record!
Long runs. They bring pleasure and they bring pain. Either way, it is amazing to realize that one can set new personal records EVERY week!
Today, the goal was 16 miles.... and I OWNED IT! :)
The run was definitely an improvement overall... and what was exciting about it was that I actually had a running buddy! :) Ashley Rubisch, a friend of mine from college and a former PA Ren Faire actor, was in town and willing to run the long distance with me. We set a good pace, right around 10 minute miles, and did not stop or slow down until I had to stop for a bathroom between miles 8 and 9. We immediately picked back up with our pace and continued on.
What I have learned now, is that once I stop on a run - whether it is for a bathroom or to stretch, or for a quick relief for my heart rate - it becomes much more difficult to get back into a nonstop running groove. Case in point, after picking back up with the run after the brief bathroom stop, I was only able to run 2 more miles, then had to stop to stretch. I then picked up running again, but half a mile later, started walking due to muscle discomfort. This is where the running buddy SAVED me. She ran right up next to me, encouraged me to run, and I picked back up with the pace. I made a super brief stop again as we passed the parking lot between miles 11 and 12, only so I could grab my extra water bottle from my car.
As I picked up the run again at that point, I was really hurting. My arches were SO sore, one of my shins was really hurting, my hip joints were sore, my butt was even sore from the inclines I'd just finished... and I felt ready to puke. As I was running, Ashley had dropped just behind me at this point, I decided I was just going to make myself puke and get it over with. Then, something changed. I stopped myself from gagging, and made a decision: If I was going to puke, it was going to be because I EARNED it. I was only going to puke if my body had worked so hard that it had no other option to expel whatever was inside of me. (I apologize for being so blunt about all this.) I then visualized my coach (the man I work for in NYC) look at me straight in the eye and telling me to GO. Just go - run - move... earn the discomfort, earn the soreness, earn the puke if it decides to show up. And I did! I was able to continue running miles 12-14 at a full stride, quicker pace, and felt great!
Then, at my turnaround point, when I had 2 miles left... I felt the need to stop and walk. I mentally convinced myself to keep going. What happened next was truly surreal. My experience was based on what Pat, my NYC coach, told me: Pat said that my mind and my body were two different things when it came to running. No matter how much I train my body, it's possible, like a car engine that it will run out of gas. However, more gas can be added. If the mind runs out of gas... it's like a computer crash... there's no quick fix. So, if I can keep my mind active and fresh... I can fool my body into feeling the same way.
I took Pat's words to heart... and for the last two miles, I focused solely on my mental state. I made my mind "run." The surreal part was that I felt almost "out of my body." I was still conscious of my stride and my foot placement and breathing... but I still managed to feel like the only thing that was doing real work was my mind! My mind was refreshed and active... I didn't feel the pain or soreness in my body... but rather the excitement that my mind was running toward the finish! I got teary eyed when I saw the final mile marker just yards ahead of me. With Ashley running by my side for the last half mile, it made all the difference. It was so nice to have someone to celebrate with! I know I will carry that feeling with me on my next solo long run. :)
So all in all things are GREAT! I can't believe I completed 16 miles today... I'm still scared of the idea of the marathon... but I know believe with all my might that it is do-able! Next week: 18 miles! New York City marathon, here I come!
Signed,
Your-longer-and-longer-distance-running-runner,
Kelly
Today, the goal was 16 miles.... and I OWNED IT! :)
The run was definitely an improvement overall... and what was exciting about it was that I actually had a running buddy! :) Ashley Rubisch, a friend of mine from college and a former PA Ren Faire actor, was in town and willing to run the long distance with me. We set a good pace, right around 10 minute miles, and did not stop or slow down until I had to stop for a bathroom between miles 8 and 9. We immediately picked back up with our pace and continued on.
What I have learned now, is that once I stop on a run - whether it is for a bathroom or to stretch, or for a quick relief for my heart rate - it becomes much more difficult to get back into a nonstop running groove. Case in point, after picking back up with the run after the brief bathroom stop, I was only able to run 2 more miles, then had to stop to stretch. I then picked up running again, but half a mile later, started walking due to muscle discomfort. This is where the running buddy SAVED me. She ran right up next to me, encouraged me to run, and I picked back up with the pace. I made a super brief stop again as we passed the parking lot between miles 11 and 12, only so I could grab my extra water bottle from my car.
As I picked up the run again at that point, I was really hurting. My arches were SO sore, one of my shins was really hurting, my hip joints were sore, my butt was even sore from the inclines I'd just finished... and I felt ready to puke. As I was running, Ashley had dropped just behind me at this point, I decided I was just going to make myself puke and get it over with. Then, something changed. I stopped myself from gagging, and made a decision: If I was going to puke, it was going to be because I EARNED it. I was only going to puke if my body had worked so hard that it had no other option to expel whatever was inside of me. (I apologize for being so blunt about all this.) I then visualized my coach (the man I work for in NYC) look at me straight in the eye and telling me to GO. Just go - run - move... earn the discomfort, earn the soreness, earn the puke if it decides to show up. And I did! I was able to continue running miles 12-14 at a full stride, quicker pace, and felt great!
Then, at my turnaround point, when I had 2 miles left... I felt the need to stop and walk. I mentally convinced myself to keep going. What happened next was truly surreal. My experience was based on what Pat, my NYC coach, told me: Pat said that my mind and my body were two different things when it came to running. No matter how much I train my body, it's possible, like a car engine that it will run out of gas. However, more gas can be added. If the mind runs out of gas... it's like a computer crash... there's no quick fix. So, if I can keep my mind active and fresh... I can fool my body into feeling the same way.
I took Pat's words to heart... and for the last two miles, I focused solely on my mental state. I made my mind "run." The surreal part was that I felt almost "out of my body." I was still conscious of my stride and my foot placement and breathing... but I still managed to feel like the only thing that was doing real work was my mind! My mind was refreshed and active... I didn't feel the pain or soreness in my body... but rather the excitement that my mind was running toward the finish! I got teary eyed when I saw the final mile marker just yards ahead of me. With Ashley running by my side for the last half mile, it made all the difference. It was so nice to have someone to celebrate with! I know I will carry that feeling with me on my next solo long run. :)
So all in all things are GREAT! I can't believe I completed 16 miles today... I'm still scared of the idea of the marathon... but I know believe with all my might that it is do-able! Next week: 18 miles! New York City marathon, here I come!
Signed,
Your-longer-and-longer-distance-running-runner,
Kelly
Sunday, September 20, 2009
When the going gets tough... the tough go running!
Question: What do you do when the job that you love unexpectedly comes into direct conflict with your planned marathon date??
Answer: You stay true to yourself and follow through on a goal that you have had for 2 years.
What has happened is this. My current job, portraying Queen Elizabeth I at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, has been extended for one week longer than its initial planned run. The Faire was scheduled to run for 12 weeks, but due to several financial losses as the season opened (poor turnout, bad weather, etc, etc) the decision was made to open for an additional weekend. The dates of that extra weekend? October 31st and November 1st.
Yup, November 1st. Marathon Day.
As you can see from my answer above, I made the decision to stick with the marathon... but it is killing me that I will be "abandoning" my job early. I know this is not the case, and NO ONE other than myself is making me feel guilty or wrong for making this decision. Nevertheless, I hate the idea of not finishing out the season. :(
Nevertheless, I press onward and continue to run. I made the decision to work toward this marathon during November of 2007. I will finish, holding my hands up high! I can only hope that my decision to stay true to myself will inspire those I'm leaving behind... rather than disappoint them that I'm gone.
Signed,
Your-sad-but-still-running-runner,
Kelly
Answer: You stay true to yourself and follow through on a goal that you have had for 2 years.
What has happened is this. My current job, portraying Queen Elizabeth I at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, has been extended for one week longer than its initial planned run. The Faire was scheduled to run for 12 weeks, but due to several financial losses as the season opened (poor turnout, bad weather, etc, etc) the decision was made to open for an additional weekend. The dates of that extra weekend? October 31st and November 1st.
Yup, November 1st. Marathon Day.
As you can see from my answer above, I made the decision to stick with the marathon... but it is killing me that I will be "abandoning" my job early. I know this is not the case, and NO ONE other than myself is making me feel guilty or wrong for making this decision. Nevertheless, I hate the idea of not finishing out the season. :(
Nevertheless, I press onward and continue to run. I made the decision to work toward this marathon during November of 2007. I will finish, holding my hands up high! I can only hope that my decision to stay true to myself will inspire those I'm leaving behind... rather than disappoint them that I'm gone.
Signed,
Your-sad-but-still-running-runner,
Kelly
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Who can run a Half-Marathon? I CAN!!!
Today is a monumental day!
Not only is it 9/9/09... but it's the day that Kelly McMahon Morris ran her first ever Half-Marathon! (13.1 miles)
(Actually, it's the first day she's run 14 miles, but it sounds exciting to mention the Half-Marathon turning point.)
Yes, indeedy! I did it. 14 miles, for better or for worse. After last week's disastrous run, I was hesitant to head out for another long run this week. But I knew that if I didn't run this week, I certainly wouldn't want to run next week, and the cycle would just continue.
So, after my PowerBar breakfast, lots of hydration and stretching, I headed out. The weather was perfect today! High of 70, overcast, with rain predicted for later in the day. Nice and cool, not too sunny... it was heaven. :) I started my run, as I usually do, right at mile marker 10 on the trail. Ironically, by the time I'd run about half a mile, I realized that I desperately had to go to the bathroom!! I couldn't help but laugh. My plan had been to run from mile marker 10 to mile marker 3, then back again. However, the ONLY bathroom is just before mile marker 10! So, I ran my first mile, turned around, and ran right back to that blessed Porta-Potty. I suppose it was about time for me to have to interrupt a run for a bathroom break! :)
Since I had to change up my mapped out run, I continued running (after my pit stop) back to mile marker 11 - which turned out to be quite pretty! It runs right behind a quaint little neighborhood, so that was nice. I looped back from mile 11, then headed down to mile 5, then back to 10. (Crazy, but it all totaled out to 14 miles!) I did have to walk a few times, but instead of viewing it as a failure, I thought of it as a smart athletic move. For I only walked when my knees felt stiff or a cramp had become to sharp - and I would stop to stretch, breathe deep, walk a few strides. Then, I would refocus my mind, and start running again.
The big success of this run for me, was the use of positive self-talk. It's something I learned from the book I've been reading: "The Non-Runner's Marathon Training Guide." It's the idea that you create several sentences and/or ideas that you can say to yourself over and over again as you run. Some people sing songs to themselves, some remind themselves of how good they have it... but no matter what you do, it has to be said in the first person. This was a revelation for me, as I typically coach myself through a run by saying things like "You can do it!" or "You got this, Kel. Finish it!" or "Don't you stop now!" So, to translate this... you have to say it in the first person. "I can do it!" or "I've got this!" and instead of the negative "don't stop" it's the idea of "I can finish!" So today, my sentences went as such: "I am a marathoner. I love to run. I am strong and I can do this!" Over and over and over again I said this to myself. I started saying it in rhythm with my feet. Every time I would stray away in my thoughts, I would quickly bring myself back to these words. As my pace slowed and the run was more difficult, I made them more concise: "I am a marathoner. I can run!" "I can RUN!" and honestly - it kept me focused and got me through! I didn't even use an iPod today. It was AWESOME.
Also, when I had to take a quick rest and walk for about 45 seconds around mile 11, I decided to throw myself self-talk in to overdrive and really give it 110% focus. As I started to run for the last 3 miles, I just said "I am a MARATHONER!" over and over again, really believing it - and feeling proud of it! Wouldn't you know it, that my stride got longer and quicker and I finished the last three miles stronger than I had been running for most of the run!! My heart rate was going at about 10 clicks higher than I usually try to keep it - but I was in a ZONE. It was incredible!
So... things I've learned:
- One bad long run doesn't mean the next one is doomed.
- I do not need an iPod if I focus on my positive self-talk.
- If I have to walk for a few seconds, it is completely fine and NOT a failure.
- I don't need to drink as much water as I did last week (during my run) - for I stayed hydrated and DIDN'T puke or cramp!
- And most importantly... I CAN RUN A HALF-MARATHON!!!!
What a glorious day it has been! :)
Signed,
Your-kicking-ass-and-taking-names-runner,
Kelly
Not only is it 9/9/09... but it's the day that Kelly McMahon Morris ran her first ever Half-Marathon! (13.1 miles)
(Actually, it's the first day she's run 14 miles, but it sounds exciting to mention the Half-Marathon turning point.)
Yes, indeedy! I did it. 14 miles, for better or for worse. After last week's disastrous run, I was hesitant to head out for another long run this week. But I knew that if I didn't run this week, I certainly wouldn't want to run next week, and the cycle would just continue.
So, after my PowerBar breakfast, lots of hydration and stretching, I headed out. The weather was perfect today! High of 70, overcast, with rain predicted for later in the day. Nice and cool, not too sunny... it was heaven. :) I started my run, as I usually do, right at mile marker 10 on the trail. Ironically, by the time I'd run about half a mile, I realized that I desperately had to go to the bathroom!! I couldn't help but laugh. My plan had been to run from mile marker 10 to mile marker 3, then back again. However, the ONLY bathroom is just before mile marker 10! So, I ran my first mile, turned around, and ran right back to that blessed Porta-Potty. I suppose it was about time for me to have to interrupt a run for a bathroom break! :)
Since I had to change up my mapped out run, I continued running (after my pit stop) back to mile marker 11 - which turned out to be quite pretty! It runs right behind a quaint little neighborhood, so that was nice. I looped back from mile 11, then headed down to mile 5, then back to 10. (Crazy, but it all totaled out to 14 miles!) I did have to walk a few times, but instead of viewing it as a failure, I thought of it as a smart athletic move. For I only walked when my knees felt stiff or a cramp had become to sharp - and I would stop to stretch, breathe deep, walk a few strides. Then, I would refocus my mind, and start running again.
The big success of this run for me, was the use of positive self-talk. It's something I learned from the book I've been reading: "The Non-Runner's Marathon Training Guide." It's the idea that you create several sentences and/or ideas that you can say to yourself over and over again as you run. Some people sing songs to themselves, some remind themselves of how good they have it... but no matter what you do, it has to be said in the first person. This was a revelation for me, as I typically coach myself through a run by saying things like "You can do it!" or "You got this, Kel. Finish it!" or "Don't you stop now!" So, to translate this... you have to say it in the first person. "I can do it!" or "I've got this!" and instead of the negative "don't stop" it's the idea of "I can finish!" So today, my sentences went as such: "I am a marathoner. I love to run. I am strong and I can do this!" Over and over and over again I said this to myself. I started saying it in rhythm with my feet. Every time I would stray away in my thoughts, I would quickly bring myself back to these words. As my pace slowed and the run was more difficult, I made them more concise: "I am a marathoner. I can run!" "I can RUN!" and honestly - it kept me focused and got me through! I didn't even use an iPod today. It was AWESOME.
Also, when I had to take a quick rest and walk for about 45 seconds around mile 11, I decided to throw myself self-talk in to overdrive and really give it 110% focus. As I started to run for the last 3 miles, I just said "I am a MARATHONER!" over and over again, really believing it - and feeling proud of it! Wouldn't you know it, that my stride got longer and quicker and I finished the last three miles stronger than I had been running for most of the run!! My heart rate was going at about 10 clicks higher than I usually try to keep it - but I was in a ZONE. It was incredible!
So... things I've learned:
- One bad long run doesn't mean the next one is doomed.
- I do not need an iPod if I focus on my positive self-talk.
- If I have to walk for a few seconds, it is completely fine and NOT a failure.
- I don't need to drink as much water as I did last week (during my run) - for I stayed hydrated and DIDN'T puke or cramp!
- And most importantly... I CAN RUN A HALF-MARATHON!!!!
What a glorious day it has been! :)
Signed,
Your-kicking-ass-and-taking-names-runner,
Kelly
Thursday, September 3, 2009
11 miles... 12 miles.... and it just keeps going!
It's hard to believe I'm now logging double digit runs every week. It seems like only yesterday I was worried about running 6 miles.
So, to update on the last week: When it came time for me to run my 11-mile run, I actually found enough adrenaline at the end to crank out an extra half-mile! So I ran 11.5 miles in just under 2 hours. It was AWESOME. The new development though, was that as soon as I stopped running and started walking, my legs just ACHED! I mean, serious discomfort from overworking my muscles. I went home and took some ibuprofen, drank my chocolate milk, and kept hydrating... but I stayed sore for the next 4-5 days. It was crazy! I'm realizing now that I should consider taking those ice-baths... but I honestly have nowhere to submerge legs in water right now. I might have to get creative.... (put some ice in the horse trough, anyone? eh? eh?)
I kept trudging though, however... stretching every day and was feeling really great as the weekend arrived. I was fighting a sore throat in the mornings, but was able to alleviate it with Airborne, lots of tea, and rest. I spent Monday with my folks, as they were in town for the Faire, and then headed out for my 12-mile run on Tuesday. (Mind you, at this point, I was fighting my sore throat ALL day, not just in the mornings.)
So, after having my PowerBar, and stocked up with two bottles of water and some Starburst for extra energy if needed during the run, I began my run. Honestly - the first 9 miles were great! I kept a good solid pace, which actually seemed a bit quicker for me without any extra effort. Around mile 9 however, I noticed that my knees were feeling a little stiff. To try and loosen them up a bit, I decided to run a few strides where I would be "kicking my butt" so-to-speak. I wanted to flick my legs higher up in the back to help stretch out my knees a bit. I've done this before without any issue... but as soon as I did it on this particular run, I involuntarily yelped "Ow! OW!" It felt like I just overstretched a muscle that I wasn't supposed to stretch. So I slowed my pace a little, until I finally decided to stop and stretch. As soon as I went to do a quad stretch, hoping it would loosen my knees a bit... my hamstrings cramped up! I then stretched those muscles and just took a few minutes to stretch my legs and feet overall. I mean, I see runners doing this all the time during races - so I figured this was totally fine. I walked for another minute, then picked up my jogging pace again.
About 3/4 of a mile later, my arch in my left foot started cramping up. I tried to focus on just relaxing my foot a bit in my stride... but no dice. Within a few strides, I once again, involuntarily, yelped "Ouch!!" I had to stop. I worked out my foot a bit, walked a bit more... but at this point, I had started to cry. I was so frustrated. The entire run I was coughing, spitting out phlegm (which was far more than usual due to my cold) and now I was having to stop due to random body pains. Of course, the crying only made things worse, since it caused my throat to close up... preventing me from taking a deep breath. (NOT a good thing when your heart rate is elevated!) To prevent further damage, I began to walk slowly, forcing myself to calm down. When I reached a calm enough place, I started to jog again. I fought through the discomfort and the frustration - and I finished that freakin' run!! What's worse... I'm not sure if I pushed too hard, or I drank too much water, or I ate the PowerBar too soon before the run... but as I'm walking to my car, I found myself feeling incredibly nauseous. Sure enough, by the time I reached my car... I puked. I've read stories about runners puking after long runs... I was just sort of hoping it wouldn't be me. I suppose it's badge of honor though. I just want to make sure I don't have to do it again!
After the run, I was so cold and uncomfortable that I had to wrap myself in blankets and just sleep for a solid hour when I got back. My temperature was still a little elevated 2 hours after the run, so clearly I didn't hydrate enough. (I think!) The cold that was only in my nose, has shifted into my chest... but I'm still fighting it! Hopefully, it will be gone by the weekend.
What I've learned? That running isn't always easy. It isn't always "fun." But it is, in the end, rewarding, and I will feel like an entirely new, empowered person when I finish this marathon. I'm a little scared, a lot excited... and I can't wait.
Signed,
Your-puking-but-persevering-runner,
Kelly
So, to update on the last week: When it came time for me to run my 11-mile run, I actually found enough adrenaline at the end to crank out an extra half-mile! So I ran 11.5 miles in just under 2 hours. It was AWESOME. The new development though, was that as soon as I stopped running and started walking, my legs just ACHED! I mean, serious discomfort from overworking my muscles. I went home and took some ibuprofen, drank my chocolate milk, and kept hydrating... but I stayed sore for the next 4-5 days. It was crazy! I'm realizing now that I should consider taking those ice-baths... but I honestly have nowhere to submerge legs in water right now. I might have to get creative.... (put some ice in the horse trough, anyone? eh? eh?)
I kept trudging though, however... stretching every day and was feeling really great as the weekend arrived. I was fighting a sore throat in the mornings, but was able to alleviate it with Airborne, lots of tea, and rest. I spent Monday with my folks, as they were in town for the Faire, and then headed out for my 12-mile run on Tuesday. (Mind you, at this point, I was fighting my sore throat ALL day, not just in the mornings.)
So, after having my PowerBar, and stocked up with two bottles of water and some Starburst for extra energy if needed during the run, I began my run. Honestly - the first 9 miles were great! I kept a good solid pace, which actually seemed a bit quicker for me without any extra effort. Around mile 9 however, I noticed that my knees were feeling a little stiff. To try and loosen them up a bit, I decided to run a few strides where I would be "kicking my butt" so-to-speak. I wanted to flick my legs higher up in the back to help stretch out my knees a bit. I've done this before without any issue... but as soon as I did it on this particular run, I involuntarily yelped "Ow! OW!" It felt like I just overstretched a muscle that I wasn't supposed to stretch. So I slowed my pace a little, until I finally decided to stop and stretch. As soon as I went to do a quad stretch, hoping it would loosen my knees a bit... my hamstrings cramped up! I then stretched those muscles and just took a few minutes to stretch my legs and feet overall. I mean, I see runners doing this all the time during races - so I figured this was totally fine. I walked for another minute, then picked up my jogging pace again.
About 3/4 of a mile later, my arch in my left foot started cramping up. I tried to focus on just relaxing my foot a bit in my stride... but no dice. Within a few strides, I once again, involuntarily, yelped "Ouch!!" I had to stop. I worked out my foot a bit, walked a bit more... but at this point, I had started to cry. I was so frustrated. The entire run I was coughing, spitting out phlegm (which was far more than usual due to my cold) and now I was having to stop due to random body pains. Of course, the crying only made things worse, since it caused my throat to close up... preventing me from taking a deep breath. (NOT a good thing when your heart rate is elevated!) To prevent further damage, I began to walk slowly, forcing myself to calm down. When I reached a calm enough place, I started to jog again. I fought through the discomfort and the frustration - and I finished that freakin' run!! What's worse... I'm not sure if I pushed too hard, or I drank too much water, or I ate the PowerBar too soon before the run... but as I'm walking to my car, I found myself feeling incredibly nauseous. Sure enough, by the time I reached my car... I puked. I've read stories about runners puking after long runs... I was just sort of hoping it wouldn't be me. I suppose it's badge of honor though. I just want to make sure I don't have to do it again!
After the run, I was so cold and uncomfortable that I had to wrap myself in blankets and just sleep for a solid hour when I got back. My temperature was still a little elevated 2 hours after the run, so clearly I didn't hydrate enough. (I think!) The cold that was only in my nose, has shifted into my chest... but I'm still fighting it! Hopefully, it will be gone by the weekend.
What I've learned? That running isn't always easy. It isn't always "fun." But it is, in the end, rewarding, and I will feel like an entirely new, empowered person when I finish this marathon. I'm a little scared, a lot excited... and I can't wait.
Signed,
Your-puking-but-persevering-runner,
Kelly
Friday, August 21, 2009
Ah, humidity... How I did not miss thee!
So far so good on the running... made my 4 mile run this week, and went out for my 5 mile run, but only manage 3.5 miles due to time constraints. I intend to get another 4 miler in this weekend! (gulp!)
Interestingly though - I ended up sweating more on my 4 mile run than I did on my 10 mile run! The humidity out here right now is unreal. I am literally dripping wet with sweat after these short runs! I suppose it's just something I need to get used to. It will certainly be interesting if it ends up being a humid day on marathon day!! (another gulp!)
Just a quick update for now... Faire weekend looms on the horizon!
Signed,
Your-unbelievably-sweaty-runner,
Kelly
Interestingly though - I ended up sweating more on my 4 mile run than I did on my 10 mile run! The humidity out here right now is unreal. I am literally dripping wet with sweat after these short runs! I suppose it's just something I need to get used to. It will certainly be interesting if it ends up being a humid day on marathon day!! (another gulp!)
Just a quick update for now... Faire weekend looms on the horizon!
Signed,
Your-unbelievably-sweaty-runner,
Kelly
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
New shoes.. and a 10-mile run!!!
UPDATE! I finally bought new running shoes and boy what a difference they make! No more heel pain, no knee pain, and any discomfort that I feel in the initial stages of the run passes away as quickly as I feel it. I had no idea shoes could make such a difference!
For those who are interested, the shoes I bought are Asics GEL-Kayano 15. They are AMAZING. Heck - they even have their own website! Feel free to check it out: My awesome shoes!
I will say it took a good two runs (short runs) to break them in, as they were a bit sore in the toe on my first run. However, I was running on a treadmill, which is unusual for me these days. I was able to fully break in the shoes on an outdoor trail run.
Speaking of outdoor trail runs... (drum roll, please)....
I RAN 10 MILES YESTERDAY!!!!
Yup, that's right. I broke my own record for distance. It was my first time ever hitting double digits in mileage - and it felt great! I was a little worried at first, as the first three miles were a bit rough, but after that I just hit my stride and felt like I was coasting the rest of the way. I'm starting to notice that no matter what distance I run, the first three miles are my most difficult. If I know that ahead of time, I think I will be less inclined to "worry" about why I'm struggling at first.
Post-run, I had actually received a bit of advice from a cousin of mine who is a devoted runner. She recommended that I drink a serving of full-fat chocolate milk within 30-45 minutes after the run. Following this advice, though milk never would have been my personal choice, I stopped at the gas station on my way back from the running trail. I saw the lowfat milk options, and the only "full fat" option was this "CHUG - Creamy Chocolate Milkshake" I will be honest in saying that I would have NEVER picked this up of my own volition. In 12 ounces of liquid, it had 420 calories!!!! But, on the flip side, it had more protein than any of the other milk drinks, a little fiber, and the right kind of fats. I bought it, blindly following my cousin's advice...
It was the most heavenly thing I have ever had the pleasure of drinking. :)
And ironically enough, coupled with the two ibuprofen I took afterwards, I never had any pain, soreness, or swelling - and I actually wasn't hungry until 6 pm that night! (I drank the shake at 11 am). I made sure to keep hydrating throughout the day, and then went out for a nice dinner that night. But, wow! Who would have thought crazy creamy chocolate milk could have been so good for me in that situation?! Apparently, my cousin did - and she was right. :) Thanks, Caroline!
I have to say, running 10 miles was the first time in a while that I found that I have inspired myself. I feel renewed in my running ambitions now and I can't wait for next week's 11 mile run. I'm all positive now in my running statements, and looking forward to crossing that marathon finish line in November. I know I will - and I know it will be glorious!
I leave you all with my positive paragraph - an exercise that I was asked to do in my "Marathon Training Guide for Non-Runners." I carry this with me at all times:
"I am a marathoner. I love to run and I run EVERY training run. I am in great shape now and my legs look AMAZING! I own the world when I run in the mornings and I feel energized and strong when I finish each run. I love to tell people that I am a runner and I am proud of my accomplishments. I am a marathoner!"
Signed,
Kelly.... the marathoner
For those who are interested, the shoes I bought are Asics GEL-Kayano 15. They are AMAZING. Heck - they even have their own website! Feel free to check it out: My awesome shoes!
I will say it took a good two runs (short runs) to break them in, as they were a bit sore in the toe on my first run. However, I was running on a treadmill, which is unusual for me these days. I was able to fully break in the shoes on an outdoor trail run.
Speaking of outdoor trail runs... (drum roll, please)....
I RAN 10 MILES YESTERDAY!!!!
Yup, that's right. I broke my own record for distance. It was my first time ever hitting double digits in mileage - and it felt great! I was a little worried at first, as the first three miles were a bit rough, but after that I just hit my stride and felt like I was coasting the rest of the way. I'm starting to notice that no matter what distance I run, the first three miles are my most difficult. If I know that ahead of time, I think I will be less inclined to "worry" about why I'm struggling at first.
Post-run, I had actually received a bit of advice from a cousin of mine who is a devoted runner. She recommended that I drink a serving of full-fat chocolate milk within 30-45 minutes after the run. Following this advice, though milk never would have been my personal choice, I stopped at the gas station on my way back from the running trail. I saw the lowfat milk options, and the only "full fat" option was this "CHUG - Creamy Chocolate Milkshake" I will be honest in saying that I would have NEVER picked this up of my own volition. In 12 ounces of liquid, it had 420 calories!!!! But, on the flip side, it had more protein than any of the other milk drinks, a little fiber, and the right kind of fats. I bought it, blindly following my cousin's advice...
It was the most heavenly thing I have ever had the pleasure of drinking. :)
And ironically enough, coupled with the two ibuprofen I took afterwards, I never had any pain, soreness, or swelling - and I actually wasn't hungry until 6 pm that night! (I drank the shake at 11 am). I made sure to keep hydrating throughout the day, and then went out for a nice dinner that night. But, wow! Who would have thought crazy creamy chocolate milk could have been so good for me in that situation?! Apparently, my cousin did - and she was right. :) Thanks, Caroline!
I have to say, running 10 miles was the first time in a while that I found that I have inspired myself. I feel renewed in my running ambitions now and I can't wait for next week's 11 mile run. I'm all positive now in my running statements, and looking forward to crossing that marathon finish line in November. I know I will - and I know it will be glorious!
I leave you all with my positive paragraph - an exercise that I was asked to do in my "Marathon Training Guide for Non-Runners." I carry this with me at all times:
"I am a marathoner. I love to run and I run EVERY training run. I am in great shape now and my legs look AMAZING! I own the world when I run in the mornings and I feel energized and strong when I finish each run. I love to tell people that I am a runner and I am proud of my accomplishments. I am a marathoner!"
Signed,
Kelly.... the marathoner
Thursday, August 6, 2009
A point of concern...
I suppose it's inevitable that every runner incurs some form of injury - and I KNOW it's inevitable that every runner incurs some form (if not SEVERAL forms) of discomfort. With this knowledge in mind, I have adopted a mental state to help me run with initial discomfort: I say "Hello _______, come run with me." In other words, if my knees feel stiff, I say "Hello uncooperative knees, come run with me!" It quickly gets me to stop focusing on the discomfort and back to focusing on my form and my breathing. The discomfort always fades and my run continues. (And I provide a bit of light entertainment for anyone who catches me talking to myself!) :)
However, this morning, I did not experience discomfort... I experienced what would be borderline pain. It was a severe stiffness and soreness in my left heel. More specifically - in my left achilles tendon, both at the base of the tendon as well as its attachment point at the back of my heel. As I have been reading a lot about running lately, I recognized this as an early sign of what could become achilles tendonitis... aka, an early sign of what could be a MAJOR problem. :(
To be safe, I did not run this morning. I stretched my calves and my tendon a good deal, and just went for about a mile walk. It took a good 1/2 mile before the pain went away. Yes, it did go away, but from what I can tell, pain in my achilles tendon from the moment I wake up is the sign that I could be approaching a "pull" or some kind of "tear." I've emailed the man who I work for at the health center in NYC to seek his advice - and we'll just see how it feels over the next day or two. I'm concerned it may be my running shoes, as they are due to be replaced. I just haven't been able to go shopping for new ones yet!!
I've put off the run for today, and I'm going to try for the 5-mile run again tomorrow. I'm supposed to get another 3-mile run in on Saturday, before I get ready for the Faire day, rest on Sunday, then my long run of 8-miles on Monday. If I'm still experiencing pain tomorrow morning, I'm going to be sure to get to the gym ASAP so I can cross-train on an elliptical, thus avoiding impact.
I will keep you all updated. In the meantime, I'll be stretching, cross-training, and seeking some new running shoes ASAP.
Signed,
Your-slightly-frustrated-runner,
Kelly
However, this morning, I did not experience discomfort... I experienced what would be borderline pain. It was a severe stiffness and soreness in my left heel. More specifically - in my left achilles tendon, both at the base of the tendon as well as its attachment point at the back of my heel. As I have been reading a lot about running lately, I recognized this as an early sign of what could become achilles tendonitis... aka, an early sign of what could be a MAJOR problem. :(
To be safe, I did not run this morning. I stretched my calves and my tendon a good deal, and just went for about a mile walk. It took a good 1/2 mile before the pain went away. Yes, it did go away, but from what I can tell, pain in my achilles tendon from the moment I wake up is the sign that I could be approaching a "pull" or some kind of "tear." I've emailed the man who I work for at the health center in NYC to seek his advice - and we'll just see how it feels over the next day or two. I'm concerned it may be my running shoes, as they are due to be replaced. I just haven't been able to go shopping for new ones yet!!
I've put off the run for today, and I'm going to try for the 5-mile run again tomorrow. I'm supposed to get another 3-mile run in on Saturday, before I get ready for the Faire day, rest on Sunday, then my long run of 8-miles on Monday. If I'm still experiencing pain tomorrow morning, I'm going to be sure to get to the gym ASAP so I can cross-train on an elliptical, thus avoiding impact.
I will keep you all updated. In the meantime, I'll be stretching, cross-training, and seeking some new running shoes ASAP.
Signed,
Your-slightly-frustrated-runner,
Kelly
Monday, August 3, 2009
Rounding out the end of Week 3
To finish out my training for my "Official Week 3" of my marathon training program, I ran a 7 mile run. Huzzah!
It was interesting... I actually hit what I feel like was my first real "zone" while running. I've always had those points where suddenly the running isn't "hard" anymore, or I finally don't want to stop, lol... but today I actually found myself in a ZONE! I was running on the trail, at about 2.5 miles in, and I found myself truly feeling like I was "falling." It was that sensation where I wasn't moving myself forward anymore, I was just "falling" forward. I was running faster, and all I was thinking about was "up, up, up, up" with each strike of my foot. The air was moving past me so quickly, it was a constant breeze... it was just AMAZING! I was concerned that perhaps I was pushing myself too hard. I mean, surely, I shouldn't be going this fast. But I checked my heart rate monitor, and sure enough, I was still beating along at a consistent 158 bpm! I know it was a true "zone" because this lasted me for a full mile (roughly 10 minutes). It felt incredible!
The other good thing of note, is that I really didn't hurt anywhere during this run. I had a vague phantom pain for about 3 minutes in one of my shins, so I focused really hard on the POSE technique (not doing heel-strikes) and the pain went away! Very exciting. :)
The big thing I'm still fighting though is my mind at the start of a run. I intimidate myself with the upcoming distance. I want to turn back around and not do it. If I'm thinking this way on a 7-mile run... how the HECK am I supposed to convince myself to do 26.2 miles?!? I just have stay focused on the day by day though. Next week my long run is only 8 miles. I already ran 7... I can run 8. 26.2 is a long time away!! :)
Signed,
Your-in-the-zone-runner,
Kelly
COUNTDOWN TO MARATHON: 90 days!!!!
It was interesting... I actually hit what I feel like was my first real "zone" while running. I've always had those points where suddenly the running isn't "hard" anymore, or I finally don't want to stop, lol... but today I actually found myself in a ZONE! I was running on the trail, at about 2.5 miles in, and I found myself truly feeling like I was "falling." It was that sensation where I wasn't moving myself forward anymore, I was just "falling" forward. I was running faster, and all I was thinking about was "up, up, up, up" with each strike of my foot. The air was moving past me so quickly, it was a constant breeze... it was just AMAZING! I was concerned that perhaps I was pushing myself too hard. I mean, surely, I shouldn't be going this fast. But I checked my heart rate monitor, and sure enough, I was still beating along at a consistent 158 bpm! I know it was a true "zone" because this lasted me for a full mile (roughly 10 minutes). It felt incredible!
The other good thing of note, is that I really didn't hurt anywhere during this run. I had a vague phantom pain for about 3 minutes in one of my shins, so I focused really hard on the POSE technique (not doing heel-strikes) and the pain went away! Very exciting. :)
The big thing I'm still fighting though is my mind at the start of a run. I intimidate myself with the upcoming distance. I want to turn back around and not do it. If I'm thinking this way on a 7-mile run... how the HECK am I supposed to convince myself to do 26.2 miles?!? I just have stay focused on the day by day though. Next week my long run is only 8 miles. I already ran 7... I can run 8. 26.2 is a long time away!! :)
Signed,
Your-in-the-zone-runner,
Kelly
COUNTDOWN TO MARATHON: 90 days!!!!
Friday, July 31, 2009
How quickly the time passes!
Even though my writing has been sparse, my running has been plentiful! Not perfect, but plentiful.
I'm on Official Week 3 now - which culminates with a long run of 7 miles on Sunday. I'm a day late in doing one of my 3-milers this week... but we just performed our Summer Youth Day here at the Faire on Thursday, and there was just no way my body was willing to get up early and go running this morning.
On a more frustrating note, my voice is hurting again. I quickly discovered that my vocal troubles occur from my street work... so I'm back to resting and caring for it again. I'm not worried though - I know how to handle it all this time. It's just frustrating. Maybe running can help me relieve that frustration.
A lighter note - my birthday was AMAZING!!! And my loving parents gave me a monetary gift solely for the purpose of.... drumroll please... new RUNNING SHOES! Hooray! I need to get them soon so I can break them in. I'm super excited!
Not too much else to report as of yet. Just running, and running, and working, and running. Promise I'll try to update more soon!
Signed,
Your-super-busy-but-still-devoted-runner,
Kelly
PS - It's below the 100-day mark for a countdown!!! CRAZY!
I'm on Official Week 3 now - which culminates with a long run of 7 miles on Sunday. I'm a day late in doing one of my 3-milers this week... but we just performed our Summer Youth Day here at the Faire on Thursday, and there was just no way my body was willing to get up early and go running this morning.
On a more frustrating note, my voice is hurting again. I quickly discovered that my vocal troubles occur from my street work... so I'm back to resting and caring for it again. I'm not worried though - I know how to handle it all this time. It's just frustrating. Maybe running can help me relieve that frustration.
A lighter note - my birthday was AMAZING!!! And my loving parents gave me a monetary gift solely for the purpose of.... drumroll please... new RUNNING SHOES! Hooray! I need to get them soon so I can break them in. I'm super excited!
Not too much else to report as of yet. Just running, and running, and working, and running. Promise I'll try to update more soon!
Signed,
Your-super-busy-but-still-devoted-runner,
Kelly
PS - It's below the 100-day mark for a countdown!!! CRAZY!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Fighting my own thoughts
Well, I'm finishing up week 1 of my marathon training and so far, I'm right on target. However, I have discovered what may be my biggest obstacle: MY MIND.
I'm not referring to my mind while running, as I'm actually able to stay pretty focused on my running form. I'm referring to my state of mind when I wake up in the morning - or the state of my mind a few hours before I'm supposed to start a run. My mind is a vicious, self-centered, cruel being that tells me all the reasons why I shouldn't run:
"Your knees will hurt."
"You don't really know how to correctly run with this new running technique - why bother?"
"Sleeping would be so much better for you."
"No one will care if you don't run today."
"C'mon... you can skip a day. It's fine!"
and the worst one... "You're never going to able to actually finish that marathon. Stop wasting your time."
This is what my mind says to me before runs. But so far, I have told my mind to shut up, and I've managed to get out for those runs. I've just got to keep trying... and hopefully my mind will start coming along for the joy ride that is running.
Now... I'm off for a 7 mile run. Hooray!
Signed,
Your crazy minded runner,
Kelly
Countdown to NYC Marathon: 119 days!
I'm not referring to my mind while running, as I'm actually able to stay pretty focused on my running form. I'm referring to my state of mind when I wake up in the morning - or the state of my mind a few hours before I'm supposed to start a run. My mind is a vicious, self-centered, cruel being that tells me all the reasons why I shouldn't run:
"Your knees will hurt."
"You don't really know how to correctly run with this new running technique - why bother?"
"Sleeping would be so much better for you."
"No one will care if you don't run today."
"C'mon... you can skip a day. It's fine!"
and the worst one... "You're never going to able to actually finish that marathon. Stop wasting your time."
This is what my mind says to me before runs. But so far, I have told my mind to shut up, and I've managed to get out for those runs. I've just got to keep trying... and hopefully my mind will start coming along for the joy ride that is running.
Now... I'm off for a 7 mile run. Hooray!
Signed,
Your crazy minded runner,
Kelly
Countdown to NYC Marathon: 119 days!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Running in Pennsylvania
After hours of packing, frantic last minute projects for work, and bittersweet goodbyes to the children and parents I work with...I have officially relocated to Pennsylvania for the next 4 months! Translation = It's time for me to start officially training for the marathon.
(Inner thought: "Holy Macaroni, Batman. I'm really doing this.")
Things have started off quite well, though! I arrived on Thursday afternoon, unpacked, settled in... and managed to get my first run in at 7 am on Friday morning! :) I ran again on Saturday morning - and then scored my first PA long run on Sunday morning! It was only 6 miles... but it was the longest I've run in about a month, so it was a big accomplishment for me.
The wonderful discovery I made, was that on Sunday, after I ran the 6 miles, I had to work an entire day of Celtic Fling (the festival going on this weekend at the Ren Faire). I assumed that by the time my duties were finished, around 8 pm, I would be EXHAUSTED. I was wrong! :) Not only did I still have energy at 8 pm, I was able to stay out for the final concert and then even catch a beer at 10:30!! Mind you, I fully expect to be completely dead after I run my first 10+ mile run... but at least now I know that 6 miles is no longer "killer" for me.
We start rehearsals on Tuesday, so it will be interesting to see how I'm able to keep up my training with rehearsals... but I know I can do it. It's a marathon, gosh darnit! It will be one of the greatest accomplishments of my life! I think that's worth a couple of months of hard work... :)
Until next time....
Your-central-pennsylvania-runner,
Kelly
(Inner thought: "Holy Macaroni, Batman. I'm really doing this.")
Things have started off quite well, though! I arrived on Thursday afternoon, unpacked, settled in... and managed to get my first run in at 7 am on Friday morning! :) I ran again on Saturday morning - and then scored my first PA long run on Sunday morning! It was only 6 miles... but it was the longest I've run in about a month, so it was a big accomplishment for me.
The wonderful discovery I made, was that on Sunday, after I ran the 6 miles, I had to work an entire day of Celtic Fling (the festival going on this weekend at the Ren Faire). I assumed that by the time my duties were finished, around 8 pm, I would be EXHAUSTED. I was wrong! :) Not only did I still have energy at 8 pm, I was able to stay out for the final concert and then even catch a beer at 10:30!! Mind you, I fully expect to be completely dead after I run my first 10+ mile run... but at least now I know that 6 miles is no longer "killer" for me.
We start rehearsals on Tuesday, so it will be interesting to see how I'm able to keep up my training with rehearsals... but I know I can do it. It's a marathon, gosh darnit! It will be one of the greatest accomplishments of my life! I think that's worth a couple of months of hard work... :)
Until next time....
Your-central-pennsylvania-runner,
Kelly
Thursday, June 18, 2009
"Fun" in the Sun
So I'm back in VA for a few days - visiting family, packing up some things for PA, and taking my car back to NYC... and I decided, of course, to go for a run! What could be better? My parents live in beautiful suburbia! Mountain views, quaint houses, people outside mowing their lawns... just wonderful.
Or not.
I did not factor in the 90 DEGREE HEAT that was in existence as I went running this afternoon! I had only planned for a 2 miler, due to time constraints - but after one mile, I was about to puke! My stomach was turning so much I started to regret everything I had eaten. Except for the fact, that I had eaten really well that day! I'd had at least 6 8-ounce glasses of water already, an solid breakfast, and a healthy protein based lunch about 2 hours prior. Nothing was sitting on my stomach, things had digested, and I had no dairy sitting in there waiting to curdle... I couldn't figure it out. That was, until I started getting light-headed. Yikes! I realized that if I'm getting light-headed after only a mile... something was up.
I should have known it was the temperature!
It took me an extra 3-4 minutes post my run (which was only 2 miles with a run/walk second mile) for my heartrate to get back to resting rate again. I was beat red and sweating more than I do on my long runs! It was nuts. I was able to cool down and god bless my parents for having a pool, because that brought me right back to normal. So here's what I learned today:
Lesson #1: I need to start training outdoors on a regular basis.
Lesson #2: I need to run EARLY in the morning, or right around dusk. The middle of the day is too hot!
Lesson #3: It is possible to feel like you will puke... and not do it.
Lesson #4: I need a pool. I'm sure my apartment could fit one. :-P
So in conclusion, I'll be hitting the gym tomorrow for the bulk of my workout, and doing a 1-mile run in the heat tomorrow morning. I'll ease myself into this summer weather. By the time I have to put on layers and layers of clothing for the Ren Faire - it shouldn't feel like much!
Here's to getting in better shape for the hot weather....
Signed,
Your over-heated runner,
Kelly
Or not.
I did not factor in the 90 DEGREE HEAT that was in existence as I went running this afternoon! I had only planned for a 2 miler, due to time constraints - but after one mile, I was about to puke! My stomach was turning so much I started to regret everything I had eaten. Except for the fact, that I had eaten really well that day! I'd had at least 6 8-ounce glasses of water already, an solid breakfast, and a healthy protein based lunch about 2 hours prior. Nothing was sitting on my stomach, things had digested, and I had no dairy sitting in there waiting to curdle... I couldn't figure it out. That was, until I started getting light-headed. Yikes! I realized that if I'm getting light-headed after only a mile... something was up.
I should have known it was the temperature!
It took me an extra 3-4 minutes post my run (which was only 2 miles with a run/walk second mile) for my heartrate to get back to resting rate again. I was beat red and sweating more than I do on my long runs! It was nuts. I was able to cool down and god bless my parents for having a pool, because that brought me right back to normal. So here's what I learned today:
Lesson #1: I need to start training outdoors on a regular basis.
Lesson #2: I need to run EARLY in the morning, or right around dusk. The middle of the day is too hot!
Lesson #3: It is possible to feel like you will puke... and not do it.
Lesson #4: I need a pool. I'm sure my apartment could fit one. :-P
So in conclusion, I'll be hitting the gym tomorrow for the bulk of my workout, and doing a 1-mile run in the heat tomorrow morning. I'll ease myself into this summer weather. By the time I have to put on layers and layers of clothing for the Ren Faire - it shouldn't feel like much!
Here's to getting in better shape for the hot weather....
Signed,
Your over-heated runner,
Kelly
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Am I really a "runner?"
So today, I was part of an exclusive running clinic held in at a high-end gym here in New York City.
Wait a minute. Hold the phone.
I would like Kelly Morris, the girl who grew up in Lynchburg, VA and thought that Roanoke, VA was the "big city" because it had a mall with two stories, to reread that first sentence. I don't think she'd EVER believe it.
First - she would still be in awe of the fact that she did anything on a "high-end" level in NYC. But more importantly, she'd do a double take that she was ever included in a RUNNING clinic. Never in her 23 years of pre-NYC life would she have believed that she would become a runner.
So, here I am. Kelly Morris, the girl who now lives in New York City, has been running for over a year, completely 12 different road races, and is currently signed up for the NYC Marathon on November 1st. I've met more celebrities than I can count, I've worked everywhere from high-end business offices, to infamous desert cafe's, to people's homes changing baby diapers. I have learned since moving to this city that if I commit myself to something and put in the time and effort - I can accomplish it.
In short, I am a COMPLETELY different person than I was just a few short years ago. And today confirmed it.
Back to the point... I was included in a running clinic held by Dr. Nicholas Romanov, the creator and premier teacher of the POSE Method of Running. It is the same method that is taught at La Palestra, the gym owned by a father that I work for, and I was given the chance to participate thanks to an invite from that same father. Trying to explain here what the POSE method is would be impossible for two reasons: 1 - there are several aspects to it and it takes quite a while to actually adapt to your own body, and 2 - I'm really just barely grasping the concept myself. The basic idea though, is that it is the first ever method of running that can work for EVERYONE - regardless of age, experience, body type, etc. It is also a way to run that has been proven to nearly eliminate injury for those that use it's methods. So you can see why I was interested!
Long story short, I did feel like I gained a great deal more knowledge about the POSE method and I'm excited to slowly begin to work on applying it to my marathon training. I wish I had time for more, but I'm grateful for any help I receive! And I think the thing that actually hit me the most today was the answer to my question:
Am I really a "runner?"
For the first time today, as I watched myself running on tape, and surrounded by other experienced runners... the answer is, yes.
Yes.
Yes!
Wait a minute. Hold the phone.
I would like Kelly Morris, the girl who grew up in Lynchburg, VA and thought that Roanoke, VA was the "big city" because it had a mall with two stories, to reread that first sentence. I don't think she'd EVER believe it.
First - she would still be in awe of the fact that she did anything on a "high-end" level in NYC. But more importantly, she'd do a double take that she was ever included in a RUNNING clinic. Never in her 23 years of pre-NYC life would she have believed that she would become a runner.
So, here I am. Kelly Morris, the girl who now lives in New York City, has been running for over a year, completely 12 different road races, and is currently signed up for the NYC Marathon on November 1st. I've met more celebrities than I can count, I've worked everywhere from high-end business offices, to infamous desert cafe's, to people's homes changing baby diapers. I have learned since moving to this city that if I commit myself to something and put in the time and effort - I can accomplish it.
In short, I am a COMPLETELY different person than I was just a few short years ago. And today confirmed it.
Back to the point... I was included in a running clinic held by Dr. Nicholas Romanov, the creator and premier teacher of the POSE Method of Running. It is the same method that is taught at La Palestra, the gym owned by a father that I work for, and I was given the chance to participate thanks to an invite from that same father. Trying to explain here what the POSE method is would be impossible for two reasons: 1 - there are several aspects to it and it takes quite a while to actually adapt to your own body, and 2 - I'm really just barely grasping the concept myself. The basic idea though, is that it is the first ever method of running that can work for EVERYONE - regardless of age, experience, body type, etc. It is also a way to run that has been proven to nearly eliminate injury for those that use it's methods. So you can see why I was interested!
Long story short, I did feel like I gained a great deal more knowledge about the POSE method and I'm excited to slowly begin to work on applying it to my marathon training. I wish I had time for more, but I'm grateful for any help I receive! And I think the thing that actually hit me the most today was the answer to my question:
Am I really a "runner?"
For the first time today, as I watched myself running on tape, and surrounded by other experienced runners... the answer is, yes.
Yes.
Yes!
Friday, June 12, 2009
The "Did She Run" update!
The question: Did Kelly run in the rain?
The answer: No.
The question: Did Kelly run?
The answer: Yes!
The smarty-pants methodology behind this series of questions?: It didn't end up raining! Ha!
So yes, I got my run in! I ran about 4.5 miles around the shire, then around the parking lot, then around the shire, then back around the parking lot... and kept that up for about 45 minutes. Not the most exciting run - but it felt GREAT! :)
Getting excited and nervous about executing my marathon training while in PA. I'm going to have to travel out a bit I think to Gettysburg and such just to get those 14+ mile runs in. I would shoot myself if I had to run the shire in that many circles!!!
BIG running clinic tomorrow with a world renown marathon runner, coach, and author. Will post more details after!
The answer: No.
The question: Did Kelly run?
The answer: Yes!
The smarty-pants methodology behind this series of questions?: It didn't end up raining! Ha!
So yes, I got my run in! I ran about 4.5 miles around the shire, then around the parking lot, then around the shire, then back around the parking lot... and kept that up for about 45 minutes. Not the most exciting run - but it felt GREAT! :)
Getting excited and nervous about executing my marathon training while in PA. I'm going to have to travel out a bit I think to Gettysburg and such just to get those 14+ mile runs in. I would shoot myself if I had to run the shire in that many circles!!!
BIG running clinic tomorrow with a world renown marathon runner, coach, and author. Will post more details after!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Rain, Rain, Go Away...
So I'm in Pennsylvania for some photo shoots and promo opportunities for the Ren Faire - and the rain won't stop coming down!
But... I'm determined. My running gear is laid out, my rain hat is ready, and I'm going for a run in the morning, damnit! Besides, there's something kind of inspiring about running in the rain. You feel more accomplished than usual.
So look for the update tomorrow: Will Kelly run in the rain? Will she run even if it's a thunderstorm?
The answer... TBD. The attitude? Total badass.
But... I'm determined. My running gear is laid out, my rain hat is ready, and I'm going for a run in the morning, damnit! Besides, there's something kind of inspiring about running in the rain. You feel more accomplished than usual.
So look for the update tomorrow: Will Kelly run in the rain? Will she run even if it's a thunderstorm?
The answer... TBD. The attitude? Total badass.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Getting back on track... literally!
Well, as you can see - it has been FAR too long since my last blog entry. I will also be honest in saying that while I did not regress in my running, I certainly did not "PRO-gress" either.
You see, a HUGE opportunity of developing a children's music and movement program for kids in Manhattan (all under the age of 4) sort of just fell into my lap. A paid position, that promised to use all of my creative musical instincts, as well as my ability to work with children... it was just an offer I couldn't refuse!
However, along with accepting this blessing, came HOARDS of work. Creating the courses, their descriptions and curriculum, then writing lesson plans, composing original songs, ordering the necessary supplies, and finally - executing the class. Luckily, I have a wonderful and understanding co-creator and boss who helped me through it all. Needless to say though, this amount of work sort of threw me off track with my regular running schedule!
I was all set to run the half marathon at the end of April. I was on track with training and totally pumped! Well, by the time I went to sign up for the race (about 4 weeks in advance) - they had closed it. Too many applicants they said. Damn New York! So many people!! I found this incredibly frustrating, and let it affect my training. A few weeks later though, registration opened for the Brooklyn Half-Marathon at the end of May! So, I signed up!
The story repeated itself though, in regards to my workload... I got busy. I couldn't do long runs due to time constraints. I let the work be my excuse. A good excuse - but nevertheless, an EXCUSE. By the beginning of May, it was hard to workout because I only felt guilty. I would run 3 miles - and beat myself up for not doing more. I would do 20 minutes of free weights, and think I was pathetic. I couldn't go on like that! I enjoy running!! I had to get back to that place.
So, I made the decision not to run the race. New York Road Runners once again got my money and I got nothing. :( However, I did gain back a sense of confidence in knowing that I was back in control of my life and my workouts. I completed a full body detox called "The Master Cleanse" and lost 8 pounds. 5 of them have stayed permanently off and I am feeling great! I'm back to running my 3 miles regularly now and all set to begin full, extended training for the marathon on Nov. 1st. Entry is now closed, so there is no doubt about the fact that, as they say on the t-shirts... "I'M IN!"
To kick off my training, I'm attending a running clinic this Saturday at the gym I work for. It's all about training the mind to work with the body... and allowing the body to function with the most minimal effort while running. I'm STOKED. :)
And then, in a mere 2 weeks - I move to PA! I can't believe how the time has flown. I'll be doing ALL of my training in Pennsylvania while working at the Ren Faire. Looks like the Gettysburg battlefields will be seeing a lot of me! :)
For those that are still reading this... thank you for hanging in there with me during my "blogger's leave." While I can't guarantee daily entries, look for an update every 2-3 days. This is a long journey and the only way I will succeed is to share my story. I refuse to do this alone!
I hope any and all who read this are happy with who you are. My only hope with this blog is to share my story so that perhaps, someone else might just believe they can accomplish a "Lifetime List" goal, too. It won't be easy, but I know that we can all do whatever we set our minds too.
Love,
Your-delinquent-but-still-ever-devoted-runner,
Kelly
You see, a HUGE opportunity of developing a children's music and movement program for kids in Manhattan (all under the age of 4) sort of just fell into my lap. A paid position, that promised to use all of my creative musical instincts, as well as my ability to work with children... it was just an offer I couldn't refuse!
However, along with accepting this blessing, came HOARDS of work. Creating the courses, their descriptions and curriculum, then writing lesson plans, composing original songs, ordering the necessary supplies, and finally - executing the class. Luckily, I have a wonderful and understanding co-creator and boss who helped me through it all. Needless to say though, this amount of work sort of threw me off track with my regular running schedule!
I was all set to run the half marathon at the end of April. I was on track with training and totally pumped! Well, by the time I went to sign up for the race (about 4 weeks in advance) - they had closed it. Too many applicants they said. Damn New York! So many people!! I found this incredibly frustrating, and let it affect my training. A few weeks later though, registration opened for the Brooklyn Half-Marathon at the end of May! So, I signed up!
The story repeated itself though, in regards to my workload... I got busy. I couldn't do long runs due to time constraints. I let the work be my excuse. A good excuse - but nevertheless, an EXCUSE. By the beginning of May, it was hard to workout because I only felt guilty. I would run 3 miles - and beat myself up for not doing more. I would do 20 minutes of free weights, and think I was pathetic. I couldn't go on like that! I enjoy running!! I had to get back to that place.
So, I made the decision not to run the race. New York Road Runners once again got my money and I got nothing. :( However, I did gain back a sense of confidence in knowing that I was back in control of my life and my workouts. I completed a full body detox called "The Master Cleanse" and lost 8 pounds. 5 of them have stayed permanently off and I am feeling great! I'm back to running my 3 miles regularly now and all set to begin full, extended training for the marathon on Nov. 1st. Entry is now closed, so there is no doubt about the fact that, as they say on the t-shirts... "I'M IN!"
To kick off my training, I'm attending a running clinic this Saturday at the gym I work for. It's all about training the mind to work with the body... and allowing the body to function with the most minimal effort while running. I'm STOKED. :)
And then, in a mere 2 weeks - I move to PA! I can't believe how the time has flown. I'll be doing ALL of my training in Pennsylvania while working at the Ren Faire. Looks like the Gettysburg battlefields will be seeing a lot of me! :)
For those that are still reading this... thank you for hanging in there with me during my "blogger's leave." While I can't guarantee daily entries, look for an update every 2-3 days. This is a long journey and the only way I will succeed is to share my story. I refuse to do this alone!
I hope any and all who read this are happy with who you are. My only hope with this blog is to share my story so that perhaps, someone else might just believe they can accomplish a "Lifetime List" goal, too. It won't be easy, but I know that we can all do whatever we set our minds too.
Love,
Your-delinquent-but-still-ever-devoted-runner,
Kelly
Friday, March 27, 2009
Slacking on the blogging - but not on the running!
Sorry for the absence of an update - and boy do I have one!
Last Sunday, March 22, I ran my first ever 15K - a total of 9.3 miles!!! YAHOO!!!
Ok, so "yahoo!" was my thought at the moment I crossed the finish line... but it was then followed with "Holy crap..." and a feeling of elation mixed with utter exhaustion. I definitely reached my first real breaking point. I was BEAT.
After googling what happens to people after true long-distance runs, suddenly I didn't feel so crazy. Apparently, it's normal to not be able to function much for at least a few hours following these races. I came home, showered, and laid down - only to stay there for a 2.5 hour nap!! My body apparently needed it. I'm just so glad I didn't schedule anything immediately following the race!
My cousin, a runner, tells me that I should expect to feel this way after every upcoming long-distance run (as they just keep getting longer). The upside? In a few weeks, 9.3 miles will feel like a warm-up. Or so I hope... :)
It's interesting to note that these runs, in their entirety - aren't fun. But nothing really beats accomplishing these runs... and somehow that translates to - when someone asks me how a run went, I say "It was great! A lot of FUN."
What?!?! Yes, the cramping of my quads was great. I especially liked the part where I had to massage my butt muscles to prevent them from cramping too. And then, when I took my energy gel at mile 6, I almost puked. It was SWEET! Gosh, I can't wait to do it again. It was so much fun!
Yet somehow... that's actually what I think. I remember all the crappy parts about the run... and I still can't wait to do it again. I guess I've met my match... and his name is Running.
Your crazy-in-the-head-and-happy-in-the-heart runner,
Kelly
Last Sunday, March 22, I ran my first ever 15K - a total of 9.3 miles!!! YAHOO!!!
Ok, so "yahoo!" was my thought at the moment I crossed the finish line... but it was then followed with "Holy crap..." and a feeling of elation mixed with utter exhaustion. I definitely reached my first real breaking point. I was BEAT.
After googling what happens to people after true long-distance runs, suddenly I didn't feel so crazy. Apparently, it's normal to not be able to function much for at least a few hours following these races. I came home, showered, and laid down - only to stay there for a 2.5 hour nap!! My body apparently needed it. I'm just so glad I didn't schedule anything immediately following the race!
My cousin, a runner, tells me that I should expect to feel this way after every upcoming long-distance run (as they just keep getting longer). The upside? In a few weeks, 9.3 miles will feel like a warm-up. Or so I hope... :)
It's interesting to note that these runs, in their entirety - aren't fun. But nothing really beats accomplishing these runs... and somehow that translates to - when someone asks me how a run went, I say "It was great! A lot of FUN."
What?!?! Yes, the cramping of my quads was great. I especially liked the part where I had to massage my butt muscles to prevent them from cramping too. And then, when I took my energy gel at mile 6, I almost puked. It was SWEET! Gosh, I can't wait to do it again. It was so much fun!
Yet somehow... that's actually what I think. I remember all the crappy parts about the run... and I still can't wait to do it again. I guess I've met my match... and his name is Running.
Your crazy-in-the-head-and-happy-in-the-heart runner,
Kelly
Friday, March 13, 2009
I broke the 10K mark!
I finally did it! I ran 8 miles yesterday - my longest distance yet to date!
I was quite intimidated by the idea of running anything more than my previous "long run" of 10K, or 6.2 miles. Luckily, I made a good iPod mix, carried water with me, promised myself to stick to a good solid pace... and I went for it. I was not as physically demanding as I'd expected - but far more MENTALLY demanding that I could have imagined! Every so often, my mind would just think "No, this is too much... stop after 6 miles..." or: "You can take a break after 4 miles. Just run the next 4 later today..." or "Holy crap - this is hard. It's freezing out here - what the hell are you doing??"
Needless to say, I was able to clear my mind, time and time again (often times thanks to a good song!) and finish the run. I'm very sore today - but yesterday felt AMAZING. I know now that I can accomplish my upcoming 15K (9.3 miles). Prior to yesterday's run - I was scared out of my mind.
Only other thing for me to be concerned about are my ankles. I tend to roll them a lot, especially my left one. Yesterday was no exception - I actually took a misstep on the gravel and twisted it hard. Had to stop running for a sec and walk it off. Ended up being able to continue (obviously) but the muscles just above that ankle bone are VERY sore today. Anyone ever dealt with this? Think I could run with like a pre-made ace bandage support or something? I'll just keep working on keeping my stride strong and steady, too. Hopefully, this won't keep happening.
And in other news - I have a race tomorrow! 8000 meters - or about 4.9 miles. Should be fun and fairly easy. Maybe it's not the smartest idea running when sore - but... no pain, no gain! (insert manly grunt here)
Until next posting...
Your longer-running, never-tiring runner,
Kelly
I was quite intimidated by the idea of running anything more than my previous "long run" of 10K, or 6.2 miles. Luckily, I made a good iPod mix, carried water with me, promised myself to stick to a good solid pace... and I went for it. I was not as physically demanding as I'd expected - but far more MENTALLY demanding that I could have imagined! Every so often, my mind would just think "No, this is too much... stop after 6 miles..." or: "You can take a break after 4 miles. Just run the next 4 later today..." or "Holy crap - this is hard. It's freezing out here - what the hell are you doing??"
Needless to say, I was able to clear my mind, time and time again (often times thanks to a good song!) and finish the run. I'm very sore today - but yesterday felt AMAZING. I know now that I can accomplish my upcoming 15K (9.3 miles). Prior to yesterday's run - I was scared out of my mind.
Only other thing for me to be concerned about are my ankles. I tend to roll them a lot, especially my left one. Yesterday was no exception - I actually took a misstep on the gravel and twisted it hard. Had to stop running for a sec and walk it off. Ended up being able to continue (obviously) but the muscles just above that ankle bone are VERY sore today. Anyone ever dealt with this? Think I could run with like a pre-made ace bandage support or something? I'll just keep working on keeping my stride strong and steady, too. Hopefully, this won't keep happening.
And in other news - I have a race tomorrow! 8000 meters - or about 4.9 miles. Should be fun and fairly easy. Maybe it's not the smartest idea running when sore - but... no pain, no gain! (insert manly grunt here)
Until next posting...
Your longer-running, never-tiring runner,
Kelly
Thursday, March 5, 2009
A different type of milestone...
It happened. I got my first ever blister from running!
Normally, this would be highly upsetting. It definitely makes things a little tricky... I mean, I had to buy some moleskin, I'm going to have to soak my feet tonight, and go easy on my cross training tomorrow. But... I got my first ever blister from RUNNING!!!
Strange as it may sound, I'm actually quite proud of the fact that I'm running enough now to even develop a blister. :) I guess it's sort of like how prima ballerinas tear their feet up in pointe shoes... only I'm in sneakers. Ha!
Of course, I will obviously want to remedy this problem. Any blisters past the first one are just annoyances. But for now, I will bask in the glory of my first running blister. :)
And if anyone out there has recommendations for running shoes for over-pronators, or solutions for preventing and/or treating blisters in general... they are definitely welcome. (See, I'm proud of the blister... but it's still a bit painful!)
Thanks!
Your runner-with-a-victorious-pustule,
Kelly
Normally, this would be highly upsetting. It definitely makes things a little tricky... I mean, I had to buy some moleskin, I'm going to have to soak my feet tonight, and go easy on my cross training tomorrow. But... I got my first ever blister from RUNNING!!!
Strange as it may sound, I'm actually quite proud of the fact that I'm running enough now to even develop a blister. :) I guess it's sort of like how prima ballerinas tear their feet up in pointe shoes... only I'm in sneakers. Ha!
Of course, I will obviously want to remedy this problem. Any blisters past the first one are just annoyances. But for now, I will bask in the glory of my first running blister. :)
And if anyone out there has recommendations for running shoes for over-pronators, or solutions for preventing and/or treating blisters in general... they are definitely welcome. (See, I'm proud of the blister... but it's still a bit painful!)
Thanks!
Your runner-with-a-victorious-pustule,
Kelly
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Can you all see the "Log Your Run" chart?
Just wondering, as I only ever see this blog from my own computer...
Can you all see the chart on the right side that says "LogYourRun" and should have entries showing how much I ran this week? Let me know. If you can't see it... I'll probably just delete it. The whole point it to keep me accountable! :)
Thanks!
Your technologically challenged runner,
Kelly
Can you all see the chart on the right side that says "LogYourRun" and should have entries showing how much I ran this week? Let me know. If you can't see it... I'll probably just delete it. The whole point it to keep me accountable! :)
Thanks!
Your technologically challenged runner,
Kelly
Friday, February 27, 2009
Need sleep...
I used to be the girl who could catch 3-4 hours of sleep a night in college and be just fine. It is sufficient to say... those days have passed!
Due to a late night babysitting job, followed by an early morning babysitting job - I only managed to snag slightly over 4 hours of sleep last night. Mind you, I've been sleeping 7-9 hours every night for the past several weeks. I figured one night wouldn't be so bad. Boy was I wrong!
The morning was fine. I dragged a little bit getting in the shower, but by the time I was on the subway at 6:30, I was bright and chipper. It was the afternoon crash that hit, and hit HARD.
Problem is? That's when I was supposed to get my 5-mile run in today! :( Knowing I'd reached a wall that I don't yet have a technique to break through, I took a nap and promised myself that I'll be running after cabaret class tomorrow. And I will - I know. But it's still a bit off schedule for me and that's frustrating.
Does anyone have suggestions on how to reenergize for a workout when your body just doesn't seem to have it? I feel like this will be a valid thing for me to learn, as it's a guarantee that during that marathon, there will come a time when my body will want to give out. Or heck - it WILL give out. So I need to start working some of those mind tricks now to get me through it. Tips? Suggestions? Advice?
Your very tired runner,
Kelly
Due to a late night babysitting job, followed by an early morning babysitting job - I only managed to snag slightly over 4 hours of sleep last night. Mind you, I've been sleeping 7-9 hours every night for the past several weeks. I figured one night wouldn't be so bad. Boy was I wrong!
The morning was fine. I dragged a little bit getting in the shower, but by the time I was on the subway at 6:30, I was bright and chipper. It was the afternoon crash that hit, and hit HARD.
Problem is? That's when I was supposed to get my 5-mile run in today! :( Knowing I'd reached a wall that I don't yet have a technique to break through, I took a nap and promised myself that I'll be running after cabaret class tomorrow. And I will - I know. But it's still a bit off schedule for me and that's frustrating.
Does anyone have suggestions on how to reenergize for a workout when your body just doesn't seem to have it? I feel like this will be a valid thing for me to learn, as it's a guarantee that during that marathon, there will come a time when my body will want to give out. Or heck - it WILL give out. So I need to start working some of those mind tricks now to get me through it. Tips? Suggestions? Advice?
Your very tired runner,
Kelly
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A small victory
Have you ever had those days where you knew all day you were going to go to the gym - but then suddenly it's almost dinner time, or it's time to go to work, or go to a meeting... and you don't? Well, that was today for me. Hang on though... much like Grover finds "A Monster at the End of this Book" - I found a "victory at the end of this story." :)
I am currently having some trouble making money, as babysitting has been a bit slow this month. The only upside to this is that I have ended up having a lot of days free - allowing for good amounts of sleep, good lengthy workouts, and lots of time to be creative in my artistic endeavors. Today was set to be a productive day, beginning at 8 am, when I had set my alarm. I woke up, wrote down my to-do list, looked back at my bed... thinking about how I had no pressing schedule until babysitting this evening... and crawled back in. Oops! Obstacle #1.
I woke back up on my own - AT 11:15!!!! ACK! What happened to my morning?? Well, I decided not to fret and just appreciate the amount of rest I'd had. I immediately got dressed in my "going to the gym" outfit- and headed straight for my laptop to get a bit of work done before heading out. Needless to say, I got on a roll with registering for online nanny services, looking for work on Craigslist, creating a budget spreadsheet, cleaning out my inbox.... yadda... yadda...... yadda.
Next thing I know - it's 3:30 pm and I haven't showered. Well - considering I had to be in Brooklyn by 6:30 pm and it's an hour train ride just to get there, I figured that the gym was out. Then... something inside of me just snapped. (in a good way... not the Britney Spears way.) I realized that too many days had I let the thought of "well, I guess I missed my window" deter me from gym time. Even though I knew for a fact that I wouldn't have enough time to get my scheduled 3 mile run in, I felt like any gym time was better than NO gym time!
So I hopped in the shower, got completely ready for babysitting - threw a quick gym bag together - and headed out the door. I went to the Bally's gym that's on the way to Brooklyn, changed like lightening in the locker room... and I managed to get in a hard core 2 mile run! If there was ever a moment, no matter how small, where I felt like holding up some "V for Victory" arms - it was that moment.
In the end, I quickly changed back, spritzed on some fruity Bath and Body Works scent, brushed the sweat out of my hair (which would then dry on the subway and not look too gross), and got on the train. I even made it babysitting a few minutes early.
One small victory for gym go-ers, one giant leap for a girl who often deters herself!
Here's to many more victories :)
Your slowly getting better at this runner,
Kelly
I am currently having some trouble making money, as babysitting has been a bit slow this month. The only upside to this is that I have ended up having a lot of days free - allowing for good amounts of sleep, good lengthy workouts, and lots of time to be creative in my artistic endeavors. Today was set to be a productive day, beginning at 8 am, when I had set my alarm. I woke up, wrote down my to-do list, looked back at my bed... thinking about how I had no pressing schedule until babysitting this evening... and crawled back in. Oops! Obstacle #1.
I woke back up on my own - AT 11:15!!!! ACK! What happened to my morning?? Well, I decided not to fret and just appreciate the amount of rest I'd had. I immediately got dressed in my "going to the gym" outfit- and headed straight for my laptop to get a bit of work done before heading out. Needless to say, I got on a roll with registering for online nanny services, looking for work on Craigslist, creating a budget spreadsheet, cleaning out my inbox.... yadda... yadda...... yadda.
Next thing I know - it's 3:30 pm and I haven't showered. Well - considering I had to be in Brooklyn by 6:30 pm and it's an hour train ride just to get there, I figured that the gym was out. Then... something inside of me just snapped. (in a good way... not the Britney Spears way.) I realized that too many days had I let the thought of "well, I guess I missed my window" deter me from gym time. Even though I knew for a fact that I wouldn't have enough time to get my scheduled 3 mile run in, I felt like any gym time was better than NO gym time!
So I hopped in the shower, got completely ready for babysitting - threw a quick gym bag together - and headed out the door. I went to the Bally's gym that's on the way to Brooklyn, changed like lightening in the locker room... and I managed to get in a hard core 2 mile run! If there was ever a moment, no matter how small, where I felt like holding up some "V for Victory" arms - it was that moment.
In the end, I quickly changed back, spritzed on some fruity Bath and Body Works scent, brushed the sweat out of my hair (which would then dry on the subway and not look too gross), and got on the train. I even made it babysitting a few minutes early.
One small victory for gym go-ers, one giant leap for a girl who often deters herself!
Here's to many more victories :)
Your slowly getting better at this runner,
Kelly
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Oops! I miscounted... and some Lenten thoughts.
Just a correction for my own sanity's sake... and the sake of anyone else who is as anal as I am about dates, I was off by 10 days in my marathon countdown. So - here it is!
Countdown to Half-Marathon: 60 days
Countdown to Marathon: 249 DAYS!
I also went through my calendar last night and wrote out exactly what workouts I should be doing and what distances I should be running from here until April 26th, the date of my half marathon. It's intimidating a bit - but I feel a little more confident being able to see the whole plan laid out on paper.
And for those Christians out there who celebrate/recognize this: today marks the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday. (Or as my friends jokingly call it: Catholic Mating Day. We can all spot one another by that mark on our foreheads!) I was raised on the belief that during Lent (40 days) you give up something you enjoy/love/"need" to help you remember what the Lord gave up for us. I have found that as I grow older, it is more beneficial to only give up something if there is a benefit involved for others. For instance... I can give up chocolate - but that really does no one else any good and only makes me miserable. So this year, I have decided to give up... (drum roll, please) ... TV. It makes me sound like a teenager again, doesn't it? Seriously though, when you don't own much and doing anything in the city requires either a subway ride or money - I tend to tune into the TV far more here in NY than I do anywhere else. So, by giving up my beloved boob tube, I"ll be encouraged to get workouts in sooner, call people that I don't stay in touch with that often, perhaps even write an actual letter, and do things that stimulate my brain! Who knew!?!
So, today is Day 1 of no TV and hopefully, a Better Kelly. The marathon is one large goal for me - but I'm beginning to realize, it might also just be the impetus I needed to improve ALL aspects of my life.
Your slightly-befuddled-mathematician-who-no-longer-watches-TV-but-runs,
Kelly
Countdown to Half-Marathon: 60 days
Countdown to Marathon: 249 DAYS!
I also went through my calendar last night and wrote out exactly what workouts I should be doing and what distances I should be running from here until April 26th, the date of my half marathon. It's intimidating a bit - but I feel a little more confident being able to see the whole plan laid out on paper.
And for those Christians out there who celebrate/recognize this: today marks the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday. (Or as my friends jokingly call it: Catholic Mating Day. We can all spot one another by that mark on our foreheads!) I was raised on the belief that during Lent (40 days) you give up something you enjoy/love/"need" to help you remember what the Lord gave up for us. I have found that as I grow older, it is more beneficial to only give up something if there is a benefit involved for others. For instance... I can give up chocolate - but that really does no one else any good and only makes me miserable. So this year, I have decided to give up... (drum roll, please) ... TV. It makes me sound like a teenager again, doesn't it? Seriously though, when you don't own much and doing anything in the city requires either a subway ride or money - I tend to tune into the TV far more here in NY than I do anywhere else. So, by giving up my beloved boob tube, I"ll be encouraged to get workouts in sooner, call people that I don't stay in touch with that often, perhaps even write an actual letter, and do things that stimulate my brain! Who knew!?!
So, today is Day 1 of no TV and hopefully, a Better Kelly. The marathon is one large goal for me - but I'm beginning to realize, it might also just be the impetus I needed to improve ALL aspects of my life.
Your slightly-befuddled-mathematician-who-no-longer-watches-TV-but-runs,
Kelly
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Music suggestions
I've been listening to the same workout mix for the past 2.5 months... and it's getting old. I need some upbeat tunes that can motivate, inspire, or just make me want to move! I'm up for anything, except techno/trance. That stuff just starts to irritate me after a while when I'm running.
So... any suggestions? Leave me a comment and tell me what music you use - or what music you think would be fun to run to! I can use all the help I can get! Thanks!
Your needy, musical runner,
Kelly
So... any suggestions? Leave me a comment and tell me what music you use - or what music you think would be fun to run to! I can use all the help I can get! Thanks!
Your needy, musical runner,
Kelly
Changing up the workout
Yesterday, I decided to change up my training plan a bit. I'm realizing that running everyday is not only boring, but rather taxing on my body. So instead, I"ve decided to follow the plan of running; cross training; running; weight training; running; cross training; OFF. Sounds good right? :)
Well - it is good... except I didn't realize how HARD the weight training part would be! You see, I've done several different weight training programs throughout the past several years... but none that focused on long, lean muscles. I would do the typical bicep curls, or the basic bench press, etc. Yesterday, I decided to try one of those workouts that are published in "Shape" magazine. It involved a "Bosu Ball" (one of those half dome shaped balance things... google it, you'll see) and a weighted bar.
Mind you, I could go into detail and tell you the exact workout I did... but that would most likely bore you all. I will simply tell you that I was sweating more than I EVER have while doing a non-cardio workout!! I couldn't believe the amount of muscle control this workout required. Holy moly! So for anyone, who like me, just reads those workouts and doesn't try them... go for it! It's TOTALLY worth it! Bikini body - here I come! Or, at least... not-really-bikini-body-but-bathing-suit-body-that-I-don't-hate - here I come! :)
For today, it's back to the gym for a run. We up to 4 miles for today. I can do the 6.2 (10K) - but I'm still getting back on track, so there's no need to push it. I'm right on track for Week 2 of my 10-week training schedule for the half-marathon. I'll be sure to keep you all updated!
Your Bosu loving runner,
Kelly
Countdown to Half-Marathon: 61 days
Countdown to Marathon: 260 days
Well - it is good... except I didn't realize how HARD the weight training part would be! You see, I've done several different weight training programs throughout the past several years... but none that focused on long, lean muscles. I would do the typical bicep curls, or the basic bench press, etc. Yesterday, I decided to try one of those workouts that are published in "Shape" magazine. It involved a "Bosu Ball" (one of those half dome shaped balance things... google it, you'll see) and a weighted bar.
Mind you, I could go into detail and tell you the exact workout I did... but that would most likely bore you all. I will simply tell you that I was sweating more than I EVER have while doing a non-cardio workout!! I couldn't believe the amount of muscle control this workout required. Holy moly! So for anyone, who like me, just reads those workouts and doesn't try them... go for it! It's TOTALLY worth it! Bikini body - here I come! Or, at least... not-really-bikini-body-but-bathing-suit-body-that-I-don't-hate - here I come! :)
For today, it's back to the gym for a run. We up to 4 miles for today. I can do the 6.2 (10K) - but I'm still getting back on track, so there's no need to push it. I'm right on track for Week 2 of my 10-week training schedule for the half-marathon. I'll be sure to keep you all updated!
Your Bosu loving runner,
Kelly
Countdown to Half-Marathon: 61 days
Countdown to Marathon: 260 days
Monday, February 23, 2009
Getting back on track
Well, there is nothing like paying a chunk of money and registering yourself for a marathon to get you motivated again! Slowly but surely, I'm getting myself back on the track (pardon the pun) towards long distance running.
For anyone out there who is reading this, thinking "I could never do that" - let me tell you the recent truth about your "devoted" runner: Until last Tuesday, I had not run in over 3 weeks. Yup, your "hard core" marathon runner fell WAY off track. I got busy... I got sick... I was out of town.... blah, blah, blah. It happens to all of us - even those who start a blog thinking that it will prevent them from derailing.
Oops.
But what makes someone a success is not the fact that they never make a mistake - it's that they learn from their mistakes, pick themselves back up, and keep moving forward. Well, that's what I'm doing, literally. I'm moving forward. Because running backwards just isn't my thing. :)
So keep an eye on my "LogMyRun" chart on this page. If you don't see any entries on it one week... feel free to comment and ask me if everything is ok. I have a blog to stay in touch - and I have a blog to keep myself accountable to anyone that chooses to read it. Comments are encouraged! :)
I'm glad to be heading back in the right direction. I think the trick is just to remember to think one day at a time - knowing that there is a BIG goal in the future. I so often get discouraged when I think of those 26.2 miles, simply because the most I can run right now is 7. However, if I can just remember that 7 miles is 7 miles more than I was running this time last year... I think I'll feel a little bit better. :)
For now, it's off to the gym. Step by step and day by day... I will accomplish this goal. I will look forward to writing all about it along the way!
Your reenergized runner,
Kelly
Countdown to half-marathon: 62 days
Countdown to marathon: 261 days
For anyone out there who is reading this, thinking "I could never do that" - let me tell you the recent truth about your "devoted" runner: Until last Tuesday, I had not run in over 3 weeks. Yup, your "hard core" marathon runner fell WAY off track. I got busy... I got sick... I was out of town.... blah, blah, blah. It happens to all of us - even those who start a blog thinking that it will prevent them from derailing.
Oops.
But what makes someone a success is not the fact that they never make a mistake - it's that they learn from their mistakes, pick themselves back up, and keep moving forward. Well, that's what I'm doing, literally. I'm moving forward. Because running backwards just isn't my thing. :)
So keep an eye on my "LogMyRun" chart on this page. If you don't see any entries on it one week... feel free to comment and ask me if everything is ok. I have a blog to stay in touch - and I have a blog to keep myself accountable to anyone that chooses to read it. Comments are encouraged! :)
I'm glad to be heading back in the right direction. I think the trick is just to remember to think one day at a time - knowing that there is a BIG goal in the future. I so often get discouraged when I think of those 26.2 miles, simply because the most I can run right now is 7. However, if I can just remember that 7 miles is 7 miles more than I was running this time last year... I think I'll feel a little bit better. :)
For now, it's off to the gym. Step by step and day by day... I will accomplish this goal. I will look forward to writing all about it along the way!
Your reenergized runner,
Kelly
Countdown to half-marathon: 62 days
Countdown to marathon: 261 days
Friday, February 20, 2009
It's official!! I'M REGISTERED! I'M IN!!!
I can hardly breath right now. I've done it. I have now 100% guaranteed my spot in the 2009 ING NYC Marathon. Pardon me for not having a more refined vocabulary, but.... HOLY CRAP.
I'm so excited! I'm so scared! I think I'm crazy.... Either way... I'm running it. It's done. It's paid for. It's game time!
For those who have been following my blog so far, you know that I completed all of my required races last year to guarantee this moment for myself. I tell you though, it has never felt more real than in this very moment. (insert excited, girlish scream here)
So now, it's back to regular blogging, regular running, and lots of prayers. I know I can do this. I'm not sure how yet... but I know I can. For those of you reading this? I'm going to need your help. Encouragement, prayers, and donations of bandaids for my feet will all be accepted. :-P
I really can't believe this is happening! Eek!
Signed,
Your overly excited and anxious official marathon runner,
Kelly
I'm so excited! I'm so scared! I think I'm crazy.... Either way... I'm running it. It's done. It's paid for. It's game time!
For those who have been following my blog so far, you know that I completed all of my required races last year to guarantee this moment for myself. I tell you though, it has never felt more real than in this very moment. (insert excited, girlish scream here)
So now, it's back to regular blogging, regular running, and lots of prayers. I know I can do this. I'm not sure how yet... but I know I can. For those of you reading this? I'm going to need your help. Encouragement, prayers, and donations of bandaids for my feet will all be accepted. :-P
I really can't believe this is happening! Eek!
Signed,
Your overly excited and anxious official marathon runner,
Kelly
Monday, January 12, 2009
Foot pain SOLVED!
For those of you who have been following, you read that I've been dealing with some pain in my left foot in the arch. At first I thought it was just a fluke, but it continued all week - even after a day off from running. I made a point to mention it to the parents of the family I babysit for on the Upper East Side. (The father owns a high end gym/health facility). He was more than happy to see me at the gym for an appointment this morning to try and figure out the problem. I was sooo relieved!!
So, bright and early - and freezing cold! - I ventured to the Upper West Side for this "foot evaluation." After a brief warmup, Mr. M (used to protect his identity) met me and had me do some exercises so he could observe the motion of my foot. When the symptoms weren't typical of "plantar faciitis" (which is what we were thinking) - he asked me to start jogging so he could watch my stride.
Next - a miracle happened.
It's my stride! I was running completely wrong. Well, not completely - but I was doing things that over time and long distance runs would be very detrimental to my body... hence the foot problem. So he worked with me for a bit, helped me find the correct runner's posture, and had me practice it until I found it myself. Then he showed me several new exercises to help strengthen my hips, spine, back, and core. I've got the whole workout down on paper and I can't WAIT to try it out!
Best part - I was able to run on the treadmill for a 2-mile run before I left - and it felt GREAT! No foot problems, and 2 miles went by like it was nothing. In fact, I normally run at 5.8 mph - and today? 6.2 mph!! Honestly, it felt even easier than the 5.8 - all because Mr. M showed me how not to stress myself while running. I can't WAIT to see what my body is going to be able to do now!
Until next time....
Your newly-energized, faster-paced marathon runner,
Kelly
So, bright and early - and freezing cold! - I ventured to the Upper West Side for this "foot evaluation." After a brief warmup, Mr. M (used to protect his identity) met me and had me do some exercises so he could observe the motion of my foot. When the symptoms weren't typical of "plantar faciitis" (which is what we were thinking) - he asked me to start jogging so he could watch my stride.
Next - a miracle happened.
It's my stride! I was running completely wrong. Well, not completely - but I was doing things that over time and long distance runs would be very detrimental to my body... hence the foot problem. So he worked with me for a bit, helped me find the correct runner's posture, and had me practice it until I found it myself. Then he showed me several new exercises to help strengthen my hips, spine, back, and core. I've got the whole workout down on paper and I can't WAIT to try it out!
Best part - I was able to run on the treadmill for a 2-mile run before I left - and it felt GREAT! No foot problems, and 2 miles went by like it was nothing. In fact, I normally run at 5.8 mph - and today? 6.2 mph!! Honestly, it felt even easier than the 5.8 - all because Mr. M showed me how not to stress myself while running. I can't WAIT to see what my body is going to be able to do now!
Until next time....
Your newly-energized, faster-paced marathon runner,
Kelly
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
FOUND: Running Buddy!
I found a running partner in the city!! My friend Emily, whom I know from "A Really BIG Pirate Show", got back in touch with me recently - and she and I have been running together this week. Our first day together we ran the Central Park Resevoir - oh my gosh - SO beautiful! (I can't believe I've been here two years and had never run that before.) Today, due to weather, we hit the gym - and tomorrow, it's back to the park! It is SO nice to have a buddy :) She's even signed up for the 5 mile race on Saturday with me.
In other news though, my left foot is giving me some real trouble right now. See, Monday was the first time I'd run in a week - and it was fine! Didn't notice any joint/muscle problems... But when I went to the gym last night, my foot started really bothering me - right inside my left arch. Well, I thought I'd just work through it - but after 5 minutes, it was strong enough to make me believe I needed to walk. I still managed to get a good incline walk in - but really?? I haven't done anything to it - other than run! Now I'm worried... because when I tried to run again this morning - pain. I'm hoping it's just a stretched muscle. I don't have health insurance to get it looked at - and I'm supposed to be running a race on Saturday. ::GULP:: Here's hoping for a speedy recovery!
As for diet - the other side of the wellness plan I've got going - I'm back on Weight Watchers. Not officially - but I'm doing it myself. I'll be honest - I suck at it right now. But I'm being true to myself and writing everything down - even if it's embarrassing how much I eat. That helped keep me in line last night when I wanted that extra ice cream sandwich! HA! :) So, bit by bit, I'm getting back on track. The last week of December with New Year's included was like an enjoyable diet train wreck!!
I suppose that's all the update for now. Still trying to decide specifically what my resolutions/goals should be for the year. Stay tuned!
Your socializing, but gimpy marathon runner,
Kelly
In other news though, my left foot is giving me some real trouble right now. See, Monday was the first time I'd run in a week - and it was fine! Didn't notice any joint/muscle problems... But when I went to the gym last night, my foot started really bothering me - right inside my left arch. Well, I thought I'd just work through it - but after 5 minutes, it was strong enough to make me believe I needed to walk. I still managed to get a good incline walk in - but really?? I haven't done anything to it - other than run! Now I'm worried... because when I tried to run again this morning - pain. I'm hoping it's just a stretched muscle. I don't have health insurance to get it looked at - and I'm supposed to be running a race on Saturday. ::GULP:: Here's hoping for a speedy recovery!
As for diet - the other side of the wellness plan I've got going - I'm back on Weight Watchers. Not officially - but I'm doing it myself. I'll be honest - I suck at it right now. But I'm being true to myself and writing everything down - even if it's embarrassing how much I eat. That helped keep me in line last night when I wanted that extra ice cream sandwich! HA! :) So, bit by bit, I'm getting back on track. The last week of December with New Year's included was like an enjoyable diet train wreck!!
I suppose that's all the update for now. Still trying to decide specifically what my resolutions/goals should be for the year. Stay tuned!
Your socializing, but gimpy marathon runner,
Kelly
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Upcoming races!
As I'm still unsure of how to proceed with this marathon training idea... there is one thing I know I must do: KEEP RUNNING!
So, I've already signed up for four races in the next three months, with two additional races possible, if I can earn a little extra money. Here they are:
January 10th: Joe Kleinerman 5-mile race
Feb. 1st: Gridiron Classic 4-mile race
*Feb. 22: Snowflake 4-miler (possible)
*March 1st: Coogan's Salsa, Blues, and Shamrocks 5K (possible)
March 14th: NYRR 8000 race (4.9 miles)
March 22nd: NYC Colon Cancer Challenge 15K (9.3 miles)
And I haven't signed up for it yet... but my big GOAL race for now, is my first Half-marathon on April 26th!! ACK! I think it should be very exciting, as it's a women-only half-marathon, so I'll feel very inspired by all those around me.
Still can't believe I'm going to be running this marathon. Eeek! :)
Look for new year's goals and resolutions to be posted soon...
Your 2009 marathon runner,
Kelly
So, I've already signed up for four races in the next three months, with two additional races possible, if I can earn a little extra money. Here they are:
January 10th: Joe Kleinerman 5-mile race
Feb. 1st: Gridiron Classic 4-mile race
*Feb. 22: Snowflake 4-miler (possible)
*March 1st: Coogan's Salsa, Blues, and Shamrocks 5K (possible)
March 14th: NYRR 8000 race (4.9 miles)
March 22nd: NYC Colon Cancer Challenge 15K (9.3 miles)
And I haven't signed up for it yet... but my big GOAL race for now, is my first Half-marathon on April 26th!! ACK! I think it should be very exciting, as it's a women-only half-marathon, so I'll feel very inspired by all those around me.
Still can't believe I'm going to be running this marathon. Eeek! :)
Look for new year's goals and resolutions to be posted soon...
Your 2009 marathon runner,
Kelly
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
