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!
Friday, July 31, 2009
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.
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