Habitual.

They say that human beings are creatures of habit.... I would have to agree. It seems to me that my good habits are a whole lot easier to break than my bad ones.... like eating healthy, exercising, blog writing, and reading..... The things that I want to keep up on are the things that I have to work the hardest for. Taking a few days off the blog became taking a full week off! But there is good news there... I've been reading and keeping up with my training, so all is not lost. These next few weeks may be a bit sporadic with the blogging, lots of adventures that will keep me muddy away from the computer.... but pictures will eventually make it up!

So how about an update?!

Half-Marathon Training:
This past week I did really well. I stuck to my plan! The only day I went off course was on Saturday. I was supposed to run 6 miles. Since I didn't have enough time I decided I would just run a really fast 3 miles. Under 29 minutes on the treadmill for me is unheard of. For some reason treadmill running is more comfortable at a 10 minute mile pace. It feels uncomfortable and almost silly to run faster than that. The downside of running faster is that I also run much harder, so I was feeling it for the next two days (which were thankfully a cross-training and a rest day). Yesterday I went back to the PT (finally!) I sort of got the feeling that he is confused as to why I'm still hurting. But this morning after the electrosound therapy and sleeping in my compression sleeves I felt a little better and I'm ready for my 2 mile run today!

Reading:
I've been hooked by the summer reading bug! Something about this time of year makes me want to sit down and read read read! I think I can probably link it back to my school days when Summer was the only time I was able to read something I actually wanted to! I remember the summer I graduated from college I read like 40 books because finally I had a choice!

The Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes
I would love to say that this is a book that even non-runners could enjoy, but I don't really think that is true. Too many of his stories are play-by-plays of his races. I completely gobbled this book up! Dean describes his journey into running. After a terrible high school coach he quits running until his 30th birthday, he then describes how he became obsessed with the sport and became an ultramarathoner. I liked the honesty with which he writes. He isn't afraid to tell an embarrassing story. I felt inspired by the way he juggled a full-time job and family while training for some of the most difficult races in the world. The time and dedication it takes to push your body to those extremes is so motivating. You should check out more about Dean Karnazes.... he is amazing! Running 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states?! Or maybe running a marathon to the South Pole... or how about running across the country?! Crazy inspiring.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
We all know I love me some young adult novels, but recently I've been pretty disappointed with everything I've picked up. It feels like the same story over and over again. But when I saw this book at the store, saying that it had won some award, I picked it up. I am very glad I did. It was such a welcome change to read a YA book that didn't involve vampires or werewolves... or both. There was a touch of the supernatural here though, but not the fantasy type, more of the spiritual. What I like about this book was how real the protagonist was.... she was written with such honesty. There was also a depth to this book. It isn't just a love story, although there is a boy. This is a story about this girls life...... of choosing life. Parts of this book are heartbreaking so be warned. I surprisingly didn't cry, but I could have.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman
What I love most about my Nook is that when I finish a book that I didn't know was a series.... I don't even have to change out of my Pajamas to get it! This is the follow up to If I Stay. I have to say this isn't as good of a book. It couldn't stand alone and probably should have just been the last 208 pages of the first book. But I would have been so mad if she would have just left the story the way it was. This book ties all of the loose ends of the romantic half of the first book. This is just the story of a girl and a boy, without any supernatural mumbojumbo. If you like easy to read YA novels you should pick these up.

The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta
If you are looking for something a little more thought provoking... Pick up The Abstinence Teacher. This book stirs up a lot issues.... issues people don't usually like to talk about, like religion and sex. I'm not really sure yet if I liked this book or not. It is an un-put-down-able books, but I think the ending was a little too quick for me. I like a book that at least ties up a few loose ends.

I really enjoyed the characters but at times they were a little extreme (the protagonist switches back and forth which some people hate, but I like). I felt like Perrotta told the story well from both sides. I'm not really sure how to describe it without telling too much..... but here goes. Ruth is a health teacher at the local jr. high. Recently a new church has moved in to town and has influenced her curriculum. She creates a bit of scandal when it becomes a strictly abstinence only subject. The other character is Tim, a recovering drug addict who was saved by the church. This is the story of an unlikely friendship and following the path that you believe in.


No photo today... cause I gotta run! Literally! :)

What's in You Salad Spinner?

Check out how amazing the garden at Carly's house has become! We have gotten so much lettuce and are just now starting to harvest some peas, spinach and green onion! Of course all the credit goes to Carly on the upkeep! 

Peas!

Callen likes to "help."

Not proper garden shoes!

When I look at the before garden photos I'm in awe of how amazing they look now!
Also, I'm in awe of how terrible the weather was outside! Grey, dreary, and rainy.
Pictures like this make me appreciate even overcast summer days!
I don't know if I can handle another winter like the last one!
Running doesn't create enough endorphins to get me through!

My little container garden at my little house has been doing quite nicely as well!
Check out my salad spinner!
Bistro lettuce, rainbow chard, kale and Carly lettuce!

Today I finished my first Activetrax workout at the Y. It is an awesome program where you go through the weight room with a personal trainer and they set you up with an online account that creates personal workouts for you. After each workout you enter in what you were able to do and it formats your next workout accordingly. It is fantastic.... And free! I'm on my way to being strong! And let me tell you, working out with weights is such a welcome challenge!

Yesterday I ran 5 hard miles. The terrain wasn't hard... but my body didn't want to cooperate! For one thing I had waited a week since my last run. I've been busy trying new classes and cross training at the Y. I need to remember to focus on running! It was also incredibly hot (anything above 60 is hot, so upper 70's is considered sweltering!) I haven't run in weather over 70 since I don't even know when... maybe Hawaii, but that was only a mile or two tops. I'm also feeling the effects of my poor diet. If I'm going to get serious about my running goals, I need to: 1. run more 2. fuel better.

Here is the new workout plan... it is simplified from my last one. I like simple. Simple I can stick to and remember!

Monday: Strength and Cross training 

Tuesday: Easy run and abs

Wednesday:Strength and Cross training

Thursday Easy run and abs

Friday Strength and light Cross training

Saturday: Long run

Sunday: Stretch/rest day

It sounds simple, but there is a lot more going on here than when I trained for my first half. The strength training is really hard for me, but I think only running three days a week will let me heal. I also need to cut back on the fun classes I've been doing. They have been fun, but super hard on my calves. Half of the boot camp class is completed on on bosu ball. I just couldn't figure out why I was hurting when I was barely running! So for a little while I'm going to just do cycling and maybe some pilates/yoga as far as classes go. 

Half way through the year... since I already completed one of my resolutions, how about a new goal?! Set a new PR by breaking 2:20! I know it is only a little goal, but getting my time under 11 minute miles would be awesome. And it will get my confidence up for when I run a full marathon next year!

I'm off to bed. July 3rd is not a holiday... try to tell that to the people in town. Some people have to wake up at 5 am tomorrow people!!!! oh well, ear plugs will be my friend!

Have a safe and happy Fourth! God Bless America! :) 

I'm Kinda Gangster?

So what motivates you on a run? Every once in a while I can get away with an ipod-less run and enjoy myself, but 99.99999% of the time I need the music bumping in order to keep myself moving forward.

Have you ever listened to someone else's workout playlist? You probably thought some of the songs were kind of weird.... Well if you listened to mine that is probably what you would think. A good beat isn't necessarily the thing that makes me want to run harder. Sometimes a really good angry-girl song does the job. You wouldn't think that Beyonce's "If I were a Boy," would make me kick up the gear, but it does. Sometimes I'll put a slow song in the middle just to remind myself that it is OK to walk for a minute.

I am also a searcher. I have around 140 songs on my playlist, and will scroll through on my IPOD Shuffle until I find one that gets me motivated for that moment.

I usually go through phases with songs. Right now Rihanna and Jay-Z's "Run This Town," is featured multiple times on my lists. Past songs that were often on repeat included: Beastie Boys-"Sabotage," Christina Aguilara-"Fighter," Kanye West-"Stronger."

My friend Kelsey is going to run the Kona, Hawaii Half Marathon this weekend! Good Luck Kelsey! She has been training like crazy and had originally thought she couldn't use an Ipod during the race. There are a lot of races that have this in their rules, but I think in most cases as long as you aren't trying to place you can get away with an MP3 device. Anyways, she just asked me for my playlist so she could quickly put one together. I'm not sure if it will help too much, but here are some screenshots from my little Gizzmo. Yes, I named my shuffle... if you must know my computer is named Norm and my backup hard drive is Ethel!  :)

Try not to judge me....

There are a lot of explicit songs on this list, apparently while I'm running I think I'm a gangster.....?

Set yourself up to fail.

When you are injured the best feeling in the world is completing a run without pain. I've been feeling pretty good since finishing the half. Which I think I can attribute to my lack of running and new found love for cross-training. This week I started up my Bellingham Bay 1/2 Marathon training program. I'm actually pretty proud of myself because I wrote out exactly what I would exercise and eat each day this week.

Here is an example for Monday:

Exercise: 
Run 2 miles (easy pace), 1hr cycling class
Eats:
Breakfast- Overnight oats
Snack-Apple with sunflower seed butter
Lunch-Veggie burger and 1 slice GF bread with salad and a date
Snack-Trail mix
Dinner-Pasta with veggies
Dessert-4 Chocolate covered banana bites

Dinner last night was a veggie kabob (Trader Joe's) baked Tofu (TJ's) and a mini salad (my garden! minus the tomatoes). Pasta seemed too heavy for an 8 o'clock dinner time. So I only went off the food plan a little bit, my biggest goal with this is to stop eating soooo many sweets (and curing my sugar dreams) and yesterday I did pretty well.

The problem that I'm facing now (and faced when I was training for my first half) is that my schedule doesn't always lend itself well to recovery time. I worked yesterday morning so I worked out last night after my physical therapy appointment. Cycling and a 2 mile run is a pretty good workout, so today when I woke up (I work this afternoon) and went for my planned 3 mile run it was kind of rough. My legs felt like lead for a majority of it.... and of course my calves started screaming after about mile 2.5. So I walked it out. It feels discouraging when three weeks ago I ran 13.1 miles straight and this morning I can't even make it 3 miles. That is one of the biggest things I've learned about running, there are soooo many factors from hydration, fuel, recovery, sleep, weather, to your general state of mind. Just when you think you have captured the perfect run the next time you get out there running reminds you that in this relationship it has all the control.

So I'm looking at it this way, yeah I didn't have a great run this morning, even though the weather was perfect, but the only one I have to blame is myself. I can't forget that just because I'm feeling good it doesn't mean I'm not injured anymore. There is a reason that the turtle wins the race every time, he is smart and paces himself.

Also, while I was on my run I was thinking about how my 17 year-old self (I could have put in any age under 23 here) would be shocked by the fact that I was up and running 3 miles before 8 am. I was more likely to sleep until 11 in my school days.

Here is the basis for my training program (This is the original but I'm adapting it from the blog No Meat Athlete a bit to fit my needs)

The numbers under the days represent miles. I'm starting from the very beginning because I really need to get back in to the habit of running again (even a short time off is enough to set you back). I'm going to be incorporating strength training as well because I have the Warrior Dash coming up shortly in July!

If you haven't stopped reading by now... 5 points for you!

Today is the first day of Summer and Summer is the time to be reading!!! The weather is actually cooperating! The sun is out the weather is warm. I'm putting together my annual Summer reading recommendations and a Summer reading plan! Have you noticed I like plans? And lists....

Here is last years Summer reading recommendations....
Summer Reading 2010 
Declaration of Reader Independence

Something Blue.

You know what I hate? Local news. Not only do the weather people lie to me, but all the news is so scary/depressing. Every time I'm over at my Mom's house or click it on at the gym it makes me feel horrible. If someone is getting killed then someone was robbed and stabbed... or a kid who is training for his first iron man was hit by a car. I seriously can't watch the stuff. The other day I heard a story about a toddler who held its baby sibling under water in the tub because it wouldn't stop crying. That topped the list of things I didn't need to hear about ever. When I watch this stuff it makes me nervous to be out in the world. I'm not naive, I know bad stuff happens, but I guess I don't see the use in watching all the bad stuff that happens. It just creeps into my sugar dreams and makes them sugar nightmares.

How about enough ramblings and I give ya some book updates?!

011. Dead Reckoning- Charlaine Harris

Do you watch 'True Blood,' on HBO? You should. It is like a grown up 'Twilight.' It is still silly, but oh so addictive. The next best thing would be to read the books that the show is based on. But I will warn you, after about book 6 things start to feel a little stale. The weird fantasy aspect gets a little too weird even for someone like me who read the first 6 in about a week. I guess I'm just kind of bored with this series, but I will probably keep on reading them because they are so easy to get through and I have to know who Sookie is meant to be with!

012. Something Blue- Emily Giffin

I really really enjoy Giffin's writing. 'Something Borrowed,' 'The Heart of the Matter,' and 'Love the One You're With" are near the top of my chick-flick-best-ever-book-list. They are the type of books that get you hooked, make you stay up way too late at night, then make you cry while your reading them during your lunch break. Giffin sometimes weaves characters from past books into other novels, 'Something Blue' is the only one that is a direct sequel. I have had this book on my shelf for years because when I finished reading 'Something Borrowed,' I couldn't fathom reading a book based on the character of Darcy. After a few years I finally took the plunge and I am oh so glad that I did. I like this book. Not as much as the first three of Giffin's novels that I've read, but definitely a page turner.

013. Baby Proof-Emily Giffin

After I finished 'Something Blue,' I knew there was one last Giffin book I had to check out. Sadly, 'Baby Proof,' just wasn't as good as her other books. I felt like it was rolling right along until the end when things get wrapped up in much too tidy of a bow. The major issues of the book seem to get swept under the rug to preserve a happy ending. I was disappointed with this one.

014. The Engine 2 Diet- Rip Esselstyn  

I picked up this book because I had the secret idea that after I read it (and it was good) I would maybe be able to sneak it into my Dad or Brother's book pile and turn them into vegetarians like the firemen of engine 2. But my Dad saw me reading it on our camping trip, asked what it was and immediately acted uninterested. I know I wouldn't be able to turn him into a plant only eater, but maybe make him see why I am. This book was really interesting, but totally preaching to the choir. Rip is basically an elite athlete (iron man triathlons) and found he performs better with a plant based diet. He gives advice on exercise and meal plans. He also goes into detail about medical evidence. It is a quick read with some interesting stories, but Rip is an athlete and fireman, not a writer so at times I felt like he was trying a bit hard with his stories. Still a good resource (especially for men) to get a jump start on a plant based diet.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to take a cycling class... I wanted to go today after work, but my body is seriously in pain from that interval workout class I did yesterday. I think I need to do it at least every week, those are some muscles that don't get a lot of attention. I still haven't ran. Sort of freaking out, but I have started to put together my newest 1/2 marathon training plan. I felt like I did a pretty good job of it last time but I want to be even smarter this time around. More meal planning, rest days, stretching, strength training, hill work, mental prep, and more listening to my body!

Since I don't do well with goals unless I've invested some money or have publicly announced it... I've done both...Oh! look what I just registered for:  

Just the Half-Marathon! September 25th! It will be sort of like going back to school in the Fall! Time to get serious again

Sugar dreams await me.... 

Here is the plan stan.

If I thought that I would get a breather after the half marathon I was right. If I thought that it would be a long one... I was wrong.

26 days until the Warrior Dash.

(Oh! I need ideas for costume/outfits for me and my fellow warriors to wear. Any thoughts would be appreciated! The best one I've heard so far was for the mario cart characters... I call Peach!)

That means I need to get into a different kind of shape. I'm not worried about the 5k of running, what I am worried about is the fact that besides my legs my body is in terrible shape! I have ZERO upper body strength! The other day I attempted a pull up and all I could manage was a hang. seriously if I managed to lift my body at all it was a miniscule amount.

So even thought this race is really just about having fun with friends on a ridiculous course (and getting a free beer at the end!) I still want to be able to hold my own. So here is my plan of action to get in a little bit better shape for this race and to jump start my training for the next half marathon I'm planning on doing in September in Bellingham.

Starting Monday:
Run 2-3 times a week
3 Strength training days (probably 2 at the YMCA and one with Jilian Micheals kicking my butt with her 30 day shred and kettle bells exercise)
2-3 days of cross training (elliptical, spin class, yoga.... basically anything that is easy on the calves. I really need to let those babies heal up if I'm going to have any future with running)
1-2 rest days

I'd really really like to keep my running mileage up.... so that means 1-2 short runs and at least 1 run that is over 5 miles ever week. And that is being easy on myself. After the Warrior Dash I'll completely reevaluate the plan and focus on getting my miles much higher.

Another thing I need to focus on is what I'm eating. Towards the end of my training I became a carb junky... I rationalized it by saying I was carb loading... but I don't think I needed to be eating truck loads! If I eat better and get my core stronger I think my next race will feel even better.... oh and maybe I'll be able to walk the day after!

I am finally not terribly sore today! The blister is still epic.... but I think its going to heal itself. As for my left calf muscle. I need to do a ton more work on that baby. I am going to call my PT tomorrow to see if my second referral came through. Hopefully I can get in again. If not I feel like now I at least have some of the tools necessary to heal myself just much slower. Being injured showed me how important it is to listen to you body, take it easy when you need to and to know when to ask for help.

Are you sick of hearing about my running life? Sorry it sort of takes over a lot of my brain function. I have been reading though and will be posting soon! After Saturday I think I'll have more time to
1. read
2. mow my lawn (my landlord will be oh so pleased)
3. take more time to eat healthy meals
4. blog
5. sleep?!
6. devote some time to learning spanish (my class is still going, but I'll be honest I haven't put enough energy in to it to get anything out of it)
7. did I say sleep?

yay! that is what I'm off to do now... sleep!

I'm Addicted to the Thrill, It's a Dangerous Love Affair.

North Olympic Discovery Half Marathon Recap!

Sequim to Port Angeles
Official Time: 2:24:09
Averaged 11 minute miles

After all of the ups and downs of training and after all the injuries I finally did it! I completed a half-marathon. Check that off my new years resolutions and bucket list! I've compared training to a relationship many times in this blog:


In a relationship
Abusive Relationship
St. Paddy's 5K
Viking Fest Road Race
Highs and Lows
A Little Support Please!


And on Sunday all the pain, tears, worries, and fears were all worth it when I crossed the finish line. It finally wasn't a one sided relationship! I thought that I would cry, but the only emotion I felt was happiness. Seriously I had a huge smile on my face for about an hour afterwards.  


The entire weekend was the hottest weather we've had around these parts all year. So I was extremely careful about hydrating. Bottle after bottle of water and coconut water (natural electrolytes). I also carb loaded like crazy all while staying gluten free. The day before the race I had to work (something I will try not to do next time, standing on my feet for 8 hours isn't a good enough rest day) then jumped into the car and met my parents, Carly, Joe, Callen, Carly's Mom, her Sister, and Ryan up at the camp site in Port Angeles. I made a big plate of GF spaghetti for dinner (quinoa is the closest to wheat noodles out there). 

A ton of carbs and some baked tofu were the perfect dinner! Oh... and two smores! They make gluten free graham crackers that are pretty darn tasty and the mini vegan marshmallows are even better than the regular ones.

Carly and I did our nails. Purple with "Conquer it!" for me. Pink with "Team Elisa!" for her.

Both Ryan and I were pretty nervous and jittery all night. I think the other campers could feel it. Somehow I managed to sleep pretty well. I still woke up with the sun though. Which was nice because it gave me some time by myself to make some oatmeal and center myself.

I tried a little bit of coffee and found that I may have lost my taste for it... or maybe just how my Dad makes it! :) After some stretching and more water drinking we all piled into Carly's car to the start lane. We made it just in time to get a prime parking spot, but we had a ton of time to stand around and be nervous. But that was also a great opportunity to take a ton of photos!

 I can't even describe what it meant to me to have my family there to support me. Knowing that they were there at different intervals of the race and especially that they were there at the finish made gave me so much motivation to try my hardest. I saw them twice during the race and each time it was an extra large dose of energy! (even though my brothers couldn't be there I knew they were supporting me too!) and oddly enough I felt the support of a few friends during the race... I felt like they were sending me good vibes!

The leg of pain. That is a timing chip on my ankle and right around mile 3 is when it started digging into my ankle.... oh and also when I started feeling a blister coming on my right arch.

 When it was time to line up we headed for the 11 minute mile section. I figured this would be what I could maintain for the longest amount of time. In my head I had planned to take it easy, walk if I needed to (crawl if necessary). I was feeling really good at the race start, my legs felt light and nothing hurt, which I think I can attribute to the endorphins and adrenaline. 

 Start of race smiles!

Still smiling at about mile four, right before our first big hill and right when Ryan and I separated for most of the race. I had to stop to fix my timing chip and he went on. I was actually glad that we both were able to run the race at our own pace. It was really important to me to run my own race and not have to worry about staying up to speed with him. I was able to get completely lost in the race. It is kind of interesting because in both of the shorter races I completed this year I really enjoyed passing people, but on Sunday I couldn't have cared less about people eating my dust. This race was all about me.

Mile seven-ish. I caught back up to Ryan after he took a port-a-potty break. He waited for me also because he had all the gels and shot blocks. I was so happy and surprised to see my family right here! They caught us walking though the water station! I am not coordinated enough to drink or eat while running, but right when I saw them I started booking it! :) Even baby Callen and my Mom were there to cheer me on! (hearing "go auntie!" was awesome even if it came from my Mom!) Ryan and I separated again after this, we were both feeling great but feeling great at our own pace!


The course overall wasn't too hilly, just right in the middle and thankfully it ended completely flat. But that middle section was pretty intense for someone who didn't do much hill work. After the first two hills I crossed a bridge and turned right into a monster of a hill. "Oh Wow..." I thought I had said it in my head, but the girl running next to me goes, "I know!" :)


After mile seven my legs were really feeling it. The heat of the day was totally sucking the life out of me. At about every other water station (every two miles) they had orange slices and candy. I've never enjoyed an orange so much in my entire life! They really helped to keep my energy up. The only times I felt terrible were when I had to lean down to either fix my timing chip or tie my shoe. When I got back up the blood had rushed out of my head and I literally couldn't feel my body, but somehow I kept running forward. 


My playlist was also an important part of my race. I'm thankful that I had time to add some new tunes to it the night before the race. I think I listened to Jay-Z's 'Run this Town' about 5 times BEST RUNNING SONG EVER. The first couple lines, "I'm addicted to the thrill, it's a dangerous love affair," fit in to my 'running is a relationship' theme. But the best line is "Victory's within the mile, almost there don't give up now, only thing thats on my mind, is who's gonna run this town tonight." 


It turns out that I was the one running the town! The only time I walked was through the water stations! I kept on chugging! Repeating in my head, "Conquer it" or "This is is" or "Just keep running" and a lot of  "I know I can do this."

 Katy Surprised me at the finish with a sign! It was so awesome because I saw her, Carly and my Dad about a tenth of a mile from the finish when I was really really feeling like I was done for! It Gave me that little extra push to get me over the finish line with a great big smile on my face!

 Right around mile 11.5 I met up with Ryan again and exchanged a few words both us stating that we felt like hell. He was feeling extra like hell though, his left thigh muscle was completely cramping up. He ran with me for about a mile before he had to walk for a little bit.

 Blowing kisses. I wont be making this face ever again...

Home stretch!

Ryan coming in about 30 seconds after me. I think when I left him I might have yelled, "Conquer it!" I'm sure I got a lot of strange looks from the other runners because of that one. 

 And he did! He ran across the finish line (with a smile on his face) hurting leg and all!

 Right when you cross the finish line someone comes up, hands you your medal and an energy drink and walks with you all the way through to the finish station. I asked the girl if this was just in case I fell over and she said yes. It actually was kind of nice because there was a chance that was exactly what I was going to do.

I would have been happy with any finishing time, my goal was only to finish. But of course in my head I had an idea of what I wanted to finish in. That goal was right around 2 hrs 30 minutes (but I wouldn't have been disappointed with anything under 2:40). So when I saw the official time of 2:24:09 I was ecstatic! I think that is a pretty decent time for anyone's first half marathon, much less someone who was injured throughout her entire training! (Imagine real quick the time I could have put up if I would have been healthy!)  

It was so great to have a running buddy for this race. I thought at first I wouldn't like it, but we both ran our own race and it was nice to know there was someone else on the trail with me. 

Sweet sign! 

Sisters!

Nobody looks cute after running 13.1 miles! Nobody! 

And if you couldn't tell... Purple is not only my birthstone (amethyst) its also my power color!

Callen had a blast playing with my muscle roller! 

After hitting up the food and water tent (I had packed a GF bagel) we got massages! I had her focus solely on my calves. It was so awesome and so necessary! 

All the training paid off. All the cold morning runs, all the tears from frustration, all the physical therapy appointments... all of it was worth it. I've never known a runner's high like this before.


This race was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. There is something so rewarding about taking your body to its absolute limit (I couldn't have run more than 13.1 miles) especially after putting so much time and energy into training. 


I'm not gonna lie, I'm totally feeling it today. I'm super sore. Yesterday my back was killing me which was most likely from absorbing the shock of running for over two hours. But today I my legs are really feeling it. Walking down stairs is close to impossible. But it is getting better all the time. Did I mention the blister on my foot? The blister that was bigger than a silver dollar?! Yeah right on my arch. Ouch and Gross! My calves are still tender, but I am so surprised that they don't hurt me more. They've hurt more after a 3 mile run. All the pain was worth it. To quote another one of my playlist songs, "This is 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain." And 100% happiness at reaching my goal!


The best part is that I can't wait for my body to rest up a bit so that I can get back out there! I'm ready to train for the Warrior Dash coming up and I'm signing up with my friend Nicole (and I think Ryan will do it too) for the Bellingham Bay Half Marathon in September. I'm wasting no time! The best way to stay motivated is to keep a goal in mind!


Sorry for the super long post but this is the culmination of soooo many emotions I just had to put it all out there!


Oh! and one more time I want to thank my family for being there for me every step of the way... from hearing me bitch, to catching my tears, to putting up with only seeing me in workout clothes for 4 months, and especially for cheering me on from start to finish on Sunday. It means everything to me.

Last Run.

"You are in a relationship with running..."

Yesterday was a bad day in the relationship, today was better. After work (standing on my feet for seven hours has got to be good for healing) I headed over to my PT's office to run on the treadmill and then have him fit me in between his other patients. They worked on me today for free! My referral for an extension hasn't gone through yet. I really appreciated how hard he has worked to get me ready for race day. So today I showed up and ran on the treadmill for five miles. It was sort of weird running there, not that it doesn't have a somewhat gymish atmosphere, but because there is only one treadmill and the rest of the people there were either old or working. I was a little self conscious for the first 15 minutes but soon found my stride. He also watched my form and said that it had improved a lot from the first time they had analyzed it. After the run his assistant worked with me (massage, ultrasound, etc). Then I finally got my custom insoles! Wahoo! I'm excited. I have to break my feet in to wearing them, but they should help when I train for my next race.

Basically where I'm at right now is really in between. My leg hurts and I wish I had another few weeks to heal. The upside to all the downs during my training is that I have learned so much about myself, my body, nutrition, running, and training in general that I know next time will be a much difference experience. I also know that I can do anything I set my mind to.

Today was the last time I'll run before Sunday. It felt good. In fact it felt better while I was running then while I was cooling down or warming up (maybe I'll have to run the entire 13...). It boosted my confidence to run a little bit longer of a run, especially after yesterday's 1 miler. But if there is one thing I know for sure its that I need to go slow. Slower than I will want to go and MUCH slower than Ryan is going to want to go. I know my goal is just to finish, but I want to finish happy and excited for the challenge of another race. I'm hoping for very little pain but I'm not silly enough to think it wont be painful, a girl can dream.

These babies are the "master forms" for my insoles.
If anything happens to them they can recast them from these molds.

Have I shared this blog with you before? The No Meat Athlete  is an awesome site for runners, vegetarians and meat eaters alike. So many great tips and reviews. I'm glad my friend Nicole stumbled upon it and sent it on to me! I plan to use a lot of his tips when I start training for my next half. 

I don't call it a love/hate relationship for nothing. I know I complain A TON about running (unfair this, unfair that...blah blah blah) but I really do love it and want to continue on my journey to a full marathon someday.

Blah Blah Blah....

Sometimes you just have one of those days.

You know the one I mean.

What should have been one of my awesome energy filled days... just turned out blah.

When you wake up early for a run that turns out to be more of a walk... at least there was good conversation.

When you get work related text messages on your day off.

When your physical therapy appointment that started with a,"Now my left leg hurts, but a different kind of hurt."

Turns into, "I think you have a strained calf muscle."

Five days before my race.

Blah.

Blah.

Blah.

At least it ended like this:

My oldest brother Marcus is in town for a couple of days!
He lives on the other side of the mountains in Yakima.
I miss him like crazy! Its always so nice to have the whole fam together.

And maybe a bit of gluten in the form of a chirro (somethings you just can't say no to ever, as you can tell from the blurro blurry photo, I was trying to get a photo before anyone snagged one and my brothers are quick).

ok and maybe this.... 

And since last night ended with this...
I think no more sweets for me (now that I'm re-addicted)!
Those extra 5 chocolate pounds aren't gonna make running 13.1 miles with a strained calf and two sore shins any easier thats for dang sure!
Oh! and did I mention that it is supposed to be over 70 degrees on Sunday?!
Not my ideal running weather but its better than 30 and windy. 

Lets look on the bright side..... I get to go to sleep now! :)