LET IT BE

Yup, my life's motto keeps reminding me that it is such a good motto. Just let it be. There seem to be a zillion little reminders lately that I'm not in charge. That I need to be patient, and not push too hard. There are some very significant changes coming my way...

Everything is for the best. Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes things are taken from us to remind us to hold on loosely.

Fairhaven Waterfront 15K is looming ahead! September 12! I better get on it. I've been running, pretty progressively, and I'm still loving it. I'm loving the stress release for me, the weather, and the feeling of accomplishment. I'm just waiting not so patently for the runner's body to come with it.

NEW DOG...OLD TRICKS

Can I get an Amen for total slacking?

...NO?


Damn you!


Well, running is still commencing, just at a less consistant rate. Boooo me! I could go on and on about all my awesome excuses, but those hold no water. Point being. I suck ass.

I feel like I'm training all over again. I've been working on my speed, which currently is a little less than snails pace. I still feel like a total moron when I run, and the visual of Pheobe on Freinds is still pretty fitting. But my speed is getting way better! I did an awesome (for me) 9 minute mile (best time ever) last week. But I can really only keep that pace for ONE MILE!

I've learned that I am just WAY too busy to run at night. With the tempatures being in the effing 90's (not complaining, I freakin loved it) last week I couldn't really run at night without getting heat stroke. My answer to this conundrum is to run in the morning. I'm talking like getting up at 5:30 a.m. (on purpose) to lace up my sneaks and run. I did managae to do it once this week. I am planning on doing in again tomorrow morning. And now that I posted it in writing, I HAVE TO do it!

My great friend Melissa is holding me accountable. =) We are doing some 5Ks in August which will be super fun...trust me running is fun!

GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT

So, since I am a glutton for punishment, I signed up for another run. This one sounds SUPER fun to me. It's the Fairhaven 15K. It starts at Boulevard Park (one of my favorite places in the world) and goes to downtown Bellingham and back. It's 9.3 miles, which kinda seems like a cake walk to me... hee hee. Not even a little. It will still be challenging but do-able. Info and sign up for this run are at www.fairhavenrunners.com. I'd love the company!

I've taken a little week long hiatus from running as last week was kinda crappy out. I need to get out there this week and pound some pavement! I'm currently working on my speed. I've got a little of the endurance down, so now I have to work on running like a runner, and not some social derelict who is "attempting" to look like a runner.

I'm currently reading The Complete Book of Running for Women By Claire Kowalchick. I'm LOVING this book. Not too far into it, but it's full of tips.

I just finished Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running by Dagny Scott Barrios. Pretty good book. Informative and what not. It has a few different training schedules, and illustrations of stretches and some strength training moves.

I also LOVED The Non-Runners Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On With Your Training by Dawn Dais. This book was super funny. She has a very dry, and cynical sense of humor with totally resonated with me.

So, if you need some great reading and training tips all of these books are great reads!

FIRST HALF MATATHON 2:46:38

Well, Alayna and I completed our first Half Marathon in Seattle on June 27, 2009! We were blessed to be apart of the Inaugural Rock and Roll Half Marathon! 13.1 miles. Yes, we are slightly crazy, and gluttons for punishment. But now I can mark that goal off of my "to do before 30" list.
My time wasn't as good as I wanted it to be, but let's just say I was ill prepared for the hills. The down hill of about 5 city blocks killed my right knee, which has given me problems in the past. But all bitching aside, I DID IT!!! Today is the first day that I can walk normal, I'm no longer aching all over. I was a little surprised at how sore my entire body was. But, I will do another one. I'd love to do the Rock and Roll one again next year. I'm still planning on the Run Wild 5K at Northwest Trek with my friend Melissa in September. That will be a fun one=) And a 5K might seem like a cake walk for me now=)

LITTLE LIFE SAVERS!

These are the Cliffs Shot Bloks! My little mile 5 life savers! I tried the orange ones with the Caffeine yesterday on my 8 mile run. AWESOME! I had such great energy, and the weather was just perfect (not too hot, not too cold) I felt like I could go forever. That is until mile 6.5 when my knee really started hurting. I think I need to ease into the longer runs.

New shoes are totally KICK ASS!! LOVE THEM! And they are super cute and orange and all aero dynamic and stuff.

Also, I start every run with an Emergen-C, either on my way home from work in the car, or a quick shot before lacing up the sneaks. I truly think they work wonders. Even on those days when I'm totally draggin ass, they are the perfect pick me up.

I've ordered 2 new running books. I'd like to learn what I'm supposed to eat for best results before and after the race. You know, the important stuff. Also, hoping to get a few more races in this year. There is a big one in Bellingham that I'd like to do, I think it's 12 miles. And I'm going to the the NW Trek Run Wild in September! If you know of any more races, let me know.

ON A MISSION, AND I'M WISHIN', SOMEONE COULD CURE THIS LONELY CONDITION

These are the totally kick ass new sneaks I picked up from Fairhaven Runners today! Let me tell you, if you need running or walking shoes, this is the place to go! The awesome Marisa had me walk across the store, and she watched my walk, how I placed my foot, and the arches. She said I was "pretty normal" (told you guys!!!) She then asked what I'd be using the shoes for, (marathon running) and asked what shoes I currenlty own. Nike air+ Bowerman series (which I LOVE). She picked out 5 pairs for me to try. I got to run around on the sidewalk outside. (felt a little funny in my work clothes, and "sensable shoes") And I fell in love with these. I'm going to give them a whirl tonight with a little 8 mile jaunt.

I also picked up some Cliffs Shot Bloks. These fun little pieces of gummy goodness are electrolyte chews with caffeine that are supposed to give you a little boost on longer runs. I will also try out these bad boys tonight and let you know the verdict. Picked up some sweet socks too-trust me, VERY IMPORTANT!

So, T-minus 12 days and counting till the big Run. 13.1 miles from Tukwila to Seattle. I get to run on I-90 without having my car break down! That's exciting. Me and Alayna might be dragging each other across the finish line. And let me tell you, we are going to celebrate like ROCK STARS that night!

YOUR ANSWER IS THREEVE...SUCK IT TREBECK

Running is going along swimmingly. I've been keeping up (for the most part) with my weekly jaunts. I have to do 7-8 miles on Saturday, kinda freaking out about that one, but I'm sure I'll be fine. I'm still borrowing my friend Wade's running mantra "Not dying, Can't quit" which seems to be working out pretty well for me. I've also learned that running on streets where people I know might drive by, makes me run harder and faster, and longer. I mean, how dorky would it be to be walking and/or crawling down the road if someone I knew was passing by? answer: TOTALLY DORKY!

Now that the running and exercise seem to be in place, I HAVE to get better about my eating habits. The weight isn't "falling" off like it first did. And low and behold, a good 15 lbs of the first 25 have crept back on. DAMN IT! Totally my fault. I got cocky and thought I could just eat what ever I wanted to and as long as I ran a few miles, it wouldn't even count. I've also learned that 'calorie free' means "here, have a bunch of calories...for free!!"

So, today, my buddy Debbie and I have stated that we would help each other. I always need someone to hold me accountable. So, after today (one last hurrah) I will be starting a food journal and writing down EVERY SINGLE THING I put in my mouth. I will be logging how often I run and or exercise in general. I'm hoping this will jump start some more lbs falling off.

WISH ME LUCK!! Also, any tips you may have are greatly appreciated!!