It's 80% mental

Half #10...Who woulda thought??

2011-04-18T08:35:00.034-05:00

TCBG (The Charlie Brown Gang) made a trip to Lawrence, KS on April 16, 2011 and conquered either the half marathon or the 5K on April 17, 2011. My good friend Ken Childress (AKA Pig Pen) already posted a great blog about the run itself, but I thought I would post about the adventure.

First, everyone is asking how on earth we all became "TCBG". Here's the story to the best of my recollection:

As you have read before Pat and I began kind of running together back a couple of weeks before the Tulsa Run 15K, which takes place in late October. Pat has a tendency to "milk" his woes when someone pushes him to his true capabilities. So I would always say "poor Pat", which then got shortened to PP. Pat wasn't too fond of PP, but said that his mom always called him that. So then I thought you can be Peppermint Patty!! This is how it all began. I originally wanted to be Sally because it starts with S like Sandra, but Pat said I wasn't as sweet and kinda as Sally...okay he didn't really say that, but he said I fit Lucy much better. And since Lucy is the one that sets up her booth "The Doctor is In," and I'm still very proud of finishing my degree I have owned the nickname "Lucy".

When Dana started running with us, in our Elite Covert Running Group, we had to give her an appropriate TCBG nickname...since she is such a sweet caring person, we immediately dubbed her "Sally". Once Lawrence was close, we knew we needed to find good nicknames for Ken and Paula. Everyone has to admit that "Pig Pen" is extremely appropriate for TZ, as he is the trail zombie who would rather play on the dirty trails any day of the week. With Paula, we wanted to pick someone who hung with Peppermint Patty, so we named her "Marcie," who is Peppermint Patty's best friend and affectionately calls Peppermint Pat "Sir". I doubt we will be hearing Paula call Pat "Sir" but you get the idea :).

Okay, so our adventure begins at my house at 8:30 Saturday April 16, 2011. Pat has major control issues with cars and driving so he "volunteered" to drive and since the 5 of us could all fit in his car alright we let him. I have a tendency to get car sick, so Dana and Ken bought me my own steering wheel so I could be a "front seat driver".

I had great fun with my new toy. I let Pat borrow it while he let me drive his car around different parts of Lawrence. We made it to just north of Owasso and it was time to get some coffee and fill up the tank of gasoline so we could make the entire way to Lawrence.

We made a couple of other potty stops on the way up, but for the most part we just trekked on up to get to the home of the Jayhawks. Once we got to Lawrence we went to my all time favorite Mexican restaurant, El Mezcal. It was so super yummy!! After that we went and checked into our hotel and headed off to pick up our race packets. Pat was now officially the keeper of a half marathon race number and chip.

After that it was time for a tour of Lawrence! You can't go to Lawrence, KS without visiting the Phog Allen Field House.

I took a close-up picture of the gang with the statue of James Naismith:

We visited the Booth Athletic Museum...amazing stuff in there:

The original "Pay Heed" sign..there is still one in the Field House

What Marcus Morris' locker looks like:

The Original Jayhawk mascot costume:

The had hand prints, foot prints, and "wing spans" of some former KU basketball players, it's quite amazing how big these guys and gals are:

TZ once caught a fish "This Big"!!

And of course the National Basketball Championship Trophies:

After looking around the Museum, I took the gang to the place where I got married: The Lawrence Visitor Center. It is still a very beautiful place, and we even got to witness one of the freight trains passing through. There are about 100 trains that pass through Lawrence every day. We decided to get a picture with all of us in it:

Then we went to Downtown Lawrence. Downtown Lawrence is just a great place to hang out. We went and visited Sunflower Bike Shop, Jocks Nitch, a T-shirt shop (I don't remember the name), Wyldeberry Wines (I highly recommend the Elderberry Sweet Wine), and Brown's Shoe Store. Then I decided to take the gang to see where Boca was born and meet Boca's family. So we took a trip to Ozawkie, KS (TATUR Dave) has family here too. It was great fun. Here's Boca's canine mom and dad:

Dad "Lovey"

Mom "Mocha"

Then it was time to get some dinner. We went to a Lawrence favorite Italian restaurant: Paisano's. One of the 2 high schools was having their prom, so we were worried we would have a long wait, the 25 minutes the hostess told us, turned out only to be like 5 minutes. It was great. They have the best bread sticks anywhere!!! I was trying to get a picture of Ken and Dana, they tried to do a kissy face picture, but I snapped just after the kiss..Dana's face was just too priceless not to post it:

So of course I was nice and took a second one:

Then I captured Pat and Paula as well:

The rest of the TCBG had calamari as an appetizer it seemed to work well for all of them as a prerace food:

Then it was back to the hotel for some rest. I slept great! Race morning was great! A little chilly but perfect. Here are the Race photos I have to share: TZ has a much more detailed report on the run itself.

At the end of the run with one of my favorite Lawrence buddies Krista!! It was her 2nd half!!

Once the run was completed, we headed back to the hotel, took showers, ate at Culvers Frozen Custard: Home of the Butterburger, and hit the road. Here are 2 pictures to commemorate the ride home:

I never would have thought 4 years ago when I began running that I would get to the point that I could say I've completed 10 half-marathons, but I have indeed done so. This trip was not at all about it being my 10th half, but rather an opportunity to do something that I enjoy doing with friends that also enjoy doing the same thing...all in the name of fun and good times!!

"Believe in Yourself"

2011-02-06T08:07:00.004-06:00

Well I am in 2 months into "Spring Training". Yesterday's run consisted of 8 miles. I have been in that running slump lately. Not really looking forward to running and just kind of trudging through it. My running partner Pat has continued to have issues with his shin. Doctors still don't know what's going on...they tell him it's not a stress fracture, but who knows. I enjoyed a mini "work vacation" to Orlando a couple weeks ago. I went with the best intentions to get on the treadmill and at least walk 2 days while I was there. It didn't happen. I did spend one day walking around Universal Studios. I needed the time away and with a very dear friend.

I really forget how little people here in Tulsa know about me. When I moved back to Tulsa, I was hoping for a clean slate and a fresh start. If only that were really possible. We always carry our pasts with us, good, bad and ugly. So I am going to share some of my history related to running and just things in general...

Where to begin...I guess where things were meaningful to me. Once I graduated from college, which despite what people thing was no easy feat. I knew I wanted to try to leave Tulsa again. I originally went to the University of Connecticut as a computer science engineering major. It was not the field for me. I wound up in an icky car accident that screwed up my right knee cap pretty bad and caused me to transfer to TU so that I could go through rehab here with doctors I was familiar with rather than return back to UConn. Anyway, I took a job in San Antonio, TX. I really loved living there. I was quite nervous to be "out on my own", no family there and didn't know anyone going in. I managed. I Believed in myself that I would be fine. I loved my job. I worked with some fantastic people. I had fun. I tried new things. I began my weight loss journey. Okay here comes the embarrassing information. In 2000 I joined weight watchers for the first time. I hadn't been on a scale in a long time and was just absolutely disgusted with myself. When I weighed in that first time I was 295 pounds. I went home after that first meeting very determined and allowed myself to cry and cry and cry. I had a good friend I worked with who talked about taking kickboxing. So I started kickboxing class at a martial arts studio. I to this day, love love love kickboxing. Sadly, I haven't ever found a kickboxing place the same as down in San Antonio. With the support of many friends and just a really positive attitude, I lost about 70 pounds. Then Spring Break 2001 happened. I met Eli, the now ex-husband. We dated long distance for over a year and then I moved to Lawrence, KS.

It is very hard to move somewhere else for someone else when you really love where you live and your job. Finding a job in Kansas was not easy either. I wound up taking a job that allowed me the opportunity to experience working in long term care facilities. I traveled 100 miles a day and visited 4 nursing homes every day. The money was decent, but I hated my job. The patients were great, but always hurrying to get to the next location and lots and lots of time in the car well it wasn't for me. So after 6 months, I began exploring other employment opportunities in KS. I then took a job at St. John Hospital in Leavenworth. I was the only speech pathologist at this hospital. It was nice because I was pretty much on my own, but at the same time it was tough because I was pretty much on my own. I learned so much in this job, but again I didn't love going to work everyday. It provided me good background in the medical aspect. So, back on the job market I went (feeling like a complete floundering fish). Then I got back into the school system in Olathe, KS. My job was okay, but well... I just felt frustrated.

Then, on a whim, I thought well I will apply to get my ph.d from KU since after all I was living in Lawrence. I made this decision during the spring of 2004...2 years after I moved to Lawrence. I had gotten married and tried to settle in life, but it just was not going well. I was accepted to KU, which floored me because it's the 4th ranked program in speech pathology. I worked part-time during my first year back in school and worked part-time at KU to get my tuition waved. This was so stressful and much harder than anyone could possibly imagine or have prepared me for. But I Believed in myself and got through it.

In the Fall of 2005, I applied to participate in a weight control research study through KU. I had gained weight back in trying to deal with all my life changes. I was accepted into the study. I met a great friend, Liz during participation in the study. I was a successful participant. I lost 17% of my weight and maintained it throughout the 6 month maintenance period. This is where "running" became a part of my life. In order to participate you had to do 150 minutes (no more no less) of exercise every week. I love to walk and be outside. So this is what I did. I walked 5 days a week for 30 minutes. When the study was getting close to ending in March 2006, I decided to sign up for a 5K to keep myself exercising after the study was done. My goal in April 2006 when I completed my first 5K was to be under an hour. I had started adding some running to my routine, but was not really comfortable with it. I completed my first 5K, the Raintree Run in 52:14. I was so happy. I Believed in myself and finished in under an hour. I then did a couple more 5K's and wasn't really progressing like I hoped. Then I got a brochure about a Running Camp for Women. So Summer 2006, I paid $180 for 8 weeks of coaching. It worked great the first 8 weeks. I built up my confidence and started to believe in myself as a runner. I then continued to run with the group (continuing to enroll in 8 week camp sessions). I participated in my first 10-K, the Crosstown run (you run from one high school in Lawrence to the other). It was not fun and I did indeed finish DEAD LAST. I think it really bothers me because they constantly say "I hope I'm not last" I just think my God you are out there trying...Who cares if you are last. Someone has to be, does that mean that we think less of that person who is last? I was proud to finish that 10-K. Did i feel embarrassed that I was DEAD LAST...of course. I had 2 choices, stop running and bury my head in the sand, or continue to try to improve myself.

On Valentine's Day 2007, I learned of my husbands infidelities. Talk about heartbreak on Valentine's day. I tried to forgive and move past it, but I just couldn't. I filed for divorce in May 2007. I then trained like mad for the Kansas City 1/2 marathon in November 2007. I started and finished the run. It was not by any means a positive experience for me. Could be that I didn't train as well as I could have. There were many more hills than I had anticipated, and the fact that I had only been running for a year or so, well I just wasn't mentally ready for that challenge. I stopped running after that half marathon.

Then in Spring 2008, I had completed all of my course requirements, oral comprehensive exams and written comprehensive exams. This put me at the status of "abd" in doctoral world we refer to this as "All But Done", but technically it means "all but dissertation". This allowed me to apply for some faculty positions. Turns out there was a position open at the University of Tulsa. I decided to apply.

My parents still lived in Sapulpa, a suburb of Tulsa and beyond that my grandmother was in Tulsa as well. She had Alzheimer's disease. It's a God awful disease and fortunately she kept her sense of humor and maintained her fun loving personality until the end. She died on January 31, 2011. As sad as it is that she is gone, I am so grateful that she no longer has to continue on the path of regression thanks to Alzheimer's. Anyway, I digress...

I was offered the job at the University of Tulsa and took it. I was excited about a real salary again. Living off of 15,000 a year and student loans to make ends meet and pay for a divorce and live well it sucks. So back to Tulsa I moved...

I knew there were still quite a few people I went to high school with who lived in the Tulsa area, but I hadn't been in touch with them since high school. I knew I would have to find a way to meet people. So, I remember what one of my college professors said: If you need to meet people join a church. Well, I am not a dedicated church goer, but I had heard about the free Runners World training group. I figured why not? I can still vividly remember going to my first "run" with the group on an August day in 2008. The bank clock said it was 105. There was one other new guy there...his name was Sam. I remember thinking okay what do I do a mile. I think I wound up doing 3...mostly walking mind you. Since that day...I have missed very few group runs. I have done 8 more half marathons for a total of 9 and 3 full marathons.

I have to take a step back from time to time and remind myself that this is a running group. It's not a group of best buds that meets. Granted there are close friends, even husbands and wives that come out, but in the whole it is a large group of people, getting larger by the year, of people who enjoy the same thing. I am thankful there is a group of people who enjoy running and walking.

Back to yesterday...my training calendar said 8 miles. There is 18" of snow on the ground. Driving around town was still too tricky for me to risk going to meet with the group. So I made the decision I would go to the University gym and at least get in 4 miles on the indoor track. It takes 8 laps to get in 1 mile.

As I started, I began to bargain with myself. "Okay Sandra if you get through 4 miles on the track you can do 2 on the treadmill then the last 2 on the track". Okay, go. So 4 miles in: 32 laps. I get a drink of water and think oh my goodness can I do 32 more laps. So back on the track I went. Bargaining again with myself. "Okay Sandra, get through 5 miles on the track and you can row on the row machine for the last 3 mile". Okay, go. And around and around I went. Then I started a serious self-talk session. I started thinking about if I were out running with someone else, I would believe in them and tell them that they could get through all 8 and that it didnt' matter how fast it was, only that they got their miles in. I would tell that person that speed will come with time and practice, but for today all that mattered was getting in 8. I would also tell that person that regardless of how long it took, once the 8 miles was done nothing would beat the sense of accomplishment. I was almost done with 6 miles by the time I finished this thought process. Then, I had to kick myself in the butt and say why would you say this to someone else and not believe in yourself! I was so irritated with myself, I have been so caught up in what others are doing and what others think. I'm an obnoxious person. My life in Tulsa hasn't turned out at all like I imagined as I moved back, but that's life right. I have to take steps back sometimes and keep things in perspective.

So I did it...I Believed in myself. Every lap, my legs were getting more tired. My pace was getting slower, but at the start of every lap I would just chant in my head "Believe in Yourself like you would in a friend or even a stranger". Low and behold I made it through all 8 miles. My legs were worn out, but ya know if I had been scheduled for 10 miles, I think I would have gotten in all 80 laps.

What's the point? Simple.
Regardless of what it refers to: Believe in Yourself!!

It is so easy to be the bad apple, much harder to find the perks that makes you the average apple as good as any others in the bunch.

Believe in yourself as you would believe in others...

One Month into "Spring Training"

2011-01-15T12:23:00.003-06:00

Well training with Runners World for a spring half marathon has been ongoing for 4 weeks as of today's run. My running partner, Pat, has been having some issues with his shin. Some speculated it was a stress fracture others speculated it was shin splints...regardless of what it is he has been in pain. Doing the smart thing, he has taken some time off of running. What does that have to do with anything? Well, I have gone back to my "running for the health of it" mentality. I am not pushing my pace, I am just enjoying the days. I know the weather has been a little chilly and sometimes downright cold, but well I like to be outside. I would rather bundle up and be outside than go into a gym and run on a treadmill. I am fortunate enough to have access to an indoor track at the University of Tulsa Collins Fitness Center, however it takes 8 laps to do 1 mile. So, outside I venture.

I have taken different strategies in my running endeavors. I have done some runs at a 1/1 (run/walk) interval, some at a 2/1 or even 3/1 interval, and have done some runs straight through. It's pretty funny, because regardless of how I run, I seem to maintain close to the same pace. So, I have gone back to my 1/1 intervals, because I'm comfortable with it, and actually have slightly improved average pace on a longer run.

It is so awesome to see so many people that were in the "Optimist" run group back out there. At one point during today's run there were 6 of us together again. It was Channing, Bryan, Cathie, Rhonda, Lea, and myself. Such great and uplifting people.

I have decided that I am training for the Route 66 full. Yes, I know that it is in November, and a new training session will start before then. I am on a mission. I really want to complete a full marathon in under 6 hours. I know that doesn't seem very quick at all. It means maintaining an average pace of 13:42/mile or less. I know...that seems slow...however after about mile 18 I plummet...I am going to do some halves here and there just to keep in that large group frame of mind and work on the mental aspects of running. As the title of my blog indicates..Running is 80% mental, and well I stink at the mental game, so I am learning new strategies to play better. So I am going to take 11 months to train for that full marathon. Then, to add fun into the mix...I am going to attempt the Goofy Challenge at Disney in 2012. I have said I was going to do this since I did the full marathon at Disney in 2010. I am so excited. My family is talking about going to support me. I think I have Pat suckered into doing the Goofy...yeah he says he's gonna just do the 1/2 marathon there, but I think I can talk him into it...I just want to do the Goofy for fun, not time...

Patty told me she is hoping to go back and do the Goofy Challenge again 2015 and if all works out well I would love to go then too!!

So for now here is my motto:

A big big thanks to Derek, Laurie, Bobby, Susan, Pat and Paula for pitching in at getting me this shirt while they complete different Disney runs...

I do want to share that my year of health is going decent. I am competing in the Runners World Big Loser challenge. The first week was great, I lost a total of 9.2 pounds. Now, I will confess that I "loaded" for the first weigh-in. I drank 100 ounces of water between noon and the weigh-in at 5:30. I have been attempting to workout for 2 hours every day. The first week, I was very successful at this. However, during this second week, classes at TU started and my schedule has been all out of whack. I am hoping it's just a "typical" week 2 and can get back on my hard core track next week. It is so great to be working towards a healthy life and lifestyle. I have to say the number of headaches I have had during the past 14 days has decreased dramatically!! I hope this pattern continues....

Happy Running to you all!!!

Another New Training Session

2010-12-23T21:23:00.002-06:00

On December 18, the spring 2011 training session for a marathon or half marathon began. I started experiencing some burn-out on the run training thing in late September, early October. I decided that after I completely my 3 half marathons in Fall 2010 that I would take a break from training during the Spring 2011.

Isn't amazing when plans get changed :). The long and short of it...a week or two prior to the Tulsa Run that happens around Halloween, I began doing some of my runs with a Mr. Pat McCracken. Pat's story is quite remarkable and inspiring. He just joined the Runners World Tulsa group on July 1. He has lost a ton of weight...but the awesome part...he's a super fast walker. I don't know when he started interval training, but well he began doing interval running with me. We made a pretty good duo.

As I reported earlier, I signed up for the Tulsa Run to be able to run with the Optimists...I wound up very sick with a migraine the morning of the run. I started it though...and made my way forward step by step. I saw Pat just about the 3K mark. So I ran to catch up with him and we ran the rest of the 9.3 miles together. It was great fun (except when he threatened to throw me off a bridge) and we finished strong.

Well...Pat and I have continued to run together. When announcements started going out about the Spring 2011 training session for the Oklahoma City half marathon, Pat asked if I was gonna be his coach. I laughed and told him how I had no desire to run in Oklahoma City and I was taking the training session off. He said oh no...we gotta do it together. I protested and protested. I already told Kathy that I didn't want to be a half-marathon run leader. I was looking forward to showing up and running whatever felt good that day. I offered to be a couch to 5K run leader, but not sure what is going to happen with that.

As I am sure many of you (if there are any of you) who read this can guess...I signed up for the half marathon training for Oklahoma City. Pat has a goal and wants the company and we are a pretty good running duo and can push each other I think. So then it was weird to be put in another run group. I have been a run leader since the Summer 2009. I was looking forward to not having to be "on" and have good runs and the pressures that I put on myself as a run leader. However, it is hard to be so easily replaced. I know bad thought, but that's how I felt...replaced.

Pat, of course helped cheer me up, and we came up with our "secret society," well it's not that secret. I know others have nick-named Pat, Princess, however...I have given him the nick name Peppermint Pat(ty), which of course goes along with Charlie Brown. So, one night in humor, we create "The Charlie Brown Gang", aka TCBG. I wanted to be "Super Sally," but I have been dubbed Lucy by Pat. Don't tell anyone, but Pat is really beginning to own his Peppermint Pattiness. Terrie had a great idea that we should provide peppermint patties and peanuts at every run. Not sure that will happen, but peppermint patties and peanuts will have to make appearances here and there.

So what does all this mean?

It means I am training with Pat for the half marathon in Oklahoma City on May 1. It means that I get to work on my inner-self during this run session. I think there are many out there that have the wrong idea and opinions about me (good and bad). I am a human being with reactions and emotions. I understand that I am too quick to respond and over-reactive most of the time and that I am hyper-emotional. I am hopeful that both of these character traits can be addressed, but also hope those that I consider true friends are indeed and support and encourage me throughout my process of self-improvement.

I have so much history of how I became me that so many people don't care to know or take time to find out. I can relate to my dog quite well in that it is a smart choice to be leery of people to begin with. I have put my complete trust and faith in 3 people in my life (outside of my family) and have been completely let down and somewhat abandoned that I don't really trust people. I know this is unfair...to some degree, but it is who I am...good, bad, or ugly. I have been in Tulsa only 2 1/2 years. I have 10 years prior to living here where life happened and occurred.

A new year is just around the corner, which means it's time for New Year's Resolutions. I have some this year (who doesn't). So I will share them:

1) Work at finding inner peace within myself again
2) Place in the top 5 of the Big Loser through Runners World Tulsa
3) Run OKC, having fun, and running well
4) Train for the Goofy Challenge in 2012 (half marathon on Saturday, full on Sunday)
5) Complete a marathon in 2011 (so I can keep up with doing at least 1 a year)

I think my first is the most important, for me and for others. However, I also know that it will be the most challenging, with the most hurdles. It is also the goal that I will need the most encouragement and outside support.

I feel it necessary to say: I am not typically a vengeful person. I am not hateful. I love to laugh...it's one of my favorite past times. I have a lot of hurt on the inside and don't have a good coping mechanism yet.

I am proud of my 2010 running accomplishments.
January 2010: Disney marathon
April 2010: Oklahoma City Marathon Relay (me, Ken Childress, Bobby Michaels, Susan
Michaels, and Linda Nicholson)
May 2010: Edinburgh, Scotland half marathon
September 2010: Women's Half Marathon, Nashville, TN
October 2010: Joplin Half Marathon, Joplin, MO
November 2010: Philadelphia Half Marathon, Philadelphia PA
December 2010: Race Into the New Year (at least I'm entered and that's the plan :))

I wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Blessed 2011.

3 1/2 marathons in 3 months..DONE

2010-11-23T07:40:00.003-06:00

I have successfully completed all my planned 1/2 marathons for the fall season. This past Sunday November, 21, 2010 I finished my third of three planned halves in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This gives me a total of 6 states I have run a half marathon in: Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. I have also run full in Florida (Disney).

There were 27,000 participants for the Philadelphia 1/2 and full marathons. The 2 events started together in wave style format. So although the race 'started" at 7:00 AM, I didn't hear the horn go off for my heat until 7:30. It was a very energized crowd. This was a beautiful run, and really it could not have been better weather. It was around 38 at 7, and warmed up to around 55 during the day. There was a very slight breeze and it was nice and sunny.

How did I wind up doing the Philadelphia half?? Well I am a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, and there is a national conference every year that takes place the week before Thanksgiving. This year the convention was taking place in Philadelphia. I had 2 graduate students who completed research and were accepted to be presenters. As their mentor this means that TU would pay for my trip to go as well. My colleague then told me they had their run on Sunday. So then I weighed the pros and cons of flying home late Saturday night and running the Route 66 in Tulsa with my run group, or taking a chance and running the 1/2 in Philadelphia and staying there one extra day. So I decided to try Philly.

I had psyched myself up that the course was going to be very hilly. I think I just associated Pennsylvania with the Appalachian Mountains. After putting over 20,000 steps on my pedometer Thursday, Friday and Saturday between conference sessions and sight seeing, I knew that it was going to be a pretty flat course. This made me feel more calm and relaxed. Here's a little about the course:

It started right by the Rocky statue at the Museum of Art. It was amazing it was very well organized and didn't feel like a herd of cattle in their given corrals dazed and confused. Everyone was very helpful and I had no problems finding my back of the pack starting area. At each wave send off they played the theme from Rocky. I managed to drop my driver's license at the start while I was getting my phone out of my pouch to take some pictures. I randomly here a lady yelling my name...I was so confused. So finally I"m like I'm right here...well she had found my license. So kind.

We headed down Ben Franklin Blvd...a very busy and well traveled street..they had closed the whole thing for this event...it's 6 lanes wide. Talk about having plenty of room to move and navigate through people. We headed through the "downtown" district..lots of hotels, by the Love statue, around a fountain, by Reading Market, by the National Constitution Center, the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall. This got us all the way to the Delaware River...we then followed the river for a bit then headed back towards the Museum of Art. On the way back we went by China Town, "Jeweler's District", the Philadelphia Zoo...a large park I don't remember the name of and finally onto a road very similar to Riverside in Tulsa. It followed the Delaware River and led back to the Museum of Art.

This was my worst 1/2 marathon ever. The course was fantastic, and the weather was great. I just wasn't mentally or physically in the game. At about mile 6, I had really bad stomach pains. Every time I tried to run, I thought I would hurl. So I decided to try to walk my quick walk pace, that didn't last long because then my knee that had been giving me a few issues started feeling not so good. So at about mile 7, I decided to approach the run as a walking tour of parts of Philly that I hadn't yet seen. My finish time was around 3:18. I was very glad to have finished. The crowd at the finish line had to be around at least 5000 people. I would highly recommend this run to anyone. Although in November the conditions in Philly, I would imagine would be quite variable. It was a nice flat fast course, with only 1 pretty noteworthy hill that had a huge reward downhill on the other side.

I am now going to take a running hiatus. Don't get me wrong I'm still gonna head out and run/walk, walk/walk, who knows. I am ready to be out of "training" mode for a bit.

Ahh...the Tulsa Run

2010-10-30T22:14:00.002-05:00

Well...this post is going to be rather short. I really had no interest in doing the Tulsa Run. However, I am going to miss the Route 66 Half Marathon with my training group "The Optimists," so I signed up for the Tulsa Run. My running seems to be getting worse rather than better, but I am still pretty consistent. So Tulsa Run 15K here I come....

Woke up this morning, with a pretty bad headache. I have been going to a new doctor trying to figure out why I am having such severe migraines lately. He put me on new medicine and it has really seemed to help, but this morning it was like times of ol'. I took 2 of my less intense prescribed medication and headed downtown so that I wouldn't have to fight for parking. Once I got to downtown, I knew I had to get out of my car and had to walk around or I was going to get really sick. Since I was going to be parking downtown, I only took my driver's license and $5. I didn't have my purse with me with all my medication in it. I definitely went downhill from there. I felt horrible. I was so nauseous. I visited the porta-potty 3 times. This was so much more than nerves. I couldn't regulate my temperature. It was chilly out, but parts of me were burning up, it was not a good scene. After the 5K started at 8:30 I knew we had 30 minutes til the 15K time. I had seen some of the other Optimists roaming around, but I was telling myself that I wasn't even going to start running this race. I felt horrible. The back of my head was splitting. I was so nauseous I had no food in my stomach...it was not a good scene.

Some of my graduate students were at the event to participate in the fun run. It was so awesome to see them, I just wish I had been feeling better. I was so hoping to get a great picture of all the optimists...perhaps at the Mock 1/2 marathon next weekend. I decided I would start the run and if I felt horrible at the 1K marker I would DNF. I haven't ever DNF'd, but I was at about 15% health wise and I didn't care. I started with some Optimists that I run with most Saturdays. I think they lost me in the first 5 minutes...I was moving though and wasn't throwing up so I figured that was good.

I kept moving...and didn't really watch my time...I was just about getting it done. I was so excited when I turned the corner at Utica to head down 21st and saw Pat. I thought I'm gonna catch him and he and I are gonna conquer this together. It was going to be his longest distance to date and I was just going to be grateful if I could get all of the distance in.

We completed the last 11K together. He claims to hate me because I pushed his comfort zone a bit, but I'm okay with that. Because I know that deep down he has earned more respect for himself for allowing me to push him a little. We finished the run in 2 hours 8 minutes. I have heard through the grapevine that Pat just wanted to finish in under 2 hours and 30 minutes....GO PAT!!! Without Pat, I seriously might have DNF'd at Veterans' Park (around the 6K maker). Fortunately, at around the 8K marker the throbbing in my head lessened and I wasn't nearly as nauseous...So the run is in the books.

I was not a great run leader for the Optimists, however...they were taught well and were successful entirely on their own!!!

3 Weeks, 2 Half Marathons

2010-10-12T07:51:00.019-05:00

Okay, hopefully you have a few minutes to read this entry. I have included a lot of pictures because they say a picture is worth a thousand words. I started training for the fall season with the goal of completing 3 half marathons. The first would be in September, the Women's Running Magazine half marathon series in Nasvhille, TN. It took place on September 25, 2010. I have to say that if the expo had been a little more spread out, besides Disney, it would have been one of the best expo's I attended. With it being a run that targeted women, it was a girl's paradise. On paper,the course looked nice and flat. Can you tell I hadn't been to Nashville before?

My good friend Terrie Broomhall and I went on this adventure together. After toying with driving or flying, we decided to fly. I highly recommend this...it made the trip home much better. After looking at everything we also decided to rent a car rather than take cabs around the town. We wound up with a Chevy Aveo...when we were in downtown Nashville looking for a parking spot, I was so glad to have a small car to squeeze into one of the spots. We were also glad that we had plates that said we were from Ohio, so people behind us would know we had no clue where we were going or how we were going to get there.

After Terrie and I checked into the hotel,we headed towards downtown Nashville and the Renaissance Inn where packet pick-up and the expo were being held. We spent about an hour at the expo. I bought a great running skirt from the skirt sports booth. Then we decided to stroll the streets of downtown in search for food and just fun exploration. Elvis was everywhere, so I had to stop and get my picture with him.

We ate dinner at the Hard Rock in Nashville. My nachos were delicious!!! I have to tell you that downtown Nashville is loads of fun. We found a great corner popcorn stand that sold vanilla popcorn covered in white chocolate. Yes it really is as good as it sounds! Terrie got caramel corn that was covered in both white and milk chocolate. As we continued walking down 2nd street, we saw Coyote Ugly. If the bouncer hadn't told us that it was happy hour who knows if we would have gone in. He asked both Terrie and I for our IDs we laughed...and Terrie and him got into a discussion about how many people ask "are you serious?" at your job. It was entertaining. I didn't have a single beer at the Coyote Ugly...if I go back I'm totally having a beer and getting on the bar. There was a group of older individuals (I would guess 60s) that did get on the bar and the bartenders were well just flat out entertaining. I had to get a couple of pictures in Coyote Ugly.

After leaving Coyote Ugly we wound our way back to our car. We stopped at all the fun sounding bars and updated facebook so that all of our friends were thinking we were bar hopping. Not so, we were back in our hotel by 8:30. I would like to go hang out in downtown Nashville sometime though. I am not a big drinker, but think it would be fun!

Race morning came nice and early, but we were both pumped and ready to go. We had both tried on and laid out our running gear the night before. However, race morning revealed that Terrie had brought some Awesome sunglasses that were so appropriate for our location. So we decided to take a photo of looking "calm, cool, and collected" before heading out to the race start.

The start and finish line for this race were at the Country Music Hall of Fame. I honestly didn't even notice the building until I was crossing the start line. There were a lot of people at this run. I read later in a newspaper article that the race had 5013 entries and around 4800 finishers. Getting into the starting corrals reminded me a lot of Oklahoma City...silly gates set-up everywhere so you were supposed to go all the way to the end and then walk back up the corrals to your designated number (we were #4). Well I decided to visit the potty facilities and didn't get out of them until 5 minutes before the start. So I did what any good Tulsa runner would do...I hopped the fence. We literally got in the corral area just as they started the run. I couldn't believe how much pink was in this run. It was definitely different being in a run that was made up of 99% women.

The start was pretty crowded and the street was pretty narrow. It was difficult to navigate around people, but I managed. At the 1/2 mile marker we turned and began heading up the first of many hills for this run. The hill lasted for about a mile maybe even a mile and half. It was one of those nice graduate incline, nonstop hills. I was in a groove though. I used my interval method and did a 1/1. I was hoping to do a 2/1, but I saw the hills and thought...nope you will be more consistent if you do a 1/1. Just past the first mile marker this building was on the left:

I laughed and thought oh boy if we have to pass this building by mile 1 what else is to come. I have to say that I really enjoyed all of the scenery along the course. I, like everyone else, wish there were fewer hills, but I would do this event again. We went through a beautiful park and on the "other side" of it...I was back in Greece. They had a miniature Parthenon...with the sun hitting it, it was quite beautiful.

After we went through the park, it was about mile 5, we started an out and back portion of the event. This actually picked up my mood a bit. I liked seeing other people. I liked the fact that we were going downhill. It was about a 1/2 mile until I really started thinking about the fact I was going to have to go back up this hill. It was amazing though so many people so close together.

a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zjpHTuulh6k/TLRbKrXMQpI/AAAAAAAAAZg/UD-FUuAneh4/s1600/TNBLog9.jpg">

I did pretty well on the mental game during this run. I was dealing with an extraordinary amount of pain in my right Achilles tendon and just really tried to focus on the environment and seeing the sights around me. I have to say that I think Vanderbilt has a beautiful campus. As I hit Mile 10, it was so funny....I could hear Bobby joking...only a 5 left and then literally I come upon this sign in the Music District:

So nice to train with so many people that can trigger so many memories along any given run. When I hit Mile 11 it was so frustrating, because it was one of those moments that you could see the finish line, literally but then had to turn a corner. I saw this building and was hoping that aliens would pick me up in their flying saucer and take me to the finish line without having to do the 2 miles through downtown.

Alas, no aliens helped me to the finish, I did it all on my own. The last 2 miles consisted of going around Titan stadium and up and over a fairly large overpass. I have read many reviews of the run, and there are a lot of complaints of having a large hill at mile 12.5. I didn't know any different and well a race course is a race course. The end of this race was amazing. There was a huge crowd, and the best part was when we crossed the finish line we had members of the military actually put the finisher medals around our necks. I thought that was a great touch!!

This was a very memorable run for me. It made me feel empowered. I did well in the mental game on this run, but not so great on the physical part as I had extreme pain in my right leg. I was so happy to finish under 3 hours. It wasn't pretty but a finish is a finish. Anyone that knows me will know that this table in the finisher's area just made me grin:

They had mentioned in the race packet information that there was going to be a cookie booth and low and behold there was!!! I only ate 2 cookies....but they were yummy!! I enjoyed this run. There are things that need to be tweaked (like with most events) but I would definitely go back and do it again. I think I am going to try to do the Women's Running Magazine women's half in Tempe Arizona next November.

The 2nd run I had planned for this fall was the Joplin half marathon which was being held the same day as the Mother Road Marathon. It was a unique event, we started in Baxter Springs, KS and ended in Joplin, MO. The funny part about this run, to me personally is the end was in Schifferdecker park. If you go look at my Free Wheel reports...it also ended in Schifferdecker park. It was great because I knew the area, but it was bad because I knew the area was hilly. On the website, they indicated that the course was "flat and fast" I just laughed and said no way. So at least I was prepared for the hills along the course. This run took place on 10/10/10.

We had to load a bus from the finish line to take us to our start line. The starting line for this 1/2 marathon was in Baxter Springs, KS. It began at the "Field of Dreams." I guess the race coordinators lived the dream..."If you build it they will come." My understanding is there were a little over 800 people scheduled to do the 1/2 marathon. A decent sized crowd without being overwhelming.

I thought it was awesome that the Baxter Springs High School Jazz Band came out at 7 AM to play some great music to entertain runners before the event.

The only big problem with the starting line, was the number of porta-potties. This picture shows the lines for the potty. No kidding...

When it was finally time to "line up," I began walking to the start and wound up behind this guy with an Oklahoma City Land Runner shirt....I had no problem with that. Check out his shoes!!! Seriously...this dude ran the 1/2 in sandals....wow!!

Then as I was collecting myself...I saw Brian Stanton at the Start.....he had a great run...finishing in under 2:05.

This was not my greatest of halves. It could have been. Physically I have never felt better during a half marathon. I had some Achilles pain for the first mile and then it was gone. My legs felt great! I had a stellar quarter marathon. I am not sure what happened at mile 7. I made it up the big hill at mile 5 without any big deal. I did a 2/1 interval for this run. I was doing great. Then....whamo...I gave up on myself. It is definitely one of those runs, I wish I was running with someone who could have helped me pull myself through that wall. It was dumb...I finished in under 3, but I think I could have easily finished in under 2:50 had I not decided to walk the last 5 miles. Yup that's right...I walked the entire last 5 miles because time wise I knew I could and still finish in under 3 hours. I am quite disappointed that I did not win the mental game when physically I was doing so great. It was awesome to see so many familiar faces at the end of the run....We are all proud of medals...

I think this event was well done for the first time it was put on as well. My next half marathon will be in Philadelphia on the same day that the Tulsa Rte 66 run. I hope I can pull it all together. The world of a runner ebbs and flows...I am afraid I am in an ebbing section and am trying to push throw so that I can get into a better flow section again...

Another 1/2 Marathon just 2 Weeks AWAY!!!

2010-09-11T08:27:00.004-05:00

I am so pumped and excited to be going to Nashville, Tennessee in just 2 short weeks to run my first Women's half marathon. It will add another state to my 1/2 marathon completed states. So far, I have run a 1/2 marathon in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Scotland. I know, Scotland doesn't technically count as a state, but it's still really cool to have run a 1/2 marathon there. I have scheduled myself for 3 half marathons this fall, all in different states. If I am successful, I will add Tennessee, Missouri, and Pennsylvania to my 1/2 marathon list. The Women's half marathon series is noted for their unique 2 in 1 medals. I do have to admit that I am totally stoked for the medal around my neck.

My training has been really hit and miss so far this training season. I have had runs where I felt like an absolute superstar and runs where I have felt like sludge, and I would have been better on the couch. Running is such a tricky thing. It is completely individual, but yet we like to do it in groups. It is something that should involve self-accomplishments, but we always want to know finish times. It truly is a sport that involves a lot of mental discipline and toughness. This is an area that I waiver in often. Most of the time, I think I am pretty strong mentally, and then when I break down, man do I ever break down. I don't just slide down the hill, I roll/tumble/fall to the complete bottom. So every climb back to where I was "before" is always tricky and unstable for a period of time. I am ready to do the half marathon mentally. It has a 4 and a half hour time limit, so it really appears to be a beginner friendly race. I wish I still didn't perceive myself as a beginner, this will be my 6th half marathon, but I do. I just hope physically everything works out for me. I am still doing interval running. I hope to expand beyond this during the spring season. I really want a running coach that will help me grow and develop into a stronger more secure runner, if that's possible. For the fall, and the 3 scheduled half marathons, I plan on using intervals. The specific interval times I am not sure of yet, I will wait and see how I feel on that particular day.

I am finally getting myself back to some state of healthy. My achilles tendons on both sides seem to be hanging in there, and my back is finally starting to feel better. I have really enjoyed getting to run with a variety of people, and hope my training continues to go well.

Many of the Optimists will run double digits (10 miles) for the first time next Saturday. I am so excited for them. I should have a cut back week, but may run all 10 miles, just to share in their experiences (although many of them are faster than me). Time will tell. I will keep logging the miles and keep heading out for my jaunts. Don't worry I will be sharing my Nashville 1/2 marathon with everyone!!!

A 5K PR and Terrible Run All Together

2010-08-08T09:32:00.003-05:00

I have no pictures to contribute to this entry, so just bear with me.

I decided to participate in the Route 66 "Double" challenge on August 7th. This event involved completing a 5K and a Quarter marathon back-to-back. Not back-to-back days but as soon as you cross the finish line of the 5K you then proceed immediately to the start line of the quarter marathon. So in total the distance would be 9.65 miles. I was game. My half marathon training group was scheduled to do 7 miles for the training run that day, and well I have a half marathon coming up in September and need to make sure I am ready to give that my best shot.

Well....then I got myself in trouble in the mental game. I tried to tell myself over and over it was just a 10 miles training run (that would be a little short). One of my dear friends lost their daughter earlier in the week and the Celebration of her life was scheduled for 10 AM on the same day. The 5K started at 7:30. It was very important for me to be at the life Celebration of Lilian Grace as I had been privileged enough to meet her in person and hang out with her and watch some Nick Jr. So Friday night my head got to spinning around whether I should bail out of the event entirely, run just the 5K, run just the Quarter. So I was calculating times in my head. I decided that I would complete the Double, because I think Lily would have been okay with that.

So, I tried to do the "right" thing Friday night. I ate a well balanced meal with a few extra carbs. I went to bed around 9:15 to try to get a good night's sleep. However, going to bed and going to sleep are 2 different things. I tossed and turned and tossed and turned. I couldn't get my brain to shut off. I was thinking a lot about Lily. I was thinking that the last time I did an official timed 5K was about 18 months ago. I was thinking about what I thought I could do if I was having a great run day. I was thinking, thinking, thinking. I finally went to sleep around 11:30ish, only to wake up around 1:15AM having a panic attack. My stomach was churning itself inside out, my head was throbbing, I was sweating and cold, I was a mess. So I got out of bed, took some medicine for my anxiety and got comfy in the recliner in the living room to try to get some sleep. I was able to rest for a bit and then go lie back down in bed without feeling like I was going to vomit at any time. The alarm went off at 4:50 so I could go meet up with the Optimists who were doing the regular training run. It was a very short night, and I was still a bit squimish and not feeling quite right. I woke up making the decision that I would shoot for a 5K PR. My previous 5K personal record was 37:04. I knew that I was becoming a better runner. So again WRONG mind game to play!!

I had fun sending off the Optimists that met with the training groups. It was then time to head to the start/finish area of the Rt 66 Double event. I enjoyed seeing all the people that were getting ready to complete their first 5K. My mood had perked up and I was like let's go! I saw some of the Optimists that were going to do the Quarter. They were pretty nervous and excited. I was pretty nervous and excited too. Then it was time, the gun went off. I was off with my trusty Gym Boss beeper. I decided to do a 2/1 for the first mile (to warm up) and then try to do a 3/1 for the rest of the 5K to go for that PR. Well I did what I tell everyone not to do (fortunately I caught myself) but I took off with everyone...started my Garmin..started my Gymboss...and then kept running through the beeps that were telling me it was time for a walk break. Finally about a 1/2 mile in, I was like "Sandra you need to run this like you train...listen to the beeper...get on the plan..." So I begin walking at the next beep. I alternated from a 2/1 to 3/1 after every walk minute. I was feeling good, I was feeling strong. It was great to see some familiar faces at the water stops. As I turned the corner and saw the finish line, I then saw a whole slew of Runners World friends cheering everyone on ....I was in great spirits...I knew my time was going to be decent. As I neared the finish line, I noticed the clock had just clicked to 36 minutes...I was stoked..I knew that I was about midway through the pack and I was going to beat my PR! It was a great feeling. I crossed the finish line, stopped my Garmin and hit the reset button without even looking at the time. I was then told to walk around the tents to get to the start of the Quarter. This is when everything went downhill for me....

As I was walking through the tents to get to the Quarter marathon start, I realized I really didn't want to do it. I mean I did, but I knew that I gave a lot of effort on the 5K and that getting through the Quarter was going to be a challenge. My mental status won over my physical abilities. I should have been able to complete that quarter even after the 5K without a lot of struggle. I mentally planned to do a 1/1 interval on the quarter because I knew I was going to try to run the 5K hard. I couldn't do it. Okay, yes physically I could, but mentally I couldn't. I started worrying about not making it to Lily's Celebration. I started worrying about being an embarrassment to my group. I started letting myself getting into my own head. It is somewhat ironic that at the 1/2 mile mark of the quarter (the same spot I realized I needed to stop running on the 5K) I made the decision that I was going to walk the quarter as fast as I could. I let the mental game get in the way of physical abilities. So I ran parts of the quarter here and there, but it was lousy. I feel lousy about my performance. They didn't have any more medals by the time I finished, I was like very appropriate, because my effort on the event wasn't really worthy of a medal.

As the title of my blog indicates, Running is 80% mental...and that mental game kicked my butt on the quarter. I am glad that I got a new PR for a 5K (official posted time: 35:59), but if I should have stopped there instead of doing that horrible quarter....

Sandra's Scavenger Run

2010-08-01T00:45:00.009-05:00

So, I took a chance when Kathy told me that there would be a group doing a night run on Saturday night in preparation for a 100-mile run coming up in late August. I offered to make it into a Scavenger Hunt Run and plan the course and set up an aid station at my home. So I hopped onto mapmyrun.com and planned out a 24 mile course that consisted of 4 legs that would stop at my house 3 times. I then grabbed my friend Susan and drove the course looking for fun things to include on their scavenger hunt. It was loads of fun to put together and I thought I would share some of the items the runners were able to locate.

Some of the clues include picture clues:

With the clue: Road Construction Ahead the sign reads, now find the one with yellow leaves.

Here's what the runner sent:

Another successful find:

The clue read: Don't talk politics to ease your mind, but go find a picture of their sign.

My favorite clue: You'll love the course, it works your butt, now go take a picture with a mutt:

As the night went on the pictures got darker

The clue read: Susan found Sandra's home away from home, can you on your roam? it was a picture clue:

The group made it there with ease.

The best running photo of the night though was in response to this clue:
Are you thinking this night run was not very smart?
Then hop in and have someone push you in a shopping cart.

Here's what the group sent...take note of the expression on the customer's faces in Braum's. Priceless!!!

Overall, I had a blast putting it together. I just hope some of the runners had a good time. It was an extremely hot and humid night.

Half Marathon Training

2010-07-27T22:05:00.008-05:00

I am having so much fun being a run leader for a half marathon group training for the Route 66 half marathon that will take place in Tulsa in November. I named the group "The Optimists: We're half full".

As my blog title indicates, I really believe that getting through an event is 80% mental. I am truly trying to inspire through the power of positive thinking during runs. It has helped me tremendously. I battle the mental monster in many different aspects of life. I am trying to take control of my mental state during runs. The people that make up The Optimists have been wonderful!

I am continuing to work on my interval running. It is still working quite well for me. I have been able to keep my average pace under the 12:30/mile for the majority of my runs. I am hoping to be at a really solid 3/1 or 4/1 (run/walk) interval setup for the fall half marathons. I have had several of the Optimists join me in my interval running on Saturday mornings and it has been quite nice to have the company. It has been so humid that running has been quite a chore. We are going from days of feeling like this:

To having days that feel like this:

I am definitely having more Homer days than the eager beaver runner. However, I have been doing this running thing long enough that I know that to run through this awful summer heat and humidity has a payoff in the fall when things cool off and the humidity dissipates. It has been very important to hydrate with plenty of water. I have been a diligent run leader and make sure that I encourage everyone to stop at all the water stops along our routes.

We are starting to incorporate some hills into our Saturday routes. I have actually found the challenge of them fun and exciting. I think it is partly due to the fact that I am still in a good running place. So even if the hills seem like this:

Remember that it still just takes one step at a time to get to the top of the hill. Of course anyone that wants to use my method of conquering the hills is welcome...I like to chant (sometimes aloud and sometimes in my head) "I love the hills they work my butt"! It makes me smile and keep on moving forward.

I have 3 half marathons planned for this fall, and hope that they will all be at a 2:45 time or better. The first one will be in Nashville, TN: the Womens' half marathon on September 25th. So my training will continue and I hope that it will continue to be fun and successful

Free Wheel 2010

2010-06-20T08:15:00.009-05:00

On Saturday June 12th, Sue and I packed up our bikes and headed off to Hugo, OK to begin our adventure of the 32nd running of the Oklahoma Free Wheel bike ride event from the south Oklahoma border to north Oklahoma border. I posted updates on each day on facebook, and I am going to copy and paste them here and then add the information about the last 2 days of riding.

Free Wheel is an absolute adventure. Sue Marlof and I arrived in Hugo Ok on Saturday morning around 10:30 am. It took us both a litle while to acclimate, process and adjust to the while concept of Free Wheel. After about an hour and half we figured out our tent wasn't going to be ready for several hours. We knew we wanted to make the extra ride to make it into the Texas border. So we put on our bike clothes and headed out for the first ride. It was listed as only an 11 mile out and 11 miles back. It had a few hills but the worst part was a couple mile stretch that we were on a well traveled highway. It was a little tricky, but we managed. Once we made it back into Hugo we were both famished. We decided to eat at a local cafe place that was just across from where we would be camping. We walked in and the food looked absolutely delicious. We were so excited. The food was Great, but it took about 45 minutes from when we ordered to when we got our food. Oh well it was dinner. We then found out that our tent was set up around 5 so we set up our home. Then we set up chairs from the Shuttle Guy and found a semi shady spot. We met two nice guys, Steve and Brok who are a father and son riding Free Wheel together. Steve has ridden it before but this will be Brok's first ride. "Tent city" really does become a quick little family. We went to the nightly meeting and learned some of the ins and outs of how free wheel works and that "start time" is typically around 6:30 am and there is typically breakfast served starting at 4:30 am. This kinda changed our plan of action. We set the alarm for 5 am and decided to try to leave with the mass exodus. When they say mass exodus they mean like the 50 people out of the 900 that wanted to be part of the "mass exodus". So funny.

Neither Sue nor I slept very well. There were many people who snored in tent city but Sue and I were fortunate enough to have one in front of us and one next to us. The good news is that only one would snore at a time. Therefore we had persisent snoring. We quickly understood why they recommended bringing ear plugs. We ate breakfast. It was not great but it was calories and food. Our first ride was scheduled to be 55 miles. We made the mass exodus and were on our way at about 6:35am. We quickly realized why they start so early. It was almost cool and pleasant until aroun 8:15 am. The first 10 miles went by so quickly and we were cruising around 15 mph. We enjoyed the fruit stop and ventured on our way. During the 2nd 10 miles. We saw the biggest road kill beaver ever. That then prompted our let's count how many different road kill animals we see on our journey. Throughout the ride we saw: beaver, deer, racoon, and snakes. The ride went pretty well. We made it to camp at 11:55. We made sure to stop at all water and rest stops and stopped to have lunch. It was a good ride. It was very hit. We heard at camp that the tempertature was 95 with a heat index in the 100's. It was hard to get cool and comfortable, but we tried to make the best of it. We took showers in the shower truck, which would be awesome to have at the mud run, grabbed our chairs and found a shady place to hang out under. We talked with Dale and sine lady from Houston. Tried to take a nap in the chairs bit I could not get comfortable. We hopped on our bikes and headed into town to get to the cafeteria for dinner. They served Indian tacos. It was pretty good. We then biked back to camp, went to the nightly meeting and called it a night early. I slept great. Of course I took some mesa to help and put my iPod in. Was out like a light until about 4:50 am.

Sue and I got up this morning again at 5. We were on Our bikes by 6:15. Stopped at a convience store for some beeakfast and headed out for the 65 mile ride. The first 25-30 miles of the ride today weren't bad at all. It consisted of mostly rolling hills. However I don't know what mile it was but we started our trek through the Ouchita forest/mountain range. There were 3 awful awful uphills, but we were rewarded with 3 awesome downhill. Lunch was at about mile 45. I was so grateful for 40 minutes off the bike. Then we ventured on to Heavener where we are now. As I type this we are getting good rain storms with thunder and lightning. We were told there would be 50-60 mile per hour winds. Sue and I are in our tent hanging out and just keying whatever happens happen. We are scheduled to do another 65 mile ride tomorrow to Muldrow. We hear it's supposed to rain during the day. That may not be fun. We have the alarm set for 5 and we will see what happens.

We awoke to a morning filled with showers. It rained all through the night. They had told us in camp that it was anticipated that we would experience 50-60 mph winds, so everyone in tent city was freaking out. Not Sue and I though. We were almost giddy. Seriously laughing way too hard about the comments we heard from people in tents around us. I quickly fell asleep to the sound of the pouring rain and slept the best I have since I've been a camper. However when the alarm went off at 5 I could still hear rain drops on the tent. Sue and I had no real plan in this situatio. So we looked at the radar on my handy dandy iPhone and decided to wait an extra half an hour before we got moving. Well that lasted. Whole 5 minutes and we were both just like okay let's get dressed and see what happens. Well we were almost on schedule when we got in the line for breakfast. When it was our turn to eat they were almost out of everything. We each got 1 pancake and a few scrambled eggs. Not really a whole lot to go 65 miles on but we made do. We hit the road at about 7 rather than our usual 6:30. It was almost chilly when we got started. The first bank thermometer we rode past said 73. It was a beautiful morning when the rain stopped and there was a slight breeze. It stayed nice until about 10.30 or so this morning. The ride today was relativley flat and easy. The only rough part was the roads. I know everyone will be shocked but they were full of potholes or semi-trucks. We made really decent time considering it was our 4th consecutive day of riding. We made it to camp around 1:45. It was rather warm and toasty at camp. The thermometer on the bank in Muldrow read 94.

After being in camp for a very short time we decided to be adventurous and crazy and do the optional 20 mile out and back to cross into Arkansas. This was probably not our wisest of decisions. During this 1:45 period, I decided to cry out all my emotional stress from the past 6 years. I really needed to cry like my works was ending because I am at a new stage, a new road. This trip on free wheel has allowed me to disconnect from so many things and really put a lot of perspective on other things. All you do on the rides is think. You can chose to think about the hills, the sounds on your bike, the things you see in the environment, the people in your life, the goals in your life, etc. Speaking of things in your environment. I'm not sure i've mentioned all the road kill we've seen. So here's our complete list including today:

Skunk
Opposum
Baby black bear
Worms
Dragonfly
Beaver
Deer
Cat
Raccoon
Squirrel
Hawk
Some big black bird
Armadillo
Armadillo with a beer can

I think that covers everything we have encountered thus far. This is disgusting but I can almost tell you what kind of roadkikl it is by the smell alone. I digress. So I have been thinking about my whole life my relationships with people, my friendships with people, the type of friend I want to be. I have thought about my relationships with my family, I have thought about my abitlity as a teacher, I have thought about my abilities as a speech language pathologist. I have thought about my marriage and divorce. I have thought about my life in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. I have thought lots and lots. Today between the heat, the 200 some odd miles on a bike in the past 4 days, my leg fatigue, and the many thoughts I was due for an emotional breakdown.

Tomorrow we ride to Talequah. Word in tent city is that it's the hardest ride ever in Free Wheel history. Sue and I are choosing to ignore the rumors and tackle the ride the same we have every other day 1 mike at a time. I anticipate I will be walking some hills tomorrow because my quads are shot, but who knows what tomorrow will bring. It's a scheduled 62 mike ride. 3 mikes shorter than these last two days. Oh boy. Wish us luck and send good vibes our way!!

Oh where to begin. I really wish I would have had the energy to write about day 4 yesterday, be ause even after 1 day the badness of it has already lessened. But I will do my best to recap.

Day 4 ( which for Sue and I was actually day 5 of consecutively being on the bike) had been hyped up by the Free Wheel officials and those in camp as the possible most difficult Free Wheel ride day ever. We left the Mukdrow camp at about 6:00 with the intention of stopping at a convienence store for breakfast. We have gone to a couple of the planned breakfasts but it has not been worth the money. So, anyway, we ate our breakfast at the store and were on our merry way. Well the legacy of the day and all the hype came to fruition at mile 1.6. We had a relatively steep and forever climbing hill out of Muldrow. Seriously I think it was about .6 miles long. It was torture and we were literally dripping in sweat at 6:45 in the morning 2.3 mikes into the day. The course did not get any better from there. If anyone remembers the zingo from bells then they can somewhat picture the 65 mike route. There were some good downhills but to get down them you have to go up them. So we went down and up and down and up all day. We climbed 5400 ft over the course of the day. I have honestly never had so much pain and shaking in my quad muscles in my life. To compound my issues. I was told I have Riders Palsy in my left palm. I have just tingling in my left middle finger. I have been told by many out here that it's because I'm putting so much pressure on my ulnar nerve and that I needed different bike gloves that had better support at the base of your fingers before your palm. I had also been told there was a bike store in talequah close to where Speedwheel was taking place. So imagine riding the Zingo path about 50 times on a bike trying to hold on to your handlebars to get yourself up a hill and having pain all in your arms and fingers. That was me. When Sue and I arrived to camp at around 3:15 we were just spent. Sue's parents came into town and they went out to dinner. I went and had all you can eat spagettin in the high school cafeteria and then decided to catch the shuttle to head down to watch Speedwheel and find the bike shop. I found some gloves with extra ulnar nerve support and thought well I will get these and try them. Then I went and sat on the curb and watched the bike races. Then much to my surprise I see Kristin Bunch walking along the sidewalk so I text her and when the course was clear I went over and gave her a big hug. It was so great to see a friendly face!! We sat on the bleachers and watched the masters race and during the race out of nowhere appears Ken Childress, Bobby Michaels. Deborah Gulley, and Susan Michaels. They had alll coordinated to come into Talequah to surprise me. It was so touching and so awesome. It was just one day before I was feeling very low and alone in the world. I owe those 5 people a lot. It was such a morale booster after such a hard days ride. Such great people. I did feel bad they wanted to go eat dinner and I just wanted to go to be. 9:00 is pretty much get in the tent wind down and be asleep by 10 time. So they drove me to camp. Saw tent city visited our #92 tent and I sent them on their way and was asleep in probably 20 minutes.

This morning, the start of day 5 or 6 depending how you are counting, we were up and out of the tent by 5:45. We decided to head down the road to the first convenient store which was said ti be 9 miles down the road. I had a rough morning in that I could t find things and forgot things and was like just forget let's go. Today was Sues day to have a rough day. She felt rather nauseous and out of it until about mile 28 when we hit a fun rest stop. Today's course was so easy compared to yesterdays. We cruised all day at about a 12 mph pace which given our mileage I thought it was pretty good. I stayed in food spirits most of the day and we cruised into camp around 12:15 ish. We stayed At the lunch stop in Salina for quite a while because it was cool and we had fun visiting with people. Sues husband came to Pryor today and I am so grateful he did. My Garmin died at 2.5 miles out. I had tried to charge I the previous day and it didn't. It would say it was charging then be blank. I took the charger with me on the ride thinking I'd the lunch stop had an outlet I would charge it. Well the lunch stop did have an outlet but my garmin would not charge. When we got to camp j was asking around If anyone would let me use their charger. People thought I was nuts I'm sure, but finally this man named Marion said he would let me use his. Another techy kinda guy looked mine all over and said he thought it was my USB cable and not the cradle. So Mario. Let me use his USB and guess what?!!?! It worked. So John took me to 3 different places to find. USB 2.0 cable and I am happy to report my garmin is fully charged and ready to go tomorrow. We hear tommorrow's 65 mile day is a lot like today. Maybe a hill or two here and there a lot of flat or gradual and some rough road. I will be so glad when tomorrows ride is done. They have a special dinner and concert for us tomorrow in Miami. Bring it on.

Roadkill update:
We saw the following before yesterday I just forgot them:
Frog
Turtle
Snake

Since yesterday we can add:
Butterfly
Wild pig(boar). No I'm not kidding!!

Good night all and thanks for the support and encouragement!!!

The last 2 days of riding Free Wheel are somewhat a blur. The ride on Friday on was a great ride. It was the last 65 mile ride. We were told Thursday night that we would have a 10-15 mph wind out of the south. The crowd cheered loudly. It really turned out to be true. Even on the hills it felt like the south wind was pushing us up the hills. Sue and I averaged 13.5 mph over the course of the day on this ride. It was mainly flat. There were a few decent climbs during the day, but overall it was an excellent day of riding for me. I didn't even have much pain from the saddle or in my legs. My biggest issue during this ride was chafing. I have never experienced such horrible chaffing. I have heard runners talk about it, but never really experienced it to the point that you thought you might bleed to death because areas were chafed so badly. I think the pain and discomfort from the chafing helped to keep me distracted from everything else. I was in really good spirits for most of the day during this ride. We arrived to the camp in Miami, which was on the campus of NEO. We again got to camp on a football field. Thank goodness that wind was around, if you could find some shade, it didn't feel too awful hot. At one point, I really thought Sue and I were going to get to go to Braum's (everyone had been talking about it all during the day), but when we learned the shower truck was really about 1/4 mile away from our tent, and we thought about when dinner was going to be served, we opted out of Braum's. The dinner that was provided free (only free meal on Free Wheel) was excellent. There were several choices of meat and sides and desserts. Unfortunately, my body was so hot and the entire system wasn't sure how it was working, I didn't really eat much. We then hopped on a shuttle and went to the Coleman theater in Miami, OK. If you ever get a chance to go into this theater you need to go, it is a breath-taking theater. They brought in a Bluegrass band for a concert for all the people with Free Wheel, it was amazing and so much fun. It was nice to sit in the cool air conditioning, but when we made it back out to our campsite it felt that much hotter. During the night on Friday night, both mine and Sue's fan batteries died. It was the worst night's sleep I got since the first night.

Saturday morning came quickly, Sue and I were up and moving at 4:45 am. We headed and ate some breakfast (apple turnover for me, yummm), got all our gear together, and were headed out for our last ride by 6:05 am. We had a scheduled 38 or so miles, but had heard that it was going to be quite a hilly day. We were also told that we would have 3 rest stops. It was a much more relaxed riding day. It was obvious that most people were taking the pace a little slower and sharing stories along the ride and just taking it all in. We were fortunate to see most of the people that we had met along the ride and spent time with at some point during the day on Saturday. It was a little sad knowing that good-bye would be coming. However, I was so ready to be done. At the end of the day, and the week, Sue and I managed to bike in 5 states in 8 days. We took the optional trips to the Texas border, the Arkansas border, the Kansas border, through Oklahoma, and obviously through Missouri to get to Joplin.

Today, Sunday, my body is pretty physically drained. The most fascinating part to me is that the most sore part of my body is my hands. My hands are extremely cramped and sore, I can barely hold a pencil to write. I am glad to be home. I feel that I have a clear head, and a better grasp on my life. We'll see how long that lasts.

Tulsa Tough

2010-06-07T09:00:00.004-05:00

Well it was a weekend packed with bike riding. Tulsa Tough was in town. It was made up of some fantastic bicycle racing with some "fun" rides and the 8 mile Tulsa Townie Ride. In preparation for the Oklahoma Free Wheel, I decided to participate in the 100k (62.4 mile) fun ride on Saturday and the 50K (31.2 mile) ride on Sunday as well as the Tulsa Townie that some of my friends were also going to do. This would give me over 100 miles on my bike for the weekend.

It was quite hot on Saturday, but fortunately I had Sue and Jodi to whine to, and with about how hot the day was. Jodi successfully completed the 50K on Saturday and Sue and I got through the 100K.

Sunday morning had a nice cloud cover, and a little bit stronger wind. Both days were challenging and fun. One more leisurely ride before Free Wheel starts next Saturday...
OH Goodness.....

Cardio-Mania

2010-05-30T19:30:00.007-05:00

Wow have I been busy lately...

I recently took a trip to Edinburgh Scotland. I have been in a really good running place lately and was really hoping to break my PR in a half marathon, which was 2:51 and change. I was successful. I ran the Scotland Half Marathon in 2:45:30. That is an average of 12:30 min/mil. I utilized the 1/1 run/walk interval method that I have been using for quite a while. I thought I would post my mile splits, just to show that it works. You don't have to run the whole thing to have a good finish.

Mile 1: 12:10
Mile 2: 12:16
Mile 3: 11:55 (yes you read that right)
Mile 4: 11:54 (how about that for consistency)
Mile 5: 12:18
Mile 6: 12:32
Mile 7: 12:23
Mile 8: 12:18
Mile 9: 12:27
Mile 10: 13:04 (yup the slow steady incline)
Mile 11: 12:48
Mile 12: 13:28 (yeah i was getting tired, no excuse, but..)
Mile 13: 13:02
the .1: 2: 50 (My garmin actually registered it as .23)

I guess you could say that Scotland agreed with me:

It was an absolutely fantastic trip. I had a great time. I got to hang out with great friends. I got to see amazing things and sites...it was incredible.

Now what? I know you are dying to know what's next for Dr. Sandra Wright...

I am 2 weeks out from participating in the Oklahoma Free Wheel. I completed my longest bike ride to date: 70 miles. I am very happy to report that I am still able to stand and sit..my tail bone is a little tender but not excruciatingly sore as I anticipated. I averaged about 11.6 mph pace on the bike over the distance, which I was okay with. I am excited to participate in Tulsa Tough next weekend and then it's off to Hugo Oklahoma for the border (TX) to border (MO) ride.

A New Chapter Begins

2010-05-18T07:43:00.008-05:00

Well I am now officially an alumnus of the University of Kansas. I think graduating with my Doctorate of Philosophy in Speech-Language Pathology from the 5th ranked program in the U.S. will always be a point of pride for me. It is honestly the hardest thing I have ever ever done. I owe a lot to my mentor Jane Wegner, who although she is the one who pushed me, she is also the one who helped me develop a vision of what type of speech pathologist and teacher I want to be.

So, now what? Well that's a good question. I will stay in my job at the University of Tulsa. My title has changed from "Instructor" to "Assistant Professor". I get to begin the climb to tenure, which means that I have to publish articles and present at conferences. So although the stress load goes away, I still have quite a bit of responsibility. I also really hope to revamp my teaching style. I know that it is impossible to please all students, but I really hate getting back negative comments from them. I know that during this past year I know that it has been rough to be one of my students. This summer's plan is to overhaul the 4 classes I teach during the Fall semester. I just want to make sure that teaching is fun for me and my students stay engaged. I just have to embrace what Tulsa has to offer and quit comparing the program to KU. I need to advocate for change in areas that will truly impact the students education, and let everything else go.

Running: Well, I am off to Scotland later this week, as a graduation present to myself to complete the half marathon. I have stuck by my "no more fulls for 2010" motto and have been in a great running place. It is so different to run for fun, and not as a stress relief. Don't get me wrong it still really helps even with the little stressors of life, but I am so much lighter without the pressure of finishing my dissertation on my shoulders. I am excited to possibly be a run leader for a half marathon group training for the Route 66 half marathon in Tulsa in November. It is so nice to be in a happy running place, and really enjoying getting out there. I am still using the Galloway method of run a minute followed by walk a minute. Although in Scotland I do believe I am going to run 2 minutes and walk a minute. It works well for me. My average pace using this method has been right around 12:00 min/mile, which is great for me. I am so proud of my running accomplishments, I actually used my running shoes as a template to decorate my graduation cap. My hat got a lot of points, gestures, and comments throughout graduation weekend.

Personal: Well I feel like myself again. I am still working on trying to find better ways to deal with all of my different emotions. However, I feel like i am enjoying life, and living positively. I am trying to mend relationships that I really messed up during the past 6 years. One thing that is absolutely impossible to describe or explain is the emotional strain of the Ph.D. process. I am sure that is how I wound up divorced, but I am trying to live with no regrets. It is a very difficult thing to do. I thank all of my dear dear friends that have stuck by me, listened to me, let me yell at them, ran with me, traveled with me, talked to me, were honest with me, encouraged me, and just helped me out. I do need to thank my parents as well. I believe they were quite proud of me during graduation weekend. I was able to grab a stranger and get a family picture during graduation weekend.

I am constantly thinking of 2 families that are dealing with so much on their plates, and handling everything with such strength I am in admiration. The first family is the Russell's, where Nate a 6 1/2 year old boy with Spinal Muscular Atrophy passed away in late April. Nate taught me so much about how to be a good speech pathologist and listening to the needs of even a child who could communicate through vocalizations and his eyes with an eyegaze communication system in such amazing ways. His parents and younger brother are some absolutely amazing people who I just look at with awe. The second family is that of the Whitten's, who have a beautiful daughter Lillian Grace who is battling for each and every day of life. Chrissy and Michael have demonstrated such strength and trust in God, that they are cherishing each and every day that their "Warrior Princess" is here on earth with them. My thoughts and prayers to both of these families, whom I admire.

Now, I thought I would also post some of my other pictures from graduation weekend at KU.

Dr. Debby Daniels

He is telling you, yup I am Dr. Boca now....

We just happened to have run into Baby Jay as I was taking Boca for a walk around campus before he had to hang out in the car during the graduation ceremony.

Even Baby Jay was swooning over Boca..

Yes you can call me Doctor...

2010-04-09T07:54:00.006-05:00

Well April 7, 2010 was a life altering day for me. I defended my dissertation. The last major hoop required to finish the Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. I began my Ph.D. program in speech language pathology in August of 2004. Six years...it has been a very long haul and I have had so much life change in that 6 year time, it's hard to believe I finally got within the finish line. My dissertation was on "Improving the Social Communication Competence of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Users". I enjoyed conducting my research and getting to meet some really awesome people. Before the big day, I contacted several friends and people that I knew who had gone through the defense experience. I was told that even though 3 hours were allotted for the defense, that most lasted only half that. I put together a presentation that would last between 45 and 60 minutes. I guess either my topic was extremely interesting, or my committee wanted to stall getting back to their regular schedule, or I did not put together things very clearly, but I was fortunate enough to get to hang out with my committee for 2 1/2 hours. Truly a growing experience and nothing really in life I can compare it to. I tried to take several photos throughout the day to document the process, but after I was told I passed, my brain literally turned to mush so I don't have many good pictures of after, but oh well.

Left the hotel around 7 AM. Trying to keep my goofiness about myself and keep the nerves calm, so decided to take a crazy picture acting like I was shaking all over.

This is my title slide and I was ready to go by about 7:45. My presentation began at 9AM.

I went through all my slides and videos before everyone got there to make sure they all worked and showed up on the screen.

The people that had control over whether I passed my dissertation defense or not. My committee. From left to right: Dr. Ed Auer, Dr. Hugh Catts, Dr. Jane Wegner, Dr. Debby Daniels, and Dr. Michael Wehmeyer. Overall a great group of people and brilliant minds. I was questioned for an hour and 21 minutes after giving a 55 minute presentation. It was a long 2 1/2 hours...

Of course after every grueling experience, there should be a chance to eat lunch with lots of friends...they brought in mexican food from my favorite place, El Mezcal in Lawrence, KS.

Sandra's "interesting" (according to TZ) Life update

2010-03-21T19:41:00.002-05:00

It has been a long time since I generated a blog entry. So much has happened and is about to happen. I think i will attempt to organize this blog by life roles: health, school life, personal life...I know had you on the edge of your seat doesn't it.

HEALTH
Well my running has significantly decreased. I successfully completed the 3 marathons I signed up for: Athens, Greece, Route 66 in Tulsa, and Disney. None of the marathons went the way I anticipated, but I did indeed finish all 3 within the time limit I was given, so I guess that is a success. I decided after Disney that I am going to cut back to half marathons for a while. Since I made that decision I have decided that I will take part in my Oklahoma City Marathon Relay team (I'm doing a 10K leg), I will hopefully be up to doing the Edinburgh Scotland half marathon at the end of May and then I think I'm hanging up my "event" running shoes for a bit. During the month of February, I was put in an immobility boot for my left Achilles tendon. An MRI showed that I had 3 micro-tears in it as well as some fluid build up. So this was the start of my decreased running. I have been back at pounding the pavement for about 2 weeks, I still have quite a bit of soreness and discomfort in my left Achilles so I am having to keep my distances relatively short and slow. In some ways it's frustrating, because running has helped me deal with a lot of stress in the last couple of years (wait til the school live part), but in others i was relieved because I really don't feel like I am achieving the running goals I would like. When I was told to wear an immobility boot, I was given the okay to swim and bike. So I rejoined my gym membership at TU to ride the stationary bike (yeah it's too cold to bike outside). I mentioned to Sue, a great OT who has helped me grow so much as a speech path, that I could bike and should train for the Oklahoma Freewheel. She became excited and said that she has always wanted to do the Freewheel, so we decided to start training with the Tulsa Bicycle Club on March 14th. I, of course did not go out today because of the slush on the roads..not a die hard biker yet. Sue and I are riding bikes on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. At least that is the plan. Biking really is so much easier than running. So my overall physical health is getting by. I made a big decision on March 1st regarding my physical health. I have battled being overweight pretty much since hitting 13 years old. I work with several people who had done the HCG diet and had great success. I have debated it for a long time, but you really get to take in very few calories (500) a day. I was extremely worried about being able to keep up my running regime and doing this diet. Well, once I found myself in the immobility boot, I decided it was a sign and time to try to do something about my weight. So on March 1st, I got my first of 6 HCG/B-Compex infusions. I am 3 weeks in and have lost 21 pounds. Running is extremely fatiguing and getting more than 4 miles in is quite a task, but I am pleased with the weight loss. I have 3 more infusions to get and am hoping to lose a total of at least 30 pounds before it is said and done.

SCHOOL LIFE
I am very excited that my life as a student will soon be over hopefully. I am scheduled to defend my dissertation on Wednesday, April 7 at 9AM. I really am in disbelief that the date is only 2 1/2 weeks away. I have sent my final draft of my dissertation to my mentor for one last review before sending it out to my other 4 dissertation committee members. My actual defense is marked out for 3 hours (I hear it's usually more like an hour and a half, but you never know). It is something that is open to the public. At this point in time, I am not too nervous about my presentation part. I think I am a decent presenter. I am a little nervous about the questions my committee members might ask. One thing I really hate, and really unnerves me is to feel stupid. I will do the best I can do and that is all I can do. It has taken me 6 years to reach this point. I have been a college student for 12 years...how ridiculous is that. The little known fact about me though is that as a college sophomore I was put on academic probation and actually released from my admission at the university. I have had to work very hard to get to where I am today. Many people think I have just coasted through my education, and every day has been a battle. I think one of my character strengths of perseverance will be demonstrated if I can pass this final test and become Dr. I am not one for labels so my students will still call me Sandra, but knowing that I have accomplished such a difficult feat, makes me feel proud.

PERSONAL LIFE
My mental health has been a little unstable I guess you could say since the whole Greece marathon. I have several character flaws but some that pop up repeatedly. I have a very hard time processing things, especially big life events. Running my first marathon, and traveling overseas for the first time in 15 years, I think count as big life events. I guess I am still trying to figure out what happened to some of the "friendships" that existed before going there, but yet seemed to really get cracked while being there. I have been feeling quite a bit of heartache, but know that dealing with things you cannot change will help me to grow as a person. I have also had some excitement with finally having some time to do some improvements on the home I bought back in November. I have been able to paint my kitchen a bright blue and my living room a warm tan. I hope to be able to paint my hallway, bedroom and bathroom soon as well. It has helped me to feel like a true home owner a positive way. It also made for something great to do in this fun spring snow storm we have had this weekend. St. Patrick's day was a horrible day for me though. It's supposed to be a day of luck for the Irish and I am 1/2 Irish, but I guess the 1/2 English side took over. My dog Balto wound up gone after I left the house for 2 hours for a bike ride. I am 98% certain someone took him from my back yard. He is such a timid dog and cowers if someone yells or jumps at him. He is the 2nd dog to magically "diappear" out of my back yard, the first being Bobby and Susan's dog Kiwi after I left for Greece. It has made me completely paranoid about my dog Boca. The only comfort I have is that Boca will run from anyone who chases him, including me...and if he makes it in the house he will be safe. It is so terrible to have to live in fear of a dognapper. I honestly don't know how anyone deals with a kidnapping of their child. So it was a traumatic event for me, again I don't process things well all the time. I am very sad about his disappearance but I am smart enough to know that someone probably took him to sell him because they are desperate for money. The only thing that gives me any peace is that if someone pays money for him, then they will provide him a good home.

I am getting through each day one day at a time. I am trying to live and learn and move forward. It is extremely mentally difficult for me, but all I can do is try...

marathon #3 is just 3 weeks away

2009-12-19T21:28:00.003-06:00

Well, I figure it is time for a personal blog update. Life has been quite the whirlwind since my last entry on November 17th. Since that entry I completed marathon #2, the Route 66 Marathon here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Doing your first 2 marathons 2 weeks apart, well it's a little nuts, but it did qualify me for Marathon Maniacs. I am now indeed an official maniac. I am Marathon Maniac #1996.

But I digress...my "original" pick for my first marathon the Walt Disney World marathon is coming up on January 10th. I signed up for this marathon the day after it was ran in 2009 and made the decision, along with my New Year's Resolution to run at least 500 miles, that I would indeed attempt a marathon and thought why not do it at the "Happiest Place on Earth". Now that it is just 3 weeks away, I am feeling quite nervous about it.

After completing the Greece marathon, I really wasn't sure I ever wanted to do another one, ever.... seriously. I know what you're thinking, everyone says that. However, I really meant it. There are many many many underlying things that occurred on my Greece trip that really doing the marathon 30 minutes slower than I thought I would, well it was just another piece that seemed to fall apart for me. I have taken the last 4-5 weeks and tried to reconcile my own thoughts and feelings about that entire trip and all the aspects of my life that it affected and move forward.

When I got back to the states and regrouped somewhat, the Route 66 marathon was just around the corner. In my mind I kept telling myself that I was trained and could do it. In my mind, I had chalked it up as the possibility to run the marathon I thought I was capable of in Greece. So I semi-coerced Bobby into signing up with me on the day before the marathon, and there we were 2 weeks after Greece, at the starting line of the route 66 marathon. I have left out a few small details...the Wednesday before the Route 66 marathon, I got some horrible sinus crude. I was having to use my inhaler quite a bit, and personally felt like I was keeping Puffs in business. I went to the health clinic at TU and the doctor there kind blew me off. One thing most people know about me, is I am very good at diagnosing my own illnesses. So I did the resourceful thing and called my allergist and he was nice enough to call me in a Z-pack and give me an antibiotic booster (I swear this is the most painful shot ever, except maybe a spinal tap). So, I was really in no condition health wise to run anything, no less the full marathon, but heck that wasn't gonna stop me. So back to the starting line....

It was so incredible to be a part of the Route 66 run, with all of the people from Runners World just everywhere on the course cheering people on, just everywhere. It was just amazing! I have to spend a special shout out to my friends Susan,Candace and Lisa. I saw them at mile 12. I lost Bobby at around mile 8-9, because I had no energy and felt so nauseous I just didn't know how i was gonna go on. At mile 12 when I saw my friends I told them I was getting in the car with them because I was done. Susan reminded me how much money I spent to do the silly run and I needed to keep going, and I did. I walked the entire last 15 miles. I met up with a guy named Jean from Illinois and he kept me company until about mile 24. It was awesome to finish the Route 66 with all my friends at the finish line and just knowing I didn't quit.

So that brings me to today. Today was my last 'recommended' double digit training run for the Walt Disney Marathon. One of my big fears in Disney is that I will be out there by myself. The other 2 marathons I have had Bobby there with me at the start. So all during this past week, I worked on coaching myself that I could go out and run by myself and it would be okay. I had several people offer to put in miles with me on my last long run, but instead decided I needed to figure out if I was going to be able to do it on my own. So I set the alarm for 5:30 AM trying to plan on getting in 5-7 miles before my regular Runners World group met, and then 7 with the group, and then just needing another 2-4 on my own. The alarm went off this morning, and I had almost convinced myself that I would ignore it and figure out a weekday to get in my last long run, then I acknowledged that was ridiculous got up threw on the running clothes and headed to Veteran's park. I started my run this morning feeling nervous and anxious at 6 AM. Within my first couple of miles, I had truly found my "happy place", I was loving focusing on the songs on my ipod. I was loving the fact that I was letting my brain process all the different feelings/emotions I was having about all different people, things, and events. Before I knew it I was already crossing the Pedestrian Bridge for the first go round...this means I had about 3 1/2 miles already done. As I headed out on the Midland Valley Trail, it was still quite dark (I had my headlamp for safety). My head lamp was casting all kinds of interesting shadows so I was playing games with myself about what the different shadows could be and voila before I knew it I was crossing 18th street. I couldn't believe how well the run was going. I looked at my watch at that point and realized I would have time to actually get in 7 miles before the group met. I was feeling so proud of myself for just moving forward and feeling so at ease. I got my 7 done and met up with the group at 7:45. The hardest part of my whole adventure this morning was the waiting around to start running again. The temperatures weren't too bad this morning, but standing around in my own sweat made me quite chilly. I told Bobby to go on without me because I didn't know how much I would slow down, well I really wasn't too far behind him the whole time. It helped me to again feel good about my adventure. After we got back to the starting point, I had just the "short loop" left, Bobby was kind enough to ask if I wanted company, but I declined. I needed to finish what I had started, and I did. I completed 16.25 miles by myself and wasn't too worse for the wear.

So, long story well long...I will pack my bags, running clothes included, and head to Disney on January 5th to complete my 3rd marathon in 3 months. How bad can it be?

Marathon Finisher

2009-11-17T07:08:00.011-06:00

I am really a marathon finisher. It still seems pretty surreal. The entire adventure to Greece was quite overwhelming and emotional for me. I am so thankful I went. I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I have a hard time with travel anxiety, and of course then there was anxiety about running/completing my first marathon. I was so fortunate to have Bobby around since we had done all of our long training runs together. It was great to have so many friends around in Greece as well.
Marathon morning started very early. There were several of us who decided to take the "Power Walker" start. This meant that start time was 7 AM. Doesn't seem so bad right? Well in order to take the 7 AM start you had to be at the finish line by 5:30 to get on the bus to the start in Marathonas. Since the public transportation system in Athens didn't start until 5 AM we scheduled for taxis to meet us at 4:30 to make sure we had plenty of time. My marathon morning started at about 3:30 AM with the onset of a pretty nasty migraine (I think just stress induced). The bus ride up to the start was a little touch and go as migraines often make me very nauseous.

Once we arrived at Marathonas there was an awesome Olympic torch, some music playing, and of course some damp conditions. There was a chance of rain after all.

At 6:45 AM there was a nice clap of thunder and some lightning off in the distance and then yup...it rained. And rained. And rained. Those of us that took the "Power Walker" start got to run in the rain for about the first 3 hours of the run. Fortunately the outside temperature was about 20 degrees Celsius, so it wasn't too cold of a rain. I started the run using the Galloway 1/1 method. I had Bobby and Chrissy hanging with me so we were laughing at the rain and just taking it all in. At mile 9, Chrissy had to stop for a potty break and Bobby needed to fill up his water bottle. I figured they would both catch back up with me quickly. I didn't see Chrissy again until about the 24 kilometer marking and Bobby reappeared around the 34 kilometer mark. It was an extremely hilly course. I have preferred to use the term "mountainous" to hilly to describe the elevation changes along the route. The finish of the course however made the whole experience worth it. Getting to run into the original Olympic stadium with the Olympic rings and the great stands and the crowd...it was awe inspiring. It was so great to experience everything with Bobby and Chrissy. Our finish time was 6:31:08, but it wasn't about the time...it was about the finish, and the experience of a lifetime.

The day following the marathon, we took an awesome day cruise. It was awesome just to rest, relax, and enjoy the day.

What's next?

Well, I am signed up to do the Disney Marathon on January 10th, 2010. I am looking forward to it. I may attempt the Route 66 run (full or half). Then I think i will venture to Scotland in May for another overseas adventure.

Long Run Trainings are Over...

2009-10-24T21:15:00.003-05:00

I can not believe that I completed the last long run of my marathon training for this session today. A whole whopping 22 miles. It was fairly decent going until around mile 18, then I let the mental game win. We had a good plan when the day started. We began at 5:30 despite the fact that the other groups weren't starting until 6:45...we had much further to go than anyone else. So we broke up our 22 miles into a 6 mile out and back, the 8 mile loop that all groups were doing, and an 8 mile kinda out and back and kinda loop. I felt great during the first 6 miles. We had some of our dear friends Jason, Lisa, Ronit, and Tom come out and join us bright and early to get their miles in as well. We made it back to Veteran's park just in time to say hello to the 26Dot2 Marathuners (our group) and head out for our 8 mile jaunt with everyone. The 8 miles didn't go too badly either. We maintained a decent pace for our first 14 miles and stayed in good spirits. When we went to head out for our last 8 mile loop/out-and-back I let the mental game get the best of me. I started to focus on how far I had left to go and could not snap my head out of it. We spent the first 2 miles of the last 8 trying to decide exactly which route would be the most tolerable and enjoyable, so it went fair. When mile 18 showed up, all I could focus on was the fact that I couldn't breathe, and my hip hurt. The last 4 miles were completed at a steady walk, but most importantly at the end of the day all 22 miles were completed.

I hope that 2 weeks from tomorrow, I will be able to update my blog to state that I am a marathon finisher. I am starting to get geared up for the trip and the whole adventure. I am also starting to feel the nerves already, gotta make sure to keep everything balanced and in check. I am fairly certain that TZ snapped some pretty good "thank goodness this is over" pictures, so if he posts them, I will swipe them and add 1 or 2 to the blog entry.

Wish me luck!! What a lifetime adventure story this will be forever and ever....

Trying a New Strategy

2009-10-13T07:19:00.003-05:00

Wow a lot has happened since my last blog entry. I won't try to recap it all. I will just share my new "running technique" that is really helping me to believe that finishing a marathon is truly in my cards. Bobby and I ran the Albuquerque half marathon behind several groups doing the "Galloway" method. They were running 1 minute and walking 1 minute. We played leap frog with them until about mile 9 or so, when our "run" could not keep up with their run/walk pattern. We thought, okay let's try this run/walk thing, but at that point our legs were already spent. So, I purchased a couple of the Galloway books (www.jeffgalloway.com), and felt encouraged by what I read. Then Bobby shared, that he ordered the interval timer so we didn't have to keep checking our watches to try the 1/1 method. Our first Thursday night run when he got his timer, we did 4 miles in a quicker time than I had done 4 miles in a long long time. I am not setting any speed goals, but I was amazed at how good I felt overall...didn't feel like dying or anything along the way. So we decided this would be the new approach. I of course, wanted my own timer, since I plan on taking the early start for the Greece marathon and don't want anyone else feel obligated to go early. So I got the bright pink one. Here's a photo of what my new best friend looks like:
It has really been working well for me. Bobby and I missed our regular Saturday long run, cuz we were in KS crewing for our friends running the 50 mile/100 mile Heartland run. You can read all about that adventure on Trail Zombie's or Bobby's blog. So we went out for a 10-mile weekday run, even though we were both still dragging a little from our 40 some odd hours of awakeness over the weekend. Here were our splits using the 1/1 method the entire way:

Mile 0-1: 13:38 (sometimes it's so hard to get started)
Mile 1-2: 13:13
Mile 2-3: 12:44
Mile 3-4: 13:09
Mile 4-5: 13:23
Mile 5-6: 13:06
Mile 6-7: 13:15
Mile 7-8: 13:26
Mile 8-9: 13:18
Mile 9-10: 13:51 (including walking up part of that darn turkey mountain hill back to the parking lot)
Mile 10-10.15: 2:38

I am so encouraged by the consistency of our miles while doing this technique. It will be interesting to see how it works out for me on the 22 mile run in a couple weeks.

Anyone that wants to try this out is more than welcome to hang out with me and/or Bobby!! We are both big believers...

An Adventure Awaits

2009-09-03T23:43:00.003-05:00

Well, I decided to join the Crazy Train and head to do a double half marathon weekend for Labor Day. My training for the full marathon in Greece in November has been hilly, both figuratively and literally. So far my longest run has been 14 miles. I did well for the first 10 1/2 miles of that run then totally hit the wall with a bang. I have been dealing with some hip and ankle issues. thanks to Dr. Zoellner and his great chiropractic techniques my hip has been feeling great. Even after 14 miles. Now he is working on tweaking my ankle.

I really had no intention of running any big events until Greece, but found out some friends were going to Albuquerque and then Colorado Springs to complete two marathons back to back over Labor Day weekend. Well of course my good buddy Roman hyped it up and talked how there were 1/2 marathons at the events as well. So I thought about it and looked up the runs. Looked like fun. I haven't ever been to New Mexico or Colorado and why not?

I also spent all summer working on my degree and starting the private practice, so I figure I need a break from Oklahoma and all the madness.

I head out on Saturday...I hope that these 1/2's will be a confidence boost for the upcoming full in Greece. This will be my first time to travel just for the purpose of running. I am really looking forward to getting to see another part of the country and hanging out with my running friends.

2009-08-10T21:12:00.003-05:00

I have been on a whirlwind of training highs and lows. I have been doing my best to keep a positive attitude and be proud of myself for continuing to get out there and put one foot in front of the other.
A couple of Saturday's ago I did 8 miles in my training for the Greece Marathon in November. I ran with Bobby, or I should say Bobby was nice enough to run with me. Bobby and I have spent a lot of time on the long training runs together. This 8 mile run was my best run in a long long long long time...I felt great...didn't take any walk breaks except for the water stops. I felt strong and in really good spirits. It was really an uplifting run...then comes this past Saturday's attempt at a 12 miler. I have been having some pain in my right hip again. Finally bucked up last week to visit Dr. Z and see if I can't get my hip right...although I think the treatments are helping...he showed me a better running technique to use my hip flexors and glutes to the maximum...I feel sore. I was told to lay off last Tuesday so I walked. On Thursday, I had a decent run. I was feeling pretty good about doing the 12 on Saturday, but at mile 5 my hip really started bothering me. A smart person would have turned around then and cut it to 10 or even had someone come pick them up, but nope...I continued to get all 12. STUPID!!! I have never experienced so much physical pain on or after a run as I did that Saturday. I did have fun hanging with Roman and Bobby. We decided to trek through the new Riverside trail between 56th and 75th.

I also got some new shoes last week, but really am not sure that I like them at all. I am having such a hard time with shoes lately...oh well...will keep on trying...

A Good Streak

2009-07-25T13:03:00.006-05:00

I have had fun while running this week. It's been a long time since I can say that. Lately, running has been another stress in my life because it hasn't been going as well and easily as I think it should. I have been able to find my smile and jovial self this week. I am feeling a little relieved because I am almost finished with the data collection for phase 1 of my dissertation. I actually had 2 nights this week that I slept more than 4 hours. It made a huge difference on my Thursday night run. I missed Bobby's Bunch on Monday because I am trying to help out with the Mud Run, and we had a meeting. Tuesdays run was eh...coulda been worse. When Thursday came i was dreading it a little bit, afraid I would feel down on myself again, but I actually ran a straight 2 miles without walking. First time I've done that in about 3 months (pathetic for me, but...so happy to do it). I made the decision to do the Reckless Redneck. It was only 1 mile and all downhill. I just wanted to do a run that I knew I could run the entire thing. There was an option to have costumes, I decided no way was I wearing a costume. Little did I know that most everyone would dress up. There are some hysterical pictures floating around out there in web world of some of the best dressed. I thought I would add a few pictures to this blog courtesy of Susan and Meg.

Here I am with my friend Susan just looking around and laughing at all the costumes and my dear running friends dressed up all crazy.
Meg made me laugh so hard, so here is my impersonation of being a pregnant redneck (nope not pregnant just pounds to lose.) I was also very proud of my loud yellow shirt with my loud orange "Dogs Rule" headband.
I really did give it may all on the run (except the really steep part of Elwood didn't want to wind up on my butt rolling down the hill). Placed 2nd in my age group with a time of 10:53.

Some of my dear running friends do have a tendency to take the concept of costume contests a bit too far....However my dear friend Ken should have worn thigh highs to hide his redneck tan on his legs from the bike/run shorts.

Saturday was my first double digit training day. I was scheduled to do 10 miles. I was feeling a bit anxious about it, but that turned out not to be a problem. My alarm did not go off, and Boca woke me up and I glanced at the clock and it read 5:40. Of course we meet at 5:45 at Veteran's park. So I booked it, fortunately the dogs were forgiving and pottied quickly and I was out the door. I made it to Veteran's park by 5:50 and was there before everyone took off running. I think i spent the first 5-6 miles trying to calm down and settle into a groove. I actually ran the majority of the first 6 miles. Somewhere along those 6 miles, my Garmin was turned off..for almost 1/2 mile exactly...so I asked Bobby for time updates. We did the first 5 miles in 1:11, which includes all stops, potty break at McDonald's and helping a runner who wound up off course. I am so pumped about that time. The last 4 miles once we left Veterans park, were a little rougher. I pushed myself pretty well to about mile 7.5-8. From 8 til 10 it was rough going but I went. Last night I had allotted 3 hours for me to do the 10 miles given the amount of walking I've done lately, but according to Bobby's watch...we did 10 in 2:27 (with the clock running at all stops). Overall was a great day!!

My legs are feeling fatigued and my right hip is a bit sore. Gonna go visit Dr. Z and see what's up with the hit.

I need to send a positive shout-out to TZ because I asked him on Thursday how he does it all the time and he said to me "When running I think..."I might feel like I'm gonna die but I'm not gonna die" I have been stealing this phrase for the past 2 runs...Like the title of my blog, running is 80% mental...sometimes it is a good thing to push yourself a little out of your comfort zone.

Ughhh...for lack of a catchier title

2009-07-09T20:19:00.002-05:00

My life is like a roller coaster with your feet dangling and many many loops. and although I love roller coasters I want this ride to stop. I am in the process of collecting data for my dissertation. I am truly hoping that my running friends will be able to help me out with the last phase of data collection. Anyone that has any interest in what it is exactly that I do...please let me know. I need 40 people (who have been or are currently enrolled in one post-secondary course) to watch 12 video clips of the people I have seen for my study and complete a questionnaire following each video clip. Anyway...I have made 7 trips back and forth to KS thus far with one more scheduled for next Friday to collect data. It has really taken its toll on my just emotionally and physically draining me. So I think my sucky running lately is part of that whole stress...

I also have a 2nd dog. Boca at first wasn't sure about having an adopted brother, but we have both adapted pretty quickly to have the new housemate. Boca likes having a playmate in the evenings when I am just too wiped to play as long as he would like. So I think it is going okay, but I feel bad with all of the traveling I have done since Balto's arrival. He is another Pomeranian who is 3 1/2, although Boca is absolutely "Top Dog" around the house and has made sure that Balto knows that.

Having too much time alone in the car allows a lot of time for self-reflection. I wish I could share all of the positive reflections on myself and my life that I have had, but unfortunately I have done like the majority and thought of all the "wrong turns" and things I wish I could change. *Sigh* I hope I snap out of this soon and it is just resulting from my high level of anxiety and fatigue...I also need to be okay with having a bad day without guilt...

Running...well I keep getting the miles done....however, I am really slacking in ability and endurance. I started back with my personal trainer once a week...Who knows I feel like a floundering fish trying many different things and having nothing be successful in improving my running abilities. The Greece marathon is in 16 weeks.....I am losing my faith that I can get it done....But I will keep plugging along....

Running Slump

2009-06-21T14:58:00.007-05:00

Well, one perk of a death in the family is the opportunity to get a family picture of everyone dressed up. There are actually very few pictures of my brother and I together as adults. It was a crazy trip to Connecticut, but it was nice to run in weather where the temps didn't get above 80 again.

I have hit kind of a wall with running. I am feeling a little frustrated that my endurance is so low. It seems lately I am struggling just to get through 3 miles. I am hoping that it is just due to the significant change in heat and humidity around here. But I am proud of myself for continuing to head out week after week and getting in my required miles, even if it is through walking alone. On Saturday we did the first 6 miles of the Rte 66 marathon course. There was a lovely hill on 15th, which I am very proud to say that I ran the whole way up to 21st and Utica. Once we hit the neighborhoods behind Woodward park there was a house with the awesome wood carving in the front. I had to stop to get a picture.
Once the 7 miles were in the books. It was off to some breakfast. I was excited that there were at least 26Dot2 Marathuners going to hang out and get to know each other better (Bobby, Tom, Karen, and myself). We were also joined by Lisa, her mom, Jason and Ken. I do have to say that the Chocolate milk at Old School Bagel Cafe tasted the best that chocolate milk has ever tasted.
On Sunday, I went out with my friends Bobby and Susan, and their granddaughter Katie, to watch Ed and Ken complete their first bike, run event. It was a hot hot day and I am/was so impressed by their accomplishment on this day.
Ed crossed the finish line in well under 4 hours (he completed a 40K bike ride and 10K run).
Ken also crossed the finish line in just over 4 hours (he also did the 40K bike ride and 10K run).

So impressed you guys. Everyone is doing fantastic with their running training. I know it's hot but we will all persevere!!!

I have hit a running slump.

Let the Marathon Training Begin

2009-06-07T12:59:00.006-05:00

Saturday marked the official beginning of Fall Marathon/Half-Marathon/Tulsa Run/5K training. I feel so honored to have been chosen to be a fellow run leader with Bobby Michaels for a Beginning Marathon training group. Our group name is 26Dot2 Marathuners! We have an awesome group of runners. I personally am a little nervous about being a run leader, because I myself have not completed a marathon, yet. However, I love to cheer for and encourage people that are out there making the attempt and having fun pounding the pavement. So I hope I can take the role of cheerleader and encourager. I also love being paired with Bobby has he has inspired me so much to this point.

After everyone said their name, I asked everyone to say their name again with their favorite color. I can do pretty well at remember attributes about people and can usually learn names by association. I think I have about 1/2 of the group committed to memory, but hope to get the other 1/2 by next week. We all headed out to do a 5 mile loop. I was a little worried about being able to do all 5 miles, but I got them done. It wasn't too awful of a time considering I haven't been running longer than 3 for a month.

After the run, I went and supported my dad's entry at a car show in Sapulpa. Here are some pictures of him with his car that he has put a lot of blood and sweat in to.
For those of you that are really into cars too, here is what it looked like as you approached. In my family, we (primarily my brother and I) refer to this car as the sleigh...

The weather Saturday was great, and it was nice to veg out outside and not have to do a whole lot.

I decided on Thursday once I got the all clear to run from the doctor to sign up for the Estim8ur. I signed up for the 4 mile run. I have to admit that I looked up Bobby's guessed time and added 4 minutes and a little, knowing that Bobby is pretty consistent and I would be slower because we were running 5 miles on Saturday. It was a nice morning for a run. It was great that the Estim8ur started at 7 to beat some of the sun/heat/humidity. The air was a little thick but I relaxed pretty quicklky knowing that i had guessed a relatively slow time (14min/mil). As I climbed up the rocks from part of the trail portion of the route, Roman was nice enough to cheer me to the finish. He provided some humor by commenting that I wanted to look good at the finish, I joked and told him that I didn't look good when I started. He then had a quick reply of "well then you'll have improvement". It made me laugh and gave me the push to run all the way up the hill and around the pavillion. As I turned the corner, I saw the race clock it read 57:10. At first I was a little bummed, I had guessed 56:20. Then I hear Brian make an announcment that the top 10 were all within a minute of their time. I realized that I had indeed guessed within a minute of when I finished. At the end of the day I would up placing 9th female in the 4 mile run. I was so excited. I'm never top 10 in any running event. I still just run events for fun, but it was a nice self-esteem boost to do so well in this event.

Thanks Brian, Ken, Kathy, and the rest of the TATURS for the Estim8ur!!

Branchin' Out

2009-05-31T21:15:00.004-05:00

I have to be honest...all the talk of other people out on bike rides made me feel a little envious. So I got my bike out of the closet and took it to the bike shop to get a once over. Once I got my bike back I decided that days I don't have to drive to Bixby I am going to bike to work. I did this for the first time Thursday morning. It was so much fun. I had gotten an email from the Kansas City Sports Commission about the Tulsa Tough bike weekend about a week and a half earlier. How sad is it I learned about a Tulsa event because I did a run in Kansas City? Anyway...

So I browsed the Tulsa Tough website (www.tulsatough.com) and found that they had a "recreational" 8 mile ride on city streets. I thought that seemed completely doable and thought it would be fun to do something outside of running. So I made the decision I would do the Tulsa Townie Ride. I pitched the idea to some of my Runners World friends who had talked about their previous bike rides. Some were excited and some were hesitant, but I was going to do it regardless.

Sometimes I believe things happen for a reason. I had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday to discuss a lot of things going on with me (nothing major). Well turns out that the doc went to listen to me (which I'm used to with my asthma), and found a heart murmur. He did an EKG and it had some abnormalities to it as well, so he decided to send me for an echocardiogram. He said I was to lay off the running until after he got the results and I saw him again. So Thursday I biked to Runners World and helped with The Big Loser competition and then biked home. Friday evening I ran the Kidney Klassic. I was really pulling for a PR...so much so that Bobby got persuaded to run with me to try to push the pass a little...I just couldn't do it. Sorry again Bobby....I finished the 5K in 37:10. I guess I should be glad I finished and didnt' have any big thing go on with my heart. I had my echo done earlier that day and the tech didn't seem too concerned about what she saw.

Saturday was a fun day. I got up and met with the running group and biked about 8 1/2 miles. Then enjoyed a yummy breakfast at IHOP with the eating club. Although I may need to start boycotting the eating club because I need to be healthy and I just give in to temptation too easily. Then Boca and I walked to the Expo building and watched the AKC Dog Agility trials for a bit. Then I went to the grocery store while Boca rested, and then Boca had a play date with Kiwi Michaels (Bobby and Susan's dog). Then we went to my parents house where Boca played with the cats and I helped relocate my grandmother from the hospital to a new long term care facility.

This morning came along and I was so proud of myself because I got up and headed down to sign myself up for the Tulsa Townie whether anyone else wanted to do it or not. Roman actually texted me on my way there asking if I was going to do it. I told him I was and asked if he wanted me to sign him up...he actually did (which I couldn't cuz he has to sign his own release). But thought cool...Then I of course let Ken and Dana know what was going on hoping they would join. And they did. It was a little warm out (the bike ride was at 1). Once all of us unloaded our bikes (or the one we borrowed) we were off to get Ken, Dana and Roman registered. We got to do an extra 3-4 miles to get the packets take the loot back to the car and head back for the start.

The ride itself was indeed just that a ride. There wasn't any racing going on. It was very leisurely and relaxed. I really enjoyed it. There were about 3-4 good hills. Which wouldn't have been bad, but I swear at the middle of every hill I had some kid under the age of 10 feel the need to stop right in front of me and push their bike up the hill...so I got to do some creative weaving and pedaling. I think the laid back atmosphere was just good for me. I really enjoyed having company along the way. It was about the 3 mile mark that Dana actually told me Ed had come out to bike as well. The 5 of us hung together at the finish. The best part of this whole event in my opinion is not the shirt (although I really like it) or the medal (which they had enough of) but the popsicles!!!

I would highly recommend this event to everyone and anyone...

I posted a few pictures here, but others on my facebook.

Short "life" Update

2009-05-25T20:42:00.002-05:00

Well this week was pretty uneventful in terms of running and everything. It was the first full week without students at TU, so I was able to find my desk and make my "to do" list. My running week was pretty uneventful as well. I did a very short run on Tuesday since I brought Boca out with me and it was quite warm so we did 2.68 miles. Thursday was alright, I pushed myself to do more than I have been during the week 4:25 miles. I was pumped for Saturday and got up expecting to go out and do 5 miles, but the air was not in my favor. About a mile and a half out my asthma was giving me fits, I was not only wheezing as I exhaled, but also while I inhaled. So I did 3 miles....rested about 40 minutes and then went out and did another 1.25 miles. I have not been doing very well at turning over the new eating healthy week, but mentally I am getting there...

The Red Truck

2009-05-17T18:53:00.002-05:00

Overall, it has been a really good week of running for me. I went out on Tuesday and did a nice 3 miles at a really easy going rate with Terrie. On Thursday, I went out and did a quicker than usual 3 miles with Roman. At the turn around we ran with Bobby and Tom as well. Saturday morning was a beautiful morning to run. The sun wasn't out, but it was nice and cool with a slight breeze. I decided to do 5 miles and ran with Bobby and Ken. It was a fun run Saturday as we were running part of the course of the Aquarium Run and were able to see some of our fellow Runners World friends running either the 5K or the 1/2 marathon. I was quite proud of the pace I kept during the 5 mile outing. I finished the 5.17 miles in 1:04:01, which I feel really good about. I owe a lot to Bobby, Ken, and Michael as it was so nice to have company will running along. Now comes the interesting part about "The Red Truck".

Where to start with my crazy running adventure...I will go to Thursday night's eating club meeting. Roman brought up that Ken and Kathy were planning a night run for Saturday night. This made some ears perk up. Bobby mentioned he might like to join in on that as did Lisa, Jason, and Ed. Kathy said they wanted to run from 21st & Riverside to Keystone Dam. Ken guessed that it would be about 14-15 miles out, so a total of around 30 miles. I, of course sat in complete silence thinking they are all nuts. Saturday morning rolled around and I showed up at Helmrich Park to do my miles, as did many of my fellow runners. Bobby and Ken were there. I asked Bobby if he was going to head out for the night run, he said he didn't know yet. I just laughed cuz off he was to do 5 miles with me. As stated above I had a really good run Saturday morning. I joined the eating club for breakfast at First Watch, which was very yummy. After I finished eating I headed home to shower and come up with a plan for the day.

About 10:30 my phone rings and it's Susan. Her question "What are you doing tonight?" I laugh and respond "Not running". She then throws out the idea of crewing for the crazies (no offense) who wanted to head out and run. I told her I would be up for it at least for a bit. The plan was to meet around 9 at Veteran's park. I took a nice hour and a half nap and then headed over to visit my grandmother and have dinner with my parents. The plan came together, with a few hitches here and there, I wound up taking my mom's minivan because it would be easier to haul people and stuff. I picked up Roman at his house and off we went to meet up with everyone at Veteran's park.

Everyone was in high spirits and at 9:23 PM off they went. There were 6 runners: Michael, Bobby, Ken, Kathy, Russell, and Roman. Then Susan, Christin and myself were the "crew". We took Christin's car back to her house and then meet up with the runners about 2 miles into their adventure. At the 2 mile mark, Christin thought she saw someone trip so I threw the car in gear and drove quickly up the street, of course it was just the group goofing around on a statute taking pictures. All was well, so they ventured on and we went and found our next point about a mile away. We honked the horn and cheered as the group came climbing up the super steep Gilcrease Road Hill. Everyone was still looking great! After this cheer session, we headed into QuikTrip, I really needed something to drink. We all picked up a few snacks and what nots and ventured onto our next stop off point. This is where the adventure began for the Crew Team.

We exited at 49th W. Ave and found a parking lot for the Dollar General that was very close to the path. As we waited the Crew Team talked about different authors and books and just passed the time. We were sitting about 5 minutes and this man on a bike rides past us, of course he has dark clothes. It wasn't too long before he passed by us again on his bike smoking a cigarette. We had a good laugh about exercising and smoking simultaneously. We saw the headlamps heading our way so we honked the horn, gave the crew some water and snacks. This was about the 4 mile point for the runners. They all seemed settled and then we ventured to our next cheering destination. We went down to 81st street. I found what looked like an abandoned building so we decided to park there. The car was parked in an awkward position, but we thought if a cop comes and asks us what's up we'll just tell them we are waiting for our running friends. As we get the car settled joking about police officers all of the sudden a car pulls out on the other side of the building and yup you guessed it was a police officer. Turned out and went the other way. As we watched the trail we notice a strange looking man dressed in all black walking down the trail in the direction of our running friends. Our friends came out of the path unscathed.

We left 81st street and headed towards 97 Hwy. We knew that at McDonald's at 97th Hwy we would take Michael to his truck. The group made it to the McDonald's and looked to be in great condition. Everyone was doing well and still in good spirits. Michael hopped in the van and we drove him to his truck. We then made a pit stop for the crew at QuikTrip to go potty and get some drink refills. Next thing we know we see a fire truck with its sirens going down the street the runners were on. This freaked us out a bit, but not as much as when we saw the ambulance going that way too. So off we went down the little access road by the highway. Our running friends were just at the point where the firetruck and ambulance were sitting with their lights going. The crew was so relieved when we knew that they it wasn't our running friends that caused the sirens and lights to come out. So we ventured up the little access road to 129th street. There was way more traffic than we thought there would be and there was very little shoulder for our friends to run on so we were feeling a little uncomfortable about their running situation. They made it without incident though, and we noticed that the water jug they had brought was running low. We knew that as we got closer and closer to keystone we would be further away from any stores. So the crew made the executive decision to drive back to WalMart and pick up some more bottles of water. We took the highway back out toward keystone and exited at 177th street. Since we had no idea how far our running members had made it, we decided to drive slowly down the road back towards Sand Springs until we found our friends. Let the story of "red truck" begin.

We met up with our runners on a curved hill in a very dark area. So I turned the van around and kinda pulled over..the road was very very narrow, but we figured it was around midnight and what traffic would there be. As the runners were getting their water and having some snacks a big Red Truck with what looked like the word Fox on the back window went passing by us. I laughed and joked that the Red Truck was already calling 911 about suspicious behavior as we were passing things in and out of the van. Well it got eerie because no more than 3 minutes later the red truck comes passing by from the other direction. We thought hmm maybe they are checking out what we are doing. At this point we were driving and our friends were running. We didn't think too much about the red truck at this point.

Ken had informed us that there was a bridge out ahead so we decided to drive down to see how far the bridge was. As we were driving down the road we noticed a church and decided that would be a good place to park and wait for our friends. No soon after we got the van parked in the church parking lot, the same red truck that had passed us 2 other times passed by where we were parked from the direction of the bridge that was closed. The three crew members found this to be very eerie!!! So the ongoing joke for the night for the crew with every car that passed was "Oh no it's The Red Truck". This joke became even funnier that as we picked up Roman at the dam and deliverd bikes to Bobby and Russell at mile 18.6, we headed down another eerie and narrow road. Well sure enough about 2 miles down this road...we have a Red Truck pass us...no it wasn't the same truck..no Fox on the back window. But it helped a good laugh and helped to keep me focused on having fun and not feeling tired or stressed out.

I am sure that TZ will post a great report for the runners point of view on the impromptu night run. I was thankful for 6:00 AM when I finally walked back through the doors of my home in preparation for an easy Sunday run with Terrie, and my first orientation meeting to begin training for my first 2 maybe 3 marathons...Dude...hanging out with these crazies is turning me into one of them. What fun.!

Thursday Night Run

2009-05-15T10:43:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to blog to say thanks to Roman, Bobby and Tom for hanging back with me, and pushing me to move a little quicker during Thursday's run. I really appreciate it. It was nice to have some company.

Full Moon 5K Run Report

2009-05-12T07:30:00.003-05:00

I participated in the Full Moon 5K run this past Saturday evening. It's the first evening run I've done since Race Into the New Year (if that counts as an evening run). I participated in TU's graduation Saturday morning. Made the mistake of wearing my dress shoes without hose, so got a little blister on the top of my 4th little piggy (the one that had none if you do the little piggies). I was a little worried about how it would feel in my sneakers, but it wasn't bad at all. I arrived at Veteran's Park around 6:30 with my Arby's Turkey Club sandwich in hand...dinner ya know. The band Zed Lepplin was already playing. It was a nice relaxed atmosphere. I was feeling pretty excited about the possibility of setting a new PR. My friend and fellow Runners World member, Terrie, joined me and we took in all the environment. As Terrie decided to check out the potty facilities Bobby and Susan tried to sneak up on me, but they didn't realize that I have incredible awareness of my surroundings so their attempt failed. We all hung out. It was a very nice evening. Overcast and about 65 degrees...a great evening for a run.

Before I knew it the 1 mile fun run was off. So my anxiety really began to kick in. It is the part of the running events I hate...that feeling of needing to puke because there are so many people around me. It is somewhat like claustrophobia I imagine, but I have such anxiety of being around so many people I don't know. I took my race photo (see above) before we headed off. It was an easy out and back route. I actually heard the gun for this run and I was ready. Once I crossed the starting mat I began trotting along trying not to get sucked in to everyone else's adrenaline. I have to say Terrie did awesome...she got sucked in...but she did her first mile in about 9:30. I just kept looking at the Garmin trying to keep around an 11:30 pace so that I could get a PR...I needed to finish faster than 36:49. I felt pretty good during the entire run. I heard the 2 mile chime on my watch and looked down and it read 23 something so I calculated in my head that even if I ran closer to a 12 I should finish in sub-36. Well that's when it went wrong I guess. I allowed myself to walk for 5 one-hundreths of a mile...why did I need to walk...I have no idea. Guess I'm still in recovery mode...gotta snap out of that and maintain my ability to go out and do 3 miles without a whole lot of difficulty. I mean it is challenging to do 3 miles...but it's a challenge I want to overcome on a regular basis. So here were my splits from the 5K:

Mile 1: 11:34
Mile 2: 11:36
Mile 3: 12:22
.14: 1:28
For a finishing time of 37:04.

I think my favorite part about this run, is for the entire run I was with people. For most runs I feel like I am with people for about the first mile, mile and a half, but then all the speedies take off and I wind up pretty much by myself not in a pack of people. For this run, there were people around me the entire time. I don' t know if I felt this way because of the out and back course or the amount of people running. The free beer and band at the end of the run was fun. Was all in all a great run for me despite not getting a PR.

Recovery Week

2009-05-03T20:08:00.002-05:00

It has been a nice laid back "recovery week". I took Monday off of all exercise after the miserable OKC 1/2...see previous post. It was nice to head out with the group on Tuesday. I just did a low key 1.5 mile walk. There was all the buzz in the air though about everyone's perspectives and adventures in the OKC events. I think it is true that misery loves company. You feel so much better about your horrible race when you hear that someone else also had a horrible race. I do have to share my highlight from Monday evening though, that gave me the first step to acceptance of my not-so-hot OKC event. I went to my Weight Watcher meeting, and they were talking about the "Truths and Myths about Carbs" well one of the topics the leader brought up was that carb intake can be different for people who are...get this...extreme adventure exercise enthusiasts...like those that run or bike far distances. Her words, I swear. Here's the odd part for me as an individual...Everyone in the room kinda chuckled. The leader then asked if anyone in the room was an "extreme adventure exercise enthusiast" of course I raised my hand. The crowd got silent..she asked what I did, I told her that I just ran the 1/2 marathon the day before, then the silent crowd turned into a murmured crowd everyone was talking with their buddy about my "AMAZING" accomplishment. I walked out with a new perspective on my running. I am so used to hanging out with very cool people who also enjoy running, and run amazing distances (marathons and ultras) and you lose sight of what the average joe thinks of running. So although I have not been doing well writing down what I am putting in my mouth, I am feeling very excited about starting my training for my first marathon.

I attempted to run Thursday. It was so nice to run with Stacy. We did some more rehashing of the whole OKC thing. My legs felt tired and weak, but it felt good to be back out there running. I decided to forego the Hope Rains 5K, due to the amount of mud I expected would be on the course. So I met with the couch to 5K group at Helmrich at 7. I headed out and did 4 miles in the rain. I actually really enjoyed running in the rain (coulda done without the lightning) but I found it cleansing and therapeutic.

I decided to try to go out today, Sunday, and do another 4 miles to try to get myself into a rhthym. I got 3 done, but then decided to walk the last 1.4. I really need some help and guidance about when to try to push myself to do more and when to let myself rest because the body says so. I won't be able to meet up with the group Tuesday evening because I'm giving a final, which makes me sad. But at the same time, I am so excited to really focus and work on my running this summer. I have no obligations at TU or KU, other than to finish my dissertation and get the Ph.D. thing done, so I really hope to run daily, even if it's just a mile or two...So again I'll take any advice about building up my endurance that anyone wants to give...

2nd one done...OKC 1/2 report

2009-04-27T20:05:00.018-05:00

I could hardly believe that the OKC 1/2 marathon weekend was finally upon us. So many months of training...and the "big day" was finally fast approaching. I arranged for some of my graduate students to take care of my dog. Boca was very excited as I explained the hidden curriculum rules about having a dog sitter. You know things like beg for treats, stay up later, play with all the toys without putting them away first, etc. So as I headed out the door to meet up with some friends for breakfast on Saturday morning I took a picture to show how sad Boca was I was leaving.

So it was off to Ollie's in West Tulsa, which has the absolutely most delicious breakfast buffet anywhere. I figured I better eat up, because I didn't know what my dinner plans were for the evening and wanted to make sure I wasn't feeling hungry. It was so nice to meet up with Bobby, Susan, Christin and Russell. We were all so excited to finally be heading to Oklahoma City.
Terrie and I had decided to save gas and the environment by car pooling down there. So we met at Ollie's and then drove to Bobby and Susan's to drop off Terrie's truck while Christin went to go pick up Cara. You can tell by my silly grin, I really belong in the "eating club" that has been eluded to maybe more so than the running group.
We arrived in Oklahoma City around 1:30 or so and made our way through the Expo. I was so excited to find a headband made of wick-it fabric that says "I run so I can eat". So appropriate..see picture above. We decided to eat at the Pasta Dinner at the Memorial. Even though there wasn't a lot of food left and it wasn't so great, I was so glad we did this because it was my only real chance to explore the memorial. I do have to say that I really think Oklahoma City did it right. If you haven't been there, you should go. It is very touching. We got back to the hotel around 8:30 or so and had decided to meet in the hotel lobby at 4:45 to catch a shuttle to the race start. The Runners World group was scheduled to meet at 5:45 for a group photo. We had heard some stories about people really struggling to get to the start line last year, and we had also heard that our hotel was full primarily with people doing one of the running events. Thank goodness Bobby thinks like me, and doesn't like to run late (at least not in this case). So it was off to bed and try to unwind...which was quite difficult, but I think I finally got to sleep around 10:30. Race morning the herd of us from"The Bricktown Hotel and Convention Center" made it to 4th and Robinson, where there happened to be a church providing free pancakes, and had real restrooms. We hung outside, woke up, chatted about the upcoming event, and tried to find our mental happy places. You can see Cara, Susan and Cheryl were all smiles.
Tom arrived shortly after us, grateful that his first marathon day was finally upon him. He was hoping that his leg injuries would hold out and it would be a great day. You can see Russell was also in great spirits (he ran a PR 1/2 at 2:32...AWESOME) and his wife Christin got her shoes on just the right way....this seems so hard on race day. I must have retied my shoes 3-4 times.
As time ticked on, 5:45 came and so did a bunch of the Runners World crew. We all milled around and eventually did get ourselves enough to take a group picture. TATUR Dave has a good one posted on his facebook. It was at this point that the size of the crowd was starting to play with my head. I have big anxiety around large groups of people. I tried to just be by someone I knew so I could try to block out everyone else. However, when there are 19,000 people running, kinda hard to do.
My buddies Janna and Ronit were all smiles in the morning, despite the fact they really hated the "Bricktown Hotel", sorry guys. They did awesome from what I hear. I never saw them again after the group picture.
The national anthem was sung, there were 168 minutes of silence in honor of the victims of the bombing, and then there was the starting gun. I had heard that it took quite a while for some to get to the starting line, this was true this year. I think it took me about 10 minutes to finally "start" the run after the gun went off. I was so thankful to have the crowd finally thinning out. So I attempted to take a picture of the starting banner, hoping that it would be a run to be a great PR for my 1/2 marathon distance.
I have no idea where in Oklahoma City this is, but I know I ran or maybe walked by it. As you can see we aren't curb to curb people so I was glad about that. My first couple of miles weren't too bad. It was so humid and so windy. After I hit the 1 mile marker I really could have used a water stop, but there wasn't one until 1.8 miles or so. At the end of the route there were a ton of water stops, but I really felt that there should have been 1 more between mile 1 and 5 to help adapt and adjust to how much I was sweating because of the humidity. Overall though, I am really impressed with how organized and put together this run was (except for not having enough medals) and for how many people were participating.
I was really starting to not be in a good place around mile 4, but was still on pace to match my average 5 mile time of 1:02. I made it to mile 5 in 1:04, but then just faded from there. At mile 9, I seriously thought about quitting. I didn't have the mental strength, I didn't have the physical strength, and was having a hard time being okay with myself and how hard the whole event was for me. Then this is going to sound a little corny, but this is a true story. The Miley Cyrus song "The Climb" came on my "illegal" ipod. Now I am going to share the lyrics from how it begins.."I could almost see it...that dream I'm dreaming...but there's a voice inside my head sayin' you'll never reach it..every step I'm takin' every move I'm makin' feels lost with no direction...my faith is shaken, but I.....I gotta keep tryin' gotta keep my head held high....'cus there's always gonna be another mountain...I'm always gonna wanna make it move....always gonna be an uphill battle....sometimes i'm gonna have to lose...it ain't about how fast I get there...ain't about how fast I get there...ain't about what's waiting on the other side....it's the climb" These lyrics alone allowed me to be content with the fact that hey I was at mile 9 and even if I walk, it will build character. I will complete the 1/2 marathon, my 3rd, my 2nd in just 2 weeks. That says something about a person. Screw looking at my watch...start cheering on everyone and having fun. I danced through some of the locations where there was music, just to stay positive. I felt frustrated that my body couldn't do more, but really just had to keep it all in perspective. Finally....I could see the finish line. I ran the last .1 miles to get there, my time really stunk (3:10), but I did indeed finish. The weather was awful, winds between 25-40 mph, it was very humid, temp was in the low 70's, and just not a good run day for me. I remember Meg's daughter Hailey making the comment "not everyday can be a great run day" so true...but at least I did run...
I felt completely spent at the end, but had done well at keeping myself hydrated and was just physically tired and nothing else. Again if you go to TATUR Dave's facebook there has to be the worst most unflattering picture of me ever, but it really looks like I felt on the inside. After Susan and Cara and Cheryl finished we hung out on the curb for a bit waiting for our fellow Runners World group who were doing the marathon to finish.
I really wanted to wait for Terrie to finish. She took the early start meaning that she began running at 4:30 in the morning. Can you imagine, someone so dedicated to running her first marathon she was willing to get up and start running at 4:30. She did indeed finish. I am in awe of her and inspired by her accomplishment.
After everyone finished the marathon, we were trying to coordinate where to go eat. I of course had a shower as my top priority. Fortunatley the people at the "Bricktown Hotel" allowed us to use our rooms to shower without charging us, even though they said the were going to charge $20. I decided to take one last pic of our group gathering at the finish line. Roman felt the need to add his personal touch.Overall, the experience was not my best. But it takes these runs that are "eh" to make those runs that are "wow" that much more appreciated. I do think I may attempt the Acquarium 1/2 on May 16th so that I have a better half. I really want to get to the point that I can run the whole 1/2 marathon without feeling the need to walk. Any suggestions to accomplish that? I am feeling nervous about signing up for the full marathon in Greece, but hey it's in November. That's what 6 months away....why not....

Splits from OKC (not pretty)

2009-04-27T07:25:00.002-05:00

My full race report with pics will come later...but here are my splits from my worst half. Is it possible to post a new personal worst?

Mile 1: 11:58
Mile 2: 12:41
Mile 3: 12:50
Mile 4: 13:09
Mile 5: 13:09
Mile 6: 13:55
Mile 7: 14:04
Mile 8: 14:33
Mile 9: 14:59
Mile 10: 15:53
Mile 11: 16:18
Mile 12: 16:12
Mile 13: 16:37

I am hoping these times are primarily due to running back-to-back weekends, and the heavy wind conditions..

more to come...

Splits from Sunday's run

2009-04-20T20:46:00.003-05:00

Mile 1: 12:12
Mile 2: 13:35
Mile 3: 12:19
Mile 4: 11:45
Mile 5: 12:26
Mile 6: 12:38
Mile 7: 12:54
Mile 8: 14:14
Mile 9: 13:37
Mile 10: 12:16
Mile 11: 14:03
Mile 12: 15:13
Mile 13: 13:44

Can you tell where the uphills were? I should say that the mile 2 time was skewed because of my need to fix my pack so I had my inhaler and sports beans with me instead of it laying in the middle of the road. HA..HA...pretty pathetic, but done.....

One down.....

2009-04-19T20:04:00.011-05:00

I can now say that I have completed the Lawrence 1/2 marathon. Now as my good friend Trail Zombie would say....grab a cup of coffee (or whatever your drink of choice is), sit back, and happy reading. First things first I have to tell the "story" of the Lawrence 1/2 marathon, now known as the Kansas Marathon (because in 2010 they are adding a full to this event).

Back in July of 2005, I was fortunate enough to be selected to participate in a Weight Management study through KU. I was way more overweight than now (hard to believe I know, but....). Well part of the requirements for participation in the study was to exercise a minimum of 30 minutes, 5 times a week. Now take in mind that "exercise" was never really defined, so me being me started walking at a speed that would make me sweat. As, the study progressed I was starting to do the run/walk thing. Well the study ended the last week of March 2007 (I lost 56 pounds and have maintained that loss, and even lost about 10 more since then...). In February I began to panic about the study ending, so I decided to sign up for my first 5K. There was a montessori school called "Rain Tree" literally right next door to my apartment complex. They had a 5K and 1/2 marathon called the Rain Tree Run (pretty clever I know...). I had some of my colleagues doing the 1/2 marathon and I was just in awe. At that time, one of my graduate students at KU was also training for the 1/2. Now you should also know that she competed in swim at University of Texas, and even competed in the olympic trials....so she was asked just casually, what do you hope to finish in....Her response...."I hope to win" she wasn't kidding...she came in 3rd female. I was so pumped when I did indeed finish the 5K (in 56 min...at the time was so excited it was less than an hour).

So, that was Rain Tree Run take 1 for me. Fairly successful I thought. So I kept up with my walk/run routine. Granted not as diligently, but I did. I did a 5K here and there. Well in March 2007, I did the Shamrock Shuffle in Lawrence. At the end of the run, I was handed a pamphlet about EZ8 a running camp for women. I thought...what a great idea. It was then April and time for the Rain Tree Run, but the benefactor of the run changed and so did the name...it became the "Lawrence Half Marathon" (and there was still a 5K). I did the 5K again (different course of course) and thought this is the last "slow" run because I'm going to do this running camp. So I did 2 sessions of the 8 week running camp, and was getting quicker and doing more running and less walking during my outings. I had made some good friends that were doing the Kansas City 1/2 marathon and told me I should train with them and do it. I figured why not, I was at a pretty good running streak. I did the Kansas City 1/2 marathon in October 2007, was not a very positive experience for me for many many reasons, but I won't go into that for this post.

Well, because the Kansas City 1/2 was not a great experience, I decided to go back to 5K's for a bit (actually I stopped running altogether for about 4 months because I was frustrated). Well then the materials started to come out regarding the Lawrence 1/2 marathon & 5K. I figured, well it's been my tradition so why not. Of course the entire time I did the 5K I felt frustrated because that 1/2 marathon had been my goal since the first year I did it.

Well, I moved to Tulsa...and meet the great Runners World crew. Training has been a blast, now there are ups and downs, as can be seen through my previous posts, but what a positive and wonderful crew to be around. I decided in November, after doing the Route 66 quarter marathon, that I really wanted to go to Lawrence and do the 1/2 marathon because that was my goal. Well I looked up information, and found that the main sponsors had pulled funding so the website said that it was canceled for 2009. I felt so sad, but figured oh well, I will just start a new tradition of doing the Oklahoma City 1/2. Well at work, I listen to the Lawrence Radio station Lazer 105.9 (lazer.com) streaming via the web and one day they were talking about how the people that run the IronMan in Lawrence in June were taking over the Lawrence Half marathon and changing the name to the Kansas Marathon and were offering a half, 10K and 5K for 2009 and would be adding a full in 2010. So I hopped right online and signed up.

Well in February as can be read, I messed up the good ol' hip, and well haven't been able to build up the endurance like I had hoped. And Lawrence is a very fast running community, so I was feeling extremely nervous, but knew that I wanted to get this Lawrence run off my "to do" list. So, I headed up to Lawrence, KS on Friday to meet with doctoral advisor, it went alright, Saturday I went to a conference...which was actually loads of fun. Then, the down time started and I started to play the mental game about the run. Then I decided to look at it from the point of view from a training run, just go..take in the sights...say some odd comments to people and get the miles in.

Race Day:
It was a gloomy and damp day.

But I showed up and took in the people and the puddles...

Well, I ran into my old running coach, was a little bit awkward, but I kept it short and sweet and decided to hang out closer to the street and the start line. I wound up chatting with a very nice woman named Donna who had come over from Kansas City to do the 1/2 marathon. She shared that she would be race-walking and hoping to maintain a 15-min mile pace, this made me feel much better about the whole race because i knew if I was hanging toward the end of the group I might not be there alone.

Well before I knew it 7:30 had arrived and off we all went....

During the first mile and a half, I had some pack issues in that hte clip came undone. This actually turned out to be quite a blessing, I was running along retying everything not really thinking about the crowd, my pace, or anything else other than making sure I didn't lose my pack cuz it had everythign in it. Well once I got everything situated, I turned the corner and voila....

Some old brick streets of Lawrence. If you've never been to Lawrence, KS, it really is quite historic and beautiful. But...I have to say I'd rather run trails than this brick again. You want to talk about uneven/unstable surfaces..you're looking at it. Now to also give you an idea of the run atmosphere...This photo was at about 1.25 miles in...notice how many runners are around me...now I know you will be shocked...my first mile was 12:03 and when this picture is taken I was doing an 11:47 pace....From this point the route ventured to campus. Again KU is a very beautiful campus on a hill. I felt pretty good. I was in my happy place throughout the run until about mile 8 then the thoughts about hurting and tired legs and all that came into play. I have to share this though, because I thought it was so funny. I had my "illegal" ipod and there were songs that played that made me think about and reflect on the Runners World crew and so I searched the crowd for look-a-likes. Here are some of the songs and who I thought of (please no one take offense):
Cranberries: Zombie (yup made me think of TZ)
Pink: So What (Rockstar Ed)
Dixie Chicks: Ready to Run (Susan)
Blue Oyster Cult: Don't fear the Reaper (TATUR Dave)
Scorpions: Rock You Like a Hurricane (Michael)
Baha Men: Who Let the Dogs Out (Boca (yeah the dog))
Boston: Peace of Mind (Bobby)
Miley Cyrus: The Climb (Me and my Journey...I know you can make fun if you want, but truly is lyrics of my running life)

Well like I said...I was in a running happy place until about mile 7-8ish, then I lost it. Part of the running path went on a semi-secluded running trail, well there was a giant puddle, me being me thought what would my friends do...so I just ran through it. Got my shoes and socks soaking wet...oh well. At about mile 8 1/2 I saw a woman in a black jacket ahead of me...she seemed to be slowing down, so I kept saying in my head catch black jacket catch black jacket. Well I did...I wound up passing here just after the 9 mile marker. Then I felt like I was going up and down the hills all alone. It was a pretty isolated course with not a lot of crowd and fanfare. Well at about mile 10 I saw a younger girl (college student probably) and she was slowign down...so of course me being me set the goal and mental focus to catch her. Well I did that at about mile 10 1/2 then was on my own. Once I hit mile 11, I decided to walk til I could see the finish. Why....well think I just lack endurance. The ending of the whole thing kind stunk..couldn't see the finsih until you saw the 13 mile marker sign...I would have liked to see it at about mile 12 1/2, but oh well. So as I am climbing the hill (think Denver of the Tulsa run) there is a man in front of me running (although you could tell he was very tired and fatigued much more of a shuffle) and I told myself I would pass him too....well once I saw the finish sign...I sprinted to it, passing the man feeling a little bad about that....finishing with a race clock time of 2:52:10. I was okay with my finishing time. I actually had a much more enjoyable time doing this 1/2 than my last. I am really looking forward to OKC, and having friends there with me to help with the spirit and atmosphere.

I wish I could have taken a few more pictures but the camera charge died. I also just want to send out a thanks for all the well wishes from everyone. If you want to check out the elevation from my run today here is the link:

www.kansasmarathon.com

Part 2....

2009-04-14T21:49:00.001-05:00

I have to thank Tom for tonight's run! I know he's hurting, but his "slower" pace really pushed me and motivated me. I did my 3 miles on the Riverparks trail heading south from 75th...in 33:52!!! WOW! Not only that...we did each and every mile at an 11:17 pace...so extremely consistent...Thanks Tom!! Let's hope this running luck holds up through Sunday!

A Great Run...

2009-04-13T19:47:00.002-05:00

That's right. I am blogging about a really great run for me. Tonight I completed my first sub 48 (47:57) 4-mile run. For me, that is quite speedy. I felt so great running tonight. I don't really know why. I was completely in my "happy place." During the first mile I was preoccupied with the fact I had to pee, and completed it in 11:47. Then I was just on a roll I guess. It was a sparse group tonight, but if they weren't there (Bobby, Rachel, Michael, and Ken) I probably wouldn't be consistent in getting in a Monday run.

You will have to excuse me for just a moment while I go on a tangent here. The run started out with comments about taking a break after OKC. I totally get where everyone is coming from. However, when I was training in Lawrence with an all women's running group...paying money to be coached...getting ready for the Kansas City 1/2 in Oct 2007...I would make comments about looking forward to taking a break. All I could think of tonight is the comment my coach sent me in an email..."you seem to have a negative attitude toward running, and should probably take a break". This reflection was in my head during most of the run tonight. How can a coach tell someone on their "team" they have a bad attitude...and should take a break? Then...I began to reflect on my last month of running or so...and I've been in a big time slump. I was doing well, at least I think anyway, then my hip popped out of alignment and taking 2 weeks off of running, well....just messed with me mentally. Then when I was cleared to start running again, it was somewhat tortoruous. However, thanks to the group from Runners World....which by the way is FREE coaching...I kept heading out. Everytime I would run, I would run with someone, or at least by someone different. My hip is still not 100% strong, it bothers me from time to time, but I remember why I run. To have fun...and destress...and meet people...and better my overall health. I don't run to "win" nor do I run to please others. I think Trail Zombie said it best...when running isn't fun anymore, don't do it. But don't quit doing something you enjoy because others don't believe in you, or you have a bad day and have to vent to someone.

Okay, enough of that soap box...

I can't believe the Lawrence 1/2 marathon is THIS Sunday. What on earth was I thinking? Oh yeah...I want to take it off my "to do" list. I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my dear friends in Lawrence Friday evening and Saturday. I hope that Sunday, I remember to take in the great sights of Lawrence, it really is a beautiful (and hilly) city. I was asked what my "goal" is for Lawrence, and I joked (yet seriously) stated that it's to finish. I do hope to beat my KC 1/2 time of 2:56, so we'll see. I thank TATUR Dave for giving us hills to train on, I am hoping it pays off for me on Sunday.

Lake McMurtry and week

2009-04-05T14:45:00.006-05:00

Well this has definitely been one of the busiest weeks for me all year. On top of that, I was able to complete 18 miles between Saturday and Tuesday. After the Snake Run, I was all geared up and gung-ho for the Lake McMurtry Trail Run. As the week went along, I began to doubt if I should do the Lake McMurtry run or not. After the training run on Thursday, my spirits were lifted and I figured what the heck. Bobby and Susan were nice enough to meet up with me at McDonald's at 5:30 Saturday morning to head towards Stillwater and the 12K (7.5 miles). About 45 minutes into the drive I finally felt awake and was enjoying the sunrise. Once we made it to the race start we all gathered up our gear.

Once we had all of our "stuff" on (race number, jackets, gloves, water bottles, etc.) we meandered around the start area. Ken and Lisa were busy registering people and passing out race numbers and shirts to everyone who had previously registered. I wandered around and took in some sights.

It was a little chilly and windy, but quite tolearable. The sunrise was pretty and it was fun to see everyone so laid back and excited about their upcoming events.

Race Director Ken (Trail Zombie) Childress attempted to give each group instructions as to where their route went, how long it would be until an aid station would be in sight. At this point for the 12K, I had some serious stomach cramps and felt extremely anxious about the whole situation. I don't know what brought this on, but I felt just horrible.

My first couple of miles were not too bad, but then I hit the wall with a loud "THUD." I have no idea what happened. I had absolutely no mental toughness or physical toughness. I think I ran at least a tenth of every mile, but it was ugly and really no so fun for me.

On the way back, I decided to take a few pictures of the "little" climbs that were along the way. Overall the trail was fun. I just don't think I was in the right mental place to do this run. I really overextended myself this week, and this run for me was just the straw that broke the camel's back. I feel bad for being a little negative about the whole thing....it was the run at all just everything that led up to it.

My next "adventure" will be the Lawrence 1/2 marathon two weeks from today. I don't really think I am ready for it at all. Anyone from Runners World want to go and keep me company? Lawrence has such an elite running community, I am feeling a little nervous about the whole thing. I am trying to keep the whole idea of going just cuz it will be fun and I will no longer regret not doing it....

2009-03-30T21:23:00.003-05:00

If this is what is planned for weather, I don't recommend going out and running in the rain before it turns to snow. I learned this lesson the hard way on Saturday, March 28th. All week the meterologists were talking 1-3" of snow expected Friday night into Saturday night. I went to bed Friday night with my mind made up that I was not going to go run if there was even a single flake of snow on the ground. Boca woke me up at 5:30, so I reluctantly took him out all ready to see 1-3 inches of snow. Not a flake...at that time not even a drop of rain! So I changed my plan and decided I would meet up with the group at 7. As I drove to Veteran's park, the lovely drizzle turned to a pretty good down pour. I sat in my car looking around...thinking that I could easily pack it in and go back home. Nope, nope, nope......I got up...I'm dressed...I am going to do this...what's a little rain. Off we went to do a 5 mile loop (I was supposed to do 2). About 2 miles in, the wind picked up and I think I gained 10 pounds in just rain soaking into my clothes and shoes. Thanks to my friend Susan hanging with me, I did complete 1, 5-mile loop, but it is honestly the worst conditions I have ever attempt to run in. Then while trying to warm up...we did indeed get the snow during the day. A total of around 9" of snow fell...just crazy.

Some of the Runners World crew got together on Sunday to try the 5-mile loops again. It was a beautiful day and by 1PM a majority of the 9" of snow had already melted. I completed only 1 loop because I had a very good friend visiting from California and was meeting her for an early dinner. I really appreciated Bobby runnign the 5-mile loop with me. It made it go by so much more quickly than it would have if I was on my own. Thanks Bobby!!!

I meet up with Bobby's Bunch tonight, not really sure how it was going to go after doing 5 miles in the ick rain on Saturday, and then 5 miles again on Sunday, and was able to do 3 miles tonight. Put all that together and I did a 1/2 marathon in 3 days..hope it goes quicker than that on April 19 :).

I think I was meant to run in the horrid weather on Saturday so that I can better appreciate the nice days to run.

First Trail Run

2009-03-21T18:35:00.004-05:00

After completing 13.15 miles at the snake run today...I feel like my profile should be something like this:
However, such is not the case...in truth, I will be quite content sitting on my butt watching basketball for the next 36 hours or so. I need to send thanks to Carmen and Sam who did the 13.15 miles with me. It was so nice just to chit chat on the first loop. The second loop wasn't so much chit chatting but watching some of the amazing people doing loop after loop like it was nothing. Before the run, Brian made the comment "If you look up, you'll go down", I have to say that he was right...I am not real sure what happened but I wound up "going down" at mile 9. Have a couple of great bruises on my left knee and leg...woulda taken a picture but they aren't blue enough to truly capture the owie. Really doesn't hurt that bad...or it could just be that all of my muscles are hurting so I don't even notice one little bruise. I had a great time on this run. I loved the laid back atmoshpere and the great support from all the runners. Thanks TZ for putting on such a fun run! I can't believe I did a 1/2 marathon on a trail today. Took me 3 hours 21 minutes and 55 seconds, but considering I haven't run longer than 7 miles in the past 2 years...I am very proud of myself and feel it was quite an accomplishment. Boo to the snakes I say!

A new 5K PR and Boca Graduates!

2009-03-14T11:27:00.004-05:00

What a fun weekend! and it's only Saturday morning. On Wednesday, Boca took his Beginner Obedience Test. We (Boca and I) were both quite nervous about the sit/stay and down/stay. We have practiced and practiced and practiced. But, if you know anything about me, I don't just sit/stay very well myself, and well down/stay I reserve for sleeping. My dog has taken after my philosophy. But we practiced and practiced and practiced, and well Boca decided that test day would be a good time to do his first 3 minute down/stay at school. Boca wound up receiving the highest score for his class, therefore earning "Top Dog" honors. What does that mean? Well it meant we had to compete against all of the other top dogs from the other beginner obedience classes at graduation Friday night. Not having any idea, how the whole dog graduation thing worked, I did not do well at getting Boca ready for his competition. However, if there was an award for 'playing the crowd' I think Boca would have won that hands down. He smiled and when he had to do his sits he always turned so he was facing the audience. It was rather cute. I was a little embarrassed that I hadn't prepared Boca better, but I think he had a great time and it was so awesome to even be in the position to compete again. Turns out he did get some loot for winning the title of "Top Dog" from his class. He was stoked about that...as you can see in the picture below.

Once the "Top Dog' competition was done, the dogs go to wear motor boards (much to their dismay) and get recognized one at a time. The whole dog graduation was quite cute and was a great opportunity for Boca to be around many other dogs and people.

On to running.....

I decided to enter the St. Pat's 5K run, since the doc wants me to give it one more week before I attempt more than 3-4 miles. I decided it would be a good opportunity to see if I could get a new PR for the 5K. This morning's weather, although a little chilly, was almost a perfect temp for a run, start a little cool and then not get too hot as you went along. The best part of today's run was at first having a group of Marines running and chanting behind me...they eventually caught up with me (I ran with them til the turnaround)...then of course going downhill on the way back they smoked me. It was so great to just listen and try to process what they were chanting...what a great distraction. I wound up finishing the 5K with a clock time of 37:04, and a Garmin time of 36:49. I am so pumped!! I can still remember when I just hoped to do a sub-40 and someday I may do a sub-36. My average pace/mile today was 11:47. This is awesome....first time I have ran 3 consecutive since my hip injury...and to run a sub-12 average...wow!!! Thanks Marines!!! I really needed the good run today to help boost back up my running confidence. I am so looking forward to the 6-hour snake run next week. Will be my first event on trails rather than road....am hoping just to have fun!!

Back in the Saddle (or Running shoes as the case may be)

2009-03-09T20:09:00.002-05:00

After a two week hiatus from running thanks to a pesky hip injury, I have been able to get back into running the routes. Thursday I was given the okay from the doc to start some interval running. So I did the 3 miles Thursday running a 1/2 mile then walking 1/2 mile. I made it through the whole 3 miles, as did Boca, and didn't have any excess pain. My muscles were letting me know that they hadn't done that in a while. I woke up Friday morning a little worried that I would have some residual soreness or pain from Thursday's adventure, but nothing. Worked out with the trainer on Friday and it was a high cardio day (rowing and running), and again no incidence. Saturday was "long run" day, but fortunately it was a cut back week, so my group was scheduled to do 4 miles. I did interval running again, this time running a mile then walking 1/2 mile...again Boca and I made it through the 4 miles, running 3 and walking 1, without much incidence. I have been applying the heat/ice every night and it seems to be working. Went to the doc again today. He says I am about 95%. Went out with Bobby's Bunch tonight and ran 2.00 straight then walked 1/4 mile through the grass part and finished with .75 run. I think I am getting back in the groove..Yeah!! It's amazing how quick we lose everything we work so hard to build up..I did it once I can do it again.

The 20% Physical & Cross Training

2009-03-01T15:42:00.004-06:00

As you can see the bunny slipper and I have been getting in some cross training on the row machine. This has been the only cardio-type workout I have been 'cleared' for by my chiropractor while my hip heals. I really wish that I had a better explanation of what happened to my hip. I have been through 4 adjustments, and from the pain I still have just throughout the day I can tell that my hip is still not right. It is so frustrating. The positive news is that the doc says I should be okay to get in my 1/2 marathon in Lawrence, KS on April 19th. Let's just keep praying that it does happen, that run has been like my nemisis..every year I plan on doing it and every year something seems to prevent me from doing it. I do have to say that it has been somewhat fun rowing on a daily basis. I have been doing an average of 4 miles a day at about at 2:20/500 meter average.

I have still been heading out and meeting up with the Runners World group to keep up my motivation and to continue to be inspired by others, so when I am cleared to running, I will still be in my routine. It has been so nice of Susan to walk with me. I have been taking Boca out with me for the walking adventures. He is just loving it. I need to keep taking him out even when I get back to running. I think he could easily do 2-4 miles with me.

My work as a doctoral candidate has gone very well over the last week too! I have all of the DVDs created that I need to begin my study. One DVD is to train students that may help me out, and the second DVD will be used to teach my participants. Now I just need to get all my paperwork approved from both KU and TU and I'm ready to get the party started.

My work as a teacher at TU was a little out of whack this week. I made a big rookie mistake...I had projects due for all 3 of the classes I teach during the same week. So I gave the bunny slipper some lessons on grading...he caught on quite quickly as you can see by the picture below.

Overall, I guess things are okay. I hope that my body heals, but I am thankful that I have been able to avoid catching any of the bugs going around and have been relatively healthy.

Injuries STINK!!!

2009-02-23T20:19:00.002-06:00

Well I was lucky enough to get the bunny slippers, I mean slipper on Thursday evening. It has been a rough week. My last post describes the pain I had in my hip. I went to my chiropractor twice last week. Turns out that my hip pain was stemming from the fact that my pelvic boned had rocked out of place (shifted forward). So he did 2 adjustments. On Friday, I felt wonderful and worked out with my trainer. As I was doing my 2nd round of squats, I felt my hip get a little tight, but not sore. So I did as the doctor ordered and did NO running on the weekend. It was very hard not to run. My mind and body are so used to the running routing that without it I feel kinda blah. It's amazing how much running helps the mind. I was so pumped for today to head out with Bobby's Bunch for a short loop around Zink lake. Well I think the 11th street bridge has something against me, as I stepped across it tonight at around the 1.15 mile, one step on my right foot, and I felt my hip just pop out of place. UGHH!!! Here we go again. I am back to the chiropractor tomorrow for another adjustment. I guess the good news is that the hip pain is nearly as painful as it was the first time, so that's improvement right? We'll see if I am back to walking restriction. The bunny slipper has had quite an adventurous time even if there was very little running involved. Pictures to come...

What a mess of a run!

2009-02-14T12:22:00.003-06:00

Let me start this entry by saying that I think the whole idea of the poker run is great and was loads of fun (or at least would have been, had I had any type of good cards at all!). The day started alright. I meet up with some other beginner 1/2 marathoners at 7:30 to get our 2 miles in before the beginning of the poker run. I started the day with an attitude of trying to keep a pace between 12:15 and 12:30 so I could get all 7 miles in without much hardship. The first two miles went smooth as we did an out and back to the pedestrian bridge. Then it was time for the poker run, masses of people headed out to Riverside, I laid back a bit as I have a lot of anxiety of being in large crowds. The 3 mile of my run today seemed to be going alright. Then I hit around the 3 1/2 mile marker and wound up with excruciating pain in my right hip. At first I thought maybe it was just a hip cramp, but when I hit mile 4 I knew it was something more serious. The pain got so bad that I just wanted to quit and cry. I decided that I had to be okay with walking and getting my miles in. At the turn around, Deon handed me yet another unhelpful card to my poker hand, but had nothing but words of encouragement. So instead of heading up and over the 21st bridge and cutting the run short I decided that 7 miles would be what my Garmin indicated at the end of the day. I had several very nice and thoughtful runners check on me on the way back, by mile 5.5 even walking was becoming a struggle, but I forged ahead. I did make it back to Veteran's park, with all 7 cards, which had to be one of the worst hands out there (K, 9, 7, 5,4,3,2). I am now letting good ol' Advil help alleviate the inflammation and laying low for the rest of the day, hoping that whatever it is that is hurt, heals. I thank everyone who checked up on and with me, I love the thoughtfulness and caring of the Runners World group.

My dog gets his first award

2009-02-11T18:50:00.002-06:00

Boca is quite proud of his trophy for heeling and coming to an automatic sit the quickest. I have to share the ironic part of the whole class and getting the trophy, is I seem to have the dog that would be labeled the "class clown" granted he gets a lot of cute points, but following structure is not his strong suite. So, why include this on a blog about running and fitness. Well I figure if my class clown dog can pull out a trophy, then I can surely complete my scheduled 13.1 miles in April.

My past week of running has been pretty good. Saturday included a run of 6 miles through the streets of south tulsa. I enjoyed the run and the route. I felt that I kept up a decent pace and if I had to I felt like I could have done another mile if needed. The Monday was a very nice evening, a little windy here and there, but people were busting out the shorts because the weather has turned so warm and spring like. I was chugging along at a 12 min/mile for the first mile then Michael and Ken caught up with me. Dana was a little ahead of me so Ken forged ahead to catch up with Dana and run with her and Michael and I continued on with good conversation on how the KU Jayhawks killed OSU in basketball, and of course that also included picking up the pace a little. The 4 of us decided to do the full 4.4 mile Zink lake loop, it was such a nice evening. I finished the 4.27 miles in 51:10 which was about a 12 min/mile pace overall. On Tuesday the weather was a little sketchy, but since I didn't have to teach that night, I headed out to meet up with the Runners World crew. I opted for 3.15 miles because of the wind and weather conditions, again was a decent run for myself, with an average of 12 min/mile average. This morning, I had a great arm workout with trainer Andrew. It was brutal, but better than squats on a Bosu ball. Then Boca and I headed to Dog school which as you can see yielded great results as well.

I hope everyone has had a great week!

Lawrence KS 1/2 Marathon is ON!!!

2009-02-05T08:19:00.000-06:00

YIPPEEE!! This run has been the monkey on my back. It used to be called the Lawrence Half Marathon, but the run got canceled due to lack of sponsorship, but it appears the whole run has changed hands in terms of organization. They will be having a 1/2 marathon on April 19th (one week before OKC). Next year they will be adding a full marathon as well..OH BOY!!! Sign me up. Anyone else want to trek to Lawrence?

www.kansasmarathon.com

This just goes to show that listening to streaming radio while at work is a good thing :). OH Boy!!!

A Noteworthy Run (yes again)

2009-02-02T20:03:00.003-06:00

Oh my goodness!! Tonight was surreal run for me. First, the weather was great, 50 degrees with very little wind. As Bobby's Bunch was saying tonight, what a difference a week makes. There were about 10 of us out tonight at 21st and Riverside. Everyone pretty much decided to do the 3 mile loop rather than the full Zink lake loop, except Deon, Tom (I think that's his name) and Jennifer (I think that's her name). Well we headed out and I was kinda hanging with Chrissy and Michael..and if you haven't seen Chrissy's new shoes just wait...they are AWESOME!! Well Chrissy decided to give her new shoes a true spin and bolted off...Michael was kind enough to hang with me...we figured when we crossed the 11th street bridge, Chrissy had to be about a half mile ahead of us. Can you say Go Go Gadget shoes!!?? As we crossed the bridge, the good ol' Garmin chimed that it had been a mile. I looked down and exclaimed to Michael that it had to be one of my fastest miles ever...we clocked in at 11:40...Well then mile 2 went flying by and when the watch chimed...it read 23:22, I exclaimed again (just as Michael), I have never ever run 2 miles in under 24 minutes prior to this evening. So we kept on trucking...Chrissy was nice enough to loop back and meet us around the wooden bridge on the west side. We trekked up and over the 21st street bridge. About 1/2 way across the bridge, I knew I was pushing my limit...breathing was getting a little harder, but I knew I was so close to the end I just kept on going. Well I wound up finishing the 3 miles in 34:55. I exclaimed numerous times (yes you can ask Michael again)...then I was almost speechless...I know very hard to imagine that, but it's true. I never imagined I would finish 3 miles in under 36 minutes no less 35 minutes...I just felt the need to blog this run, because today really exemplified for me that we are all capable of more than we think we can do or be.....

I will miss the Runners World group run on Tuesday because of the night class I teach, but hope to get my miles in at some point during the day. I feel very out of touch with the Runners World group since I missed all of the group runs last week. I am feeling anxious and looking forward to the 6 miles on Saturday...will be another great adventure I am sure.

A Whirlwind Week

2009-01-31T14:15:00.008-06:00

The biggest news of the week this week, is I passed my Dissertation Prospectus meeting. What does that mean? Well it means that my doctoral committee members have approved the research investigation I want to do as the final requirement of the PhD. It has been a 7 month process of justifying why this research study is needed and laying out all of the details of how exactly I will do it. So that means another hurdle crossed and onto the next.

So...how were the runs this week. Well it felt like they were few and far between thanks to mother nature. I went out Monday morning before the "freezing ice" started and got in a good 4.5 miles around Zink lake. Then the ice came and came and came. Tuesday was a good day to just stay at home and not head out (unless you are the Trail Zombie of course). Wednesday was day 2 of staying in. Although once 10 AM hit, I went out to the fabric store to 1) test the roads and 2) give myself something to do. When I returned home, I got a wonderful message from Susan that some people were going to meet to do the Zink loop at 5:30. I figured what the heck. I was so ready to do something physical and get out of the house and meetin gup with people just made it more fun. There were 4 of us out there, Trail Zombie, My Group leader Michael, Bobby and myself. So, although a small "Bobby's Bunch" we were still there. I got some great photos while out and about. The temperature was great, and the east side of Riverside wasn't too bad. The west side...well they tried to treat it and well ...it was very slick.
If you listened closely you could hear one duck saying to another..."Hey guys we did it!! We swam all the way to Antarctica!" I can see how they could be confused with all of the floating icebergs out on the Arkansas River.
It was great to have the sun shining bright even at 5:30. TZ watches as Deb, I think that's her name, heads off to get her miles in early.

Bobby and TZ stroll across the 1th street bridge. It was like running in place. It was so slushy and took so much energy to even move in.

I took this picture just so everyone could see that there are indeed "White Sand Beaches" in Tulsa, Oklahoma...

If you look closely, you will see TZ, Bobby, and Michael as we finally made it to the 21st street Bridge. You can see that there was still some sun left, and a beautiful sunset at that, around 6:10 PM. It was not the best of conditions to run in, but really was kinda fun.

I missed the Thursday run because I had to drive to Lawrence, KS to meet with my committee on Friday. I was able to get in my 5 miles today while staying in Topeka, and did it in a decent time for myself 1:02:23. It was quite windy and I chose a fairly hilly route, but was so great to be in the sunshine and outdoors without 6 layers of running gear. I look forward to Bobby's Bunch on Monday. I will miss the Tuesday run, due to the class I teach in the evening, and then can't wait for the Thursday and Saturday group runs.

Worthy of a Blog Entry

2009-01-26T09:56:00.001-06:00

So, I know I just blogged on Saturday, but today's run deserves its own entry. I woke up this morning feeling like I could sleep all day...even my dog was in that mindset which is rare. I have to admit I have a great job in that I have a lot of flexibility about what times I have to be in the office. Well after taking the dog for a walk around the block, and some encouragement from my mom, I decided it would be better to run this morning than worry about the weather all day. So I put on my running gear, only 1 layer of pants, a long sleeve tech shirt and my new Brooks pull-over (which kept me much warmer than I expected), laced up the shoes (the right way of course) and headed to 21st and Riverside. I decided that if I was going to head out and run I would go ahead and do the 4 miles today for fear that tomorrow it will be too slick, and if it's not I will do the 3. So around the Zink lake loop I went. As I started out North with the wind blowing in my face, I had some doubts of my own sanity, but then rationalized that it was tons better than it was on Saturday so what am I whining for. I crossed the 11th street bridge and was feeling in quite the groove. My legs were feeling good, I was breathing fairly easy for me, good tunes on the ipod playing, and just over all positive thoughts swirling in the brain. Before I knew it I was at the amphitheater...I couldn't believe it...it actually felt like an "easy" two miles. OH...I should mention that I found all of the water fountains frozen, so did wish that I had carried a bottle of water...I was so excited to run across the Pedestrian Bridge, I have no idea why this excited me but it did. Then before I knew it I was there...3.1 miles down and I was feeling like I could keep going without a problem. Usually at the 3 mile marker I am either 1) Done with the run for the day or 2) playing mental tricks with myself to get to the point of being done with the run. Today, however, I was just happy that the run wasn't done and I got to keep going. Isn't that just crazy!!! I do think my Garmin doesn't work quite right going across the Pedestrian Bridge, but...OH...another side note...my fastest mile of the whole run was from mile 2 to 3 with a pace of 12:01. Can you believe that??? I got across the Pedestrian Bridge and north I went, into the wind again. It didn't really bother me at this point..my Garmin chimed at 4 miles and I had completed it in 49:29...I was very excited to hit it under 50 again. I wound up doing a total of 4.5 miles today and felt like I could have done 5 maybe even 6, which really helped my confidence.

Now, of course, I am so grateful I went out this morning. If we do get the super icky weather they are talking about maybe happening...I can hang at home with the dog and drink hot cocoa and still have a sense of accomplishment for the day!

Brrrr...

2009-01-24T18:31:00.002-06:00

That's about all I could muster this morning during the run. It really wasn't too bad for the first 2.5 miles as I was headed South, but as soon as I turned around and headed north for the 2nd 2.5 miles, oh my gosh was it cold. I heard on the news this morning that it was 21 degrees air temperature with a windchill of 8. What on earth am I doing out there hitting the pavement? Oh yea, trying to better my health and get prepared for a half marathon in April.

It really wasn't too awful. I did my 5.25 miles in about an hour and seven minutes. Definitely not the speediest of times, but given the fact I have done 5 miles in I don't know how long and the weather conditions, I am just thankful to say I did my mileage today. Overall it was a great week of health and exercise for me. I ran 3 miles Monday evening, 4 miles Tuesday in between teaching 3 classes, worked out with the trainer on Wednesday, 3 miles Thursday, worked out with the trainer Friday, and finished the week out with a 5.25 mile run on Saturday. I am really looking forward to a day of rest and putting together powerpoints.

I will be embarking on a big adventure over the course of the next week as I have to defend the whole idea behind my dissertation on Friday. So I hope that the weather cooperates to get all of the runs in this week to help keep the stress to a minimum.

What a Beautiful Saturday!!

2009-01-17T10:38:00.002-06:00

This morning was a great morning! Although I did have a little trouble getting over "the sleepies". I have given up soda and caffeine in an attempt to win the Biggest Loser competition at TU (could win $500). I am hoping the feeling of being super tired will pass...I can only imagine how Candice feels being pregnant and tired all the time. It's torture to feel like you have no energy. Anyway...

Thursday night was down right frigid. I am not sure what I was thinking heading out in 11 degrees. Well i was thinking "i am going just to say i went and was there". Really the temps weren't that bad once you got going. However, given my wonderful training session focus on thighs, butts, and quads on Wednesday my legs felt like lead. So it took me like 43 minutes to finish my 3 miles, where lately my average has been closer to 38 minutes for 3 miles. I do feel fortunate though that I am physically able to go out there and get 3 miles in regardless of how long it takes me.

This morning we were scheduled for a 4-mile run. I was feeling a little anxious about it given my struggles on Thursday. However, I woke up this morning and was excited to see the sunshine. I trekked over to Runners World and everyone there was buzzed with excitement and ready to hit the path. So I started to feel that internal excitement too about getting the heart rate up and doing something good for my body (which hopefully will also help me win the $$ in the Biggest Loser competition :) ). I so appreciate the Runners World group...the energy and camaraderie just helps so much. I usually run solo, with whatever is playing on my ipod, as even at a slow pace it's difficult for me to have a conversation while running, but love that there are all these other people around me setting and reaching their running goals. It's just great! I was able to complete my 4 miles in 49:35 which was very exciting for me since both of my 4 mile runs last week were over 50 minutes. Go me! I even treated myself to one of the new awesome Black Runners World long sleeve tech shirts and an "appropriate" running jacket for these cooler days.

I will be sad to miss the group run on Tuesday, as I will be teaching my class. Can't wait to see the Monday crowd. This next is supposed to bring some great weather so I am really looking forward to some "comfortable" outside times!! Best to you all!

I will be a marathon finisher...

2009-01-13T10:20:00.004-06:00

Dear Sandra,

Congratulations! You are now registered for 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon. Please check the event's official website for updates: http://www.disneyworldmarathon.com.

Holy Cow!! I can't believe I've done it. I have registered for a marathon. It is a year away so hopefully shoudl be totally doable. I am so excited (and a tad nervous) about this adventure!! I really had a great run last night with the Monday Night Bunch. I am going to affectionally call the Monday night group "Bobby's Bunch". It was fun to run Zink Lake backwards, not that we ran backwards, but we ran clockwise instead of counterclockwise. Fortunately the change of direction allowed us to hit the boat house just as the TU Crew team was cleaning up and doing some exercises. You can check out the Runners World Blog for some great pics. It was so nice of Bobby, Kathy, Michael, and Ken to slow their pace so that I could hang with the group during the last 1.5 miles.

I will be taking my first Tuesday night off of running in a very very long time to attend the Tulsa vs. Memphis basketball game. I figure I need to have some school spirit. I hope everyone enjoys themselves and has a great time!

Old Stomping Grounds...

2009-01-10T20:28:00.003-06:00

Here are some of the ladies I ran with this morning while in Lawrence for a funeral. The one in the bright green grinch hat, Shannon, was my running coach when I first started getting "serious" about running. It was nice to have someone give me a nice route and a group to meet to get my butt up in the morning. I do have to say that the 20 degree temps and single digit windchills were a tad bit unpleasant, but...Overall was a great 4 miler for me. The pace was a tad bit slow for me, but I took TATUR Dave's advice and decided since I was adding the mile this week I would slow myself a tad to make sure I could complete it all. It felt great! I missed the Runners World chatter, but thanks to Ken's great job as a paparazzi I can see it looked like a fun run around the Swan Lake area.

We are heading off to hit the roads of Lawrence...I did my job of bringing up the rear...only because throughout the run I felt that my thighs and butt were numb the entire time...I LOVE THE WINTER (yeah not really...)...

I am looking forward to hitting the pavement next week, pending no ice...

Not the Bad Apple

2009-01-07T14:55:00.002-06:00

So far, so good this year. I am really having to work on my patience for those who are trying to be "bad apples". They saying that one bad apple spoils the bunch is so true. Isn't it amazing how much easier it is to complain rather than find the positive. I had my first personal training session of the year today. Truthfully I was very nervous and apprehensive about it, but...I went into it with the "don't be the bad apple" mentality. Do what he says, don't complain about it..it's okay to say it's hard but then follow that up with why I am there....and it turned out okay. My major physical accomplishment today was i did 20 push-ups in a row, twice without taking a breather in between each set of 5 push-ups (girl push-ups mind you, but still). When I had my first session i could barely do 5 push-ups in a set without feeling like death, so quite the feeling of success for me.

Last Saturday I had the most stellar 3 miles of my life I think. I completed it in 35:33. I seriously cannot believe I did it in that time. I have no idea how that happened. Of course I followed it up with a really really bad run (over 45 min for 3.10 miles) on Tuesday. I tried to leave the group Tuesday still feeling positive and upbeat. I had a great first mile, but then I started smelling people's perfume/cologne/deodorant and knew that a migraine was trying to take over, so I would up walking most of the rest of the run after the 1.25 mile point. I made it back and got some excedrin in my system before the full out headache kicked in phew...

My big dilemma now is what to do on Tuesday nights. I have to teach a class on Tuesdays from 5:00-7:30. I have scheduled the class for every other week, so it's only going to impact 6 weeks so I guess it's not a huge deal. I talked to Trainer Andrew today and think on those weeks I will try to add a 2nd personal training day, but I think the only day I could add the training day is Friday and don't know how that will impact the long runs on Saturday...ahhh the decisions.

I was hoping to upload some pictures, but for some reason I am not being allowed so I will save them for another post...

Happy 2009

2009-01-01T21:16:00.003-06:00

I highly recommend Race Into the New Year for anyone that is looking for something fun an invigorating to do to bring in the New Year! I think it's wonderful how great the turnout was for the run!

I have managed to run 4 days in a row this week. Mon, Tue, Wed, and Thurs. My run this afternoon was atrocious, but I went with the theory...it's good to get the miles in. I will enjoy taking a "rest" day tomorrow. I have 3 resolutions for myself in 2009, and thought I'd throw them here on my blog to keep track of..and to be accountable for...

1) I want to run at least 500 miles over the course of the year
2) During 2009 I want to lose at least 25 pounds
3) I want to finish up my Ph.D.

All seem manageable and feasible. I hope everyone had a wonderful first day of 2009. Best of luck during the year!!!

2008 Wrap Up

2008-12-30T20:34:00.003-06:00

Well today has been a day full of emotions. It started with feeling a little solemn about all of the prep work I need to do to be prepared for teaching in the spring. Then I had a really up moment when I heard from my advisor that my first 2 chapters of my dissertation are almost complete. Then, I got a phone call from K-state stating they wanted to bring me there for an interview. I felt excited I made the short list, then nervous about having to tell my parents (who feel I am being disloyal), to anxious about the possibility of moving, to sad that I did indeed betray Tulsa, to committed to staying here and doing the best I can do, to all kinds of other emotions. The group run tonight could not have been timed better. It was so great to see some familiar faces that I haven't seen in a while: Linda, Sue, Tapos, Jana, etc. I made the decision to try to up my mileage tonight to a whole 3.5 miles. I trekked out, the whole way out in my head I weighed the pros and cons of both k-state and TU. It was funny though cuz the wind was blowing pretty good on the way out, and I barely noticed between the blaring music I had in my head mixed with all the crazy thoughts. By the time I hit the 1.75 point, I felt some peace back in my brain. My running has really been improving. I am feeling a bit more confident and am able to mentally prepare myself to complete longer distances, without feeling the need to walk. It is quite an amazing feeling to win the battle over yourself. I thought it was great to celebrate Debbie's first full mile run! Congrats to Carmen as well, who completed her first full mile (as far as I know) Monday out on Riverside! It's important to remember those feats. I can still vividly remember the first time I ran a mile straight...I was so elated and in such a state of shock.

I am really looking forward to Race into the New Year. I have high hopes for myself for 2009. I will document all of my resolutions on the 1st so as to not jinx myself. I think putting things in writing for others to read and ask about makes it more "official" and motivating. For those of you who won't be joining us tomorrow evening...I wish you a safe, happy and healthy New Year!!

No Catchy Title..

2008-12-27T18:24:00.008-06:00

Sharon proudly standing in the rain as she heads out for her first run with the Runners World crew!

I have no creativeness today to come up with a catchy title for the blog. It has been the typical holiday whirlwind. I woke up Christmas morning and decided to do my 3 mile run early. I am cat-sitting at my parents house while they are at my brother's for the holidays. I forgot how hilly it is around their house. I still managed a good time and it was a good run. New surroundings help sometimes I think, although i do like the same route to know "how much further" at certain landmarks too. I was so excited about today's run because I was going to bring my friend Sharon, who I met in the 2nd grade..that's right about 11 years ago...Of course this morning's weather was a little sketchy. Sharon calls at 7:00 and says "I can't run in this", I of course then said "oh it will pass see ya in about 30 minutes". We arrived at Runners World and we waited with great anticipation as the lightning did eventually subside. Off we went. It was a fantastic run. I actually don't mind running in the rain, I find it someone calming. Maybe that's because you don't realize how much you are sweating you just assume it's all rain :). Anyhow. It was a great 3 miles. I am hoping that Sharon and I can crash the Monday at 5:30 group that runs Zink lake area....so great to catch up with friends you have know most of your life!!

I do feel the need to post some great pictures from Christmas...my dog's first Christmas with me. He absolutely thought the idea of tearing paper apart should happen once a month rather than once a year.
It was all about holding with one paw while pulling with the teeth.

My parents' cat, Hannah, was watching Boca wondering if he got something she could "borrow".

Can you spot the cat? Hannah found this great game to play. She buried herself in the paper (see the white paws under the red paper) and Boca would bark...he knew she was in the room but couldn't figure out how to get under the paper. I probably shouldn't share that part...as I am always bragging how smart my dog is...Then Boca and I went to visit my grandmother, she LOVES dogs. Who do you think is having more fun?

I Survived!

2008-12-23T19:50:00.002-06:00

Running has never felt so good. Well it wasn't an outstanding run by far, but I was so happy to be able to complete all 3 miles. I really think the best way to cure a bug is to get out and run...well except for last night when I felt like I couldn't breathe even when sitting, there are times when you have to listen to your body.

I am so excited to be bringing a friend with me on Saturday. I met her when I was a whopping 6 years old, and just reconnected with her this past weekend. Her words to me were "i want to be a runner" and I of course told her I had just the way to start! I know all of the Runners World crew will welcome her with lots of encouragement!!

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

Another Double Dose of Exercise

2008-12-18T20:27:00.002-06:00

I spent this morning with trainer Andrew..he decided to give me a great workout for my last one with him for the year. If you have ever worked out with the Bosu ball, you can appreciate what a challenge the workout was today. Although it was quite challenging I really enjoyed myself this morning. I think I am finally starting to have a little bit of strength which is encouraging. I still don't think I was made to do push-ups, but well it's not quite as excruciating to do them now...

Work today was very low key and productive. Then it was off to the Marvellite Run. What a really neat concept. It was great to run through a new neighborhood. Some of the houses were really decked out. There were a few hills here and there, but nothing too terrible. It was a little chaotic in terms of which way to turn when, but overall it was a great time! The best part was there was pizza and treats afterward. I am not sure what the butterscotch/peanut butter rice krispie things were but if you made them I would love the recipe. Can add it to the "things I shouldn't eat, but love" pile :).

Fate in Play?

2008-12-16T16:25:00.002-06:00

Brrr. I don't do winter very well. Actually I can handle the cold weather okay, but really thrive on sunshine. I am plagued by the whole seasonal affect disorder thing. I am so thankful to be in such a positive place with running. It gets me outside and allows me to absorb some of that Vitamin D.

I was one of 4 people in the office today and was watching out the window, being rather unproductive, wondering what I should do to get in my 3 mile run today. I left the office around 1 this afternoon with my mind thinking I would take my ID and hit the indoor track in the fitness center. I wasn't very excited about my run because it takes 8 laps of the track to get in 1 mile, and I have boredom issues. Well on my drive home the roads really seemed to be okay, so I started thinking that I would suck it up and join the Runners World crew at 5:30 on Riverside. Well, I didn't feel very confident inside with that decision either. Then, low and behold an email from Coach Kathy talking about how to be safe when running on ice and sometimes it's okay to take caution and head indoors. So I took that as a sign that I should head indoors to the track...so with that in mind I took the dog out and he was ready for a walk, so off we went. The roads appeared to have minimal to no ice. So after a quick stroll around the block with the dog, I decided to run outside here. So I hopped on mapmyrun.com and found a mile loop I could do around the neighborhood 3 times and off I went.

I really missed the company while running together, but felt so empowered out there today. I actually had someone stop at the stop sign and rolled down her window and congratulate me on being out. Wasn't that nice? The kicker of today's run is I think it's the fastest 3.13 miles I have done since I've been back running (38:16). The other crazy part about today is at about 4 PM my body "shut down". A good case of a headache, stomachache and just achy in general...which makes me so grateful that I did my run earlier today. So I have taken some Dayquil to lick whatever bug i might be trying to get before it can take control...

I hope to see everyone at the Marvellite Run on Thursday. I think it will be a neat outing.

Finally a Sub-40:00 5K!!!

2008-12-13T19:55:00.012-06:00

Today was a great day! Yeah it was windy, but at least it was warm and windy and not below freezing. It was day 1 of half-marathon/marathon training. I appreciate the beginner marathon training schedule that was put on my car windshield...I really think I may go for the whole she-bang....I was able to snap some pictures along the way today.

It was quite warm in the store this morning at 7:30..Yeah Warm!! Yeah no Wind!! I greatly appreciate Kathy & Brian and all of the race leaders doing this training to help those of us with "wild dreams".
I listened to the advice and instructions from Beginning Half-Marathon team leaders, Mike, Michael and Chrissy. Even though we were outside I felt pretty pumped and excited about this new upcoming adventure, the Jingle Bell Run, and the new shoes I was going to buy after the run :).

Ronit and I had time goals for the Jingle Bell 5K Run, so we decided to walk from Runners World to the start of the event, where we met up with Ruth and later Meg. Let the mental preparation for the "race" begin...
Before the race started, I decided we needed a "before" picture taken at the finish line...then I realized c'mon girls..let's take a picture like we usually are...Here's the Result:

Then it was time for the 5K....still quite windy. There seemed to be a really good turnout.

Look at the eagerness and excitement to be out running.....It's so great to run with friends!

The hill at Woodward was a little much for me to run...but i didn't let that stop me from reaching my goal of finishing sub 40:00. According to my Garmin I finished in 39:22, clock time was 39:43 (I think). Then it was a walk back to Runners Word and to find some new shoes...Here were the lucky winners:

I can hardly wait to take them out for a run...maybe tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and good times today.....

Double Dose of Sweating Today

2008-12-11T20:52:00.002-06:00

What a day of health it has been for me....I do not recommend having an hour personal training session and a run on the same day. I didn't think it would be too bad, because my muscles are usually sore from personal training until the next day. Well....I guess I never really accounted for how fatigued the muscles get during the workout and probably don't fully recover until a day later which is when the muscles are all "full strength" again. I guess the positive is...I did complete my hour training session (it was a full day meaning squats and row machine and push ups and single leg bicep curls and all kinds of stuff) and i also completed a 3.1 mile run. I was hoping to do 4 miles tonight so the Jingle Bell Run would seem short, but doing the 3 miles tonight felt like 15 (not that i've ever run 15 but ughh). Well better to get out there and do it then to say "i wish i woulda"....

Okay time for my little soap box note...I know I have mentioned this before but tonight a new person joined the Runner's World crew and felt the need to say she "ONLY" did a 5K. Then another returner was introduced and kinda joked about training for a 5K. Well...some of us find the 5K a major accomplishment. I understand many people with the group enjoy the mega/ultra long distances and that's wonderful, I envy your endurance and ability. However, I still remember the first time I ran a mile strength...I know with the tue/thur group I would never feel comfortable sharing such a "petty" distance achievement. The joy of running is it's individuality and ability to have shared experiences with others, so no comparisons should be made...so I just want to say that running any distance even a mile should be celebrated and not belittled....

Okay enough of that. I am so excited for the Jingle Bell Run. I really want a sub 40 time so if you see me out there encourage me to move a little quicker....:)

Bloom Where you are Planted

2008-12-09T20:03:00.002-06:00

All I can say in my blog tonight is I am so proud of myself for getting my butt outside yesterday in unbelievable winds to do a 2.7 mile outing and tonight in unbelievable wind and an 18 degree windchill to do a 3.1 mile outing. I was out doing a residency school year visit in Pawnee with one of my former students from KU and was taking in the cold air and drizzle and just thinking I can't possibly go for a run tonight. Well 4:30 hit and my doggie wanted to go out to do his thing. Now you may think doing his thing involves restroom behavior...oh no..my dog likes to head out to run circles around the front yard as fast and as many as he can before he gets dizzy. This sounds crazy..but I thought..if my dog can enjoy running mad in this weather so can I...so I changed clothes and off to Riverside I went. Now some might perceive me as "anti-social", although I do have some social anxiety, I decided to walk the bears early just to not let myself get to cold from standing. So when I finished walking the bears it was time to start running..and off I went. It was a slow run, but today I am not worried about time, I am just so proud I went out and ran....

Congratulations to all of you other crazy Runners World crew who were out there braving the conditions as well....We have all been somehow planted here in good ol' OK with some crazy weather...and I think it's great there are so many trying to help their health and running bloom...

Nice December Morning

2008-12-06T11:47:00.007-06:00

I decided to forego the group run this morning and venture out on my own. It was the 7AM call time that I wanted to avoid, I felt the need to "sleep in" which means I didn't get up til 7:30. So I headed out to 31st and Riverside and decided to do the 4.5 mile Zink loop. Well the loop itself is only like 4.3 miles so I started to loop again so I could get to 4.5...I like nice round numbers. It was really quite peaceful out. I took the camera with me to try to capture some great Tulsa shots. Here's what came out:

This is me before starting trying to give my "I'm serious about this" look. This is above Riverside on the great pedestrian bridge that crosses the road.
I really like this picture for the photography aspects. I love the sun reflection and the spacing of the buildings. I like the date on my pictures but wish I would have removed that feature for this shot. I like that it's difficult to tell if it's taken at Sunrise or Sunset....
This would be a photo (had i removed the date feature) that I would totally enter into a competition. I saw this just after the wooden bridge on the west side of the path and found the clarity of the mirror image of the bridge just breathtaking. Then you add in the hint of sunlight in the picture and moments like this are just few and far between. I was glad to be out for a jog this morning to be able to observe this sight and have the camera to capture it for others.

This is me, grinning and bearing a weak run from mile 2.5 to 3.5, but ready to trek on to complete the last mile. On the positive side, I was feeling quite good about my running, that I felt that I was able to complete 2 miles with relative ease. It is important, as Mike and I discussed Thursday evening, to note the "cans" or running as often if not more so than the "can'ts".

Lastly, I stopped to grap this shot of downtown from the west side of the pedestrian bridge. Again mhy favorite aspect is the clarity of the refelection of the buildings. I also could go into a lot of depth about my interpretation of the symbolism of this tree that stands alone in the foreground, but I will refrain. It is the poet/scrapbooker/photographer in me that finds this photo very thought provoking and reflective. I hope that you will find it enjoyable and intriguing as well.

Overall, it was an average run for me. I finished the 4.5 miles in about 58 minutes. My average pace was 13:01/mile, which although slow...is indeed close to my overall average and abilitiy, at least for now....

Whee 4 miles!! (well..3.92)

2008-12-04T20:19:00.002-06:00

I had a wonderful run tonight. I was a bit nervous given the soreness of my quads from all the lovely wall balls and squats yesterday. I headed out with Ruth and Mike and cruised right along. I was even able to partake in conversation fairly easily during the first mile and a half. I was amazed. When I got to the playground (my normal 3 mile turnaround), I made the decision to do 4 miles tonight. I felt good, I felt strong, and my spirits were high. Mike was kind enough to accompany me on my journey. It was very nice to have companionship and company along the route. I lose sight of that from time to time. I thought i would share my mile splits from tonight, because I really felt like I did well. Mile 1: 12:51, Mile 2: 12:27, Mile 3: 13:16, Mile 4 (well .92 miles) 11:35. I would like to have an average closer to a 12/12:20, but all with due time and consistency. Yeah for completing a 4-miler not on a Saturday, and in the chilly weather!

When you can start the day with "Wall Balls"....

2008-12-03T10:46:00.002-06:00

it's a good day? At least that's what trainer Andrew told me today as I whimpered (literally) through them. If you aren't familiar with "wall balls" and you would like to add something new to your workout this is what you do...First find a ball (you will want it cushioned) that weighs between 15-20 pounds. Second find a wall that can handle being "tapped" by a 15-20 pound ball. Then hold the ball just under your neck with both hands on either side as if you were going to pass the ball. Do a full squat...yes full squat butt to the toilet (my personal mantra for getting in a full squat) then as you stand push the ball up so that you through it and it taps the wall. I guess I should have mentioned that you should put your toes somewhere between 6-12 inches from the wall a little more than shoulder width apart and face the wall. Do the squat/throw routine in reps of 15. I laugh at that because i do sets of 5 with an allowance of 5 deep breaths in between cuz i'm a weenie. Then when you finish the Wall Balls put the ball on the ground turn your body to face the opposite direction and do squats...the squat only counts if your butt touches the ball. Do 15 of these. Then run 1/2 mile. Repeat the sequence 3 times. That was my workout this morning..man was it tough! Of course I had to do ab exercises after that, but my legs were thankful for the rest :).

Back to running...Last night's run was decent. I felt pretty good about it overall. I was happy to be out doing something as I was feeling kinda crummy when I arrived. It is always nice to see smiling/laughing/chipper people (even if they are faking it). It was only a 3-miler for me, but I finished in under 40 minutes which is always my goal for 3 miles. I am excited about the upcoming Jingle Bell Run and really hope that I can make it my first 5K in under 40 minutes. I am also pumped for the half marathon/marathon training. I am in a big quandary as to what to train for, the half or the full. I went in to it thinking training for the half, but then I think it's 4 whole months away, possibly I could complete the full. I think I will just start with getting the half marathon schedule and see how it goes during the first several weeks. If anyone has any thoughts, ideas, or opinions about what to train for I am all ears!!!

Thanksgiving Wrap-Up

2008-11-30T18:51:00.010-06:00

Wow..it's amazing how quick a week can go by. I was very excited Thanksgiving morning to do the run on Riverside. I decided to play "Ken In Training". So here are some of the photos of the event on Thursday.

Here, some of the Runners World crew gathers to discuss the nice warm weather (okay so it was a little chilly, but bright and sunny day for a run!!

So the sun angle was awful here...but this is the crowd anxiously awaiting the start. If you look through all the people, you might possible see Mayor Kathy Taylor. All I remember is she was wearing blue (GO JAYHAWKS!!!)

I was sooo very excited to see Linda and Sue there. I am hoping they will sign up to train for the April Marathon/half-marathon. Both are such light-hearted and good-natured people. Yeah Them!!

I took this while trotting along, so I am very excited that it's not just a giant blur. This was taken on Riverside as the upper and lower routes merged heading toward the 23rd street bridge. There was a lot of "jockeying" for position still at this point...I felt like a superstar to still be in a crowd :).

Finally, the good ol' Trail Zombie passes me, but I had to take the moment to demonstrate my new photo taking abilities.

Another "while running" photo...much more blurred, but given that it was around mile 3, I was glad to be able to 1) be moving, and 2) have enough mental capacity to take the pic....to get Roman and I think he said his nephew. It's interesting though. At this point, Roman asks "How's your run?" In the moment "ughh" is all I could respond. Really though, in the big scheme of it all I did the 4.25 in 54:59 (yup under 55) so for me that is really a decent run. I had just lost the crowd and felt pretty isolated when I crossed paths with him. Just reinforces that running is all about yourself.

As I crossed the bridge over Riverside, I thought it was great to see so many people hanging around and shooting the bridge and sharing thanks with each other after the run. What a great event and beautiful day for a run.

Well I was going to post some of my pictures from the rest of Thanksgiving weekend, but think I will wait for another day. I do feel the need to post this last one though. This is my car in Pittsburg, KS this morning (11/30/08).

Ode to the Mediocre Run

2008-11-25T20:16:00.002-06:00

It's so much easier to sit down and reflect on the "good" or invigorating runs, rather than the mediocre runs. I don't dare call them bad, because not showing up would be considered a bad run to me. It was great to see everyone tonight after being out of town for the last 2 runs. I was excited to show up tonight too to hear the buzz about the run thanksgiving morning. I need to do that run just to be aware of what I put in my mouth. I eat so much better on workout days because I don't want to put in all that effort and blow it for a couple bites of food. I started off feeling pretty good for about the first mile tonight. Then the lovely leg workout with the trainer from yesterday started to kick in. My quads, hamstrings, thighs, and gluts felt like junk around 1 1/2 miles. So felt like I was lifting lead on the way back to the car. I know in the long run the training helps tons with my running. I think it has improved my posture, therefore breathing, tremendously while running. Oh well...every run can't be stellar. I almost didn't write about tonight's run, but I think it's important to log those runs that aren't so great as well as the ones that make you feel like a superstar. I do thank all of you fellow runners out there with smiles on your faces...helps to keep the spirits up. Hope to see many of you Thursday morning! For those of you I don't...Happy Thanksgiving!!! Gobble Gobble!

Craving to Run

2008-11-23T12:11:00.006-06:00

Yup that's right ladies and gentleman, I got home from Chicago yesterday and all I wanted to do first thing this morning was go for a run. I packed my running clothes and took them to Chicago but forgot my running shoes, and didn't think my dress shoes would do the trick. So this morning I put on my gear and headed out to Lafortune, a nice 3 mile loop that would keep me from shortening my desired distance of 3 miles. I really need to follow Ken's behavior and carry a camera with me when I run. About 1/4 mile into the run I crossed paths with Meg...I was so glad to see that she was feeling better and up for a run. Then at about the 2 mile marker, Hayley went flying by in the other direction. Seeing familiar faces along the path kept me putting one foot in front of the other. It was a slow run for me today. My brain was pumped for it in the beginning, my body not so much. At the 2 mile marker my body was pumped for the run, but my brain was checking. Time to get the body and brain back on the same page.

I thought I would post a couple of my fun and funny pictures from the convention in Chicago.

This is a photo of my colleagues from U. of Kansas (Julie & Sandy). We went to a restaurant called McCormicks Seafood. Seeing as how I am allergic to seafood I can tell you the apple salad was quite yummy.

This was one of our silly moments in the hoisery section of Macy's on State Street. We decided to play as if we were teenagers who killed time by taking photos of themselves.

These are my former graduate students and doctoral mentor and myself just before our presentation at the conference. Everyone did a phenomenal job representing the Univeristy of Kansas and ACTS project.

This truly was a highlight for me. Julie Andrews received the Annie Glenn award. In 1997, she underwent vocal cord surgery and had major scarring that prohibits her from singing. In person her voice disorder is quite obvious. Still, she is an amazing speaker. So poised and articulate. It was great to see her.

I look forward to seeing everyone Tuesday. Although, I will be signing up for the April 1/2 marathon training Monday evening. I was hoping to run the Lawrence (KS) half, but they have cancelled it due to the economy. They were unable to get enough sponsorship. So looks like I will be heading to OKC!!!

If you can't laugh at yourself what can you laugh at??

2008-11-19T11:40:00.004-06:00

Last night wasn't as chilly as I expected which is a good thing. I made the decision to do a 2-miler, but try to continue to push myself with speed, since I was going to go "light" on distance. I did well for myself. I finished with an average pace of 12:20/mile. I would like to continue to see that pace decrease to be closer to 12 over 3-4 miles. But...the highlight of yesterday was receiving pictures of myself on Sunday's Rt 66 quarter run from Ken. Man, do I need to work on my posture or what? I talked to my trainer about it..and he was like "duh Sandra, why do you think we are doing all these core muscle exercises?" Okay, so those weren't his exact words, but I told him I thought we were doing it because it was a fun form of torture. So please enjoy a few laughs at these pictures as I know I did:

This is me doing the smile on command. Thanks Kathy!!

This is me knowing the picture is coming, but I also know I get the chills after a run, so putting the jacket back on before the wind takes hold. I know very appealing!! HAHA!

Have a Great Thursday run everyone. I will be in Chicago learning what cold and windy is really like....

See you next Tuesday!!

Where's Waldo? I mean Bobby..

2008-11-17T19:55:00.002-06:00

The runners world crew seemed absent in the photos online...but I found this one. Can you spot the Runners World guys????

Quarter Marathon...CHECK

2008-11-16T19:58:00.003-06:00

I did it. I finished the quarter marathon today. This medal is mine all mine. I have to say it was a really great run for me today. I had the goal of finishing in under 1:30. I am so proud of myself that I finished in under 1:25 (at least according to my Garmin, can't wait to see the "official" result time). I have to say that I am very proud of all the Runners World gang. Everyone looked so great, and it was so great to have the group cohesion at the start of the race. Although it was chilly, I greatly enjoyed the laughter and laidbackness of all the Runners World crew in the make-shift Runners World tent. This has to be one of my first "event" runs that I finished feeling very positive and upbeat.

Now what? Well...I plan on keeping it at. I have my eye on the Lawrence, KS half marathon on April 19th. I need to stay in my positive running place and just keep at running. I do think my personal training is paying off as well, as it is helping with my posture which is helping me to breathe better (at least tha tis my thought process at this moment). I do hope everyone else had an enjoyable run, and has taken part of the day today to revel in the accomplishments that we all achieved.

Thank you to the whole Runners World crew for the positive atmosphere and support!! I look forward to meeting the "new" training group for the 1/2 marathon in April. I also look forward to seeing everyone's fun pictures from the day.

Nothing to do with Running...Celebrating my dog being 1 year old

2008-11-14T20:41:00.004-06:00

Okay...so today is my doggie's 1 year birthday and he looked so cute chewing on his new stick I had to post the pictures
....
This is a picture of him about a month ago just hanging out in the front yard....he loves to be outside!!

This is him celebrating his birthday in style. All wrapped up in my nice fleece blanket without a care in the world other than enjoying chewing on his stick.

I just had to post one more, cuz I think he's absolutely adorable.

I Taught Mike Something.....

2008-11-13T20:09:00.003-06:00

Now if only I could remember what it was, so I could put it on here. How funny is that. I can even remember where the moment occurred..it was past the wooden bridge but before the very large tree on the right. Anyway...if I catch up with Mike on Sunday maybe I will ask him to remind me what it was that I taught him tonight.

Tonight's run...well I started and finished. Considering the grueling workout I had with the trainer yesterday that alone is an accomplishment. During my training session I reminded Andrew, the trainer, that I had the "big run" on Sunday. He said eh the workout today shouldn't affect that. So I was expecting a workout that was heavy on arm and abs...OH foolish foolish me....it was all about squats (of course there were the obligatory push ups, but)...C"MON!!! So today has been a day of drinking very little to avoid excess trips to the bathroom as squatting is one of the most difficult things to do. I have to say that I have not felt my inner thigh muscles in a while and I definitely know they are present. So starting out on the run tonight...i felt like a snail, but was thankful I was able to move forward and not necessarily in reverse.

So...Sunday is right around the corner. Signing up for the quarter marathon on a whim may have been a very wise decision. I am soo stoked about the accomplishment I am soon to achieve. I wish everyone running this weekend (whether in an event or not) a great run and a good time within your own head. Running to me is a great way of meditating :).

Remember everyone....happy feet :)

Stupid Garmin...okay stupid garmin user

2008-11-11T21:46:00.002-06:00

Well at least my ability to correctly operate (meaning hit start) my Garmin happened tonight and not during some event that I really wanted to post my "actual" time. Was a decent run for me tonight. I have been making myself do the lovely strength exercises on the Wii Fit (which i have absolutely no strength). Well I spent some time doing the lunges and well let's just say my legs are feeling it. So...i was a little concerned how the run would go, but seemed to go okay. I had a little more awareness of my achilles and calves today than usual, but I figure that's just my body's response to my quads feeling a bit tender. Tomorrow is Wednesday, which means i have a trainer appointment at 7AM...hope he goes easy on me, so I can complete the quarter marathon on Sunday.

I hate that I feel the need to say "I'm only doing the quarter"...that's just not right. I know there are the supercools doing the full marathon and I truly sit in awe of anyone that can complete 26.2 miles at one time. I hope to maybe work up to that some day, but don't want to minimize my own accomplishment of completing 6.55 miles at one time. It will be mighty chilly and anyoone that is out there on Sunday is accomplishing something!

6 Whole Miles

2008-11-08T13:10:00.003-06:00

What a beautiful morning for a run!! Okay, so I could have done without the wind gusts out of the North, but...overall was a great outing for me. I have start by saying thanks to TATUR Dave and Mike for chit chatting with me making the miles just quickly tick by. The first mile was spent primarily with Dave learning and trying to grasp his game plan for his pacing with Kathy later in the day. His response of "i'll only be pacing her for like 30 miles" just made me laugh. Gosh what a slacker...ONLY 30 miles....My response of course was "how on earth do you do that?" It was comforting to hear the response of "I'm not really sure". That's exactly how I felt when my trusty Garmin beeped at the 6 mile marker. I'm not really sure how I did that distance today. Not only did I do the distance, thanks to Mike hanging with me for the first 4 miles (I walked from 4-5) I finished with an average pace of 13:12/mile. I was elated!!! Seriously. My legs feel a little like jelly, but so incredibly awesome. I'm ready to face the 1/4 maraton head on next Sunday.

I do have to send big time kudos out to SONYA. I am not really sure she understands how much she inspires me. She is always in a great mood with an upbeat spirit. I think she also has to be one of the most consistent people out there pounding the pavement. I think she's AWESOME!! and can't wait to hear about her marathon finish!!

I wish a great day and weekend to everyone. Hope the pavement is passing quickly for Ken and Kathy and anyone else out there on the 100 miler...

Whirlwind

2008-11-06T20:52:00.001-06:00

Today has been quite the whirlwind of activity for me. I will skip all of the details and just state that I had a decent run tonight (thanks Mike!!). I actually ran my 3.2 miles at an average pace of 12:20. Can't wait til that is my norm and not a major accomplishment :)

I was Tagged by Bobby

2008-11-05T19:05:00.006-06:00

Wow new to blogging and already tagged...6th folder 6th picture....This is a picture of my nephew, Jason, on Aug 1, 2006. His birthday is June 28th, 2006. I was fortunate enough to get to visit him in Florida and help out my bro and sis-in-law with their 2 daughters, Nicole and Megan.

It is great to have my only brother live in Florida and be on good terms so that I can get away to Florida every now and again. I love his kids too...they are awesome and so incredibly smart!! I hope to get to spend some time with them all over Christmas Break! I also would like to train for the Kennedy Space Center 1/2 marathon that takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving every year, next year. The finish line is on the launch pad...how cool would that be?

So now I am supposed to tag someone....I am going to pick an unsuspecting person from the RunnersWorld blog, as I know very few people...so......the lucky winner is......

Chrissy...post your 6th picture from your 6th folder and tell us all about it....

Personal Training Update

2008-11-05T12:34:00.003-06:00

I thank TU for having such a great deal on personal training. I almost missed my 7 AM session this morning. Fortunately my dog makes a great alarm clock and knows my schedule better than I do. Woke up at 6:25 with just enough time to take the dog outside for his morning jaunt around the yard and put on the good ol' workout clothes. Then off to the TU gym. It's amazing..students can use this great facility for FREE and there were only 2 people there. Anyway...I digress...get to the gym this morning and there's the trainer, Andrew, all smiles and ready to kick my butt. We start of with some loosening up moves...which actually feel pretty good. Then it's off to do 2 laps around the track for a warm-up. I am not sure I would be able to do more than 4 laps around the track (takes 8 for a mile) as it was quite repetitive and with very few people to "people watch" I get stuck in the thoughts in my head. Nice short run finished...off to the "room of death" okay not really but sure does feel that way at times.

First stop, row machine. I do have to admit that I find the row machine quite therapeutic. Well that is until I am given a distance and a time limit, but still...I dig it. Then out comes the piece of torture. I am not how many people have died on a Bosu Ball, but I thought I was going to this morning. I had been on a bosu ball before when you stand on the ball part while doing things like bicep curls. But to my surprise, Andrew flipped it over I had to stand on the black flat part and do squats. I have never had my legs shake so bad in my life!!! no exaggeration. Of course I did some yelping (sorry to anyone else who might have been in the gym) but got through my 15 squats. Then it was on to my favorite...push-ups. I hate push-ups...it is definitely funny though to just sit there in the "ready"position and see the sweat beads falling off my head. I have to envision that I am stranded in the desert and those sweat beads are the only form of water I can get...then dip down (the push-up part) and think how gross it is and push away. I know sick the head games i play huh. It is after all 80% mental. Andrew then guided me through several more exercises before getting to do everything again.

I have been warned that my legs may be a bit tired/sore tomorrow for the run with the group, but you know as Andrew says "pain is weakness leaving the body", so I will be there with a grin.

Let the adventure to good health continue...

Buellar? Buellar?

2008-11-04T20:05:00.002-06:00

I definitely felt like the teacher in Ferris Buellar's Day Off tonight on the run. I know that when we started at 5:30 there were at least 20 people around me. As I hit the 1/2 mile marker there was Ruth, Marvin, Boomer, and myself. Then at the 1 1/2 mile marker there was Ruth and myself. It was nice and dark so it was hard to tell if there were others among us. It is funny though as we were trotting along in the darkness, I made the comment that it was soothing running in the dark in that the social pressures lessened. I never realized until that moment how self-conscious I feel while running. Something I definitely need to get over.

Well it seems I have mud back on the bottom of my shoes, my pace was back to snail's pace. Of course tonight I think I will blame the darkness and my cautious steps...but I really need to find a way to make myself go a little bit faster. If anyone wants to volunteer to help push me to that consistent 12 minute mile I promise not to whine too much....

It was great to hit the pavement tonight. Another great November evening, don't know how many more mild evenings we'll be fortunate to have. It's off to meet with the personal trainer tomorrow...I am already dreading the push-ups.

Springlike November Day

2008-11-03T19:09:00.002-06:00

Wow! Is it really November 3rd? It feels like early May. I decided to lace up the ol' running shoes this morning before heading out to work. I used to be a die hard morning runner, but since moving to Tulsa have shifted to more of an evening runner. It felt good to check out the neighborhood this morning, the weather was so cooperative. I do have to say I think I was moving at a snails pace, but at least I was moving.

The exciting news of the day today is my new adventure on the Wii fit. I have been hearing all these great things about the wii fit. And although, Guitar hero is a great workout for for the fingers and wrists and vocal cords, it doesn't help so much with the overall toning of the body. So...I plugged in the balance board and off I went. It was quite fun and entertaining. We'll see how the overall progress goes, but it was nice to do something different.

Tomorrow I will meet with the RunnersWorld crew and will hopefully trot along Riverside and get my miles in before it gets too dark. Time to start dusting off the good ol' headlamp :)

New Territory

2008-10-31T09:23:00.002-05:00

Well I was frantically beckoned up to KU to meet with my mentor about my dissertation this week. It seems that I wasn't being thorough enough. What does that mean? Well that my next several weekends will be spent staring at fun and exciting journal articles and this lovely screen...ughh.. But, after my meeting yesterday and my frantic runarounds KU to try to get back on the motivation train for this lovely finish line to PhD land (i swear it's worse than any thought of ever doing a marathon) I decided to trek out into unknown land this morning for a light jog. I have been working out with a trainer, and well let's just say I don't think I have ever used any muscles in my body EVER. So my legs and arms and back were quite sore for the rigorous workout Wednesday morning, but I figured warm up the muscles they'll feel better... My 3 1/4 mile jaunt this morning was quite slow (i swear i could only get out about a 4" stride), but it was fun to run on streets I didn't really know where they went or if there were hills or not. Once i got back to the place I am staying I looked at the trusty Garmin and had indeed completed over 3 miles...I was in shock. Overall a great way to start the day!

Where to begin??

2008-10-28T20:21:00.000-05:00

Well I am new to the blogging, but have greatly enjoyed reading the RunnersWorld blog and figure I should start documenting my stories and adventures.

What is my story? Well, I started running in January 2006 after losing 50 pounds and recognizing that I wanted to do something healthy to honor that. I "ran" my first 5K in April 2006. I believe my finishing time was around 52 minutes. I was so elated to finish. It was such a huge accomplish for me. I have never been athletic, played softball when I was 6 & 7 years old, but after that I became much more of the musician. I played the piano through elementary school and then played the flute throughout junior high and high school. So..here I am in my 30s deciding that I need to find my inner athlete. I enjoyed the atmosphere and acceptance of the running community when I did my first 5K, and the encouragement of the super-speedies really motivated to keep at it. So I kinda trotted along, did some training on the treadmill and kind meandered my way. After completing a 5K in March 2007, I met up with some women who were going to put on a women's running camp during the summer months at 5:45 in the morning, 3 days a week. I figured why not...had to do something to change it up...plus although running should be fairly simple one foot in front of the other...I couldn't get over the threshold.
So in June 2007, i met some phenomenal ladies, who I still adore and did my first 5K in July 2007 in sub-40. I was so excited, but thought I was going to puke at the same time. Then a bunch of us decided to do the Kansas City Zoo Run in September 2007, which is a 4 mile run. In the training for the zoo run, I was talked in to attempting the Kansas City half marathon in October. The KC Zoo run is a total blast, I recommend it for anyone in the KC area during September. Continued my training with my group of females for the KC half and did indeed complete the course. The week following the KC half I did the Turkey Trot a 5K on a cross country course. I wound up really injuring my right achilles, my whole ankle stayed swollen for 10 weeks.

In March 2008, I decide to try to get back on the horse so to speak. It has been quite a challenge for me to lace up the shoes again, both physically and mentally. I have really struggled to get in a good place mentally to accomplish the running feats I have planned in my head. After my move to Tulsa in July 2008, i sucked it up one Tuesday evening and decided to show up to the RunnersWorld group and have been consistently running 3 days a week since.

So...what now?? Keep on running or jogging as the case may be. I have finally hit that stride where I have some self-confidence that I can indeed complete the miles. Now it's time for me to be consistent and be confident.