Old Stomping Grounds...

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

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

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

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..

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!

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

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 :).