See ya Manana!

I can't wait to see y'all. I can't believe it's already here!!! I'll be praying for everyone's safe arrival to the expo tomorrow! Love ya, LJ

Just curious...?

Hey team,

Just wanted to know who was actually RUNNING in their RRT shirts. I am planning to run in something else and change afterwards for a team pic. What are y'all doing? If everyone else is planning to run in theirs, I will do the same.

I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!
A-Train

Up and Running

So I'm officially back up and running this week. I even put in twelve this morning...which made me think of one last tip: Pack for all situations. It was so cold this morning and I took off without any gloves and by the end of it my hands were stinging from the cold. List of things to have, running shorts, short and longsleeved shirt, head band, good socks, running shoes, sports bra, gloves, and tights if you like (I never run races in tights as a personal choice). I suggest packing a seperate bag for your running gear. Also, if there is something you have to have before a long run, a certain energy bar or type of bagel, there is no harm in bringing it with you. Not that you couldn't find it in SA, but you want the peace of mind of knowing that its there for you and not having to search for it on Saturday. OH, and if you're an ipod runner, make sure it is charged and ready to go. Its hard to go 13miles without it when you're used to it (happened at my first/only half). One last thing, don't wear anything that you dont mind losing. Sometimes its not worth it to carry that head band for five more miles or tie that wet shirt around your waste, and most of the time the collected stuff is washed and given to the homeless. I'm down to my last pair of throw away gloves or I would offer to bring some for everyone. The expo might have dollar or two dollar pairs of throw aways available, though. If I think of anything else I'll let you know....See you soon, LJ

Ready or not...it's almost here!

I'm so excited that all of this training is about to pay off! Although my training has not been picture perfect...a couple of colds and knee ailments along the way...I am as ready as I'm going to be : ) I'm excited to meet up with everyone next weekend! Wishing you all a great last week of training!

Monster Bash

Running a 10K Saturday.. everyone pray...

charmed

This week has been a tough one. I started out Monday feeling great, no recovery time needed, or so I thought. Yesterday I ran again and my ankles are sooo swollen now. Looks like I will be doing spin for the next few days instead of hitting the trails. Work has been crazy, life after work has been busy, I've been having trouble sleeping, and not because I'm not tired...and my attitude, well lets just say I've had trouble staying positive. Then yesterday Mike texts me that he has a surprise waiting on the table for me when I get home. I text back, you got me a puppy? secretly hoping that it wasn't a candy bar or something edible, and at the same time secretly hoping that it was a candy bar or something edible. After arriving home, finally, I realized that I had forgotten to stop and get bread at the store. That means no sandwich for dinner, and no nothing for dinner. There is one of mike's bagels in the fridge though, and after apologizing twice to him in my head because that meant there would be nothing for him, I used it for my sandwich. Part of me wanted to cry I was so flustered with my day. Then I remember, there is a gift around here somewhere....a James Avery bag is sitting on the table. There is a small heart shaped charm with mountains on it and the word Colorado. I can't wait to put it on the marathon charm bracelet right next to the shamrock that Mike bought me last year for the Virginia run. Flowers in my hotel room, a new charm, and Mike is taking me to dinner tonight and we get to go anywhere I want for dessert afterward too. I always want to go to two seperate places and he never does, but this is my victory dinner. He's a catch, and if you ever met him you'd know right away that he's a total charmer.
Oh and did anyone else see that SA is sold out at 30 thousand and we all start at the same time! This is going to be so fun. I can't wait until my ankles feel better, I'm ready to run! LJ

A short one

Thanks so much for all the warm wishes and prayers. I ran a ten o four pace...four hours and twenty four minutes total. It was a cold morning but it turned out to be an amazing day. The route was beautiful with these amazing parks, the capital, the Rockies stadium, a theme park, lots of cool trendy neighborhoods and the whole downtown area. The other runners were great and the fan support was unbelievable with people throughout the entire course. I kept thinking there was someone named Lindsey running near me, and then I realized that my name was printed on my number. It was a great weekend. Love ya, LJ

Denver or Bust

Where to start....Please pray for Summer on Sunday, she is doing the Nike women's marathon in SF, her first. I figure with the time difference and their start time, I should be at mile 18 when she gets going. Mile 18 is for summer.
Its been a great morning, after running my six, I got an email with final instructions from the marathon people and there is going to be a changing tent at the end. Good news, in case I can't get a late check out. Firstgiving sent me a good luck email. Amanda's post gave me a boost. Sarah called and said she wants to see me before I leave, Mike's been so encouraging all week, and my grandpa called to wish me luck, which was really cute.
There are so many people to run for...Mom, Amanda, Rebecca, Sarah, Melinda, Lori, Kim, Team Boomer, Grandpa (Gene), all the people that gave money to cystic fibrosis (I won't name them all), Mike, Summer, Rocky, people in my home group, myself. I'm really looking forward to the trip, and I only wish I could pack each of you in my suit case so you could be there with me.
Our hotel is downtown, 2 blocks from the start and the whole street is closed down year round because its an outdoor mall. The only cars are shuttle buses that drop you off at one end and you shop your way back.
I think I'm most looking forward to the expo. I love looking through the packet of goodies and getting my shirt.
Don't know what time the Comstock ladies are leaving Austin on Sunday, but I'll be in at six pm if you want to go get dessert with me. I love you girls, you are all inspirations to me-LJ

Good luck!

Good luck in Denver, LearJet! I'm wearing my Team Boomer bracelet and will be praying for you this weeknd. EVERY mile of my 6 this Saturday will be for you! :) Love you!

Know your "PRIORITIES"

I meant to blog last weekend before Amanda had a chance to but I have let work get in the way of my PRIORITIES. (Sounds like I am not the only one!!)

Last Saturday when Amanda and I started running the 10K on the beach in Port A, I said, "About 15 years ago, my sister-in-law and I started out meaning to just run this race to get in a 3 miler and walk the last half, but there were only a handful of runners that had entered the race, so of course we were last anyway, and there was this stupid firetruck behind us with its lights on the whole race and they were having a blast at our expense. We would stop for some water and they would say over their speaker, 'Just drop the cup. We will pick it up!'" So, I had been last before, and last wasn't going to bother me today! Then, we got started and I tried to keep up with the small pack of runners that had entered the run. Amanda ran right beside me. I was sucking air and she wasn't even sweating! So at 1 1/2 they had a water stop and I told her I was going to walk and drink and she should get going, and she did. Somewhere along the way, I started thinking, "I sure don't want to be last!!" I don't know what happened to my "PRIORITIES" there, but they flew right out the window! So, I started walking and running, but making sure I kept a distance between me and those "last place people". Then, about 10 minutes later, I see this angel running back towards me instead of towards the finish line, and I recognized the color of the running shorts. It was Amanda! I asked her, "what are you doing?" And she said, "we came to do this together, and I am sticking with you!" And so she did. She would run up when I walked and then run back for me. So basically, she ran twice the distance!

And, I meant to blog before Amanda did, so that I could say, Amanda, you met your "call to discipleship" that day. And isn't it funny to read your blog saying, you were "listening" to what God was telling you to do!

Amanda had set her PRIORITIES and was following through. Me, I was being stupid and paid the price by being a "back of the pack" snob, and so I was miserable the whole way! Until the very end there when we came across the lady that needed some encouragement. Then, I got back in my groove! We walked her through until she could run in, and then we let her run in across the line in front of us. Guess who got "2nd" in my age group?!? There you go! God bit me on the butt! That is what I get for forgetting my PRIORITIES and being a snob!

When I was 40 and ran the Big Sur Marathon, I was 7th to LAST in my age group, and my dad was 7th place (you know, from FIRST) in his age group. If the run would have been one month later, he would have been 65 and been in first in his age group! And I was proud of myself!

Anybody not "feeling it" in their training can just plan on having a good time back in the "back of the pack" with me! I'm going to stay where I belong from now on! Those people in the back are having a good time! Maybe we could set up some beer stops along the way?? That would be fun!

God is good - all the time!
Robin

"ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING! BE KINDER THAN NECESSARY, FOR EVERYONE YOU MEET IS FIGHTING SOME KIND OF BATTLE. LIVE SIMPLY, LOVE GENEROUSLY, CARE DEEPLY, SPEAK KINDLY......LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS, IT'S ABOUT LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN."

Running God's Race

Last night I ran into a lady whom I've crossed paths with so much recently. She was in Junior League when Rebecca and I joined in 2005. Early last year, she and her family started attending our church (she stopped coming, though, about 10 months ago). Her daughter, who has a crush on Rebecca's son, Hayden, is in Hannah's class at school. And, even more recently I've seen her jogging around the neighborhood.

I ran into her at HEB at about 10:00 last night. When I saw her AGAIN, I said, "OK, God, your servant is listening what do you want me to do?" Usually, I give her a polite "hi," but something told me that I should strike up a conversation with her. While we spoke, I asked her if she was training for something (since I'd seen her running). She said that she was doing the marathon in SA! We talked about that awhile, and then church came up. She sounded like she wanted to come back, but was maybe embarrassed by not having been in so long. I went on and on about our new pastor, who is wonderful, and I could see her curiosity rise. Then, I mentioned that she and her husband should join us for Home Team one night, and her eyes lit up. I think that she was thrilled. An invitation was all she needed. She said she'd be at church this weekend.

Sometimes, that's all it takes. All I needed was an invitation from Lindsey to run this race. It's probably not something that I would have signed up for myself, but because she asked, I was willing. Another friend of mine asked Robin and I to run a 10K last weekend. Another invitation. We did it. And what fun!

We didn't break any records (although we did take 2nd and 3rd in our age groups!), but I felt Christ at work that day. As we ran along the beach, catching up on what had been going on in each other's lives, I was acutely aware of everything around me. The smell of the water. The cool breeze. The warm sun. The crunch of the sand beneath my feet. God is so good.

As we neared the end of the race, we ran up on another runner who was having trouble finishing. She felt nauseous and she said she couldn't feel her fingers. I will admit that, for me, all bets would have been off during a "real" race. I probably would have given her a polite "you OK?" and then been off. But, God had been working on my senses all morning. And, there was no question about the right choice. We stopped to make sure she was OK. Watching Robin "work" was a God moment. We were maybe 300 yards from the finish line and we were WALKING! (Something oh-so humbling for me). As we walked beside her, reassuring her that all would be OK, I was reminded that Christ stops and walks with me when I'm struggling. Who am I to deny that of someone else? Robin has a gift...she makes others feel good, feel brave, feel unburdened. As she spoke to the runner, I could see a transformation in her. She felt renewed and energized...she just needed a little pep talk. (You were a cheerleader weren't you , Robin?) The lady felt well enough to run the last 50 yards into the chute. Robin and I were right behind her.

As I did my Bible Study this week, Beth Moore wrote that, "In God's economy, the way up is down." And, all I could think about was humbling my prideful spirit long enough to let someone who was struggling in the race pass me by. You know what, though? It felt great to do it. Isn't that what we're here for? To humble ourselves and lift others up? Sometimes that's hard to do...especially when I really wanted that sandollar trophy! ;)

Bring the Pain

Hmmm...twice in the last week I set out to do an eighteen to twenty miler and ended up with the worst stomach cramps at twelve. That about sums up Wed and Saturday's runs (Wed on the lake and Sat on the treadmill). Colorado began seeming like a horrible idea. Today was different though. In church last night Jen Hatmaker talked about God's voice, and knowing when its him and when its my own voice talking. Before I went to bed last night I prayed that if God wanted me to wake up early and run that he would tell me and I wouldn't argue. I woke up at 3:45, my before work running time (which I hadn't done in quite awhile) no alarm or anything, just up knowing I should go run. I tried to convince myself that I should sleep for another forty five minutes unsuccessfully...who am I to argue with God. I started running, and I kept going, no stomach cramps. I felt a blister rubbing about mile 3, perfect, this is the kind of pain I should be feeling, little annoyances, then the chaffing, awesome, it had been some time since this has happened. I stopped at mile 15, knowing I could go 3 more if I wanted, which I actually did, but I was already late for work. It was a great morning! Just the right amount of discomfort and the perfect amount of fatigue to know that things were finally going right. Denver is going to be a blessed expertience, I just know it! LJ

Running the 20-miler

Today I finally crossed the mental and physical threshold after training since the end of May. Even after getting hardly any sleep, I had the best run ever! I arrived a little later than usual--6:05. I usually get there about 5:45 and we start running after announcements and awards. Every week we dedicate our practice to an "honored hero" who is battling cancer or has battled cancer and has lost the fight. It is really inspiring and makes running a little easier knowing you are really making a difference in these people's lives. Well, when I arrived, I immediately had to go to the bathroom. I think the nerves were getting to me because I've never run 20 miles before. But overall I was feeling great and ready for the run. When I made my way over to my training group, they told me I had won the "spirit bib" for the week and I had missed it! The trainers had announced it when I was in the bathroom! The spirit bib is given to an individual who shows the most spirit and enthusiasm during the week. I was really excited to win it and it gave me a much needed confidence and motivation for that day.
When we started, I felt ready and excited for the run. The run was a little dark at first, but then we were able to see the beautiful scenery. I never knew the beautiful parts of San Antonio tucked away in the old neighborhoods of Lincoln and Alamo Heights. Even the name sounds so Continental.
When we crossed Olmos Dam and reached Alamo Heights, I had reached a part of myself I never knew I had. It was as if I was another person looking down on my body and I watched in amazement at how well I was running! And I had struggled the entire season to keep up with my team and not feel so winded and tired!
I had the most horrible week at work and in a way I had reached the end of myself with all of the drama and rejection I've been experiencing for some time. It had been building up, and Tuesday at work I found myself at the stairwell and the tears just started flowing. I prayed asking God to please rescue me from all of this and to some how give me the strength to go on. It has been this way for at least 6 or 7 months; trial after trial, test after test.
And today I found a strength and a peace while running. I had this burst of energy and speed at around 4 miles into the run and it lasted the entire 20 miles! My running mates were calling me the dangling carrot that they were trying to reach, but never could. I smoked them!!

It was as if God was coaching me and cheering me on the entire time, anointing my feet with speed and my body with endurance! And in all this, I had an ephiphanous and triumphant moment. Even in the most difficult times in my life when I keep facing trial after trial and hardship after hardship, He is with me. He is the strength I need and He is my rock. He keeps me going when I feel I can't go on. He keeps me moving when I have no strength to move or no where to move to. He keeps me singing when I cannot find my voice. He sustains me in spite of my circumstances and constant rejection. He keeps telling me to persist and finish the race. And most importantly, he keeps me running! He keeps me running towards the goal, not away from my problems.. but into his arms, and to a strength like never before.

SDA

HELP ME!! I'm losing my running mo-jo

Okay I'm not sure if it is waking up early, the cross country girls and some of their teachers complaining how rude some are acting, football, teaching biology HONORS (good kids but high maintence), keeping up with church/small groups, drinking too much diet Dr. Pepper till my teeth hurt, or what!! I wake up at 5:20 and come home about 6:20 pm... without running yet... I'm spent... I want to eat my unhealthy dinner and hit the couch or go to bed... I can't imagine waking up any earlier considering I'm a night owl...... I tried running 3 miles today and I was dead during it and when I was done... today I disliked running so much.... I don't know what to do....
I started watching mtv challenge and doing the elliptical.. .we have DVR so that I can record anything and watch it on any TV... I did the elliptical for 1 1/2 hours.... is this wrong??
Can anyone give me advice? My weekends consist of cross country meet from 6am-1pm... Then I am usually asleep all day after that.... Sunday I have church and then I'm back at school for about 5-6 hours catching up on all my grading for the week and preparing for a lab or lessons for the next week...
I was doing so well in August and early Sept... I'm scared I won't be able to run all of the half without stopping... and like lindsey knows I'm highly competitive/confident when it comes to anything sports but this time I am actually worried... Anyone have anything for me... Oh yeah one more ramble... I started a junior high team where they never had one, I'm up to 4 7th grade boys and 3 7th grade girls... so in the mornings I have about 22 kids running for me a dead beat coach... I may run with them Friday but other days I have to write down times, take care of injuries, organize their funraisers, take care of equipment, and other tedious jobs, and find time to get ready/dressed for the day... okay I'm done... let the praying begin or advice pour in... I'm ya'll sponge

Where do I start?

Saturday I set out to do my long run, the morning was cool, the sun coming up was beautiful, everything was perfect...but me. I prayed before I left the house that God would inspire me with an opportunity to love someone else in my day and maybe that would be revealed to me during my run if I kept my eyes open. I was listening to the Irresistible Revolution on my ipod and about mile five when the sun was the most beautiful I had ever seen it, I realized that I didn't want to run, I wanted to listen. I wanted to hear the book, and all the things God was saying to me. "Be still and know that I am God" is what I was hearing. I still had to walk home but it was a slow walk where I just took in everything around me. There were the most amazing hot air balloons flying over my neighborhood as I got closer to home (hot air balloons!) The Jehova Witness church a few blocks away was having this huge community gathering to remodel the inside of the church and the support of all the people around up that early to help touched me. It was a great workout in itself.
Today was different. I slept in until 7 and it was a much needed rest. Around noon I set out to find a place to run. I decided that I wasn't ready to do three hours on the greenbelt and settled for Town Lake...dooped again...It was closed off for a relay event. I settled for the treadmill, knowing that I could do an hour and see how awful I felt after that and that it would be a good chance for me to try eating, drinking and running all at once. I ran for an hour, took a potty break, drank some propel. I ran for another hour, took a potty break, drank some propel, and ate a couple bites of a power bar. I ran for another hour. I probably put in 19 miles total and with my breaks it took 3hrs and 3 minutes. I remembered how fun it is to go the distance and how fun it is to know that I can go the distance. Knowing that Amanda was doing ten today inspired me to keep going. She was facing her fear and her bravery made me want to be bold too. By the way, Irresistible Revolution will make you cry over and over even while you are running so I wouldn't suggest it unless you have extra emotional energy to spare. I do recommend it in general, though. Have a blessed week, LJ

All for nothin'

All that worry over the 10 miler was for nothing. It turned out to be one of the best runs I'd ever been on!

Nothing to fear but fear itself

I was supposed to run 10 miles LAST Saturday (the 13th). I got in 6 and called it a day. I trained hard all week this week, hoping that that would help me to mentally prepare for the looming double digit run I had postponed till today. But, it just transferred the fear from one week to the next. There's just something about 10 miles that is freaking me out a bit.

When Melinda (Lear Ninja) blogged, I could completely relate with what she was saying about explosive running. I was a sprinter and hurdler in junior high and high school. The most that I EVER ran on the track was 200 meters. THAT was a lot for me. I can remember being in awe of anyone who could make an entire LAP around the track...I just didn't have that kind of endurance. I couldn't pace myself. It was all or nothing. I was used to explosive bursts of energy, not anything that required endurance.

I feel like I'm back in high school...in awe of those who are running miles in the double digits...and those double digits are my new hurdles.

I am doing my 10 tomorrow. (We had 2 b-day parties, 1 soccer game and some b-day party shopping to do today, so my run got pushed till tomorrow). I know once I start, I'll wonder what in the world I was fearful of. Actually writing all of this down has made it pretty clear that there is nothing to fear. You're right, LJ! This is great therapy!

I will be praying for each of you.

I think I can I think I can (not ride the train, rap song)

What is a descent half marathon time???.... anyways, due to Hurricane Ike we have not had school for a week nor cross country practice... out of my 14 girls I feel as though maybe 6 maybe running on a daily basis which I guess I should appreciate... I ran the 5k for Labor day and I passed up a girl, who I knew was in my age division with about 200 yards to go.. .I will never start in the middle again.. I should have just started in the front... I felt traped and non competitive in the middle... anyways since it was a school holiday I told the girls what to run on that day and invited them to run with me... one freshman showed up and we ended up running the whole thing together... two boys showed up (wish I coached the boys too) and one ended up winning his division... its fun to go to those events cause it feels as everyone knows everyone... especially in small town... anyways so 5 minutes after I finished they posted some results and said I had come in 3rd in my division... I was pumped!! sitting there an extra 30 minutes, just as awards were going to begin, they posted another results sheet... I GOT 4th, someone was added late... which means I get nothing... story of my life... positives on the other hand include the fact that I got Damon to do it... he like it too and my freshman now loves running... YAHOO
Anyways since school had started I had been slacking a bit... I need to find some other routes bad.... my sleeping patterns are so off... I am a natural night owl.... (posting at 12:25)
I ran 5 miles today and for some reason the last mile I was sprinting... I know I can do more, I just overwhelm myself with projects that I cook up and need to be better organized... I want to be ready for 13... you know what I will be ready for 13.... Hope all is well... another rambling post by yours truly

New Day

Today I did something completely different with my long run....going back to how I trained last year. I decided that I'm just going to increase my time spent running each week, and not worry about milage. I also didn't worry about waking up at the crack of dawn, stressing over the possibility of heat, killing myself on concrete because its too dark to run in the street or too early to head to the trails.
I headed up to Town Lake arriving just before seven, just as it was light enough to start running, seems a bunch of other people had the same idea. I took off, wondering if I could find a way to get to the greenbelt, after a few attempts and hitting the Zilker Loop-another new path for me-I finally made my way into the greenbelt, I got off the main trail a few times hitting the bike trails which are a little tougher. I crossed over some of the empty creek beds, wondering if I would get to trample through water in them one day (that would be fun). It was amazing as the sun came up over the trees with no buildings or highways on the horizon. I wanted to write runners world and tell them that I found the place for next months rave run. I spent about an hour and a half on the trail before hitting town lake again. Everyone and their mother and their dog was on town lake. It was a weaving war out there. I hit auditorium shores at two and a half hours and decided to stop there. Next Saturday I'm going for two fifty five to three ten and the following week three thirty, then I'll start the taper. I'm constantly being reminded how fun running is. Oh, and I started this run with some Luna gummies-good stuff- and a shot of kaopectate (no stomach troubles this time, even with the intense core workout that trail running provides). Ready to run-LearJet

pay it forward

Anytime Mike offers to help anyone do anything (stop and change a flat, lends someone money, etc) he loves to tell people just to pay it forward (like the movie). So when Toga (Damon) sent me the pics of his first ever 5k today I felt like Lori had learned the meaning of the words pay it forward. He seemed so proud of himself, and I was proud of him too. I felt the same way the other day when Mike went for a run when we were in Cali....he wouldn't let me go with him, claiming that he would be back in five minutes. Twenty minutes later he came back all covered in sweat. I owe my running passion to my mom (WONDERWOMAN!!! and my Grandpa) and I feel like I'm trying to pay it forward by encouraging others, its truly the gift that keeps on giving for me. Amanda seems to be paying it forward too- Smash and maybe Tyler?
When someone smiles at me on the trail, I make sure to smile equally big and pass that positive energy on to the next runner with a wave or flash of teeth, when someone passes me in a run or the rare occassion that I pass them then I give a small clap or a keep it up. Little words of motivation go along way when your head is being negative- The thought for the day, pay it foward-LJ

Home again

I had the best time in California, and I even got in some great workouts and decided to start doing a new something to help my running, but first things first.
Friday morning I got up after being awake for 22 hours on Thursday and only sleeping 4, and decided to go for a run, I got half way down the road and realized I was too tired to remember where I came from, I cut that one short and went back to bed. Around 3 that afternoon I decided to try again. It was probably nearing 100 degrees, but it wasn't that bad because there was no humidity. I ran out about 30 min and turned around, the wind was awful coming back and I would have rather just had the pure heat, not because of the resistance but because I felt like it was drying me out. Sat morning I woke up and ran 4 or 5 and then Tina and I ran about another 2 to this martial arts class she takes which is all cardio, non stop. I kept waiting for them to say take a break and get some water, didn't happen. We even ran some hills to suppliment the workout but walked home. The weather in the morning was much cooler, the low 50's, which made it easier. Sunday we went hiking and there were some runners out on the trail. The hills were killer and my butt still is a little tight. As soon as we were unpacked last night, I got on the computer and looked up the best trails in Austin to train for trail running on (not town lake, real trail running!) Mike and I decided that we might start going out on Sundays, him walking the dog, and me supplimenting my workouts with a good 3 or 4 mile jog. I'm really excited about this! Take care!LJ

Lear Ninja- Melinda Lear

Hi girls!  I have been meaning to blog on this site yet have not until now.  Glad to read you guys are doing so well!

I ran track in high school and just did sprints and sprint hurdles.  And then since then I had not run until 2007 when Lindsey got me motivated to run long distances which I have never done. I was  used to explosive energy and endurance has been something I have had to work for and was very new to me.  I  usually do weight training at the gym or a class here and there. I like the feeling of giving it everything.  I remember running my first 3 and was so proud of myself.  The highest I have gone was 10 miles and felt great and strong except my sock kept rubbing the wrong spots the last mile and my knees were spent.  

 The journey has been awesome and I  have learned a lot about myself and ways to help certain parts of my character in persevering and being consistent.  So I decided to sign up for the half in San Antonio to make it a done deal.  Another recent endeavor has been my excitement for getting into cycling.  I bought a rode bike and have LOVED training on this for duathalons. (since I cant swim...well properly)  Recently Mark and I just found out we are expecting and due in April.   We are so excited.  I have been doing a lot of research and asking doctors what I can and cant do for my training.  I really didn't get a good answer and had a weird feeling that I needed to be careful.  So I went to the Lord finally and just got a huge message... To really enjoy this time and keep praying that the baby is safe and that I just learn to not go crazy in my workouts.  Before the news I have been persevering through long hard bike rides and running at faster paces than I have recently and just pushing through to get better.  It has been hard but really rewarding and fun.  But now I feel like I need to take a step and get good workouts in just not hit that point where I want to give it all I got.  I think this will be a good lesson for me.  My  new goal is to learn how to swim so I can do triathlons.  7.5 months to get swimming down.  

So I m not sure where that leaves me for the half.  I want to do it, if my body lets me do it safely and the Lord gives me the ok.  I guess in time I will get a better feel if this is right or not.

Just wanted to finally blog and give you guys an insight of where Im at.

Keep on pushing through,

Melinda (LN)

Hi everyone! Well, I must say that I am probably very behind in my training. But I plan on really stepping it up so as not to embarrass anyone in November. :-)

Actually, reading everyone's blogs has been a little inspirational. Amanda emailed me a training schedule earlier and I plan to do my best to follow it. I hope that my next message will convey that.

Rebecca, Wes got me an iPod and sport chip for Christmas last year and I LOVE it! It is the best thing ever. Have you syncronized it with Nike Plus yet? It logs all your runs and keeps track of your pace and allows you to set goals.

Just another short little note to say thank you to everyone for including me in this. I've needed something or someone to light a fire under my backside for quite a while.

gotta love gadgets

Before I get to the cool new running gadget that I got last week, I have to vent about my training schedule! I was getting into such a groove with a great weekly schedule...3 runs, 2 cross training days and every other Wednesday running sprints. So I just sat down with all the back-to-school calendars for my whole family to compile them onto the huge "mom's calendar". After I filled in all the after school stuff...gymnastics, tae kwon do, boyscouts, my husband's weekly pastor search committee meeting, choir for the kids at church, etc....where does mom fit in?? I will have to have the organizational skills of Amanda to pull this off! : ) I'm being a little melodramatic, but it will be a challenge. Between getting up early, early on some mornings and having dinner served early and kids bathed early on other nights in order to have an after bedtime run, I've figured out all but my Thursday runs. I've thought about taking Sophie with me while the older 2 kids are at school but there's too many darned mosquitos right now! It's like a plague. Anyways, I'll figure it out somehow. The gym is off limits for my youngest for the whole fall because she had RSV last winter and was in the ICU for 3 days. Her doctor wants her away from large group childcare settings until she's a little older. This is slightly more important than my training schedule I suppose! : )

Onto a more positive note, my husband surprised me the other day with a cool new way to measure my mileage. I am somewhat behind on most things electronic so this may be nothing new or special to you guys! It's a chip that plugs into the bottom of your ipod that coordinates with a chip you wear on your shoe. When you turn on the ipod, you can customize your run....For example, my long run last Saturday was 7 miles. I entered 7 miles on the ipod and took off. Along with whatever song you're listening to on the ipod, it shows how far you've run and your pace. This is so great for me for 2 reasons. First, I love to wander when I run. I like to literally get lost in the run and see new sights. Hard to do though when you're training for a race and need to know how far you've been! However, the second and most surprisingly helpful thing for me was being aware of my pace. I actually finished the 7 miles in a little under 10 minutes per mile. For me that's pretty good. I found that I'm starting my long runs much faster than I thought which is probably why I was struggling so much to finish my long runs. Gotta love gadgets!


Rebecca

This is why I don't stop!

I haven't had much to blog: I missed my workouts from Tuesday-Saturday last week due to various reasons. Back to school stuff...sickness...travel. I finally got a run in on Sunday though. It was my "long" run that was supposed to be done on Saturday and it was only 4 miles. Before I ran the 4, I remember thinking, "This is why I don't stop (to walk) while I'm running...cause it's so hard to start up again!" Same goes for long breaks in training...it's hard to get back in the groove once I've taken some time off. Anybody else feel the same way?

It felt good to run. I was pleasantly surprised by how strong I felt despite the lapse in training. Honestly, I was ready for the punishment...the soreness...but, that didn't happen. Maybe my body needed that break.

On a side note:
I missed my runs on Friday and Saturday due to travel. My friend and I drove to San Antonio to listen to Beth Moore speak. It was worth every second. God is so good...it amazes me that there were 10,000 women (and a few brave men) there and I felt like Beth's message (His message) was written and spoken for me alone. It was a little scary!

Lindsey's email today (about rebirth and letting go of the past) reminded me of a a portion of her spiel. Among many of the things Beth said, she spoke briefly of how insecure women can be, and because of that create false gods. We (I) look to that false god for affirmation and acceptance, and when I don't get it, I tend to second guess things, or not be happy with my position in life. All things that I already knew, but it was refreshing to hear again. Helped to put things into perspective for me, and to realize that the only affirmations that I should be seeking are His. Not society's...not my best friend's...not my neighbor's...not my family's. There is such freedom in that, isn't there? "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." (Gal 5:1)

Not that I'm looking for affirmation or anything...;) Just want you to keep me honest....here's my training log for the week: I got in 5 last night, and 4 today. I plan on 4 tomorrow, 5 Thursday, 3 Friday and 8 Saturday.

"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4)
A-train

GGGGNATS!

This morning was not one of my finer moments. I woke up with a bad attitude. My head was telling me that there was no use in even attempting a long run, and when Mike woke up just as I was about to leave the house, he told me something that I should have been telling myself, "Just do your best." So I thought I'll be lucky to get ten out of myself but I'll try to push for fifteen.
As I started running I thought back to the run I did in Sugarland and decided that I would pretend that I was running next to the wounded soldier on crutches that did the 5k. The whole run I kept telling myself that I would just do a little more and see how it felt. The truth is, it was hard, I was dehydrated, and I didn't eat enough of the right carbs the night before, but I never thought this sux or I hate running, or why do I do this to myself...I just kept thinking I need water. I ended up doing somewhere between 19 and a half and twenty. It might be good to measure it, but I don't really care, it was time to be done when I stopped, I was dehydrated and I knew it. There was a swarm of gnats that flew at me, some of them sticking, one getting in my mouth and one in my eye, and I thought if this is the worst thing that happens to me today Lord, then you have more than blessed me. Just after that, as the sun was coming up Brandon Heath's Give me your eyes started playing on my ipod...it was inspiring. Hope y'all are doing well- Love ya, LJ

Trigger Happy

So maybe I'm a little trigger happy, but I stress the word happy in it all. After looking repeatedly at the cowtown website, feeling waves of excitement jolt through my body each time I did, and getting a long pep talk from LearAttack (Sarah)-who by the way made up a cheer for herself because she wears a purple and black bike top (purple and black, learattack!) Back to the point at hand, I registered for the Cowtown 50k! In the words of Jesse Spano (Saved by the bell) I'm so excited, I'm so excited, I'm so...scared ;) Really, I can't wait. Yesterday I had a discussion, entirely in my head of course, about what I wanted and what I was willing to do to get it. I want the 50K, I want to push myself to my limits, I want to stay disciplined, I want to feel myself breathing and my body working, knowing that I am alive, I want to spend more time seeing the world the Lord has given me to see, and I don't want to do it through a car window. As I'm typing this I have 190days six hours and eighteen minutes to get ready, but in my head I'm already there, now I have to train my body.
A-train- http://3girlstraining.blogspot.com/2007/11/i-am-runner.html this was when I knew I was a runner. November 27, 2007 was the day. Didn't know if you cared to read it, but it went with what we were talking about. It was the same time I am Legend came out in theaters, hence the title. The shirts are in the works, and I can't wait to see y'all in them in SA! SA or bust-LJ

Why do I bother wearing a shirt.....

Finally Ran my 5 miler... . Which I haven't done since high school.... 10 years ago... Whew!! I should be cooling down but instead I'm typing this thinking I should cool down.... I usually run at nights which is a big no no seeing that I have trouble sleeping after waking up my body..... I feel as though I can run more but need to map one out.....

Have any of you ever heard the story of the princess and the pea.... One teeny tiny something in my shoe and my last two miles that is all I am thinking about...... Don't want to stop and ruin my flow..... Then I think, my shirt is soaking wet with sweat (kudos to the one who invented Dri-Fit, just need to expand my wardrobe I guess)

I figured out on other runs a way not to think of the mileage or time is by following along and sing in my head my ipod songs... makes time just fly by..... Also looking at the ground and concentrating on the songs seems to pass time as well verses staring at people, things or distances??? Don't know why....

My cross country team is finally growing... I'm up to 6 girls 3 returning from last years Varsity and 3 newbies.... pretty sad considering I should have at least 15 by now...... I guess you can say its not the quantity but quality?? or maybe you can't say that since we are all trying to increase our mileage???

Anyways just had to vent... Finally going to a running store to buy "real" running shoes verses "pink ones" this weekend.... Hope all is having a great running week....

Amazing Grace

This race and support group came at such a perfect time in my life. I never cease to be amazed at the little ways God takes care of us. My brother, who I've mentioned before, is struggling again with issues with his brain. He had a surgery last week from which he is not recovering very well. He is in a lot of pain and the doctors have no great answers for him at this point. It is an incredibly frustrating and heart-breaking time for our whole family. He is an amazing person...hard-working, a great dad and husband, and exemplifies a Christian man. He does not deserve an ounce of the enormous pain he has suffered through for the last 7 years. Every time I run now, I run my first and last mile for him. He ran cross country in high school and continued to run until doctors told him not to about 2 years ago. I ran my first half with him and he stuck by me the whole time to encourage me, even though he could have finished well before our time together. I'm praying that we'll run another race together again someday! Training for this race has given me an outlet for all my frustrations and sadness about my brother. I end all my runs now with Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin. It's awesome. "My chains are gone, I've been set free, my God my Savior has ransomed me..." I know we've all had some kind of chains in our lives...pain, insecurities, disappointments, self-doubt. Isn't it great that we have a Savior who sets us free...even when the most brilliant doctors in the world have no answers?!

God IS good all the time...we just have to choose to see the good when life gets tough!
Rebecca

Another ouch!

Okay...what's the deal with the sports bra rubbing raw spots where it hits? Should I get a smaller size? Maybe I should smash my chest like those swimmers and I wouldn't have that problem. Any suggestions there?

The Old Woman That Lived In Her Shoes

I've decided that at the end of my days, I want to be remembered as the old woman that lived in her shoes. Not necessarily running shoes, just any and every kind of shoes. I want everyone to say, "she never stopped doing!"

I woke up Sunday morning to rain, and thought, "YES! I get to sleep in! Can't go out in the rain!" So, then it stopped, so I got up and drank one cup of coffee and took off. I got to the beach and then it started flooding! But, I kept going. A couple of miles into my run, I thought, who needs Jeff Galloway! I am feeling good! I know that there is a world of difference running at 6 in the morning than running at 6 at night during the heat of the summer, both in your legs but especially in your lungs. BUT I was really beginning to think that it was just my age and I wasn't going to be able to overcome my problems. But then the rain cooled weather proved me wrong! And I did it! Ended up it was just a mental block I was experiencing, not age after all. (Not to say I am not still slow! But at least I'm running slow instead of walking slow!)

Watching the Olympics has helped too! Of course the "old ladies" there are much younger than me, but they still give me hope. I was watching the women's marathon and listening to the comentators saying, "she can never hold that speed." And I thought how lucky it was for her that she couldn't hear their negativity. What a terrible thing to be saying, and such a crock, because she did it! But what would that do to her if she had heard them? I would have believed it and slowed down. (Mental Blockage)

God is good - All the time!
Robin

P.S. The reason I am thinking about shoes, is because I bought me some really cool looking (ha!) orthopedic sandals this weekend to ease my heel pains.
draft

Ouch!

Ran a 7-miler on Saturday. Did it in 1:13...the last mile was ssssslllooowww. I am glad to have it behind me. I felt good after I ran it, but then about 2 hours later, my knees were really killing me. I felt like an old lady! Okay you seasoned runners, what should I have done? Ice? Do I need new shoes? What's the deal?

Am on my way to do 5 miles this morning...will letcha know how my knees feel after that.

Did any of you watch the marathon on the Olympics? Wow! The lady who won gold was a 38-year old Romanian and ran a 5.76 minute mile!!! I couldn't believe it!

Cross Country Coach who needs to be coached!!

After spending the weekend with Lindsey I realize I really need to step up my game as a distance running coach... Yes, I ran track in high school and college but I never appreciated running until now... (thank you lindsey) and I have a feeling that this is how my high school girls are feeling now (just doing it to do something in high school)... we were all suppose to start practicing from 7 to 8 in the morning when the temperature and time would be most accommodating to every ones schedule... Monday, first day, and two girls showed up. Tuesday, today, and 3 showed up (two from yesterday and one new freshman that was a neighbor of one of yesterday's two).... What is truly disappointing is for about 10 girls that have yet to respond to my phone calls is that I have spent countless hours raising funds and using my own funds for these girls, got them all new equipment, provided rides to and from practice, and even provide meals due to their lack of nutrition...(THINKING I can pull off a LEAN ON ME moment) And now they are too lazy to want to work hard... I mainly blame their previous slacker coach, who would make them run during the period 10 minutes and call it a day... anyways on to my own training to share just had to vent

Thanks to map my run I am able to find different routes to run... I have no training log or schedule but one that I feel that will suit me... Every two weeks I add on a mile... I'm on 4 miles now but next week I will try for 5 (and I do that twice a week with 2-4 miles runs on other days). My goal is to get each mile in 10 minutes or less... and I'm a huge watch HOG... I look at it every other minute which I need to STOP but I can't help.... my diet is poor due to not teaching till Aug 25 so lunch is take out=take in lots of fat and calories... I have this mind set which is stupid where I think hey I'm in shape, why stress over foods I eat... Of course, I preach the opposite in front of my girls but in reality I'm a huge hypocrite who needs to be taught a lesson... I am Pavlov's Dog... I need rewards... but now am too spoiled to hold out and get what I want, when I want it... Also what I have learned about myself is that I am one of those who if you tell me I can't do it, I would want to prove you wrong.... I wish this team lived around here... I almost feel as if I need a running (bible) study group.. just to give me a push every week... I guess this blog will have to do for now (I think I'm going to like blogging- this is my first ever if you couldn't tell)
Lori

A little faith goes a long way

Last Saturday was my 6-miler. I started the run shaky, tired and psyching myself out of it (my mind was on other things...things that I should/could be doing instead of this). The only thing that kept me going was the iPod that Robin loaned me (it was my only chance in the last week to NOT have to listen to Camp Rock, Hannah Montana, or HSM)...it was great to listen to what I wanted to listen to.

After Mile 1, I felt good...strong...and I was in my groove. At Mile 2, I ran through Kings Crossing and was distracted by all the pretty houses and golf course. Once I hit Mile 3, I thought about stopping, but decided to take my ear phones out and listen to everything going on around me. I started getting in to all these deep thoughts and before I knew it I was on Mile 4. It was getting tough to stay focused. The sun came out from behind the clouds and it started to get steamy. I really had to talk myself into not stopping. I felt like a coach, yelling at myself in my head not to stop...not to quit. Then, I started the whole bargaining thing...you know what I mean, that whole, okay get to that tree over there and then you can stop. Then, you make it to the tree and make yourself go to the next street sign. I put my ear plugs back in, desparate not to stop...anything to distract me.

At Mile 5, I fell in love with running. I decided that I was having such a hard time finishing this that I would dedicate it to Hannah (my 7 year old). She and I are the most alike (and oftentimes butt heads b/c of that). She never quits. She is persistant and when she sets her mind to something, by golly, she's gonna do it. Soooo...this was for her.

I'd been running against the wind since Mile 3, and I felt like I had nothing left. I started to pray, and all of a sudden the wind stopped and the sun went behind the clouds. Then, Hannah's favorite song, "Indescribable" came on my shuffle. I choked back tears. Usually, I have a little kick at the end of my runs, but was spent and just couldn't pull it out. I am not kidding you, there was a gust of wind that nudged me on and I found the strength to pick up the pace a bit. It was all for Hannah and done on His strength, cause mine was gone at Mile 3.

I am so excited about my 7 miler this Saturday. I am going to dedicate each mile beforehand (like Lindsey did) and hopefully that will help out with my determination at each mile mark.

Looking forward to hearing about your runs!
A-train

Somedays a dollar

I woke up at 3am saturday morning, not really sure how I was really going to run 18, get in an icebath, walk the dog, shower, stretch and be ready to roll to Houston by 7am. I decided when I woke up that somedays are a dollar and somedays 99, I was just going to "do my best and forget the rest". I finished 18 in record time (my personal record), feeling wonderful, and accept for having to pee in someone's front yard along the way(it was very dark so I don't think anyone saw me) nothing major happened to inhibit my ability to finish, I even finished the last two pretty fast. I did stop at the house at 15 1/2 to use the bathroom again, and had a couple of swigs of propel, it did the trick. I threw the leash on the dog, and we walked a short walk, good for my legs. I threw her in the back yard with some food and water, grabbed a bag of ice from the freezer and while the bathtub filled I stretched a little. Then I relaxed in the cold for about ten minutes before turning on the shower and shaving my legs very quickly(another record set). Before I knew it I was all packed and doing yoga on the front porch waiting for everyone to arrive. Of course they were 20min late, and I was a little ticked that I didn't get to spend more time icing. I ended up running around Houston all evening getting kegs and liquor and food and ice for the party, since I was the only sober one around. Around eleven that night I crashed, and sleep never felt so good. This week will be a light week, and then the following week I'll increase again. I was so excited to hear about Amanda's 6 miler, and I can't wait until she blogs it for y'all to read too, its awesome when it all comes together and you know that you are doing exactly what you should be. Keep on keepin' on-LJ

Some Good News about Treadmills

I was reading my Jeff Galloway book today, and he says that "More and more runners are using treadmills for at least 50% of their short runs - particularly those who have small children. It is a fact that treadmills tend to tell you that you have gone further or faster than you really have (but usually not more than 10%). But if you run on a treadmill for the number of minutes assigned, at the effort level you are used to (no huffing and puffing), you will get close enough to the training effect you wish. To ensure that you have run enough miles, feel free to add 10% to your assigned mileage."

Any luck?

Rebecca...how's the nickname coming along? Leaning towards anything? Hannah and Brooke think that you're "fancy," so they've named you "Fancy Pants". ;) Not a hardcore running name, but it is in line with "Sofo".

You read my mind....

Hey guys,

I was just thinking that it had been some time since I'd blogged!

Our family just got home from a trip to DC. The sites were amazing and there were people out jogging EVERYWHERE we went. It is probably the "fittest" city I've ever seen. I could have counted on one hand the number of overweight people I saw there. Of the 3 days we were there, I only ran one (4 miles). It seemed like we were "on the go" constantly and when we weren't, I hated to leave the people we were visiting to go and run. Enough excuses...

It felt great to get back home and run. I've done 4.5 miles 3 times this week and have a 30 minutes Cross Training day tomorrow. Saturday is 6 miles. That will be my longest run so far. I'm a little nervous, but very excited about it. I've mapped the run and am anxious to do it.

I have found out a lot about myself with this running.
1) It takes my body about 10 minutes to get in the groove of running, but after that initial 10, I feel like I could run all day. My right knee was bothering me at the beginning of my run yesterday, and I ALMOST stopped, but had to ask myself if it was just annoying, or if it was painful. Turned out to just be annoying.
2) I also found out that I enjoy that quiet time (and get a bit grumpy when I don't get it).
3) I have more stamina at the end of the run than I do at the beginning...I almost always pick up my pace to a sprint the last 200 yards. (We'll see if that's the case on Saturday ;)).
4) I've learned that people look at you a little funny when you're belting out a song and you think no one is behind you...and that, honestly, I really don't care. You my steer clear of me race day as I could embarrass you with my singing voice! ;)
5) I've also learned that runners are a tight-knit group. My girls' swim instructor goes to our church. She is also a Pilates teacher and does all sorts of triathlons and races. (She won 1st place in the Longhorn Triathlon). She is 45ish and is in amazing shape. I mentioned to her yesterday that I was training for a 1/2 marathon and she said, "That's awesome...you're gonna run it, and get the running bug." She just seemed so upbeat and excited. Sort of like a "sisterhood of the traveling sneakers"! ;)

Keep blogging, LJ! You inspire me.

Page Hog

Will someone post about their progress? I'm feeling like a page hog, but even more, I'm feeling worried that y'all aren't going to make it to SA...I'll feel like a failure if I show up to the starting line and no one is there with me, because y'all are all out having margaritas! I'm never going to win a race, but I'm determined to win the award for the most friends at this one.
Don't make me go from my upbeat inspirations to stern talking too's...Gene has given me enough of them that I could get pretty fierce with y'all....LJ

So Good

All the anxiety leading up to this morning was unneeded. At mile 14 I had not had to push myself once, it was coming so naturally, like I was doing exactly what I should be, I kept thinking, I can't wait to blog this. At mile 17 I was thinking, there is no way...no way, I'm done, that's it. My clothes were so heavy with sweat that by the end of it I had taken my shirt off and left it on a post (which reminds me that I need to go back and get it). That was a mistake because my shorts started to sag and I kept having to pull them up to make sure that I wasn't exposing myself to anyone. At mile 16 I popped a butterscotch that I had packed away in my short pouch, I wasn't hungry at all or even feeling anything but dehydration but it was nice to get the nasty dry taste out of my mouth and a good distraction. I feel so good though. I think that I'm going to take a nap, maybe go to the movies, just relax a bit, and then tonight is P90X legs, back and abs. I think my legs can handle it, which is surprising. I leave you with this thought "nothing ventured, nothing gained", LJ

Great Expectations

I've been thinking about Lindsey's email (the one where she quoted MJ as saying, "You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them."), and I must say that I have always thought of myself as a goal setter...one who has a list and checks things off...a bit OCD if you will. In fact, a friend of mine asked me how in the world I became involved with this 1/2 marathon (I'm new to the running scene) and I said, "My sister asked me to and I said 'yes'" To which he replied, "You mean, 'she threw down the guantlet and you couldn't resist'." Knowing full well that I am always up for a challenge, he saw it as one more "check" on my list of things.

But, it hit me the other day that my "list of things" has become so focused on others' expectations of me, or my expectations of others that I haven't really expected much of myself lately. I don't want this run to be another one of my "checks." I want to expect great things and achieve them. Last Saturday, Robin and I ran for 50 minutes. That's the longest I've ever run without stopping. And, I can tell you with full confidence that my 5-miler this coming Saturday doesn't seem near as daunting!

I lost my grandfather this morning. He was a kind and loving man. Generous, with an amazing sense of humor. Always dressed to the nines and oh-so handsome. A God-fearing soul and a hard-working man. A soldier. A leader. Faithful to his family. Ever ready to share a joke and hearty laugh. Someone with great expectations. After helping my aunts write some of his obituary, I started thinking...what will mine look like? Will it read, "someone with a constant list of chores to cross off"? or "godly woman with great expectations"? I hope the latter. A-train

"Always remember that striving and struggle precede success, even in the dictionary." - Sarah Ban Breathnach

Needed it

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”-Vince Lombardi.....I really needed this today. I've been feeling rather nervous about my long run this weekend, but the truth is, my body is capable, I just need to put forth the will power. If I can go to a wedding and not eat cake, then I can run 18 miles, because resisting cake is a much more difficult for me.
I've been doing the P90X for a full week now and even though I'm really tired, I feel strong. At the end of a run my form is staying more consistent, and I think that once I get used to the extra hours of working out then my running is going to improve that much more. I'm going to do six today..mile one for my mom (because she started with me), two is for Amanda (because she married one of my two brothers), 3 rebecca (3kids), 4 Melinda (married to the 4th Lear brother), 5 Lori (she did 5 events in high school track), and 6 for Sarah because that's where I attack my run. Thinking of you all! LJ

I'm Back!

It's been a long time since I blogged, but I'm still around! Enjoying reading everyone elses training stories and tips.... I have finally put together a training schedule that I think I can pull off at this stage in my life. Mon: run, Tue: bodypump, Wed: run, Thur:run, Fri: spin class, Sat:long run, Sun: rest. I couldn't even tell you exactly how far I've been running for the last few weeks, I've just been focusing on running a little farther with each run than the last and building my core and leg strength. I ordered the Jeff Galloway book that you guys suggested and have learned some cool stuff from that book. One was that I have really poor posture when I run. I definitely tend to lean forward and he says to stand straight like you are a puppet on a string. I've been focusing on that and think it's helping. I did buy a calendar just for my workouts so I can start keeping track of my mileage..it's time to get serious!

My biggest obstacle in training right now is that 3 of the 6 workouts I have planned are early morning before my hubby leaves for work. So that means that I have to pray the night before each early morning workout that noone wakes up: needing their asthma inhaler (Chloe), wanting a bottle (Sophie), wanting a drink of water (Hayden) or needing reassurance from a nightmare (pick any of the above children). It all tends to work out in the end I guess. I have to remember that 1 missed workout every now and then won't ruin my training.

Somebody, please name me!! I can't name myself...it's just too much pressure : )

Tired yet?

Y'all are going to get so tired of my blogs, but I forgot to tell you about my upcoming schedule and my week in running. This week is a recovery week-2ea 6's, 2ea8's, and a 4-and we started the P90X last night so its a good week for lighter running (P90X is sooooo intense). I have my reunion this weekend also, so I strategically planned it this way.
Cool things. First I did this Nike training run for the Human Race with my brother in law. It was a fun new route right off campus that went through the heart of Austin, just 3 miles, but really fun. Nike was giving out dri fit shirts (they only had large left by the time I got in line) so Mike is getting a new basketball shirt for Christmas (J/K). It was really great to run with Brent, and just hang out with him in general, we are complete opposites in almost everything we believe (politics, religion,finances), but I really enjoy his perspective and his humor-even though my first thought was to flake out on it, it was a blessing to go.
Next, I always think you can't see anything good running on the treadmill, God is even in the gym as I discovered. There is an indoor track, just a loop at the gym I like to run at (it has a dark room and I enjoy that). There was a middle aged lady doing her very best to go around it with a walker. I saw her later getting ready to leave in her wheel chair. She was talking to one of the people who worked there and it looked like she must be recovering from a stroke or something because one side of her mouth was not moving. I decided at that moment that I'm going to be more courageous (I'll start by taking on plyometrics, tonight). Be Bold! LJ

Music or Miles

I have a bad habit of leaving church during the closing music... and yesterday some one said, "I know it seems like it could go on forever, but they only play 3 songs after the sermon." In my head, that's more than a mile. But yesterday, I stuck around and the last song they played was Everlasting God...a great running song! Then I started thinking about some of my favorite running songs. Corey Morrow, "He Carries Me" has some great lyrics..."I know we've got a long way to go... Everyday I'm lucky just to breathe the air I breathe...sometimes I stumble, that's when he carries me." Or two of my favorite songs to end on/cool down to are Todd Fritsch's "Walk to Remember" and Brandon Heath's "I'm not who I was"
One week it seemed like everytime"Washed by the water" (Need to Breathe) played it would be raining. It happened at least 3 times. Here's just a few more that I love, "Learning to Breathe" Switchfoot, "Breathless" Better than Ezra, "One Shot" OAR, "Free and Easy" Dirks Bently, and "Our time now" Plain White T's. I've made my playlist for the marathon already, I'll run all my long runs to the same list and as I increase my milage I'll be surprised by what songs I haven't heard yet (little motivational trick for me). What music gets y'all going? LJ

Booked it...

Hey...booked my room at La Cantera today...have an open double bed if anyone needs a place to stay. I'm super excited!

Rewards?

Hold the phone...didn't know I was going to have to give stuff up for this! Lindsey, you can resist jelly beans? Does it make me less of a runner to crave chocolate at each mile marker? Just kidding!

I'm totally on board with this...it makes it all the sweeter when you get your prize at the end. Rebecca showed me an article about 2 moms who ran in a marathon and one of the moms chose to give herself $1/mile in training. She ended up with something like $800 I think. She also promised herself NOT to buy anything for her kiddos. (something VERY hard for me to do). After all her shopping, though, she had some extra cash and decided to get them a little something. Pretty cool reward I think...

I have been so excited about my runs this week. I ran 30 mins. on M, T, Th, F and then a 3 miler this morning. The treadmill says that I am running a 9:40/mile. I know that I'm slower when I run outside though...except when I ran beside a snake this morning on Oso Parkway! I may have run more like a 7 minute mile for about 1/2 a mile! ;)

Every day, but today, has been pretty smooth sailing...I'd hate to say "easy" but I think that I will be challenged more when I get into the longer runs. Today, though, I learned that having a marg the night before a run is a bad idea! Maybe THAT could be may reward! A margarita at the finish line! ;)

LJ, count me in on the shirts! I think that's a great idea. Rebecca, any luck with the nickname?

I'm going to add another run in on Wednesday, even though my training schedule says to rest. You think that's OK? Also...if I know that I can't make a run b/c of traveling, should I count that as a rest day and make it up on one of my real rest days?

My plan this week is to hit 30 mins on M, T, Th, F. 40 mins on Wed. and a 4 miler on Sat. Sunday - rest

Looking forward to hearing about your runs!
A-train

Sweet Threads

Team Boomer sent me a ton of cool gear yesterday. Included in my packet was a longsleeve navy team boomer under armor shirt, a matching short sleeve one, a matching navy hat, and a pair of Nike navy running shorts...Cold or hot, I'm set for the race. I also recieved a hundred light blue plastic bracelets and pamphlets, which y'all will be getting next time I see you:)
Here's the inspirational part of all this-they included their newsletter that tells about all the things people are doing for the cause...one man is doing the iron man Hawaii to celebrate the sixth anniversary of his double lung transplant, 2 kids with cystic fibrosis just recieved scholarships to run cross country in college, a football camp (it is the Boomer Esasion foundation) camp is being held to promote fitness for children living with CF. I read an article about the guy who sent me the packet, he's 51 and living with CF and says that fitness is the only thing that has kept him alive.
My schedule for this week matches last week 2 sixes, an eight, a four, and a fifteen, and maybe a swim.
Oh, and last week in running I saw the following- ten soldiers in full gear with packs and all marching on town lake in the heat, a lady in a wheel chair pushing herself up a large hill at race speed, a kid with down syndrome running along side his mom, a dad pushing a double running stroller and the children looking happy as can be, and at least a dozen American flags! God is everywhere! Blog done- LJ

First of Many

I forgot how hard it is the first time you increase your milage, but today I officially did my first real long run of my training, and mentally I had to push. The last mile was really the most difficult for me because I had to pass our street and go around the block...Mike was outside with the dog and I just wanted to run over and collapse in the yard, but I resisted. I kept telling myself that it was only eight more minutes of my life, and even Mike can run for eight minutes. Sometimes I use people that I think have no discipline to challenge myself. It was slow at the end, but I DID IT! I have one more fifteen miler before I increase to eighteen, so I'll be doing a lot of icing (not the cake kind) from here on out to decrease my recovery time.

Did y'all check out the links I added. The one with the coach yelling is one I love. Sometimes going up a hill or at the end of a run when I feel like there is nothing left in me I can hear his voice in my head saying, "You promised me your best!" The Ninja and Learattack and I tried to do the crawl at Bible study one week...Sarah thinks she can do anything (hence the name attack) and didn't think it looked that hard. We couldn't do it.

Last tidbit of info...Candice has signed up for the half too, and Kirby might actually come to Denver with me and do the half there. Running fever is contagious. Oh, and I promised Mike that we would start training the PX90, I'm eager to see how it compliments my running, even though it seems like a lot to commit to on top of marathon training. I'll tell you how it goes. Happy trails-Learjet

Training

Hi girls,

Robin, I've been thinking about your question and I have a few "prizes" I'd like to win. I'm shooting for:
1) training hard (I'm so "Type A" there's just something about working hard for your goal that is inspiring and motivating to me),
2) finishing the race (that will be the most miles I've ever run...a 5k being the most) ;)
3) becoming more focused, and
4) watching others draw closer to their goals

And, Robin, I think that your nickname is very fitting BTW...I was glad when Lindsey said that I was "A-train" and not "Caboose"! :) I'm rethinking the name now...maybe it should be "rookie" cause I have no idea what I'm doing.

I ran on the treadmill yesterday. Did 2.76 miles in 30 minutes. It felt great to do it, but I didn't feel like I'd trained my hardest. (Could it have been that mini chocolate donut that I ate off of Brooke's plate?) ;) I don't normally run on the treadmill (I prefer the elliptical), so maybe I didn't have the settings right, but I wasn't really winded or tired. Maybe another thing is that, for me, exercising inside, where the a/c is on and there is no wind to compete with makes for a lesser workout. I feel like I usually run faster/harder when I'm outside.

Today I ran 3 miles in 30 minutes. I ran outside and I could feel the difference immediately! I wanted to stop about 1/10 of a mile into it! I had no energy and it seemed to be way more mental for me today. After about 10 minutes into the run, I was fine, and once I made it to 30 I was so excited.

I have a 2 mile run tomorrow and am supposed to rest Sunday.

I have a few more questions...my training plan is for 14 weeks out. So, technically, I wouldn't start training till mid-August. But, I want to start now, so should I "do" weeks 1-4 twice each to make up for the 4 week difference? So, I'd do Week 1 again next week...Week 2 twice, etc.? Or, should I just train for the 14 weeks starting now and then tack on some runs those last few weeks of training? Also, how important are cross-training days? Can I just run instead? What are form drills/strides?

Goals???

What's the deal with "Wonderwoman?" I know! You are always "wondering" when I am going to show up at the finish line!

"Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corr 9:24

What is y'alls prize that you are looking for?

Right now and through the summer, I am running/walking 4 miles (run a block, walk a block, run a block, walk a block) every morning during the week. And then one day on the weekend, I am working up to a 6 miler (running until I need to walk and then I am using the Jeff Galloway method of walking for 15 - 30 seconds). When I was young like you kiddos, I always felt like 6 1/2 miles was the perfect distance. Enough to get your adrenaline up and feeling better at the end than I did at the beginning. Unfortunately, I am not feeling that yet, but I will in time. In September, I plan on increasing my weekend run to a long run, and I will have to see about my weekdays. I have to be careful not to let my running partner stumble. (That is a bible verse too, isn't it?)

God is good - all the time!

Rookie

I'm a blog rookie, but I'm super excited about this idea...hoping that it will keep me more accountable in my training. A little background info on me since I don't know everyone on this blog well - I am a mom of 3 - Hayden(7), Chloe(5) and Sophie (9months) and have run 1 half marathon in Houston in 2005. When I told Brady, my husband, about Amanda's nickname suggestions she texted to me (i.e. flash or swifty), he laughed and said "Has Amanda ever actually run with you?" In other words, I have the passion for running but have not been gifted with speed! My goals for the San Antonio half are to A. finish and B. at least slightly beat the time of my last half. I'm already intimidated and inspired at the same time by Lindsay's training schedule. Right now, I'm trying to get in 4 runs a week and cross train 2 days...I like to spin and take bodypump classes. I need to start going on longer runs soon - right now I'm running about 30-40 minutes with a couple of (gasp!) walk breaks in there. I'd like to wean myself from the walk breaks also. Still thinking of a nickname for myself - molasses? Just kidding.

Questions from the rookie...

Thanks for setting this up, Linds! I'm excited to see what everyone else is doing in terms of training. I woke up this morning feeling tired and cranky. Katie has been sick and Gold's Gym won't let me leave her there while I workout. Most of the summer has been plagued with sickness at our house. Seems like there hasn't been one week without SOMEONE not feeling well. So, my working out has suffered and I thought that today would be the same. Jake came home this morning to do his workout and decided to take Brooke and Katie to work with him for a while so that I could do something. Since it was raining, I went to the gym and did 5.2 miles on the elliptical. It felt really good to do it! And, was totally mood-altering for me (it's been a MUCH better afternoon than it was morning!).
For the most part, my training schedule goes by how long (in terms of time) I should run instead of how far. So, tomorrow's plan was to run for 30 minutes. Should I be shooting for a certain distance instead? I'm new to all this training...so please let me know what you think works best or if it even matters...
Rebecca, I'll be thinking of a nickname for you.....maybe lean, mean running machine!? ;)
Looking forward to the journey...

Call me Learjet

Nicknames are awesome. My new running nickname is Learjet. Amanda is the A-train, Robin is Wonderwoman, Lori is Coach Toxic, and we need to come up with one for Rebecca, for sure. If Melinda joins the page, she'll be something with Ninja in the title.
My training revolves more around Denver than SA, but I put in 6 on Tuesday, 6 today on the treadmill (usually hate it, but some days are just too hot), will do 8 on thursday, friday rest, saturday 4 with 30 minutes of spin to loosen my legs, and Sunday will be my first 15 miler since March. We're having rather cool mornings this week, so I'm pretty excited.
They say the key is to divide your runs into parts, so right now I'm focusing on doing the first three of my sixes pretty easy, and then increasing speed the last three miles, to get where I can consistently do a sub 8:30 5k- its a goal. Let me know if there is anyone else you want to invite to join this blog and I'll put their emails in. Peace out-Learjet (Lindsey)