A Mental Game

I may have mentioned this before, like all other runners, about how much running is so mental. This week was not the most pleasant training week for a number of reasons.

First off, I am completely stressed out and have been trying to use yoga and running to "ease" the stress if that is at all possible (my stress has been significantly reduced due to a most recent event yesterday, which I will share when some things are confirmed). Secondly, my shorter runs have been terrible. When I started training for this marathon, I wanted work on the speed of my runs, but this week just didn't cut it. Finally, I keep having flashbacks of my 14 mile (my distance this weekend) run in January: horrible knee pain, frigid weather, and a lack of drive.

With this unmanageable stress, terrible runs and a mental mosaic of flashbacks, how was it going to be possible to stay positive about my 14 mile run on Saturday? In preparation I tried to eliminate all the bad feelings and think positively. It seemed impossible and pretty much was. I just decided to accept that this run was going to be a bad one.

And guess what? IT WAS! I mentally blocked myself from having a good run. I made it impossible. Of course, I don't realize any of this until I have finished and was thinking about why it was so terrible. It was hot and I didn't hydrate well enough the day before. That's all. There weren't bad omens out to get me. I did it to myself.

Now let me clarify. It was not near as bad as my run in January. I love running in Overland Park in the mornings because of the wonderful shade that it provides, so I really can't complain about the heat.  Maybe when I run 14 miles again, I won't psych myself out.

The 8 miles this weekend won't be too bad, even though I have to do it by myself before I head out for a wonderful bachlorette weekend with my girlfriends at the lake.  And I know 16 miles the following weekend will be great, because my last 16 was strong (well, actually I don't remember specifically, but only 14 shines out as terrible in my memory thankfully).

Sometimes I think I am a mental basket case.  At least we have surpassed the unlucky number of 14.

The Day Before Vacation

It being the day before my vacation is actually irrelevant to anything that I did today.  I have two profound subjects to cover here: water & shoes.

First: Water

It's 97 degrees today in Kansas City. Its too hot for a raccoon to be found in the Johnson County water supply this morning and cause the county to be on Boil Alert. Today I learned what a Boil Alert was: a pain. Convenient that my "landlords" left town and forgot to leave bottled water for unexpected contamination problems. I also learned today that you don't drink distilled water, only purified. Thank you to the lady at Target.  I should have known when there were only two gallons of purified left next to shelves of distilled.

Are these two gallons of water going to get me through the rest of the evening, a yoga class, a ten mile run tomorrow, and through 5pm when conveniently the Boil Alert is over and my flight leaves? I sure hope so. I have learned a lot about water today and my pre-vacation brain might be overloaded if I find out other hidden facts about the one component of my nutrition that I now see I take for granted.

Second: Shoes

Note: Please just agree that the man at Gary Gribbles was laughing with me today.

This shoe predicament all started on a run with my friend Brent on Tuesday. I have known that it was about time to retire my mildewy marathon shoes from LA. I have ran over 200 miles in them, so there is some attachment issues I have been working on.  Brent basically told me I needed new shoes; he clearly didn't want to go on another run of me complaining.

I had some time to kill on Wednesday, so I headed over to Gary Gribbles hoping that seeing all the shoes would inspire me to try some new shoes. No it just overloaded my head with confusion. I am not adverse to change. And really there is no reason for change considering I could have just got the same shoes (Brooks Ghost 3). I am, though, "cautiously adventurous." In other words: I want to be adventurous, but this is a difficult task and takes many hours of over analyzing and evaluation.  And this is exactly what Shoes #1 brought.

Shoes #1:

Asics Gel-Cumulus 13

These shoes even got a photo shoot in the "product photo booth" at work, but they just didn't make the cut. After I tested them out on the treadmill for 3 miles, I went through an extremely annoying war with myself. That run was very unpleasant for the mere fact I was trying to find something wrong with them.  Here is what was wrong with them:
- They didn't make running easier
- They didn't help me run faster
- They didn't provide a sudden burst of energy to do more than 3 miles
So basically nothing was wrong with them. Basically it was operator mental error.

So back to Gary Gribbles I went. Really this was more of a mental journey (my Gary Gribbles life saver asked me how long I sat in my car contemplating if I should come in or not; he hit my personally type right on). I wanted to know if someone could figure out why I was having such a problem deciding on shoes. I am sure that dealing with customers like me is not in their training, but this man was well-trained in the art of dealing with "mentally unstable shoe buyers."  He listened intently to my problem (well me just going around and around with why I don't know if I can change shoes) and my jokes about the timeliness of the patriotic color (I couldn't have him believing I was a total nut-job). And, then he somehow made the decision I should try on the Brooks again, while making me think this was all my decision (all men should take note on this).

Two choices now. Two feet. Ghost 3 or Ghost 4?
Just like a car: a new version.
The quick jog around Gribbles (with my work dress bouncing about) helped me make the decision.

So here is Shoe #2

Brooks Ghost 4

Small change was better than large change. I opted for the newer version, which I am still thinking I need to try these babies out on the treadmill before I make any big decisions (like running 10 miles outside in them tomorrow). So I might test these out on a short scenic mile on the treadmill later tonight.

And the best part: these were cheaper so I was talked into buying some new fuel. I mean the impression of "unable to make change" must have not been that bad if he was trying to convince me to "try" a new fuel.

A Little Rain Won't Hurt

Actually, the rain at the end of an 8 mile run was wonderful! Not only did it remind me of sloshing through the streets of LA for over 5 hours, but it was refreshing from the humid stagnant air that was waffling around the woods for the first few miles. 

I know I have been a blogging-slacker because I have been officially training for 3 weeks for The Nike Women's Marathon on October 16 and I have only blogged once. Every run is important even if they seem small in comparison to the end goal right now (how quickly this will change soon). Sometimes it blows my mind how hard just a 3 mile run is to get through.

More importantly, I need everyone to meet Jenn. For now she is not my coach (well she is) but she is also Yoga Queen.

This is the only picture I could find on her Facebook (yes kinda creepy) but she can do things that I just did not know bodies could do.  I have been going to her yoga classes probably since November, and I honestly don't know if I could run if I didn't go (and NO she has not brain-washed me). It is remarkable what yoga can do for a runner (and a stressed out 25 year old). I feel the difference every time I do not go.

Well Thursday I went to her Yoga Workshop, and OH MY was my head overloaded with things to think about during my practice.  Technically not during my practice because I am not suppose think about all of them. First I learned I was doing a forward fold wrong...and then a plank...and then...seriously the list goes on and I generally can't spell the terms. Instead of being discouraging news to find out my form is horrible, it is invigorating that now I KNOW how to do; knowing how to do it correctly can only help me to try to DO it correctly.

The most interesting thing I learned (lets see how I explain this) is how when we stand we use our ligaments instead of our muscles. Why would we do that? As we stood and balanced our fake bowls (not literally: our lungs and hip bones) on top of each other so no water spilled and focused on using our muscles to stand, I truly felt a difference. I just never thought about this and how counterproductive it is to use the tissue that doesn't get blood or get stronger. And I may have explained this completely wrong.  This is why you have to actually meet Jenn and go to one of her yoga classes, because I don't know what I am talking about at all (I wasn't allowed to bring my video camera, voice recorder, or notebook into the class).  I should try sneaking one in next time...

And I Am BACK!

On March 20, 2011, I completed The LA Marathon (my first) with the Leukemia & Lymphoma's Team in Training and now I am back for more! After a monsoon in Los Angeles we are all still smiling and ready for more. I have decided to head back to California for the Nike Women's Marathon on October 16, 2011 in San Francisco.

Here's is why I am back:

Besides the most phenomenal friends that I experienced and met through this, the early Saturday runs at 6:00am, the sore muscles, the achievement of 26.2 miles, and the list could go on, it is truly the cause of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that drives me to do another. As I began my fundraising for the LA Marathon, I could never have imagined how many people are affected, have been affected, or know someone who has been affected by these blood related cancers. I have heard stories after stories that bring tears to my eyes every time.

This story of Bob is just one that keeps me motivated and dedicated to this cause:

In December, I held a fundraiser at my mom's quilt shop where customers could purchase purple stars to decorate our Christmas Tree for a chance to win various gift certificates. I sold the stars through the website and promoted the fundraiser through our newsletter. Immediately after I raised awareness of my efforts to help LLS, I got into contact with Bob's wife who made a generous donation to my cause and told me all about Bob's struggles with lymphoma. We stayed in contact as Bob's condition worsened. In early February, I recieved this email from her:


Bob was first diagnosed almost 6 years ago, and the chemo followed by the stem cell transplant gave him almost 5 cancer-free years. When the lymphoma showed up in his central nervous system/brain, we knew that was bad news, but the chemo gave him another 6 months. This was the best Christmas our family can remember. So, while he is now dying, the research you're funding helped our family get a lot of years together. That's why you're doing this, and why we'll continue to support anyone who runs for this cause.

Bob passed away on February 27. Just weeks before I was about to run my marathon, his story reinspired me and kept me going through the tough training runs and also throughout the entire 26.2 Miles. I realized at that point that I was making a difference in lives. Bob's family was blessed with 6 more years full of memories and a wonderful last Christmas with him because of the research that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has funded. Just helping to make that difference in one family's life is enough. But the ability to now do it again, is just that much more.

My grandma passed away in August of 2010 of lung cancer, and she was my original inspiration to join Team in Training and run for a cause. I know that if I could have had 5 more years or even just a week longer with her it would have meant the world to me. If I can give that to someone else by helping to pave the road to a cure for all cancers through the research that LLS is doing then my mission will be complete.

So here I go again on the mission to help save lives and fight blood cancers!

Nike Women's Marathon 2011

This is about all I can say about it at the moment considering the website is barely updated and registration is preliminary. 

It IS my next endeavor: my next Full Marathon.

I took my registration to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society office today; it is official.  Even if they aren't recruiting for it yet, I am ready. I hope my friend Jenna will join me in this journey! And, I am so glad my wonderful mentor Hannah from LA is not retired and is going to do it, too!! I can't wait to finish another marathon with her!

A Shoe Predicament

I am uncertain about what to do with my running shoes that have no in-soles (which are replaceable) and smell like sour mildew (it was really one of the most unappealing smells when I went to stretch after my run today--they've been resting on the back deck since I arrived back to KC).

I have a very addictive personality and it is hard for my to even fathom getting rid of these shoes.  Just to make them even meaningful to me, I had to count the amount of miles these shoes have taken me.  They have been with me for 290.2 miles since December 5 (I have run 349.2 miles since I started training October 21).

What is the mile life of running shoes anyways?

I've heard from different sources that its between 300-400, so I really do have about 100 more miles on them (I feel as if I am talking about my car here. Time for a new oil change?)  This is a very factual guess (I have been told recently that if I don't know the answer to something I don't need to make something up and I can just admit it...Me?)

So, now these stinky shoes are sitting in my room staring at me and saying, "are you really going to replace me? I got you through a monsoon during your first marathon!"

I don't have time to talk back today.  So Garry Gribbles must wait until I am fully capable of this major change.


FYI: Those wonderful shoes in the banner of my blog are these shoes we are talking about.  Do I need to replace the photo if I have retired the shoes? Or can that be their statement of my running history: My First Pair of Marathon Running Shoes.  See the decision just gets more and more complicated.

5:54:19

It rained. It poured. We were soaking wet. BUT still it was the most amazing experience of my life.

Here's the breakdown of my 26.2 Mile run:
Mile 1-7: Was wonderful (except for the rain but we have run in colder conditions)--These were almost painless

Mile 8: I am starting to have to go to the bathroom, but the Porty Potty lines were LONG!

Mile Shortly After: We decided we were wet and it would be easier just to go to the bathroom while running.  Yes we just started peeing as we ran (we figured out that you had to literally stop to get started). I don't honestly know if my sopping wet pants would even pull down at this point.

Mile 10-12: Around now I was having some shoe issues; one in-sole of my shoe was bubbling.  I stopped and took it out.  So even if I lost one sole, I still had my whole "soul"

Mile 13: Here's were it got harder; we still had to do the distance again. This part was mentally challenging.  Let me remind you it's still pouring.

Mile 14: The rain broke momentarily. I had time to take a photo so I get my phone out on our walking interval.  Two seconds later I slipped on an orange peel.  The man behind me felt bad until he saw I was texting.  I decided no more texting, plus I was thinking my phone was done (water-logged) after this.

Mile 15: Here's where our group split a bit.  We didn't realize but this was a tough part of the race.  Still a lot ahead, but our bodies were talking.  Morgan, Hannah, Hilary and I going pretty strong at this point.  I was feeling good with some pain, but our pacing and intervals were keeping us good.

Mile 16-17: This was a blur.  I don't know what happened here, but we still kept strong.

Mile 18: This is were I started choking up.  Literally, I was about to start balling.  I couldn't believe that I was about to complete a marathon (I knew I could do this even if I had 8 miles more).  I had to concentrate so hard on not breaking down into an excited sob.

Mile 19:  We knew we were going to see Coach Jen between 16 and 20, so we were expecting her at this point.  It was the greatest moment when we saw her.  Just having her run with us for about 1/2 a mile really pumped us up.

Mile 20: Still running off the excitement of seeing Jen.

Mile 21: Here was when I think I hit a wall (or if that's what we could call it). I think it hit me that at this pace, I still was going to be running over an hour.  Why I mentally did this to myself...I don't know.  It really helped to have my three teammates at this point.  We didn't talk about our pain and just kept going.  In my mind I am thinking, "well, if they are ok so am I."  They were thinking the same thing.

Mile 22-23: This was pure struggle.  The rain had run the crowds away(if there were any to begin with) so Veterns Hill was lonely and the river of water was deeper.  This is where I had to remove my other in-sole, too.

Mile 24: There were no choices to turn back (not that there were before) but we knew we could do this. This was even more emotional.  I really was trying to keep it together here.  I was emotional and tired.  I was so excited that we were almost done, and so proud of us.  We were doing great.  We slowed down a bit, but it was hard to do anything but keep the motion of a run at almost a walk pace.  A monsoon rain came at this point.  We thought it was hailing. The roads were flooding. We were running in 2" deep water at this point. We kept trekking.

Mile 25: This is where I lost it.  Literally.  We saw Ricky and Hayley and I just started crying.  I ran up to Ricky before Hilary could even get there for the biggest hug.  The course crowd was empty but the two of them!  It was the perfect way to end this race.  I caught my breathe after my tears and was ready for 1.2 more miles.

Smooth sailing from here...

Mile 26.2:  Finally, we could see the crowds.  This is how I imagined I would finish this race.  I don't know how long I went on this stretch without crying/balling.  I have never experienced something like this.  There are truly no words to explain.  Morgan, Hannah, Hilary and I held hands as we ran through the finish line all balling.  I couldn't think.  All I needed was my Mylar blanket.  I almost forgot about my medal. We huddled and just cried.

We finished in 5:54:19 at an average 13:30 a mile.

Here's were it became one of the most miserable experiences.  It was sooooo cold, we were so tired, we couldn't find our families and friends, and we had to walk 3-4 blocks to get inside. We just had to make it to the hotel were TNT participants were to check in and get food.

It was the most miserable walk of my life. It seems so much less painful as I sit in bed right now and drink my Coors Light.  I am sorry but I have to admit, I am still unshowered.  The thought of showering sounds like I have to move.  It will be nice, but the process of getting there sounds intense.  Hannah just came in and said, "Morgan, you have still not showered?" I guess maybe I should.

I just want to end on one thought. This was the most amazing experience of my life. I am ready for my next (yes...I need some time). I have met people who I will never forget who experienced with this. The only people who know so much about my life and about all of my bowel movements.  I couldn't ask for anything different.

Oh PS: We made it on TV and were told many times we had the best outfits :) I mean I could have finished last and that would have still made me feel like the winner.

Marathon Morning

ALL READY!!! English muffin, peanut butter, and coffee: Check.  Never been readier to run 26.2 Miles!

I want to thank everyone who helped contribute to my journey once again, because I couldn't have done it without the endless support of my family and friends! Thanks Mom & Dad for everything.  I couldn't have done it with you (sorry for the SUPER early Saturday mornings).  As I run today, I will be thinking about all the inspiring stories that I have heard throughout these 5 months through my fundraising and training, and also of my Grandma whose memory got me here to this point.  I am glad I can carry on her tradition of helping others. I know she would be proud!

Ready or not...here we are!!!

The Night Before...

It's offical...Bib # 12419...Why I picked "MorganJohns" to be my bib name I don't know. I think I was thinking Morgan was going to be taken (like screen names) so I guess if anyone wants to cheer me on I will be "MorganJohns." Luckily, the shorter but clearly brighter Morgan on my team knew it was ok to just put "Morgan" on hers so maybe we will get double cheers.

We went to the Expo today and found the long awaited Bondi Band head-bands (well the fake ones) for the race.  I tried athletic drinks, bars, and chews and managed to buy nothing but 6 headbands and some stickers.  It was a success.

Tonight we had our inspiration dinner, where they honored Team in Training and it's participants who was the largest fundraiser for this marathon raising $610,000.  Amazing what 210 participants can do to fight blood cancers.  It was a nice way to begin the race I have so long awaited.

It's 8:30pm and everything is set.  My pile of stuff is sitting out and my lucky underwear is ready to roll.

Just waiting for the 3:30am alarm.  I have never been readier.

Off To LA!

We are headed to LA this morning (and yes it is it 4:30am...)

I am all packed and I literally feel that my entire suitcase (which is somewhat oversized to begin with) is full of running stuff.  The stuff I will be using for only a portion of the day on Sunday.  I had to make sure I have all the right stuff. And I am sure (crossing my fingers) I have it all.

Hilary and I made a trip to Gary Gribbles yesterday, where we stocked up on GU and I bought, yet another, running belt.  This one I am sure will be more water proof than my other one. I feel like I made a million stops yesterday, just preparing for stuff.  Why I needed a new purse and 2 new water bottles, I am not sure.

Who knew there was so many necessities!

And we are off! The day that we have been waiting for since October is finally here! I couldn't be more excited for this weekend (maybe that accounted for my awakeness here this morning).  Throughout this weekend we will continue to remember the people whose lives were changed by blood cancers, and on Sunday we will run in their honor.  With over $3,600 raised for research and programs for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I am headed to LA!  I couldn't have done without the constant support of my family and my friends. I truly appreciate those who got me to this point.

One Week From Today!

One week from today we are running a marathon.  Regardless, if I believe it or not. It is happening!

I feel excited and I feel ready. Give me week and maybe this won't be the same, but I really feel comfortable with our training and how my body feels during long runs (pain but not pain that will stop me).  The only thing I am worried about is the...

Rain!

Yes, the beautiful city LA is suppose to get rain on Saturday and Sunday.  We have really only ran in rain once and that was only a short shower on a longer run.  I certainly am not going to let it affect me, but it does make my preparations different for the race (I actually don't know exactly how yet, though!)

Yesterday was our last team run before we venture to LA on Friday. What perfect timing for the Team In Training Silent Mile where we remember those affected by Leukemia and Lymphoma.  The honor patients said a few words.  It was great to see Emily again right before the race to remind us of the reason we are running.  Pictured above is a picture of a majority of the LA team in front of Emily's honor sign on our "silent mile."

It was one of those bitter sweet moments; the last run with all these friends who I have come so close to, but also together we finished one of the final steps before we meet our ultimate goal.  Our fundraising goals are met and we are off to LA. 

I couldn't be more excited!

And The Tapering Begins Now...

Hilary, Jennifer, and I after our 20 Mile run.

This morning we finished our last 20 Mile run before we leave for LA in two weeks.  I can not believe its just right here around the corner, and I can also not believe how prepared I feel for it.  Mentally and physically, I am so ready for Sunday morning March 20.  I am ready to be in LA and run that amazing course.

The next two weeks we taper off our strength-training and decrease our run amounts.  The most we run before LA is 8 Miles next Saturday.  Then its all yoga and short runs until the race.  I think my body will thank me for this.

I have met my fund raising goal with the help of all of my family and friends.  I could not have done it without the support of all of them. I have had great friends that are always telling me how proud they are and my family (especially my parents) listen to endless stories about running.  I couldn't have done any of this without the support of them.  I have also met an amazing group of individuals that I have had so much fun running with; every run is a series of laughs, tough pains and of conversations that are inappropriately appropriate.

Everything that has happened since October is better than I could have imagined it to be.  Walking into this Team in Training meeting with Hilary, I had doubts about my ability to even run a half marathon.  After seeing the amount of money I would have to raise to be able to do this, I didn't think I could do that either.  These are the obstacles I have faced and this week I have passed my fund raising goal by about hundred dollars and today I ran 20 Miles for the SECOND time.  And in two weeks, I will be running my FIRST marathon.  Amazing the things that you can do when you set your mind to it and you have amazing support.

The True Inspirations

This past Saturday was our first 20 Mile Run (out of two) before we head to LA in just 4 weeks.  It was the best run yet, and I really think there were so many reasons why.  Below is our team at 5 Miles and at 15 Miles.  Sorry we forgot to take pictures after the 20 Miles.  I guess we were all anxious to get to the ice bath.  What was amazing about running 20 Miles was not that we ran it, but what got us through it.  I am very lucky to have two of the girls I run with working at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, because Saturday when times got tough running, Kourtney and Morgan both told inspirational stories about their closeness with patients and families who have struggled with blood cancers.  The stories were truly the ones that got me through the run. We are making a difference and helping to fund research for the cure for blood cancers.  Kourtney said it perfect (something like this), "those who have blood cancers are fighting much harder and are in much more pain than us."

Today, I had another inspiration.  Not necessarily the most happy moment, but it reminded me of what I am running for.  I have mentioned before about a customer who I have never met whose husband has Lymphoma, and she supported me with a contribution and a very nice email.  When I got to work this afternoon, a note was left for me about her coming in from Lawrence.  She wanted to meet me and tell me some devastating news.  Her husband, after battling Lymphoma for the second time, was now put on Hospice.

After receiving this note, I knew that I would have to write a very difficult email letting her know that her family and her husband were in my thoughts and prayers.  It's truly devastating that now his blood cancer has taken over his life and time has run out for him.  He has put up a strong fight for years, and on March 20 he will be in my thoughts as I run those 26.2 Miles.  In a reply from his wife, she wanted me to know that she appreciated everything I was doing.  This meant the world to me and will always stay with me. I am helping and bringing hope to many that I don't even know, and this is one of the most powerful things I have experienced from all of this.

LA-Like? Maybe?

Today, is one of those days that is a pure tease.  It's February and I am running in a tank top in 60 degree weather thinking about how wonderful the months to come are.  It just never works that way.  Those fluke nice days in February just give me a taste, more like only a droplet of Spring, and then terrible weather creeps from behind the corner to get us a few more times.  But who am I to be negative about such a wonderful running day in February!

So as I am running, I am thinking about LA and how it will be similar to this. Unfortunately, the only thing similar was the weather and the disgusting port-a-potty I had to stop in (well, from what I have heard).  I came up with way more differences:

- Instead of dodging puddles of melted snow, other racers will be dodging to get around me during the race.

- Crowds of people will be cheering me on from the sidelines; not brown snow littered with trash that only crunches when I accidentally step on it.

- Bikers won't be zooming by leaving their trail splashing on my face

- And, I'll be running 26.2. miles, instead of 4 Miles (which turned into slightly more)

As I finish this post, I almost want to delete it, because it sounds as if I had a horrible run today when in actuality, I had the best run I have had in weeks.  Or maybe, it's because I just know that LA will be so much better than the Leawood trails that I am accustomed to.

We have our first 20 Mile run this weekend! And another Sewing Saturday Fundraiser (why I scheduled it after my 20 Mile run is unknown to me)! Look for an update!

Running All Day

I really felt like yesterday my entire day consisted of running.  And to be frankly honest, it did.  I woke up and ran 4.5 miles with the team and then had to leave for class. I felt guilty, but extremely lucky at the same time.  Since the snow has been so bad, we have been in limbo all week of where we would run come Saturday.  Lucky us, it was Shawnee Mission Park and it's massive hills.  I felt lucky when I was done with my small one loop, but guilty that everyone else was enduring much harder of a workout than I was.  I give them much more props for finishing their 18 miles in Shawnee Mission Park.

After class, I headed to gym to hang out with this thing.  Nothing like my friends with Team in Training.  It doesn't talk back, and worst of all it has a 30 minute time limit! I can not complain, because my 13.5 miles might have seemed to be endless, but I am much more proud of everyone else for accomplishing the dreaded course of Shawnee Mission Park.  One of these days, I am sure I will come to terms with this course.

I had established a little plan of how I was going to get 13.5 miles in at the gym where the time limits on the incredibly busy treadmills are somewhat of a burden.  Here's how my workout played out:
3 Miles (Running and yes, I did go over my limit considering that I don't run a 10 minute mile)
1 Mile (Bike=12 Minute Mile)
3 Miles (Running, over my 30 minute limit again)
1 Mile (Bike=12 Minute Mile)
3 Miles (Running, over my 30 minute limit again)
1 Mile (Bike=12 Minute Mile)
1.5 Miles (Running, finally under my time limit)
It wasn't exactly how I would have wished my 18 mile run went, but I had been dreading this day since I signed up for the marathon knowing that I would have to perform magic to get this run in without the support of my team.  I could have done it outside, but since I only have one outside running outfit that couldn't get washed in time, it just wasn't happening.  Yes, yes, maybe I am too much of an over-planner and could have just winged it without obsessively planning all week, but I guess that's just me.

So my day full of running, ended around 5:00pm.  If I wasn't running on the treadmill or at Shawnee Mission Park, I was frantically racing to be to class on time, which I was not.

I am really looking forward to my 20 Mile run in two weeks (yes, I did just say that), so that I can get back on schedule without this cockeyed treadmill predicament.  We have 6 weeks left of training. Three 8 mile runs, two 20 mile runs, and then the finale of 26.2 Miles!!! 

And thank you to Tyler, for helping me format my blog, so that it doesn't look like I am a novice blogger, as well as a novice runner. 

Oh, Snow Days...

Yes, it's a blizzard here (well not so much anymore) and I am waiting for my driveway to get cleaned off so I can go to the gym. It's really the only thing I can think about because I am so sick of being trapped in my house.  I ran on Monday in fear that I wouldn't make it to the gym with the blizzard coming, and just barely squeezed my work out in yesterday morning with my dad (who knew my dad would kick my butt with his workout).

So, I've also been shopping.  Well, to be accurate, I haven't bought anything yet.  I keep opening the links that some of Team in Training girls have been exchanging through emails; and I mean by keep opening them, I mean I re-open them about every hour or so, thinking that I am ready to make my decision and then can't do it.  This is a hard decision; what am I going to wear on my lower half for the marathon?

I thought about sharing pictures, but I decided I wanted it to be a surprise. I don't know why, but if I release this information then all the fun goes to waste, and my posted marathon photos will not be a surprise.  I resemble the model so much that my readers/fans (the so many that I have) will think that I have already run the marathon in these funky pants.

Only Ten Miles and A Thousand Dollars

Thankfully, this weekend was only ten miles.  Honestly, ten miles now seems simple compared the longer mileage that we are doing.  The marathon is seven weeks away from today, and after my 16 miles run last weekend I am truly feeling confident that I will pass through the finish line on March 20.  Unfortunately, not first to win the car (I had to give up on that goal early on in training realizing that speed just wasn't going to happen for me).

For about a month now, Hilary and I have been planning a fundraiser for my mom's store that was last night.  It was The Best of 2010 Gallery Open House where the customers, students, teachers and staff of my mom's quilt store, Harper's Fabrics & Quilt Co. had the opportunity to display their work in a gallery type of open house which cost $10 for the evening.  I fostered up lots of silent auction items, raffle items and food from the Downtown Overland Park area (where the store is located).  I am so thankful for how giving everyone in this neighborhood was.

The fundraiser was a huge success! I didn't anticipate all the people that came and am so thankful for everyone who came to spend the evening with us and those who donated items and their time in helping.  Together Hilary and I raised around $1,200 that evening. I am so happy with the turnout and support! And, of course, am very thankful for my mom's support and letting me use our small business as a venue!

A Saturday Success

I don't know if I have ever accomplished so much in one Saturday.  I ran 16 miles and raised $455 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

It all started at 5:30am when I woke up to indulge in a bagel and peanut butter to give me energy.  I didn't even really need my alarm Saturday morning, because I was honestly tossing and turning thinking about what I was going to do if my knee couldn't make it on this 16 mile run, since it just barely got me through 14 miles two weeks before. I had been nursing it carefully with ice and barely running for two weeks (although, I did get my 4 mile birthday run in), but I was scared that my knee would be what would stop me from completing my goal.

Before I headed out at 6:20am I took some Advil, and I don't know if that was what was different, but I honestly felt like I had a new knee! Thanks to the City of Leawood we had clear trails and a beautiful view during our run.  I can't lie that it wasn't easy, but I also feel bad complaining considering that my knee worked (seriously, like a new knee!) It wasn't pain free, but it wasn't nearly as painful as my 14 mile run. I guess it could have been the electrolyte supplement I took, too and I don't know and probably won't know until our next long run, when I am sure I'll try something else new.

Here's my "Snow Bath", where my dad got the shovel and covered me with snow and I sat for about ten minutes.  It was cold, but I think that it was beneficial, and I can officially say that I think it cut my recovery time in half (I mean I don't really know because I have nothing to compare it to considering it's my first 16 mile run).

Saturday Night was my very first Youth Sewing Saturday Night where all the proceeds of the evening went to my fundraising efforts.  I had 13 girls come to sew, eat pizza and of course have fun! It was a great turnout and thanks to one of my co-workers who volunteered her time to help me, we all had fun with treats and a raffle (I think I was more excited about the raffle than they were)!  Thanks to my mom for donating her portion of the class and making some treats, all the girls who came out for it and especially to Joyce for helping me keep track everyone!

I found out today that this week marks our honor patient Emily's one year since she was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL).  She has fought so hard and is still fighting; she is doing great and has overcome so much. She and every other patients and survivors are the true heroes to every story.  This money that I have raised this weekend goes towards the research to fight Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers. There is no better way I have spent a Saturday than running and teaching sewing to help cure blood cancers.

My Dilemma

So for the last week my knee has been bothering me every time I have run, so I have been doing my miles in different ways to let it heal before our 16 mile run this weekend.  As seen below this is me ice swimming this weekend for my 8 miles...

Just kidding...I was, though, impressed with how long I was able to swim (in the pool, of course).  I was suppose to  do an hour and half (the amount of time it would take me to run 8 miles) but thought that was going to be nearly impossible, and was actually shooting for an hour.  Well I swam for about an hour and 20 minutes.  Unfortunately, I wasn't blessed with the swimming genes of many of my cousins but I was still impressed considering I haven't swam for 10 years or more!

So tomorrow's my 25th birthday, and all I seriously want for my birthday is to run my 4 miles and know that my week break of running (but not training) has paid off and my knee gives me no pain. 

Let's Talk Ice Baths

Me at about 9 miles. Apparently, my legs were still bending at this point!

On our 14 mile run this morning my body was talking to me...so naturally I knew pain awaited me at the end of the run.  Morgan, a teammate of mine, and I (yes, the Morgans were in action together) talked ice baths during our run a few times, and we were dead serious.  Now, remember its 20 degrees outside and I have ice crystals hanging from my hair (unfortunately my picture doesn't do justice) but we were still considering.

I am kind of thinking this is a weird picture to make public, but I am just going to go with it!

Here's me in my ice bath (I am fully clothed).  I don't know what actually motivated me to do it right when I got home (maybe pain of stairs?), but it was terrible.  First off, there was no ice. I prompted my dad to get the ice and meet me in at my bath (now remember I am fully clothed), but by the time he was there, no ice was needed.  I WAS FREEZING! Let alone I had just been outside for 3 hours! So my ice bath was an epic fail.  My knee (the primarily pain place) was only in the cold water for 3 minutes total, so now I am back to manually icing.  So much for my ice bath that was really just a cold bath.  There is no doubt I will try again; I'll probably fail again, though.

A New Year Indeed

Yes, its New Years Day and I can't believe I have been up since 5:45am to run 8 miles and raise $75 dollars! If this isn't a good start to a New Year than I don't know what is!

A training this morning one of our coaches asked "Who had a different kind of New Years Eve than ever before last night?"

I proudly raised my hand as I thought about how I went to bed at 10:30 last night after watching New In Town on Netflix all by myself.  I can not remember the last New Years Eve that I wasn't even awake to ring in the new year, but I am more ready than ever for 2011!

And with a New Year comes a new resolution...

Unfortunately, this picture doesn't do justice for the horribly cold 15 degree weather this morning, but here I am getting ready to "boot block" today to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Now how does this relate to my New Year's Resolution?

Well, I am working on doing things out side of my comfort zone (notice I am running a marathon in March...not exactly something I am yet comfortable with), and standing on the corner of a busy intersection in 15-20 degree weather to raise money isn't exactly in my comfort zone. Today I have made steps to my new leaf.  And guess what??? It was a blast! Even if people just gave some change every little bit helps! Our group that went out raised $275 within 2 hours!

As a team member of mine said to a car who mentioned how cold it was: "This is a small pain compared to the one those individuals with blood cancers go through."

Help Us Fight Blood Cancers!