Monday, July 12, 2010
CLARITY
By looking at the most recent postings you will see that the running hasn't been that great lately. Well, it could be great, if only the consistency were there. I have struggled the past few months with hitting the road regularly. I could contribute my lack of motivation to many things. The selling of a home; moving to a rental packed with someone else's things; vacationing in the midwest, where carbs run high, and physical fitness tends to run low; the rain; the heat; these allergies that have fuzzied my head (I've never had allergies before!); my schedule changing in everything from Bible Study to my social time; stress about my new house that is still a dirt pile; the fact that my sister's birthday is in two days and I have yet to decide on a gift....there are SO many things to blame for my lethargic attitude towards my running shoes. None of these things, however, are adequate reasons to not run. So, today, I put it on my list. Along with the laundry and lunch with Rosalie, I jotted down running on my "to do" list. And I did it. And all of those reasons listed above are still true in my life. And here is another things that is true in my life. As far as it depends on me, I will not stop running.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Race Day on Vacay
On June 6th I ran a 10K (6.4 miles) race in Troy, Ohio. I decided that signing up for a race ewhile on vacation would be a good way to (somewhat) focus and active while away from home.
This was the first race that I started alone. During the Shamrock Run and The Race for the Roses, Ava and I started together and ran the first few miles. I was a bit lonely as I ran through the start line. A few minutes after I started I felt someone bump me and turned to see Eric jogging beside me. He ran with me for the first 3/4 mile -- in regular clothes, on a humid day! What a great hubby I have!
Her I am making a dash for the finish line. My time was 58:31. I made my goal of finishing in under an hour!
Family friends Leslie Boggs and her brother-in-law, Keith braved the local flash flood warnings to come and cheer me on. Leslie is definately one you would want cheering for you at the finish line -- she wins for most spirited spectator. Thanks guys!Resume Post!
Dear Blog readers,
I have returned from a two month blogging hiatus. As you already know Ava made an appearance in late May. I am hopeful that we can both continue keeping our dedicated readers up-to-date on all of our running and fitness adventures.
Stay tuned....
Sally
~Running Sister
I have returned from a two month blogging hiatus. As you already know Ava made an appearance in late May. I am hopeful that we can both continue keeping our dedicated readers up-to-date on all of our running and fitness adventures.
Stay tuned....
Sally
~Running Sister
Sunday, May 30, 2010
HELLOOOOOO BLOG!
Hello! Remember me?!?
As the story goes, I was forced into a running hiatus after the April 11th event. Over the last 6 weeks I took the time to feel sorry for myself and heal. But I missed running, I missed yoga, I missed sharing athleticism with my sis. I have gotten the green light from my Physical Therapist to "start slowly" and so, I'm back in the game!
I think the best way to get back into it is to just get back into it. Today I laced up my running shoes, and felt excited like a puppy that hears the car door open. ~ I rode the stationary bike for 20 minutes to warm up, stretched as if my life depended on it, then started out walking at a fast pace. At the 1/2 mile mark I picked up speed (if running 10:45 minute miles could be defined as "Picking up speed".) and off I went. My goal was to run one mile comfortably.
I could feel my hamstring, but it didn't hurt, it just felt over worked. You know that feeling you get the day after a tough work out. I clipped along feeling pretty good. When my mile was up I felt sad, because I wanted to go further and felt like I could. But I stopped hoping that stopping at a mile will help me run 1.5 next time.
Run Sister!
As the story goes, I was forced into a running hiatus after the April 11th event. Over the last 6 weeks I took the time to feel sorry for myself and heal. But I missed running, I missed yoga, I missed sharing athleticism with my sis. I have gotten the green light from my Physical Therapist to "start slowly" and so, I'm back in the game!
I think the best way to get back into it is to just get back into it. Today I laced up my running shoes, and felt excited like a puppy that hears the car door open. ~ I rode the stationary bike for 20 minutes to warm up, stretched as if my life depended on it, then started out walking at a fast pace. At the 1/2 mile mark I picked up speed (if running 10:45 minute miles could be defined as "Picking up speed".) and off I went. My goal was to run one mile comfortably.
I could feel my hamstring, but it didn't hurt, it just felt over worked. You know that feeling you get the day after a tough work out. I clipped along feeling pretty good. When my mile was up I felt sad, because I wanted to go further and felt like I could. But I stopped hoping that stopping at a mile will help me run 1.5 next time.
Run Sister!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Race Day Run Down
Well, its done. Yesterday was the Race for the Roses 1/2 marathon that my sister, Ava & I have been training for for 12 weeks. I crossed the finish line in 2:13:24. A bit slower than I'd wanted but not too bad for the first time out. :) The beauty of running a new-to-you race length is that no matter what, you will set a personal record! So, my PR (that's runner speak for personal record) is 2:13:24.
The festivities began on Saturday when Ava & I went downtown to pick up our race-day packets. These packets include our race number, a timing chip that goes on our shoe, and of course, our coveted event T-shirt! We also got a fun little drawstring backpack to put everything in and lots of advertisements and coupons. Its like a little prize pack before the race even begins.
Then Ava hosted a pre-race carbo loading dinner party. We had rice pasta w/ a delicious pasta sauce, made from scratch by Ava, and an equally delicious green salad. Along w/ copious amounts of hydrating water. After sufficiently carb loading it was home to bed for a good night's sleep.
Ava & I headed to the race at 6 a.m. We were very excited and everything went smoothly. With so many people and a time crunch - to be at the starting line at 6:45 -- it can be quite hectic on race day.
The weather was great! No rain and not cold at all.
We were both concerned about the pain we'd been having since the Shamrock 15K four weeks ago. We decided to just take it slowly and hoped that it would work itself out.
The first two miles we ran together at an 11 minute pace. It was my plan all along to run slowly the first few miles and warm up my legs. After mile one I really wanted to go faster but I had to talk myself into pulling back, knowing that I had 12 miles left to go and not wanting to run out of steam too soon. At mile 2+ I realized it was time to pull ahead a bit and get up to my regular speed. I gave my sis a hand squeeze, "see you at the finish line sis!". From then on we were on our own.
At mile 6 I saw my mom and dad, Eric & Troy, waving and snapping photos. I smiled, waved, posed for a photo and kept running. Then I came to a table w/ little cuties (oranges) and gummy bears (my favorite!). I grabbed a cutie and a dixie cup of bears -- YUM!
Then I saw Corie standing on the corner waiting for me to come by. I think I saw her first and yelled "Corie!" and waived my arms around. After a quick hug, and handing off my gummy bears to her. I kept going. Even though I only got to see my family & friend for a moment it was a HUGE encouragement to keep me going. I can't explain how much it means to have someone there cheering for you. Sometimes I would even pretend that other people were cheering for me too AND each time I'd pass a dog, who was watching w/ its owner, I'd pretend that it was secretly cheering for me. Silly? Maybe, but it kept me going.
I prayed a lot too. Asking God for strength, both mental and physical and He answered by giving me strength.
Once we got to highway 30 (about 7.5 miles in) we had to run down and then turn and run back the same way we came....this was the opportunity to see who was behind you as runners were running both ways. I knew that I would get to see Ava and we'd have a chance to cheer each other on. As I turned the corner and headed back down the highway I checked my watch. Thinking she was probably about two minutes behind me I started looking for her. When the runners started trickling by, well past the 12 minute pace I knew something was wrong. I had either missed her running by or she hadn't made it this far. I prayed. I asked God to cover her, hoping she wasn't out on the course somewhere limping or hurt and alone. For a second, I considered running back down the course to look for her, but I knew I had to keep going - God would take care of her.
Once I hit the 10 mile marker, I knew that I would finish. I had three miles left and I knew that I could run three miles -- no problem. About mile 11.5, I started to get tired, "why am I getting tired" I thought. Then I remembered, "well, you just ran 11.5 miles". Aah, ok, I SHOULD be tired...keep going.
At mile 12.2-ish I had to go to the bathroom SO bad I stopped at a port-a-potty. Even though there was less than a mile to go, I was sure I could hold it no longer. I stopped my watch so I 'd have an accurate run time, put my ipod in my mouth so it wouldn't drop in the toilet, did my thing and got back on the race course. Feeling much lighter I took off, sprinting the last mile to the finish line.
As I rounded the corner to the finish I saw my Dad first, "go Sally!" as he snapped pictures, then Eric & Mom, "go Sally!" snap snap, more pics. Mom called out, "Look Up!" I looked up at the overpass above me. There was AVA smiling down, cheering me on w/ Troy! " Thank you Lord," I said, so glad to see her safe and sound.
I crossed the finish line and collected my finishers rose. I did it.....I did it!
It turned out that Ava was forced to stop at mile 6 because of her hip pain. She was limping and would not have been able to safely finish the race. Thankfully, she was able to stop when she got to our family so she didn't have to limp off of the course alone. I'm glad Troy talked her into stopping, because I know that she wanted to try and finish -- but it wouldn't have been a good choice. There will be other races.
What's more is that yesterday wasn't really just about yesterday. It was about the last four months, planning and training and rewarding and encouraging one another. Working "together" with one common goal. I would not have done it if it hadn't been for AVA.
I think that Bette Midler said it best when she said, "you are the wind beneath my wings".
Stay tuned for pictures.
The festivities began on Saturday when Ava & I went downtown to pick up our race-day packets. These packets include our race number, a timing chip that goes on our shoe, and of course, our coveted event T-shirt! We also got a fun little drawstring backpack to put everything in and lots of advertisements and coupons. Its like a little prize pack before the race even begins.
Then Ava hosted a pre-race carbo loading dinner party. We had rice pasta w/ a delicious pasta sauce, made from scratch by Ava, and an equally delicious green salad. Along w/ copious amounts of hydrating water. After sufficiently carb loading it was home to bed for a good night's sleep.
Ava & I headed to the race at 6 a.m. We were very excited and everything went smoothly. With so many people and a time crunch - to be at the starting line at 6:45 -- it can be quite hectic on race day.
The weather was great! No rain and not cold at all.
We were both concerned about the pain we'd been having since the Shamrock 15K four weeks ago. We decided to just take it slowly and hoped that it would work itself out.
The first two miles we ran together at an 11 minute pace. It was my plan all along to run slowly the first few miles and warm up my legs. After mile one I really wanted to go faster but I had to talk myself into pulling back, knowing that I had 12 miles left to go and not wanting to run out of steam too soon. At mile 2+ I realized it was time to pull ahead a bit and get up to my regular speed. I gave my sis a hand squeeze, "see you at the finish line sis!". From then on we were on our own.
At mile 6 I saw my mom and dad, Eric & Troy, waving and snapping photos. I smiled, waved, posed for a photo and kept running. Then I came to a table w/ little cuties (oranges) and gummy bears (my favorite!). I grabbed a cutie and a dixie cup of bears -- YUM!
Then I saw Corie standing on the corner waiting for me to come by. I think I saw her first and yelled "Corie!" and waived my arms around. After a quick hug, and handing off my gummy bears to her. I kept going. Even though I only got to see my family & friend for a moment it was a HUGE encouragement to keep me going. I can't explain how much it means to have someone there cheering for you. Sometimes I would even pretend that other people were cheering for me too AND each time I'd pass a dog, who was watching w/ its owner, I'd pretend that it was secretly cheering for me. Silly? Maybe, but it kept me going.
I prayed a lot too. Asking God for strength, both mental and physical and He answered by giving me strength.
Once we got to highway 30 (about 7.5 miles in) we had to run down and then turn and run back the same way we came....this was the opportunity to see who was behind you as runners were running both ways. I knew that I would get to see Ava and we'd have a chance to cheer each other on. As I turned the corner and headed back down the highway I checked my watch. Thinking she was probably about two minutes behind me I started looking for her. When the runners started trickling by, well past the 12 minute pace I knew something was wrong. I had either missed her running by or she hadn't made it this far. I prayed. I asked God to cover her, hoping she wasn't out on the course somewhere limping or hurt and alone. For a second, I considered running back down the course to look for her, but I knew I had to keep going - God would take care of her.
Once I hit the 10 mile marker, I knew that I would finish. I had three miles left and I knew that I could run three miles -- no problem. About mile 11.5, I started to get tired, "why am I getting tired" I thought. Then I remembered, "well, you just ran 11.5 miles". Aah, ok, I SHOULD be tired...keep going.
At mile 12.2-ish I had to go to the bathroom SO bad I stopped at a port-a-potty. Even though there was less than a mile to go, I was sure I could hold it no longer. I stopped my watch so I 'd have an accurate run time, put my ipod in my mouth so it wouldn't drop in the toilet, did my thing and got back on the race course. Feeling much lighter I took off, sprinting the last mile to the finish line.
As I rounded the corner to the finish I saw my Dad first, "go Sally!" as he snapped pictures, then Eric & Mom, "go Sally!" snap snap, more pics. Mom called out, "Look Up!" I looked up at the overpass above me. There was AVA smiling down, cheering me on w/ Troy! " Thank you Lord," I said, so glad to see her safe and sound.
I crossed the finish line and collected my finishers rose. I did it.....I did it!
It turned out that Ava was forced to stop at mile 6 because of her hip pain. She was limping and would not have been able to safely finish the race. Thankfully, she was able to stop when she got to our family so she didn't have to limp off of the course alone. I'm glad Troy talked her into stopping, because I know that she wanted to try and finish -- but it wouldn't have been a good choice. There will be other races.
What's more is that yesterday wasn't really just about yesterday. It was about the last four months, planning and training and rewarding and encouraging one another. Working "together" with one common goal. I would not have done it if it hadn't been for AVA.
I think that Bette Midler said it best when she said, "you are the wind beneath my wings".
Stay tuned for pictures.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Ecclesiates 4:9-10
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for thier work.
If one falls down, his friend can help him up".
When we started our training the countdown clock was at 84 Days! The days have ticked by, and now the clock diplays only hours.
Tomorrow at this time our parents and husbands will be celebrating with us Gloria's Secret Cafe. Though we will be sore and tired, we will have accomplished what we set out to do.
Run, Sister! Run!
If one falls down, his friend can help him up".
When we started our training the countdown clock was at 84 Days! The days have ticked by, and now the clock diplays only hours.
Tomorrow at this time our parents and husbands will be celebrating with us Gloria's Secret Cafe. Though we will be sore and tired, we will have accomplished what we set out to do.
Run, Sister! Run!
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