Back on the run

This morning I ran with Elizabeth around a local lake by our house. And we’ve been at it for a few weeks now. Running together. 2-3 times per week unless it was unbearably hot in which I rarely ran. (old picture below…)

And I have mixed thoughts. As evidenced by my scatterbrained thoughts while running without music. This morning my thoughts went something like this:

“This is so nice to be outside, hear the birds, leaves rustling. God thank you for creating all this beauty.”

“God, why didn’t you make me a Kenyan. I seriously don’t know if I can do this any longer. (look at clock) Ugh…it’s only been a few minutes, 7 more to go.”

“I wonder if my right forearm is going to get all muscular from pushing the stroller…better switch arms so I don’t end up looking ridiculous.”

“Oh look, some geese. Perfect. I’ll stop for a little breather and show Elizabeth.” (ahh…feels good to stop.)

“The weather sure is nice today…ugh, just started running against the wind.”

“Finally, I’m feeling good. Things are getting easier. (clock beeps to let me know it’s time for the cool down)

Interesting thoughts no? Seriously I’m glad I have the chance to run and clear my mind. So many noteworthy thoughts this morning. um, no.

Well at least we survived to run again and so far Elizabeth remains calm and under control while in the stroller. It may be due to the fact that I run right before her nap and also pray that she will not fall asleep.

Just in case anyone is wondering I am not a natural born runner. In fact I really just run because I’m able, it’s relatively inexpensive, and it seems to keep me active and may or may not keep me in shape. Jury is still out on that one. I can remember back to the 6th grade when I had to run a mile for the first time. President’s challenge. I’m pretty sure I remember feeling completely and utterly out of place. My need to fit in and not look like an absolute fool flew out the window as I ran-walked half choking, gasping for air around the track. Somehow all my peers were in perfect physical shape. Humiliating to say the least. I’ve been trying to regain any running composure since. In fact today when it was getting hard I internally mocked myself… “Andrea this is nothing. You’ve ran 13 miles before. Get a grip.” All the self-deprecating talk did nothing to my time. Just made me think I was even more crazy than before and just in case you think I ran far, there were only 2 miles plus some walking breaks on the plan today. Can’t believe I just admitted that. But to my defense the path was hilly and I was pushing a 24 pound toddler.

Somehow I roped myself into running a 5k this fall with my friend Anne. She had the nerve to take my plea for running friends on Facebook seriously. A few days after posting she looked me right in the eye and asked if I was serious. I couldn’t back out now so I agreed and ever since I’ve been trying to check off the boxes on my Couch to 5k app. Seriously without this app I’d be toast.

And there you have it. I’m back running. Slowly but surely feeling quite like a tortoise but at least I’ve got a running partner and a beautiful trail to run, even if it means my thoughts scatter all about.

Running clears the head they say and I’d have to say I agree.

training plan

A couple of weeks ago  I spent some time with my nose in a book, the book Marathon by Jeff Galloway, trying to piece together a training plan for my first marathon in September.  I'm still not sure I can do this, still not sure I want to, but I'm planning it. 

Training started 2 weeks ago.  The 5 day a week kind of training, oh wait, actually it's 6 days a week.  3 days of running and 3 days of cross-training per week.  At least that’s what it is until I keel over and want to die from exhaustion.  That being said, I'm really hoping to stick to it best as I can, though I know that towards the end I will most likely throw in another rest day every week...rest has to come in somewhere:)  Here’s an example from the first few weeks:

	Mon.	Tues.	Wed.	Thur.	Fri.	Sat.	Sun.
	Yoga	30-45 run	30 Shred	30-45 run	Elliptical	off	3
	Yoga	30-45 run	30 Shred	30-45 run	Elliptical	off	4
	Yoga	30-45 run	30 Shred	30-45 run	Elliptical	off	4
	Yoga	30-45 run	30 Shred	30-45 run	Elliptical	off	4
	Yoga	30-45 run	30 Shred	30-45 run	Elliptical	off	5

In an attempt to stay limber and stretched, yoga will become my friend the day after my long runs (Sunday).  Strength training and abs will happen on Wednesdays, either through 30 day shred or another strength workout.  Friday is an easy cross training day that I will probably either do in the pool, on the elliptical, or on the bike.  Long runs are on Sundays and by the end of July will be up to the high teens.

So who’s training with me?  Here are the events I am thinking about and/or hoping to sign up for…anyone want to join me…I’d love the company at any of the events!

 

April 9                  Challenge Obesity 5k                      $25

May 14                 Maple Grove 1/2 Relay                   $65/team

May 21                 Autism 5k (?)                                     $25

May 22                 Eden Prairie 10k                               $25

June 18                Kids against Hunger 10k                 $25

July 4                   Red White Boom 1/2 Marathon       $55

Aug 29                 Woodbury Lakes 1/2 Marathon       $35   (walking with friends?)

Sept 19                 Fox Cities Marathon                        

 

What is your favorite race?  Do you have a favorite distance?

why i run.

Running has become my ultimate stress reliever.

If you perused the Infertility section you will notice that back years ago I had Doctor's tell me that I was too stressed.  Not a surprise, I'm sure many of you carry extra stress as well.  It's a stressful world. 

First thing I tried to do to combat it was to run.  At first I didn't love to run at all.  I was that kid in grade school that would do anything to try and get out of having to run a mile in gym class.  Yes, I was that person.  But as I grew up, running took on a new meaning and in 2009 I trained for my first half marathon.  It was great.  But then with the fertility stuff and pure laziness, exercise went on the back burner.  Plus I didn't really enjoy the after affects of exercise, more on that later.

Now days though, I can't imagine that I ever hated running.  Don't get me wrong, my love for running and exercise is cyclical.  Sometimes I'm training hard and other times my butt enjoys being stationed on the couch.  But then my butt gets the best of me, because we all know exercise is the key to improved health, a toned body, and good mental condition...and a great butt.  Which I do not have yet, but am working towards:)

Seriously, you will feel better if you do as Blue Cross Blue Shield says...Groove your body, 3 times a day.  I have to admit last year grooving that much was not appealing, but then this past summer I was diagnosed with Asthma.  I never even thought that was possible and yet I'm sure my hubby knew I had it the whole time we were married.  But now the hacking cough and wheezing is gone and exercise, especially running, is back on the top of my list.  It wasn't just the asthma though, it was the low good cholesterol reading for the first time and the Pcos in combination with my pesky but amazing PCP telling me I need to exercise 5 times a week.  She said it more than once, and in a very stern way.  So it's back on the workout wagon I go.

Join me in running.  Whatever your goal, just make one and we'll work towards them together.

Check out my run tab at the top for more info on races, gear, etc.

"let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, 

and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith"

Hebrews 12:1