Today I ran my first race. We got up at 5:30 and drove to Lampasas. Today was part of their Spring Ho (I don't ask questions) festival and they kicked it off with a 10k. It's called The Toughest 10k in Texas. Granted, this is my first 10k and first race ever, but I'm not arguing with that.
Here's the route.
Please note the elevation. Welcome to Texas Hill Country. I'd like to emphasize that point by mentioning that during the route I was almost eaten by buzzards. I was awarded the opportunity to actually run downhill for a while and found myself face to horrid face with no less than five buzzards brunching on what used to be an armadillo. They fled as I approached and watched carefully as I passed, hoping that I would fall over dead. I'm sure 24 year-old girl is much tastier than armadillo, and I was already pre-salted because of the sweating. I turned the corner and avoided catastrophe.
I did not do as well as I had hoped, but I was consistent with my usual time, which is actually pretty darn good considering that my usual time is usually on flat ground. My goal was to finish, my prayer to God was that I not come in last. My prayer was granted. There were three people behind me.
I beat the 85 year-old man that runs the race every year. I sadly do not remember his name, but I do admire his effort. With his yellow sweat-band, matching tank top and pink-patterned shorts, Brian, Hillary and I decided that Jordan will be that awesome of an old-man if he keeps up the running.
Hell yeah Toughest 10k in Texas. Spring Ho!!!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Barf It Up
This is what my trainer said today after we finished our run. One of the girls drank too much water and her stomach didn't appreciate it. Our trainer then told us that we should not be afraid to throw up. It's a sign that we're pushing our bodies' limits, which is what we're supposed to be doing. So she encouraged us to barf it up. I'm golden.
Today's run went quite well, up until I was told I should probably not do the last mile as I was already feeling dizzy. But! Other than that it was good. I've improved a lot. I'm getting stronger and building endurance. I even shaved a full minute off my mile. Granted, an average of 15 minutes per mile isn't even considered running by my fitness calculator, but I'm doing it and I'm accomplishing it.
I do need to better prepare my body for my long runs. I need to drink more water and watch what I eat, and, well, drink. This kind of thing is getting more and more important as I run further and further.
I'm getting there!
Today's run went quite well, up until I was told I should probably not do the last mile as I was already feeling dizzy. But! Other than that it was good. I've improved a lot. I'm getting stronger and building endurance. I even shaved a full minute off my mile. Granted, an average of 15 minutes per mile isn't even considered running by my fitness calculator, but I'm doing it and I'm accomplishing it.
I do need to better prepare my body for my long runs. I need to drink more water and watch what I eat, and, well, drink. This kind of thing is getting more and more important as I run further and further.
I'm getting there!
Monday, June 25, 2007
I received this gift today in the mail from Charlotte's husband. It has now been two months since the world lost Charlotte to leukemia, and we remember her still for her love, kindness and devotion. This photograph was taken by her son. The verse was a favorite of Charlotte's. I will treasure it as I work and strive to reach my goal to contribute to those who suffer from blood cancers.
Please remember Charlotte's family in your prayers as they continue through this period of adjustment.
If you would like to contribute to the cause, please visit my Team in Training Page.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
For Good
DON'T FORGET TO CONTRIBUTE TO FINDING A CURE FOR BLOOD CANCER!
I have not been in the habit of posting more than once a week, but tonight I had a very good run and wanted to share. I have a tendency to focus on the bad and that often leaves the good overlooked.
Tonight I ran for 45 minutes and slightly over 3.5 miles. I kept my pace and made myself run as much as possible. Last Saturday my trainer told me that if I move my arms faster my legs have to follow. This works a lot better than you might think. So does an inhaler.
The only downside was that I was running at the SLC (Baylor's gym for those outside the Bubble) and there's currently a high school cheerleading camp on campus. Lots of screaming teenage girls. My iPod volume doesn't go up quite that high. But yay for their spirit and excitement!
With the good times and good attitude I've had the past couple of days I want to send up a thank you to those who have inspired my desire to run this race. I have been listening to music from the musical Wicked. In this musical there is a song that basically says "Who can say I have been changed for the better, but because I knew you I have been changed for good." This sentiment applies in so many ways to Dennis and Charlotte. My life changed because I knew them. Dennis taught me the importance of strength and character. Charlotte taught me the importance of faith not only in a crisis but as a lifestyle. Their deaths have changed my life. I was not a runner. Now, for them, I am running to find a cure.
There is also the man who inspired me my entire life. He has gone unmentioned thus far in my training because I have been focusing on doing my work for The Leukemia and Lymphoma society and finding the cure for blood cancers. There is a man who suffered from another type of cancer that took his life. It has been almost a year since I lost the physical presence of my grandfather, my Grampo. His battle with cancer was a very tough one, but mostly because he put up a fight. Without his fighting spirit, he would have lost that battle much faster. It is the strength, love, dedication and zeal of my Grampo that I take with me through this race. Because of this man I have been changed for the better.
I have not been in the habit of posting more than once a week, but tonight I had a very good run and wanted to share. I have a tendency to focus on the bad and that often leaves the good overlooked.
Tonight I ran for 45 minutes and slightly over 3.5 miles. I kept my pace and made myself run as much as possible. Last Saturday my trainer told me that if I move my arms faster my legs have to follow. This works a lot better than you might think. So does an inhaler.
The only downside was that I was running at the SLC (Baylor's gym for those outside the Bubble) and there's currently a high school cheerleading camp on campus. Lots of screaming teenage girls. My iPod volume doesn't go up quite that high. But yay for their spirit and excitement!
With the good times and good attitude I've had the past couple of days I want to send up a thank you to those who have inspired my desire to run this race. I have been listening to music from the musical Wicked. In this musical there is a song that basically says "Who can say I have been changed for the better, but because I knew you I have been changed for good." This sentiment applies in so many ways to Dennis and Charlotte. My life changed because I knew them. Dennis taught me the importance of strength and character. Charlotte taught me the importance of faith not only in a crisis but as a lifestyle. Their deaths have changed my life. I was not a runner. Now, for them, I am running to find a cure.
There is also the man who inspired me my entire life. He has gone unmentioned thus far in my training because I have been focusing on doing my work for The Leukemia and Lymphoma society and finding the cure for blood cancers. There is a man who suffered from another type of cancer that took his life. It has been almost a year since I lost the physical presence of my grandfather, my Grampo. His battle with cancer was a very tough one, but mostly because he put up a fight. Without his fighting spirit, he would have lost that battle much faster. It is the strength, love, dedication and zeal of my Grampo that I take with me through this race. Because of this man I have been changed for the better.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
That Was Then. This Is Not Then.
There's nothing like a good training day to make you feel better. My trainer decided that after the asthma attack I needed a breather. No pun intended. Okay, small, cheesy pun intended. Instead of doing hill work this evening I was instructed to do cycling. It would give my lungs and my ankle a break while still working my legs and my heart.
I did 9 miles on the bike during my 30 minute session of random hills. Much better.
In the mean time, I get new shoes Friday. At least being blessed with perfect dancer's feat means I get a shopping trip!
I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Almost $500 has been donated to those with blood cancers so far. I've reached 12% of my goal with your help.
For those who have not had the opportunity to make a contribution to find a cure for blood cancers, visit my Team In Training website.
I did 9 miles on the bike during my 30 minute session of random hills. Much better.
In the mean time, I get new shoes Friday. At least being blessed with perfect dancer's feat means I get a shopping trip!
I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Almost $500 has been donated to those with blood cancers so far. I've reached 12% of my goal with your help.
For those who have not had the opportunity to make a contribution to find a cure for blood cancers, visit my Team In Training website.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Old Pains Well Up
Don't forget to make a contribution for those suffering from blood cancers.
Today was another long run. This week has been an interesting week for my training. My Wednesday run was great. I felt great and I ran hard and well. At this point I started going down hill, which I don't mean in a literal sense.
As most of you know, I underwent surgery on my ankle a couple of years ago due to a stretched ligament. The ligament was repaired and I have a wonderful scar in the shape of a river running across my left ankle bone. Up until now my ankle has been doing great since the surgery. However, now that I'm getting into higher miles and harder runs it's beginning to irritate me again, more than just physical. I spoke to the sports medicine clinic next door and was instructed to again use the brace given me upon release from my cast after surgery. It helps and hurts at the same time.
As only some of you know, I also suffered from slight asthma as a child. I had since given up my inhaler, but have recently found myself with a new (and horridly more expensive) one since beginning my training. My anxiety disorder adds a great deal to this as when I begin to gasp for breath my brain puts me in a panic. Panic does not help breathing. At all. Ever.
So, with these two complications I have run into an over-all new problem with my training. I'm having to fight more for my goals than anticipated. Today's run was perhaps one of the most difficult physical challenges I've ever had to endure. In the beginning my ankle was having to warm up. When it does this I get to feel various pains at various levels and occasionally must stop and stand like a stork to give it a rest. Once my ankle had quieted my asthma decided to act up. It is allergy season in Waco and this morning it was also raining. Bad for the lungs in both cases. I found myself having to walk most of the course because my lungs couldn't take it. Meanwhile my legs were annoyed at being unable to move at their desired pace. I suffered a couple of minor asthma attacks and was told by my trainer that I am no longer allowed to attempt to run uphill, only down.
With these struggles I've found myself quite discouraged. I started out with the intent to run a marathon. When I can't even go five miles without some sort of physical ailment dragging me down I feel like a failure. I made a promise not only to those who have generously sponsored me, but to those for whom I am running this race. If I fail it is not just failing myself. It's a very sobering thought.
The thing is, I can't fail. For better or worse I generally refuse to fail at anything. I am stubborn and hard-headed. I have a goal and I will reach it. I will endure the physical and mental ailments that come with this training because I made a promise. I made a promise to those who are supporting me. I made a promise to Paul and Karen. I made a promise to Dennis and Charlotte. I made a promise to all of those who have suffered from cancer. I will do this for them.
I will cross the finish.
Today was another long run. This week has been an interesting week for my training. My Wednesday run was great. I felt great and I ran hard and well. At this point I started going down hill, which I don't mean in a literal sense.
As most of you know, I underwent surgery on my ankle a couple of years ago due to a stretched ligament. The ligament was repaired and I have a wonderful scar in the shape of a river running across my left ankle bone. Up until now my ankle has been doing great since the surgery. However, now that I'm getting into higher miles and harder runs it's beginning to irritate me again, more than just physical. I spoke to the sports medicine clinic next door and was instructed to again use the brace given me upon release from my cast after surgery. It helps and hurts at the same time.
As only some of you know, I also suffered from slight asthma as a child. I had since given up my inhaler, but have recently found myself with a new (and horridly more expensive) one since beginning my training. My anxiety disorder adds a great deal to this as when I begin to gasp for breath my brain puts me in a panic. Panic does not help breathing. At all. Ever.
So, with these two complications I have run into an over-all new problem with my training. I'm having to fight more for my goals than anticipated. Today's run was perhaps one of the most difficult physical challenges I've ever had to endure. In the beginning my ankle was having to warm up. When it does this I get to feel various pains at various levels and occasionally must stop and stand like a stork to give it a rest. Once my ankle had quieted my asthma decided to act up. It is allergy season in Waco and this morning it was also raining. Bad for the lungs in both cases. I found myself having to walk most of the course because my lungs couldn't take it. Meanwhile my legs were annoyed at being unable to move at their desired pace. I suffered a couple of minor asthma attacks and was told by my trainer that I am no longer allowed to attempt to run uphill, only down.
With these struggles I've found myself quite discouraged. I started out with the intent to run a marathon. When I can't even go five miles without some sort of physical ailment dragging me down I feel like a failure. I made a promise not only to those who have generously sponsored me, but to those for whom I am running this race. If I fail it is not just failing myself. It's a very sobering thought.
The thing is, I can't fail. For better or worse I generally refuse to fail at anything. I am stubborn and hard-headed. I have a goal and I will reach it. I will endure the physical and mental ailments that come with this training because I made a promise. I made a promise to those who are supporting me. I made a promise to Paul and Karen. I made a promise to Dennis and Charlotte. I made a promise to all of those who have suffered from cancer. I will do this for them.
I will cross the finish.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Running in Galveston
This weekend my husband and I were in Galveston with a group of friends. We continued our training as scheduled even though we were very tempted to delay our long run for the week.
We did our four miles. In the Galveston heat. Four miles down the sea wall feeling like the ocean was hovering inches above our skin as opposed to a few yards from our feet.
All in all it looked like this:
Okay, so it only sort of looked like that. That was actually the penguin that painted my anniversary gift. That's right. A penguin painted me a picture. Fabulous. :)
Honestly, I'm getting a bit discouraged. I know I shouldn't be at this point but I can't help myself. I keep getting worried that I'm not going to make the donation deadline. I also figured out that the fund raising letters I sent out have the wrong date on them, a date which will be entirely too late for the donations to go to my account.
So, if you received a letter please note that the ABSOLUTE latest day for donations is October 10th. I have to have the majority by August 8th.
Please remember that this money is not going to me. I'm not raising this money to go on a vacation or a shopping spree. I won't see a cent of it. At least 75% of the proceeds go directly to patients, researchers and their families dealing with leukemia and lymphoma.
Thanks to those who have already given their contributions! They are very much appreciated!
We did our four miles. In the Galveston heat. Four miles down the sea wall feeling like the ocean was hovering inches above our skin as opposed to a few yards from our feet.
All in all it looked like this:
Okay, so it only sort of looked like that. That was actually the penguin that painted my anniversary gift. That's right. A penguin painted me a picture. Fabulous. :)
Honestly, I'm getting a bit discouraged. I know I shouldn't be at this point but I can't help myself. I keep getting worried that I'm not going to make the donation deadline. I also figured out that the fund raising letters I sent out have the wrong date on them, a date which will be entirely too late for the donations to go to my account.
So, if you received a letter please note that the ABSOLUTE latest day for donations is October 10th. I have to have the majority by August 8th.
Please remember that this money is not going to me. I'm not raising this money to go on a vacation or a shopping spree. I won't see a cent of it. At least 75% of the proceeds go directly to patients, researchers and their families dealing with leukemia and lymphoma.
Thanks to those who have already given their contributions! They are very much appreciated!
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