I did it..............

So, I did it. I still can not believe it sometimes. I've been trying to figure out how to explain the feelings I went thru during that 3 hours and 44 seconds. I don't think I will be able to. I felt every emotion a person can feel I think. I finished in a decent time. My goal was 3 hours, so I think I did pretty good. My body felt pretty good afterwards. I was very tired. My left knee gave me some trouble over the 2 or 3 days following the race. But all in all I was surprised how good my body felt. I can only say I owe it to our coaches and all their advice along this journey.

I will be doing a 10K in September with my fellow Rally Girls. I have been taking it easy since the race. I haven't been running, just walking and doing strength training and yoga. I don't want to push my knee too hard yet.

I will continue this blog. Even after the September run. I plan on doing the marathon again next year with my Rally NW teammates.

I hope you keep following along with me. This has been one incredible amazing journey and I'm not ready for it to end!

Rally On!

It's time

I can't believe that the race day is practically here. Where did all the time go? I started this journey back in February; it seems like yesterday. I re read some of my earlier entries and I really can not believe how far I've come. Simply amazing. I can't believe that I will be running a half marathon on Saturday morning!!! I'm thinking to myself, WTF?

I don't even know where to start to tell you how much this experience has meant to me. I am so grateful that I am allowed to be a part of this wonderful team I'm on. I have made so many new friends. Hopefully friends for the rest of my life. Our team raised over $90,000.00 for childrens cancer research. The best part is that $0.97 of every dollar will go directly to Seattle Childrens for research there.

I am still amazed at what my body has allowed me to do. I feel especially grateful because for 27 years I abused my body by smoking. Now I'm trying to reverse some of the damage I did. Hopefully it will work.

We leave tomorrow to go to Seattle. We will go to the Expo at Qwest field so I can get my race packet and number. I will probably change my corral because I think they put me in the wrong one. But I will talk to my coaches first. Then we will check into the hotel. I was fortunate enough to fund raise enough money to get a free night at the hotel. I would've paid for it anyway.

Friday evening we will meet for the coaches clinic. Then we get a pasta dinner and we will get to meet some of the Rally kids we've been doing this for. Plus we get to meet some of our teammates from Seattle and Tacoma that we haven't met yet.

Saturday morning the shuttles start running at 4 am, yes I said 4 AM! So it will be an early night for me on Friday. I watched a video of the course, it looks like it is pretty flat. And it's supposed to be sunny, so it will be a beautiful run.

So I will close for now. Next time I post I will officially be a marathon runner! YIPPEE!!!!

Till next time.......Rally On!!!!

One more week........

Tomorrow is our finaly team training run. We are going to Yelm to run where our coaches train. Then after, Jason and Anna are throwing a BBQ for all of us. I can't wait to meet more of my team members. We have almost raised $90,000.00 for childrens cancer research. This has been an amazing journey.

Next Saturday I will be running my first 1/2 marathon. I still can not believe how far I've come and that I am REALLY GONNA DO IT!!!

till next time...... RALLY ON!

taper down time

So today we started our taper down. We did 6 miles around Capital Lake. It was a beautiful day here in the Pacific Northwest. We finally got some sunshine and I forgot to put on my suncreen. So, of course my left arm got a nice sunburn.

My body felt good today. I didn't even have my leg taped up. It feels so weird to say I only had to do 6 miles, no big deal! Just a few short months ago I couldn't even run 1 mile let alone 6!!!

I am so proud of how far I've come. I really have enjoyed this process. Learning what I can get my body to do for me. This is just the beginning for me I think.

Till next time......Rally On!

still here running!

I know it's been awhile since I've updated this blog. I have still been doing my training. I don't run during the week, only on my Saturday training runs. I didn't run Memorial Day weekend since we went camping. So I ended up taking 4 days off and doing absolutely nothing. I did do my 9 mile run on my treadmill at home. That was on Saturday the 22nd of May. My shin was killing me so I ended up walking more than running. It took me 2 hours and 15 minutes. I can honestly say, don't try this. It was the longest 2 hours of my life! But I did it.

This past Saturday was our longest training run. 10 miles for those of us doing the 1/2 marathon and 20 miles for those who are doing the full. Or like I call them "THE INSANE ONES" lol just kidding, I have to give them credit they are all doing an incredible job!

After taking the time off, I felt pretty good, not discouraged like I had been feeling. I decided Saturday that I would just do what I could do; take my time and not push myself so that I didn't hurt my leg again. Guess what? It worked. I did my 10 miles in 2 hours and 10 minutes! I did the 5/3 split and when I got done, I could still walk. I actually felt really good. Like I used to feel when I first started this training. So, when I got home I iced my leg for good measure! The only soreness I had on Sunday was my calves were a little tight. I used this plaster stuff I got from a friend on my left calf and shin area, it's called Wu Yang Brand medicated plaster. It stinks really bad, but it works great. I left it on all day, for about 9 hours, and my leg felt great on Monday! So I went to amazon.com and ordered some more.

So, now I actually BELIEVE that I WILL DO THIS and IT WILL BE FUN! I was really feeling discouraged and thought that I would not be able to do this.

But like my mom told me recently: " you are just like your dad, once you make your mind up to do something.......you do it"! You know what, she's right!

till next time...........Rally On!

Capital City Marathon

This is me at the start of my 5 mile race today. The weather was great. This is the 2nd race I've been in ever in my life! It was sooo much fun. Through most of the course the residents of the homes we were passing were out in their yards cheering us on. Some of them had music playing and signs and pom poms. Boy I never thought it would make a difference, but it sure did. It was an amazing feeling having so many people I didn't even know cheering me on. Telling me I was doing a great job. Unbelievable. I really can't even describe the feeling.

My leg was taped up nicely by my coach Anna. It still hurt, but not as much as last week. I took it easy again this past week, so it wasn't too bad.It's pretty darn sore now tho! Here are a few more pics.

ok, so the pics are at the top of the page. I haven't figured out how to get them where I want them on the page. Every time I add one it goes to the top. If there's anyone out there who know how to change this let me know!

The first pic is of me after I was finished. The second one is me crossing the finish line and the third one is me on the last stretch right before the finish line.

All in all, it was a great day and I had a blast. I can't wait for the Seattle Rock n Roll 1/2 I'm doing in June! Woo Hoo

till next time.......Rally On!

takin it easy

This week I've been taking it easy again. Walking and icing my leg. Sunday I have a 5 mile run in the Capital City run in Olympia. My leg is slowly feeling better. Today I actually ran alot in my 35 minutes on my treadmill. It still hurts but not all the time now. I've still been icing it as much as I can during the day and I'm still taking the ibuprofen on a regular basis. I think I might be able to get back on track next week. We shall see!
till next time..... Rally On!

team run

So I went in for my team run in Olympia today. What a beautiful day. Sunny and the temp was perfect. Coach Anna was kind enough to tape my left shin for me so I could try to do my run. Both coaches told me to take it easy and only do what felt good. I ended up doing the entire 8 miles and I did it in around 1 hour and 55 minutes. Not too bad. My shin actually felt OK. It reminded me that it was sore, but not so bad that I couldn't do 5/3 splits. Altho I was much slower pace on most of my run splits, I still did the entire mileage. Coach Jason said that from here on out that was the most important now. The mileage. We need to get the mileage on our feet and legs!
But, my shin is telling me "I'M STILL SORE"!!! I've been icing it off and on all day and taking plenty of ibuprofen. I was instructed to only run one day this coming week. On Sunday I will be competing in the Capital city in Olympia, since I'm doing the half at Seattle in June, I will be doing the 5 mile in Olympia on Sunday as part of my training.
till next time.... Rally On!

not bad

So today I walked on my treadmill for 45 minutes and did a little over 3 miles. Not to bad. My shin didn't bother me at all. I actually felt so good I wanted to try running, but I will wait until Saturday at my team training run. Icing my leg is definitely helping. It hasn't hurt to go up or down stairs for 2 days now.
I have to constantly remind myself of how far I've come with my training. I get frustrated sometimes; thinking I should just be able to take off running and run as long and as fast as I want. You know, like when we were kids. I have slowly come to realize it takes a lot of training and practice practice practice. I also have to remember all the damage I did to my lungs by smoking for 27 years. They need to heal; it's only been 2 1/2 years.
So I will be slow, but I will finish. It doesn't matter to me how long it takes, but one day I will actually run a 1/2 marathon. This time, since it's my first one, I should cut myself some slack and just feel lucky. Lucky because I CAN get out of bed every day and RUN or WALK wherever I want to go. Not everyone is able to do that. And I have raised $1,160.00 for children's cancer research. Not too shabby for my first try!
Till next time........Rally On!

a little better today

My left shin is getting better. I've been following my coaches advice and I'm not running. I walked today; however I had an early appointment and was only able to get 30 minutes in, but I did 2.15 miles in 30 minutes. I have a decent walk pace, it's just natural. I have been icing it as often as I can. It didn't hurt to walk down the stairs today, but I'm not sure I'm ready to run yet. I will be walking tomorrow. I think our time is 45 minutes, but I might do more since I'm walking and not running. If time permits I would like to get at least 4 miles in tomorrow.

I saw a neurologists today. When I had my MRI done they said I should see him since I wasn't in any pain, but did have the tingling numbing sensation in my right toes, foot, ankle, and calve. But since I've been taking Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours, it's almost gone. The doc said it should continue to get better and if for some reason it got worse or I started having pain then there is a surgery they can do to take care of the swollen tissue. I just think it is going to take time for the nerve to heal.

till next time......Rally On!

no running this week

So, I have to take a minute and send a Thank You to the "little birdie" who mentioned to our Coach Anna that I was having some issues with my left shin. She emailed me yesterday with some great advice and helpful hints. One of which was a stern No Running this week command! Also, I need to ice my shin 3-4 times a day if possible. I have to say that I think I have been too hard on myself. After reading her email yesterday I had to have a little talk with myself. I told myself to remember how far I've come since I started this journey. At the beginning of February, I had never gone a distance further than 3 miles before; ever......walking or running. Now I'm doing 4-6 miles on a regular basis 3-4 times a week; running/walking splits. And I have completed a 10K! So I need to remind myself of these accomplishments when ever I am feeling discouraged with my process. I still have plenty of training time left. I will walk this week instead of run.
Yesterday I did my 55 minute strength training DVD. My leg bothered me some, but not too bad.
Today I walked on my treadmill for 45 minutes and did a 25 minute yoga DVD. So far, I have to say my leg hasn't hurt at all. Yesterday it bothered me off and on all day, especially going downstairs. I'll have to wait and see, but so far so good.
If feels SO GOOD to not be in constant pain! Right now I feel like I can do anything!
But I will remember my coaches advice and take it easy this week so that in the end, I will have a healthy, strong body to do my 1/2 marathon in June!
Once again, thank you little birdie, I do appreciate you so much!
till next time.....Rally On!

pain pain go away!

so I did my run yesterday. well, actually it was more of a walk. My left shin is getting worse, not better. Not sure what to do about it. I did my 6 miles yesterday in 86 minutes instead of 70. I guess that's not too bad, considering I walked more than I ran. Hopefully my leg will quit hurting or I might just end up having to walk the half marathon. I guess that wouldn't be the end of the world, but I really want to run/walk, not walk/walk!
We'll see how next week goes. Our training runs during the week are getting a bit longer, so it will be interesting to see how my body reacts to it
till next time.... Rally On!

better again

Today's training was even better than yesterdays. I still did the 5/2 split instead of 10/5. It just seems to work better for me. I was able to go faster, further and burned more calories in the same 45 minutes than I did last week. So somethings working.
My left shin still hurt. A couple of times when I started my 5 minute run, I wasn't sure if I could do it, but once I got going it was fine, painful, but manageable.
Tomorrow I will be doing strength training again. Sometime this week I want to get in an hour yoga session too. Not sure when, but I will fit it in!
Tomorrow I am meeting my daughter and granddaughter for lunch and shopping! Our favorite things to do.
till next time....Rally On!

so much better this week

So, this week is almost a complete turn around from last week. I did a 55 minute strength training workout on Monday. It felt incredibly good to work my muscles in a different way. I did my scheduled training run on Tuesday, which was around 68 minutes if I remember. Today, Wednesday, I did the scheduled time, but I did it in 5/2 splits. My left leg is still giving me some problems with shin splints, so I changed the run a bit. I have also been running on my treadmill. It has helped with my shin splints, so I will run on it again tomorrow. Hopefully by Saturdays team run in Olympia it won't be as painful on the pavement. We'll see. I have also been watching the amount of food I've been eating since Sunday. I've been trying to eat salads with some chicken for lunch and added more water, again, so, we'll see. I think it will all help me get the results I'm looking for.
I need to add in about an hour of yoga at least once a week and do 2 strength training sessions a week. Wow, with the amount of time I'm scheduled to run for the 3 days it's going to be kind of hard, but I will DO IT!
till next time.........Rally On!

Motivation

So last week pretty much sucked for me as far as getting my training done for the week. I did Tuesday OK, but after that, I don't know what happened.......my body ached......not just my right side where the sciatic nerve is bothering me, then my left leg was hurting. It hurt to run and walk. So I started out Wednesday but only made it half way thru before I just gave up. I didn't do anything Thursday. Friday I tried to do some Pilate's and ended up with major calf cramping in my right leg. Saturday I ended up doing 55 minutes on my treadmill, mostly walking. I didn't do anything Sunday.
Today, Monday, I did a 55 minute cardio sculpt routine with weights. It's a DVD by The Firm. I have used alot of their workouts and they are all really good.
I think I'm getting frustrated because I thought this would get easier over time. This running thing........but it just seems to get harder for me.
I also assumed I would lose weight thru out this process. Not so, I have actually gained weight. I was pretty disgusted with myself last week.
Over the weekend I decided that I just need to keep going. I also need to keep doing the regular workouts I was doing before I started training for this marathon. I used to work out 5-6 days a week for at least 1-2 hours. I included cardio, run/walk, elliptical, yoga and strength training. Since I started training for the marathon, I pretty much quit doing everything else and just followed the training program. That's why I have put weight on. My body needs to to strength training as well as yoga. The running training is just extra.
Hopefully this will work and help keep me motivated. I am going to finish this.....I'm not a quitter....

pedicure

Well, today I did my run outside. It was a beautiful morning, just a little frosty but the sun was shining. I was cruising along feeling pretty good, when I noticed a nagging, prickly feeling in my right foot around my little toe. I figured I probably had a little sliver or something in there, didn't hurt much, so I just kept going. No big deal, right?

Today's training consisted of different intervals that lasted a total of 55 minutes. So I get done-feel really good-come in and go downstairs to do some stretching before my shower and guess what I see when I go to take my right shoe off? The whole right side around my little toe area is covered in blood! Yuck, I think to myself, what have you done? So I take off the shoe and soaked sock to find that my pinkie toenail has been chewing up the inside of the toe next to it! Yikes! no wonder it hurt a little bit!

So, I have come to the conclusion that I need to start getting regular pedicures to keep this from happening again. It has nothing to do with the fact that I love getting a foot massage and who doesn't like having pretty, painted toenails. right?

till next time......Rally On!

Saturday training

Today I did 6 miles in Olympia with some of my teammates. It was cold at first, but the sun was out and once I started running it was the perfect temp for a run. We were at Capital Lake and ran around the lake and up by the capital. Our coaches always do a great job putting our routes together and clearly marking them so we don't get lost. I decided to try a 5/2 split and it worked better for me than the 10/3 split. My left ankle and calf muscle still hurt, but not as bad. Once I got about half way thru it, my body seemed to just get in the groove or something. It was really weird because that's what happened when I did that 10K a couple of weeks ago. About half way thru I got this huge burst of energy and felt like I could keep on going forever.
Whats that all about?
My body feels good, tired and a little sore, but a good kind of sore.
I got a new book the other day. It's about Chi running. It really interesting so far, and I can't wait to to try it out when I run.
Till next time.... Rally On!

results

Got my 10K results finally. I did the 6.21 miles in 1 hour 19 minutes and 28 seconds. Not bad for a total beginner!
I also got the MRI results. Seems I have a slight protrusion around L4 and my L5 nerve is what is causing my numbness and tingling in my toes. So, since my back doesn't actually hurt, they are recommending I see a neurologist. So we'll see, not sure what they can/will do about it. I have been taking an ibuprofen every 4-6 hours, and the numbness is almost gone, but not quite. The muscles relaxers made me feel yucky and sick to my stomach, so I gave those up!
My training this week has been going good. Today was a little rough, but it's because I stayed up too late again last night. American Idol is killing my sleep patterns! But I love that show!
Till next time.......Rally On!

more hill training.....

So I did my regular scheduled training this morning. I felt good. The muscle relaxer made me feel a little groggy this morning, but that could also be because I didn't get enough sleep last night. The numbness in my toes is much better today, so something is working. I took ibuprofen every 5 hours today for the swelling that might be inside there and I can say that at this moment I can feel all my toes, no numbness no tingling. I get my MRI tomorrow so then we can see what's really going on and come up with a game plan.
I did 20 minutes of hill training tonite. I put my treadmill incline up to 7 and ran as fast as I could for 2 minutes at a time, then would break to catch my breathe for 1 minute. My left ankle and calve didn't hurt as bad as it did on Monday. I think I have come to the conclusion that maybe my right leg is stronger than my left. I'll have to ask the coaches about that on Saturday.
till next time.......Rally On!

numb toes

So I went to the doc today because I've been having issues with my big toe and the one next to it on my right foot being either numb or just tingling all the time. My chiropractor has been adjusting me, but it just hasn't gotten any better;not worse and I'm in no pain, just annoyed! It just wouldn't stop! So he determined it is my sciatic nerve. Possibly a slight bulging disc or swelling around the nerve, anyway he gave me a muscle relaxer and Friday I get to get an MRI to see what the cause is. I have been in no pain, and I can still do all my workouts and running doesn't bother it at all. Which is good! My scheduled run today went well and tomorrow afternoon I will try to get some more hill training in. Friday is a day off and Saturday is a team run at Chambers lake.
till next time...... Rally On!

Hill training

So I was reading another teammates blog the other day and she was talking about hill training and sprints, (I think). Anyway she had talked to some other people she know who have done some marathons in the past and they said hill training and the sprints were very important. So, after thinking about it and talking it over with my hubby, I decided once or twice a week I would try to do some hill training on my treadmill. There aren't any hills close by to where we live, so I'm using my treadmill. I did about 12 minutes yesterday afternoon. I think it might be helpful. I think it will strenthen my lungs and make my breathing at a normal pace easier. We'll see I guess. I did my usually training run today except I did 10/2 intervals instead of 10/5, so I was able to add one interval to my time. It felt pretty darn good. I also got a massage today; that helped alot!
till next time
Rally On!

Endure For A Cure

Today was our Endure for a Cure race in Orting. It's actually a double half marathon/10K/5K, but I chose to only run today since it's a scheduled team practice day anyway. I was worried I wouldn't be able to do it, but it actually felt really good. I did the 10K which is 6.29 miles. I used my gu before the race and then at the halfway mark. I started out not feeling like I was doing very good. I felt sluggish, my legs felt heavy. Seemed like I was having a hard time getting into a rhythm of any kind. At the halfway mark, I had my gu and some water. Then it was like I got into a rhythm, or a groove, whatever you want to call it and I felt great. I got to the finish line and I actually felt like I could go another 30 minutes. Amazed me! I saw my chiropractor yesterday and she adjusted my ankles and lower back, so I only had some slight pain in my left ankle. It wasn't even enough for me to hardly notice. I can't believe how great it is to be able to to do this. And it actually feels GOOD! Who would've guessed it? I am an ex smoker, smoked for 27 years, I quit 2.5 years ago......never really was a runner of any kind......did always work out in some form.....but now I'm running 10K's and going to run a half MARATHON! People........CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?????? And I ENJOY IT! Pretty crazy uh?

Till next time......Rally On!

back at it

So last week we were gone for a long weekend so I didn't get to do my Saturday team training run. I did get back at it on Tuesday. This week I did 3 10/5 sets on Tuesday and Wednesday and then Thursday was a bit different. I ran outside on Tuesday and it felt really good. Wednesday and Thursday I had appointments scheduled so I had to get my runs in early on my treadmill. But that worked out good. Thursday was some sprinting stuff and it was easier on the treadmill than I thought it would be.
On Tuesday before my run, I tried some Gu. I found some chocolate mint flavored without caffeine and it was pretty good. It tastes like fudge/mint flavored frosting. Since my run was about 45 minutes that day it worked out great. I took it 15 minutes before I started like the directions said, did my warm up and off I went. I felt better during my run and after my run than I normally do. I didn't feel exhausted. I still had some energy left and it didn't make me sick to my stomach. Mind you, I absolutely love chocolate frosting, so it was like a treat to me! I'm glad I found something that works and doesn't make me sick!
Till next time.......Rally On!

much better

Today was much better than yesterday. I still have the soreness in my ankle and calf, but not as bad. I did some extra stretching last night while I was watching American Idol and I think that helped alot. I was scheduled to do 3 sets of 10 min run with 5 min walk. I did the first two sets just fine, then the last set ended up with me doing 2/2 until my 45 minutes were up. Actually I ended up doing 50 minutes. So not exactly as planned, but I don't want to push too much and end up getting hurt!

On another note, thanks to my amazing family and friends, I am tied with another person on my time for raising the most money so far!

Thanks to all of you!

hard day

Today I was supposed to do 6 sets of 5x2 and 6 sets of 2x1. I did the 5x2's and kind of did the the other one. I ended up doing mostly 2x2's. But I did make it the full 60 minutes. My left ankle and calf were screaming at me the whole time. I was in pain and had to keep stopping instead of my walk time I would get off the treadmill and stretch and do anything I could to make it stop. But I did do the full time, just not exactly how it was on the schedule. Hopefully tomorrow will be better!

team run

Today was our Saturday team run. I did 6.12 miles in 1 hour and 23 minutes. Not sure if that's a good pace or not, but it felt goood to me. Especially since I was so sick last week and didn't do any real training.

It was good to see everyone. Missed Molly.... the weather was good; a little cold. I forgot my gloves so my hands were pretty darn cold. But the most important thing was it did not rain during my run!

Rally On!

rest day

Today was a rest day, but I did about 25 minutes of yoga. It feels good to stretch the muscles. Tomorrow is a team training run day. I am scheduled to do 70 minutes of run/walk or as Sara calls is Ralk! I like that term and I think I'm going to use it. Thanks Sara.

I'm a little nervous about tomorrow. It's supposed to rain, and I still have a bit of a cold left. Hoping it won't get worse again. I will just layer on the clothes.

I need to get a fuel belt. I also need to start trying the assorted jelly beans and gu's out there for fuel. Something called "Gu" just really doesn't sound that appealing, but I'm going to try everything until I find something I like and that will be easy on the stomach. I don't want to get worn out before I finish the 1/2 marathon. I will finish. My goal is to run the whole 13.1 miles. I'm pretty sure I will do it.

I'll let ya know how tomorrow goes!

Today started out bad.......

Today started out bad, I didn't sleep well, I stayed up too late last night. I had to talk myself into doing my scheduled training run/walk today. I did get on my treadmill, started out pretty slow. I was doing a 2min/2min run/walk interval for 40 minutes.
I had to do a lot of self talk to get myself going. I started out thinking-it's only 2 minutes, you can do it- then while I was running for the 2 minutes I had to keep up constant self talk chatter in my head......you're doing great- you can do it'- remember why your doing this- remember you have a choice to be healthy all those babies and kids don't get to choose...
and I started to picture myself at the finish line...( ok, it might sound corny, but it works ) all my family and friends who have been encouraging me all there waiting for me to cross that line......cheering their hearts out for ME! I have to say it actually made me get a little teary eyed just imagining what that is going to be like.....and guess what? Before I knew it, I was done and I felt great.
They say that with running it is more mental than physical......I think I believe that now.
Tomorrow is a rest day. I will probably do some easy yoga stretches.
Rally On!
Oh, I almost forgot......thanks to my amazing family and friends I have passed my fund raising goal.......I'm at $1,050.00!!! Woo Hoo

Woo Hoo

So today was even better than yesterday. I could not believe how good it felt during my entire training run......I felt awesome when I got done. My cold is almost gone but still did not interfere with my run.
Yeah! I'm back on track,

Reminder

Just thought I would share this again......
www.active.com/donate/2010seattlerocknroll/runforkelsie

In case anyone out there would like to donate so I can reach my goal! $0.93 out of every dollar I raise will go directly to Seattle Childrens for childrens cancer research. Just think that dollar you donate could be the one that is needed for the cure!
Thanks in advance for your support and to all my friends and family who have already donated....thank you is not enough, but that's all I can say.

I did it

Wasn't sure how I would do this morning, but I did my scheduled training no problem. I only had to stop 3 times to blow my nose! It felt so good to get back on track. I felt like I was slacking even tho I know I needed to take the time to rest, it still felt odd to not be doing something!
Woo Hoo on to tomorrow!

Monday

So, I didn't make the team training on Saturday. I am finally starting to feel like a normal person. Unless you listen to me talk, I still sound like a frog with sinus issues! But, the fever is gone and I did some strength training this morning and still feel pretty good! I think I will be ok to do my regular schedule tomorrow. I'm sorry I missed saturdays team training; they covered hill training and I wanted to be there for that. I will catch up tho!
Until next time.......RALLY ON!

Sick

So I got up this morning planning on doing my training run, but my wonderful hubby put a stop to that plan. See, I have a sore throat, my ears hurt, I'm coughing and can hardly breathe thru my nose. Yes, Saturdays freezing weather has left its mark on me......it's official...I have a crappy cold. This really sucks. I was getting on my treadmill when hubby comes in and says, I don't think so. You need to rest more, to that I said, tomorrow is a rest day...he said if you are going to try to run on Saturday with your team, you need to take two days to rest. I know he's right, but it still sucks. I have to admit tho, that I don't have the energy to even get in the shower let alone run for 40 minutes. Hopefully tomorrow I will feel better and even more better on Saturday.

Back to training

Did my training run yesterday, it was 5/5. It felt really good even with a sore throat. Saturday in Vegas was so cold I woke up with a sore throat yesterday and I'm sure I'm trying to get a cold. But I did my training run today also and felt really good. I've been guzzling the water and taking wellnes formula, so I should be better by saturday for our team run. Missed everyone last weekend.

Nascar weekend

So we had so much fun last weekend. Vegas and Nascar, good combination. Friday qualifying was awesome. We got pit passes so we got to wander around and watch them work on all the cars. I got a couple of great pics of Carl Edwards....

This is one of them....pretty lucky uh? Saturdays race, the Nationwide got delayed for about an hour and a half because of rain. Yes, it rained in Vegas!!! The wind was blowing and I actually froze my ass off! Anyway, we rented headsets that allowed us to listen to the drivers and their pit crew during the races. It was great. I got to listen to Danica talking to her pit crew, until she crashed. Wasn't her fault, so I was dissappointed. She was having a really good race. Harvick ended up winning. Sunday was beautiful, sunny warm and a great race. Jeff Gordon led all the way until the last 20 laps and Jimmie Johnson took over and won the race. The last pit stop, Jimmie took 4 tires and Jeff only took 2, that's what put him out of the race. We were happy tho we won $500.00 because Jimmie won! Woo Hoo!

ugh

That's how I felt when I got up this morning....did not sleep well. I did do my training run today although I cut it down to 30 minutes instead of 40. We are off to Vegas to watch Nascar this weekend. I'm excited, that's probably why I didn't sleep.

2/2

Today was 2/2 day. It felt so good. I did that on Saturday for our team run day. I really like that pace. I also did some nice, easy stretches. I'm waiting for our Nascar tickets to get delivered. We have our Friday and Saturday tickets, just waiting for Sunday's Big Race day tickets. We leave in the morning. I can hardly wait.
I would like to thank all my facebook friends for all their encouragement. It really means a lot to know so many people are rooting for you to succeed! It makes the days when my body is screaming at me go a little easier!
Thanks.......

training

today I started a 40 minute training schedule. I did a 5/5, 5 minutes easy run followed by 5 minutes walk x 4 to equal 40 minutes. When I finished the first 5 minute run, I was thinking to myself, this is going to be hard, I may not be able to do this, but by the time I was on my last 5 minute run section I felt like I could go another couple sets! I'm beginning to think I may actually be able to do this 1/2 marathon thing! I have thought all along I would do it, but I thought it would be really hard; more work than it actually is. I truly am enjoying this. Pushing my body to see just what exactly it can do for me.......it's an incredible feeling to start out trying to do something, not sure if your body can do it, and your body just keeps going. I can't really explain the feeling. I am following the training schedule pretty strictly. I have been throwing in some strentgh training on some of my rest days. I have also been doing 20-30 minute yoga sessions 2 or 3 times a week. It's like doing extra stretches. Feels really good on the muscles. I also go to my chiropractor once or twice a month, more if necessary. I get a 1 hour full body massage every 2 weeks. I'm trying to pamper my body to thank it for all I am asking of it lately. I've been paying more attention to my food intake. Drinking a lot more water and less soda. I think I'm on the right track!
Rally On!!!

Inspiration

Yesterday before our run coach Jason asked all of us what our inspiration was for doing this run. A handful of people spoke up and told their reasons for getting up and running in the 29 degree weather yesterday. I had to think about that. I've never really thought about it. I have lots of reasons; hard to pick just one. Hearing about Kellsie's struggle on a daily basis inspired me to quit smoking when I was struggling with it. The first year was really hard; but I would always think of her struggle and tell myself "you have it easy, you can choose to be healthy, she had no choice". Then I think also that one of the reasons I do it is simply "because I can" and so many other people can't. I have selfish reasons for doing it also, I want to lose some weight and I like to meet new people and hear their stories. Their stories inspire me also. So, ya I guess I do have reasons and inspirations......next time I'll share mine.

Saturday training

I did my team training run this morning. It was 29 degrees out, but the sun was shining so it was awesome! I did 4.06 miles in about 50 minutes. Not bad for a beginner. It felt great. NO aches or pains. That's a first. I went to the chiropractor yesterday and she adjusted my ankles and feet. I didn't realize they were out of wack, but whatever she did worked. I haven't ever felt this good after a run, ever!

Rest day

Today was a rest day, so I did about 50 minutes of slow yoga type stretches. It feels sooooo good to stretch the muscles. Tomorrow we will have our Saturday team run and brunch afterwards. Since I'm doing the half/ run I will be doing 50 minutes tomorrow. I still can't believe I am really doing this!!! Anyone whose known me for any length of time would be surprised. I am not a runner by nature. But I am truly enjoying this. I love the cause I'm running for. I have enjoyed getting to know my teammates and hope to keep in touch with them. This is a good time in life for me.

Thursday

Did my training run today. My entire body hurt. I think it's from running on pavement yesterday. Then later I realized I forgot to stretch yesterday :( No wonder I hurt.
Anyway I plugged my way thru it and tomorrow is a rest day.

Beautiful day

I ran outside today. What a beautiful morning here in the great Pacific Northwest! Sunny, but frozen. Fog just cleared over the pond. Couldn't ask for a better day. My right ankle is still bothering me a little. I think the more I run outside the stronger it will get. I also did some upper body weight work training and some nice easy stretches. I'm really getting excited.

Back from camping

got back from camping yesterday and I am back on track for my training today. Went really good, I finally got my joggers pepper spray today so tomorrow I will be doing my running outside. Saturday is another team run. Will be good to see my teammates since I missed last Saturday.
Camping trip was awesome. It only rained at night so we got alot of riding in.

Thursday

Training run was awesome today. Now I'm off to go camping for the weekend. I won't make my team training Saturday; I'm a little bummed because they are having a nutrition clinic after our run and I really wanted to go to that. But this is an annual camping trip with lots of good friends and I can't miss it!
See ya next week.

Wednesday training

Did my training run today. It is starting to get easier and I feel like I'm finding a nice rythm. I feel good!

Ouch!

So, yesterday afternoon I was with my hubby and he had to stop by a job site our guys were working on. He wanted me to check out the view from the roof of this building. I assumed there would be an elevator; I was wrong. So we walked up 6 flights of stairs so I could see the view. It was pretty cool. But when I got up this morning, my calve muscles were screaming at me, especially my right one! But I stretched and did my 30 minute training run I had scheduled and then did 25 min. of easy, stretching yoga. I felt pretty good for most of the day, but by late this afternoon my legs were feeling it! That will teach me; next time I will ask if there's an elevator before saying sure I would love to go to the roof!

Nice

Today I did some upper body work, chest shoulders, biceps, and back. Felt really good. I also did a nice easy stretch routine. My body is starting to like all this work. I'm sore, but a good kind of sore!

Sunday

Today I did 30 minute recovery walk. It felt really good. My hips are a little achy today, butother than that I feel really good. I also did about 20 minutes of easy slow stretches that felt really good. Tomorrow is a rest day so no running. I will probably do some slow easy yoga tho. That is something I truly enjoy and it makes my body feel so good. I'm very pleased with how my body is reacting. I have been a little worried because of my age. And the fact that I'm not used to the jarring of pavement. But I think it's going to be ok. My body will adjust. I'm having a good time pushing my body to see what it will do for me. :)

First team training day

Today was our first team training day. I got to meet some new people and get to know some I've already met. It was beautiful. Sunny.......dry.....along the waterfront in Tacoma, Ruston Way. Couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. We got to go to a shoe store and get fitted for running shoes for our feet. Found out I need to buy narrow width!
I'm a very pleasantly tired. I did about 3 miles in under 30 minutes which is pretty good for me. I didn't run the whole way, but I did run more than I have on pavement so far. I'm happy with my performance.
Till next time........run 'til nothing jiggles!

Thursday

Did my run outside today. Since right now my training is run/walk, my ankles did not hurt like they did the first time I ran on pavement. That's a good thing :)
Anyone out there have any good nutrition books/websites they use? I really want to fuel my body with the proper nutrition since I am asking alot from it right now.
I'm looking forward to our first team training run Saturday. After the run we are all going to a running shoe store to make sure we are properly fitted with the correct shoe. I would imagine that if you wear the wrong shoe your feet will hurt and trying to do a 26.2 or 13.1 mile run would not be very pleasant!
Tomorrow is a rest day for me......YIPPEE! My legs are tired!
Will let you know how Saturday goes.

Another day

Did my training today. run/walk for 1 minute each x 15. Then finished with run/walk 2 minutes each x 3 for a total of 30 minutes. Felt really good I am truly enjoying this running thing so far. We'll see how I do for my first half marathon........13.1 miles. Will be doing the same run tomorrow and Saturday is our first team run in Tacoma. Good times. :)

Tuesday

I did my 30 minute run/walk today. Felt really good. I seem to have found a comfortable pace. My back is still a little bothersome, but I go to the chiropractor for a tweak tomorrow so it should all be good. My body is feeling really good, I just hope this helps take some weight off! When I quit smoking 2+ years ago, I packed on 15 pounds and now it's time to take it off!

Monday

Today was actually a rest day, but I did do some slow yoga stretching. My back is still bothering me a bit so I thought it would help. I'm going to check with my coaches and see if I can do yoga on one of the rest days. It is so relaxing and good to stretch my muscles.
til tomorrow........

Jogging on the pavement

I just finished jogging a mile on pavement. My ankles are killing me, but other than that it wasn't as jarring as I thought it would be. The first mile is always the hardest, at least that's what everyone says. I'm going to try and jog on the road every other day for a week or so then I will be doing it every day. Gotta be road ready for June 26th!

Friday training

I got my official training guide on Wednesday, so today I decided to try the first day run/walk to see what it will be like. As a beginner they have it set up where I can choose from 3 different levels. I decided to try level 2. This program will officially start on Monday the 1st of Feb. The one I did today was easy run for 1 minute then walk for 1 minute. I did this pattern 15 times for a total of 30 minutes. I went ahead and did a cool down walk at the end to round out my treadmill session to 35 minutes. Level 2 seems like a good level for me to start. I think level 1 would be too easy.
I am going to do some running on the pavement tomorrow. Not a lot, just so I can see what it feels like. I usually run/walk on a treadmill, so I really do need to start on pavement if I'm going to be ready for June 26th race day. I know it will be different; probably a lot more jarring on my body. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow!

Kick Off Party

Last night we had our kick off party for the Olympia/Tacoma teams. What a good time. We got our official training schedules, got to meet two of our Rally Kids. What a humbling experience that is; to see these little ones going thru chemo.....just breaks your heart. I found out something I was not aware of last night. Only 3% of all cancer research funding goes to Pediatric cancer research. 3% people........this needs to change. Adults don't get kids cancers....
This is why it is so important to raise more money specifically for childrens cancer research. This is why I am doing what I'm doing.
My workout this morning was a 40 minute strength training. Felt good. Chiropractor, Dr. Marcy, visit yesterday was wonderful. I haven't felt this good in a long time. Who knew you could get your ribs adjusted????? Not I, but it was wonderful. I woke up feeling like a new person today.
Til next time.......
keep running 'til nothing jiggles!!!

Wednesday training

So today I actually ran an entire mile! woo hoo! I've never been able to do that before. My schedule for today was to walk/run 2 miles. So I ran the first mile, walked for a 1/4 mile then ran 1/4 then walked etc until I did my 2 miles. Then I just finished with a moderate walk to round out 30 min on my treadmill. I logged a total of 2.35 miles today. Then I did a 12 min ab dvd to finish it out. So far so good! Until next time......

Training

So today I did an hour of yoga. Nice smooth, slow stretches. Didn't bother my back! I go to the chiropractor tomorrow. I'm going to try to follow my training schedule for tomorrow. Walk/run 2 miles. If my back cooperates. I might try to do some lunges, squats, sit ups....we'll see how it feels in the morning.
:)

First day

So, this was supposed to be my first day of actual training, however, I put my back out somehow last week and now I have to go to the Chiropractor for an adjustment. So hopefully they can fit me in today and I can start tomorrow. This really sucks........

Starting Out

Hi everyone....I'm new to this blogging world so you will have to bear with me. I think I may have failed creative writing in school, so hopefully I don't bore you all to tears.
I have started this blog because I recently signed up to do a half marathon in June. I will be raising money for childrens cancer research. I have never done anything like this before. I'm not a runner and have never done any kind of fund raising before this. So I hope I don't offend people when I ask/beg for their hard earned cash. I know in this economy every penny counts. I do appreciate any dollar amount donated.
http://www.active.com/donate/2010seattlerocknroll/runforkelsie
This is the link to my fundraising homepage. Check it out if you get a chance. I will be posting this frequently through out this journey so you will see it alot.
I will be starting my actual training on Monday January 25th. I signed up to do the run/walk, but my actual goal is to run the whole way.
I will try to post 2 or 3 times a week to update everyone with my progress.
Thanks for any donation you might be able to give, and thanks for coming along the journey with me. Should be an interesting ride!
Mary