Running Update

I have decided that grown ups are children in big bodies. We say things that we don't mean to help us deal, or to justify it in our heads. I stated that I didn't want to run marathons anymore, but I don't think that was totally truthful. I was saying it in the heat of the moment when my body was hurting. Honestly, I think I will run another one. Unfortunately, the Sand Hollow Marathon did not happen for me. I was a volunteer at aid station four instead of a runner. The back sprain that should not have held me back did. The chiropractor across the street from my house is convenient, but not necessarily the best. After 2 visits and not feeling any better,  I went to St. George to the chiropractor that is not so convenient, but so much better at what he does. Ends up I have a deep tissue sprain and I should not run if I am feeling any pain. I think if I had gone to him first I would be farther along in my healing. Unfortunately, I was not able to recover for race day. It ends up that it wasn't such a bad thing because what started out as a gorgeous morning for a marathon, ended in rain and cold. I love running in the rain, but not for 13 miles. I could have done it and I would not have been last. There were plenty of people vying for that position. (Not on purpose of course and I do not judge anyone who comes in last. It is finishing the race that counts. I just have self-esteem issues that surface when it comes to finishing last in a running race). At this point in time I can run four miles without bad pain. I have a ways to go, but am so thankful I can run, even if it is just for four miles.
I have to apologize for it taking me so long to post this, but sometimes it is hard to face the music. I wanted to be better. I didn't want to bow out of another marathon. I wanted to cowgirl up and run an out and back even though I hate them. However, I know it is very important to listen to our bodies, and I didn't want to end up never being able to run again. Finding balance can be hard.
I am thankful that I volunteered. It was a family event and my children are better people and understand the true meaning of service. It rained on the runners and therefore rained on the aid stations. Runners still need water, Gatorade, oranges, bananas, gel etc. in the rain. My children were troopers!

Can I Retract Yesterday's Post?

Right now I want to run 26.2 like I want a hole in my head. My run did not go well today. It started out good, but mile 8 started to be painful, mile 10 I was trying hard to cowgirl up, mile 14 I called my husband. I can deal with my legs being tired and wanting to fall off. I am used to their ocassional protests. However, my back is another story. I started having serious lower back pain around mile 10 and it wasn't getting better. Every pound of the pavement was painful. I got to the point where I couldn't run anymore. I went to the chiropractor and I somehow sprained my back. It isn't a bad sprain, and it shouldn't hold me back. After that horrible run and all the things that go on with my body after a long run, I want to be a big baby and back out. This will definitely be my last marathon. In order to run a good race, you have to train good. I am tired of training. These continual long runs take too much out of me. I think I will keep my races to 15 miles or less.
I am done whining and tomorrow should be a great day. The whole week should be great until I have to try and do 18 miles next Saturday =(

No Pain, No Gain

This is a phrase that is used all to often. What does it mean? It means that when your legs hurt so bad and you walk like an old person you should not take a day of rest, you should stick to your schedule and go running. It might hurt, but the pain is temporary, and you will wake of the next morning feeling much better!
This was the case yesterday. I got my new spin bike. It is harder to use than the gyms. The wheel seems heavier and the workout was brutal. It would help if I didn't workout to BonJovi, but whatever. I woke up yesterday in so much pain! My legs hurt. I could have not gone on my 4 mile run of more hills, but that would have been giving in to the pain. Instead, I told the pain where to go and headed out the door. This is why I must be constantly training for something. Goals keep me motivated. It was a hard run, but today is my day of rest because tomorrow it is 15 miles baby! I have to go stash water and figure out my route. My mp3 player finally died and I bought a new ipod! I love it. I got the ipod nano. It clips on my running bra and has a nice touch screen.
15 miles, no wall, just me and my playground!

Let the Hill Training Begin!

Due to the fact that I now have to run up a steep mile long hill at mile 18 of the marathon I have had to start some hill training. Today I ran the big hill northeast of my house. It was awesome. Nemesis is not going to kill me and I am pretty sure I will be able to run up it. My run today was awesome. I ran 6 miles and wish I could have kept running. However, I have discovered that the first 3 miles of all my runs lately have been interesting. My mind and body work against each other trying to decide if we are really going to run or not. Then we hit the magical mile 3 and they stop arguing and the run becomes AWESOME! I wish they could get in sync around mile 1, it would be easier.
Kickboxing was also wonderful today. I have decided I am addicted to exercise! Tomorrow I am buying a spin bike. Thank you Costco!

They Did What???

I went to kickboxing today and found out that the route for Sand Hollow Marathon has been changed! Can they do that? Yes, they can and did. It is now an out and back course and instead of an easy grade at mile 19, I now have to run up Nemesis (aka Sand Hollow Hill) at mile 18. I think they are trying to kill me. FYI-marathon runners don't normally like out and back courses. Personally I don't think they had all their ducks in a row before posting the course. They should have figured it out before everyone registered.

The Hill at Mile 19

Today was a 6 mile run and I ended up runing 6.5. It was a great run. I was actually surprised because I woke up wishing I could stay in bed all day. Not because I'm depressed, just because it would be nice. Alas, the day called and I had to get up. Upon dropping the little one off at pre-school I went running. It was amazing. I ran the 2 mile hill that is at mile 19 of the Sand Hollow Marathon. It isn't bad almost coudln't tell I was running up a hill.

My Story

I started running approximately 7 or 8 years ago. Some friends got me started and I ran the Hurricane Half. Upon running that race I discovered I had an extremely painful knee problem and quit running. I had surgery on my knee in 2007 and it was better than new. I met someone that was a runner and she got me back in the game. I ran my first marathon in 2009 in St. George. I LOVE running. It is just me and the road. Running is my therapy. I work out all my stress and problems with the road. Most the time God runs with me. I always know when running a race is the right thing because He gives me a sign when I am trying to decide what to do. I am currently training for the Sand Hollow Marathon. When I was trying to decide if I should run it, it snowed. I live in the desert, snow is not normal. I love the snow. I am a winter weather girl. I went running and enjoyed everycold snowy second. I knew God would help me run this marathon. Training time is short and life is busy, but I'll be a finisher!