Irish Blue in a Running Shoe

I did say weekly, right?

2012-01-15T08:55:00.000-05:00

If we are being completely honest, I didn't "get it together" as much as I had hoped this week. For starters, my run at night vs. morning plan is not working. Evenings got consumed with other things: uncle in the hospital, seeing a friend who lost her father, important things that I could not ignore. So, it's back to early morning running for me. Although I've longed for the day I could workout at night and not have to get up at 5AM and run, I fear it's never going to happen.

What I did get accomplished was 2 runs and 2 crossfit workouts. (I had planned for 3 runs and 3 crossfit workouts.) The goal for this week is to get on plan and get control of my eating, which has been downright shameful and pathetic.

Future of this blog...

2012-01-07T20:20:00.000-05:00

For some time now, I have been struggling with whether or not to keep this blog going. Obviously, my posts last year were pretty sporadic. The times I did post, I struggled to find things to say. Most of it ended up being really boring. Still, I just don't seem to have the heart to take this blog down. So, I'm recommitting to posting to it. I'll be running and reporting on my running. I'm shooting for at least once a week. I also want to follow those of you who, unlike me, have done a great job keeping up with your blogs. I'm hoping 2012 will be the year I fall in love with running again and that this blog will be a place where I can share that joy with some very good friends.

Here's to 2012. Let's run our asses off people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blogger goes missing...

2011-06-25T08:52:00.001-04:00

Yes, that would be me. I had great intentions of blogging like crazy all summer. As you can clearly see, that has not happened. If only there were 10 more hours to every day, then maybe I would have time to actually be the person I am always wanting to be - organized and on top of everything...from family to work to running. Instead I tend to feel scattered and half way dedicated to these things, but never fully "with it". Sigh...so goes the story of a modern day woman, I suppose.

Tomorrow Bill and I are running our 3rd race in the XTERRA series. I will try to report back on this one and do a belated report on the other two races we've completed. All of which have been HILLY!

Go BIG or go home?

2011-04-24T19:48:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had one of those "leap before you look" moments? Well, I just had one and I'm so excited about it!!! I pulled the trigger and registered for a trail running series this summer here in Ohio. (I'm trying to ignore the sudden wave of panic that began washing over me right after I hit the "Register Now" button. ;-)

So the plan goes something like this...trail run my a** off all summer long in order to get stronger and faster.

Northern Ohio Trail Running Series

5/28 - Vulture's Knob 15K(Wooster)

This one will be brutal...not really in shape for it yet, but I just need to finish the best I can.

6/11 - Hampton Hills 10K (Akron)
6/26 - Chapin Forest 8K (Kirtland)

7/9 - Mohican Trail Run 19K (Loundonville)

8/6 - Girdled Road 10K (Concord Twp) -

8/27 - Oak Hill Trail Run 8K (Boston Twp)

9/4 - Leave No Trace Half Marathon 21K (Peninsula)

I've never done this many races in such a short time, but I decided to borrow a page from someone I admire a great deal, Lizzie Lee. Lizzie has been racing like a crazy woman for some time now and every time I see her photos, I see someone who looks stronger and more alive with each passing race. Well, who doesn't want to be stronger and more alive? Isn't that why we run?

I think most of these courses are going to be tough. The trails I run here are not easy, but I've also never done more than 3 to 4 miles on them. So, I already know I'm going to be getting my butt kicked on a regular bases all summer long. Oddly enough, that's exactly what I was going for! I need to "Go BIG or go home", so to speak. I need to quit talking and planning and talking about running and just run and run and run.

Trail running is a blast and I absolutely LOVE it! So, I'm excited about my summer. What's even better, my husband is registered too!

Lastly, a shout-out to our dear friend Petra who ran her first Boston Marathon like a champ!! I'm amazed by what she's done with her running and I love that she's taken us all along on her journey.

2011: The Year of Consistency

2011-04-03T07:49:00.001-04:00

For several months now I've felt very directionless and sad. Losing my mom has been painful and it was the kind of pain you have to endure because you can't avoid it, not really. I know I'm not over losing her, but I am ready to have goals again...so here goes.

One thing I've realized is - I NEED RUNNING. I think I've said it before (and many of you have said it too) running doesn't just improve my health, it makes everything about me better. It helps me manage stress, it's a great anti-depressant, it gives me confidence, improves my self-esteem, gives me energy, and just makes me a happier person. So, running and I are mates again. I'm back and I'm excited!

This year I've set a goal of running 1000 miles. Primarily, I picked this goal because I know the best thing I can do for my running is to become consistent. So, 2011 is "The Year of Consistency"...just getting strong and doing the miles...week after week after week. Boring, I know, but I do hope to fit in a few races, definitely shooting for 2 fall half marathons. It's still my favorite distance, even after last year's hills from hell race in which I swore off running several times and just plain swore...A LOT. ;-)

Strength, overall fitness, consistency...that's it. I'm keeping it simple this year and we'll see what happens. I'm going to use the blog to record my workouts. I would love to say I'll post more, but I'm not really sure at this point.

This week:
Monday: Ran 4mi
Tuesday: Weights
Wednesday: Ran 4mi
Thursday: Weights
Friday: OFF
Saturday: Ran 5mi
Sunday: Ran 4 muddy miles at the trail

Secretly I have a bigger goal in mind, but it's for 2012. If I want to get to it though, I need to get my s**t together in 2011. ;-)

Sad Ending to 2010...

2011-01-09T08:51:00.000-05:00

On December 30th, my mom passed away. It's been a sad couple of weeks. I don't feel prepared for a world without her and I'm not exactly sure how to adjust.

Mom, you'll never leave the place that matters most, my heart...
Love Always,
Sis

If this was real boot camp...I would have been kicked out by now.

2010-09-02T12:16:00.000-04:00

As you may be guessing, boot camp isn't going very well. Let's just say life sort of came along and derailed my plans. My dad was hospitalized at the beginning of August for 9 days and has spent the remainder of the month recovering in a nursing home (congestive heart failure and pneumonia). So, that has kept me running back and forth to see him several times a week. Luckily, he is doing better and scheduled to get sprung this Monday! Meanwhile, I started interviewing for a new job about mid-August, I accepted it last week, and I start September 13th. I'm beyond thrilled! It's my dream position (User Experience Architect) with a really cool company in Maumee, Oh. It is the same commute, but the hours are a little shorter. I think that I will absolutely love it. Everything about the job, company, and people felt very right from the get-go.

So, running? Well, yes I have been running, although not as hard or consistently as I had hoped. To take some pressure off, I've decided to shift my goal for this fall to getting consistent miles in every week and getting my volume up. I'm hoping by October I can then start in with some hills and trails. I'm not sure I'll do speed work, but definitely trails and tempo runs. My husband has graciously allowed me to slip my goal of sub-2 hr back to spring. Hugs to him for being such an awesome dude!!

Friday we leave to see our son in Virginia. Let's hope we don't get into trouble with Hurricane Earl!

Bye, Bye Gall Bladder ---- Hello Boot Camp!!!

2010-07-25T16:12:00.000-04:00

Bye, Bye Gall Bladder!!
Yes, you heard that right. I had to have my gall bladder removed last week. It was something I knew was coming...eventually. Not only does it seem to run in my family (sister, mom, 2 aunts have had it removed), but I had been having attacks for several months before I went to the ER in June.  They said it was full of stones, so I scheduled it to be removed. Luckily, I had the laparoscopic procedure and the recovery has been pretty easy. Unfortunately, I can't run for 2 weeks, but as soon as I'm cleared for flight, I'm embarking on a pretty intense 16 week training program for a flat, fast, fall half marathon.

Hello Boot Camp!! Trainin' like a soldier...
Here's the scoop on my half. The goal is a sub 2:00 hour. (By that I mean a 1:59:59 will work. ;-) Now, I know that's a pretty HUMONGOUS leap from my craptasticly bad spring half. However, I feel like I need a slightly unreachable goal to really get myself in the zone, does that make sense? That and I've recruited two other ~~idiots~~ runners who are going to shoot for the sub 2 hour with me. So, we are training together (for the most part) and running the same race and pace. The race is a small, low key deal called the Cleveland Fall Classic Half Marathon and it's November 21st. So, it should be perfect running weather (my perfect that is, which is like 40-60 degrees). So, I'm nervous, excited, and really just ready to go!!

Training will consist of 5 days per week of running and include a midweek long run, a Saturday long run, a tempo run, and a trail run. The trail running is tough and it's going to be a challenge for me, but the fast people in my running club swear by it, so I'm going to suck it up and do it.  (I foresee a lot of foul language during this run...lol.) Also, the midweek long run (probably 7 miles) is a hilly route. Like I said, it's the toughest training I've ever attempted, but I know that's what is required if I want to see BIG improvements.

See fat girl run? Well, not for long. Part of this plan (the first six weeks) consists of me losing 12 lbs. The fact is I need all of the help I can get to reach this goal and dropping 12 pounds would put me right where I need to be according to the book I read on weight/body fat and endurance running. I need every advantage I can get and I think being lighter and running a flat, fast course on a cool fall day is the magic ticket! Let's hope I'm right because Bill bet me $250 bucks...meaning I go sub 2 hour and he pays me the dough...which I will need for new jeans cause I'll be so damn thin!!

So, there you have it. That's what I'll be up to this fall.  What's everyone else doing? Do tell...

Newton Review Is In - Are the Lady Isaacs Still the Bomb??

2010-07-10T19:13:00.000-04:00

Ok, so better late than never, right? I'm still totally loving on these shoes! I must admit, I was a little concerned initially that my foot may not adapt. When you first wear them, it almost feels like your foot is rocking backwards as the lugs in the front create a fit that seems to be the exact opposite of a traditional shoe. Running in them didn't feel too weird, but walking in them did. Oddly, after about 3 weeks, I never noticed this again. I would recommend you break them in slowly and use them on your shorter runs for about the first 3 weeks though, as they suggest. (Yes, I actually followed their advice. Me?)

Fit
The fit is amazingly comfortable! I've had issues before with shoes that give me blisters or rub the back of my heel. I have had none of that. They're very breathable and feather light too, which was the first thing I noticed when I put them on.

Style
Some reviewers complained about the colors they offer. Personally, I love the color of mine (lime green and orange). Either way, I never buy a running shoe based on how it looks. I also read that people thought the shoe strings were too short. I never had issues here either and I double knot my shoes.

Take a peak...
Women's Shoes
Men's Shoes

Heel Striking
The marketing hype surrounding Newtons is that they discourage a heel strike, which they point out as the cause of a lot of running related injuries. So, do they? I would say 100% yes. In fact, I'm not sure how you can physically heel strike in this shoe because of the way it is designed.

Durability
I will try to post a separate pic of the bottom of my shoes. (As soon as I locate a camera...I dropped mine into a travel mug full of coffee...sigh.) They're showing some signs of wear on the front lugs, but nothing major. I've put 253 miles on them and I'm guessing they're good for another 200-250.

Cost
Ouch! They're the most expensive running shoe I've purchased to date. They retail for about $150, but I got mine at a 15% discount due to my running club membership (which the store I bought them at honors).

Overall, are they worth it? If you've been injured and/or think you are a heavy heel striker, I would try the Newtons. Let's face it, they may cost a bit more, but trips to the doctor/therapist aren't cheap either!! I have not had any injury flare ups (hip or knee) since I started wearing them and I did a hilly half marathon in April. Of course, I can't prove it's the shoe and I've also been working on my form and trying to make it more ChiRunner like, but I'm very happy with the shoe and will continue to wear/buy them. Who knows, I may be a Newton Girl for Life!!!

Also, these shoes have their own blog!
The Running Front

Finally, I think wearing a shoe named after Isaac Newton is making me smarter too. Others would disagree.;-)

Coming Soon...

2010-07-06T08:33:00.000-04:00

A post! I know I've neglected the blog lately. I'll try to get a post out this weekend on the Newtons and also what I've been up to of late.

Until then, run strong!
Irish Blue

I love this tool!! Create a cool training plan with it...

2010-05-26T13:29:00.000-04:00

Ok, I did say the Newton shoe review was next, but quickly before I forget. Check out this tool, if you've not seen it already. Love it! My only complaint is I wish they had options under "Starting Week" that were further into the future. Some of us want to plan ahead. ;-)

Runner's World Smart Coach

Kentucky Derby Half Marathon Race Report

2010-05-12T07:04:00.000-04:00

Sorry it has taken me a while to get to this most awesome of race reports (building up your suspense gentle reader). The truth is, we’ve been crazy busy with baby showers, weddings, softball games, and icing down our various running parts.

First off, let me just say we had a great time in Louisville, KY. Wow, who knew that city had so much to offer? Very nice area where we stayed, lots to see and do. We also went with a pretty big group from our running club, so we got to socialize with them Friday evening when we all met for a pre-race “carb loading” dinner. We also hooked up with some of them post-race and then for dinner Saturday night. Plenty of opportunities for fun…totally my kind of trip! Now, for the not so fun part…the running.

Hills…what can I say about them? Character builders? Leg killers? Seriously, they should never put them where people run. Obviously, I was in denial about the hills and I had no clue the impact they would have on me being that they were so early in the race (first 3 miles uphill) but there they were and there I was, completely unprepared, undertrained and poorly fueled. So, what’s a girl to do but get her ass over them? Needless to say, I had virtually no legs by mile four and seriously thought I might have my first DNF. I mean, I felt like I hit a brick wall. When I say no legs, I mean NO LEGS!!! At this point, I begged the girl (Kim) I was running with to leave me behind and not because she continued to bitch at me to eat, shut-up, and run either. No, truly I needed that and deserved it. (I might have been yelling back at her too. ;)

The conversation went something like so:
Me - This s**t is crazy. Why am I doing this s**t. I’m never freaking running again!”
Kim - “Yes you are. Shut up and run. You need to eat something.”
Me - ”No I don’t. Leave me. I suck.”
Kim – “No, shut up and run. Also, you really need to fuel.”
Me – “No, I hate to eat when I’m running. (Although, I like it 100% of the time when not running.)
Kim – “Shut-up and run.”

During our little squabble, a random runner guy approached us and jumped into our mix of craziness. He agreed with Kim that I needed fuel and then he thrust a GU into my hand and took off. Not wanting to look a running GU-gift-horse in the mouth, I ate the GU.

Flash forward to mile 8 (trust me, we don’t want to revisit 4 thru 7) and I’ve suddenly got my legs back! Yeah!! Right before our run through Churchill Downs, they magically came back. (Nobody is putting this lame horse down today!!!) At this point, Kim has to pee and we veer off to the restrooms in the infield of the track. (Lovely, compared to the port-o-johns, that is.) This took us 90 seconds, but we were so far off our time by now, it really didn’t matter.

Once we got out of CD, we ran about another half mile to the next water stop and then we lost one another. I waited for a while, but assumed she was ahead of me. Eventually, I took off rather relieved thinking she might make up the time and finish under 2:30, which I know she really wanted to do. (She finished in 2:30:55. ;-) So, now I was on my own and trying to pick it up a bit. There were a few more rolling hills, but nothing like the 3 mile climb from hell at the front of the race. Finally, I felt confident I would finish. At one point, I thought I might make the 2:30 cut off, but alas, my time on my Garmin was wrong. According to Garmin, I finished in 2:33, but according to my chip, it was 2:36:15. Sigh…Garmin was on auto-pause and must have turned off during some tunnels and the pee break. (See, it’s not me, it’s the equipment.)

So, what’s the take away from this race? Well, I did finish uninjured, which was my one and only goal. (Some issues with the hip, but minor. No knee pain!)

1. Hills Kill!! (It’s not just crack that kills kids.)
2. When training for a hilly course, don’t underestimate the importance of hill training. (Thank you Mrs. Obvious.)
3. I need to learn to tolerate food when I run over 8 miles.
4. I need to do tempo runs or long runs at race pace at some point in my training. Unfortunately, I have zero ability to pick up the pace say 90 seconds per mile as the wise and scholarly people who write running books say you can do because of the race day “adrenaline rush”. Apparently, my adrenaline rush is more like an adrenaline sputter.
5. There is nothing glamorous about running around a horse track on a hot day. ;-)

In terms of what is ahead for me - I’m still targeting a half marathon PR in the fall. I’ll be selecting a late fall race (probably November) on a flat course within driving distance from my house, but probably not in Ohio. Also, I think I’m going to forget about the mileage and focus more on the quality of my runs. I’m leaning toward the FIRST Half Marathon Plan, which calls for a tempo run, speed run, long run, and then 2 cross training sessions per week. (Lizzy – you use this one right?) For the cross, I’ll probably bike. I also want to get 2 core strength sessions in there somewhere. Yikes, I’ll be busy! Kind of how I like it though.

Finally, several of you have asked for an update on the Newtons, so that will be the topic of my next post. I promise!

Race Results - Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon

2010-04-28T10:46:00.001-04:00

Here are my results from the Kentucky Derby Half Marathon. I've also posted a couple of pics of our group and I'll try to get to a full race report later in the week. Basically, it was a brutal course and I'm just happy to have finished. I've done the analysis and know what I need to do better next time, so more on that later.

Bill, Deb, Scott (They did their first marathon!)

Bill and his girls! Kim, Brenda & Jonna
(Bill did the full, the girls and I the half...which is why they are in the beer already...lol.)

Ok, blogger is making me mad! Anyone know how to fix this craziness?

Our Running Club group. We had several people participating in both the half and full.

Bill back left, me front left.

One Tired Cat

2010-04-22T20:04:00.009-04:00

This is how I feel. It has been one crazy week around here. My daughter had a softball game Monday night, Tuesday night, and tonight. Last night was my only "free" night and I ended up running said daughter around town while trying to make a list for this weekend, pack for the race, and get to bed early enough to get up and run a few miles this morning.

Tomorrow morning we leave for the Kentucky Derby Marathon/Mini-marathon in Louisville. It's been so long since my last race, I had forgotten what it feels like to TOTALLY FREAK OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Today, for the first time mind you, I finally looked at the elevation map. That, my friends, was a BIG mistake. Then, as if I was not already hanging from the ledge, I checked the weather. Looks like some crazy storm is blowing through. Seriously? This race in Kentucky, assuming I survive it (I did mention hills right?), will be my 6th half marathon. Of the 5 I've completed, a total of 1 had decent weather. That's right, 1 friggin race. The rest have been freezing rain, pouring rain, heat, and/or wind. (I know I should not be complaining, considering what happened to our dear friend Petra. Big love for you girl and the way you've handled the Boston disappointment.)

Elevation Chart...I'm afraid ...seriously afraid.

Hill training...ummmm...didn't do any.

As usual, I will post a race report highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Wish me luck in Kentucky!!! I might try the bourbon...depends on my pain level.

And...The Biggest Loser Is?

2010-04-13T20:19:00.011-04:00

Monday was the final weigh-in for our 12 week "Biggest Loser" contest at work. We had 10 participants in all. (We're a small company with less than 30 people.) As a group, we managed to lose...drum roll please...177 pounds!!!!!! Even I can do this math - that's 17.7 pounds average weight loss per person. I would say that's impressive. The winner lost over 14 % and collected $300 bucks, a total of 5 people lost over 10%, 4 people lost between 5% and 10%, and 1 person lost less than 5%. I managed to squeak out 6.8 percent, which I'm very happy with since I did start out with less to lose. (Sadly, much of this weight I gained over Christmas and on my cruise in January because I made a complete gluttonous pig of myself.)

I have purchased the book Shirley recommended (Racing Weight by Matt Fitzgerald) and I've calculated what he says should be my "ideal endurance running weight". It's actually not as bad as I thought it would be. Basically, it's 8-10 pounds lighter than I am now, which I think is doable. So, after Kentucky I'll have about 16 weeks before I start training for my fall half and my focus is going to be on losing the rest of the weight prior to my next training cycle. This should put me in the ideal position for a PR in the half marathon distance in the fall! That's the plan anyway.

One thing about this book that I found fascinating is he has a chapter that gives you the daily menu of such athletes as Ryan Hall, Scott Jurek, Tera Moody, to name just a few. Two things that struck me immediately were:
A) They don't eat nearly as many carbs as I thought they would.
B) They don't eat as much as I thought they would.
In fact, I'm going to say I train WAY less and eat more...yikes. So, that was an eye opener.

Here's an example...and I'm using Tera since I have more female readers. ;-)

Workout 1 (AM)
Pre-Workout: Oatmeal with cinnamon, decaf coffee with soy milk, water
Post-Workout: Bread with peanut butter, grapefruit, water

Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with bell peppers & mushrooms, herbal tea

Morning Snack
Almonds
Liquid Iron Supplement
Emergen-C Vitamin drink

Lunch
Plain Turkey Sandwich, water

Workout 2 (Afternoon)
Pre-Workout: Powerbar Endurance Drink
Post-Workout: Pear

Dinner
Steak
Baked Potato
Steamed Asparagus
Glass of red wine

Evening Snack
Dark Chocolate

So, tell me what you guys think? Do any of you follow a similar diet? Just curious, so do share! (I'm liking the dark chocolate and wine. Anti-inflammatory?)

UPDATE!!! Wow, I can't believe it, but Tera herself stopped by to offer some clarification on the above menu. I've copy/pasted her comment below.

"hi this is tera. my mom sent me the link to this blog she got on google alert. I think my diet sample is a bit misleading because it doesn't really contain quantity. for example I usually eat at least 2-3 powerbars per day. and on the days I dont have double workouts (which is most days) I actually snack a lot more during the afternoon since I don't have to worry about getting a stomach ache on my 2nd run."

Ah, wow...ok...I still can't believe it. I feel like I've been visited by Gandhi or something. Tera, thanks again and it sounds like you have a great mom who is looking out for you!! Happy Running Girl!!!!
(Gee...I hope she didn't look at my race times...lol.)

Everything In Moderation?

2010-04-10T06:15:00.002-04:00

Had anyone told me a few years ago that I would be getting up at 5:30AM on a Saturday so I had time to digest breakfast before a 7:00AM 12 miler, I would have called them a damn liar! Yet, here I am.

It's at times like this that I think of the Lance Armstrongs and Paula Radcliffs of the world and I try to imagine the kind of commitment and sacrifice it takes to be them.

My husband likes to say that I'm an extremist because when I throw myself into something I do tend to get a little obsessed. But I wonder, does anyone really get anywhere in life with a moderate amount of passion for a sport, a belief, a dream? I don't think it was moderation that got young Michael Phelps to the pool every morning and evening for years so he could win all of those Olympic medals. I've read Lance's book "It's Not About the Bike, My Journey Back to Life." (awesome book btw) and trust me, he's no moderate when it comes to his passion for cycling and had he fought cancer in "moderation" he'd probably be dead right now.

The saying "everything is moderation" is just a load of crap. Sure, some things require moderation, but everything?

What do you say we screw moderation and go find our passion?!?! That's really what it's all about, isn't it?

Sometimes you're the dog, sometimes you're the tree

2010-04-04T19:52:00.000-04:00

This is one of my mom's favorite sayings.

I love being the dog. I always picture myself as a bulldog...very confident, very full of myself...with a strong sturdy stride. Unfortunately, Saturday's run had me feeling like the tree and I started thinking, I've never pictured myself as the tree (although I've been the tree plenty of times), so I'm not sure what kind of tree I am, other than one that has just been urinated on.

(Warning, this post if complete rambling. ;-)

Sigh...what is it about running that keeps me coming back for more punishment even when I'm realistic enough to know that I have absolutely no natural talent for this sport? I've been thinking about that a lot lately. I'm not sure I know the answer. Maybe I never will. Seems like all of the really BIG questions in life tend to remain a mystery.

All I know is this - I really want to be a runner and I want to be good at it. Don't get me wrong, I don't need to finish first in a race. That would be, well, impossible in most cases. What I do want, what I dream of, is being better than my current self. I tend to think of it as Melisa 3.0 - a stronger, leaner, fitter, faster, more confident me. I want to tap out my own potential, but I feel like it's a journey that has been three steps forward, two steps back.

The funny thing is, I think I know what I need to do...I just need to figure out what is stopping me? Laziness? Fear? Some sort of self-sabotage? Complacency?

Hmmm, I'm not sure. For whatever reason, I continue to "half-ass" things when I know the results that brings and they're not the results I want.

I really hope 2010 will be the year I go from "Half-Ass Melisa" to "Melisa 3.0". Although, I know hope alone will not get me there. It's going to take commitment, passion, sacrifice, perseverance, possibly a miracle?

What next?

2010-03-27T07:03:00.001-04:00

Quick recap of my week. Monday night I ran 4 miles at a 10:35 pace. It felt pretty good. Wednesday I was going to run, but since my knees and hip felt a little sore, I decided against it. Thursday I did 4.5 at about a 10:38 pace. (This run was a character builder as it was 20-30 mph winds and freezing rain/snow. It is March, right?) I also threw in a little hill training this week. (Technically, it was one little hill, but still counts. ;-) This morning is a 10 miler. I'm shooting for a similar pace. I'll probably cut back on the length of the walk breaks.

This week I've given a lot of thought to what's next. I have the Kentucky Derby half April 24th. Assuming I can train for and finish uninjured (that's the only goal for this one), I've started to formulate a plan for summer.

Here it is, let me know what you think.
1. Maintain a weekly mileage of 25-30 mpw (Should be in the mid-20s soon.)
2. Run at least one 5K per month as a speed workout
3. Continue to drop some weight (more on this in a moment)
4. Keep up with yoga and core strength training, maybe throw in a day a week of biking
5. Early August, begin a 12 week training sched for a late fall half marathon
6. Find a local flat half marathon and set a new PR (Old PR is 2:17)

I have a friend (Annie the Energizer Bunny) who I think would pace me in the fall half. Her PR is around 2:02. I would love to shoot for a sub 2:10. I really think IF I do all of the above and really stay focused, I can do it. A fast half would give me confidence going into another full, which I would like to do next January (someplace warm and/or tropical ;-).

As for the weight, it's slowly been going down (5.6% since mid-January) although I seem to have hit my typical set point, that number that I can't get under. Here's my question though, does anyone know what a good weight would be for a female runner, 5'5" tall who wants to be faster?

Ok, time to get dressed and hit the bricks. Wish me luck with the 10 miler...hope it's not windy....grrrrrr.

Stretching the IT Band

2010-03-25T20:39:00.000-04:00

This video shows all of my favorite IT Band stretches. Good stuff!
(FYI - If you've not used one before, the foam roller hurts like a mother. ;-)

I Heart Five Hour Energy!!

2010-03-20T10:38:00.001-04:00

Has anyone used this stuff on their long runs? Love it! I don't know if it's the caffeine or what, but I seem to breath better and run much stronger when I drink half a dose before a long run. (I drink the other half after.) Normally, I don't do any kind of energy stuff because I tend to get the jitters from it, but this one doesn't seem to bother me. Still, if you've heard bad things, let me know. Looks like it's mostly vitamins and caffeine, but I don't want to do anything that's unhealthy.

This week I've logged 20 miles! I did two runs in the Newtons. Some advice - probably best to listen to their warning to break them in slowly. My 4 miler was great, but at the end of the 6 miler, they started to hurt my front foot/metatarsals. Still, no pain after. I'm still a fan...and I do think they might be making me faster? It's either the shoes, the form changes, or a combination. My 4 miler was at a 10:10 pace and for me, it's been a long time since I held that pace for 4 miles. Today's 8 miler was a 10:54 pace. Overall, I'm thrilled with how things are going.

I'm off to an indoor water park with my sister, nephew, and 3 of his junior high friends. Keep me in your prayers!

Update on the Newtons

2010-03-16T21:48:00.003-04:00

Ok, quick post on the shoes. Did a 4 miler in them last night. Today, no pain in my achilles, calves, or knees. All systems go!! Tomorrow I'm doing 6 in my Asics, then 4 Thursday in the Newtons.

First impressions...

WOW...these shoes are different. Although I love running in them, they are not made for walking and are, in fact, difficult to walk in due to the front raised lugs. They're incredibly comfortable, very light and breathable, and I have no complaints with the overall fit and feel. (Oh yea, had to get them in a 1/2 size bigger than the Asics.) Also, it's pretty impossible to heel strike in this shoe. Definitely, they helped me hold form and that's what I'm going for, so I'm happy.

Interesting Video: Running Form and Newton Construction

If Lovin a Shoe is Wrong, I Don't Wanna Be Right

2010-03-14T17:56:00.002-04:00

After doing some research, I selected this, the Newton Lady Isaac as my new running shoe of choice.

Isn't she a beauty? This thing is feather light (8.9 ounces) and the most comfortable shoe I've ever put on my foot. However, it is definitely a different feel - by design.

To quote the website:
The Isaac is a neutral guidance trainer designed for runners committed to improving their running form to the more efficient midfoot/forefoot running style.

Here's how they do it...these midfoot lugs. Again, from the website:

The genius behind the Newton running shoes is the patented Action/Reaction Technology™. When using the ultra-efficient Land-Lever-Lift midfoot or forefoot running gait, the technology absorbs and then returns your own energy back to you. It's not fancy technospeak, and it's no gimmick. It's a revolutionary way of building a running shoe based on Sir Isaac Newton's third law of motion - "For every ACTION, there is an equal and opposite REACTION." Loosely translated, it means you get a boost of forward energy with every single stride you take.

I realize this could be slick marketing hype, but the reviews I read on these shoes (from real runners) were so positive, I decided to give them a go. If they don't work, I guess it's back to the drawing board.

So, I'll be doing a shoe review of my own. If these shoes, coupled with my running form modifications, allow me to run pain free, call me a ChiRunning Newton girl! Either way, I'll keep it real for you, my awesome readers. (Translation: If they suck, you'll get to hear me whine, complain, and lament the money I foolishly shelled out for them.)

In other news, I ran my first 8 miler in over a year! I've been on a serious high all day!!! You would think I won the damn lotto. Also, 17 miles for the week!!!

Midweek Update

2010-03-09T21:07:00.010-05:00

Saturday was my long run and although I wanted to do 8 miles, I settled for 7. The run just was not feeling so good and my longest run thus far was 6, so 7 seemed to make sense.

Running club prez (Dave) eating what he described as his "ethnically confused" pizza after Saturday's run. The pizza was sauerkraut and brauts.

Monday night I ran in my sub with Kim (running pal who talks a lot ;-). We managed to get in 5 miles. Although my knees felt fine and I tried to stay in "ChiRunning" form, I must admit this form changing thing is not easy. Obviously, it's not an overnight fix (darn it, I love those) and will take a lot of time and persistance. My knees feel pretty good today, but not entirely pain-free. The run felt aweful though. I realized why at about the half mile mark. I seem to be leaning a lot and as Danny says, "The lean is your gas pedal." Well, my pedal had me running 9 minute miles, which I normally do not do so my lungs were burning and I had to do more walk breaks. (Side note - Folks, I'm in seriously sucky shape here. This running thing, it's hard.)

Tomorrow is a 5 miler, followed by an 8 miler Saturday. So far, I'm sticking with 3 days of running per week, 2 days of yoga, 1 day of weights. I'm really itching to go to 4 days of running though. Is it too soon?

I <3 running!!!! (Even though I suck and it feels bad.)

ChiRunning Update #2: The Saga Continues...

2010-03-06T08:06:00.000-05:00

Sadly, I've not had time to read much more of the book this week. The first week of the month is always a busy one for me as the two clubs I'm a member of both have their monthly meetings (running club and VFW), so that takes up two entire evenings. Top it off with the fact that our high school boys and girls basketball teams are both ranked #1 in the state & it's "March Madness" (GO LIBERTY BENTON EAGLES!!!) and you've got one busy week! However, I did receive the DVD from Petra and I'm hoping to watch it this weekend. Also, I did two runs and attempted to bring my Chi moves...one outside, one treadmill. I felt great after the outside run, but the whole time I was on the treadmill, I just felt as if I was struggling to get the form right. The next day, I woke up with a sore right knee. I was going to run that night, but backed it off and went to yoga class instead. The knee is feeling much better and I have an 8-miler this morning. (This is my first 8 miler since last February, so I'm excited!)

Chi Goals for the Week:
- Watch DVD
- Read some more of the book
- Look for some flat shoes (Per Jon, this helps with a mid-foot strike and I can see where that would be the case, so I need to do some research.)
- Check for another class date (The original March date didn't work for me when I realized I have a race next weekend...which is a class date. However, the instructor in Columbus tells me he'll be doing more classes this spring.)

It's suppose to be sunny and in the 40s here for the next several days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Perfect running weather.

Another video from Danny where he talks about the hip rotation (NOTE: Says 7 minutes, but it's only about 3:30):

Elvis had nothing on our Danny. ;-)

ChiRunning Update #1: Form Focus

2010-03-03T08:34:00.005-05:00

Hi All -
Thought I would post a quick update on my ChiRunning progress. I'm now 75 pages into the book and I've learned there are 6 key areas of form focus covered in ChiRunning.

Posture
Lean
Lower Body
Pelvic Rotation
Upper Body
Gears, cadence, stride length

So far, I've attempted to implement the posture, lean, lower body changes. As hard as this is to believe (even for me), I've already noticed a huge difference in my knees. The constant pain and throbbing, mostly post-run, that had me icing and popping Aleve is gone. I ran Sunday and Monday (normally I don't run 2 days in a row, but we had our monthly club run Monday) and no pain. I'm starting to suspect the hip and knee issues were related to my heavy heel strike and forward hip posture. Hmmm...why this never occurred to me before, I have no idea? So, I will keep plugging away on the book and posting what I learn and experience.

Also, thank you all for the advice you've posted and the support you've shown. I always tell people I'm a runner not because I love to run (it's a love/hate thing for me), but because I LOVE RUNNERS! Runners are the best...and I appreciate you all!!

Little video on ChiRunning compliments of the author, Danny Dreyer:

Running Form Books

2010-02-26T16:19:00.011-05:00

Anyone read this book or the Pose running one? I know that Petra has read it and also has the DVDs. (Which she's been kind enough to mail to me. Thanks Petra!)

I'm just trying to get some feedback on these different running form approaches. I've come to suspect some of my injuries are related to poor form. I realize there are different schools of thought on form. Some people feel you shouldn't and can't change your God given form because it's perfect. I guess my thinking is God gave me some other less than perfect parts, so maybe he also gave me bad form? LOL...I mean, it's possible right? At any rate, I'm tired of knee pain and desperate to find solutions. Also, it was my orthopedic doctor (happens to also be an avid runner) who read this book and told me about it.

So, maybe as I read, learn, and experiment I'll post updates on ChiRunning.

NOTE: Pronounced (CHEE) Running. I was really hoping it was Chi, not Chee. I love chai tea more than tai chi...but that's just me.

Petra, M&Ms on there way to you. ;-) Enjoy!

A Few Pics of My Pals

2010-02-23T22:00:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple of pictures I got last Sunday when we ran.

Annie and Kim, the ladies I run with on Sunday mornings. Annie is about 5 foot tall and weighs about a buck o' five. She has endless energy. Sometimes she does a 3 hour spinning class on Sundays, AFTER we've already ran that morning and AFTER she has done a long run on Saturday and a swim. Seriously, she makes the energizer bunny look like a slacker. Kim talks non-stop, which I love because it distracts me from the pain of running...lol.

The coffee house we go to after (George House, but we call it the "Joe Ho") is right across from the main campus of the University of Findlay. I love this building, so I got a pic from the front of the Joe Ho.

Random Update 1

2010-02-21T08:11:00.003-05:00

Running 6 miles this morning. I believe it's 32...holy crap! Should I bust out my shorts? This may be my first run in a while where I'm not wearing Under Armour from head to toe...very awesome!

New Look...

2010-02-19T22:20:00.004-05:00

Yes, the blog has a new look. I was starting to find the old one difficult to read...even with my old lady readers on.

Running Quote, just because...
"Running is a mental sport...and we're all insane!"
~ Author unknown

Actually, this one is pretty funny.
"Life is short... running makes it seem longer."
~ Baron Hansen

Is it 2010 already?

2010-02-15T18:33:00.003-05:00

Talk about one neglected blog. I think I’ve contracted that new-age condition called “social media overload syndrome”. Lately, it seems Facebook, with its mini-snippets of conversation and mindless banter, seems to fit my attention deficit brain like a well worn glove. Maybe it’s the fact that I also write blogs for my company’s marketing site now and occasionally post to the blog I set up recently for my running club.

So, I’m wondering, what is the future of Irish Blue in a Running Shoe? Although she still runs, certainly she doesn’t run nearly as much as she once did. (Thanks in part to some pretty screwed up knees. If only it were as easy to get 18 year old knees as it is to get 18 year old boobs, aye? ;-) She now loves to lift weights and bike, yet “Irish Blue in a Cross Training Shoe” just doesn’t have the same flair, does it? Sigh…

While I try to figure that all out, let me get you, my faithful 2 or 3 readers, up to speed...

I am currently training for a half marathon. YEAH!!! I’m registered for the Kentucky Derby half in April. Several of the runners from my club are also running both the full and the half marathon, so it’s shaping up to be one big road trip! Another couple we know is coming too and rooming with us. They’ll be doing their first ever full marathon. I’m really excited I’ll be at the finish line to see my BFF Deb (same Deb who ran my first half with me – was also her first half) finish her very first marathon! I’m guessing there will be some tears. Additionally, I’ve talked a coworker into doing her first half with me and her husband is running it too. I’m pumped, yet trying to restrain my enthusiasm and train smart and conservatively because of the continuing issues I’m having with my knees, primarily lefty is still not cooperating. Currently, I’m only running 3 days per week. That’s it. The rest is cross training via an elliptical and strength training. We’ll see how it all plays out, but to be honest with you, I don’t much care how I finish. Being hurt has allowed me to enjoy running just for the sake of running, so my goal is this – finish and have one hell of a good time! Hmmm, have I set the bar too high? ;-)

Bill is training for the KD full and this will be his 4th marathon. He’s been doing a lot of trail running (I’ve done a little) and he’s getting really fast. He’s tossing around the whole 50 state challenge now. Wow, I really created a monster here, didn’t I?

Would love to get a new bike this spring. I’ve been looking at one, but haven’t committed to anything yet. I definitely have plans to continue doing the 30 mile Sunday ride with the ladies and I’d like to talk one or more of them into possibly doing the Hancock 100 bike race, which is here in our area in July, I believe.

So, that’s it for now. Still here and hanging on through what is shaping up to be one snowy winter in the midwest. Pretty soon they'll be truckin' this stuff to Vancouver!!

Future of the Blog

2009-12-13T20:43:00.004-05:00

I've been debating the future of this blog. Initially, I found it fun to blog and it truly has been awesome meeting some of my fellow runners/readers, even having the opportunity to run with several of you in Chicago. However, it's been months since I really had a burning desire to write a blog entry. The couple I've managed to crank out have been less than inspiring...snooze. Pepper in the fact that I'm now on Facebook and can talk to and keep up with most of you there, even if it is just in random sound bites.

All of this has me wondering if the blog has seen it's better days? Should I keep it and use it more as a training/nutrition log, change the format to a weekly quick post/recap, or scrap it altogether?

Well, for now I've decided to keep it. I will try my best to update it at least once a week. I am running again and registering for some races, making plans for 2012. I want to fall in love with running again and this blog has been a big part of that love story. I don't have the heart to let go...not yet anyway.

Melisa Has a Blog?

2009-11-17T19:42:00.005-05:00

Ok, I realize I've been a little neglectful with my blogging lately. What's new, right? Honestly, I don't know how you all squeeze it all in. Apparently, my time management skills are in serious need of honing.

So, what have I been up to? Well, lots actually. My VFW Auxiliary has been busy, busy, busy. We recently raised money for and participated in a local Honor Flight that flew 30 WWII vets to Washington DC, we did a school program on Veteran's Day and served meals to 60 vets, and we did a food drive and delivered 8 boxes of food to a food pantry for veterans. See, I haven't just been sitting on my @$$ like you guys were thinkin'...lol.

Couple of Honor Flight Pics of Our "Fellas"
*Pics to follow...blogger is giving me errors on upload...sigh.*

On the running front, I have started running again 3 days per week. I'm working on a schedule now that I'm hoping will get me to a spring half marathon *injury free*. I still feel like my knees are not right and I continue to do my physical therapy exercises here at home. I'm also lifting weights 4 x per week. I finally feel like I'm starting to see some results from the weight training...feeling much more toned and stronger too. I'm really liking that!

Tomorrow, you can catch me on Runner's Round Table where I'll be co-hosting an episode with my guy Yuri Elkaim. (If you recall, I've purchased about everything he has produced - Strength Training for Runners, Stretching for Runners, Eating for Energy, and his Treadmill Training series. Needless to say, I'm pretty pumped.) Join in if you can!!!

Runner's Round Table

2009-09-15T08:01:00.002-04:00

Hey guys, check me out tomorrow on Runners Round Table. Should be fun!! The topic is resistance training for runners.

Can you run just a smidge?

2009-09-08T21:39:00.002-04:00

If so, then I have been running just a smidge. Last week I ran twice for 20 minutes. It was slow too - more like jogging. Nothing crazy, right? Check...no crazy here.

Meanwhile, I've been getting into biking, lifting weights, and tonight I did some core yoga class at the gym that was pretty cool. (I talked my daughter into joining the gym with me so that I can go at night, take her with, and then I don't have to feel guilty or get up at 4:30AM anymore. Pretty smart, huh?

Tomorrow I start a new 6 week session of spinning classes. YEAH!! I'll be spinning Wednesdays and Saturdays and biking 30 miles on Sundays. I'm loving biking!!! Maybe there's a triathlete in me somewhere? I'm also going to shoot for two 20 minute runs per week, probably interval type runs.

So, what next? Well, I don't have any immediate plans to race. However, I am planning and dreaming for next year. Some ideas I'm tossing around...a duathalon (bike/run), 100 mile bike race, a couple of half marathons and maybe some shorter races.

Like I said, just dreaming now. (This is the fun part!) No firm plans yet, but I'll keep you posted.

You Go Girl?

2009-08-23T21:14:00.002-04:00

Ladies, check this out. (Admittedly, I was a little scared when I clicked "Watch Demo"...lol.)

Go Girl

Petra, this has your name written all over it! ;-)

Last week's workouts:
Monday
AM Weights
PM Walking (30 min) and PT

Tuesday
PM Walking (30 min) and PT

Wednesday
AM PT
PM Walking (30 min)

Thursday
PM Walking (30 min) and PT

Sunday
AM 20 miles on bike
PM 1 mile walk

It's Complicated

2009-08-13T08:52:00.008-04:00

This is a good article. I don’t know about you, but I could use some inspiration. (Thanks Sherrie Harris!!)

You Can Grow Younger

Hopefully this post doesn’t contain too many grammatical gaffes and ramble on endlessly. I wrote it in a hurry.

So, what the hell have I been doing? I’ve had hip problems (bursitis), complicated by a hip misalignment, complicated by two bad knees (patellar tendinitis), complicated by a complete running identity crisis, complicated most recently by a serious lack of mojo.

Ok, enough of the Debbie Downer stuff. Let's just say it's been a tough year. However, I realize in life sometimes good things come from seemingly bad situations and I’m hoping this is one of those times.

Around spring, it became clear to me that my running had somehow gone from an activity that built my body up to an activity that seemed to be breaking my body down. After about two and a half years of running pretty much pain-free, my body was talking and I was not listening. My body screamed, “My hip hurts!” My brain replied, “But, I wanna run!” My body sighed, “My knee is really throbbing lady.” My brain replied, “But, I wanna run!” My body stated insultingly, “See a doctor dumb ass.” My brain replied, “But, I wanna run!”

It’s taken me a long time and a lot of mental arguments involving my “rational self” and my “dumb ass self” (who’s really pushy btw) to finally admit that I have a problem. When it comes to running, I don’t know how to be rational. Why? Love, that’s why. I love to run and it’s not always rational. Hence, my love of running has led me down the path of stupidity on more than one occasion.

Stretching? (Isn’t that for wimps?)

Ramping up your mileage at no more than 10% a week? (Is that new math, cause I don’t do new math? I’m keeping it old school.)

Good nutrition, especially after that long run? (Wine has grapes in it. Grapes are fruit. Fruit is good. I'm good, right?)

Doh, doh, doh…and so the cycle of stupidity continued until I felt - well, like a 43 year old woman with 90 year old joints. Obviously, something had to change.

After multiple trips to doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists, I’ve finally concluded that I need to let go of running – at least temporarily. I need to build my body back up and strengthen my hips, my inner quads (VMO?), and get my damn patellas tracking right again. Then, and only then, will I resume running. It’s taken me months to arrive at this place and now that I have, it makes so much sense.

So, the plan is this. I’ve purchased Strength Training for Runners by my guy Yuri Elkaim. (Who has agreed to do a Runner’s Roundtable podcast with me about this subject btw. Stay tuned for details.) My physical therapist has given the plan a thumbs up, so I’m starting next week. The program is designed specifically to strengthen the running muscles. It’s 12 weeks in length. After I’ve completed a minimum of 6 weeks of the plan, I’m going to SLOWLY and GRADUALLY start running again, only I’m going to take a slightly different approach this time. I’m going to run 3 days a week (and no more!), strength train at least 2 days a week, and spin or bike 2 days a week.

That’s right, I’m going to cross train. (What a concept, I know!) I think it's my best hope for staying injury-free. Plus, I’ve realized I can still get to the same finish lines as all of you; I’m just going to have to take a different route. If that’s what it takes for me to run healthy and pain-free for years to come, then I’ll take it!

I've got over a year to get ready for the 2011 Goofy Challenge and it's going to take training smart to get me there without an entourage of medical staff and/or heavy narcotics. So, if you see me acting stupid, feel free to call me out on it. (Please? ;-)

Kiddo Stuff

2009-07-26T10:08:00.012-04:00

Hi All,
I think this has been my longest absence from this blog. There is much to fill you in on and hopefully, while I'm off this week, I will get a long post published. Meanwhile, here are a few pictures from Corey's high school graduation and Jonathan's graduation from boot camp.

Corey in cap and gown

Michaela, Corey, and Bill

Corey and Cake!

Group Shot with Our Sailor!

All Three Kids

Jonathan and My Dad (who was also a sailor in the 60s)

Jonathan and Lil Sis

As for my running, I'll try to report back tomorrow. Today is my first day of PT on my knees. The diagnosis - patellar tendinitis due to a muscular imbalance that is pulling the patella outward and causing it to track wrong. Fun stuff! ;-)

Notes from the edge...

2009-06-04T08:45:00.005-04:00

Hi guys,
First off - kudos to my husband who ran a major PR in Traverse City last month - 3:57:11? (Hopefully, that's right as the way they list the results online is hard to read and figure out.) I think that is close to 50 minutes off of his Chicago time. YEAH HONEY!!!!!

Well, our oldest is in Navy boot camp and the middle one had his high school commencement this past weekend. This Sunday, we'll be hosting his party at our house and then we are FREE! Wow, I think this past May was our craziest month EVER. I'm really looking forward to things slowing down. Hopefully, I'll have time to catch up with all of you.

I've been doing some google diagnosis of my hip and knee problems (which have become very frustrating) and I think I'm finally onto something. In short - IT Band issues. It's starting to make sense since as soon as my hip was better and I was able to run, I began having inflammation problems with my knees. But, more on that later.

Still Here

2009-05-07T07:32:00.004-04:00

Sorry it has been so long. I have to say not only have I not written a blog, I've not kept up with your blogs either. I would love to say I'll catch up this week, but that probably will not happen, so please forgive me.

This month we have our oldest son (who dropped out of art school in December) leaving for the Navy May 28th. (He just enlisted this week!) Our middle son also graduates from high school May 31st and is leaving for college at the end of summer. We are just getting our house finished up after having the basement remodeled (post flood) and a deck put on the back. Meanwhile, I'm trying to finish the middle son's scrapbook, get invitations out to his graduation party, and plan a going away party now for the oldest. Sigh...I'm exhausted just thinking of everything that needs done this month. I really do hope to get back to a regular posting schedule next month and catch up on your lives. I MISS YOU GUYS!!!!

I am running again. I purchased the 5K Treadmill Trainer Series at www.mytreadmilltrainer.com and I'm really liking it. I'm doing two interval runs on the treadmill (while Yuri is coaching me via my iPod) and one long run on the weekends with my running club pals. I'm also doing spinning on Wednesdays (I've never sweat so much in my life btw), cardio DVDs at work with the ladies on Mon/Fri and weight training 3 days per week. It's crazy.

The bad news is, my endurance is not so good after 8 weeks of no running. The good news is - since joining a gym in March, I've managed through weight training and cardio to drop my body fat from 20.6% to 18.8%! I'm getting some guns ladies!!!!

I know it's going to take some time to get my running to where I want it, but I'm ok with it now. I *think* my plan is to do some shorter runs this summer - 5k, 10k distance. If I manage to remain uninjured, I'd like to train hard for a faster half marathon this fall. More to follow on all of that. Meanwhile, I just need to get through the next month.

My husband is now tappering for the Traverse City Bayshore Marathon at the end of May. Unfortunately, I had to drop down to the 10K. I'm not targeting any time, just a finish. (I'm just now up to a 6 mile long run on the weekends.) I'm excited for Bill though, as I think he's going to do very well.

Congrats to Petra for a kick-ass London finish. Man, that girl can run!!!!!!!

Miles Recovery Week 1

2009-04-12T20:11:00.003-04:00

I stuck to the plan this week and only did three runs.

Tuesday - 2
Thursday - 2
Saturday - 3
Total: 7

I also did 4 weight lifting sessions and one elliptical workout. Working on next weeks schedule tonight. I will probably cut back to 2 weight lifting sessions as my miles ramp up, mostly core work.

So, I found this new website and I'm somewhat intrigued by this guys approach which involves a lot of High Intensity Interval Training.

My Treadmill Trainer

Thoughts? When you buy his programs, you get the ipod files and listen along to his training, ideally on the treadmill.

Holding Back the Stupid

2009-04-09T08:16:00.005-04:00

Last week I started running again, although not far and not fast. The good news is, I didn't have any hip pain. I iced, I took my 2 Aleve a day. Basically, I was a good girl...which is no fun but at times necessary...lol.

The bad news is, it feels like this is going to take forever! Sigh...so I have to keep reminding myself to not do stupid stuff. I'm holding back the stupid, but I don't know how long that will last.

I'm doing weights and biking, trying to run no more than 3 days a week, at least for a few more weeks, then up it to 4 and see how that works. I'm also doing nooners (as a few of us are calling them ;-) with some girls at work. We get together over lunch and do a mix of cardio (tapes and dvds) and strength training. It's been a really fun way to get to know them all better. I think I've even talked a few of them into doing a 5k with me in June. This will likely be my first "official" race. I'm hoping to work on my short game for a while - gain some speed, lose some weight (have had some progress there), and basically kick some a**. (See, here comes the stupid again.)

Meanwhile, I've sucked as a blog friend and for that I apologize. However, I've managed to do some catching up this week, so hopefully, I can get back up to speed with all of you and your running/lives, etc.... I've really missed everyone! I've missed my running club peeps too. I may try to join them Saturday, but only for a few miles.

Also, great news on the basement front. Bill finally caved in to my never-ending whining and hired a contractor to do the work. He also came up with a brilliant idea to take our big screen TV and recess it into a wall, so it looks like a theatre room and adds a lot of space (that TV took up half the room). Since the place was in complete shambles, we decided to go ahead with our plans to knock out another wall and add a bar area too. Then we added a wall to make an extra room in the back (bedroom/home office/exercise?). It is going to look great, so I'm really excited!!!

As grandma use to say, "When life hands you a lemon sweetie, make whiskey sours."

Melisa Runs? Really?

2009-03-29T08:43:00.010-04:00

Well, not yet, but she can!!

I went back to the sports ortho last week and he's given me clearance to start running again...kinda. He told me to walk this week, and then gradually add a few minutes of jogging to my walk. If that doesn’t hurt, jog a little more next time and work my way back up to running. He did give me a stern warning about trying to do too much too fast. He said, “If you try to go out and run a 10 miler this weekend, you’ll be back here next week. ” LOL…I think he’s a mind reader. He told me to take Aleve before I run and ice after. I feel like all I do these days is walk around with a bag of peas in my pants. (Seriously, that's what he told me to use. I mean its 2009 and that's the best we've got? Pea pants? ;-)

I do really feel fortunate to have him as a doctor because he's in our running club and has done several full and half marathons, as well as triathlons. He’s also younger than me by about 7ish years and he's had hip bursitis brought on by too much running. So, for those of you who think this is just for old people…HAHHHHHH!!! Sorry if I'm a little defensive about my injury because it sounds so unsexy and it does sound like it's for old people. One of the other guys in our running club (who will remain nameless ;-) was asking Bill where I've been. Bill said she can't run due to bursitis. He said, "Really? Bursitis? How old is she?" Grrrr.... HELLO, IT'S NOT JUST FOR OLD PEOPLE!!! Use “the google” and see for yourself. Sigh…

(I feel like this post is going off the rails on a crazy train. Sorry for my “Ozzy like” moment.)

My doctor also asked me where I was running (outside or treadmill) this winter. I told him all about the screw shoes and running outside through the wind, ice, snow, etc…. I thought he would be all impressed, right? Not so much. He basically said that running outside during poor road conditions is probably what caused my bursitis because I was likely running with poor or altered form, which will eventually lead to injury. He only runs on the treadmill in the winter and does more cross training until the roads are clear. Hmmmm, who woulda thunk? (In case you are wondering – yes, I sat there feeling really stupid. It was like I’d been smoking for years and then someone said, “You know those will kill you?” Maybe I should have known, maybe it was like...dah…pretty obvious, but I didn’t know.) So, I’m thinking next year’s winter training strategy might be a little different.

Meanwhile, I have continued to go to the gym faithfully since joining about 4 weeks ago. I’ve been lifting 3 days a week and doing cardio on the recumbent bike 4-5 days per week. The lifting has been awesome! Forgot how much I like weights. That’s something I’m going to continue to do 2-3 days per week even when I’m back to higher mileage running.

In terms of my running, I’m taking the wise advice of Paula Sue (my running club mentor) and not planning any races until I’ve been back to running “pain free/injury free” for a month or more. (Too be honest with you, I’m a little scared to run as I’m afraid the pain will come back and I’ll be incredibly disappointed if it does and I’m sidelined again. So, I know I really have to ease my way back in…baby steps for now…until I feel I’m ready for more.) I have a sort of three phased return approach formulating in my head, but more on that later.

I have been reading your blogs and listening to a lot of podcasts lately. I found out via the Extra Mile that Kevin and his wife had twin girls. Way to go Kevin! Everyone’s been racing a lot too and it’s been fun reading the reports. Good stuff guys!!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2009-03-08T18:42:00.004-04:00

When life is not really going as planned and you realize the goals that you’ve set, the events that you’ve meticulously planned, the schedule you’ve spent hours crafting have suddenly become completely worthless, I think it helps to take a step back and look at the big picture.

The Good
I’m alive and I don’t have an incurable disease. Yea!!! My family is healthy and fairly happy. (We have teenagers so this is as close as we can get). I’m still employed and so is Bill. Our parents are doing well. Our house did not burn down, leaving us homeless and in despair. Life is still good.

The Bad
Ok, we all know s**t happens and it’s definitely been happening around here. Here’s my sad, pathetic story. Grab a Kleenex…lol.

Wednesday, February 11th - Bill and I come home from work to find our basement flooded. It had rained heavily that day and our sump pump died on us, allowing about 3-4 inches of water to accumulate in our carpeted and furnished basement. We quickly got all of the stuff out of there and waited patiently for the insurance adjuster to show up and assess the damage.

The Ugly
Wednesday, February 18th – Still no adjuster, but life goes on, right? I’m running that evening from the YMCA with a fellow running club member. So far, my marathon training is going great. We get about 2 miles into a 5 mile run and I start having excruciating hip pain. I try to continue running, do some walking, then try to run again, but can’t. The pain is too bad and it literally feels like my hip has gone out. We walk about two miles back to the Y. It was the longest two miles - took me forever.

Thursday, February, 26th – I finally get in to see my sports ortho. The diagnosis – bursitis. What? Like, isn’t that for old people? What the heck? Apparently, it’s an inflammation of the bursae, which is a fluid filled sack we have in our joints. It’s very painful and common in runners, but it’s very curable. (Assuming you’re able to follow instructions, but more on that later. ;-) The cause – overuse and poor stretching (guilty as charged your honor). The cure – no running until I’ve been “pain free” for at least 4 weeks. Then, a gradual walk/jog/run build up.

Tuesday, March 3rd – Having been pain free now for a few days, Melisa tries to run. Doh…stupid, stupid, stupid. I get one mile in on the treadmill and it’s back. I’m popping Aleve, icing, and limping for 3 days.

Thursday, March 5th – I see a physical therapist. She’s very sweet and looks at me like I’m a complete moron, but never really comes out and says that. God bless her. She teaches me proper stretching of the hips and the IT band. She gives me these cool bands to use and instructs me to not run and stretch 1-2 times daily. I ask her, “What can I do then?” Seeing the desperation in my face, she says, “Well, you could try swimming, recumbent biking, yoga, and/or weights, assuming they don’t cause you any pain.”

Fast forward to Thursday evening, and Melisa has a new plan! ;-) I realized it was time to stop fantasizing about running my marathon in May, as it’s just not going to happen. So, I tried to focus on what I can do. I put down the Krispie Kremes and joined a gym ASAP! I went last week and the owner helped me come up with a schedule that involves lifting, recumbent biking, and yoga 2 days a week. Next week, she’s measuring my fat (ugh), waist, chest, etc…. My hope is that I can retain some of my cardio fitness, build muscle, lose fat, and become more flexible while I’m on this running hiatus. (Another contributing factor with bursitis is weak hip and core muscles.)

Now, back to the basement. The adjuster showed up 2 full weeks after the flood and we just received payment to start putting it back together. However, we were under insured on structural damage and over insured on content damage, so we’ll likely end up paying several thousand out-of-pocket. (Don’t get me started on insurance. It’s never what you need when you need it. Crazy!!) Looks like we’ll be under construction for a while.

Bursitis info - just so you can try to avoid it:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2318252_avoid-bursitis.html

The Interview

2009-02-22T08:38:00.004-05:00

A while back Petra participated in an interview on her blog (which was very interesting BTW if you have not read it, click here.) So, I decided to join in the fun and have her send me five interview questions. Her questions were great. Thanks Petra!! Below are my answers.

What is the most unexpected turn your life has taken?
Joining the Air Force at 19. I think it changed the trajectory of my entire adult life, for the better.

At the time I was immature, directionless, disorganized, and not entirely sure of myself. The Air Force taught me life skills I never could have learned on my own had I remained close to home and my parents.

I love my folks, but they told me “Why don’t you be a nurse or a teacher?” The Air Force didn’t limit me to traditionally female roles. They said, “You’re qualified to do any number of things from de-fusing bombs (seriously this was an option), to analyzing intelligence, to working on jets. Pick whichever job sounds most interesting to you.” Suddenly, I found myself in basic training scaling walls, firing an M-16, and folding my t-shirts into these neat little squares. Anything seemed possible!

I remember once when I was about 23 and a Sergeant stationed in Germany, we were doing some “Chem Warfare Training”, which involved wearing our chemical warfare clothing, a gas mask, and eating MREs (Meals Ready to Eat - yuck). We had just been “attacked” and we were all taking cover under a desk in the flight room. In the quiet as I listened to my Darth Vader like breathing through the gas mask I had time to assess this rather odd situation in which I found myself. Out of nowhere, I started laughing hysterically! (My friends were like, “Melisa, shut the hell up before you get us pretend killed.”) I thought, “How did a girl who grew up in a small farming community in northwest Ohio end up halfway around the world under a desk wearing a gas mask?” Talk about stepping out of your comfort zone. That’s what the AF taught me - life is more fun, more challenging and way more interesting if you will only step out of your comfort zone.

What would you most like to achieve in the next 2 years?
I would love to be more physically fit, leaner, and healthier. The biggest challenge for me is the eating. When it comes to food, I’m very weak. I need to gain more self-control.

If you could say something now to your 18 year old self, what would it be?
It’s interesting Petra asked this one, because I just gave the advice I would give my 18 year old self to my 20 year old son the other day. I hope he takes it to heart.

You are enough. You’re stronger than you know, smarter than you think. Stop comparing yourself to others and focus your energy on developing the very best you that you can be.

Don’t worry about failing, because you will. We all do. It’s an important part of the journey. With failure comes the wisdom and strength you’ll need to finally succeed.

Spend all of your energy and intellectual capital on gaining knowledge, friendship, and experiences - not money and things. Money and things can be lost or taken away, but the others are yours to keep forever.

Which of your personality traits do you dislike most?
That I’m too emotional and sentimental. I would love to be less feeling and more reasoning.

That I love change. This one can be both a blessing and a curse. The curse part is that I'm easily bored and often switching directions. As an example, I love my job and I hate my job. I love the work, for the most part. I just hate sitting behind a desk day-in and day-out. There are times when I would like to not have to think and just do something that is physically exhausting. Another one, I'm sick of Ohio and ready to move. Bill is all for it, but unfortunately our children and parents are not. So, for now we're stuck here and if I only liked sameness, this would not be a problem. As it is, I'm frustrated.

Which of your personality traits do you like best?
That I’m able to laugh at myself, and do so frequently.

So, to play along:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Next post I'll update you on my running and the flooding of our basement. Unfortunately, I need to get myself in a better place mentally before I tackle this post. ;-)

Yes, I'm still alive!!

2009-02-08T21:08:00.006-05:00

Hi Guys!

Gosh, it's been too long. Training is going well. I just completed week 3 of the Hal Higdon Intermediate II marathon program. I have to say, running all of my long runs outside in -4 temps, blowing snow, ice, and (yesterday's run) 20 mile per hour winds has been a real exercise in character building. It hasn't been easy and it hasn't been pretty (really), but I'm getting it done. I just hope it pays off in improved performance. I would hate to think those "you must be kidding me" looks we Striders have been getting were all for not. ;-)

So, I have not caught up on my blog reading or podcast listening, but I will try to get that done this week. Meanwhile, I hope everyone is doing well and surviving the cold (for you northerners out there).

FYI - Watching the Grammys and Cold Play just won for Viva La Vida. Sweet!! I love that song!! Is it just me though, or does Chris Martin dance in a very geekishly-sweet yet kinda funny way? LOL...I mean I love the guy, but it does make me giggle.

Coming Soon...

2009-02-05T08:29:00.002-05:00

A new post! Sorry guys, I've fallen a little behind of late. I plan to get caught up reading your blogs (and writing a new entry) this weekend.

I Heart Big Ben

2009-01-18T09:41:00.006-05:00

Good week in running. I got in a total of 5 days and 23 miles. I ran 8 outside yesterday with the Striders. There were about a dozen of us idiots out there. I think it was -1 degree, -11 with windchill. Awesome! I had on the screw shoes too, as it's still snowy and slick around here.

Also, my husband told me last night that he registered for Traverse City the day after New Years. I'm so glad he's running again too. Plus, we've got a lot of people training for Boston, so we should have plenty of people doing long runs this spring.

Well, I'm off to do some errands and visit my parents before the big game tonight. Go Steelers and Findlay native Big Ben!!!!

Snow, Snow Everywhere

2009-01-11T08:59:00.001-05:00

It's been snowing on and off here since Friday. I think we're up to 7-8 inches of accumulation. I did get in some extra calorie burn shoveling the driveway 3 times, so far.

So, does that mean I missed my long run (8 miles) Saturday morning? Nope, thanks to the wonder of these babies.

They're called "screw shoes" and they really work! Although I looked at Yaktrax and Stablicers, at the encouragement of people in the running club, I decided to go with screw shoes. Maybe it's the catchy name...lol. At any rate, Bill made us both a pair and we ran 8 miles in them in the blowing snow. It was a heck of a workout too, let me tell you. But, these shoes really give you all the traction you need to run on snow and (so I'm told) ice. It was 20ish degrees (11 with windchill), snowing steadily, not a lot of wind, and I was having the time of my life!! I just love running in the cold weather. Crazy, isn't it? (At least that's how people were kinda looking at us as we ran yesterday. We had about a dozen people show up for the Saturday morning 8@8.)

Here are the instructions for making your own screw shoes. It's pretty quick and easy. Kudos to my husband too, for getting me all hooked up. (He doesn't let me use power tools...hahaha.)

This week I logged 20 miles...woo-hoo! Next week, I'm shooting for 24. Then I start my 18 week marathon training plan.

I found out the marathon I'm running is located in the heart of Michigan's wine country. Talk about a bonus! So, I called up my wine-loving sister-in-law (who went with us to Chicago). She talked to her wine-loving friends and it looks like they'll all be joining us for a little Memorial Day holiday to Traverse City. I'm getting excited.

Lastly, good luck to all of the "Goofy" runners today! We'll be tracking you.

Random Stuff on Running, Gear, Holidays

2009-01-04T09:25:00.009-05:00

I’ve decided the schedule for Bayshore will be the Hal Higdon Intermediate II. I picked this one because I was looking for a 5-day a week schedule that had higher mileage than the last one I followed. Ultimately, I think if I want to become good at this running thing and get speedier, I’m going to have to get my running days and mileage up, possibly way up. Thomas makes this case in this post. It appears to have worked for him, as he went from running a 4:25 marathon to a 3:05. Of course, it took him a few years and I realize I need to be cautious while ramping up the mileage. Another reason I decided on this schedule is because Becky (from my running club) is also running Traverse City and using this schedule. She’s faster than me, of course. Still, even if she’s ahead of me, I take some comfort in knowing there will be someone on the course on Saturday mornings running the same distance.

In other news – I'm participating in another weight loss challenge. It's just 3 of us ladies from the running club who are doing our own little program. We all have our first race in 10 weeks (Beer Bottle 4-Mile Open) and we’re going to try to drop 15 lbs between now and then. (You do not want to know how much weight I’ve gained just since Chicago…it’s a total buzz kill. ;-) I’m glad I’ll have my own little support group. Plus, we’re shooting for a fast race and I know if I don’t drop the lbs, fast will not enter the picture for me.

Speaking of eating better, I recently found this blog, which I love! Sammie is both a runner and a healthy eater and I love the food pics on her blog. She’s already inspiring me! Check it out. It's a great blog.

Bill and I did some winter running shopping last night and got new gloves, neck warmers, coats and a few odds and ends to allow us to dress for outdoor running - on sale! My Saturday morning run was pretty chilly, but I’m love, love, loving winter running. I’ll take 20 degrees over 85 degrees any day (for running that is).

I think I forgot to mention one of the Christmas gifts I got. My son, who works part-time at Best Buy, got us a new digital camera (Canon PowerShot). I have to tell you, I was so shocked and thrilled that I cried. When we were down in Columbus over Thanksgiving, I mentioned to him that after the holidays, I wanted him to help me pick out a good digital camera for under about $200 bucks. I had no idea he would even remember this conversation and I certainly didn’t think he would buy it for us! So, expect to see lots of pics on this blog. Below are two random shots we took this weekend.

Our trees - the little one was in my daughter's room, the big one we got this year to replace the *really big one* in the attic that I did not want to get down as it takes up an entire room.

My daughter took this of me in our kitchen. Not sure why I have that weird look on my face.

Son (Jonathan) who bought us the camera. (I didn't take this myself. I got it off his Facebook, which I regularly stalk for photos and details of his life. Sad, I know - but hey, he did make me a friend. ;-)

A Strider New Years

2009-01-01T15:23:00.007-05:00

Last night, Bill and I rang in the new year with some of the Striders. Two of our running club members bought a bar/pizza place in town this year and it's kind of become Strider Headquarters. Last night they had a kickin' and crowded New Year's Eve party. It was much fun...an 80s theme with 80s music. I was going to dress up like Modanna and make Bill wear a mullet wig and concert shirt, but I chickened out!

This morning was our first time doing the annual Strider "Hangover Run and Polar Dip". You heard me - these crazies run with a hangover and then a small group go for a dip in the pond. (One of the girls in the club who lives in a log home in the country hosts this event. It's also a potluck.) What a fun way to ring in the new year. BTW - it was 18 degrees!

Couple of pics from the polar dip. They had to clear the ice from a small section so the dippers could get in.

Tomorrow I'm running 5ish with Paula Sue from the Y at 8AM. Looking forward to it. Also, Santa came through with the Adidas Super Nova Gore Windstopper. I've already gotten major use out of it and it's awesome! Thanks Santa. ;-)

Melisa Runs!!!

2008-12-27T16:20:00.007-05:00

This week has been my best running week since Chicago. It's amazing how focused I can get just by registering for a race.

I ran with the Striders yesterday and this morning. My buddy and mentor Paula Sue was there. I always love it when I see her because she's a little dynamo and she's always happy and fun. Plus, she gives me big hugs everytime she sees me. Kim was also there. She's the lady who ran a lot of my training miles with me (when I was training for Chicago) even though she was not training for a marathon, which was really, really nice of her. We had good runs both days. Today was downright hot. It's like 62 degrees here, so the Saturday run drew an unusually big crowd of runners, most in shorts. It was awesome!

Tuesday - 3 miles
Friday - 5.25 miles
Saturday - 6 miles
Sunday - planning 3 miles

Here are the races I'm looking at for spring:

2/14 - Slippery Elm Trail Run (This is a free club event. I think it's a 13 miler.)
3/14 - Beer Bottle Open 4 miler
3/15 - Churchill Half Marathon (Might do it if other club members do.)
4/18 - Triangle Trail Half Marathon
5/23 - Traverse City Marathon

Hope everyone had a great Christmas! Here's to a fantastic 2009!!

Merry Christmas!!!!

2008-12-24T15:29:00.001-05:00

Ice, Ice Baby

2008-12-19T18:35:00.008-05:00

THIS...

IS WHY THESE...

are the only two things I want from Santa.

In other news...

I was sitting in my recliner last weekend (eating nachos while using my stomach as a TV tray) when I decided to follow Petra's advice and "do the opposite of me". So, I registered for The Bayshore Marathon in May.

Doh! Didn't she do this to me last year too?

Just for fun...

2008-12-13T23:28:00.010-05:00

Come on, it's kinda funny, no?

My daughter turns 14 tomorrow and we're hosting her birthday party tonight. It's a skating party - ice cream cake eating - movie watching - sleepover involving 6 teenage girls. PLEASE, feel my pain. I'm bringing the hammer down at midnight and invoking "quiet time".

Mine on the right

Mine in the middle

Man, I just realized the kid eats a lot of suckers!

Her and Katelyn...friends since kindergarten.

Plans for 2009

2008-12-07T18:16:00.015-05:00

I was looking through some old posts and I stumbled on my post where I listed my goals for 2008. So, how did I do?

1. Totally clean up my diet and lose 15 pounds by mid-February
Hmmm, got about half way there. I lost 12 pounds at the beginning of the year when my husband and I were doing that weight loss competition, but I’ve since put 5 back on.

2. Run 1000 miles or more
Ok, this is a bummer. I wish I had been paying more attention to this one as it looks like I’m at 851 currently. Still, I’d have to run 50 miles a week (I’ve never run 50 miles a week) to make it. As it stands, I’m going to fall about 50 miles short.

3. Run 2 half marathons
Finally! I over achieved. I ran three half marathons – Triangle Trail and Cleveland in the spring, and the Beth Smith Memorial in the fall. (I never posted my time here as I had to run 5 miles before this race started because I had an 18-miler on the sched that day as part of my marathon training. I think I finished just under 2:30. Plus, it’s an unofficial and free race my running club does to honor a former member, so no chip timing or any of that business.)

4. Run 1 marathon
Yeah baby! I’m a marathoner. It wasn’t pretty, but it counts, right?

5. Incorporate cross training with running
Ok, I did this about a dozen times, at best. I’m calling this a failure.

6. Actually show up for the Strider's Saturday runs
I did this faithfully from June through October. I haven’t been back since I ran the marathon. I suck.

Overall, I’m pretty pleased with how 2008 turned out. I didn’t achieve all of my goals 100%, but I accomplished the biggie – completing the Chicago Marathon.

Recently, I’ve been wrestling with what to do in 2009. I was trying to figure out which races to run when Shirley Perly said something to me that made me think. She said she always figures out what her goals are and then picks the races and events that will help her reach her goals. (She probably said it way better than that, but you get my point.)

So, what are my goals for 2009? Here’s what I’m hoping to achieve:
1. Continue to do endurance running events
2. Get faster
3. Maintain a weekly mileage of 25-30 miles
4. Eat healthier
5. Increase my overall cardio fitness
6. Improve my running physique (You ladies know how to translate this one. ;-)

I’ve given a lot of thought to how I can achieve these goals. One thing I know about myself is this - if I’m not registered for an event that requires me to run a lot of miles in preparation, I don’t run a lot of miles. I was very faithful during my marathon training because I know you can’t just phone in a 26.2 mile race. Well, you can but it aint gonna be pretty. Plus, the fact that you have to train so long and so hard is kinda what makes it seem challenging and exciting. I guess that’s where the whole “running addiction” thing comes into play. You get a little taste of it and you want more - longer runs, faster runs, more challenging races.

So, here’s my deal. I’m busting out 2 marathons in 2009 (and at least 2 halves, maybe some 5Ks)! Spring is pretty much decided. I’m doing the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City MI over Memorial Day. I picked this race because it’s a small venue, it’s late spring (gives me better weather for the 20 milers), it’s flat, and the entire run is along the water - out and back. The peeps who commented on it on MarthanGuide.com all gave it good reviews. Hopefully, it won’t be crazy hot like Chicago or I’ll be callin’ Mother Nature some really bad names.

To get faster, I've got Hal's Book (Run Fast) on my Christmas List and I'm probably going to follow his Intermediate Marathon Plan this time, plus try to incorporate speed and hill workouts. (I recently cornered the fast girl in our running club and asked her how she got so fast. Her answer - speed and hill workouts.)

For fall, I’ve been looking at a couple different marathon options:

1. Bizz Johnson Marathon, Westwood-Susanville, CA
Description: The Bizz just sounds cool to me. Has anyone done it? My sister-in-law who lives in Reno told me about this race. It’s a trail run, but not like an “over the river and through the woods” type trail run. It’s suppose to be incredibly scenic.
Pros: Not in Ohio, scenic, shouldn’t be too hot, in California, soft trail would be easy on the body
Cons: No Expo, very little crowd support, probably not the most organized race, downhill run which I’ve heard isn’t always a good thing, altitude – problem?

2. Kiawah Island Marathon, Kiawah Island, SC
Description: It’s on a golf resort type island and supposedly it’s also very scenic and mostly along the water. Some peeps in my running club did it last year and said it was great.
Pros: Not in Ohio, scenic, island resort, late winter date which is good for training schedule
Cons: Not sure what the weather will be like if we make this a vacation. Obviously, it will be too cold to swim or hang at the beach. Hubby and I could probably golf though. I haven’t figured out if this has an Expo. I’ll ask the runners in our club who did it. I like the Expos, what can I say.

3. Other possibilities – Portland, Philly, Vegas or a local marathon in the fall and Disney in January?

Basically, I’m open to suggestion and I’d love to run with some of you again. I mentioned the Bizz to Petra and she seemed excited. Anyone else like this one? If not, what other races sound good?

In other news - today we did manage to get our tree up and bake and frost 3 dozen sugar cookies. (I’ve eaten 3 and I’m drinking eggnog as we speak (or write and read…lol). The only thing that could make this situation worse is if I start munchin’ on a stick of butter! HELP – I need to register for that marathon. I’m going to – this week!)

What next?

2008-11-23T18:52:00.007-05:00

Hi guys! I'm home from Chicago. It's been hectic though. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday I spent most of my non-work time studying for my certification exam. I took the test Wednesday and, thankfully, I passed!! I'm now a Certified Usability Analyst...woo-hoo!

Now the bad news. Thursday I got sick. I initially thought I was just getting a cold. Unfortunately, I'm now sneezing my head off and my eyes will not stop watering. I'm actually getting worse and I've come to the bummer of a conclusion that I'm having some weird allergy attack. If I don't go to the doctor tomorrow, my husband may put me out of my misery because he's tired of hearing me blow my nose. You know it's getting bad when he says, "Would you just go to the doctor!" I can't remember the last time I felt this nasty.

In an effort to cheer myself up, I've been thinking about next year and trying to figure out what my plan is - what races to run, what goals to set, that kinda thing. Anyone with ideas, feel free to throw them out there.

Usability humor...does it ever get old?

2008-11-10T18:34:00.007-05:00

LOL...ok, maybe it does get old. The good news is, I'm going to run tonight. Yes, run! What a novel idea for a person like me who, say, has a running blog. It so happens that I was looking at my posts from the end of last year and I realized I took six weeks off last winter and I can remember thinking that was a really bad idea when January rolled around. So, I'm motivated to try to avoid this pitfall.

My husband and kids (minus the one in college) came to see me this weekend in Chicago. It was great spending time with them as it was getting pretty lonely here. We managed to squeeze in some shopping on Michigan Avenue, the HUGE Macys on State street, and the Navy Pier. We also saw an improvisational comedy act at Second City. It was soooo funny! We did our share of eating too, including a steak joint my husband had been wanting to try (Weber Grill) and some Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Yummy!!

So, the plan for this week - eat less, exercise more, and try to get in some studying for my certification test, which is November 19th.

Have a great week everyone!

2008-11-07T01:22:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note. I'm back in Chicago. (I love Chicago!) This time, it's for work. I'm taking some shamelessly geeky training at Human Factors International on usability. So far, I love the classes and it's really fascinating. I think I've found my calling.

I was here on election night. It was something historic and a major celebration in Chicago. It was like New Year's Eve! I actually went to Books-A-Million and bought a journal just so I could record the event - very moving.

So, I'm still a sloth. I've run once this week. Sigh...what the heck!! Not to worry though, when I return from Chicago I'm going to be working on my new persona - healthy, fit, energetic, exciting, and wildly more attractive Melisa. Sounds like I'll have my hands full!!

Usability humor...

If I Were An Animal...

2008-10-31T18:54:00.002-04:00

I'd be this sloth...lazy, chubby, layin around, sittin on my arse...doin nothin. (See, I'm too lazy to even type in whole words.)

HELP! I need motivation! I need inspiration! I need new jeans!

Runner's Round Table Rocks!!!

2008-10-29T19:41:00.001-04:00

Check out our fellow running mates Petra, Maddy, and Charlie on the Runner's Round Table. I'm listening now. Thanks for the shout outs guys! Luv ya!! Chicago 2009?

Chicago Pics

2008-10-18T16:04:00.002-04:00

Our Group - Bill, Charlie, Me, Stone (Maddy's son over my head), Maddy (tucked in behind Petra) and Petra on my right. This was taken at dinner Saturday night.

Me and my crazy British gal pal Petra!

Mr Irish Blue and I the morning of the race. (Compliments of Susan, Charlie's sister-in-law who is way sweet and loves to take pics.)

The "What's a Few Miles Among Friends" bloggers/runners - Charlie, Maddy, Petra, Me. (Charlie, hope you don't mind I snagged this from the WAFMAF site. Feel free to download/post my pics to your blogs too if you want guys.)

Shot of the finish line. Boy, did I dream of that, for like 5 freakin hours and 41 painful minutes.

Hubby and I post-race. We survived!! He's even adorable with a bag of ice water on his head and really gnarly toenails...lol. First thing I did was shotgun a huge beer. I'm not even kidding. It was the best beer I've ever had.

Born to Run? (Race Report)

2008-10-15T22:26:00.002-04:00

For some reason, I always remember the song that is playing at the start of a race. This years Chicago Marathon kicked off to Springsteen’s Born to Run.

In the day we sweat it out in the streets of a runaway American dream
At night we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines
Sprung from cages out on highway 9,
Chrome wheeled, fuel injected and steppin out over the line
Baby this town rips the bones from your back
Its a death trap, its a suicide rap
We gotta get out while were young
`cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run

I remember the Born to Run song because Sam, random runner guy next to me, was singing it at the top of his lungs while playing the air guitar. My initial take on this was that Sam could be really annoying and my first order of business when the crowd started moving forward was going to be to ditch Sam.

I didn’t catch the exact time I crossed the start line, but I believe it was about 17 minutes after the official start. The fact that I paid no attention proved to be a bad idea about a quarter mile into the race when we proceeded to go into a tunnel, at which point my Garmin got all screwed up. Initially, I didn’t notice, until we got to the 1 mile marker and my Garmin only said .5 miles. Sigh, so from the get-go I didn’t really have any idea what my time was and the Garmin never caught up. (My theory is the auto-pause I had my husband activate on it paused while we were in the tunnel because it thought I had stopped moving. Hmmm, not sure really.)

I knew I was in trouble very early on in this race. By mile 4 I was sweating buckets, feeling very over-heated, and watching in the distance as my 4:45 pace team left me in the dust. (Truly, I probably was not worthy of them. At best, I should have signed up for the 5:00 hour pace team given my prior race performances, but who the heck looks at that stuff, right?) As I said in the last post, I assessed the situation and decided I needed to say screw it to my time and just make sure I kept myself healthy enough and hydrated enough to finish. (This probably sounds really conservative, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve passed out in the heat. When I lived in Texas, I spent more time unconscious than conscious, so that history kept creeping back into my mind.)

For a time, the miles sort of all started blending together. I continued to run, but at a slower rate. At the half way point, I felt pretty exhausted already. I tried to cry (seriously – like a little baby), but realized I was too dehydrated. Ugghhh!! I started walking through every water station and drinking either Gatorade or water and then getting one cup of water to dump over my head. Spectators began using their garden hoses to wet down the runners. (How awesome is that!) There were also dozens handing out ice, and two areas that I recall where people had filled kiddie pools full of water and they were handing out wet sponges. (Not sure if these peeps were associated with the race, or just good Samaritans.) Several fire hydrants were tapped into and I went through every single one!

By mile 18, I was getting pretty weak and I decided to pull over and hit the port-a-potties since there was a really short line. As soon as I came to a stand still, I started feeling very light headed and nauseated. I paused for a moment and put my head down, hands on my knees. (International symbol for distress?) I decided stopping for any reason was not a good idea, so I took off, grabbed a GU at the next stop, drank some more water, then Gatorade, then water, and kept plugging on. It was about at this time that I got this really weird metallic taste in my mouth. Anyone know what that’s all about?

The “code red” announcements kept coming on warning runners to slow down, drink lots of water, stop if you have to, watch for detours in the route, etc…. Honestly, and maybe this is typical of all marathons, it was starting to look like a war zone on the course. People were on the sidelines stretching, throwing up, and passing out in the grass. I saw one guy on a stretcher being loaded into an ambulance. There were more people walking than running. I did a combination of walking and running and a lot of counting backwards from 100 (thanks Petra – it really does work!). I think I wished I was dead once, maybe twice. I tried to cry again at mile 20. NOTHING!

Finally, after 5 hours, 41 minutes, and 50 seconds, I crossed the finish line! It was a bitter sweet moment really. I was both thrilled and disappointed. Thrilled I’d finished a marathon. Something I could never have imagined myself doing a couple of years ago. Disappointed in my time and the fact that I didn’t finish feeling strong. I finished feeling like I had just taken a 5 hour beating.

The good news is, rather than be discouraged, I’m more motivated than ever to take the lessons learned here (and there were many which I’ll share with you in a follow-up post) and improve on my running. I’m pretty sure I was not “Born to Run”, but I have no intention of letting that stop me!

Some awesome side notes:

- I got to spend time with Charlie, Maddy, Petra, my husband, and our collection of family and friends. THAT was GREAT fun and the highlight of the trip for me. We had dinner and hung out on Saturday night, then met up before the race and got to see each other off. My sister-in-law took some pics and I’ll post those soon.
- I met Hal Higdon and got a signed copy of his book “Run Fast”. I then proceeded to leave this priceless memento on the AMTRAK train on the way home. Doh!!
- I saw both Deena Kastor and Constantina Tomescu-Dita at the Expo. I’ve never seen two skinner women in my life! I swear to you Constantina’s butt is like 6 inches wide. Seriously…and Kastor doesn’t even have a butt. (Constantina placed 4th with a 2:30:57. What a slacker…lol.)
- I got a new water bottle with a little carrying strap that I love and a hoody with Chicago Marathon on the back, which is super comfy.

Chicago Marathon Race Results

2008-10-13T18:45:00.002-04:00

Hi Guys,
Well, it's over and I survived my first marathon! Not exactly the race I had hoped to run, but I think I did the best I could with the hand I was dealt.

Temps reach 85 degrees, the race warning system was elevated to "code red" (red's always bad) around 11:00AM, and humidity topped out at 75%. It was brutal IMHO. I realized right out of the gate I had two options - 1) try to finish on target and risk not finishing at all 2) slow way down, stay hydrated and conscious and finish the race. I chose door number two and I'm glad I did. Door number one would have been my undoing.

So, official time 5:41:50. Sigh, this just makes me feel like I'm going to have to do this crazy s@#t again!

I'll post a full race report tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone for their awesome support for those of us who ran Chicago. You guys are the best! Darnit, if I didn't love runners so much I could probably do away with this crazy running thing.

BTW - My husband finished in 4:39:51. He's a stud! He's also going to be missing several toenails soon. I've never seen feet like these. Makes me feel bad whining about my blisters and chaffing.

THE SMACKDOWN

2008-10-05T16:47:00.001-04:00

I think I'm suffering from a mental smackdown that is affecting me physically. All week I've felt like I'm getting a cold, I've had knee problems (which I've now decided are more like a weird knee deformity), I feel fat, tired, lazy.

A week out from the race, and I'm falling into my typical self-sabotage mode. What is this all about? I have no idea why I do this, I just know that I do. Whenever I get close to achieving a goal, I start to sabotage my success by doing all of the wrong things...overeating, not sleeping enough, [insert bad idea here]. Sigh...

This week was a total of 21 miles with only an 8-miler for a long run. I looked back at my log today and the last time I did that short of a long run was back in June! I've logged some serious miles this summer. I hope it's been enough.

Taper Madness

2008-09-24T21:21:00.001-04:00

Ok, I'm getting really fidgety people. This taper thing is driving me crazy. I finally feel totally amped! I wanta run like an animal!

Paula Sue, my running idol from the club (60 years old, 29 marathons...that one), sent me some homework - pages to read from Hal's book. Topic of first section - DON'T BLOW THE TAPER STUPID!!! Ok, ok, I get it.

I'm off to wash the cat, rotate the tires on the car, clean out the closet, and organize shoe boxes full of pictures.

The long and winding road...

2008-09-21T17:55:00.001-04:00

That's what training has felt like. It's hard to believe it will soon lead me to Chicago where, at 42, I will run my first marathon. There have been good days and bad days. Days when I didn't want to run, but I did. Days when I didn't want to stop. Running in the dark, the rain, the heat. Still, I know it will have been worth it when I cross that finish line in a couple of weeks. For my part, I plan to savor every minute of it. I'm going to go to the expo, buy souvenirs, carbo-load on great pasta, hang out with Maddy, Charlie, Petra, my husband and family. I'm going to soak it all in and remember, as C. S. Lewis said, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

My 20 miler went better than I expected, considering I was alone. I managed to finish up in 3:37:29, pace 10:52. My pace stayed between 10:20-10:50 for the first 15 miles, but then I slowed down a bit. So, I know it will be a challenge for me in Chicago to remain steady the second half. I think part of my slowdown was due to the heat. Hopefully, that won't be an issue in Chicago, but we all remember last years temps. Keep your fingers crossed.

Running and Peeing?

2008-09-12T08:21:00.001-04:00

Hi Peeps! Just checkin in…finally! Sorry I haven’t had much time to blog cause I’ve been running like a crazy person. It takes a while to run 30-40 miles a week. Geez, I’m getting tired thinking about it. I have to say, I wasn’t really sure I had it in me, but I think I’ve surprised myself.

Last weekend I ran 18 miles in 3:13:52, pace 10:46. Since I’m hoping to sign up with the Nike 4:45 pace team, this is good as their pace will be 10:53. I’m hoping like hell I can hang with them. I’ve figured out I run much faster when I’m with a support group then I do on my own. Wednesday night I ran 8 miles at a 10:09 pace. Oddly, it felt really good.

On the techie front:
- Got my watch back, or a new one actually.
- Bought a new Shuffle and I love the clip-on design vs my old school one.
- Just ordered some pink Asics Nimbus 10s…happy dance, happy dance!!!

This weekend is a step-back with a long run of only 12 miles. Total mileage this week is 30. Is it possible I only have one more 20-miler and then it’s taper time? Wheeeeeee!

Ok, we’ve been discussing how runners have different peeing strategies during a marathon. Apparently, some of the ladies in my club (who will remain nameless) will pee while running and let it dribble into their shoe! What the? Luckily, I’m so slow that I don’t really see that extra minute or two it takes to use a porta-potty as a real deal-breaker…lol. Still, runners can be really gross. I had NO idea.

So, what's your peeing strategy? Anyone brave enough to tell stories?

Politics is killin me

2008-09-03T22:59:00.003-04:00

Ok, I'm a political junkie and I need a 12-step program. For two weeks now I've been watching both conventions.

I don't know why I even watch this stuff because it's totally and uneqivically BS!!

Mostly, I try to keep this blog focused on running. But, here is a website I found that actually really does seem to de-spin the spin on both sides. A full-time job no doubt.

http://www.factcheck.org/

God Bless You and God Bless America!
(Apparently, you can't end a convention speech without these exact words or you will be hauled off and reprogrammed by your party...lol.)

Cheers!

Six weeks left?

2008-08-27T19:34:00.001-04:00

Wow, it's hard to believe that at the end of this week, only 6 more weeks to go.

Much to my surprise, my 18-miler was not *too* bad last Saturday. I ran with two women from the club for the first 12 miles, another woman for about 2.5 more miles, and then did the last 3.5 solo. Since I didn't have the Garmin, I only know my approximate time was between 3:15 and 3:30. Better than I expected.

This week is a step back week for me with only a long run of 13 miles this weekend. Wheeeeeeee!!! That suddenly sounds like a walk in the park after 15,17,18. I'm going to enjoy it while I can as the week after that is my first (ever) 20-miler.

Hope all is going well with my Chicago peeps and all of you!

Run long, run strong!!

BTW - Brilliant Invention of the Week

This is so on my Christmas list...lol.

Brian Sell

2008-08-25T07:49:00.001-04:00

A friend sent me a link to this. Watch vid until he shows his shoes!

My day

2008-08-18T20:04:00.001-04:00

This was my day...

In the AM –
Dropped my coffee cup and broke it.
Dropped my breakfast burrito in my lap, complete with salsa all over the place.

In the PM –
Went down to the basement in my building to get a coke. I was late for a meeting, so I jumped in the elevator, opened the coke and it exploded all over the place.

Sigh...I didn't even feel safe to drive home!

At least I didn't set myself on fire. You laugh, but it happened a few weeks ago. We have a gas stove and I was making spaghetti. I reached above the boiling water to get a can of mushrooms from the cupboard above the stove. The cotton smock I was wearing caught the burner and started on fire. I opened the can of mushrooms before I even realized my shirt was on fire! Thank God the sink has one of the hose things or I would be in big trouble. I managed to simultaneously put out the fire while I frantically screamed for my daughter who ambled out to the kitchen after the fire was out and I was standing there shirtless with my smoldering smock on the counter. What did she do? She said, "Oh, I gotta get a picture of this shirt. Nobody will believe this one."

Not only am I a klutz, but I lose everything. After my long run (17 lonely miles) last Friday, I lost my iPod. I normally never take it off until I’m on the way home, but I must have put it on the bumper of the truck or something. At any rate, my husband and daughter were kind enough to go back and look for it for me, but no luck. Now I’m out a watch and an iPod.

On a happier note, I did get in my runs last week, including the long, painful 17 miler. At one point, I almost got passed by a caterpillar. Seriously, one was beside me at mile 16 and we were neck and neck for a few feet at least…lol.

It’s gotta get better, right?

Running Casualty

2008-08-12T17:43:00.002-04:00

I keep trying to tell myself, it could be worse. I could have gotten injured, lost a toenail, suffered blisters and/or chaffing in uncomfortable places. That didn't happen. The casualty in this week’s war on running is my Garmin watch. (Ever notice how we put war in front of everything these days? War on poverty, war on drugs, war on terrorism, war on fill in the blank? Sorry, just a random observation.)

Sunday when I went to fire it up for my long run, it showed no signs of life....nothing...notta...zilch. I had just charged it the day prior so I thought, “What the heck?”

Needless to say, I soldier on with the run cause that's just how I role. (Really I was kinda whiny about it in the hopes that my husband would give me his watch, but that didn't work. ;-)

Luckily, I was running on a trail which has mile markers, so not too devastating really. I brought the watch home and tried it on my charger. Nothing. I then tried it on my husband's charger. Nothing.

Today I shipped my just-out-of-warranty Garmin Forerunner 205 back to Garmin to be fixed for the low, low price of $89 bucks plus shipping. With any luck, I'll have it back in two weeks. TWO WEEKS!

I know it's not catastrophic, not like an injury. Still, I'm bummed. I feel so naked without the stupid watch. How will people know I'm a runner and not some middle-aged endurance jogger? LOL...ok, I am some middle-aged endurance jogger but the watch at least makes me look cooler, right? Sigh...

Week 8 - Down!!

2008-08-02T14:41:00.001-04:00

Ok, True or False:
It’s the end of week 8 and Melisa has managed to stick to her schedule.

Give up? It’s TRUE!

For those of you who know me, that might come as a shock. After all, last summer was a complete running schedule disaster for me. Once I veered off schedule I soon found myself in the unscheduled, totally winging it, not going to happen in a million years, marathon training obis.

Not this time folks. I’m 100%, crazy runner girl, committed. Hmmm, maybe I just need to be committed! Either way, I’m lovin’ this - in a sometimes uncomfortable, occasionally painful, damn I want my mommy kind of a way. I know it doesn’t make any sense. Guess I’ll blame the endorphins…lol.

I did attempt a speed workout this week. I ran some 440s and jogged a few for a total of 2 miles. My first mile I came in at 8:53. This is my first ever under 9 minute mile. Of course, it was the only one I had in me that night. It was really hot and humid and I was exhausted after just 2 miles, so I called it quits and made up the other 2 miles Thursday.

Weekly Mileage:

Tuesday – 7
Wednesday – 2
Thursday – 6
Saturday – 15 (and lots of Motrin! ;-)

Total: 30 miles

My husband is doing great with his schedule too. He actually did 17 miles this morning with the running club. We are both so glad we are doing the long runs with the club. Like I tell people, misery loves company. Actually, a lot of these peeps love to run. I’m starting to believe my love/hate relationship with running could turn into something more meaningful - like just love? What the? I never saw this one coming! I think I’ll go with it for now as it may not last.

This is how my husband now refers to our Saturday schedule: RUN >> SLEEP >> DRINK. Hee, hee, tonight it’s wine tasting and wings, after our siesta of course. I guess it could be worse, could just be sleep and drink.

Tomorrow I’m taking my daughter school clothes shopping all day. I’m looking forward to some mommy and me one-on-one time with her. We girls like to shop too, so that helps.

Hope all is well with everyone. Chicago, here we come!!!!!

Week 7 Down

2008-07-26T16:22:00.001-04:00

Wow, it's hard to believe week seven is actually in the bag.

Miles this week:
Tuesday - 7
Wednesday - 5
Thursday - 3
Saturday - 14

Total: 29 miles

Two new *firsts* for me this week. My long run today was my longest run to date. I've never done over 13.1/half marathon distance. Also, I've never done 29 miles in a single week. Pretty cool!

The 14-miler went surprisingly well. I showed up at the YMCA to meet with the running club and 7:00AM and I was feeling a little sluggish. I really thought the run would be a struggle, but it felt really good up through about mile 12. The last 2 miles I started feeling a little fatigued. Still, I was pretty pleased overall. In fact, I really wanted to run one more mile and make it a 30 mile week but I knew my husband was done and waiting, so I didn't. How crazy is that? LOL...

One adjustment I made this week is I decided not to run on Friday or Sunday. I find the long runs take a lot out of me. So, by keeping these days rest days, I think I feel more refreshed for the long run. This means I have to run on Wednesday evenings to meet my 4 day a week schedule. Although I much prefer morning running, doing one evening run is probably not going to kill me. I think I will stick with this schedule for the remainder of the program.

I still need to figure out my fueling strategy. The only thing I’ve been doing on long runs is drinking G2 and water, but still not taking any solid fuel. I have the Clif gel paks and I really don’t like them. So, I’m going to try the Shot Bloks. If these are nasty, I’m going back to the energy beans. At least I know I can take these without wanting to barf. ;-)

My sister-in-law and another couple are coming with us to Chicago to watch the race and then help us do a healthy amount of post-race partying. I’m starting to really get excited!

I hope all is going well for the rest of you. I’m planning to catch up on my blog reading this weekend.

Running Stuff First

2008-07-12T13:55:00.002-04:00

A while back when I posted my training schedule, a number of you *vets* told me it might be a little too ambitious for a first timer. I thought about your advice and decided to gear it back a bit. I ended up going with a slightly modified Hal Higdon Novice II plan. I think this plan will give me enough miles to finish while hopefully allowing me to remain uninjured. So far, it's going well. Although, where I really lost my confidence last year was when it started getting hot. So, another change of strategy I've made is I've incorporated walk breaks. After running a couple of long runs with some running club members who do this, I decided it might just be what I need to get me through the summer training months. Since I started this run/walk thing, I have to say I've enjoyed running more. It's also helped a lot that I've done my last two long runs with the running club. There are a couple of members who run recreationally but are not training for any big races right now. Since they don't care about their times, they've been kind enough to hang with this turtle. (Although, even with a 1 minute walk break per mile, we've been averaging a 10:00-10:30 pace.)

This morning we did a 12-miler at 7:00AM. By the time we finished, it was already in the 80s. Since it got hot, I've been running with a 12 oz G2 in my hand and trying to drink more. (I sweat like a pig!) The club also puts water at the 2.5 and 5 mile mark. Love those water stops!!!! I think it’s helped tremendously that I’m hydrating better and more often during the long runs. Plus, the G2 is perfect for me, where as Gatorade kills my stomach after a while. The G2 is like half strength Gatorade. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend the stuff. My husband likes it also and just bought 2 more cases. With both of us running in the heat, we’ve been going through the stuff like it’s water.

Week 6 down with 24 miles logged!

Last week I had lunch with a couple I know from the Air Force days and my friend Audra. (She lives in Cleveland and is also a friend from the military. She is the one who took me to the Cleveland Half Marathon back in May.)

Pat, the guy in the back row, and I worked together in Germany. His wife Sean, glasses right, and I were good friends. Sean is originally from Cleveland and they were home seeing her family. They also were stationed in Hawaii when I was, but we didn't work together. Pat is running the USAF Marathon in September at Wright Patterson AFB. It's his first marathon. So, another AF person I haven't seen in like 13 years who is a runner now. Very cool.

Front row - Me, Audra, Sean. Back row - Pat.

Where's Melisa?

2008-07-06T09:15:00.001-04:00

Sorry I've gotten so far behind on my blogging. With work, travel, marathon training, and roofing my parents house (YUCK), I've been stretched pretty thin. However, I'm off next week and I promise a longer update.

Some pics of the Chicago skyline from the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building.

Our myStaffingPro User Advisory Board and staff. (Me - second row, third from right. ;-)

Photos from Hawaii

2008-06-19T18:28:00.001-04:00

Our team - CJ, Joe, Ruth Ann, Me

View of Honolulu from the Kamehameha campus

Yours truly

Diamond Head in the distance

Hickam Elementary - where oldest son went to school

Base townhouse we lived in

Tripler Army Medical Center - hospital my daughter was born in

Joe Runner - friend and former boss

Last week I was in Gatlinburg with 3 women (sister, cousin, friend from HS) and 6 kids. It was a very good time. I'm the only women who came back WITHOUT a tattoo. Seriously! Pics on the way.

Next week I'm in Chicago for a trade show. I am maintaining my schedule in spite of the crazy travel/work situation. July looks to be much more relaxing.

Cheers!

Feedback in the Plan

2008-06-08T13:27:00.001-04:00

Thanks for the feedback Shirley and Lizzie. I'm taking another look at my plan. I'm definitely going to eliminate the cross training and I will probably gear the mileage back a bit.

Aloha!

2008-06-07T14:13:00.001-04:00

I'm back from Hawaii and still shaking off the jet lag. I did manage to get a run in while I was there and another this morning. Tomorrow I'm going long for 8-10 miles. I think I'll start early as it is hot and humid here this weekend.

Hawaii was bitter sweet. It's a beautiful place and we had a great time, but I was bummed I didn't have my family there to enjoy it. All in all, we had very little time to sight see since we flew in Monday, meetings Tues & Wed (these went really well), flew out Thursday evening. The high point for me was I got to see a guy I use to work with/for in the AF. He retired in Hawaii and works as a government contractor in the same building we both worked in when I was stationed there. He was kind enough to get me on base to get pictures for my kids of where we lived, the school, beach we use to hang out at, hospital my daughter was born at, etc.... The real bonus though is that he is a runner! He just ran his third Boston (in like 3:37 I believe), so what do you think we talked about pretty much the whole time? Running, of course. He gave me some advice on my schedule based on a book he uses called Daniels' Running Formula. The idea of the formula is basically this - you figure out what your highest mileage week is going to be for the training period. I decided on 45 miles. You then run a certain percentage of that mileage each week. Example, if week 8 calls for 80% of 45, you run 36 miles. How you divide those miles up is your call, although you always do a long run each week. You also do some tempo running and strides.

So, here is my plan.

I decided that instead of running Monday and Wednesday night or attempting 2 runs a day, I would just get up really early on Fridays and do a short run before work. (I appreciated all of the great feedback on that dilemma btw.)

Next week I start this plan. I'm on vacation for part of the week though, so I've adjusted my schedule a little for next week.

I have my film from Hawaii being developed, so I'll post some pics when I get the CD back. I also took some digital pics with my coworkers camera that I should get back this week. (Our digital camera broke before the trip. ;-( )

Questions, Questions, More Questions

2008-05-29T19:51:00.002-04:00

Ok, I've been studying my running plan options this week. I've looked at Hal's Novice and Intermediate, I've looked at Galloway's plan, I've looked at this one my husband is doing, and Charlie's, which he shared in a post (modified Higdon).

Here's my dilemma. (Bet you didn't see this one coming.) I want to select a plan that gets me into good enough shape to finish the race strong, but I also need to show up uninjured (dah...I know). I normally run in the AM on Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun because I leave so early for work on Mon/Wed/Fri mornings that running in the AM is out on those days. However, I'll probably have to do the long run on Saturday, which would mean I should try not to run Sunday, right? If I select a plan that requires 4 or 5 running sessions, would it be better to do A or B:

Option A
Monday PM
Tuesday AM
Wednesday PM
Thursday AM
Saturday AM

Option B
Tuesday AM & PM
Thursday AM & PM
Saturday AM
(Have any of you done two-a-days?)

Thoughts? I feel like this half I just did showed that I was not in as good of shape as I had hoped to be going into Marathon training, so I need some advice on how to improve without injuring myself.

20 weeks and counting...

2008-05-26T20:16:00.001-04:00

Twenty weeks out from Chicago and I'm dying to know, for those of you running Chitown, what plan are you using? I know Petra is considering Furman. Anyone else want to share their plan? I'm hoping to *unveil* mine this week. Stay tuned!

June is shaping up to be a very busy month. I found out last Friday that I'll be going to Hawaii on business June 2nd-5th. Unfortunately, it's going to be all work and no play for the most part. Still, I hope to touch base with a guy I was stationed with in Germany and Hawaii, a fellow runner who just did his third Boston Marathon. Then we'll be in Chicago the end of June for the National SHRM (Society of Human Resource Managers) Conference and Expo. We are in the Expo and also having our first ever user advisory board meeting. We'll be hosting a day of meetings with a number of our client users. I'm the project manager on the advisory board, so it's a little hectic right now, but I'm not freaking out just yet. I'm sure that will come later...lol.

I know I promised you a race report, but I haven't actually written one yet nor have I gone back to get my real stats. Forgive me? With any luck, I'll write a report before I forget what the heck happened.

I'll share my favorite funny moment with you now though, just in case I don't get to the full report. As my friend Audra, her boyfriend, and I were heading downtown to the race, the rain was just coming down like crazy, it's 5:45 AM, poor Audra (who is not a morning person ;-) has only half a pulse. She looks at me and in the most sincere voice, she asks, "With the rain coming down like this, do you really think anyone will show up for this race?"

Bahahahahah....apparently, she doesn't know how crazy runners are. Of course, she saw first hand once we arrived and there were over 8000 runners at the starting line. It sure was cute though. She and her boyfriend Tim were awesome too. They were at the start, the half way point, about the 11 mile, and then the finish. They ate my pasta the night prior (I cooked), got up super early on their day off, stood in the pouring rain while I ran, and put up with my ganky smell all the way home. They are the best!

Too good to be true...

2008-05-18T18:21:00.002-04:00

Apparently, those stats really are too good to be true. Not able to leave well enough alone, I went back to the website and I realized the 8007 participants was not for the Half, but for the 10K, Half and Full Marathon combined. So, when I clicked on my name to see my stats, that was my overall ranking for all three races. Why they would show them that way, I don't know. Is that how they normally do it? Bummer...

I'll post the real, much less flattering, stats later. I'm too mad now. ;-)

Cleveland Half Marathon

2008-05-18T17:27:00.002-04:00

Today I ran the Cleveland Half Marathon. A full race report is forthcoming, but here are my stats.

Chip Time 02:21:57
Overall Place 2449 / 8007 (I can't believe this is right?)
Gender Place 1170 / 3942 (or this)
Division Place 143 / 453 (or this)
Age Grade 102.2% (What the heck is this? Lol...I have no idea.)
Pace 10:49
Split10K 1:04:16 (10:20 pace)

If I could have held the pace I had at the 10K, this would have been a PR. Unfortunately, it was a few minutes over. I'm slightly disappointed, but almost over it already. I may do another fall half if I feel like I'm in good enough shape by then to get a PR.

Weather at the start was not good. It poured and I was drenched when the gun went off. The first few miles were crowded and it took a while to fan out due to all of the puddles people were going around. Temps in the 40s. Thankfully, it quit raining about 4 miles into the run. I was relieved for those running the marathon.

I've got some blisters from the soaked socks, but nothing major. All and all, I still really had fun. More to follow, after I recover...lol.

Cheers,
Melisa

Crazy Times

2008-05-07T21:38:00.001-04:00

It's been a crazy couple of weeks. After my dad's fall and our three days in the hospital, I had to go out of town at the end of last week for a "developer's retreat". We stayed (7 programmers) at a bed & breakfast in Indiana and programmed all day for two days. Actually, I wasn't looking forward to it much, but it turned out to be kind of fun. The "innkeeper" couple looked at us like we were kind of nuts though...lol. It was shamelessly geeky, but productive.

So, I'm going to try to catch up on things this weekend - blogging and reading your blogs.

ttyl,
melisa

Kid Pics

2008-04-27T21:04:00.001-04:00

A few pics from last weekend.

Jonathan (20) and Michaela (13) cuddling in the car. ;-)

Outside the German restaurant drinking a few pints.

Michaela and her friend Sydney.

Last Thursday my dad fell and broke his arm in three places. Friday night he had surgery. He's now sporting some new hardware - a plate and several pins/screws. We brought him home yesterday and he's doing well. My mom, sister, and I spent 3 days in 2 different hospitals though, so I'm pretty tired today. It's amazing how tiring sitting around can be. Remind me to tell you just how he broke his arm though, as it's pretty funny.

This morning my husband and I did an 8-miler. Tonight we were walking the sub and ran into our old neighbors. He just ran Boston, so we were chatting about running. I mentioned I was registered for the Chicago Marathon and he said he is too. (He's in the running club BTW.) So, get this, my husband chimes in and says, "Me too. I registered three weeks ago. Surprise!" That sneak! I had no idea. Here I've been telling him for 2 weeks they're about to close the race and he was already registered. Last week we made our hotel reservations, so now I'm really getting excited. BTW - thanks Charlie for the lead on the hotel.

Half Marathon with Hubby

2008-04-21T18:10:00.001-04:00

Weekend before last, out of the blue, my husband decided he wanted to run a half marathon. He's been running since January and had just done a long run of 11 miles. His logic being, I'm in the best shape of my life and I want to run a half marathon so I can retire from running because I don't even like it. (I'm being serious here.) He debated running Cleveland in May with me, but felt it was too far away and would require him to keep running at his current level for 4 more weeks.

By Monday he had decided to run the 1st Annual Triangle Trail Half Marathon in Frankfort, Ohio. Frankfort is about 45 minutes southwest of Columbus and a three hour drive from our home. This half was a small venue, only 50 pre-registered runners, and he was told when he contacted them that we could register the day of the race.

The plans were set in motion. My daughter found a friend to drag along, we rented a room in a lodge at Deer Creek State Park, we contacted our son in Columbus and arranged to take him to dinner on Saturday after the race. (This worked out really well BTW as my baby turned 20 Sunday!!)

About mid-week, I was telling my husband I was going to see if I could run on the trail while he was running because I had to do an 11-miler myself this weekend. He said he didn't care if I ran the race as sort of a training run. This idea really appealed to me because this race was going to be so different from the other two halves I've done, both of which involved running in urban areas, massive crowds, lots of runners, chip timing, etc....

First, I'll tell his story. He finished the race and did great. His official time was 2:08:10 (27th out of 60 total participants). I say *official* because I let him wear my Garmin so he could pace himself better. Is that true love, or what? ;-) He said he felt really strong the first half and up through about mile 9, but 10 and 11 were tough. To quote him, "At one point during mile 11 I wanted to cry." Lol...I can totally relate. Overall, I think deep down, he felt a real sense of accomplishment. I really believe he won't be retiring anytime soon, but we'll see.

My race/training run went better than expected. It was kind of weird kickin' it old school without the Garmin, but I adapted. Since this was such a small race, there were none of those nice mobile clock thingies at the water stops and the water stops were only every other mile. So, I really had no idea what my pace was. The first leg out felt fantastic. I had to keep telling myself to slow down, it felt that good. When I passed my husband (it was an out and back trail run), he told me I was exactly at the half way point in 1:04. I was shocked! That was a pretty good pace for me. I started to think it was going to bite me in the butt later.

At about mile 8 I still felt strong. At one point, it started to rain ever so lightly. It felt great. The sun was shining through the trees lining both sides of the trail, I could see another couple about a half mile up, John Lennon's Imagine came on my iPod, and I seriously thought "THIS is my nirvana." It was awesome.

Fast forward to mile 10-11 and I'm hurting now. That great feeling I had early, that awesome running form...gone. I knew my pace had gone to hell. I decided to walk through the last aid station at mile 11. I drank a full glass of Gatorade. The volunteer working there shouted out, "Less than two miles to go and it's all downhill." I replied with something about now that's the way to end a race, but in my mind I was thinking, "You lying ba***rd." LOL…not exactly in my happy place anymore, am I?

I didn't really push myself, just tried to get this thing over. So, imagine my surprise when I rounded the final corner and finally saw a clock. It was 2:19 something. What? That's only 2 minutes over my PR. That motivated me to at least pick up my pace and finish strong. My final time was 2:20:22 (39th out of 60). Not my best but not my worst and definitely better than I expected. I hate to even say this out loud, but I really think I can get a PR in May. I'm excited now!!

Dinner with our son was a good time. We went to German Village in Columbus, the Schmidt Haus. The food was excellent. The girls were not overly excited to go there, but ended up loving their food and the HUGE cream puffs, which are like the size of your head. My husband and I might have split one of those too. ;-) I’ll post some pics later.

As for the Be Healthy Now program, our team placed 3rd in our category (co-ed) with a percentage of weight lost of 11.5%. We all got a $40 Wal-Mart gift card.

And, the loser is...

2008-04-10T16:27:00.001-04:00

;-) I couldn't resist.

The official results are in for team "Give Me All Your McLovin"

Marla - 20 lbs
Melisa - 12 lbs
Bill - 25 lbs
Scott - 31 lbs

Total Weight Lost: 88 lbs!!

I think we were all shocked and very surprised by our results. Although I missed my goal of 15 pounds by 3 pounds, I'm still thrilled and feeling fantastic. Of course, I now have a new goal of 5 more pounds by the half in May. I think I can pull it off.

We won't find out if we won anything until April 20th, but I don't think any of us were really in it for the prize. I'm not sure how many teams were registered for the challenge either, but I hope they share the team results with everyone as I'm curious how much total weight was lost.

Weigh-In to Win?

2008-04-09T19:59:00.001-04:00

Friday is the final weigh-in day of the Be Healthy Now challenge. Stay tuned! I'll be posting the final results for our team - the "Give Me All Your McLovins".

Week in Review

2008-04-06T22:02:00.001-04:00

Quick post before I head out of town for a few days on business travel. I managed to get in 16 miles this weekend and 23.5 for the week. I ran short a mile and a half, but close enough. (The weather was not my friend on Tuesday.)

Saturday I ended up doing a fast 8-miler instead of 10. My pace was 10:17, which is the best for that distance so far this year. Woo-hoo!!

Can it be?

2008-04-05T08:24:00.001-04:00

Today - 58°

Is it possible? A high of 58 degrees. Sunny? No rain? No snow?

I'm off to run a 10-miler. I'm smiling.

Back on Track

2008-03-30T07:58:00.001-04:00

This week I managed to get in two shorter runs during the week and two long runs on the weekend. Tuesday I was suppose to run 5 miles, but packed it in at 4 when my left hand felt like a block of ice and the wind was killin' me (25ish degrees w/ 25 mph winds). Needless to say, that was not the most pleasant run. Thursday it was pouring buckets, so I did 3 miles on the dreadmill. This weekend, I decided I had some miles to make up.

Saturday morning I had some errands to run, so I didn't get out to run until noon. I talked my husband into going to a paved trail with me. He rollerbladed while I ran 8 miles. I'm not sure what happened, but this run felt great. Maybe it's because the sun was actually out. (Hello old friend, oh how I've missed you.) At about mile 6 I kicked it in with some good finishing times. In fact, my fasted mile was my last mile. All of the miles were consistent too.

Stats for Saturday Run:
1 10:23
2 10:38
3 10:42
4 10:42
5 10:32
6 10:39
7 10:28
8 9:57

Average Pace: 10:30
Total Run Time: 1:24:03
Total Calories: 900

For the first time this year, I felt like I was getting back into the shape I was in last fall when I decided to take a few months off. (Stupid, stupid, stupid...)

Sunday I did another 8 miler with Sherrie from Deshler. Other than my short run with Maddy a few weeks ago, it's been a long time since I ran with someone. It was fun to have someone to chat with and share the experience. When she told me how much she hates running on the treadmill and how (in the winter) she sometimes has her husband drive her *down wind* from her house so she can run home, I knew she was a girl after my own heart.

Stats for Sunday Run:
1 10:25
2 10:32
3 10:34
4 10:41
5 10:46
6 10:49
7 11:16
8 11:24

Average Time Per Mile: 10:48
Total Run Time: 1:26:30
Total Calories: 887

Now, she told me she was a 12 minute miler. I said no problem as I'd just done 8 miles the day before and I don't usually target a pace on a long run anyway. Yet, we didn't do a single 12 minute mile! She's currently coaching track and doing speed workouts with junior high kids. Apparently, they're working.

So, that's a wrap for this week. Total mileage: 23. Next week I'm jumping up to 25 miles with a 6/6/9/4 on the schedule.

Happy Trails!!!!!!

Please Bring Spring

2008-03-24T15:38:00.001-04:00

I was so excited to see Wednesday is suppose to be 45 degrees and sunny!! Now, I know for those of you who don't live up north, this doesn't sound so good. But, to those of us who've been buried in snow all winter, it sounds like heaven.

Run strong!!!!

Random Thoughts

2008-03-22T14:07:00.001-04:00

I have to say, I've really enjoyed running this week. After today's 7-miler, I should manage to get in over 20 miles. That will be a first for 2008.

Twenty miles a week seems to be the magic number that makes me feel like I'm actually a runner and not just a poser. I'm guessing by some of the other blogs I've read that the longer I stick with this running thing, the higher that number will climb.

Here is an example. Now I don't ever post on Julie's blog, but I read it all the time. Mostly, I read it when I'm feeling not so motivated. Julie is an ultra runner. In her posts, she talks about 35 and 50 mile training runs through 8 inches of snow in 7 degree weather like they're child's play.

It's amazing to me how one person's normalcy can be another person's insanity. It really is all relative, isn't it? I mean, if you hang around with a bunch of people who run ultras, then there's nothing crazy about a 100 mile race that last 24 hours. Pretty normal stuff. If you hang around a bunch of marathon runners, there's nothing crazy about a 26 mile race that last several hours. Again, normal stuff. Yet, can you imagine Julie here at a PTA meeting when someone asks what she did Saturday and she proceeds to tell them she ran 100 miles? Lol...I bet at times like these it's fun to be Julie.

So, I'm messing with my schedule for the marathon trying to decide on a plan. Right now, I'm using a modified version of Hal Higdon's Intermediate II. I say modified because I'm only doing 4 days per week of running instead of 5, but keeping the weekly mileage at or above the plan. I'm doing this by combining two of the short runs into one day and doing the run either all at one time, or a two-a-day type thing.

I start out at 30 miles a week and ramp to 50. (Sidebar - I'm hoping to build to 30 miles a week and then use that as a base from here on out when I'm between races.) There are three 20 milers. I think it's ambitious, but doable. Mostly, I feel I need the time on my legs to get into good enough shape to finish.

On the weight loss front, I'm a little frustrate. Last week I managed to drop 4 pounds, only to have it return this week. My final weigh-in for this 12 week competition I'm in is Friday, April 11th. I still have 8-10 pounds to go! Luckily, my mileage is ramping up right now, so I'm hoping I might still be able to make it, or at least get within a couple of pounds.

Our oldest son has been home from college on spring break. Needless to say, I’ve been up to my ears in laundry. (He always offers to do his, but I always do it for him. I just work it in with the rest. I don’t enjoy doing laundry, but I feel like it’s an opportunity for me to do something nice for him and I can’t seem to stop myself!) I’ve really enjoyed having him home, having big meals together again, having his friends in and out of here like it’s a Seven Eleven. When he’s home for a while, I realize how much the family dynamic has changed since he moved out and how much I miss it when all of the kids aren’t here. Then I slap some sense into myself and go for a run…lol.

My husband has continued to run and will end up with over 20 miles this week too. He keeps running even though after every run he talks about how much he hates running. I told him it's a love-hate relationship for me too.

Trade Show Foot

2008-03-12T20:11:00.001-04:00

It's official. I have a condition called Trade Show Foot. It's kind of like Marathon Foot, or Runner's Toe, only the pain is in the heel more so than the toes. Standing all day is tough work. Normally, I complain about sitting all day. Guess my husband is right. I'm just impossible to please.

On to the fun stuff...

I did have the opportunity to meet and run with Maddy. What a privilege that was, let me tell you. She was everything I expected and then some. Nice, fun, full of energy, easy to talk too, interesting, a good listener, a good runner, I could go on and on.

We were running and I said, "So, how far from here (my hotel where she picked me up) do you live Maddy?"

She says, "A half an hour."

I was like, "What! You drove that far just to see me?"

In this busy, crazy world we all deal with, I was really touched that she would take that kind of time out of her own hectic life to meet with me. So, thanks Maddy! You're the best.

The 2008 Beer Bottle Open, for me anyway, will go down in history as *the race that wasn't*. My husband and I decided to stay in Columbus after they got hammered with 24 inches of snow (a new record for them) in what the Columbus area folks are now calling the Blizzard of 2008. It was a nightmare and since I had to fly out of there on Sunday, we decided it was best to stay put another day. So, I didn't do my 4-mile race, rather I ran Saturday and Sunday on the hotel dreadmill. The race, however did go one, although it sounds like most people in this area didn't go because many of the counties were under a level-3 snow emergency, which means you can be arrested for being out on the roads. I'm told there is an "unofficial" rerun of the race tomorrow. I'm debating whether or not to go.

Yesterday I flew back from FL and didn't get home until around 1:00AM this morning. After getting my daughter off to school I went back to bed for a few hours, got up and worked for a while, then headed out for a run. I ran 4 miles in 40:56/10:14 pace. It felt great! The weather is a balmy 45 degrees here today...lol.

Two shout-outs:

Charlie, I’m so thrilled you’re in for Chicago!

Sherrie in Deshler – how cool you found my blog! Did you go to the race? Are you doing any long races this year? If so, maybe we could meet at the Slippery Elm Trail and run a few long runs together. Let me know if you are interested.

Me No Like Ohio

2008-03-07T13:03:00.001-05:00

My first race is tomorrow afternoon (Saturday) and we are expecting 6-8 inches of snow with winds up to 25 mph. My guess is this thing may not happen. If it does, I'll be there. Assuming my husband and I aren't stranded in Columbus. We leave in a few hours for a hockey game.

Why is it bad weather always happens when we have really fun, exciting plans? It never happens when I'm sitting at home watching the cat sleep. Sigh...

In other news, Sunday I leave for Orlando. Please, please, please tell me it's warm down there. With any luck, I'll get a run in with Maddy, and maybe Chris. Woo-hoo!!! I'm so excited to meet these ladies in person.

Sounds like everyone has been busy with work, kids, injury recovery, etc.... Hopefully, by spring we'll all have more time to relax, run, blog, and catch up on podcasts.

Cheers!!

Quick Post

2008-02-17T19:31:00.001-05:00

I hate February in Ohio. The weather is always the worst. If it's not raining (flooding actually) and windy, it's snowing and blowing. Mostly, I've been confined to the dreadmill as I'm becoming a real wimp when it comes to running in the cold, wet, windy Ohio weather.

The good news is - the month is half over and spring is sooo close I can smell it. I'm getting excited! March 8th is my first race, then I'm off to Orlando for 5 days for a trade show and *hopefully* some sun. (BTW - Anyone going to be at Convergence 2008? I know some of you guys are computer geeks too and this is a big Microsoft Dynamics show, so thought I'd check.)

One more week of running for fun before I start a 12-week training program for the Cleveland Half Marathon in May. I'm really excited about this race. I hope to beat my PR of 2:17. The plan right now is 4 days per/wk of running, 2 days per/wk of cross training with the weekly mileage peaking at 30 MPW.

In other news, I've been participating in a local weight loss challenge. My husband and I joined with another couple. Tomorrow is the start of week 6 and I've lost 6 pounds. I have to say, I'm getting pretty excited as I'm starting to think I might actually reach my goal. The other couple is doing great too, which has really inspired me as I'd hate to be the one to let the team down.

Moment of Madness

2008-02-10T20:01:00.001-05:00

On February 5th, Petra posted this to my blog:

"OK hon - didn't I hear you say you wanted to run a marathon? You've got your chance. October 12th - Chicago. Maddy and I are already signed up, Chris is thinking about it and everyone else is going to be chased out of their hiding spaces by me shortly.. Come on! Think of what fun we can have!"

Between you and I...if it's possible to say no to this girl, I haven't figured that out yet. I mean, she could take me to the edge of a cliff and in that adorable British accent say, "Ok, hon, time to jump now. Think of what fun it will be! Off you go love." I'd jump.

And jump I did...I'm registered for Chicago! I'm sure I'll be totally cursing her in about August when I'm running a 20 miler in the heat, but for now - thanks for the nudge sister. ;~) I needed it. I am EXCITED BEYOND BELIEF to get to run my first marathon with two marathon vets (so far) - Petra and Maddy. Woo-hoo!

Ok, not only did I shell out the 110 smacks to register, I then went and blabbed it to my sister-in-law, who blabbed it to her friends, all of whom are thinking of coming to Chi-Town with me. Yikes!!

My sister-in-law writes:
"Chicago it is. And Kathy/Mike/Scott/Karen have been wanting to do a Chicago weekend. What are the dates? I’ll see if Bon Jovi is there that weekend, too."

Her friend Scott says:
“I’m all for a trip to Chicago especially watching a bunch of skinny runners go by while I have a beer in one hand and some Chicago pizza in the other.”

Lol...

Then my sister-in-law says:
"How damn far do you run?" ;~} (I'm pretty sure she seriously doesn't know.)

To which I replied:
"26.2 or bust sister!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Let's hope I can find that state. I'm not so good with maps.

So, any other takers?

Running musings

2008-01-14T19:19:00.001-05:00

Last week I started running again after about a 6 week break. Not sure why I keep taking the better part of November and December off, but I'm thinking I need to change this habit in 08. I did manage to crank out 3.5 miles the first day without too much of a struggle, although it was s-l-o-w going. It was actually 60 degrees here last Tuesday when I ran outside. Unbelievable.

So, what I have coming up in March is the Beer Bottle Open 4-Miler. Honestly, I don't like the distance of this race. Not sure why, but 5K feels a lot better to me as a racing distance. I distinctly remember feeling miserable the last mile of this race last year. Another thing, it starts at 2:00PM. I do 100% of my training and running in the early morning hours, so running in the middle of the day presents all sorts of food and hydration issues for me. I know what you're thinking, just shut up and run already!

Ok, ok...so my goal is to come in under 40 minutes. If I can do it in 38 minutes, I'll be thrilled, but I'll take anything between 38-39:59.

So, here's my question. Do I have time to incorporate some speed training in prior to this race? If so, any suggestions as to how much and how to do that? Keep in mind, I've never done speed work, so we're talking "Speed Work for Dummies" here, k.

I'm still really excited about Cleveland, although my friend Deb can't run with me now because she has a wedding to go to that weekend. I told her she has 5 months to break these peeps up, but she didn't go for that, so I guess I'm flying solo.

In my next post I'll update you on how things are going on the diet front.

Dream...Believe

2007-12-30T10:26:00.001-05:00

While at Hobby Lobby doing some Christmas shopping, I stumbled upon these two signs, both with a very simple message - one says "Dream" and the other "Believe".

As I stood there staring at them I thought about what a powerful message they convey. So, I bought them and put them over my desk so that I would be able to look at them everyday and remind myself, first to have dreams, but also to know and believe in the power of my dreams.

I think in the past, I haven't given enough energy to the "Believe" part of this message. That's something I need to work on in the coming year.

Running has helped me realize a lot of things about myself and about life. I now realize how much sacrifice it actually takes to take a dream or idea and make it a reality. It takes a tremendous amount of time, energy, passion, commitment, pain, perseverance, self-sacrifice, risk, and guts.

Some of my dreams where fulfilled in 2007 and others were left on the table.

The big items on my running "dream list" for 2008 (which I published a while back):

1. Lose 15 pounds by mid-February
2. Run 2 Half Marathons
3. Run 1 Marathon
4. Run 1000 miles or more (2007 total - 717)

And...the word for 2008.

Florida Pics

2007-12-16T22:25:00.002-05:00

I finally got my friend Deb to email me some of the pictures from our Florida trip. Here are couple of my favorites.

This is us at a bar with an OSU theme. Hmmm, can't remember the name of it.

Dickie V at the Broken Egg - has everyone met this guy? He really was super friendly. Sounds like both Laurel and Kevin met him.

Me and my hubby. Isn't he the cutest?

Me and my best friend Deb. Did I tell you she's running the Cleveland half with me in May? Woo-hoo!!!!

I love this picture of Deb and Scott. I'm doing a little something with it for them for Christmas. Shhhh...don't tell.

Well, I'm off to chaperone my daughter's birthday party. We have 10 twelve and thirteen year old girls spending the night. Crazy!! The two teenage boys are barricaded in their room. I wish I could join them. ;-)

Happy Holidays Everyone!!