Hakuna Matata!

Yes, put the past behind you. That's going to be my motto.
This past Monday my husband and I suffered an unfortunate event, our apartment was broken into. No one was hurt physically, and they didn't break anything other than a panel on our door to get in.
They stole our tv, laptop and Playstation 3. Bummer, I know.

As glad as I was that there was no further damage, just some evidence of rummaging through drawers, etc, no memories were taken, no personal and important belongings (family jewelry, etc) were stolen, but just items that can be expensive to replace.

We both felt useless for the rest of the evening. I cried after the cops left, or at least tried my best to wait until they left. Now I feel that our apartment is tainted, but I am also feeling protective, and just want to stay home to watch over it even though the odds of it happening again are slim to none, at least by the same people who did it before.

But now we are trying to move past it. Trying to gather all paperwork for insurance and get that sent out asap.

Having the break-in also put a damper on my training plans. I had planned on doing some laundry Monday after work, then coming home and getting a couple miles in or maybe some speed work. But then just a few minutes or so into the washing process I got the call from my landlord, asking me to go home and check things out. Then my night was over, there was no going anywhere or doing anything else. My sister came over to hang and bring some dinner which was nice and comforting.

Rich and I stayed home on Tuesday to try to pull ourselves together, gather information, etc. My mom came over with some lunch and her computer to use for email, searches on craigslist and just to be a friendly face.

We both returned to work on Wednesday and the whole day I just wanted to be home. And even when I was out of work, I couldn't go home. I had a dentist appointment and then a chiropractor appointment. Then we went to his sisters house to hang out, see our niece and my father in law was nice enough to give us some money to help with the purchasing of replacement items!

Anyways, today is Thursday! I went to work with a bag packed of my running gear, determined to park at a spot and going running on a new route that I had partially planned out, in hopes that it would still work fully. Well after work today I started driving in the direction I needed to to get to the location, and I started feeling nauseous, my tummy hurt and I was just tired. I have been tired for the past two days due to the stress and thinking about the whole thing. Anyways, so I parked my car and talked myself into.

I convinced myself to at least go 2 miles out and then see how I felt. I decided at two to keep going. I had planned on 8 miles, so running out 4 then turning around. So I pushed forward to 4, and then had to push myself the final 4. My last 4 miles were better than my first. I think it did help that it was more downhill going back then the first 4.

Anyways, in the end I am really glad that I pushed myself out of the car and did all that I set out to do. I was not thrilled with my time, but hey I did it, it isn't awful and like I said, my pace was much better the last 4 miles. Looking at my final time, if my pace stays the same or continues to improve through the miles, the 1/2 marathon in a week and a half should be completed in just under 3 hours which is my goal.

-Stephanie

Running in my Dreams

The other night I had a dream about my race coming at the end of the month. But it wasn't a really good one. I was totally unprepared. For some reason I found myself in Maine, because apparently that is where the race was taking place (in my dream). I had arrived at the race really early, and realized I didn't have anything I needed. But then I found out I was there for the wrong day, I was early on the day of the expo. So I felt some relief and knew I had some time to kill before the expo, so I was able to go somewhere else and get what I needed. I also met up with my girl friend, who is also running the race.
So then I must have skipped over the expo and it was race day. And there I was again, unprepared, no water, no music, no nothing! I panicked a bit, but then I woke up and was really confused!
But now I am feeling worried about the race. I still have a few weeks and am feeling a bit unprepared, but not with the items I need, but in my running. I was hoping to run 3x this week, but so far it has been one.
Tuesday I took a break, Wednesday was hotter than heck, and then today I was doing a bit of house hunting. I did think of running this morning before work, but it was way to dark out to get out when I wanted to, and I am not ready to run in the dark yet.

So hopefully tomorrow after my chiropractor appointment, I can get some miles in.

Now I need to vent, just a little minor thing, but annoying. I was out this evening getting some take out, and the take out guy knows my name and was like "I saw you out jogging the other day." Jogging!?? Really? My run may look like a jog for those who run faster than a 10-9 min mile, but please, I still consider myself a runner, no matter how fast or slow!

I posted this question on Facebook and have already received some responses! I really enjoy hearing what others have to say!

"ok, out of those who run on the slower side, myself included, do you find your self almost feeling offended when someone says to you, I saw you out "jogging" the other day? It might be a jog to those who can run under a 9min mile, but to me, that is how I run!"

-esp when you know how FAR you can go!! What does that One More Mile shirt say...? I may not out pace you, but I will outlast you!!! :-)

-AMEN!!!
-I don't care what people say. I am a very slow runner but I am out there running. As the saying goes -- a 15 minute mile is the same distance as a 9 minute mile..... Or something like that but u get what I mean. I am very proud that I can get out there and move. Many people can't or don't..... So be proud!!!

- I run like Phoebe on "Friends" so my husband says, why don't you try to change it. And I always say it doesn't bother me. I can't see myself run.
 -Yes!!! I hate the word "jog". I feel like it implies less effort. I work hard out there.

So what do you have to say?
Whether you are a fast or slow runner, is there anything that those who are non-runners say that gets to you?
Is there anything other runners might say that gets to you?
Have you had any good or bad dreams about running?

*Stephanie*

Feeling Good...

So this past weekend was not one of my best. On Friday my back pain returned and I believe it was all due to lifting a student (with another staff) on to a table for a toileting change. So Friday through Sunday night my back, lower back I should say was not happy. I would say it was anywhere from a 5-8 on the pain/uncomfortable scale. I was not a happy camper. I tried ice, I tried sitting in another chair, I tried a muscle relaxer and I tried heat. If I was moving around it wasn't as bad, so anytime I was up in the morning making coffee and washing dishes it went down to probably a 3.

I was hoping to go running on Saturday, but I figured I can wait one more day and go on Sunday (which didn't happen). So I settled for a walk around the block just to get myself moving, and maybe it might help my muscles a little. Well it did help, but really for the time I was outside and then when I got home it returned.

The one thing that did seem to help was the heating pad. I figured my muscles are so tight that I'm in pain and they need some release. I really could use a massage, but I haven't made an appointment yet.

When I woke up this morning, my pain had gone down significantly  which was nice and made my day at work a while lot better.
So I planned on running since I didn't get it in over the weekend and I felt better.

I ran 6 miles today, and it went pretty well. I never felt out of breathe, I did feel tired from time to time, mostly in my legs, but I pushed through. I did give myself a couple walk breaks that were longer than my interval timer gave.
I ran by, well I was walking at the time, another runner. She actually ran past me, but I saw her coming and let her pass. She looked like she was a well seasoned but young runner, going on many miles maybe. She went past me and disappeared. But what I noticed about her while she was running were her arms. They didn't seem to move! It reminded me of when I have seen many older, such as 60+ year olds running. Her arms weren't down by her side, but they weren't up/bent and swinging. They seemed to be slightly bent and just hanging out. I hope I don't sound like I am judging her, I am simply making an observation and am curious. I feel like if my arms didn't move, then I wouldn't move as well. Plus I thought that it was helpful to your breathing and blood flow to move your arms.

I could just be talking out of my ass....but who knows. If it works for her, then that's ok with me!

Anyways, I am happy to say that I am slowly, but surely on my way to my upcoming 1/2 Marathon! I don't have much longer until it will be here, but I will do all I can to build on my endurance and stamina!

-Stephanie

it's official, 1/2 #3 here I come!

There is no turning back now.
I have 24 days to whip my booty into shape for the Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon in Providence! I am very excited and nervous all at the same time. I went out for a 4mile run today and was able to maintain an average pace under 13 minutes. If I can achieve that during the half, then I should have no problem finishing in 3 hours.

I am still trying to get used to my intervals, and I did my best to stick to it as much as I could today, but there were a few times I either hit pause accidently or I walked early, at the 30 second warning vibration. So now I need to create a schedule and stick to it, and push through it. I need to get back to eating healthier as well!

As you can see Fall is creeping its way in! I am super excited! I wasn't even halfway through my run when I spotted the tree and its slowly changing leaves! It has me very excited! Fall it my favorite, and I definitely feel my training gets better with the fall weather. That said, I really hope I improve as the days get closer and closer to the RnR 1/2.

 

I finally picked up a foam roller as well, which is not only helpful for after runs, but for my back. My chiropractor gave me a set of exercises/stretches to help strengthen my back, and this will help loosen and stretch as well. And I also am getting tired of holding a water bottle, or carrying my 10oz fuelbelt bottle on short runs so I found a Fuel Belt (16oz?) handheld with strap. It was a lot easier, but I still feel like I always have so much to carry/wear for a run. Bonus, I found it at TJMax for $5.99! What a deal!

I shared my picture of my patella band for my knee, well I decided to wear it on my right knee since it seems to be clicking a little more when I am just walking around, but then during my run my left knee was feeling a little sore. So I guess its back to Dicks Sporting Goods for another one. I thought part of the reason to run was to become healthier and improve my body, but I guess its not always that way! haha.

 

So here it goes. I am really looking forward to getting myself immersed into training.

 

What are your must do's when training for your big race?

What has been your favorite mantra/saying to keep youself motivated?

Do you have any race rituals/routines?

 

-Stephanie

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars." -Les Brown