A Runners Community!

While I was out for my run today I began to think. I typically use my runs to just listen to music, get out some stress and from time to time I do think about things going on.

I was thinking about the community of runners, or in general the active community. Before I became a runner, I would have never thought about running a 5k, let alone a 1/2 Marathon. Running was not something I enjoyed, but rather something I really disliked. I don't want to say that I didn't associate with others who were active, but I guess I always chose to ignore or at least pay little attention to there active-ness, except for times where Cheers and Congrats were deserved for a job well done!

Two to three years ago I did attempt some running outside and on the treadmill. I had joined a gym to try to lose weight for myself and for my wedding. I wasn't a big runner, but I thought the cardio would be a good idea to try. Plus I also was participating in a Climb for Air for the American Lung Association. Pretty much you climb up a crazy amount of flights of stairs and raise money for the ALA. Anyways, I never ran more than a mile at a time probably, and it wasn't to bad. But it never really led to anything.

I am part of that generation that tends to look for instant gratification. And we all know that is not something that can be achieved when trying to lose weight. And I know that. But anyways, I fell out of running and didn't attend the gym as much as I should. I always made excuses and barely attended the last 3-6 months of my membership. I got married in 2011, my dress fit and that is what mattered!

Then in 2012...I discovered Run Disney. I have mentioned this a few times or more in other posts, but anything that has to do with Disney is a huuuge motivator! I thought....running, in Disney, dressed like a Princess???? I could totally do this.
And that is where it all started, I bought running sneakers, I bought a hydration belt, I began to build my mileage, running 2-3x a week and then a long run!

And what I discovered was there was this whole big community of others who were just like me, a beginner looking to get going. Also in this community were veterans, others who have been where I was and could provide tips, suggestions, support and motivation! I thought "what a great place that I am in, that I have others who don't even know who I am, and they want to help me!" It doesn't matter who we are, where we are from, our profession, or even level of athleticism, but what we have in common is that we are RUNNERS!  We want to experience the runners high, sweat, eat carbs, buy fun running clothes, and of course run the race!

When you are inactive, you never realize what is out there. Many have their friends, their own support group of those who enjoy the same activities. We all experience that whether we are active or not. But the community of runners is a whole other world, and much different experience that is so powerful and great!

I could go on and on about this, and I am sure if you are a runner you share my feelings about how great it can be and how wonderful this community it is. So to end this, I want to say thank you to everyone who has been there to support me, motivate me, teach me and show me the way to becoming a runner. I still have my ups and downs, as I know even a seasoned runner does, and I appreciate the fact that there is a group I can call to to help pick me back up, whether it is on facebook, blogging, or local friends.
THANK YOU!!!!

-Stephanie

Accessorizing!

When it comes to running...or when you become a runner, you end up with a collection of race shirts, running clothes/capris/tights, and many accessories!

You may not need all these accessories at once, but for the long run or race day, you may. In my last post I talked about my new interval timer. As much as I hate having to wear two things on my arm at once, I did not need my fuel belt on me.

As you can see.....I drew my belt in, just to show all the accessories I would need if it had been a long run. My cousin made a funny comment on a photo from my last race about the amount of things I had on my belt, or the "lack of" items, and I should add a hat or something! very funny..

Usually when I have my belt, my music (cell phone) which also serves as my gps/run app would go in the zipper pouch. I also purchased a pouch that slides onto the belt so I can put my camera in it, it takes much better pics than my phone, so I like to have to have it for race day, unless it is a 5k.

 

Another new "accessory" is my patella band for my knee.

I could probably wear one on each knee, but I bought one just so I could try it out. I don't like how un-flattering it is, kind of pushing everything up, but that's what it is suppose to do to the knee, push up to keep things from rubbing the wrong way internally. After suffering from "spasms" for the first 6 miles of my last 1/2 Marathon, my chiropractor suggested getting a Patella support Strap.

 

So I don't know if I will wear this or both ( I will pick up another) every time I run, but today I felt like I could have worn two. When I took my walking breaks my right knee felt a little funny, so it might have been good to have some support.

 

Speaking of todays run...I am getting really bored with the routes I have close to me. But knowing that I have to run, I did it anyways. I changed my intervals to 2:1 which I complied with majority of the time. I did sometimes slip to 130:130, but I would switch back and forth. I did still feel winded half way through, and was hoping to do 4 miles again today and probably could have pushed myself. But I decided not to, and to push myself to 4 tomorrow. I know I wasn't properly hydrated today, and I haven't been eating the greatest lately either.

 

I know I said I would definitely sign up for the Rock N Roll 1/2 for the end of September, but I am going to use this week to decide. I want to make sure I can do it. I know I can do it, but I want to make sure I am capable of doing it, feeling good and be able to finish strong. So I will use this week to run whenever and as much as I can in hopes that I can build my endurance a little more so I can be able to get long runs in before the 1/2. So here I am crossing my fingers.

 

 -Stephanie



Slow and out of Breathe!

ok.
Trying to get back in the game isn't always as easy as you think it can be.
For the past two weeks, I have only run once a week. I have the greatest intentions of running at least twice this week, which I still have time do. So I set out today to complete 4 miles, but alas, I only got to 3.
I had also purchased a interval timer to bring out on my runs, so that is another accessory I had to add to my body. So I decided I would go big and just go with the pre-set interval of 3/1 and go.

So I started with my normal walking warm up and then hit start on the timer. Well I only lasted at the 3/1 for maybe a mile, then I had to bring it down to 2:30/1, and then I was kind of back to doing my own thing.
I was tiring out a lot faster, and I wasn't running much fast than usual, obviously it was a little slower. So I can definitely contribute the fact that I have been slacking on my running to the slowness, but it was also warm and humid, I don't want to say hot, but def. on the warm side with humidity!

I really have to kick my own butt and get back into high gear in order to get back up to 1/2 marathon endurance/status/ability.

-Stephanie

Half Marathon #3 ???

So I am contemplating Half Marathon #3.
And it is coming soon.
The Providence Rock N' Roll 1/2 Marathon (mini and full marathon available too) on September 29th, 2013.

The things I must consider is my financial situation. I have been trying to handle my finances and a better manner lately, and try to steady things to steady myself through the rest of the year. There is nothing like feeling like you are in a financial struggle in the winter when heating bills start to climb. And especially when trying to find a future home.
Currently the cost for the 1/2 is at $105, but I do know of a discount code that would save me $10, doesn't sound like a lot, but $10 is $10.

The reason I want to register is because #1, it sounds like fun, a fun course...at least the most fun/exciting of a course that is possible close to home that wouldn't be Run Disney! haha. I know nothing could compare, but it is nice to know that there is another race out there with some sort of on-course entertainment! #2 It seems relatively easy of a course, meaning not to hilly, or at least no extreme hills. #3 I really want to hit or even break 3 hours!

I was hoping to hit/break 3 hrs in my last 1/2, but due to the heat, that was a failure, but I was not. I finished, which is important. But I know that I can reach the goal as long as I continue to train, but I want the opportunity to do it!
If I register, I need to register soon, it sounds like something that could fill up soon, but I am not sure. So I will give myself a week to think about it, tops.

I will keep you updated with my decision, which I think you all know which choice I hope to make!

-Stephanie

Sunday Funday (stolen from Sarah at RAD)

Ok, first I am going to start off with my day. Today an old Pastor/Youth Pastor, Gary from my childhood returned to our family church to run the service and do the sermon! I have not seen this man and his family in quite some time, so it was great seeing most of them (some where just returning from vaca with her fam)
Anyways, so during the service there is always a children's time where the children in the sanctuary are invited up for a little "one on one" kind of time with the minister for some God Talk! Anyways, he began to reminisce a bit about his own daughter when she was 2 or 3 years old, we are talking around 25 years ago! Anyways at the young age she had come to him and her mom and asked "Is Miss Jean God?" I know you are wondering "who is Miss Jean?" Miss Jean was someone everyone in my generation, many before and some after interacted with for Sunday school. She is a wonderful woman who always knew what to say and how to keep us kids happy!

Anyways, so back to "Is Miss Jean God?" Well we all laughed, and then teared up a little as he, Gary of course told us how they replied "Yes!" Gary continued to say that she loves us so much and cares for us all so much, just as God does. That's when we all went into tears, especially Gary! It was the best and most touching moment of the day, neh...the week!

I then had to leave the service early to go to work, which bummed me out because I knew that there would be more happy moments to come not only during, but after the service!

Anyways, to continue on with Sunday Funday, a fellow blogger has a Sunday Funday post that I want to share. I have included the link before, it really can bring a smile to your face!

http://www.rad-living.com/2013/08/11/sunday-funday-81113/#comment-610
Thanks Sarah!

Enjoy!
-Stephanie