I Hated It

I ran 5 miles today.  And I hated it.  I had just an icky day today anyhow; I was tired and did dull work all day.  Then I started yawning and couldn't stop.  I texted my dear friend Spoiled Yogi for some motivation to run.  She suggested music, specifically, Beyonce.  I started my run listening to The Dirty Guv'nahs, a little feeling of local gone huge rock.  Then I switched to The Afters after the Guv's Pandora station got lame.  And on the way back, when I wanted to stop and crawl at about mile 3, I tuned in to some Beyonce which was a huge boost to my feet.  Pandora finished my run by playing Let's Get It Started by the Black Eyed Peas, which helped but didn't make it all better.

I'm so so so glad my Spoiled Yogi suggested music today.  I really don't think I would have gotten through my run without it.  I just was Not into it today.  It's getting harder every day, but today was Really hard.  Today, I didn't even feel good after the run.  Even on days I don't want to run, I almost always feel better for doing it after the run.  Not today.  I just hated it today.  I've got to figure out what's going on and change my tude a bit.  I want so bad to love running.  I just don't.

Lucky for us, my face-making niece will be in town this weekend and hopefully provide me with some new material to express my running through pictures. 

End of Summer

Hard to believe summer came and went.  Kids are back to school and the pools are closing.  Today I swam.  I was going to run, but it was hot.  And remembered that the outdoor pool closes at the end of this week and if I want to swim outside, I've got to do it this week.  So, I went ahead and did it today.  And lucky me caught the end of summer special!  Cost me just $1 to swim today.  The outdoor pool is an olympic sized, 50 meter pool.  And it Wore Me Out!  I'm used to swimming 25-yard laps, not 50-meter laps.  I thought that pool would never end.  Thought I'd never find the other end. 

But I did.  Found it 20 times in fact.  Though I wasn't in the water all that long, I felt like I got a good workout.  My arms felt like I was pumping iron.

And then I came home and had nachos and ice cream :)  Oooh, and one of these, which I happen to agree completely with.

Running Stupid

Today I ran more stupidly than I ever have before.  (The comment box at the end of this post is no longer available).  Actually, no.  Today, I actually realized I had been running like a blind idiot.  Seriously!  For about a month now, I've been running the Creeper Trail a few days a week.  In one of my earlier posts, I even noted that the way back took me longer than the way out.  I supposed I had slowed down the pace some.  Today, I ran 2.5 miles out.  It took me 'til a bout three quarters of a mile to catch my stride and pick up the pace, but once I did, I felt great!  I felt like I was flying.  At 2.5 miles, when I turned around, I immediately felt like I hit a brick wall.  My thighs were burning, I felt like I was running up an escalator.  At 3 miles, I wanted to just stop.  I couldn't figure it.  I kept thinking "*WHAT* is going on with me?" 

Well *GUESS* what was really going on.  Just Guess!  I WAS RUNNING UP-HILL!!  And allll this time, I just thought I was running fast for part of my runs and slow the other part!  *STUPID!*  No wonder I felt like nuclear forces were against me.  I know, I know, you think, "how can you Not realize you're running uphill?"  Completely valid question.  You see, it's just BaReLy uphill, but constant, and you have no contour to compare the path against, because you're in this beautiful wonderland of trail and trees.  I was running along trying to figure this out and all the sudden realized all those times that I've biked the trail, they tell you that the most popular part of the trail to bike is from White Top to Damascus because from Damascus to Abingdon is uphill.  And THEN I suddenly realized why all those people coming towards me on bikes when I just get going are out of breath and look exhausted.  It's not just cause they're out of shape big dummy!

Psshhh.  And to top it all, I was really pushing myself for the entire run today.  On the way back (after I realized I was running uphill) I was really pushing myself and felt like I had a good pace and was going strong.  Out of nowhere, this guy wearing a VISOR (no, not a fancy running visor but a dumb frat-boy visor) just smokes me.  The guy didn't even look like he was in shape.  He was running in a golf visor people!

Today's run was humiliating all the way around.  Sad, sad day for this Running Chic.  It's amazing I make it to work some mornings, really.  Note to self: the Creeper Trail is uphill from Damascus to Abingdon.  Smarty.

Ultra Crazy

Today I rested again.  But the Best news of the day?  My calves aren't sore today!  The cold water bath must have helped.  *Glory*Glory*Hallelujah!*  I had a perfectly wonderful day filled with church, family and new friends.   But no running.

Though one of those new friends is a runner and her husband also runs... ah hem, is an "ultra runner."  For those of you who don't know, an ultra runner is someone who runs extreme distances, say oh, 100 miles.  Yes, 100 miles.  At one time.  *R*I*D*I*C*U*L*O*U*S*  In fact, he's coordinating an ultra run this weekend in Damascus, VA of 16 miles, 30 miles and 50 miles.  WOW folks, I can't decide if I'm impressed or feel sorry for these people for the pain they are inflicting on themselves.

Anyhow, I topped my day off with a lounge in the hammock....

But then I saw this guy:

It's not a very good picture, but trust me, he/she was waaaay creepy.  Starring at me, watching my every-hammock-move.  And you can't see his/her teensy green beady eyes in this picture, but trust me, creepy.  And since he/she was keeping an eye on me the entire time, I likewise kept an eye on it the entire time I was trying to expand my mind in a book of history's tales.  Thanks creepy green thing for disturbing my Sunday hammock rest and afternoon education!

Lucky Number Seven

The hurricane has brought clouds and cool temps to southwest Virginia.  Probably was a damper to a lot of peoples' day.  But not mine.  This weather is just what I would have ordered up for my plans today, which weren't much!  Run, clean, and be lazy.  Those were my three tasks today.  And I have completed them all!  *3*Cheers!* 

I slept in, ahhhh, that was most wonderful.  I haven't done that in a long while unless you count hitting snooze for the umpteenth time on Monday through Friday.  I woke up at 7:30 and said to myself, "I should get up and go do my run before it gets later and hot," ...as I laid my head back down on the pillow.  So wonderful :)

But most fortunate for me, it's been overcast and cool allllll day.  So when I finally got around to getting myself going for the day, I decided I would get my run out of the way.  And I did *7* miles!  I think I could have done another if I had to, but I was soooo relieved when the 7 was over.  I didn't take Pandora with me today because I didn't know if it was going to rain, and didn't want to risk it.  I only heard from two rednecks today, which was nice.  So without Pandora, I had an hour and ten minutes to just think.  So I sang to myself some (had Lead Me by Sanctus Real stuck in my head), and I prayed (asked the good Lord to get me through this run among other things), and I thought, just about stuff, like the fact that I was running off the Fat Tire I had last night.  My left knee started hurting at two different points during the run, but I pressed on because I knew if I quit, I'd have to do it all over again tomorrow.  Luckily, both times the pain eventually went away. 

Then I had to climb up the half-mile hill to my house.  Oh.My.Goodness.  That hurt.  I was TIRED, even after sleeping in!  I think I was in more pain than I was tired.  That's the furthest I've run in many years.  When I quit running last year, I was just running 5 or 6 six miles a few times a week.  So I think my body definitely felt the extra mile today that it hasn't been used to in years.  As soooon as I made it up my steep driveway, I grabbed some cold water out of the fridge and promptly chugged it while filling up the bathtub with *C*O*L*D* water.  They say the best thing for hot and tired muscles is cold water.  And boy were my muscles hot and tired.  My calves were (and are) STILL killing me from mean mean Jillian on Thursday.  So I climbed in.

Whew, it was *C*O*L*D*!*!*!*  But it also felt good.  I sat there for as long as I could take it; not much more than 10 minutes.  I'm hoping my muscles aren't too sore tomorrow.  My calves are still absolutely killing me.

I couldn't help but think afterwards that today's run was just over half of what I'll be running on November 20th.  The good news, I've still got nearly 3 months to train.

It's Bristol Baby!

That's right folks, NASCAR has invaded Bristol for it's semi-annual redneck gala.  Remember, I love rednecks.  So I don't really mind the race, I usually look forward to it.  Except this weekend, it's put a slight kink in my running plans.  Today was my day of rest, and rest I did.  My calves are so sore from that mean, very mean, Jillian Michaels.  So mean.  Of course, I did not get up and run this morning (no surprise here). 

Usually on Saturdays I'm at the farm.  I get up early, go run then go do farm chores.  And I'm totally motivated to do all of those things.  But, since it's BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY time in Bristol this weekend, my running and farming plans are off kilter.  So instead, there will be no farming tomorrow and I'm on my own to get motivated to do a long run tomorrow.  Dad suggested I get up early and go run through the campgrounds.  A trip that would be Certain to entertain.  But a hazardous and also certain annoying trip with the redneck catcalls that you know I don't love.  Additionally, my normal Saturday morning running route in Blountville will not be accessible tomorrow due to the campers, cars, trucks, doonbuggies, and CAMPERS coming into town to go RACE'N!  I am glad they come though.  It's good for the economy, it's good for a little redneck spirit, it's good.  It's just messing up my running plans tomorrow.  But I'll adjust.  After all, life is all about adjustments, right?

Super Who?

Dear Running Mothers, WHERE do you find the time to do it all?  I have only myself to care for, and I still don't get dinner 'til 9:00.  Work, odds and ends, workout, dinner, downtime/blogtime, bed.  Whew!  Clearly, I am sleeping too much. 

Today, it rained some and I wasn't sure how much I should expect.  So, I did the dreaded thing and popped in my Jillian Michaels DVD.  She's so evil.  However, my running has helped my JM performance.  She didn't appear on my screen with red horns coming out her head as she usually does.  But Hey, don't get me wrong, she's still part spawn of satan.  Yeah, yeah, yeah, I say that in jest.  But honestly, nothing makes me sweat and grunt in pain and agony like she does.  Brutal. 

Technically, I can take tomorrow off.  I'd like to get up and run about 3 miles in the morning.  But alas, I'm not holding my breath.  I know how I am.  Who knows what tomorrow will bring.  Really, who knows?

Relapse

You know when a drug addict in rehab relapses?  Yeah, I knew you knew what that's like.  I feel like I'm in couch potato relapse.  Running is getting harder, not easier.  Mentally and physically.  I've dreaded my runs everyday this week.  I probably should have done cross training today, but I wanted to up my mileage this week.  And, I didn't feel like cross training.  Normally, I would rather run any day than do my Jillian Michaels DVD.  It's becoming more of a toss up. 

I ran for 50 minutes today, so about 5 miles, and then walked up the Gargantuous hill to my house.  I had to do a thing or two after work and when I was finished I was already in the direction of home so I didn't run the trail today.  And of course, there were Hillllls.  But today, I ran the long, slow incline kind of hills.  And my legs BuRneD.  I was just going to do 4 miles, but then I got to the 4-mile turnaround, and my Pandora started working again (bad service round here).  And I didn't want to turn around then because I wanted to listen to my inspiring and uplifting music.  So I kept on chugging.  When I finally did turn around (after fending off another hateful dog), I knew I was in trouble.  I looked up and realized I had been running Down one of those long, slow incline hills.  Which meant now.... *Ding*Ding*Ding*, I had to run up it.  And ooohhhhhh how it hurt.  I wanted to walk at 3 miles.  And at 3.5 miles I was going to walk or cry.  BUT, what's that I see?  Downhill ahead!  Whew.  I made it. 

And as for the obnoxious honkers and redneck catcalls.... I've just decided to play along.  I've started waving back.  Cheap thrill for some folks I suppose.  Perhaps Saturday on my long run I can count and identify the roadkill.  Eww, that's gross.  Sorry.

After I survived the run, I kicked back and gave thanks that I was done for another day.

Glory Glory Good Morning!

I did it!  I got up early this morning and ran!  Woohoo!  I was so proud of myself.  For those of you that don't know, I hate mornings.  I had a terrible night's sleep, which didn't help.  But I mustered up the will power and got up just a little after 6:00.  I ran for 40 minutes, so about 4 miles.  Which after just running 6 the night before, was a little challenge.  As was being chased by a pit bull bright and early.  Neighborhood running is not my favorite.  I felt like I was waking up the entire neighborhood by the dogs barking at me, much less me yelling back at the pit bull to not eat me alive, all in the first 20 minutes of my run.  So I opted to keep the other 20 minutes of my run away from that part of the neighborhood.  And after running for 40 minutes, I had to hike up the gargantuous hill back to my house.  I couldn't possibly run it. 

It was Cold when I walked out the door this morning.  I actually went back inside and put on a long-sleeved shirt.  And then I ran the first quarter mile with my hands in the arm pits. Not*A*Morning*Gal.  But when I got done, I took a minute to lie in the hammock on the porch before I hit the shower.  That was *Wonderful.*  I could have laid there all morning.  But justice calls.

I was soooo proud of myself for getting up early this morning and running.  That doesn't mean I'll do it again tomorrow, however.  I even made it to work on time today.  That was pretty spectacular.  Until it wasn't.  But gahh-leee I'm whipped.  Another long day in the books.

Let It All Out Girl

Today was rough.  Rough from the get-go.  And when my afternoon became incredibly unproductive, I didn't know what I was going to do with myself.  So I left the office an hour early and went for my run, which I Of Course, was dreading.  I did, however, get to talk to a dear friend that I haven't talked to in a while today.  She was telling me that she runs 5-6 miles every day.  And is not training for anything, other than hash runs.  So that definitely motivated me to step up my run today.  I want to pick up my weekly mileage.  And as slight punishment for doing nothing yesterday, I ran 6 miles today.  And I *Let*The*Stress*Of*The*Day*OUT.*  It took me 59 minutes, and I shaved that extra minute, of my usual 10-minute miles, off the first three miles.  I apparently slowed down some the second three.  I was pushing it and it felt good.  About mile 4 my quads did start to burn and the run did get much harder. 

I ran with Pandora playing on my phone today.  I never run with music, for many reasons.  Usually, I enjoy it for a little while and then I get hot and annoyed and just want to rip the headphones off.  I made a station for "The Afters" just before I started my run because that's what was on my radio.  And it was Wonderful.  I thoroughly enjoyed running with Pandora today.  I had some uplifting, spirit-promoting, thought-provoking music going and it was lovely!  At first, I found it hard to find my stride because I had a beat going in my ear and I was trying to *Let*The*Stress*Of*The*Day*OUT.*  But I found it.  Just as I was starting my run, two cross country runners (probably from King or Emory & Henry) came BARRELLLLLING down the trail.  Those guys came at me and passed me like two thoroughbred race horses at the Kentucky Derby.  Seriously.  You could hear their feet hit the trail JUST like a horse's hoof at 40 miles an hour.  You could hear them breathing like Big Red in Secretariat.  It was nearly frightening.  But certainly impressive.  I think that got my attention and got me in stride.  By the way, I heard those guys yell out to someone that they had ran 11 miles.  They Galloped 11 miles.

I on the other hand, finished my Monday 6-mile run and.....

Had a Pal's chocolate milkshake :)

I'm not sure what I'm going to do about my training tomorrow.  If I were a good girl, I would get up in the morning and run before work.  I have a commitment tomorrow night that I just don't see me getting my run in in the evening.  I could use tomorrow as a rest day, but I like to rest on Friday's and Sundays.  I Should just get up in the morning and do it.  But *it's*just*so*hard* :(  The ladies running Secret City with me run in the mornings.  One even gets up at 4:45!  Uuughh, I will try to convince myself in the next hour to A. go to bed, and B. get up an hour early.  I'll let you know tomorrow!

The Do Nothing Option

In my work, we have this situation where many of our clients find themselves; we call it the "Do Nothing Option."  Long story, but it's essentially just that.  They sometimes get notified but they do nothing.  Today, I also took the "Do Nothing" option.  I am on notice that I have a half marathon to run on November 20th.  But today, I did nothing about it.  I usually consider Sunday's my semi-off day.  For instance, last Sunday I did yoga.  Today, I chose the "Do Nothing" option. 

I spent time with family. 

 

 
While wonderful and amazing and one of life's most precious treasures, it won't help me get to the finish line on November 20th.  In essence, I feel guilty.  I should have elected to participate today (sorry, work pun).  I Should have chosen to participate in my training today!  And even though some days I don't physically participate, I should always mentally participate.  I didn't even make it that far today.  Two weeks in and it's only going to get harder. 


Life is a mystery.  I only know how it ends.

Down and Dirty

Today I ran my second 6-mile run in over a year.  It seemed a bit harder than the first one a week ago.  My motivation is waning, which I think is part of the problem.  I've been running by myself for two weeks now.  Maybe this week I'll call sweet Gina up and see if she'll be a sport and keep me company one day.  My shin did not bother me this morning which was a huge relief.  At one point I thought my knee had taken a blow, but gratefully that pain quickly went away.  I just did a solid 6 today instead of the 6.4 I did last week to finish the loop.  I ran for 61 minutes.  And reminded myself that 6 miles wasn't even half of what I will be running on November 20th.  Sigh.  I've got a long ways to go.  But I'm determined to get there!

I felt so dirty from my run this morning and doctoring cows and tagging calves right after that I had to take a shower as soon as those two chores were done, only to go right back to the barn for more work.  I felt soooo Dirty.  And what do you know, the prodigal son returned to get a little dirty himself.  I was so proud of my nephew when he asked his dad how come he showed up in the afternoon when farm chores were done in the morning :)  Ahhh.... bring them up right :) 

And have a little fun while you're at it.

And then we relaxed....

And relaxed s'more :)

A Little Harder Than the Last

So after yesterday's day of rest, my motivation level was a pretty strong Low today.  I dreaded my run all day long.  Actually, I dreaded it for 2 days.  It was a wild week at the office and I should have been looking forward to getting out, breathing fresh air and stretching my legs.  But I wasn't.  I was more like this:

Throwing myself in the floor and snarling my nose.  I don't wanna :(

But nevertheless, I did it.  I ran 3 miles today.  I feel like I should have ran more, although 3 was still on with my training schedule.  But even after I got done today, I can't say I felt good.  Not that "runner's high" or that sense of accomplishment.  Nope.  This is more like how I felt about today's run:

Thank you sweet niece for helping me share how I felt today!  She's such a good model.  And will scream when she sees that Angus was behind her.

I'm getting a little concerned about this little shin split I think is coming on.  I hope it doesn't get any worse.  Needless to say, I'm not looking forward to my 6 mile run tomorrow.  See above picture.

All Fun & Games

I was on the road for work today so I thought early on in the week that today would be my day of rest.  I was hoping I might squeeze in a run, however, I had a much better opportunity come up.  My fabulous, precious, amazing, darling, sweet, incredible... you get it... niece and nephew are in town so I skipped that short run to chill with them this evening.  I think my left knee and shin could use the rest too. 

Since starting my training, I have had this insatiable appetite for candy.  I even met and talked to a lady in the candy aisle at the grocery store for 20 minutes.  Luckily, I left with only a small bag of gummy bears.  Whew.  When you start meeting people in the candy aisle at the grocery store you're clearly in that aisle too long!  For the most part, I have been able to resist the temptation to eat candy everyday.  I have definitely splurged more than I would have previously allowed since I started training.  Again, although my goal is still somewhat undefined in this race, it is Clearly Not to lose weight. 

I wonder if playing badminton with my four year old nephew and bouncy horse with my two year old niece constitutes cross-training.  ...Anyone?  Ahhh.... I forgot the pictures!  Tomorrow, promise.

Water Baby

It's late.  I'm tired.  Long work day.  Work travels tomorrow.  However, I did take a lovely swim today.  I swam 2000 yards, which is nearly twice what I swam last week.  My left shin, which was bothering me slightly in yesterday's run, bothered me some today in the water, which surprised me.  My calves wanted to cramp up a bit but no major issues.  I swam for about 50 minutes and just enjoyed being off my knees today.  I did some distance and I did some intervals, so a good mix of all things to make me sore and get my heart rate up.  Tomorrow I'll enjoy giving my shoulders a rest I'm sure.  Today I enjoyed the simple pleasures of being able to do what I do, being able to use my body and remind myself to not take it for granted.  After all, that's what got me running in the first place.  To run for those who could not.  May God bless the inspirations in my life. 

Day by day.....

Wandering Through the Hills

Yuck.  That just sums up tonight's run.  Yuck.  I ran somewhere around 4 miles, give or take.  Took me 46 minutes.  I ran around Lebanon, which was lovely, except for the HILLS.  Up and down, Up and Down, up and Down.  Owwwie owie.  On the way back, my quads were Burning.  I was a bit disappointed that I had to stop and walk about 25-yards up one of the hills.  But to make up for it, I pushed through the last hill and didn't stop, which I was mentally preparing myself to do just that, walk the last hill.  I was certainly poking today.  There was no speed in my getup today. 

As I was running these glorious hills, I kept in mind the most important thing I learned during the full marathon I once ran.  It was in San Franciso, and the night before the race at the pasta dinner, a coach for the San Francisco Team In Training team told us, "Do not run over the hills.  Run THROUGH the hills."  Head down, eyes on your feet, run through the hills.  It does help! 

What else helps is keeping my mind off the fact that I'm running up hills.  I used to run short distances with a few wonderful folks and I would make one of them tell me stories as we ran up the hills to keep my mind of the fact that I was running up a hill.  So when I'm running alone, I just have to tell myself stories.  OR think about stuff.  Which I do.  Very random stuff.  And I can't stay focused on one thing.  It's almost like when I say my prayers sometimes and my mind just starts wandering.  FOCUS Jen, Focus.  I don't run with an ipod or anything, so my running is alllll me and my thoughts.  Scary sometimes.  Refreshing at other times.  Now, if I could learn to use my time running to Listen, like Pastor Cantrell said, That would be a good use of my time.  Exercising my muscles and my soul at the same time!  I think I always exercise my soul a little when running.  Time alone is always good for the soul whether you realize it or not.  I've learned this for certain.

I'm soooo looking forward to a nice swim tomorrow.  I will be so glad go relax my quads and knees for a day.  I need to start taking some pictures for y'all!  ...Not of me in a swim suit, however. 

Keep on Keep'n On

This evening I ran just under 5 miles (probably 4 and three quarters) in 48 minutes.  Someday, I'm going to figure out exactly how long that stretch is between my office and the trail head.  It takes me four minutes to get to the trailhead, so I just assume it's just under half a mile (because I'm a consistent 10-minute miler).  Just before taking off, two runners caught the trail in front of me while I stretched.  I made it my mission to catch up with them.  The first one, a girl, I caught up with within half a mile.  She was just on a leisurely stroll.  So my next target was the big fella in red.  And I Almost had him, when he turned around before I quite got him.  Shucks.  Now what's to motivate me?  I started my run thinking I'd do an easy 3 or 3.5 miles.  But chasing those two got my blood going and I decided to go to the 2 mile mile-marker.  I continued to push myself down the trail even though my rabbit copped out on me.  I hit the 2 mile mile-marker and pushed even harder on the way back.  For a short minute my left knee started to ache and for a long several minutes my stomach muscles cramped.  But I kept on keep'n on. 

During my run I tried to figure out my training schedule for the rest of the week.  I kept looking at all the bikers passing me on the trail and thinking to myself, "I should try that."  I've talked about taking up biking for a few years now.  Perhaps I'll actually do it and start working towards my dream of competing in a triathlon someday.  Except I can't help but think of that 200 mile relay the Tennessee Running Chics did through the cornfields of Indiana, where I road a bike along side a runner or two, or the bike rode me.  It's a long story, but trust me, it was a disaster.  Lesson learned - I'm a TERRIBLE bike rider.  When people say, "eah, it's just like riding a bike!"  I Always have a comeback.  "But you haven't SEEN me on a bike.  Not a pretty site."  But alas, keep on keep'n on, right?  Perhaps I will venture towards that triathlon someday. 

I definitely pushed myself today.  I picked up the pace and went a little further than planned.  Things I should do everyday, with most things in life.  And for some reason my cheeks were aching when I got done!  No, not my bum cheeks but my cheeks cheeks.  So weird!  I suppose I was grimacing too hard.  :)

Day of Rest

Ahhh, Sunday.  The day after my first 6.4 mile run in well over a year.  My quads were a little sore this morning.  So I set my sights on a nice yoga session this evening.  The preacher preached about listening this morning.  Obviously, he was talking about listening for God's direction.  Very important.  Also important for my training is listening to my body.  My quads told me on my first march up the stairs this morning to Strrretch.  Jason Crandell of the Yoga Journal reminded me this evening that yoga isn't just about stretching but about balance as well.  Yoga Journal has these wonderful podcasts for free (www.yogajournal.com/podcast).  I can't help but brag that my dear dear dear friend (who writes an amazing blog, www.spoiledyogi.com) starred in some of the podcasts so I almost feel like I'm practicing with her!

But back on subject, today was a nice recovery day and I took the opportunity to listen to my body and stretch some of tight muscles I've worked up this past week.  I call Week 1 of training a success.  It was a good test week to remind me what I'm capable of and see how much work I've got to do.  I'm doing it.  And it feels good.

Do Not Get High

Whew!  I ran 6.4 miles this morning and it took me 66 minutes.  I got up early this morning and headed for the door.  I figured best to get this out of my way so I didn't dwell on it all day.  Plus the cows needed herding, doctoring and tagging before it got too hot.  My alarm went off at six and my completely unbiased reasoning said, "Eah, it's still dark outside.  I can't run in the dark."  Ahhh... my pillow felt sooooo good.  O.K., so 6:30 came and I had no more excuses and I knew that the cows would make my life miserable later in the morning if I didn't get started.  I ran in downtown Blountville this morning, my charming, small, quiet, sleepy, small hometown.

I hate running on the road.  Like, really don't like it, for multiple reasons.  For safety, I donned by neon green running shirt and neon orange running shorts.  Ya couldn't miss me.  Unfortunately.  Fellas, please pray-tell Do tell me WHAT is the big kick you get from yelling at females who obviously are Not interested in being cat-called??  It's 7am, I'm sweaty, I look like I'm in pain, my eyes are darting lasers at the hill in front of me and you idiots hyped up on mountain dew with nothing else better to do at 7am give me that obnoxious "Hey baby! Look'n good! Work it girl!" dumb redneck hollar.  (Don't get me wrong, I love rednecks.  Just not ones that yell at me.)  What is the giddy high you boys get out of that?!  Do Not Cat-Call Me.  Got it Junior?  As opposed to the nice fella wiping his car off this morning with a quiet and friendly "you're stilllll running?"  An appreciated distraction from the hill beneath my toes. 

Since this was my first six mile run in definitely well over a year, I couldn't help but think about the first time I ran six miles ever.  I was in college and my friend Rachael and I took off around campus and we ran, and ran... And ran, and ran.  We ran for 60 minutes and we were sooooo stoked that we ran 6 miles!  We got that "runner's high" and were ready to turn around and do it again!  *Ahem*, well, so here's the deal.  I totally faked that runner's high (sorry Rach) and have never had it since.  I don't get it.  I never finish and I think, "Wow!  I want to do that again!"  Mmm, nope, never.  I'm usually glad I did it but I never experience that magical euphoric sensation they call the "runner's high."  It's kind of like those people that say they just feel yucky and bad if they skip a day's workout... yeah, nope, I don't know what that's like either.  And I'm quite fine with that.  Being a fitness buff isn't for everyone.  So I try to keep my fitness non-routine where I still enjoy it.  I want to keep myself challenged and healthy.  That's all we really need.

That and a little puppy love, right Angus?

Not So Great Expectations

One should always have a goal in mind.  A goal gives you something to work towards.  You don't want to set your goal too low, because that's cheating and returns little reward.  And you don't want to set your goal too high, because that's setting yourself up for disappointment.  When I first started running, I signed up for a full marathon (that's 26.2 miles folks) with a fabulous organization called Team In Training that trains you for athletic events and in exchange you agree to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  My goal for that marathon was to finish.  Absolutely nothing more.  And I did. 

So what's my goal for Secret City?  I'm still pondering.  Just finishing seems too low of a goal.  Beating my personal record of 2:01.06 with just 3 1/2 months to train seems quite daunting since I haven't ran in a year.  So what is a reasonable expectation for me?  Do I expect to lose weight during my training?  Cough*Cough.

Naaaa.  Not with Babycakes right down the street from my office!  Today is a recovery day.  Cupcakes help everyone recover, hello!

During my lunch breaks I often listen to podcasts from http://www.livingontheedge.org/.  (Amazing site!)  Today's podcast was about..... yep,  you guessed it, Expectations.  Pastor Chip Ingram said today that disappointment equals the difference between your expectations and your experience.  Now that I have the equation, I should be able to avoid disappointment, right?  Applying my legal logic, my experience depends on my expectations. 

Dear Lord, let my expectations be reasonable and me not be disappointed.  But let my expectations be great enough to make my experience whole.  Amen.

Six miles tomorrow.... wish me luck!

The Starting Line

We all have to start somewhere.  A few months ago some fabulous ladies I ran with while in college had this grand idea that we would all meet up once again and run a race together, a reunion race.  I was so excited at the thoughts of seeing them again (after 5 and 6 years) that I said "Sure!" before I remembered that I quit running a year ago.  Before I thought to reflect on all the pain that running impresses on my non-runner body type.  Swell.

So here I go.  I started my training this week and decided to start this blog (my very first blog) to help encourage me along the path to the Secret City Half Marathon on November 20, 2011 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  My birthday is on November 22, so this will be a Happy Birthday present to myself, an accomplishment and feat that so long as I finish, I will be proud to have conquered.  And ecstatic to see the Tennessee Running Chics again! (That's for another post.)

I'll start with a couple of emails I sent to my pseudo-sister and fellow running chic, Dana, this week:

Tuesday, August 9th
"So, I have a confession.  That training schedule you made me, I never opened it because I figured I'd wait til I was ready to start training.  ....And I just opened it and dropped my jaw.  I forgot how hard training is!  But no worries, it is now printed and posted promptly on the wall of my office.  One step at a time, here I go...."

Wednesday, August 10th
"I did cross training Monday (a Jillian Michaels CD that made me want to cry), ran 3 yesterday, could hardly walk this morning, and plan to swim tonight.  I plan to run 4 tomorrow.  For the first time.... in about a year I think!"

And guess what.  Today I ran 5!  Woohoo!  Five and a quarter actually, or somewhere between five and a quarter and five and a half.  It took me 55 minutes but I took 2 minutes to stop and try to figure out the mile markers on the trail map.  I ran on the Creeper Trail, which is so beautiful and I can hop on it right outside my office door.  I realized while running today that I had forgotten how wonderful running can be for your mind.  And how hard it can be on the knees.

Remember these guys?

That's what my left knee felt like today.  Just swing'n baaaack and forth, baaaack and forth, like it was hanging on a hing.  I myself felt more like this guy:

Regardless of how I looked, I'd call it a successful day.  Five miles for the first time in a year ain't so bad.  I may have more to say about that tomorrow, however.