pretty much back in the game...i hope

Yesterday when I said a "little" 10-15 mile run, I should have prepared myself for 14 miles of hell. Don't get me wrong, I feel absolutely great now that its over, but trying to get through it was one of the hardest things. I had to stop a couple times (but only for maybe 2 minute intervals) since it felt as though an elephant was stepping on my chest, but I guess that's what you get when you don't run more than 4 miles for over a month and a half. The knees started to hurt about 3 miles in, but it was only a dull ache so I knew I could keep pushing through it. My legs just weren't so used to that distance anymore and so once I began the mental pep talks and the 'its only one foot right in front of the other laura's...mmm it didn't help much hahaha. Just gotta keep on working on getting that head of mine back in the game.

Marathon day is exactly 2 weeks away and after running with an old highs chool friend who's family is ultra runners, I got some of the low down on what to do these next two weeks, what to wear, what to eat, sleep, etc. I'm pretty excited about going all out these next couple weeks and getting my body in the shape it needs to be in before the big day. It's going to fly by so there's no looking back for this girl. Full speed ahead!

no better weather

Good news is that it jumped from a frigid 30 degrees to a whopping 60 in less than 24 hours so this 10-15 mile run I've got going for myself this morning should be perfect. The only iffiness about it is will my knees be able to withstand that long of a distance? I've got another thing coming if I think they will be 100% by the time the marathon rolls around and I can't just sit and wait around until marathon day to run some long distances so I gotta grit my teeth and run through the pain. I just need to get ONE more long run in (mostly for mental purposes) before the BIG DAY and then concetrate more on tapering and getting my body ready for Disney. By the way...does anybody out there have any advice on what to do to prepare for a marathon that is two weeks out? What to eat, drink, how much sleep to get, etc? OH, and possibly what to do the day/night before the race? I mean, it is Florida and I am attracted to sunshine, especially sunshine that makes me tan, so I don't want to wear myself out with a day by the pool the day before I have to run across the country and back. I just really need to crack down and make sure I'm doing everything the right way.

At this point its just been a little discomfort here and there, but then again I've only managed to run 3 and 4 milers since that last lonnnnng run over a month and a half ago. I've been doing everything I can to fix this problem asap...icing, highly anti-inflammatory medication, knee brace, etc. so at this point, I can't really control the pain that comes from when my knee cap so gladly slides up and to the right of whatever bones and tendons are there before popping itself back into place :) Hey...at least I'm still able to run this thing!

15 days!!! WOW

slowly but surely

Last Saturday was the first time I had made it out to run on real pavement since that fateful day one month ago when I ran 17 miles and ended up not being able to walk for the next month. I didn't run for longer than about two miles, but the good news was that I had no pain in my knees...no soreness...no nothing :) I managed to make it out again today and although it was a little harder, I made it all the way up to 4. Hahaha its funny to think that at this point thats kind of a long time considering I have to run 26.2 in less than 3 weeks. But i'll make it...I HAVE to. I may be off to a slow start, but its better than pushing to go long distances now and end up hurting myself yet again.

My plan was to make it back up to 20 miles, which I would have done this Saturday, but I think I'll just stick to a 10-15 miler. I don't want to be ms. crippled the day of the marathon. At this point, I'm thinking its all mental. If I can make it to 18 miles I can make it to 26...right? hahaha

all is good and figured out!

Welp, I finally made it into the bone and joint specialist for my knees and the verdict is...

I CAN RUN THE MARATHON!!

My worst fear was going in there and having him tell me my knees were too out of whack to run, but low and behold God really does love me, and with a little therapy, they should be good as new soon. I know I'm not going to be pain free during that 26.2 miles, but the good news is....its only a tracking problem so as far as the doctor is concerned the tendons and ligaments seem to be in great shape. As for what set the pain off exactly, he doesn't know. I'm just going to have to strengthen the inside of my quad so my knee cap starts to move straight up and down instead of off to the side. For now, I have new inserts for my tennis-shoes and a knee brace to wear for the time being, so hopefully they'll be ready to go in 23 days. Until then, its time to get my head in the game and pick back up from where I left off and prepare myself for my 20 mile run next saturday!! But for now, its time to get back out on the pavement.

laura's got a brand new plan

Ok, so I've come to terms that I am never going to be pain free for the duration of this training. So, with that said, I've made a new plan until the day of the marathon...

- Cross train the rest of this week and do 15 miles on the elliptical saturday morning

- Begin running on the track/outside with some days of cross training in between starting next week and getting my last long run (20 miles) in Saturday (Dec. 13)

That last long run will leave me with 25 days to taper. Hopefully this plan works!

And for an update: I'm making myself go to the doctor (hopefully tomorrow) to see what is wrong with my knees. As I was driving home from the gym tonight I started to think what it would be like if I couldn't end up running this marathon... :/

trying anything to beat this

I can't really describe what I've been feeling these last 10 days except pure frustration. My knees have not stopped hurting and I've been doing everything in my power to get them better...icing, resting completely, and taking abnormal amounts of drugs. I've even resorted to Glusocamine Chondroitin MSM tablets, which supposedly lubricate your joints so you can run long distances. I'm praying that this stuff actually works because if I have to go another week with doing absolutely nothing except sitting on my butt waiting for my body to heal, I'm going to scream. Race day is a shy 40 days away and I've gotten in no more than 3 long runs (I was supposed to run a total of hmmm 8?) since I began this training. Let's just recap how many weeks I've lost due to injury - the whole month of september, two weeks after my half marathon, and the past 10 days. That brings me to a grand total of missing out on 7 weeks of training. That is almost 2 months and it's starting to make me wonder how I'm ever going to get through this marathon I'm about to run if my knees can't hold up during 17 miles. However, according to some friends who love nothing more than to run, I will be ok. "The first 20 miles are what you need to prepare yourself for. The last 6.2..thats all mental, and as long as your not trying to do anything but finish the race, you'll be fine" they say. I can deal with mental. That part I think I can tackle. It's the question of will my body be able to hold itself up during those 4+ hours of running? Whatever it's going to take, I'm going to get that one last long run in...20 miles this Saturday morning.

I'm starting to assume that these injuries of mine are God's way of telling me I am not a marathon runner. "Just stick to the half marathons" he says, which at this point, I'm about to listen. It's ok if my body cannot handle this distance. I've done enough pounding and breaking over the years that I don't want to have every joint replacement surgery out there. As long as I get through this marathon I'll be happy. Even if I have to stop and walk a little bit, thats ok. I didn't decide to run this marathon to see how fast I could get through it. I chose to run this marathon because I never thought I could do it.

too excited too soon

I'm starting to remember why it was I chose to stop running track my freshman year of highschool...those lovely things that help our legs to bend...yea, my knees are shot to all hell after that 17 mile run last saturday. I'm not sure what the diagnosis is at this point but this pain is excruciating. Not only does it feel like someone took a hammer and whacked me Nancy Carrigan style, but its making it extremely difficult to walk and I have no intention of getting knee replacements any time soon. I've decided that my choices at this point are to be done with the long runs and just concentrate on the short ones (up to 14 miles) until the marathon or to be done with the long runs and just concentrate on the short ones until the marathon. I'm guessing this is the point where I listen to God (and my body) and just run shorter races after this marathon. Don't get me wrong, I have EVERY intention of getting through this marathon. I'd rather deal with the pain after the race than deal with the regret of quitting a mere 46 days before the race. If I have to walk a little so be it. It's 26.2 mile for heavens sake. Who actually runs the whole thing anyway? (juuuuust kidding). Heck, some people don't even drive that far in one day.

Bring it on pain! I WILL defeat you.

did all that really just happen?

Welp, I'm at a complete loss for words this afternoon when it comes to my run this morning. Not only were Mickey and I able to make it out on actual pavement at 7 am, but also managed to run 17 miles in temperatures reaching no more than 23 degrees. Our noses were running like crazy, my hair was frozen, and I even managed to notice what looked like snowfalkes on Mickey's eye lashes. Oh, not to mention my frozen face which made it impossible to talk. It was absolutely miserable, but the fact that we got through it is what I'm most proud of. We stopped a couple times just to catch our breath, and normally I'd be somewhat mad with myself, but I'm pretty sure huffing and puffing non-stop for 2 hours and 45 minutes in the freezing cold isn't so good for your lungs. There were points where I found myself getting frustrated...not with Mickey (who by the way is a trooper for continuing to run with blistering feet and those moments when I thought he was going to stop breathing)...but with the fact that I knew my body wasn't doing too hot, and as funny as it sounds, stopping only made it worse. However, I don't think anything could have been worse than running in the conditions we ran in. At one point I just remember laughing at myself and asking why it is I chose to live in the midwest and why in the heck I was training for a marathon hahaha. But thats what I absolutely love about all of this...is the fact that no matter how much I tell myself to hate it, no matter how much I question why I chose to do it, I will always finish and look back and KNOW that I can make it through anything. Plus, I'm just nuts for choosing to do this, so there's another reason for ya :)

I do have to admit something though. After my half marathon I thought it was a piece of cake to run those long runs by myself, as long as I was healthy, especially after my experience of running a race with an almost broken ankle. Yet, today wasn't so easy and I thank God that I had Mickey with me. We're a pretty great pair if you ask me. There have been days when I haven't been able to make it through a run and there are days when he can't make it through a run. Yet, we have each other and as mad as we get at each other when we're trying to find the strength to keep each other going, I am so thankful that it is him that chose to do this with me. When it comes to this marathon, he is my rock, and I can't wait to see what the next 50 days until the marathon brings...AHHHH!

slowly but surely

Some good news (finally)... after a good 3 weeks of resting my hip, and a 16 mile "run" on the elliptical last saturday morning, I've forced myself to get on that treadmill and just run, no matter how long it takes me. The last 2 runs have been pretty good. I started monday off with a 5 mile run and although it wasn't at my usual pace for the fear that I'd aggravate my hip, I finished. I tried to go faster than what my hip would allow me, but once I felt that pain I had to slow down. Then, last night I did an 8 miler on the treadmill and while I managed to run a bit faster than Monday's run, I was still trying to be cautious. 

All in all my body is holding up pretty well these days. The ankle pain is gone but that bursa infested fluid filled sack thing is still in my hip. I'm hoping that after some rest this weekend I'll be able to actually run outside starting next week. Although, the treadmill is doing pretty well for me these days considering I don't want my body to have to get so used to running in frigid temperatures before I have to be right back out there in the blistering humidity...plus I get to watch movies while I run :) Aside from all that though, reality is starting to kick in. I booked my ticket for the marathon yesterday and thank goodness for PTO in the working world or else I wouldn't be able to spend those 2 extra days in florida...on the beach....in the sun...relaxing!!

no other choice

I wish I could get out there and actually complete my training runs with REAL running, but for now i'll just have to stick to the elliptical (lucky me).  I'm still feeling some soreness and a bit of swelling in my ankle and I'm sure once I start running again my hip is going to pop every which way, but this cross training thing is much better than just sitting there and doing nothing (I've already copped out on a total of 6 weeks worth of training...uh oh...time to get this butt of mine back in gear, NO MATTER what it is I have to do). It hasn't been TOO bad this week...5 miles monday, 10 wednesday, 5.5 yesterday...but what the heck am I going to do when I have a 16 mile "run" tomorrow morning on a machine that doesn't get me anywhere and doesn't allow me to look at anything except treadmills for 2 1/2 hours?? (What I would give for my 16 mile follow up post to be about the beautiful scenery that kept me occupied while I was trekking across southern Indiana hahaha.)  Guess I just have to take it for what its worth, bite the bullet, and know that in the end this cross training is going to benefit me rather than destroy me. Hopefully I'll be back out there before I know it...but in the mean time I'll be racing the clock to design Kaity's logo for her new photography studio!! So everyone: when its up and running and she's famous, you best buy her prints...and admire the savvy graphic design behind it all ;)

65 days until the big day!!

bruised and broken...still

Does anybody know what to do when your marathon is shy of just 2 months away and your body is not in the condition it should be? I don't know what its going to take exactly, but I just want my body to be healthy. I took a 2 week break (almost) and tried to go for a run yesterday despise my still broken ankle (the bruising is almost gone) and what I thought was a healed hip. Apparently I was wrong because it was no more than 9 minutes into the run that I had to stop.  Not because of my ankle but because of the lovely bursa sack which was causing my hip to pop and do whatever it does when you have an inflamed sac resting on your joint. I know my body needs to rest itself and heal up but I'm so afraid all that endurance I've worked for is going to go right down the drain by taking the necessary steps to heal myself. I just don't have the attention span that I used to when it comes to cross training. The runs are getting longer and so the thought of "running" on those machines just doesn't phase me anymore. Hmmm... maybe I'll start running in water? Whatever I do hopefully I don't have to do it for too long...and hopefully I don't have to get that cortisone shot!!

and the result is...

....my body is not ok. I went to the doctor and although they say my ankle should be fine with a bit of rest, elevation, and ice, my hip isn't. I got the news today that if it doesn't heal up in the next couple of weeks I'm going to have to get a lovely shot of cortisone. Apparently I have bursitis somethin or other and while it isnt too serious, it means I have to take some time off running.

Time off running? Again? I don't mean to be negative and I'm trying to see the silver lining in all of this, but how many more times do I have to go through all this? It doesn't matter what I do next, I'm always getting hurt. It's the 13 years of gymnastics I tell you! All that pounding, twisting, breaking...its all coming back to haunt me hahaha. Oh well...I guess all I can do now is wait. At least I know taking some time off won't put me too far behind. I'd rather rest now than have to sacrifice the whole marathon.

halfway there and never looking back

registration: $65
box of running gu gel packs : $30
full tank of gas to make it home: $34
twisting your ankle on mile 4: PRICELESS

the greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall...literally

ok so I'm thinking my life story could be the next mastercard advertisement, but thats besides the point. First thing's first. I FINISHED my first half marathon! And under 2 hours (1:54:03). Aside from the mishap of twisting my ankle on mile 4 and knowing I wasn't going to give up and stop there, I just kept going and ended up running faster than I have up to this point. It must have been all the adrenaline (even though I felt like I had none) because there wasn't an ounce of pain until the very end when I was trying to get through the hoards of people to find my family.

All in all today was a great day. So what I have a black and blue ankle the size of a tennis ball and won't be able to walk around for a few days. The only thing that matters to me is I actually made it through one of these races. Of course there were points where I would ask myself how in the world I could push my body to run these distances, but then snapped back to reality of remembering what it felt like watching not only thousands of people cross a finish line but also thousands of people cheering you on along the way. It was such a new experience, and something I want to keep up with for a while. To be honest, I can't even really remember alot of what I was thinking during the race except "JUST KEEP GOING." There was such a huge support system I don't think it ever crossed my mind with how ridiculous I probably looked hahaha. Just after today, I have so much respect for all you runners who have been doing this your whole lives.

I'm on the road to tackling one of my biggest challenges yet. Lets just hope my body can keep up!

the person determined to achieve maximum success learns the principle that progress is made one step at a time.
Every big accomplishment is a series of little ones

time is going by much faster than expected

It pleases me to announce that my body actually held up during my 14 mile run last saturday. Not to mention that is the farthest I've ever gone in one shot, and surprisingly it really wasn't that difficult (thank you big hearty bowl of pasta the night before). I think it might have been one of my easiest long runs. I mean there were some tough times along the way aka the last 20 minutes where my knees and ankles began to feel the effects of a 14 mile trek through Bloomington, but the good thing is I ended with hardly any blisters (at least not any big ones on the bottom of my feet). It took me about 2 hours and 14 minutes, and I even ran all the way up by work and back, but I did it...and all without stopping. 

I don't think I'd say I'm getting discouraged for this marathon coming up in January, but time is flying by and the longer my runs get the more I start to see why all those people look at me and say, "a marathon? why would you ever want to run 26 miles? are you nuts?" And yes. Everyone, I am nuts for putting my body through hell and back, but I absolutely love it! I love it because its a challenge. And I love it even more because of the mental aspect. I think I have learned more about myself and what I want out of life during those long runs then I have ever known/realized while growing up. It amazes me what you start to think about when you have nothing to do but run for hours on end.

Aside from all that, my half marathon is this Sunday. It's back home so I'm really happy about that. I don't know what to expect really (in terms of running with such a big crowd), but I'm excited to be a part of it. Just hopefully my knees can hold me up. I've been doing more cross training (and not wearing heals to work) this week to take the extra stress off my joints, but I think I'll get my 7 miler done today around campus. Hopefully it doesn't storm/rain. Although, I wouldn't mind running in the rain.

did i really just do that?

I never thought my body could run continuously (without stopping) for 2 hours, but I did it and got my first 12 mile run in. The last 15 minutes had to have been the hardest part, but when I finished I felt great. But oh boy am I feeling the effects of that run today. It's not so much in my quads as it is in my calves but I will need to do some serious stretching these next couple days so I don't get another horrible case of shin splints. However, I'm not quite sure what I'd take if I had to choose blisters or shin splints. I didn't think it was possible to get blisters on the bottoms of your feet but thanks to those 12 miles I have a nasty quarter sized bubble to prove it. (Note to self...put vaseline on the bottoms of your feet and not just on your toes). I started to feel it about an hour in and by the time I was done it felt as though the only thing my feet were hitting were needles. Plenty of neosporin should do the trick. Hopefully I don't encounter this problem again cause it huts. There go my beautiful feet hahaha

Other than that, the weather has been absolutely perfect for running! Not too hot and not too cold. I can't even imagine what its going to be like once I have to pull out the full leg spandex, ear warmers and sweat shirts. I should be tapering by that point so I won't have to be running for very long in the frigid cold....97 days until Disney!! Wow. Where has the time gone?

just do it

I have another confession to make. That day when I said I was going to get back into running...I lied. I didn't stop training completely, but I haven't been consistent. For almost 4 weeks I broke up with running and it hasn't been that hard getting back into it, its just that my motivation to run has dwindled (ha i like that word). I was in Chicago this past weekend and only ran for an hour and fifteen minutes when really I was supposed to run 12 miles...oops. I skipped out on yesterday but made up for it today with a 6 miler (i felt pretty good). I have a 4 miler tomorrow then Saturday I WILL run 12 miles. I mean, I do have a race (1/2 marathon) coming up in about 3 weeks back home in Columbus...gotta be ready for it. I WILL be ready for it.

The good news about that long break is that my body doesn't hurt anymore :)

slap me back to reality PLEASE!

ok, so things haven't been going well, but that doesn't mean I need to slowly forget running. If anything running will clear my mind and get me to figure out the more important things, right? I tried running saturday morning after my almost 2 week break and I had to stop after an hour and ten minutes. I just had no energy and no motivation to keep going. I'm not going to sit here and say I failed, because to be honest, I had no intention of even running that day, so i'm glad I at least got out there for a little bit, but going at it half-ass stops TODAY! It's a new day....and a new week... and a new point where I need to concentrate on ME. I WILL get back into running and start back where I left off. Week 7, day 1, 4 miles to go. I can do this

uh oh

so lets just say that when it rains it pours. This last week just hasn't been a good one. Too many stresses and struggles to get the motivation to get out there and run...plus to top it off, my car got broken into when I was up in south bend for the Michigan game, leaving me to drive home in the pouring rain with a trash bag taped to my window, which by the way was insanely loud. I think it rained more in my car with the trash bang on there than if I would have just left it be. I know I missed this past weekend's long 12 miler, but other than that I can't even remember the last time I ran (I'm wanting to say it was almost a week ago). However...i WILL get back out there once I can pick myself back up and just in time for my 13 mile run on Saturday. I just need a little more time....

11 miles oh so good!

I DID IT! my first 11 miles...AND without stopping to rest at all. My body actually kept going for an hour and forty-five minutes. The only downside to the run was the plethora of hills I had to go up but what goes up must come down, so it was a huge relief once I reached the bottom. I have to say though that Saturday morning when I woke up and thought a little more about the long run I had ahead of me, I couldn't help but wonder how in the heck I could have made it through that run alone. Thank goodness I have someone to run with...someone that when we run we feed off each other and constantly push each other to keep going. You may start to feel like hell, but knowing how you'll feel once you finished keeps you going strong.

Surprisingly I'm not as sore as I thought I'd be, except for the little bit of tightness in the back of my calves. Oh, and the 5 blisters on my feet as a result of the long treck. My feet are so loaded with band-aids you can't even see my toes. Any suggestions on how to prevent these? I'm guessing new socks? Vaseline? Anyways, I took my first ice bath after that run and holy cow it was freezing! I'm not so sure how the runners back at school could do that everyday after each practice. My whole body had goose bumps on it. I could hardly breath. But if its going to fix my sore muscles, I'm gonna keep doing it.

Cross training for Day 1 of week 7 starts today (4 miles on the elliptical), followed by a hefty workout of lifting. Should be excited and I'm looking forward to it...but not as much as my 12 miles coming up this weekend

there's light at the end of my running tunnel

I have a new plan...CROSS-TRAINING. Of course I've always known about it but tried to stay away from it because for some odd reason I thought it would make me seem less motivated or eager to get through my training, but if it means a healthy body, I'm all for it. Soooo, for the sake of my shins I'll be substituting running for cross-training 2 days out of my "running 4 times a week" training period. One day concentrating on hills/intensity/resistance and the other concentrating on speed. Plus, I'll be getting back into lifting 3x's a week so that's a plus.

I've really started to like running and wish I could be out there all 4 days, but to be honest this cross-training is a HUGE relief! I've never been a runner...EVER...so i'm not quite sure my body is up for the challenge of keeping up with running 4 days a week, especially with the pounding my body's taken over the years from being a gymnast. I know running is 90% mental (as well as the other sports i've done in the past), but I'm really not up for potentially having to keep resting all because my shins are shot. Don't get me wrong...I'm psyched for the long runs on Saturday mornings (10 miler this weekend), but I'm just not up for risking my legs on the shorter runs.

I have a confession to make. It's something I've been working on but still haven't seemed to tackle completely. I've been very caught up on running this marathon just so I can lose weight and tone up (shame on me). I keep having to tell myself that this marathon isn't about that. It's about challenging yourself and doing something that you thought you'd never do, and I think this is why my body is in the shape its in. During my runs, especially the shorter ones, all I do is push myself to finish as fast as I can. Obviously this hasn't been working out for me, so why am I continuing to run so intensely? I need a new approach. From now on, at least until race time, I will no longer put myself up against the clock, but instead, enjoy my runs and run them at a pace where I can actually recover on my off days. Time is of no importance. It's about running comfortably and finishing my mileage for that day PAIN FREE!

One last thing...I officially registered for my first half marathon. Oct 19th!

this can't be good

Well, today's the day I'm supposed to make up for yesterday's missed run and it's not lookin' so good. The pain is gradually starting to make its way to the outter part of my left shin (by my ankle) where it feels as though that whole tendon (or whatever is connecting this bone to that bone) is stretched to its limits. Ok, now I'm starting to think I did a real number on my shin during the course of this training and I'm not quite sure what to do about it. Rest, ice, pain killers, yada yada yada, I know the drill, but can I really afford to take this much time off running? Is there anything else?! What about the endurance I've worked to hard to get at this point? Will my body, aka my left leg, be able to hold up on the 10 mile run on saturday? (I refuse to miss it) Experiencing this type of pain before, during my gymnastics years, I'm gonna self-diagnose and say I've got a whopping case of shin splints...CRAP!

I did a couple rounds of ice massages last night and already took my daily dose of aleve, and its feeling a little bit better, but I just want this pain to go away. Rest = healthy and pain free, but its hard to get healthy when I'm walking around in heels all day. Looks like I'm just going to sit at my desk and walk only when its ABSOLUTELY necessary...or just walk around with no shoes on. I'll sacrifice anything for running!! (joking makes it better, right?) Anyways, I think I'll take another day off the pavement to rest my body, and instead join a gym! Time to get my butt back, in gear and start lifting again...and start cross training. I figure if I get my 3, 5, 3's done this week on the elliptical I'll be ready to go by Saturday morning. Let's hope!!

it's race day and i am a runner!

Saturday morning was the Run Jane Run up in South Bend and I pushed through it and finished my first race...a 10k! Every part of that race was great, especially since I was running with Kaity (my marathon buddy!), but ohhh man...today, I am feeling the after shock through out my WHOLE body. I didn't even know it was possible to be this sore after running. My shins, calves, quads, even my triceps are sore and I'm not really sure why considering, up to this point, my training has me running farther than 6.2 miles. I've tried to tell myself that I will get through my run tomorrow morning, but at this point I'm not sure my shins will let me. Tomorrow may just be my first rest day because in NO WAY am I going to sacrifice my body, my upcoming runs and the progress I've made just to get a dinky 3 mile run in. At this point I'll take the guilt of missing out on a training day rather than the guilt of having to stop training altogether and miss out on the marathon all because my shins are sawed to the bone. So rest day, here I come...maybe.

It doesn't feel like it during the run, but once you cross the finish line that feeling of accomplishment engulfs itself through your whole body and all that pain and gasping for air doesn't seem to matter so much. All you keep thinking is how far you've pushed yourself to make it to here and that if you've made it this far there's no sense in turning back now. And THAT is what I absolutely love about running. I didn't think I ever had it in me, but I do, and as I saw my finishing time of 59:38 (11th overall) thats all I could keep thinking. Don't get me wrong, I am utterly ecstatic with that time, but there's always room for improvement.

With all that said, I am so pumped for the Columbus half marathon I'll be running in October...I even managed to convince Kaity to run it with me so I'm set! I've realized that there's nowhere to go from here but up and I'm ready. Gotta start mentally preparing for my first double digit run on saturday. 10 miles...WOW!!

Speaking of 10 mile runs...I need some help/advice for what to do in terms of replenishing my body with the electrolytes/sugars it needs so I don't collapse. At this point, and especially when I'm running for longer than an hour, I know I need something, but I'm not sure what that something is. I've heard of those energy gel's and whatnot and I was even told you can just drink Gatorade during the run and you'll be fine, but it'd be nice to hear what everyone out there uses and when they start using it during the long runs. I just want to make sure I'm doing this right and don't add another injury to the list. Thanks!

i think i may be turning into a real runner

I planned on running this morning before work...i really did. It was only 3 miles so I was thinking it couldn't have been that bad, but my body was begging for more sleep so instead of running I decided to give myself a little birthday present and sleep in (sad how my "sleeping in" is only until 6:45). And now I'm sitting here, wondering when it is I'm possibly going to get the chance to run because I know if I don't I'm going to feel super guilty about it...and we all know working straight from 8am to 10 pm doesn't give me ANY time to fit it in to my whacky schedule. I was thinking, though, that with the condition and soreness of my shins, I'll just give my body another day's rest and do it tomorrow morning before work. Ehhh, no rest the day before a 10k is the best way to go, right?

In other news...yesterday during lunch I decided to see which running clubs I could join and what races were out there that I could sign up for, and being from Columbus, Ohio and knowing I desperately want to go back home for a bit, I think I may register for the Columbus 1/2 marathon. I absolutely love downtown Columbus so what better way to visit than to run 13 miles!!

I must say that going into this marathon my only thought/goal were to complete this ONE marathon and then be done with running forever. Yet, as each week of training passes by I find myself wanting to run more and more, and already I've signed up for 2 other races in the past month. I'm not quite sure but I think I may be turning into a real runner. I LOVE THIS!

crisp mornings and foggy trails

This morning's 5 mile run was just what I needed to feel absolutely exhausted at work...but I am soooo happy its done and out of the way. Plus, I think its awesome that my "short runs" are now up to 5 miles! Hopefully I'm just feeling the "its not quite afternoon yet so I can still be tired until morning is over" effect. But a bit of green tea and water should do the trick to wake me up. I've been managing to get enough sleep before my runs but maybe my body is screaming for more, which I have no problem providing.

One thing I have noticed when running in the mornings is that it's no so bad waking up at 5:30. Of course it takes some getting used to, but I'm much more of a morning person who would rather get her run out of the way first thing instead of expending all her energy at work while dreading the additional work (the run) that lays ahead of her. That, and it's much easier for me to keep a steady pace since the heat from the sun isn't beating down on me, causing me to sweat profusely (hopefully its not too hot and humid for the marathon in florida). It's just more refreshing knowing that I can actually enjoy my run rather than counting down the minutes until I run out of breath.

I finally got my iPod up and working again so today's run took me 42:56 with an 8:32 mile. My calves have been tightening up during the runs (who knows what its from) so I've been ice massaging/stretching them each time I finish. Hopefully it works. The one thing I dont understand though is how runners can submerge their whole bodies into ice baths...i can hardly stand the ice on my shins. Brrrrrrr!

what a beautiful morning!

Before I start rambling on about this mornings run, I want to talk about my first 7 miles (or so) Saturday morning. I made it up to Chicago to visit an old friend I hadn't seen in over a year, and I'm not quite sure how far I actually ran, but I just kept going for an hour and fifteen minutes, which I'm guessing had to have been almost 8 miles. Along the way all I could keep thinking was, "Me?!? Running for this long?!?..Holy cow!" I'm not quite sure how I managed to keep going through the blistering Chicago heat and the crowds (it was the water and air show this past weekend), but running with 2 other girls made it all the more possible...to be honest, 7 miles isn't so bad. All I could keep thinking was that I REALLY DID IT! The funniest part was that all along the way me and Jessica kept making fun of how, when we used to go on runs in high school, I would stop to walk literally 6 or 7 minutes after starting. I couldn't even make it 10 blocks without stopping (she would get so frustrated with me), and just being able to look back at that and see how far I've really come amazes me. I felt great during the run, except maybe the last 10 minutes when I could feel my knees start to ache, but I'm hoping thats just the result of my body getting used to running for over an hour. I know now that after that run, I DEFINITELY like long distances more than a dinky 3 or 4 miles. There's just so much more to look forward to.

Ooook...onto this mornings training session. Let me just say that it was absolutely beautiful. I woke up at 5:45 and made it out to the crisp 57 degree weather by 6. The sun was just starting to come up and the crickets were my music. My iPod had died late last week, and the lack of music seemed to help make my 3 mile run go by very quickly. I had nothing to listen to except my feet hitting the pavement and my breathing, which for that early in the morning, was very relaxing, especially because the sky was so pretty. In front of me was the rising sun and behind me it was the night sky (with hundreds of stars I might add). I really do think waking up that early to run is worth it considering what you get to look at.

My 8 mile run is next Saturday, except that its the Run Jane Run 10K in South Bend, which I'll be running with Kaity (I'll have to make up the other 2 miles after the race is over...I don't want to cut myself short). It's my first long distance running race ever and I'm pretty excited!

early to rise

Despite the fact that my body woke me up at 4:30 this morning, I decided to get my 4 mile run in and out of the way before my day actually began. Ok, so I feel GREAT knowing that by 6 am I am done training for that day, but by the time I get home from work I am ready to crash....and I'm not so sure massive amounts of coffee and caffeine is the solution, especially when training for this marathon. I'd like to keep running in the mornings, but I'm not so sure my body will let me do that 4 days a week, especially when I'm having to wake up at 5 am just to get a run in...or even earlier once the longer runs kick in. Not to mention, running in pitch black (there are hardly any lights on my street) is not the smartest idea either. (I recently started working 8-5 and I'm just trying to figure out when it is I'm going to be able to get myself to train so I DON'T have to run inside on a treadmill or indoor track. I'll wait until its 30 below before I force myself to do that.)

Here's the thing... I'm able to mentally prepare myself for the runs before I start them, but once I get going I think of nothing but the end, and its all because the runs are so short during the week. (Wow...I'm a little shocked I just used the words "short" and "run" in the same sentence...but it makes me happy!) When I ran my first 6 miler last Saturday I looked forward to running. I didn't rush to the end, but instead, simply enjoyed it. I think I'm getting to the point where, for me, the shorter runs are just a hassle because they are something I KNOW I can accomplish 100%, but they're key so I won't skip out on them. I look forward to the longer runs because it forces me to see how far I can go...forcing me to push my body to times and distances its never ran before.

I just have to find some sort of balance in this new and improved life of mine. Any suggestions on how to find this balance?

a new reason to run

The past couple days haven't been so great, but my first 6 miler this morning made that not so great week so much better...and here's why...

I have found a new reason to run: Kate Moore...and her favorite song ("Free Fallin' - covered by an acoustic John Mayer) A few days ago this amazing and loving girl passed away so unexpectedly and ever since then I've seemed to find myself thinking more and more about life and my TRUE reasons for running this marathon. With that said, the runs have been easier, my mind has been clearer, and instead of concentrating on that last step before I can stop and walk, I'm now able to just let myself go. Granted I do get tired and I do wish I could stop at times, but I'm doing this for Kate, my greatest inspiration. I WILL keep going!

Mickey and I finished our 6 miles in 52:53 this morning and while there were some tough points along the way, we kept on going...for her. It was PERFECT running weather and the breeze was great. Mickey was great. I've really found it so much more relaxing when running with someone then with running alone. Just that extra "umph" besides you makes it so you never want to stop.

To my Kate...
"I feel your energy existing in everything beautiful in life--- Every wonderful song, poem, piece of artwork... I will think of you. You live through all that is beautiful. I feel your heart in mine always have, and always will. You are my greatest inspiration. I love you."

...next week my 7 miles is for you.

today i'm holding my head high

I did it! I actually did it! My first 5 mile run EVER without stopping to walk...and all in 43:46 with an average pace of 8:42. I'm just in shock that I actually ran that long without feeling as though my body was about to collapse on the pavement. I was running a tad bit slower than normal, but thats OK! SLOW IS OK, especially now! I'm realizing that the longer these runs get the harder it is to keep up with my normal pace, so now's the time to get my butt in gear and embrace running for hours on end. I think I even got a burst of RUNNER'S HIGH! Just as I was about to finish my last mile, I just started running like no other. I went from huffing and puffing to running a 8:01 mile on the last stretch. I didn't even start cramping until the last 200 meters. I had no idea I was capable of that!

Can't wait for my 6 miler next saturday!

every accomplishment starts with the decision to try

I'm thinking this is the motto i'm going to live by during the course of my training. The last couple of runs I've done on the treadmill only because its been so unbelievably hot and humid, but I quickly learned that a treadmill is NOT the way to go! At least for me. Now that I'm training my body to just keep going until its time to stop, its amazing to see what it is you really miss (scenery wise) during the every day hustle and bustle of what we call life. Not to mention that with running outside, you've got no choice but to keep going. I think thats what I like so much about running now....to see how far you can push yourself from where you started before turning back. All i keep thinking is...

"Permanence, Perseverance and Persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities:
It is this, that in all things, distinguishes the strong from the weak" ~ Thomas Carlyle

Today was Day 2 (Week 1) of my training. I had to run 4 miles and for some reason it was easier than I expected it to be. I'm not sure if it was because I was excited to be out of the garage and off that treadmill or because I ran part of the way without headphones, where I listened to nothing but my breathing and the way my feet hit the pavement. It was more of a relaxing run rather than strenuous and it was all because I wasn't really concentrating on the run at all. You'd think music would redirect your attention from running, but for me, I think its only a distraction. Anyways I ran my 4 miles in about 33:45 with an average pace of 8:26...I was surprised

Lets see...In other news, I'm running my first 10K (Run Jane Run) at the end of August with Kaity. I'm pretty excited. Plus, I figured it'd be a good start if I got myself involved in some races before the Marathon.

Lastly, I just want to say that I am so happy I made the decision to run this marathon. I feel so accomplished and confident after each run. So for all you runners out there, I admire your persistence and willpower to keep up with this grueling and demanding sport. WE ROCK!

and then it struck me

Today's morning run was just a bit different than the others. No, there was still the same heavy breathing, sweating, and wishing the 30 minutes would go by before I even knew it was over. The difference was that I began thinking about what it was that was motivating me to keep on going and complete this marathon...and that is, you never know whats going to happen next.

It all started when I thought back to my emergency surgery in February. Up until then I was struggling with whether or not I had wanted to get back into diving. After 2 1/2 years of questioning why it was I had quit in the first place, I finally found the courage to go back. I wasn't going to let fear stare me in the face anymore and I was going to fulfill every ounce of potential everyone told me I had. With that, I decided it was my time to shine. Before I knew it I was winning all sorts of meets and climbing back to where I once left off. However, everything I had worked for slowly came to an end on a Wednesday afternoon of our Big Easts Conference meet. I've mentioned it before but long story short, I wasn't able to go out there and show off everything I had worked for up to that point. I thought, "This is it...it's my time...to make a strong come back and win this thing." Instead, I was laying on a hospital bed, with a 4 inch scar across my stomach, on a liquid diet and unable to do anything but lay flat for the next 2 weeks.

It's not thinking about the fact that your diving career is over that hurts the most...it's watching all of your teammates get the chance to compete and watching everything you had wanted and all that hard work slip through your fingers that takes the greatest tole. I had so much potential and could have made something great of myself if I just would have stuck with it...if I didn't take a 2 1/2 year beak and if I just worked harder and made the commitment to give it my all. That's when it hit me...whatever it is I decide to do with my life next, I'm going to go through with it full force and without any question about it, because you never know whats going to happen when it comes to doing what you do best.

Soon enough, I will break through the cramps, the constant desire to stop and walk, and the complaining, all so I can feel something great...and that is to cross the finish line of a 26.2 mile race. So to all the 30 minute runs, 5 mile runs, 10+ mile runs....BRING IT ON cause I'M READY!!

easy peasy

Thank you rain for taking away the humidity!! I just finished my 30 minute run and surprisingly it was one of my fastest runs...3 1/2 miles in 30 minutes. I think i got way too excited in the beginning though, thanks to the lack of scorching heat, that my heart rate was way above where it should have been by minute 17. I had to slow down a little bit (which is ok) but i didn't stop. I almost did because of the stomach cramp i was wrestling with, but knowing I had made it more than half way, I gritted my teeth, talked to myself a bit (which the people in passing cars had to have thought I looked like a fool) and kept on going. By minute 27 I felt an intense burst of energy and practically sprinted the rest of the way.

I've been thinking lately about some other training I could do besides all this running because to be honest, I miss all the conditioning from when i was at notre dame diving. And plus, I think it would make my running much easier. I had just always been too tired after my runs that I got too lazy and just wanted to stretch and lay down. Well, today is a new day! From now on i've decided to do abs and legs every day, especially after each run. I've been doing pilates consistently for the past 4 days, so its about time i keep up with it...just like my running.

2 more runs until actual training begins!

hot hot heat

Yesterday's run was challenging and thanks to my laziness i slept through my alarm once again...bad idea. I refuse to wait until the late evening when the weather for running is just right so instead i thought, "i'll get it done now, at 4 pm, when its hotter than ever out. I'll be running in florida anyways, so i might as well get my body used to the intense heat." Isn't justifying your actions when it makes no sense to great?...especially when there are warnings from the weather channel and those oh so amazing "Ozone Action Days." Maybe I'll just stick to the treadmill next time its that hot out.

Anyways, I found myself running at an average of almost 10 min/mile towards the end and while i felt as though i wasn't getting in much of a workout, my heart rate was up and i was sweating profusely. Thanks to the blistering sun and the lack of clouds in the sky, my face was fire engine red by the time i finished and i felt as though someone just threw a bucket of hot water on me, but the good news is i FINISHED....and without stopping to walk. I've found that talking to yourself really does help and if you've made it this far you can keep on going just a little bit longer. I'm really starting to surprise myself with the motivation and determination i have to keep going even when i feel as though my body is about to collapse.

Thank you Kaitlin for inspiring me to do this with you. I can't wait for January 11th!

keep on truckin'

i really don't like the fact that i skipped out on last saturday's run (i felt so lazy, but hey, its only prelim training, right?), but i guess being pampered for my cousins wedding was a legitimate reason. Yet, after all was said and done i'm even more proud of myself considering i made it through my first 30 minute run of the week (7 more until i begin week one of training)!! It was actually a pretty awesome run to say the least (about a 8:40 mile), especially since I had someone to run with, and even though I started cramping about 17 minutes in, i kept on truckin' and felt fantastic afterwards!

Although its been super humid and super hot, and i've been running more hills than ever (thank you Bloomington), i think its helping me to prepare better mentally than ever before. This whole last week has been more difficult than expected, especially when it comes to getting myself out on the road, but i just need to find that "umph" that makes me want to keep on running. I think alot of it has to do with running in the mornings. No matter what though, I always finish the run for that day, and i'm so proud of myself for that. Or maybe i just need some new music to listen to...any suggestions?

Lately i've been questioning this whole runners high thing. What does it feel like and when am i going to get to experience it? I'm beginning to think it doesn't exist. Of course i love the feeling of breaking the barrier of a 30 minute run (and even an hour run) but man would i love to be running, feeling as though i'm going to die, and then all of a sudden never want to stop. It best kick in when i start those 10+ mile runs.

You think its a bit early to be counting down? -- only 180 more days until the big day!! ha ha

too much too soon

As I sat reading my non-runners guide in preparation for the next couple weeks, I realized something about my first 25/5 run yesterday... I did wayyyy more than the book had planned. OOPS! Since all my runs (up until now) have you repeat the set twice I thought that the 25/5 run would be the same way -- now it makes sense as to why that run was somewhat difficult and why I was beginning to think this week of running was going to be close to impossible. However, I feel as though i'm on cloud 9 for running almost a full hour (that 6.59 mile run will be good for me in the long run -- only 20 more to go). I was contemplating whether or not I should keep up with that long of a run and just do the same thing I did yesterday, but my aches and pains are telling me otherwise. I think i'll listen this time....and take my book with me when I'm away for long weekends.

the good that comes from all of this: at least we know i can make it about 7 miles without dying

iLove Nike + iPod

Running has been going exceptionally well this week. Saturday is my last day of 20/5 2x and I feel great! Well, except for the pain thats starting to come back in my piriformus/sciatic nerve. To fill you all in, back in February I had emergency surgery while in NY for our conference meet. Long story short, they found a softball sized cyst and removed it immediately, leaving me with an 8 week recovery period (and no chance of competing). All was said and done and my back pain was gone, so of course I thought the pain I had been feeling ever since I could remember was caused by my massive growth (which my teammates later named Murph and/or Sheila). Yet, I'm not so sure the cyst was the cause of my pain and that maybe I really do have back problems. However, its not hurting so much during my runs as it does when I'm stretching/going upstairs, so maybe with some ice/heat/massages/doing my old therapy, I'll be good as new.

Onto more exciting news...I got the new Nike + iPod sensor (http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/?sitesrc=uslanding) and I suggest you all go out and get one...NOW! This thing is amazing - not only does it keep track of how far you run, but also keeps track of your average pace per mile and your best timed mile. You can even send up to 1,000 workouts to nike.com and it will track your progress and total mileage (plus a bunch of other neat stuff). Let me just say that I was surprised with this morning's results: 50 minutes = 5.33 miles, average pace 9:43/mile, best time 8:07/mile

Who thought running could ever be this fun!!

humidity hurts like hell

Okay, so the best part about yesterday was that I actually got my run in. The worst part about yesterday was that it was about 92 degrees and blistering humid...YUCK! I had planned on waking up at 7 to get my run in, but you know how that goes. I'm usually pretty good with following through with plans I make for myself, but with how much I've been working and living my oh so grown up life, I'm exhausted by the time I get to bed. Anyways, because I missed my morning session I told myself "hey, I'll just get it done tonight around 7." Bad idea....not only am I still in the process of getting used to the pleasure of running obnoxiously long distances, but waiting 3 hours after work to run just didn't settle well with me because the more I think about it the closer I get to not following through with what i'm supposed to do. With my anxiousness of getting finished as soon as possible I thought I'd just run in the shade and it wouldn't be too bad considering it was a bit cloudy. I was wrong. Not only was I dripping with sweat (i looked as though i had just jumped in a pool...kinda), but my face was fire engine red and i could feel my pulse beating through every joint of my body. I think i might have even been a bit dehydrated considering my hands were starting to swell. However, I managed to stay optimistic about the run since i will be running not only in the happiest place on earth (cliche tag line haha), but also the most humid.

Tomorrow is my last day of 15/5 and then onto step 8 of prelim training (20/5 x2). I tend to get real bored by the end of the week when i'm doing the same workout for 4 days, so it takes a little more self-motivation than it should. I'm guessing its a good sign though when more distance/time is added to the workout. (i still have this odd feeling of excitement for my first 10 mile run) I'm starting to worry a bit though....my right shin is acting up again, but hopefully this rest day will give it enough time to re-coop. I've been stretching, popping tylenol before every run, and icing, but nothing seems to be doing the trick. Any suggestions?

In other news...I GET NEW RUNNING SHOES/gear this weekend! Exciting!!

light at the end of the tunnel

There it is!!...a tiny speck, but its there. I'm really starting to feel as though i have the self-motivation to push myself to finish this marathon and i'm loving every second of it. I'm actually excited to get out there and get my runs in on the days i've planned, and although i'm still nowhere close to the ultimate goal of 26.2 miles (10 miles is still a long stretch for me), i made it through my first set of step 7 of my preliminary training (15 min run/5 min walk 2x's)...its a MIRACLE!

I don't really have a route that i stick and i like it that way. I just start running until its time to stop (at least until i actually have to start tracking mileage) because to be honest, knowing i have to run to a certain point and back puts a strain on my run and then i get bored. Not to mention i've finally gotten some good music to run to and instead of counting down the minutes until i get to walk i just concentrate on what's blaring through those headphones.

Today's run felt pretty easy, at least the first stretch of 15 min, which really surprised me. I thought i would be dying, but lil ol' me was able to keep up. I didn't even make it to my max RPE until the second stretch of 15 minutes...and then i got those dang cramps in my side. I think one even managed to creep up into my collar-bone area?? Aside from concentrating on breathing, how else can you get rid of cramps? Well anyways, looks like my muscular and skeletal systems are on their way to keepin' up (oh thanks to the informational value of "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer").

sweating bullets

Usually, I seem to have a negative attitude when it comes to all this running, but i really think i'm pulling through and starting to like it more and more. Today was the third day of my preliminary training and it went really well. It took me a bit to actually get out on the road, but i knew if i didn't I'd regret it. I just have to remember the way it feels once i'm finished, and granted i look as if i just spent 10 hours in a sauna (by the time i'm done and people ask if i'm ok since my face is fire engine red), i feel GREAT these days! I'm only on step 6 of the prelim training (jog for 10 min and walk for 5 2x's) and although I know its not much i'm very proud of myself. i'm beginning to know what it takes to motivate myself to keep going....and plus, i'm one step closer to completing the marathon!

Just gotta keep goin'!!

a non-runner's ultimate goal

I guess you could say it all started 2 years ago when i watched the 60+ year olds cross the finish line at the very place the marathon was born... Athens, Greece. As i sat there watching these people accomplish something they had trained so hard for i thought to myself, "man laura, you really need to do one of these things sometime in your life and feel what it feels like to follow through with something as intense as this." From that moment on I knew that I would someday cross the finish line of a 26.2 mile race. However, you know how these things always work out - you make up your mind to do something but before you know it a couple months go by, or in my case 2 years, and you still haven't brought yourself to even start that one thing that meant so much to you. THAT STOPS TODAY! I am going to do this...I'M GOING TO RUN A MARATHON!!

I've always been the type of person to push myself to the limit, but never has it been to something as extreme as putting my body through 5+ hours of complete hell. Heck, pushing myself to the edge had always meant either flinging myself on a 4 inch piece of wood (thanks to my 13 years as a gymnast) or throwing myself off a 10 meter platform, doing a gazillion flips, only to pray that i would go in the water the right way (thank you diving). Some of you might be wondering how it's possible that I was able to put my body through that much pounding and/or throw myself from insane heights, but let me just say that the mentality for that compared to the mentality you need for a race such as a marathon is radically different.

With that said, as that part of my life ends and this one begins, what better way to push myself than to pick up running. At first i thought NO WAY?!? i absolutely hate running. I couldn't even run more than 10 minutes without stopping to rest. How would it even be possible to make it 26.2 without dying? Well, thanks to my partner in crime, Kaitlin, we're in this together and we WILL complete a marathon (...and then eat massive amounts of Chipotle later on). So, to all those who thought we were joking when we said we were going to run this, prepare to be amazed!!