New Year, New Runs

I forgot to bring my iPod to the office the other day, so I found myself listening to the music on my blog.  And, it reminded me that I have some running to do.  Perhaps I should add "Avoid procrastinating" to my New Year's Resolution list ...


Thanks for all the great tips for running with dogs -- my husky's been rearing to go, though I've found it more convenient to stay out of the 16 degree weather.  Yes, my friends, 16 degrees here in ol' dusty Texas. But the temps are on the rise ... which means my excuses are on the decline.


My brother-in-law's running the America's 1/2 Marathon at Texas Stadium in April.  I toyed with the idea of doing the 1/2, but wasn't sure I'd be ready.  However, since my hubby's sister is looking for a little motivation in the working out department, she and I decided to sign up for the 5k.  It'll be nice to have a goal in mind for those days when I really don't feel like doing squat.  And, it'll be a nice way to ease back into a routine of some sort.  


Who knows, perhaps another 1/2 is in my future for the summer ...

Hello World!

Well, folks, it's been awhile!  Over the past few months, I've had several people ask me or e-mail me about this blog, wondering where I've been and if I'm ever coming back.  It's a wonderful feeling knowing that maybe -- just maybe -- I've been able to motivate and inspire others.  


But I've come to realize that this blog is what was motivating me.  My posts held me accountable, your blogs kept me inspired, and your comments kept me going.  I really never meant to stop blogging -- one lazy day just led to another, which led to another ... which ends today.  Right now.  In this moment.


I would be lying if I said I didn't miss running.  And I would be lying if I said that I've laced up my sneaks more than twice in the last few months.  I'm not going to set any crazy goals (yet) or go all Jillian Michaels on the world.  Nope.  Just going to make the simple promise of being more active.  Of finding a balance and routine.  Of enjoying my white chocolate mochas with extra whipped cream and enjoying how it feels to break a sweat.


Ahhhh, it feels good to be back! :)

Monday Monday Monday

I am super ancy today -- maybe because it's Monday, maybe because I drank too much sugar-infused lemonade at lunch. Regardless, I have a mountain of work to do and an anthill of motivation to accomplish it. Perhaps I'll save it all for after dinner ...

I'm liking the idea of completing the Nike Woman's Marathon with Team In Training, so I think I'll try to make it my goal for either 2010 or 2011. I'll figure it all out as we get closer! Until then, I'm slowly getting back into the running deal and hopefully will get myself signed up for a 5k or two this fall.

J and I are playing in a co-ed softball league starting next Friday, and just practicing for that has been quite the workout! Especially since I've never played a day in my life up until a few weeks ago. You'd think I'd learn to catch the ball after getting hit in just about every place imaginable while playing catch with J. Guess it's a learned skill ... but the games should be fun.

In other ventures, I'm starting a new blog (bella creative) to tap into my creative side ... or at least something to keep me busy while J's working in the garage. So if you're into the whole crafty-handmade-some people call it art-stuff, then you'll have to check it out. I'll let you know once it's up and running!

So ... What's Next?

You guys hit the nail on the head with the question, "What's next?" I've been trying to figure that out, but to no avail. Maybe that's why I was a little sluggish in posting my race report, because I didn't know where to go or what to do after.

And, five months later, I'm still not sure. But I definitely know I want to do another race. Many of you have hinted at another 1/2 or *gulp* a full. That would be cool. Or maybe another event with TNT -- Mohan suggested the Nike Women's, which does truly intrigue me. Maybe in 2010 ...

But what to do in the meantime? I suppose the first step would be lacing up my sneaks again. I think I've run twice since Big D. Horrid, I know! I had every intention of taking a short break to let the ankle heal completely. And well ... a short break turned into a bad habit. Oops.

So, I'm going to work on getting back into the habit this week. But, as for a new goal / adventure, what do you guys think? Any race suggestions or cool goals that I can work towards (like 50/50, but without the 50 ... haha)??

FINALLY, a Post-Race Report

Heeelllllooooooo! I know, I know -- where the hell have I been, right?

It's been nearly five months since I finished the Big D 1/2 Marathon with TNT ... wonder if any of you guys have stuck around? Truly did not mean to leave you hanging -- in my defense, I left for Puerto Rico the week after, have had several computer issues ... and am just downright lazy sometimes.

So, since this is a little anti-climatic as many of you have already blogged about the Big D race, I'll just share a few things. Like the fact that is was sooooo freakin' cold and windy that morning! Definitely made the days of training in frigid winds worth it. Just glad I was wearing pants and not shorts ...

J won the award for Best Supporting Husband, riding around on his mountain bike snapping photos, dodging swift winds and sketchy neighborhoods as best he could ...

I love this starting photo, reminds me of "Where's Waldo?" ...

I was bound and determined to run all 13.1 miles without stopping ... and by God I did it, with even a smile to boot ...

Remember when I was trying to set a realistic finishing time? I thought it would be around 2:55:00. And many of you said I could do better ... and I did. I finished in 2:43:41. Still plenty of room for improvement, but I was so super proud of it. You can also see our TNT group photo on the Big D Race Results page ... pretty cool!

I carried all of my donors with me during the race ... well, their names at least. Thanks to you guys, I raised over $1,800 for Team In Training to help find a cure for Leukemia!

All-in-all, it was such a wonderful experience. I encourage everyone to train for a race with TNT at least once, whether you've run a hundred marathons or you're a couch potato just getting started. It'll definitely change your life -- as well as those around you!

Tuesday Catch Up

Okay, I guess I really lost track of time over the last week! Things at work are picking up and, after spending all day working on the computer, I've been keeping the laptop closed at night. I'm sure many of you can relate!

The weather at our TEAM run last Saturday started out really crummy. It was cold, rainy and windy when I awoke at 5:30. But, by the time I arrived at our practice and we got started with announcements, the rain stopped and the wind calmed down. Sidestepping the rain puddles in the dark was the only challenge, and a fun one at that. I think I had more water in my shoes than the lakes around here. But once dawn broke, the weather turned beautiful.

We're tapering at the moment, so I only had six miles to hammer out. I thought it might be a struggle -- especially since my iPod wasn't charged -- but it felt soo good. It was the longest I've run since my 14 miler over a month ago. I just took it nice and slow, and didn't have to stop once to walk. I never felt any pain in my ankle during -- just a little stiffness after -- and it seems my lungs are finally catching up. Coach was truly happy to see me back out there -- I just wish I hadn't missed as much as I did. I found part of me wishing I could still do the full ... maybe next time ...

A good portion of my TEAM left Friday for the Rome Marathon -- I haven't heard how everyone did, but I'm sure they all rocked the house! I couldn't imagine a cooler race than that. But I'm sure Big D will hold it's share of thrills ... or at least I'll be able to read the street signs ...

Anyhoo, I've been thinking a lot lately about my goal finishing time. And I'm not really sure where to start in predicting it. It took me over 3:20:00 to do my 14 miles, but I stopped and hobbled quite a bit. It took me 1:21:00 to complete my sixer, which is probably a pace I can keep up for awhile. I definitely want to finish in under 3 hours. So maybe 2:55:00 for the half? Seems kind of slow on paper, but is probably realistic.

Speaking of times and half marathons, I must say I was pretty darn impressed with The Biggest Loser contestants doing half marathons last week. I couldn't believe some of the finishing times!! Not to take away from anyone's amazing accomplishment, but I think the inside track runners had a slight advantage over those running outside in the elements and non-flat terrain. But still, kudos to them all. Tara's 2:24:00 finish will surely beat mine!

Tomorrow I get to finalize all of my paperwork / donations and pick up my race-day jersey ... exciting!!

50/50 Winner!

Well, it's 81 degrees outside and I'm trying to talk myself into a short run. I'm sooo enjoying this break in the cold, and hope it sticks around for awhile.

Looks like the 50/50 book will be staying in Texas for a little longer -- congrats to the fabulous That Pink Girl!! While I'm not quite ready for a challenge like Dean's (the book is inspirational, not magic), it does get me thinking towards my next adventure after Big D. Not sure what that is yet, but I guess it'll hit me when it's ready.

Happy (almost) Friday!