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 ...

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!!

Down, But Not Out

Since my event is only a month away, I went and talked to my Coach yesterday morning about my options. He got a good laugh at the ridiculously bulky ankle brace I've been wearing. He thought maybe adding Nike swooshes to the sides would up it's cool factor -- I think it would have been neat to at least have a few color options. I just wish it fit into my shoes like the box said it would!

Anyway, we sat and talked for awhile about where to go from here. Coach is extremely doubtful that it'll be strong enough for the full marathon. I was afraid of that, but hearing those words was like a punch to the gut. I've worked soo hard over the last four months, but all I kept thinking was that if I had just worked a little bit harder or cross-trained like I was supposed to I wouldn't be in this situation at all. While everyone's gearing up for a practice run at Cowtown next weekend, I'll be sitting at home once again wishing that my cankles were up to the challenge.

But Coach is right -- assuming my ankle continues to heal, I'll be able to run the 1/2 stronger, with less risk of re-injuring or even making it worse. There's just not enough time to pick up with training for the full. Unless I switch to the summer TEAM, which is another option.

And it's an option I go back and forth about. Sure, I could switch TEAMs so I can race the full. But then I don't get to cross the finish line and celebrate with the TEAM I've been sweating with for the last four months. The TEAM that I've grown with, and have turned into a runner with.

Before I started training, I was a couch potato with the occasional urge to do something aerobic. I wasn't overweight or completely out of shape, but I had no real desire to get up early or to do anything too competitive or athletic. Especially if it was freezing cold outside. To my first run I think I wore sweat pants, an old worn pair of Nikes, two cotton t-shirts and a hoodie. No breathable fabrics, no gloves, no watch, no breakfast, no water. Running just one mile made my heart want to leap from my chest and my legs turn to butter.

But now? I enjoy going for runs. I have cool new sneaks and running gear. I would never wear straight cotton, especially on long runs, or leave the house on chilly mornings without my gloves. I eat better, drink tons of water, and just feel better after going for a jog. I get ancy just thinking about it. For me, it's still not about how fast I'm going -- I enjoy soaking up nature and listening to some tunes.

But I know I've gotten a lot faster. And Coach has noticed the improvements too -- how I've learned to push myself just a little more each time, how I now run with my shoulders back and my eyes looking ahead (rather than hunched over and staring at my feet like before).

Yesterday, it was hard for me to think about making the switch to the half -- I'm an "all or nothing" type of person. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it's the best way to go and still finish with my TEAM. It's not about my run or how far I went, it's about the amazing experience I've had with TNT, and the thousands of dollars we've been able to raise to benefit cancer patients and their families.

I still feel a bit like I'm disappointing my donors. But, regardless of whether I cross the finish line after 13.1 miles or 26.2, I will cross it -- and the money will go to help find a cure. And, at the end of the day, isn't that what this is all about?

Tag, You're It!

We're supposed to get the worst ice in years today, so I'm happily anticipating that maybe -- just maybe -- we'll get a smidge of snow as well. Needless to say, these are definitely the days I wish I had access to a treadmill.

I'm STARVING and, since we're out of milk and bread and other staple items, I'm baking chocolate chip cookies for breakfast. Don't judge me. While they're in the oven, I thought I would finally get to the tag from the fabulous Sonia. So, here goes ...

4 favorite memories from 2008
1. Moving into the new house
2. Fly fishing in Colorado
3. Joining Team-In-Training
4. Taking salsa dance lessons

4 favorite movies watched in 2008
1. The Departed ... again ... and again ...
2. 10,000 B.C.
3. I Am Legend
4. 27 Dresses

4 of my favorite foods in 2008
1. Queso always tops the list
2. Mom's homemade fudge
3. Taco Diner
4. Rudy's brisket & egg breakfast tacos

4 places I loved in 2008
1. Our old house
2. Our new house
3. Estes Park, Colorado
4. Hanging out on the lake

4 events I loved in 2008
1. Fort Worth Kidney Walk
2. Dallas Katy Trail 5k
3. Kenny Chesney concert
4. The last Cowboys game at Texas Stadium

4 things I liked in 2008
1. Happy hours with old friends
2. Running
3. My job
4. Fishing

4 things I'm looking forward to in 2009
1. Big D Marathon, baby!
2. Karen's wedding in Puerto Rico
3. 10-year highschool reunion
4. Starting a family? :-)

4 people I tag
1. Elsbeth
2. Art
3. Dano
4. Marshall

Enjoy the day!