Great RUN with my MOM & Drove the MARATHON course!

My mom wanted to get another run in before she left.  Figured it would be a great run for me and for her to feel better about our run since Friday wasn't as great as we had hoped.  The first mile of our run was a little hard since it's uphill, but after that it was great.  It was a beautiful sunny day here and was soaked up the rays!  I had a great 4th mile!  We had a fun and I'm looking forward to running with my mom when we go to Portland in a couple of weeks.

2/21/10 Stats:

Miles: 4.01

Pace: 9:53...GREAT!

Time: 39:36

Calories Lost: 524

Splits:

Mile 1: 10:33 Uphill

Mile 2: 10:12

Mile 3: 10:05

Mile 4: 8:43...WHAT!!! FAST JILL! 

875.42 - 4.01= 871.41 miles left to run in 2010

See how sunny it is...LOVE IT!

4 Miles done...my moms pinky got cut off in the pic!

ROCK AND ROLL MARATHON SEATTLE! My mom and I always like to drive the course if we can and we could so we did. We knew what the front half is like since we ran it the half last year but had no idea what to expect for the 2nd half. It's hard to drive a running course so we did the best we could. I CAN'T BELIEVE how far 26.2 miles is. You think you know but you really don't know until you drive 26.2 miles or run them! Course seems ok…Not huge hills but there are some. We have to run through tunnels which isn’t my favorite thing to do. I keep thinking how weird it will be to actually have my feet touching the roads on busy streets that I have driven my whole life. My official training for the marathon started this last Friday...Feb. 19th so we are in full swing training NOW! Only 18 weeks to go!

A good day for a RUN doesn't always mean a good RUNNING day!

A good day for a RUN doesn't always mean a good RUNNING day!  I learned that today!  Again I am humbled by...Running.  My marathon training called for a 10 mile run today which I was anxious to do since it would be my FIRST double digit run in for the year.  I was feeling good since my long runs have been going well.  A few changes to my schedule and route were made due to my mom visiting and Cole not feeling 100%. 

A few thoughts and lessons learned today:

• When I set my mind to something like a route and a schedule...and then it changes...it does affect my run!  (Lesson Learned...EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED in RUNNING)
• For the FIRST time in my life, that I am aware of...I have a normal cholesterol level!  High cholesterolruns in my family and every time I have been tested doctors have been shocked by my high numbers.  I haven't got it checked for a few years.  Last week I got it checked and it has gone down 60 points!  I can only assume because of the RUNNING!  Praise GOD...this is so exciting to me!  I can't even begin to tell you!
• When you are excited about something (like the above) don't change your route for a good view if it means going UP major, NEW, unplanned HILLS! (Lesson Learned)
• It was beautiful here today!  Best day of the year.  Warm, sunny and CLEAR so I wanted to run with a view of the water!  Danger...Danger...Don't run on a new route with major hills when you are running your first 10 MILER of the year!!! (Lesson Learned)
• Walking is not bad...especially when it allows you to finish!!!
• After a hard run...IT CAN ONLY GET BETTER next time!

My run was going great until I changed my route and went a new way so I could have a view of the water...it was so pretty.  The great part is it was down hill, but a reminder that many downhill’s have an uphill too.  I know my way around but when you're in a car...you don't realize the hills or how BIG they are.  I was going at a great pace and was taking my Cliff Blocks, which were working great.  I felt like my pace was fast and thought...I am doing well and should be fine.  Then I hit an unexpected HILL and knew I had some good size ones coming up.  A few of the hills where steeper than I had assumed, I did ok until I couldn't run up the last one anymore.  I was about half way through it and had to walk for a few minutes.  I had a side ache that wouldn't go away and had to push through it.  I finally made it through my 10 miles and know that the next weeks long run will go better.
Running has a way of humbling you on certain days.  I know that but I am reminded of it on certain days.  It's great marathon training because I am sure that when you HIT THE WALL while running a MARATHON you have to overcome it...MIND over MATTER!  I took today as reminder that the marathon will be tough and I have to work through it to FINISH!

*****

2.19.10 Stats:

Miles: 10

Pace: 10:49

Time: 1:48:05

Calories Burned: 1288

*****

2.17.10 Stats:

Treadmill

Miles: 2.09

Pace: 9:48

Time: 21

Burned: 287

My mom and I before our run...She didn't want to wear the bondiband how it's supposed to be worn!

887.51 - 12.09 = 875.42 miles left to run in 2010

"You're Not a RUNNER...You wouldn't Understand!"

That's what I said to my husband after he asked me "Why are you wearing that?"...referring to my cute, green bondi band, though I don't think he would describe it as cute!  I tried to explain it to him but if you aren't a runner you don't get how great it is!  They say running is a cheap sport...Ummmm I would beg to differ!  Running can be cheap but if you want to do it long-term and do it well and comfortable...well then it is going to cost you.  There are so many great things out there for runners.  A few are obvious...Garmin, iPod, shoes, socks, running tights, running jacket, hat, etc....

• What is something different, something out of the ordinary that you don't hear about much that you have been surprised by that has helped your running or at least made is nicer, easier?

These long weekends are nice, but make me delay my running until mid-day.  I wanted to go out this morning but we made plans and so I got ready knowing I really needed to get a run in later.  We ended up not going out due to nap time which was fine but I hate getting ready and then going for a run...seems a little backwards, but that is my life right now with our kids at their ages.  I was happy to get a run in and not miss it.  Weather was nice, but cold.  I can't wait until it warms up because it makes RUNNING OUTSIDE so NICE!  I know many of you in other parts of the country have it bad right now with all the snow.  I can't believe how many of you have been running in the snow!  You are awesome...that is something I have not had to do.  Looks fun, but COLD!

2.15.10 Stats:

Miles: 5.01

Pace: 10:27

Time: 52:21

Calories lost: 655

892.52 - 5.01 = 887.51 miles left to run in 2010

Total miles for 2010: 112.49
*****

Here is one of the reasons I RUN...My youngest son, Cole!  He found his brothers goggles and likes to wear them around the house.  I think he looks so cute and funny in them...I keep taking picutres!

I love to RUN!

I love to run!  That's how I felt on my run this afternoon!  Of course that was during a small decline.  It seems when it's down hill...even a little it's so nice and that's when I always think to myself "I love to RUN"...not always the same thought when I am running UP a hill!  Actually it's the very opposite feeling, but let's stay positive!  I haven't run during the weekend due to sitters, busy schedule and it just couldn't happen, but today was my lucky day.  A few weeks ago my long run was 7 miles and it wasn't that easy.  I had just started running seriously again after taking some time off and was doubting if I could get into it again.  Training is everything and gives you so much confidence as a runner.  I had a great run that was easy and it even included MILE LONG HILL and NICE HILL.  It's amazing what a difference a few weeks can make!  Will I feel the same way when I get into my high miles for marathon training?  That is the BIG question?

2.14.10 Stats:

Miles: 7.05

Pace: 10:17

Time: 1:13

Calories lost....917!

899.57 - 7.05 = 892.52 miles left to run in 2010

Ok so I like pictures and since this is my running blog I post pictures of myself after my run!  Plus I really wanted to show you my cool BONDI BAND!  This was the first time I got to wear it on a run and I love it more than I thought I would.  I wasn't sure what I would think, but have read so many GREAT reviews about them I thought I should try one out and NOW I'm sold!  It's nice having a light weight, not too tight head band that covers my ears!  I love fun, new running products!

"I am a runner" and some thoughts!

2.12.10 Stats:

Miles: 9

Pace: 10:27

Time: 1:34:08

Calories Lost: 1172...LOVE IT!

908.57 - 9 = 899.57   miles left to run in 2010

I didn't realize it until I did this calculation that I have RUN 100 Miles as of today!!! How exciting...Less than 900 to go for 2010.

Some thoughts:

• I really don't enjoy running up "NICE" hill for my last mile!

• I love, love my running socks...my feet weren't wet at all after my 9 miles in the rain, but my shoes were soaked...Love them. Didn't realize how important good socks were!You don’t realize how significant good running gear is until you are running in certain elements. Today I am thankful for GREAT running GEAR! Money well spent!

• It’s amazing on your long run days how you have to mentally JUST DO IT because if you think about it...you might not do it. Especially when it's raining...such an easy excuse not to, but when you live in the NW you really can't let that be an excuse.

• Excited for a yummy Valentines dinner tomorrow night and love it more since I burned over 1,000 calories on my run.

• Love that my jeans are LOSER!!! Oh running I love you!

• Love when my long run is complete for the week.

• Having to worry about time and getting back from a run WILL make you run faster!

• Taking a hot bath afterwards...priceless.

"I'm a RUNNER!" That's what I told the nurse at my Dr's appointment yesterday when I was I was asked "Do you exercise" ...My very quick response..."I am a runner"...it kind of just came out without thinking about it. Did she really need to know that I am a runner? Probably not, but since I am a high disclosure kind of gal...now she knows..."I am a RUNNER! I thought to myself...I am a runner! I might not be a fast runner compared to others, or one that will WIN races, but for me I am a runner. Of course I would have loved to go on with my race history and my first marathon coming up this year but she probably didn't need to know that. Sometime's I feel like it's hard to hold it in because I still can't believe I am going to run my FIRST, FULL MARATHON! I think it's totally cool and I am totally scared and excited.

I just laugh at myself sometime!

1. Do you ever feel the need to tell strangers about your running?
2. Do you feel proud of what you have done and what you are going to do when it comes to running?

My sweet friend, Megan bought me these SOCKS…I am so excited about them! I have some of the best, dear, kind friends who are so supportive of me and my goals! It means so much to have people encourage, coach and pray for me during this time! Megs and I used to run together…she was a great running partner but last year she injured her back. She is the one who talked me into my first race…Race for the Cure’s 5k in June 06. We had a blast and I hope to run with her in the future.

Tour of HILLS! "Nice" Hill included!

Meet Mile long hill!  It's a nice, LONG...about a mile and twists around...this is the beginning!

Me...2/3 done with Mile Long Hill!

Oh and here is the start...of "Nice" Hill...about .80 mile long.  "Nice" Hill meet my bloggy friends!

STEEP....

And it turns to go up more...it's the steepest hill around my area...I think!  Straight up is what it feels like.

Me feeling good at the end of my run...had a successful, unplanned date with "NICE" hill and felt good.

2.9.10 Stats:

Miles: 7.50

Pace: 10:39

Time: 1:19:51

Calories Burned: 976

916.07 - 7.50 = 908.57 miles left to run in 2010

I really wanted to do 7 miles but wasn't sure if I would get all 7 done with my route...but I did.  I was at 6.90 when I came to the start of "Nice" hill and realized I would have to run "Nice" hill and didn't want to stop in the middle so figured I would run the entire thing and was glad I did...got an extra 1/2 mile in.  Felt great the whole run which was a lot better than Monday's two runs. 

I have started bringing my phone if I run for over an hour just for safety but realized after looking at mom vs. marathon's blog that I could take pictures while I run...GREAT IDEA!  It was great to take my mind of hard hills as I took pictures...how fun!  I am a picture GAL so it works great for me.  Another really fun way to document my journey!

Wow, not enough time!

Getting out of the house with 2 boys in the AM can be difficult. I teach swim lessons on Monday's and Wednesdays in the morning which makes my timing more crucial! I try to get to the gym and get a run in before but sometimes things just don't go as planned. With kids you need to expect the unexpected. We finally made it to the gym but with very limited time for me to get a 5 miler in so figured I would do what I could. I headed out and started my garmin...um...started my garmin...HELLO Garmin are you there? No response! I charged it and took it off the charger the night before and who knows what happened but it didn't want to stay on. Then I was panicked because I have to be back in time for swim lessons so luckily my ipod was kind enough to time me. I ran as fast as I could and did what I could.

Stats for 2.8.10
Miles: 2.5
Pace: 9:11
Time: 23 minutes
Calories Lost: 336

Seems like a fast pace to me but with time and distance I guess that's what I came up with.

Stats for 2.8.10 (2nd Run)
Miles: 3.56
Pace: 10:19
Time: 36.42 minutes
Calories Lost: 466

Since I didn't get the run in that I wanted in the AM I decided to do more in the afternoon. This was my first time running twice in one day. I could tell my legs where tired, but still had a GREAT, FAST first mile but then I died...my stomach felt yucky and I don't think I had left enough time in between my snack and my run. Had to cut this run shorter than planned but glad I made it to a total of 6 miles for the day!

Total Miles for 2.8.10....6.06 Miles

922.13 - 6.06 = 916.07 miles left to run in 2010

Close to 100 miles for the year!

Trophy Cupcake = 8 miler...

Before I start I wanted to say THANK you to Saundra for the awesome $25 gift certificate to Nike. This was one of the first giveaways I have entered and I won...and I won something I love. I am a total Nike gear person! Fun to get something in the mail that is needed!!!

2.5.10 Stats:
Distance: 8.06
Pace: 10:29
Calories Burned: 1042

930.19 - 8.06 = 922.13 miles left to run in 2010

Yesterday my friend, Andrea and the boys and I went up to U Village. It's a great shopping area with fun places for all ages, great shopping and fun stuff for the kids. We go there a lot and have a few traditions...one them is to get a cupcake at Trophy Cupcake...they are so yummy. My selection yesterday was Samoa! It truly was the BEST cupcake I have had! I knew it probably wasn't the best choice since I was running 8 miles today but hey I was running 8 miles so I could eat it.

Had a great run! It didn't start raining until my 8 miles were done and I started walking up "Nice" hill! Loved that my Garmin was charged and could give me my numbers today. Nice to have my long run behind me and looking forward to 9 miles next week.

2/3/10 Stats:
TREADMILL....
Distance: 4 miles...I was shocked that I did more than 3!
Pace: 10
Calories Lost: 530

934.19 - 4 = 930.19  miles left to run in 2010

I think my totally time was 40 minutes but the treadmill went to cool down and wouldn't tell me the total time...annoying! I hate not knowing my exact numbers. Oh well! I decided to run inside because outside didn't seem like much fun and figured I could do some speed work. I shocked myself and ran at a 9:14 pace for a little under a mile. I was surprised how well I felt running at that pace. That's why I am curious to know if I was under 40 minutes...I will never know!



2/2/10 Stats:Cross Training
20 minutes of Rowing, Elliptical & Cycling
30 minutes of Weights

I think I am really going to enjoy my cross training day. Mixing it up a little is always nice.

Giveaways:

Endurance Isn't Only Physical - Running Skirt Saturdays (ends 2/9)
Tall Mom - Recovery Socks (Ends 2/10)
Racing with Babes - race day staples (ends 2/7)

All the things I think about on a run!

Stats for 2.1.10:


Distance: 5 miles
Pace: 10:46
Time: 53:51 minutes
Calories burned: 651

939.19 - 5 = 934.19  miles left to run in 2010

I think about so much on runs and think about what I will blog about but of course when I sit down to write...I can't recall all the great thoughts! One thought I do recall however is how much running can...someday...be like having a child! Yes it's true...the idea of running sounds fabulous just like the idea of getting pregnant sounds WONDERFUL! But then you have a few contractions... (bad running days) and you wonder...what have I done! Then you finish a run and you forgot ALL about the pain and feel AMAZING and can't wait until the next time you run! I can't help but think about the road ahead of me...26.2 miles and I really wonder how I am going to do it. It sounds great but I know it's going to push me to a place I have never been....without an EPIDURAL!


Another thought that is funny is how people will say how in shape I am because I run or they say they don't want to run with me because I am a "runner" and I have ran half marathons and done a triathlon! If they really knew the truth...just because I run and have completed some great things by NO means makes me better. It shocks me how impressed people are of running and how scared they are to do it themselves. I love that people are impressed and think it's amazing that I do it...just don't ever tell them THAT ANYONE can do it. Our secret! The truth is...IF I CAN DO IT...ANYONE CAN DO IT!  When you put a goal out there, focus on something...a lot can happen.


It's fun to see the responses of people when you run! Do you have that happen to you?