Ding dong!

(don't you love packages at the door!?!?)

...and the winner is...............

As my bff said - 'those are kick ass'.  Yes... yes they are.

And I am hoping that new shoes will be the help my knees need!  Oi.  After my SIX (yay me!) mile run on Sunday, they were killing me.  Actually, as we speak, I have corn and peas on the knees again.  BUT, the little pain/ache I have now compared to yesterday?  Zero.

Back to my SIX (yay me again!) - I'm more than dumbfounded that I have even done this.  Seriously.  This is NOT easy for me - nor is it normal.  As I've mentioned before, I'm no born runner.  Nuh uh.  I don't just cruise down the street, or the treadmill, or the Greenway (finally did it!) and look like "one of those runners" that looks like they are the happiest human on earth.

Speaking of the Greenway, the only spot I know to even get on the damn thing is in front of Kohl's.  I looked it up online and thought about going over to Percy Priest Dam and starting there - but I had no clue how to get to the actual trail.  So, my adventurous self went directly to Kohl's.  It was a gorgeous day here in Nashville on Sunday - like 55+ degrees - I was in shorts and a t-shirt at the end of January!  I do have to admit that the Greenway is quite pretty...

...and this is January!  Everything is dead.  Anyway, I always like to go out 1/2 my distance (3 miles on Sunday) on any run and then back - because I have to come back.  Always.  At my 3 miles, guess where I was??  Yep - Percy Priest Dam - I'll be damn.  So THAT will be my 6 mile jaunt (that's putting it lightly) from now on!

Debbie Downer

What a week - 'phew.  Glad it's almost over.

Every run I had this week was a disaster except for Tuesday.  I think it was in sync with how my life went as well:  1) hard-boiled eggs blowing up on the stove, 2) spotting a mouse running in the kitchen, 3) having to wear a holter monitor for 24 hrs due to heart palpitations (WTH???), 4) and my car not starting after I had all the kiddies loaded up.  SO - let's start uber fresh tomorrow, shall we??

Tomorrow is the end of week 5 - wow!  And tomorrow's run is my first 6 mile run ever.  I'm a little nervous - not because I don't think I can do it, but that I have this weird pain in my lower right leg - and as I've said before, any little twitch or pain in my legs = "injury" in my head.  Hopefully it's something that isn't properly stretched or something simple like that.  I am going to pace myself tomorrow and force myself to take it slow and easy.  (PUH-LEEEZ don't be an injury!) I still don't know where my run is even going to take place tomorrow.  Maybe I'll finally venture to the Greenway.

Man - I'm just full of excitement and good news, eh??

The Itch

And that is what I have.  I'm not talking about a gross, running body itch.  I'm talking about the itch to run.  How nice is that???  And it's 63 freakin' degrees in January!  (sigh)  But I've learned the hard way that rest days are AS important as training days.  So here I sit .... wondering what to do.  I have about 6 loads of laundry I could do.  I have numerous closets to clean out.  But those don't sound near as fun as resting.  So for now, I'll just think of my 3 miles tomorrow and my 4 miles (with NO walking) on Wednesday.  And what am I doing on Thursday you ask?  I think I'm going to visit my local (putting that mildly) running store - Fleet Feet - and see if my Mizuno Wave Creations are about to give up.  And there is a big part of me that hopes they are - or that they at least suggest that I have 2 pairs of running shoes to alternate - because I found another pair of Mizuno Wave Creations in not just one, but two colors I LOVE! (I haaaaate the color of my current running shoes - but when you're a true runner, you could give a rat's ass what color they are as long as make you feel like a rock star - or at least run and not hurt.)  So here are my 2 new loves - what do you think?

I think I like the orange ones the best.  And my daughter (3 years old) just picked the orange, so there ya have it!  But seriously, my knees have just started to hurt and ache a bit AND on the past couple runs, I feel like the balls of my feet are a little to close to the ground. 

Close Enough

Another 5 miles done!  Well, it was more like 4.9, but it's sure close enough for me.  My CardioTrainer app didn't work right - I hate when it does that - so I really didn't know how far I went until I got in the car and drove it.  I walked a bit more today than last week (I just chant 'injury prevention.... injury prevention) and it was probably because of all the freakin' hills!  But do you know what is kick ass?  I KNOW I could run 5 miles without stopping <-------- couldn't say that 2 weeks ago!

Week 5 starts tomorrow.  And that means my Sunday long runs for the next 2 weeks will be 6 miles.  Yikes.  I'm running out of places to do my long runs.  I need to go to the Greenway - it has all kinda mileage.  But for some reason I just haven't driven that far yet.  And maybe that is just it - it takes so. freakin. long. to. get. anywhere. from our stupid house.  We definitely live out in the sticks.  When I do my neighborhood loop, these are my spectators:

Today, I went 'into the city' and actually passed 4 humans.  Running humans.  This girl is gonna go from running with cows, horses, and llamas to... well... this:

This, my friends, was the starting line at the Rock N Roll Country Music Marathon last year.  This is my race in April. No biggie.  (feeling faint)

Single digits!

99 days to go!  Yee haw!  And as pumped as I am, I am fretting a bit at the moment with a bag of peas on my left shin.  But you can ask my husband - any little quirk or sting in my legs and I promptly RICE.

R.I.C.E. - rest, ice, compression, elevate

Today I got a 90 minute massage.  Ahhhhhhhhhh.  Wow was that needed!  And not just because my hammies were locked up like a vault, nor because I almost came off the table when she steam-rolled my quads - but for the sanity and the stress-relief.  After yesterday's hard-boiled egg explosion all over my kitchen to start the day AND the visit from a little charcoal grey mouse in my kitchen to end my evening, I think I deserved it.

Other than that, I cleaned my house (some) and have Savory Bean and Spinach Soup in the crock-pot as we speak/type/read.  =D

Three miles are on the books tomorrow plus core workout <---------- puke.  I loathe doing core work... but that is because it's where I need the most work.  I guess after 1 c-section and birthing 2 others, it tends to get a little lazy.  But what pisses me off is my cousin, who also has 3 kids - 3 precious boys to be exact - has the flattest stomach ever!  And so does my sister-in-law who ironically has 3 boys as well.  Maybe it was Lucy - the female did it!  Anyway, I'm determined to get this crap toned up somehow.  I always look like I'm 3 - 4  months pregnant - you know, that just barely showing stage when you're so giddy?  Not so giddy here.

Anyway, back to the 3 miles - it actually doesn't sound that long to me now that my long Sunday runs are increasing.  On most of my runs, Jason gives me the option to run/walk in certain intervals.  I haven't done them all like that - sometimes I feel so awesome that I just run the whole thing.  And then sometimes (but not a lot anymore!), like Tuesday, I probably walk more than I run.  And as long as it's not raining buckets, I will get to run outside tomorrow!  (I can only take so much of the treadmill.)

103 days to go...

End of week 3!  I'm so excited.  I also figured out how to put my training plan on here (look at the tabs above).  So, week 4 will be the same as week 3.

My run today was so good - actually got the runner's high and my endorphins are still flying!  FIVE miles - wow.  I'm very proud of myself.  My legs felt strong, my energy was good, my breathing was good, my pace stayed steady.  Probably need to utilize my foam roller after that run.

foam roller - a firm foam log that is primarily used for myofascial release. They come in various sizes but they are generally six inches in diameter and three feet long. People using foam rollers typically use their own body weight and position the sore or tight muscle groups directly on top of it. The pressure from this causes a release in the muscle. A foam roller is often an alternative for seeing a massage therapist. It is an inexpensive, yet highly effective way to treat and prevent the most common injuries seen in runners.


Here is the one I have - I don't use it like I need to, but that needs to change.  I have a love/hate relationship with it.  It can be VERY painful... but in the end, I'm usually so glad I used it!

105 days to go...

I need this cat to run with me.

Maybe sometime this weekend I'll be able to sit down and actually 'talk' about what's going on and my running.  Been super busy this week (along with an intestinal bug) and now my brother-in-law is in town, snow day for the kids, MLK day on Monday - no school, 2 doctor appt's on Monday, and Lucy may be starting swimming up again on Monday.  'Phew - BUT I'm off to run 3 miles!

107 days to go...

I saw this today and completely agree.  This is one thing that DOES work for me.  Accountability.

"If we write our dreams and goals down, we dramatically increase our odds of realization. If we share them with others, they become potent and alive."


Kristin Armstrong, Full Cup, Mile Markers blog, 
Runner's World.com


Man.  When my husband goes out of town - I have ZERO time to do much of anything except cart kids, cook meals, and run.  My house?  Disaster.  My car?  Major nastiness.  But I'm gettin' my runs in!!  And my kids are alive.  I'm doin' good.  

108 days to go...

I love this!  I've never actually done it... however, I've never actually ran a half marathon.

110 days to go...

Well, I survived my birthday.  Didn't do squat Saturday from being soooo tired (going to bed at 11:30 p.m. is MAJOR late for me!).  And 5 martini's didn't help the situation either.  But got up this morning ready for "Long Run Sunday" - 4 miles.  So far, it hasn't gone so well...and by that I mean it hasn't even happened yet and it's 1:15 p.m (I'm a total morning runner).  But it IS going to happen.  I did do the 'well, I did pad my training by not 1 but 2 freakin' weeks - if I don't do my long run til tomorrow, so what?'  BUT, I start training with Wayne (personal trainer) again beginning Tuesday and I HAVE to have a rest day the day after long runs.  So suck it up Andrea - you ARE gonna run in the afternoon.  Geez - it's not like we're talking rain or a freakin' blizzard.  Just p.m. hours Andrea - still daylight even.

I can't believe I start week 3 tomorrow - woo hoo!  Week 3 goes like this:

Mon - Rest
Tues - 2 miles (no walking) + 4 strides - plus strength training w/Wayne
Wed - 3 miles (I've NEVER EVER ran 2 days in a row in my life - this is a new stepping stone for me)
Thurs - Rest
Fri - 3 miles + 4 strides + strength training on my own
Sat - Rest
Sun - 5 miles (another stepping stone!)

Jason from Strength Running wrote my half marathon training for me.  What I love about my plan is that I have the option to run/walk some of my days, but what I love more is the 'no option' days when he puts 'NO walking' on my mileage!  I need that kick in the butt and someone telling me exactly what I can do and exactly what I can not do - on this topic at least.  My husband would beg to differ.  =D

At some point this coming week, I will also add a yoga session in - I got Sage Roundtree's 'The Athlete's Guide To Yoga', so I'm looking forward to seeing if it keeps me stretched out enough.

And with all this week's running and training and stretching, hubby is back on the road.  Yep.  Will will be gone the majority of the week so I'm gonna be one busy chica, one busy runner, and one busy mama!!  'Phew.  I'm tired just blogging about it.  I'll be putting emphasis in the 'Peace' part of my title.  ;)

January 6, 2012

Instead of typing the date for my titles, I'm gonna start putting how many days left to my half - FYI, today is 113 days left!!

I'm 42 today - happy birthday to me!  To celebrate, I'm getting ready to head out for my scheduled 3 miles + 4x30 sec strides @ 95%. - to translate - I will run for 30 sec as fast as I can get this little legs to go.  4 times.

My hubby got me some Nike therma-fit tights for my bday - yay!!  He's probably tired of hearing me complain about running in the cold - although I don't think I've been TOO bad.  However, today it is going to be 62 degrees here in Nashville - won't need them today.  Just need to get my shorts and a t-shirt out today - ahhhhh.

My birthday cards this year were PRICELESS!  My husband and kids got me a musical card that when opened played MC Hammer's 'Can't Touch This'.  So on that note, I demonstrated to my kids what Hammer's moves looked like back then.  Almost pulled something in my hip.  Then, one of my dearest friends of all time, Dana P., sent me a card of a blonde hugging the porcelain God while a dark headed girl held her blonde hair out of the way for her.  Perfect for us back in the day!  Then my in-laws sent me a bday card with a runner on it - so cool!

And the real celebration - Mom/Grandma/Ra Ra is babysitting the kids tonight and Will and I are going to Sambuca in the Gulch for my birthday dinner!  (I actually run past Sambuca during my half.)  We've been once and it was extremely good.

My daughter is throwing her panties up in the air over and over.  Naked.  She says she is making a pizza-ria.  Apparently I'm not the only one that needs to get some clothes out.

January 4, 2012

First run of week two and it was great!  I love when I have those.  (they are not as often as I would like)  I ran 2.54 miles in 25 minutes - and no walking today.  AND on the freakin' treadmill.  I have a love/hate relationship with treadmills!  They keep me at a nice even pace and I can work on form and breathing - but they are booooooring as hell.  You better have a pretty awesome playlist in my opinion.  I'm thinking of listening to a podcast - I have no idea what podcast - vs. music for a change.  Hmmm.

Boys went back to school today!  Yay!  Lucy goes tomorrow!  Yay!  I get my hair cut and colored tomorrow!  Yay!  Good week so far!

January 4, 2012

First workout of week TWO!  Just a gym workout plus I added a half hour on the elliptical.  Two miles tomorrow - and I'm looking so forward to them!  I will probably do them on the TM (treadmill) for 2 reasons - 1.  it's below freezing tomorrow and I'm still a pansy when it comes to the cold, and 2. I want to make sure I run a nice slow, steady 2 miles - unlike Sunday's 4 miles that was all over the place.  And if I'm on the TM, I can control my pace.  It will be boring as hell but it's only 2.  It's only 2.  It's only 2.

Now?  A nap.  I woke up at 3:00 a.m. and never could fall back asleep.  : /

January 2, 2012

Happy New Year 2012!!

So New Year's Eve my hubby booked our hotel for the race!!  I'm so freakin' excited.  I reeeeeally wanted to stay near the start line, and we could have, to the tune of almost $500 for 1 night.  Just couldn't do it.  So we will be staying closer to the finish, which is fine.  Anything is closer to downtown Nashville than our house out in the sticks in Lebanon, TN!!

New Year's Day was my first "long" run EVER - 4 miles - AND it was a PR for me ('personal record' in runner lingo) because my farthest distance to run to date was like 3.8.  The first mile sucked big time.  I was freezing.  It was all uphill.  I felt I weighed 500 lbs (I don't - tee hee).  And wind gusts of about 25 mph.  I had to walk several times in that 1st mile - which pissed me off - BUT I have to remember that covering the whole distance is more important than having to walk a bit.  And walking helps with preventing injuries - which I am too accustomed to - so there.  When I ran back towards my car, I still had .5 miles to go!!!  So around and around and around I went in the Publix parking lot and sometimes the church across the street (there's one on every corner in the south ya know!).  I was in bed by 7:30 p.m.

Today - I'm sore.  Yowzhaa!  But a 'good sore'.  And I feel good in my head knowing I'm still on track.

So, this week?  I do exactly the same as last week.  Still getting used to some of the routines that Jason has me doing for warm-up, warm-down, and core exercises.  Core exercises <--------------- blech!  I hate doing them - probably because they are my weakness.  But Jason says I have to do them - which is why I hired him!

Also this week - kids go back to school (insert Charlie Brown happy dance).  I'm ready to be on a normal routine again!!