Not Feeling It..

Today was supposed to be Yoga and Abs but I know I won't have time to do my back/shoulders workout tomorrow so I decided to knock out Back, Shoulders, and Abs and do my Yoga tomorrow.  Unfortunately I just wasn't feeling it.  I forced it out though.  Started out by just making myself get in the gym and start.  Then was just a matter of continuing to push myself through each set until the Back and Shoulders were done (telling myself I didn't have to do abs).  Once I'd finished that off I figured I'd just knock the abs out and be done.  Unfortunately I'd also hurt my lower back yesterday carrying around a heavy bag all day in DC...so, now I'm tired and hurting but feeling ok about checking off my workouts.  Thinking tomorrow's run will either be a late night run or postponed til Friday due to travel, but it'll get done!

Back at It!

I had a crazy day today at work and was so stressed I totally forgot to eat all day...not good at all!  Of course by the time I got home it was late and I knew if I ate before training it just wouldn't happen.  I was so lazy (read: out of gas from not fueling) that I had to force myself to do my workout, but I hit the gym.  I started by Back and Bi workout only to get incredibly light headed after my first superset of chin-ups and bicep curls.  I kept my weights and reps up to par but increased my rest time between sets to get through then paid particular attention to my breathing through the rest of the workout.  My heartrate was incredibly elevated the entire workout.   I was supposed to do Abs as well, but didn't commit until I'd finished the Back & Bis and saw how I was doing.  As Monday is my weighted abs day I had a tough choice; I didn't want to skip my workout, but I knew I'd need to be careful to not end up causing myself harm.  In the end I opted to do the workout but decided to lower the weight and increase the reps and pay close attention to my heartrate and breathing.   I finished up feeling satisfied for finishing but with a crazy high heartrate and rather light headed.  I broke out the foam roller - my IT bands thanked me profusely; and then my fulcrums.  After drawing my bright pink smiley face on my calendar I can now go crash for the night...after showering, of course!

Mad Half

Oh what a race!!!  First off, major kudos to the team that put on this incredible event!  As an inaugrual race I expected MUCH less; but the wonderful folks of Waitsfield had other ideas.  The organization, preparation, and attention to detail were evident everywhere; and the friendly volunteers gave their absolute all to ensure we had a great experience because they genuinely wanted us to!  The course indeed lived up to the title of "World's Most Beautiful Marathon"...so much so that it actually made the crazy hills bareable!  And I do mean crazy hills!  I intentionally do not preview race courses prior to race day as I like to be surprised along the way and have plenty of new stimuli while running.  Standing at the start line Sunday listening to other racers that don't share that mindset actually scared me a bit!  I overheard 2 folks discussing the crazy hills and the fact that everyone should anticipate finishing approximately 30 minutes later than their usual time!  First thought was glad I hadn't set this as a goal race for time! 

The course started out in town near the village green and proceded down main street where it turned off onto some gorgeous country roads. 

Within the first mile we crossed a covered bridge circa 1833...beautiful and what an experience!  As we passed the first mile marker I quickly began to wonder what the heck I was thinking by not at least viewing the elevation profile of the course before running.  From Mile .81 all the way through Mile 2.28 was completely uphill with the exception of 1/10th of a mile that dropped 6 feet before starting to climb again; for a total elevation gain of 387 feet.  Making it to the top of that hill things looked up as the course dropped as far as the eye could see.  I briefly enjoyed the downhill stint to recover, but dread quickly set in as I remembered it was an out and back course which meant I'd have to climb this hill too!  I pushed that aside and used the downhill to recover and make up a little of the time I'd likely lost climbing (I wasn't checking my splits as I wasn't running for time).  The downhill started at Mile 2.28 and with the exception of a short climb between Mile 2.67 and Mile 2.73 was entirely downhill until Mile 3.94, losing 419 feet in elevation.  (I'm so glad I didn't know these stats while running!  I may have just said forget there without attempting to climb that hill later!)  Now, while that downhill may sound lovely, to someone that has had issues with her knees it was pretty killer...that's a lot of pounding to run downhill.  Just as I was beginning to think I should probably walk to save the knees I saw a cross road and realized we were nearing the point where the second covered bridge (circa 1879) was...I KNEW there'd be plenty of people there to cheer us on and likely photographers...now was not the time to slack off. 

The bridge gave a much needed reprieve and the course then went through some gorgeous farm lands with incredible vistas.  The evening before I'd had dinner at an incredible farm to table restaurant that listed the names of the farms everything in your meal came from...I passed the farm my beef had come from at this point, recognized the name and thought it was really neat to see.  We reached the turn around point fairly quickly and started making our way back.  That portion had climb of 20 feet followed by a drop of 60 feet...not bad except the turn around point meant we then got to climb the 60 feet then drop the 20 feet before crossing the bridge again, knowing that climb laid on the other side. 

Another quick pick me up from the crowd at the bridge...

and we set off on a 451 foot climb from Mile 5.16 to Mile 7.13 with only a 1/10th of a mile break just before the end.  If you're keeping track the climb was actually 40 foot longer than the descent had been...because we took a  side road and made a bit of a loop before returning to the original path.  And lucky for us the added loop had another BIG hill!  From Mile 7.6 to Mile 9.14 we climbed an additional 242 feet.  From there we lost 575 feet over the next 3.19 miles, but the views were so incredible I didn't even notice it (not even in my knees).   And to make matters more interesting, during all of the climbing and descending we passed several more farms who's names I recognized from the previous evening's menu...by the time we completed this portion of the course I'd seen where each piece of my dinner came from, including the meat, veggies, herbs, and even the wheat from the dinner rolls!  As someone who enjoys Eating Clean I LOVE this place! 

At the end of the desent we again crossed the first covered bridge...

and came into town to photographers and cheering crowds for the final .8 miles...but I totally didn't remember that first .8 miles being so downhill!  A final climb of 80 feet...

and we were running across the green and through the finish area.  I was thrilled to see I'd crossed the line in 2:17:41!

Absolutely nothing to sneeze at given the crazy hills.  I finished with my kinees in tact and no pains, just a little tightness in my calves and glutes.  Yep...training is paying off!

Another Month, Another State - Vermont!

After seeing the Mad Half website I HAD to run this gorgeous race!  Unfortunately (and fortunately) when I registered I didn't do a lot of research into the location.  As the race date approached I began to look for a hotel...not an easy task!  I ended up finding a tennis resort about 15 minutes from the start line and booked 2 nights.  I drove up Friday, 11 hours, arriving after dark.  Saturday (today!) morning I made my way to the Waitsfield Inn to pick up my packet...this place is BEAUTIFUL!  There was a farmer's market going on across the street...the selection was unreal...I would LOVE to have the availability of such fresh food at home!  After checking out Waitsfield I headed to the Ben & Jerry's factory for a tour then to the Cabot Store Annex for some great cheddar.  On the way back to the resort I made a reservation for dinner at the Barn Door.  Their approach is barn to table, their food is beyond description with atmosphere and service to match!  If you ever find yourself in Waitsfield, VT (near Sugarbush ski resort), find the Barn Door and have dinner!  You'll be glad you did!

Now, my race outfit is set out...my knee straps, Garmin, race belt, iPod, and Body Glide are laid out...and I'm off to bed!  Race starts at 7:30!  Good night everyone!

Seattle Rock N Roll Half Marathon

I'd trained hard and June 25th rolled around before I knew it, but I was ready.  I flew in late Thursday night.  Friday morning I headed to the expo and saw George walking down the street on his way there.  We went to the expo together and I met many wonderful people associated with the Competitor group, PF Changs, and DetermiNation.  After the expo we did some site seeing, including Pike's Place, the 1st Starbucks, and the Hard Rock Cafe.  I then met an old friend who lives in Seattle for dinner; and called it an early night.  Race morning I found George at the start line and we chatted as we prepared.  A photographer snapped a few pictures of us, later viewing those pictures I realized just how much my training was showing.

We parted ways and headed to our corrals, wishing each other luck.  As the race began I felt good.  I had opted to use my iPod on this race though I hadn't used it for the last few.  As I took in the sites and knocked off the miles I couldn't help but notice how strong I felt.  I even hammed it up a bit for a photographer at the 5K point.

I was a little worried I wouldn't PR, but I suddenly began to realize I could finish in 2:12.  I noticed was overwhelmed as I ran through the memorial for the Wear Blue: Run to Remember group and slowed a bit, but quickly reminded myself of my goal and continued to push forward despite being choked up.  As I ticked off the miles feeling strong I realized just how great I was doing...I burned through 13.1 miles in 2:03:42!!

I headed home and began preparing my workout plan and updating my binder to get me through another 10 weeks!  Next goal race - VA Beach Rock N Roll, next training races - Mad Half (Vermont), Providence Rock N Roll (Rhode Island), and Chicago Rock N Roll (Illinois)...I also added a few more races to my 50 states spread sheet and booked a hotel for the Maui Oceanfront Half in January.  With my current schedule I will have 19 states completed at the end of 2011.  I'm addicted!  If you'd like to follow my training, races, and 50 states progress, stay tuned!  You'll also get my input on the places I travel for the races.  And who knows, maybe you'll find the motivation to lace up or pick up some weights yourself.  You don't have to go crazy to enjoy a good run; and supporting charitable organizations through running will make an impact on you!  You can't run to raise funds and awareness for cancer, spinal injury, the American Heart Association, or many other causes without being touched in some way.

Training

When I got home I immediately put together a training plan utilizing a running plan I clipped from a magazine the summer before and my own knowledge.  The running plan's goal was to complete a Half in under 2 hours assuming you were running a 2:15 Half currently and was a 10 week plan.  As it turned out I was 11 weeks out from the Seattle Rock N Roll Half Marathon.  I knew I was not in good enough shape to get under 2 hours by Seattle, but my goal became to PR in Seattle (even if I only shave a few seconds) and then work on a sub 2:00 afterwards.  I knew I needed strenght and flexibility, not just running.  So, I put together a workout plan.  In case you haven't figured it out yet, when I do something...I tend to go whole hog and obsess a bit...My workout plan was in a 3 ring binder, tabbed out by month.  At the beginning of each month's tab there was a calendar.  The calendar listed each workout by day and was color coded - cardio is pink, strength training is purple, flexibility is blue, foam rolling is green, and fulcrums (part of my physical therapy) is peach; and the calendar lists the specifics of the workout (Back, Bis, and Shoulders, Chest and Tris, Abs twice weekly, and Legs for strength workouts; and running workouts were listed with specific mileage and paces).  Behind the calendar in each month was a log for each workout which listed the specific exercises to be performed for each workout and pages to record the types, dates, and durations of yoga workouts; each of these pages were in order of when they were to be performed.  Also, as I'd started running with a Garmin in Arizona I began printing the data from my training runs and including them in my binder as well.  When I complete a workout I record the details in a log then cross the workout off the calendar in black ink.  I keep 3 sharpies (bright pink, light pink, and blue) in the front pocket of my binder, if I complete all of my workouts for a day I drag a bright pink smiley face on the day, some but not all of the workouts I put a pale pink slanted face, and if I don't do any of them I put a blue frown on the day.   I was really good about my runs to begin with but sometimes missed a strength session and was horrible about committing to my yoga. 

In the meantime I began searching out half marathons on the web and in magazines that I was interested in and improved my spreadsheet.  It now includes the state, race name, date, and URL for any races I'm considering.  I have quite a list and have noted those I would prefer for each state...like I said, obsessed.

I had a race, the SuperHero Half in New Jersey, scheduled between the Flying Pirate and Seattle, but had worked it into my training plan as a training run and had no intention of running it for time.  The SuperHero was on May 15th.  Once we got there I realized I'd forgotten my race belt.  It was a cool, misty day.  I hadn't run in the rain for over a year, I wore a shell.  Not having my race belt I stuffed my gels, phone, ID, and credit card in the jacket pockets.  By Mile 1 I wished I hadn't worn the shell.  I tied it around my waist and was immediately irritated by the weight of the items in the pockets hanging around my ankles.  I spent the next 5 miles trying to enjoy the scenery and realizing I was having major issues with my feet...my toes were COMPLETELY numb.  I really thought it was the jacket, but couldn't be sure.  I took it off my waist and put it around my shoulders, holding the tied loop so it didn't choke me.  I got ready to toss it even though I'd just bought it the night before but then I remembered my phone, ID, and credit card.  The course was a loop with two laps.  Just before the midway point I took off the jacket and pulled the gels out of the pockets.  As I passed my six year old I tossed the jacket and told myself that if the circulation didn't improve in my feet within a mile I was going to stop...it would be a first.

Thankfully, in less than half of a mile my feet were fine, so I pressed on.  I enjoyed the second loop and took in all of the scenery. 

I was surprised and invigorated to see I finished the race STRONGLY in 2:15:33.  I could see the benefits of my training and was committed to continuing and finishing strong in Seattle.  I was convinced I could PR in Seattle...I was aiming for 2:10 - 2:12.

New Year, Old Habits

The next race up was the Arizona Rock N Roll Half Marathon on January 16th.  I went to the race without training but having been completely physical therapy 3 times each week, so my legs were strong.

At the expo I grabbed a knee strap for my other knee as well.  I finished the race, and earned my Desert Double Down medal, in 2:31:32...my slowest race yet, but still not enough to make major changes.  I did a single training run the following week.  I also started considering working on completing a half marathon in each of the 50 states.  I put together a spreadsheet and realized that with the races I already had planned in 2011 I'd be making serious progress towards that goal.  The seed was planted.

I went on to the Mardi Gras Rock N Roll Half on February 13th.  While there I was introduced to a runner who would be doing the full marathon, little did I know I'd just made a life long friend. 

I finished the Mardi Gras in 2:29:21 with no knee pain.  I also began to seriously consider the 50 states club.  The week after Mardi Gras I starting training again...I ran 3 training runs that week.  Then I didn't run again for over a month until I showed up at the Dallas Rock N Roll half on March 27th.  George met me there and we got to catch up/get to know each other better.

Somewhere between the Mardi Gras and Dallas races I began to truly appreciate the way I was seeing new places.  I believe I am truly blessed to be able to experience the cities I am seeing and run through them, seeing the local sites, not to mention the history!  How many people can say they've run past the book depository in Dallas?

or by the grassy knoll and under the bridge there?

I finished Dallas in 2:22:12 with no knee pain, a new appreciation for destination races, and a desire to finish the 50 states.  BUT...with a bad old habit of not training!  I didn't run again until April 10th at the Flying Pirate Half in North Carolina.  Having run so many larger races it was a refreshing change of pace with a small town feel.  The course was amazing with a variety of surfaces beginning on the road, moving onto paths along the waterfront, migrating through the woods, and finishing coming down a sand dune! 

Running past the Wright Brothers Memorial again reminded me of how fortunate I was to be able to see so many sites this way. 

I finished the Flying Pirate in 2:24:42, feeling great and recommitted training to do and be my best. 

Fall Lessons

Summer came and went way to quickly.  I talked about running a lot, but actually hitting the pavement was another thing entirely.  Long days at the beach and late nights with friends got in the way of training and fueling.  In July I did go for 1 five mile run...it was hell.  I started talking to two of my cousins about doing a half with me in the fall and they agreed.  One of their daughters decided to join us as well.  So we started planning for the Diva Half Marathon in Long Island in October.  But even know I had Disneyland on the horizon and now the Diva didn't spur me to train.  I went on 1 run with the cousins in late August, only 3 miles and lots of walking intervals as they were just starting out, and I noticed my knees were starting to hurt.  I rationalized that my inserts were getting high miles on them (I'd replaced my shoes, but not my inserts); so I ordered a replacement pair.  All too quickly we were in Disneyland, I started getting REALLY nervous knowing I was completely unprepared for the race.  I decided I'd be happy with just finishing the race, crossing the line, and getting my Coast to Coast medal. 

True to Disney races, the start line was an experience...a big party, still dark, and a bit chilly.  Once we got going I just enjoyed taking in the sites.  Given that Sleeping Beauty has always been my favorite princess I enjoyed running through her castle more than I had enjoyed Cinderella's. 

I kept expecting to feel worse than I did, but it didn't happen.  I'm not much of a sports fan, but running through Angel's stadium was really neat.

As I came out of the stadium I check my splits and was surprised to see I was on course for a good race.  As the miles ticked by I began wondering if I was actually going to PR.  I finished the race strong, and in complete disbelief, in 2:13:34. 

I felt great..until I stopped running!  Then my knees suddenly ached.  I didn't do much walking, let alone running, over the next couple of weeks while I let my knees recover.  I knew I needed to start training again, but with only a couple of weeks until the Diva I decided I'd better not cause the knees any undo stress. 

My cousins and I showed up at the Diva, excited and ready to run.  Still feeling great from my Disneyland PR I'd already let them know I intended to run ahead and see how I could do.  Unfortunately by Mile 4 I was in such great that I honestly didn't think I was going to be able to finish.  It hurt to run, but it hurt worse to walk...it hurt to stop but I had to swing my legs in a weird loop to get them going.  But I couldn't stop...afterall I'd talked them into running!  I pulled every bit of strength I could find deep inside to plow through those miles.  At Mile 12 there was a feather boat and tiara stop, shortly thereafter I played it up for a photographer crouching near the path...

but less than half a mile later another photographer that I hadn't seen caught the real picture, where I was forcing myself forward despite the pain.

I finished in 2:29:13 and horrible pain.  My cousins finished shortly thereafter and we all regrouped at the finish line.

The pain was nearly unbearable for the next week and gradually improved over the second week.  Unfortunately I'd already planned to run the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon.  I couldn't risk aggravating my knees with training.

Myrtle Beach was a fun race.  The knees didn't flair up until around mile 10 and never got as bad as they had in the Diva, but they did hurt.

 My time was 2:28:41.  My lesson was learned...I needed to let the knees rest then get back to my training.  I couldn't continue to just run races.  After two weeks of resting I attempted a 3 mile easy training run.  I made it 2.67 miles before the pain stopped me.  A week later the knees finally felt ok so I tried again.  It was supposed to be a 5 mile run but ended up being 4.54 miles before the pain.  The next day I tried 3 miles and managed 1.67 before the pain stopped me.  2 days later I tried 4 miles and the pain stopped me at 3.1 miles.  I finally called enough and went to the doctor.  With a diagnosis of tendonitis in both knees and an order to quit running and start physical therapy I warned I would with the exception of the Las Vegas Rock N Roll (RNR) Half Marathon I'd be running in three weeks. 

At the expo for the RNR I discovered a booth that was selling a nifty little velcro strap that goes around the knee and helps with knee pain.  I tried it during the race on my right knee (the one with the majority of the pain) and was thrilled to finish strong without an incredible amount of pain.  In a new development I also ran the entire race without my iPod! 

Unfortunately my left knee flared up worse than ever.  I also noticed my left ankle felt a little "swishy".   I flew home on the red eye and already had a therapy session scheduled for the day I arrived.  I described the swishy feeling and the doctor took a look at my ankle and was stunned to find it severely sprained.  She couldn't believe I didn't have more pain from it, but the pain from the knees overpowered it! I recommitted to no running and physical therapy until healed, then beginning to train properly.

During this timeframe I'd also began seriously looking into the Rock N Roll series and decided 2011 would be the RNR year...I planned to maximize my races to get the most Heavy Medals possible.

Spring Training and Races

I squeezed in a Spring 5K with my cousin, her daughter, and my daughter.  We enjoyed a damp, muddy race.

With a false sense of my own abilities from my strong finish at Disney I got lazy.  I'd already registered for the Ocean City, MD Half Marathon on April 24, 2010.  Yet between Disney and OC I only ran twice a week.  I finished OC in 2:21:40 but felt less than great.  I blamed the heat and the steep bridge at Mile 12 instead of taking an honest look at my lack of training.

Next up was the Marine Corp Historic Half, a very hilly course, and my first race with a running partner.  I thoroughly enjoyed the running partner, but was keenly aware that it was because of the person and seriously doubt I'd enjoy running with anyone else.  Unfortunately for her I'd continued to think I was so awesome that I didn't need to train.  Having run only once a week since the OC race I toed the line on May 16th and took off.  I ended up having to walk a few times but managed to cross the finish line in 2:24.

Of course I didn't think 9 minutes slower than my PR was bad considering the added heat, the major hills, and the fact that I'd even taken a potty break at Mile 4 after overhydrating.  That just served to convince me I was invincible and didn't have to properly train. Therefore, I showed up at the Zooma Annapolis race on June 6th having run only 3 times since the Marine Corp Historic Half.  With a hilly course and a temperature at the starting line of 90 degrees, I decided I'd better take it easy.  I race a cautious pace and ensured I hit water stations as needed. 

I watched others be loaded into ambulances and be stuck with IVs for fluid, but I crossed the finish line in 2:24:55; very red faced but not too bad all things considered.

The heat of the day convinced me I'd never run another race in June, July, or August again...or so I thought at the time.  I headed into the summer knowing I had four races planned for the fall including Disneyland on Labor Day so realizing I needed to get my act in gear and get back to my training.

Disney Princess 2010 Race Weekend (March 6th & 7th)

THE ROYAL FAMILY 5K
I always ran 3 miles on Saturdays and a long run on Sunday so when I saw they had a 5K on Saturday I signed up!  I'd be running anyway, why not get a medal?   It also gave me a bit more race experience prior to my first half marathon.  Getting to the start line so early was rough, and it was rather cold!  But I was excited.

The race wasn't timed but I finished in 31:04...a little slower than my last, but I'd managed to finish strong sticking with my mantra of "Run Your Race" rather than competing with others.  I felt ready for the Princess Half the next day.

THE PRINCESS HALF MARATHON
Race morning started at 3:30 for me.  I was on the shuttle bus (which had a crazy long line) to the start  line by 4.  After being dropped off in the start parking lot I tried to take in the freenzy of the start village while being herded with the other runners past seemingly endless banks of porta-potties and through a 20 minute walk to the actual start line.  It was all overwhelming, but thanks to keeping up with advice from previous runners on Facebook I was ready, dressed in layers of "cast off" clothing, properly fueled, and hydrated, and trained.   The music and festivities at the start line kept everyone pumped as the start time neared.  Then, we were off.  I had to remind myself to run my own race a couple of times within the first two miles.  Despite the chilly morning I'd warmed up and tossed my cast offs within the first two miles as well.  The course was mostly flat through the parks but there were a few "hills" in the form of highway overpasses.  Having trained on rolling hills I was thrilled to be able to power up these 'hills' with no problem and amazed to see many people walking them.  We finally entered the Magic Kingdom and ran through a crowd lined street on Main Street USA.

We then wound through the park and finally to the much anticipated run through Cinderella's castle.

 The rest of the race was fairly uneventful, though as each mile ticked off the temperature (and Florida sun) rose, but I stayed strong.

The final few miles wound through Epcot...that big old golf ball was definitely a welcome site knowing the finish line was right around the corner!

As I crossed the finish line I immediately checked my watch for my chip time...I'd hoped to finish in 2 hours and 20 minutes...I'd finished in 2:15:05!!

The sense of accomplishment was amazing!  Over the next few days I decided I wanted to do 4 races in the Spring and 4 races in the Fall, including the Disneyland Half Marathon in order to complete the Disney Coast to Coast Challenge.  Very ambitious for a first year of races, but I was planning while savoring the runner's high of completing my first half marathon and completing it strong!

Continued Training

Over the next few months I continued to train religiously...5 days a week, still following an online plan.  I quickly wondered if I'd made a HUGE mistake when picking a March race.  I HATE running in pants and I can't stand having my stomach covered when running, and don't even get me started on long sleeves.  To make matters worse, I can't stand treadmill running.  So, I had no option but to suck it up, break out the layers and hit the road.  I refused to let the weather, or anything else, stop me...I would complete my race and get my bling. 

Unfortunately it was a tough winter, with a lot of snow.  But, despite my harsh feelings about pants, sleeves, or covered abs I started to enjoy running in all weather.  I found a unique sense of calm to running in the snow and a challenge to running on icy roads.  Until Christmas Eve Day when a car sliding on ice nearly hit me.  I then became more cautious about my training.  My goal was to finish my race...I couldn't do that unless I stayed safe and smart during my training.

Training and Learning to Race

I quickly found an online Half Marathon training program and set some goals.  The program had a prep program that you had to be able to complete for 5 weeks before starting the actual training, so I started it.  On September 29, 2009 I ran my first training run, 3 miles.  Over the next few weeks I was off on Monday and Friday, ran 3 miles on Tuesday, 4 miles each Wednesday and Thursday, 3 miles on Saturday, and a "long" run on Sunday.  My first long run was 5 miles, week 2 and 3 I ran 7 miles each for my long run, week 4 I ran 10 miles for my long run, and week 5  I ran 14 miles on my long run.  I struggled to drag my butt out of bed or force myself to hit the road many days.  My shins burned and the small muscles of my feet hurt.  Often I'd just tell myself to check the workout off the calendar and I'd be one day closer to a rest day.  The first day I ran 14 miles was ridiculously hot.  Of course I'd run without water, rookie mistake.  I felt horrible.  I seriously eyed mud puddles on the last mile and a half and wondered just how sick I'd get.  In the end I stuck it out.  After the run I jumped in the car and drove it off...it didn't matter how thirsty I was...I was on cloud nine to realize I'd gone further than my goal race distance and felt ok.

I registered for a local 5K to get a taste for racing.  I learned a lot that day.  When we started I just took off with the herd.  I had no idea where I was in the crowd, I just kept hoping I wasn't last.  Finally we rounded a corner and I glanced over my shoulder to realize there were A LOT of people behind me, so I settled a little but I kept my pace cranking.  I wouldn't stop.  There was a young boy that kept passing me.  I remembered those brown knee socks...he'd sprint past me, I'd let him, then I'd continue at my pace and end up passing him as he walked, he'd sprint again and the cycle would continue.  The distance between mile 2 and 3 felt insanely long, but I kept at it...and brown socks did too.  As we rounded the final corner before the finish line I felt someone creeping up on me.  I decided with such a short distance left there was NO way brown socks was beating me and I broke into a sprint.  The finish line was further away than I thought...that was a long sprint!  But...brown socks didn't pass me!   Neither did the person trying to pass me or the 3 other people between brown socks and I! 

I set a 5K PR of 28 minutes that day.  I also learned that not all races have finishers medals and that I enjoy running for bling!  But the biggest lesson of the day...run your own race.  I've carried that lesson with me in ever race I've run since.

History

NOT A RUNNER!
So you know where this all started...I was NEVER a runner.  I was the kid that DREADED the physical fitness testing in school.  I wasn't out of shape, just an average kid, but I never cared for running.  Torture was the day each year we were required to run the mile.  I was always a middle of the packer but was sucking air hard at the end of the four laps and was glad to have it done for another year.  I always felt sorry for the wrestlers when the coach dropped them off at the end of the island we lived on and made them run back to school.

ONE EARLY MORNING
I'd stayed active, teaching step aerobics, working out, and biking as the years rolled on, but I never had a desire to run.  Just didn't seem enjoyable no matter how I looked at it.  Then one morning around 4AM there was a pounding on my door.  I jumped out of bed thinking here had to be an emergency, ran to the front door, and tossed it open to find my 3 year old neighbor standing there.  With big eyes and a blank stare he asked, "Judd come play?"  I quickly determined his parents had no idea he'd left the house and returned him home safely, but I was wide awake.  I couldn't go back to sleep.  Then a strange thing happened...I randomly had a desire to go for a run.  I lived 1/4 of a mile from the track and for some reason I REALLY wanted to walk to the track for a warm up, run 1 lap (1/4 mile) and walk home for a cool down.  I pulled on some workout clothes and sneaks and set off on my walk.  When I got to the track I began my lap.  It was so easy I decided I was going to do a mile.  The second lap was fairly rough but I'd already set 1 mile in my mind so I wasn't going to back down.  I struggled through the third and fourth laps, but felt great as I walked the 1/4 home knowing I'd ran a mile.  A couple of days later I did the same thing.  On my third "run" I decided to add half of a mile.  After 2 runs of this length I realized if I were going to increase my distance it would have to be off of the track because I couldn't handle running more than 6 laps without going stir crazy.

BUILDING "MILEAGE"
After 2 weeks of "running" laps around the track, I found myself back home for a visit.  Without a track I decided to run around the loop in the neighborhood that I guestimated to be about the size of the track.  (Did I mention I'm horrible at judging distance?)  I hadn't planned to run during the visit and didn't have anything remotely appropriate to wear so I donned a pair of jean shorts, a tee shirt, and a pair of old white canvas shoes and headed out.  The first two loops weren't bad, the third loop was kind of tough, but the fourth loop kicked my butt.  I knew it was hot out and my attire (especially my shoes) were lacking, but I couldn't believe I'd had such a hard time.  Afterwards I jumped in the car and drove off the loop only to find I'd just run 2.25 miles!  With a renewed confidence I returned home and took my runs off the track and through the side streets of town, beginning with an out and back course that totaled 2.25 miles.  I eventually build up to 3 miles but never ran more than 3 times a week.

A RUNNER?
Even then I wasn't a runner.  I only ran when I wanted a good cardio workout.  I would go weeks without running, sometimes month, then run 3 miles for a good workout and be happy with it.  Over the next decade I repeated this pattern, likely totaling no more than 50 miles in the entire decade!  I still wasn't a runner.  I just didn't have a passion for it.    

AGAIN WITH THE EARLY MORNING
Then again one random morning I felt like running.  And again, I completely misjudged distance.  I set off for a decent running, just hoping for a good cardio session and decided what course to take (again a series of side streets, this time originating from my parents' home).  I guestimated my loops wouldbe right around 3 miles.  I felt GREAT when I finished and considered going further but didn't want to push my luck.  I jumped in the car and drove it off only to discover I'd just run 5 miles!  Always of the mindset that I could never go that far I was amazed at myself.  I spent the next few minutes pondering a marathon while surfing Facebook...the mental conversation went something like this:
"I could do a marathon.  I really don't have time to train for a marathon.  I could do a half marathon.  That's so not me!  I don't do anything halfway!  If I want to do a marathon I need to just start training for a marathon and not take the easy route.  If I start with a half I'm cutting myself short!  No I'm not.  I'm just starting with a more attainable goal then building to a full.  I'm not good enough for a race.  I'd be laughed off the starting line." 

THEN IT HAPPENED
As if in response to my mental chatter an ad for the Disney Princess Half Marathon popped up on the sidebar of my Facebook.  I stopped dead in my tracks.  I'd never even gone to a running website.  The mental chatter quickly started anew..."Disney Princess...seriously, how cut throat could that be?!  I could definitely do that for a first race!  That would be a good thing to train for!  Then I could consider training for a full."   Suddenly I was looking at the race's website and planning details.