Runner's High

At last, the rest is over.  Tuesday morning was my first run after a week of nothing.  I eased back into training with a short 3 mile run.  Not even 1/2 a mile in, I felt a rush....my runner's high.  I remember telling people that I don't get "high" off of running; I just enjoy the accomplishment I feel after I am done.  But Tuesday I proved myself wrong. The entire time I was nursing my legs, I would have such pangs of envy every time I saw a runner on the side of the road, heard of people running, saw posts about running, pretty much anything that had to do with what I was temporarily unable to do.  My alarm was set for 5:30AM as usual, but I didn't need it.  I think I was just so psyched to get back to it, that I bounced out of bed.  I must have minimized how much I missed waking up early, alone time to get ready, and heading out the door as the sun comes up.  I did the only thing I could when I realized I was running high - I SMILED.

I had another treat during training this week.  My second run was 7 miles on Wednesday morning.  If anyone was following along with random news - there was a BLUE MOON Tuesday night.  Well, I looked at the moon, and it didn't seem too blue to me.... but the vision of the moon as I started out Wednesday morning more than made up for the lack of color the night before.  The temperature was cool and the sky was dim, except for the perfectly bright moon leading the way.  As the sun started coming up, I could see that I was running towards fog.  A little apprehensive, mainly because I run on a highway, I forged forward, and to my surprise-running through fog is like running through a giant mister-so as long as I could see far enough in front of me to avoid being hit by a car, the fog turned out to be a welcome addition to my morning run. 

When I am running a long distance, I get to a point where I question myself.  I wonder what makes me decide out of nowhere to run a full marathon, why I think that I would be able to endure training and complete the race-why I would even want to, and why-oh why-would I decide to share it with anyone who cared to read about it.... The runner's high, the moon, the fog were all special treats that only the person experiencing them can appreciate, there was still another extraordinary moment during my run.  The moment of realization that I happen to have over and over again.  It's a silent answer to all of my questions.  Mostly the answer is "because I can".  On Wednesday morning, that voice came in with a bullhorn, so vibrantly, that I actually burst into tears.  It reminded me of all the reasons I would sign up for, train, and run a marathon.  I have been through so much in my 32 years. I have overcome many obstacles life has thrown at me.  I have had many accomplishments and equally as many disappointments.  I am not running for myself.  I am running for all the people who have supported me and held me up when I wanted to fall.  And for the biggest motivation to push on, I am running to help find a cure to a terrible disease that ripped away my loved ones.  The Angels that I run for showed me how to be a fighter, to be courageous, and that nothing is impossible. 

Wish me luck on my 15 mile run this Sunday!

****Don't Forget, I am running this Marathon with Team Lung Love for Lung Cancer Alliance to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Lung Cancer.  No donation is too small.  Please consider donating to the cause by clicking here.****

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Down But Not Out

It was inevitable.  I have been sidelined. 

Last week I was so excited to start training in my fancy new running shoes, with my fancy new ID bracelet, that I hit one too many steep hills with just a tad too much enthusiasm. Needless to say, my poor knees couldn't handle it and now I'm down (but not out) with "runner's knee".  Luckily from what I have read, the best thing to do is rest until I don't have any more pain, then get back to my training with added strength training to make sure this does NOT happen AGAIN. 

I am notorious for skipping my cross training.  I have all kinds of excuses why I cannot do it.  Really, the only reason I don't do it is because I don't feel like it.  I enjoy running.  I do not enjoy squats, lunges, pushups, core work, etc, etc, etc. I will be learning to love it from now on.

I have to admit it, I'm not only bummed, but a little nervous.  I have not taken a break from running since I signed up for Broad Street - not recommended.  I have had this little nagging fear that if I took a break, or didn't follow my schedule EXACTLY that I would fall off and never toe up to the Start Line.  This is a perfect example of my insecurities.  On one hand I KNOW with all certainty that I can get there-not just get there-but finish the marathon; then there is that OTHER hand.  The one that tells me I can't do it, I'm not good enough, and that I should just quit now.  Thank God I have support to tell that wicked side to SHUT UP and remind me that I am right on track.

I am hoping to get out there for my Friday morning run, but I have learned my lesson.  I need to listen to my body.  Even after knowing something was wrong, I went out for my Tuesday run. My Angels were definitely looking out for my legs, because the run was cut short by a tornado watch.  That was the sign I needed to take this break.  I am grateful that I was able to see it, accept it, and follow it. 

 

Hopefully I will be back at it sooner rather than later - I was looking forward to my FIFTEEN mile run on Sunday.

On a happier note, I am rolling along with fundraising for Team Lung Love - Lung Cancer Alliance.  I have some fabulous cheerleaders on my side who are vigilant in helping me and LCA raise awareness and funds for lung cancer treatment.  I am so grateful to those who have already donated.  Thanks to all of you! 

 

If you haven't yet, click here to submit your donation, and remember, some companies will match your contribution! 

If you are still wondering what the heck would motivate me to run TWENTY-SIX.2 miles (in a row), read up on what the Lung Cancer Alliance does by clicking here.  We all know someone who has been affected by this disease, it is our time to fight back and do something about it!





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Angels on Earth

This week's running schedule was a fall back week, meaning my longest run was 10 miles, down from 13 the previous week.  I decided I needed a new route for my run, and remembered my stepdad telling me I should run up a road nearby my house.  I have no idea why he would tell me to take that route....it has to be the hilliest route in my area.  As I started up the long incline, I thought "UG! WHY WOULD HE TELL ME TO DO THIS!  He doesn't even run." More importantly, why did I listen to him?  I swear to you, the entire first half of the run was uphill!  Once I stopped fretting about the hill and looked up, I realized why he told me to run that route.  The landscape was incredible.  Every mile or so, the trees would break and I would see an immaculate sunrise over an empty field.  It was so breathtaking, I no longer cared about the hills or how fast I was going, I just soaked up the calmness of my surroundings and the serenity in the run.  I felt so blessed to have my stepdad as part of my life.  I always feel grateful for him, but I had the opportunity in that moment to relish in the memory of how supportive he has ALWAYS been.  He was the one who bought my first pair of running shoes.

I will admit that I cannot think while I run.  My boss says she does her best thinking when running.  I am totally envious of that trait.  I try, but it is usually gobbled up by my own insistence on silence.  So I have what I call half thoughts.  The kind that start and then trail off into nothingness.  My half thought during Sunday's run was about all the people in my life who have really been there for me.  We already know that I have Angels looking out for me who are no longer on Earth with us, but it wasn't until then that I realized I also had Angels on Earth. 

It makes me feel so special to know I have this little team surrounding me.  It's not just anyone, but those people you know who possess character traits that seem impossible.  We all know someone like that.  Just totally Selfless and Caring, Supportive and Unconditional. 

My best friend, my cheer captain, has always pushed me to do my best, reeled me back in when I went to far, runs with me (even though I am a good 3 minutes per mile slower than she is), and puts up with my endless chatter about this marathon.  She inspired me to run and accompanied me on my first 5k and 10k and 10 miler.  I am in absolute awe of her.

I have another friend who lets me see how she sees me.  Don't understand?  Well, I have a tendency to be quite insecure, or to downplay what I am doing.  She is relentless in her task of keeping me positive and ending my negative self talk and self doubt.  She even gets angry with me when I say "I can't" or feel like I am not good enough.  That there is a true friend.

My hub of course is a huge source of support.  He is the person who is staying with my little angels while I run, the person who is always there when I finish, and no matter how long my run is-I am greeted with "wow!  I cannot believe you just ran _______ miles".  It is my HUB who has to deal with my aches, pains and complaining, my "look at me" moments, my exhaustion.  He really bears the brunt of my training, and guess what?  He still loves me.

Anyone reading this blog is supporting me, and I appreciate the people who have told me that they are following along (thanks J).  It's a nice reminder of why I decided to write in the first place.

There are so many people who have been supportive of me.  If I tried to thank everyone-this blog would be far too long.  I consider them all Angels.  From my best friend's mom for sharing my posts and letting me "borrow" her Angels; my running mentor/coach/supporter UltraMarathon runner who inspires me, helps me with alllllll my questions and uses her words to keep me running when I think I want to quit; my Momma In Law who asks me about EVERY run, makes sure I have everything I need, and no doubt prays for my safety every morning; and of course, my Mom, who always tells me she is proud of me.

****Don't Forget, I am running this Marathon with Team Lung Love for Lung Cancer Alliance to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Lung Cancer.  No donation is too small.  Please consider donating to the cause by clicking here.****