May 2010 Half Marathon

March 8, 2010 starts my 10 week training for the Cleveland Half Marathon. Lets see how well I do and if I make it to the end.

Monday, March 8
I woke up Saturday morning with an extreme head cold. I would not let that deter me from going to eat at one of Cleveland's best restaurants, Melt, or going to a birthday party for a mutual friend, so there was no way I would allow that to deter me from my first day of real training. Of course, after the beers, greasy food from both Saturday and Sunday, Monday was no picnic. I woke up at 7:30am when I had to be at work at 8. Luckily for me, work is only a 7 minute drive from my house. Hair in a pony tail, and my nose running faster than my legs, I made it to work on time, only to be hit with that sudden urge to crawl back into bed and just be dead to the world for the rest of my life. Obviously this was not going to happen, so I trudged through the day, eating little because my appetite was quite depleted. At 5 o'clock I shoved a special K Fiber bar down my throat so I could try to make an easy 3 mile run today. Well, I did make the 3 miles, plus another 3/4 of a mile. I felt quite faint about 2.75 miles in, but I just slowed my pace and I was able to keep going. I can't say I was proud of my accomplishment as I have been maintaining a 5 mile run in around 51 minutes for the past month. But because I am now in "official training" I have to keep it easy for the first week or so to allow me to haul ass and really push myself in the coming weeks.
So, day one complete with a check plus. Let's see what the next day will bring.

Tuesday, March 9
Ok, today was technically a weight day-no running. But, because I am sick and don't want to over work myself in the first week, I decided today is a rest day. I'm good with that. Tomorrow is another day and I plan on going out head first and running some good miles. I'll pick up the lost day on Friday as Saturday will be my real 'rest' day. Or should I say the last day of complete binging as I will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day. It should be a good time. I'm glad Sunday comes after Saturday so I can recoup, though my first long run is scheduled for that day. Well, let's just play it one day at a time. So today sucked, but tomorrow is a new beginning.

Wednesday, March 10
Interesting run. 1.5 miles in I had a bladder pressure so bad I had to stop and pee. Peed, no biggie. Hopped right back on the treadmill and ran another 2.5 miles. Then I realized that I had to shit so bad. I am not a public pooper, so I just walked another half mile while I waited for my running buddy to finish up with agonizing pains in my lower intestine. After I was able to finally poop out my entire insides, I realized I did pretty good for the pain I was in. NO MORE EXCUSES! I told myself earlier today. I didn't care if the shit was leaking from my bung hole down my legs, I was going to run the 3 miles if it killed me. And I did, plus some. Go me!
"If those fat asses can do it, so can I!"

Thursday, March 11
My first real outdoor run for the training season. I feel really good about future runs. I think this was the best 3 miles I have run in a long time! Technically 3.4 miles...
OK, the first mile is always the hardest, especially when on new terrain. Well, it wasn't really new, but I haven't run my standard 3 mile route in a couple of months. You know, the snow and all. I decided to stick to the sidewalks as I just recently decided to continue running with my ipod-the music is jammin'! I didn't want to get hit by a car that decided to swerve a bit to far left just to scare me, though I wouldn't be able to hear. Well, about a half mile of jumping over puddles, running through puddles, and squishing on the muddy lawns, I decided I would take my chances on the road. Not to mention I also recently decided to run without my knee brace, so I didn't want to jump too high and land on my knee wrong and mess it up all over again. Anyway, after the first mile, I found my pace and easily finished up. I even went up the dreadful Turney hill on my last leg around! I really felt like I could keep going, but being on a training schedule and just coming out of a cold, I decided to stick to the 3.4 that I set out for. Good run Jennifer!!
Deep in the recesses of my mind I think: Easy going now, but what is going to happen three weeks in? NO! Get out evil thoughts! This is just the beginning of what will be a great 10 week training program. I am saddling down-no staying out late on run days, no drinking but once a week, and in moderation, eating healthy and enough to keep my energy levels up. I got this! It's hard, there are instigators around every corner...EVERY corner, but I will have to improve what little will power I have to maintain a strong body and mind. Eat my dust Oprah! 2:20? Mere numbers to me...try 2:19 bitches!!!

Sunday, March 14
My first long run. I had a feeling I was going to mess it up due to the fact that I wanted to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Saturday. Well, it was my last drinking binge, so let's start new.
I was supposed to run an easy 6 miles, which, you would think, would not be too difficult considering I had been running 5 miles a day just about a month ago. Well, with beer still in my belly, it was the hardest run I have ever made myself do. I only made it the 5 miles and had to walk about a half mile and ran really, super slow. I knew I was defeated when, in the first mile, my body started overheating and I thought I was going to die. I just chugged my water at my right hand and my gaterade at my left, and kept going. At mile 3 I thought I should take a quarter mile break and just walk it out for a bit. At 3.25 I started running, slowly but only made it up to 4.5 miles. I walk/ran for another quarter mile and the last quarter I dragged ass. I was contemplating running the last mile full out, but I thought better-I didn't want to die. For real, it was that bad. Well, you would think after all the reading and my own experimenting, I would have known how drinking for 6 hours straight the day before would affect my body...but I just had to do one last binge.
With that said, I will not let one bad run deter me, as long as it's not raining tonight, I will do a quick 3 miles-otherwise, 4 miles Tuesday.

Tuesday, March 16
A-Whoot! 5 miles outside! GREAT run! I even did the Turney hill TWICE!! One small problem-I had to shit like a mother fucker at about mile 4. No, no, no where to go but keep on running all the way home. JUST made it to the toilet. I really have to watch what I eat before a run. I don't know what it is!
Technically this was only a 3 mile day, but considering I don't know when my next good run is going to be since my 'running buddy' has decided she is no longer running...I have to wait a week and a half to drive my butt to the gym on bad days. I'm pretty sure this week will be nice enough to keep up outside, but you never can tell, it is Cleveland.
I forgot to mention the last couple of posts: I have been running with out my knee brace that I have been never seen with out. So far today is the only day it has bothered me, but I think it is mainly because I wasn't able to stretch properly right after my run as I was stretching my sphinter glands around my arse hole for a good 10 minutes. Wowzers! Icing the knee now and debating if I want to eat...the stomach has not settled yet.

Thursday, March 18
I was going for 5 miles, but I only made it to 3. I'm not fully discouraged for two reasons: My schedule only required my to run 3 miles and I at least ran the 3 miles. Tonight, a quick 3 around the block and out to dinner. My knee has started to act up again, so the brace was put on last night. I need to get a new one as it actually can be a deterrance as I am running, but after awhile, just like with the pain, I don't notice it anymore...until, of course, I get home and try to walk on it.
So, I am a lone runner, I can't say I like it, but I don't actually hate it. Tomorrow I will have a running buddy for the first time. I'm not sure her pace or her stamina yet, but we are going for the 7 miles bright and early tomorrow morning. I'm also going to use my 'saddle bag' for the first time, too. I was going to try it out tonight on the shorter run, just to make sure I'm comfortable with it. After I bought it, this happens to just about everyone, I know-I realized that it probably wasn't the best buy. I should have bought the one that was meant for women, though more expensive and the water bottle was at the side instead of the back. The reason why it was probably meant for women was due to the design of the hips and how it lays. The one I have will probably not fit quite right, but I hope I don't get aggravated with it and end up throwing it over the bridge into Tinkers Creek. 25 bucks down the drain, or the creek in that case. I think knowing that the water is readily available will help me try to ignore any discomfort that might come from it. Fingers crossed there won't be any to begin with.

Friday, March 19
I ran 3.4 miles today. I used my 'saddle bag' for the first time. At first, it was quite an annoyance, but after awhile, it was ok. The first mile, as with every run, was the hardest. I almost just said "Fuck it" and turned around to go home. But then I made it to mile 2 and said, mind as well just keep going, if you turn around now, that's 2 more miles to run. If you keep going straight, it's only 1.4 miles. I guess my reasoning skills hadn't quite disapated.
The odd part was, as I was rounding out my run ready to head home, I started getting back in my groove. I felt as if I could keep running. I decided to just stop at the 3.4 since tomorrow would be a good 7, with a running buddy! Yeah!

Saturday, March 20
7 miles! We did it! What a beautiful day too! We started out at about 8:30am, it was a bit chilly, but I knew as we started running, we would warm up. I maintained a steady pace and just kept going. Talking to my running buddy was good. It kept my mind off what I was trying to accomplish and kept me going. We slowed at about 2.5 miles for a swig of water (and to cross the railroad tracks) but kept on going. At mile 3 there was a hill that we had to walk up. We took a break, a swig of water, an energy gel and kept on going. At 9:53am we ended our 7 mile trek. I think we made good time. I'm well on my way to 13.1 in 2:19! I hope the weather stays nice and my running buddy keeps coming on my long runs. Next week-8 miles...We can do it!!

Monday, March 22
Unfortunately, the rain and cold put me back indoors. It was just a short run, so I tried to imagine myself running my 3.4 mile route. It was difficult because the gym was 85 degrees and the trainer from hell was next to me. Not only was her loud, rasp voice digging into my thoughts and through my barrier my headphones are suppposed create, but her need to pick up speed also forced her intestines to expell gas out of her bung hole that smelled not of roses Ooh who who! I still can't remember the name of that group...
Sweat pouring out of every pore, I ran the 3.4 at a nice pace and then decided I would not go any further. My running buddy, who we will just call a gym buddy now, decided to walk for an hour. Bored with walking, I decided to run another .75 miles for the remainder of her 6 minutes.
My knee hurts today, so I am taking today and tomorrow off for a rest. Thursday and Friday will be a nice, easy run and Sunday I'm going for the 8 miles. Outside, no matter what. Let's hope the weather cooperates a bit ;)

Thursday, March 25
Frrrreeeeezing! It is snowing today, yet I had only one option if I wanted to run: Run outside. Well, I put on my wonderful running pants and my hoody and started running. Yeah, it was a bit chill, but that kept my legs running. I actually did the 3.4 in a record 30 minutes! NO WAY! Totally I'm not even joking! I was SO cold I just kept running! The ice cold puddles were a slight deterance (my socks were SOAKED) but for that great of a run, I didn't mind.
Tomorrow is another day for...let's do 5 miles. Rest on Saturday (Or go out!) and then 8 on Sunday! I better find a route soon other wise I don't know what we are going to do! Just keep running, just keep running!

Sunday, March 29
I did not sleep well at all Thursday night. I woke up at 2am with a weird pain in my leg that went all the way to my toes on my right side. I started freaking out and was not able to go back to sleep. Needless to say, I did not run Frida or Saturday. I found out it was my siatic (?) nerve. I must of pinched it or something the other day. Well, Advil is a wonder drug. A few pills and a heating pad and I was ready to run today. Oh, I did get a new pair of shoes from Second Sole as well. Highly recommend.
8 miles was the goal, and the goal was completed. I had a late start because I stayed out way late last night and drank more than I wanted (well, I guess I wanted to drink it otherwise I wouldn't have). My intestines were having a bit of a problem this morning, but once I squirted a couple times, I was ready. Unfortunately, my running buddy was not able to make it out today, but I still maintained a great pace and only walked up hills to keep my stamina up. I completed the 8 miles in 1 hour and 30 minutes. By my calculations, I still have 45 minutes to complete the remaining 5 miles to reach my goal of 2:19. Think I may be able to surpass that? I'm still going to keep my goal number and just let what happens happen.
I'm going to take a shower before I pass out of shear exhaustion.

Monday, March 29
My knee hurts and I also realized this morning, after a good nights rest, I was way off base with my calculations in running. Well, the minutes are correct, but the timing in my head was off. 5 miles in 45 minutes? Who am I kidding? That's faster than a 10 minute mile. After 8 miles at 11 minutes a mile, I can't see myself sprinting those last 5 miles. I blame it on the hills, beer and chicken wings.
Let's just keep running...

Tuesday, March 30
I think my new shoes are hurting my feet. They are really sore after running. Not good-but I will just blame it on the 'need to break in' factor. I only ran twice in them and the first time was an 8 mile run. Tuesday I did a good 3.4. My best time, actually-30 minutes. It was a bit more chill than I anticipated, I figure that is what kept my pace up. The sun was shining, there was a nice breeze and the smell of spring was starting to fill my smelling factory.
Can't wait for tonight-4 miles in the park. Maybe my Running Man will be out :)

Wednesday, March 31
I decided to do a park run. 4 miles-2 up and 2 back. I haven't done that park in about a year and I only walked it. I couldn't remember if there were hills or just one big hill. So I took it in stride, and it defeat me! There was not one big hill, thank goodness, but there were little hills all the way along the 2 mile trek. Which only meant I would have to do the same hills on the way back. It was a bad, bad run. Never again, though I guess that only means I have to work on my hills.
Well, I am hungry now and in dire need for a beer. *sigh* I am afraid to drink the beer though.

Friday, April 2
I did 5 miles this morning. It wasn't my best, but I did it. I waited too long in the morning and the sun was just beating down. It had to have been at least 80 degrees when I started. I couldn't wait to finish. Well, I did. 9 miles on Sunday...

Sunday, April 5
Happy Easter! 9 miles! I mapped out the run this morning thinking I would remember the route easily. I wanted to try something different and a bit less hilly. OK, around mile 4 I got the streets messed up and turned down the wrong one, but I think it didn't mess up the mileage. It was a good run, the sun was out, but the breeze was cool. Around mile 5 (which I thought was mile 4) I started feeling a bit woozy. Not thinking I was as far into the run as I was, I almost didn't take my PowerBar gel. Then I let my body do the talking and said, I have to stop and take this or fear passing out on Warrensville Center Road. After I took it, I got a good boost of energy and we picked up speed for about 2 miles. At mile 7 we slowed down again only for fear I wouldn't make it to the end. A brief walking break around mile 7.5 and the last mile we ran it out. The last half mile was a good run-we were almost sprinting to the end. I think we just wanted it to be over!
9 miles and still feeling good! We have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time.
Next week...10 miles!!

Tuesday, April 7
I tried out a new route today. A nice, straight, flat park run. Yeah, it was a bit of a drive and it was a bit hot, and it was pretty crowded, but all in all, it was a new spot and it was nice. I was going for 4 miles, but it was too hot and I did not bring my water so I really don't know how far I ran. I know I did at least 2 miles-I did do more than that. Most likely 3, but it may have been more. I was just really not caring after awhile.
I'll go back another day better prepared and conquer!

Wednesday, April 8
Five mile run today. The first mile and a half I wanted to turn around and say Fuck it. But I kept pushing and I completed the 5 miles in 50 minutes! I'm doing great with time! It was hot again and I was sweating so bad the sweat seeped into my eyes and they were burning and I didn't have anything to wipe them. But, I just kept running and said, once I make it home I can wash my face and feel much better.
I've noticed that my shorter runs are becoming more of a chore, but I still push myself. The first mile is always hard, and I think that is why the shorter runs seem tougher-I don't have enough time to actually get into my groove. By the time I get a good pace going I'm finishing up my last mile already. I also need to start getting used to running with my water bottle because once the weather starts getting really hot, even a three mile run can reck havoc on my body.
Until next run...

Thursday, April 9
I was going to run 3 miles today, but I really didn't feel like it. I'm goign to attempt to run tomorrow, but I have book club, so I'm not sure how that's going to work out. A quick 3 miles and a shower, I can be ready before 7. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Friday, April 9
I ended up going to the gym to do a quick 3 miles on the tread mill. I have not down the tread mill in quite some time. I was flying, though! By the time I hit 2.5 miles I had the speed up to 6.5mph which (on the tread mill) was quite fast. I still don't know how fast I run outside, though I know it's between 5.8 and 6mph and maybe a little faster at times.
My total mileage was 3.69 in 39 minutes, but I that inclueded the cool down of about 5 minutes.
All in all, good run.

Sunday, Arpil 11
I knew going out last night would completely mess me up with my running this morning. In the back of my mind I was thinking I should just put the beer down and drink a water and go home, but the front of my mind was closer to my hand which was already gripping the beer bottle. Oh well, today's run sucked major ass. Well, that's a lie-the actual run was good, but it was only 4 miles. I was supposed to do 10 miles this morning with Vanessa, but due to circumstances I couldn't control (and some I wished I would have controlled more) there was no way I was going to run at 8am this morning. And, of course, once everything was together, I really did not feel like going out this afternoon and running at all, let alone 10 miles by myself. So, I just did an easy 4 miles around the block and called it a day. At least I got out there and kept it up. That's cool, I put my schedule back to normal and do a 4 mile run tomorrow instead of Tuesday-this way I can run every other day as opposed to 3 days in a row, skip two days and run a long day. But I was going for a 4 mile run Saturday then a 11 mile run Sunday...maybe I won't run Friday and run Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. That way I still get my mileage, though it's over more days time than not.
I feel guilty, with the race so close, but we are all human and we are bound to mess up on occasion.
I'll get them next time! (the mileage I'm talking about)

Monday, April 12
I was going to go for a park run, but my instines were not cooperating (like usual) so I had to run home fairly quickly. Already home and not feeling like driving 20 minutes to run for 40, I decided to just to the 4 mile loop around home. It was a good run. 4 miles in 40 minutes. I'm keeping up with my 10 minute mile meaning that I have full confidence I will be able to finish the half in 2 hours and 19 minutes (or less-but let's just keep it at the goal for now).
One of my book clubbers is going for a full marathon in a few weeks. She ran 22 miles last Sunday. 22 miles! That's crazy! I am seriously contemplating conquering the 26.2 miles myself in October. But we will see where this half brings me and if I keep going with my running. I mean, long distance running. After the half, 5 miles is my minimum and I plan on doing at least 15 miles a week (preferably 20). I am having a siatic nerve issue, but as long as I don't sleep on my back or right side, I should be fine. It hasn't bothered me running yet, just sitting and sleeping. Oh, and as long as I keep my freaking toe nails trimmed! Yesterday I lost enough blood from my right foot to completely saturate my sock. No joke. It didn't hurt, it was just the constant pressure of running that did not stop the bleeding.
Tuesday is a day off and I shall conquer 6 then 4 then 4 than the ultimate 11! After that it's free sailing baby! Free sailing!

Wednesday, April 14
I did 6 miles in the Brecksville park today. It was a nice, cool park run. There were only a few things that got to me: The young ass kids screaming throughout the path, the fact that I did not know when the next mile marker was coming, and the fact that I just didn't want to be running 6 miles after working all day. But, I ran it in 65 minutes (that's because I stopped to walk 5 times to get some water). Not the best run, but I think it was good. Wednesday I will attempt running with dogs 4 miles. We'll see who gives out first. Plus it is supposed to be pretty hot and I have not run this route before either. Well, that's a lie, I've done part of it on longer runs before.
Until next time!

Thursday, April 15
Running with dogs is for the...dogs. Nope, not going to do it again. It was a horrible run and I don't think I got my full 4 miles in. I think I did 3.5 and it was not a full 3.5. Oh well. At least I ran. It could have been a good run if I just planned better. Now what to eat...maybe I'll go home and get some food! HA! Not! I'm in for the night. Shower, Bones, and sleepy sleep time!

Saturday, April 17
I went to the Brecksville park again to do my '5K rehearsal' that a couple people were planning on doing for some time. Unfortunately, 2 of the 3 people dropped out so I went up to meet Sue. She is a bit slower than me, but since tomorrow is going to be an 11 miler, I thought a nice, slow pace might be OK. Well, nice and slow didn't work out too well for me. Not even a minute in and my legs were like-what the heck is wrong with you?! It was a bit chill for sure, but once you start running, you don't think about the cold anymore. I did two up and two back within 40 minutes, so time was standard for me. Good 'rehearsal' run for Sue and a nice break for me. On to bigger and better things...

Sunday, April 18
Drove out to Richmond Hts to meet Vanessa in her neck of the woods. We mapped out a 12 mile run, knowing we were only to hit 11. We thought that because hills were involved, we might make use of the extra mile. Well, it would seem that neither one of us frequented the area by foot, so we got a little turned around and thought we missed our turn off street so we turned around and went back up another way. Because of this, we lost 2 miles...only completing 10 full miles. I actually think we did a bit less than that, but Vanessa says it was 10, so 10 it was. I don't think she would lie. It was so cold and wet and rainy I thought my legs fell off at about mile 7. We started literally sprinting for no apparent reason for 2 miles straight. I really don't know what we were thinking, but after the sprint, the next 2 miles were pretty tough for me, luckily we ended it there.
Due to the fact we were both completely bummed by our lack of direction, we decided to go all out and do 13 miles next week. I'm geared up! Let's do this! We will do it on Saturday instead of Sunday, which is fine by me. I can clean up the house and get out of here before Diana gets back without feeling rushed.
Only 4 more weeks! So psyched! I GOT THIS!!

Tuesday, April 20
My plan was to run 4 miles...and I did. HAHAHA Tommy actually ran the first 2 miles with me. I thought he wasn't going to make it, but you know what, he kept going! The whole way! He can totally do the 5K if he really put his mind to it. Way to go Tommy!

Wednesday, April 21
These logs are becoming tiresome. Probably because I don't log them until a couple days after I ran. Well, today is still Wednesday. I ran 6 miles today. I was planning on running it all day, but then I had a really bad day at work that put my mind and body through a loop so I was about to scrap the run. Then I remembered what Tommy said about his gym buddy. She doesn't go to the gym because she's too 'stressed'. Exercise is the best natural stress reliever ever! So I took my own advice and went out there and ran...and ran...and ran. I did the 6 miles in 60 minutes, but I actually stopped for about 5 minutes because Eddie called me. Wow, I did 6 miles under 60 minutes! Well, could have if I kept running if Eddie didn't call. I was going to do another 4 on Friday, but I might just do it tomorrow instead. I notice that the first mile is always the hardest, but once you know the end is near, it doesn't seem so bad anymore.

Thursday, April 22
I ran almost 4.5 miles today thinking I only did 4. That's cool, the more the merrier, right? Yup. It was a good run. I got to Broadway and say these two women walking-I said "Hello" and went on my way. I crossed over the tracks, did a loop around and went back over the tracks to see the same two women. They laughed and said "Show off! You aren't supposed to be beating us!" That made me feel good. One of our dealers at work today made a comment about my facebook post yesterday. I mentioned how my bad work day was making it hard for me to motivate myself to run 6 miles but I ran it anyway and then took the dogs on a walk. She called to say how proud she was of me and how she could never do that. Never say never. I was one of those people. "If a man was chasing me with a knife, I would just stop and let him kill me." I never wanted to run. Running was the enemy. Now, I love to get out there and run. Yeah, it hurts and it takes a LOT of energy, but I feel so good when I'm done. And because I keep going out there and running my miles, I know that I will not stop if I still have two legs and the ability to move them.

Saturday, April 24

OK, first actual half marathon of the year. Not official, though. We ran 14 miles today. It was a bit chill-but not too bad. It looked as if the clouds were going to burst their fury on us, but luckily it was just a light drizzle. The first 7 miles were great. Good speed, didn't push too hard. After I got to mile 8, I feared I would never see the end. The street just kept going and going and going...when we finally reached the end, I knew there was only 3.5 more miles. I got this! I kept saying. Then mile 11 hit and I hit the wall. HARD! It was all I could do to just keep moving. After awhile I just lost focus and everything but my feet moving one infront of the other. I know my pace slowed to a mere crawl of a run, but I just kept going. I completed the mileage in just 2 hours and 31 minutes. Not a victorious time, but I kept going, and that was all that counted. I know nutrition and hydration was a factor, so I know where I need to be on race day.

Monday, April 26
I went to the gym today to do a quick 4 miles on the tread mill. Did the same as I did once before. Slowly increased the speed to about 6.2 mpm and then decreased the last half mile. I felt good-but it was a short run and it was the tread mill.
Time to taper down to get my body ready for the real thing! Not much time left now!

Wednesday, April 28
Five mile run around town. Pretty good. I went out without water because it was a bit chill and I did not feel like carrying that sack anymore. I was able to make it through the run ok, but I should have brought the water. I was stopped by a 5 year train though. Actually it wasn't more than 5 minutes, but when you are timing and training a 5 minute set back can mean a lot. I am still in that "I want to stop" mode, but I just keep trucking through it. I keep reading up on things too. The "I want to stop" mode is common is just about every runner. It's called glygocen intake is depleted and you are now starting to burn fat-which is much harder to do. Though, if you think about it is better :) Once you hit that wall (which I do a lot on my long runs) you have to increase your glygocen intake. I usually suck back a powerbar gel and some water, but not enough. Durning my training I learned a few things. A powerbar gel before the run is great. At about 7 miles in, you may feel fine, but with more than 5 miles left, if you don't take something, those last 3 miles are DEATH! So, powerbar gel at mile 1, 5 and 10 and I should be good. Wash down with lots of water and gatoraide it up inbetween stops. I got this!!

Saturday, May 1
Only a few more weeks! Two to be exact. Who's excited?? Well, I would be more so if I wasn't worried now. I was supposed to do 9 miles today but I was I having a difficult time mapping it out so I just went for 10. At about mile 7 I felt a weird pull and twist in my upper leg area around my buttocks. Yep, I done gone and hurt myself. My right leg went numb and I'm sure the morning shoppers in Giant Eagle heard my profane exclaimations. With three miles left to go, it was either call defeat and have someone pick me up, walk the three grooling miles or push through it and see what happens. I attempted to just run it out. Made it another mile and had to stop and walk about a half mile. I ended up making it home in good time considering (1 hour 45 minutes for 10 miles). I was planning on taking a few days off but I don't know. We'll see what Monday brings.
Just keep on trucking!
I see other people running with so much ease and I'm like, do I look like that in the least? I bet I look like I want to die and need to be dragged back to my home. I wish I had a video of myself running so I could at least laugh at myself instead of plodding through. HA!

Monday, May 3

Yep, I definitely hurt myself pretty dang bad. No more running for at least a week. Let's keep our fingers crossed the excruciating pain subsides by next week. Please oh please oh please!

Saturday, May 15

Day before the race. I have been off for 2 weeks with my running due to the 'leg' injury. I walked around downtown today. Watched Sue run the 5K, went to the runners Expo, did a dine-n-dash at the Double Tree hotel restaurant (HAHA-for real!) took a tour of the Lake Shore. My leg is feeling good. I'm 95% sure I will complete the race.
I got this...

Sunday, May 16

Well, I finished. Let’s start with that.

I was completely psyched and optimistic Saturday through Sunday morning. There was a nagging voice in the back of my head saying “you aren’t going to make it, but try your best”. I pushed it aside. I got on the starting line and was talking to Mike. Joking about how I was standing at a pace group 2 minutes faster than my fastest time. Five minutes to start, I weaved my way through the mass of people back about 20 feet or so. Confident that where I stood I would not get run over, I did a few quick stretches and listened to the man on the mega phone yell that the time was here!

We slowly walked up to the start line like cattle being herded to our deaths, and once we crossed over that red, yellow and blue rubber starting point I took off at a nice easy pace. I was going passed the walkers, staying steady with the 10:23 minute pace group (which is a slower pace than normal, so I was feeling good). Got to mile one and was like-that was mile one already? Got to mile 2, feeling the pain start creeping into my leg. At mile 3 I took a breather and stretched out my hurting muscles. Started back up again and was doing OK-slowed a bit, but I was doing OK. Got to mile 4 and stopped to try to use the bathroom. I shouldn’t have stopped. The pain went screaming up my leg and it was all I could do to not turn around right there. I started walking, tears of pain, embarrassment, and defeat streaking my face. I tried to hold my head up high, but only one thought kept going through my head: you can not finish. You have worked so hard, and you
can not finish. I dropped down to the 13 minute pace group and they were even passing me. I finally made it to mile 6-completely ready to throw in the towel. I stopped and looked out to Lake Erie. I noticed that mile 11 was literally right across the street. All I had to do was jump over the median and over the overpass and I could hobble back to the finish-I wouldn’t cross the line, but at least I could walk 2 miles instead of 7. I was halfway there when something in my head said-NO! You keep going, even if you have to crawl, you keep going! So I turned around and kept going. I felt horrible-in pain both mentally and physically. Then all of a sudden from behind I hear “So, you hurt yourself too?” Another runner was hobbling along the course, but he was still going. He kept me company from mile 6 to mile 10 and I felt so much better. At mile 10 I started running again-slowly of course, but I kept a good pace for another mile. Then stopped and
walked to mile 12. Then, like the gates of heaven opening, Mike runs up beside me and said, “Let’s jog this one out” So I started jogging, then I started running, then I sprinted with Mike beside me all the way to the finish line. Three hours and 9 minutes-a full hour under my goal time, but you know what? I finished. Yeah, I felt defeated and ashamed, but everyone said how proud they were of me for actually finishing. It was the most painfully 3 hours of my life. But, I stuck through it. It felt better with someone next to me for sure. If that guy (Dean) didn’t show up when he did, I don’t know what would have happened.
At the time I felt horrible, I slowly am turning around and I hope after I get another race under my belt I can say “Yeah, I had one tough run awhile back, but I still finished, and look at me now!!”