Running Blog: Getting closer to race day

8.30.09
Long run today: 10 miles
Course: Brush Creek Park
Weather: 60, part cloudy and breezy

I am excited about my 1/2 marathon that is coming up in 2 weeks. I am amazed how each week my runs are getting easier. Today, I went to the park to run. Was going to run a different path, but Steve wanted to walk Tikka and be around for my run. I like having him with me, so I chose a different route. Only problem with this route is that the park is only 3.25 miles, therefore I had to make 3 trips.
Got to the park, I was excited to get my run underway with how nice the weather was. I do so much better running in cooler weather. Put on my running mp3 player and nothing happened when I turned it on. Thank goodness, my Ipod was in the car. Two problems with the Ipod; I don't have a holster for it and not all my music is on it yet (only 1500 songs on it so far, little less than half way). I shoved it down my sports bar and took off for my run. I had to advance a lot of songs; not great running tunes. My first 2 miles were tough. I was thrown off by not having my usual play list of running songs and my legs were so tight and felt like they weighed 100lbs each. Figured out why at end of my run. I felt my face and it felt like sand was all over it. No, just salt!!! Obviously I had too much salt this weekend. Got into my groove, past several familiar faces that are usually out there walking.
My motivation was not entirely in music form with this run. I did have 2 motivation songs: Amy Grant Alright and Darius Rucker All Right. I don't usually run to my Christian music, but since I had my Ipod, it came on and hit a nerve: good nerve. I encountered 2 men that were motivation for me today. I see both often at the park. The first was a 70 something man that walks with his wife. We usually wave and say hello. Today, he blew me a kiss. I laughed, said thanks and chuckled for the next several miles. The next man tickles me so. He rides a mountain bike, with jeans, t-shirt and usually work boots. This man rides for at least an hour, making loops around this park. I am encouraged by his dedication and thriftiness. He and I passed each other today multiple times. At first we just smiled and waved, then we began to give a thumbs up to each other. Made me smile and gave me the motivation that I needed.
Today's run was great and my time improved. I think I am ready for my race!!!!
I used Goo today instead of the blocks. I like the Goo much better.

Personal Blog: The Beginning

8.21.09
I love to journal important aspects of my life. I have a journal for personal issues/events that have occurred in my life. I have a work journal for those special patients that I don’t want to forget. Tikka has a journal as well. Many times I pull my journals out and read entries. Some make me smile, others make me laugh and a few make me cry. I have found over the years that journaling is great therapy for me. I use to be a person whom laid it all out for all to see and hear. If I was having problems, I discussed it with whoever was near at the time. Years ago that changed with a combination of growing up, getting hurt by my words pushed back into my face, and Steve’s private characteristic rubbing off, forced me to find another avenue for venting and sorting out feelings. Hence, my journaling took off!!

I am excited to branch into blogging (sorry if you find my blogs boring, spelling or grammar errors-deal with it or don’t read) but cautious at the same time. I must be critical of what I post for all to see or I will be back in the same boat I was in years ago.

My personal journal is very important to me and private. Steve respects my privacy and never has taken the journals off the book shelf and began to read them. I am sure it is tempting at times, knowing that some entries I refuse to read to him. Some entries are only for my eyes; I will not share those with anyone. Not that the information is life shattering, but the pages are filled with my feelings and pure, unedited thoughts. I don’t have to worry how to say what I feel correctly so not to offend or regret how the words came out. Those are the therapy pages. Steve has often asked for me to read some of my entries to him. I have never denied his request, but I am selective on what I read. He has several favorite entries that I have read to him multiple times. Events that occurred early on in our relationship. We laugh now, but some weren’t so funny when they happened.

I will to try to keep my entries brief and interesting but I make no promises!!

Kim

Running blog: Best 10 miles

8.23.09

I am getting closer to race day. I have been concerned as to whether or not I am going to be able to maintain my goal; finish the race without walking. The weather this morning was perfect; 65, cloudy and light breeze. I chose to run around town in Zelienople and Harmony for two reasons: 1. my country road route is tough with the hills and I needed a break-mentally (needed to know that I can run 10 miles w/o walking). 2. Steve needed my MDX to go to Lowes. I didn’t have a definitive path mapped out, but figured I would run for 2 hrs, which should get me at my 10 mile mark (I am not a fast long distance runner). My run was wonderful!! The weather helped immensely. I finished the 10 miles in 2 hrs; right on track. Plus I proved to myself that I can run 10 miles without walking as long as there aren’t major hills at the end of the run. My body feels great; no pains just sore muscles.

Sights on my run: had to laugh when I saw a couple pulling a yellow lab that had to weigh 100lbs, in a kid’s wagon!! Thought my dog was spoiled.

Motivation songs (they energized me during the run): she’s a Runner by Billy Squier and I Wish I Had a Girl by Henry Lee Summer.

When you are running for 2 hours, even with music, you have to mentally stimulate yourself. Today my thoughts were: planning this week’s events, kept reminding myself proper form (chin up and the girls are first J), need to do more core work (this thought occurs every long run), and a conversation that my Dad and I had yesterday. He called to see how my training was going. I told him and then he wanted to know if I was enjoying it. I told him I was and that I feel and look good. He laughed at me!! Said he had never heard anyone admit that they “look good”. I told him I am looking good and I am working hard enough to earn the right to say that!!! I didn’t mean it to come out as bragging, just pure honesty. I think the one thing that I am most happy about so far, besides shaping up, is that the girls haven’t changed. If they get smaller, I foresee surgery in my future. Can’t handle being flat chested!! Overall, I am not a vain person, but with this; I am.

Running blog: This week in review of my runs

8.16.09 Sunday long run

9 A.M., I set out for my 10 mile run. Decided to run from the house, to the lake, 2 trips around the lake and back home(see blog “possible solution for shin splint problem” for details of last run on this path). It was a hot and humid morning. The day before, Steve had taken me to a running shop that had just opened. He found it for me and thought I would like to go. I got some tips while there, like the need for a fuel belt and using blocks on the run (for energy boost). I was so thankful on this run that I had my fuel belt and the blocks. First mile was great. Guess who joined me for the next 4 miles? Yep, the white and black Jack Russell again. By the time I reached my second mile, I was soaked. Had to take the singlet off (from now on, hot/humid days = running bra only for top).

The lake was peaceful and quite. Only a few people fishing. My first lap was wonderful. Realized starting my second lap that I was running out of water already. I called Steve and he drove more water over to me. The heat was getting worse and the air was really thick. After my second lap around the lake, I was not sure how I was going to conquer the hills on the way home. I walked 3 of them. My legs just couldn’t make it up the hills after 7 miles and the heat. I made it back home (w/o the dog), exhausted, thirsty, but so proud that I pushed through the heat to continue my run. Next week, I am going to chose a different path with less hills for my 10 miles.

8.19.09 Gun shots????

Went to lake so Steve could walk Tikka while I ran. Plan: 2 laps around lake for a 4.5 mile run. Figured I would increase my speed on the first 2 miles and then slow the pace for the last 2. Got out of the car and heard gun shots. Not uncommon to hear in hunting season, but to my knowledge, nothing is in season. Put headphones on, crank up the music, no more shots heard by me!! Off I go. 8pm and it is still humid but much better than earlier in the day. The first 2 miles were great. My speed was increased and I was really enjoying my run. Had deer crossing the road in front of me; peaceful. Started my second pass and realized that it was getting dark fast. Instead of slowing, I kept the pace up trying to catch up with Steve on the other side of the lake. I ended up only running 3.8 miles and walked the rest with Steve and Tikka in the dark.

What were the gun shots you ask: a man training gun dogs on birds in the woods. The shots were blanks. Steve stopped and talked to the guy and got his number. We want to train Tikka on birds for Steve to hunt with her if he wants and also to take her to hunt tests and obtain hunt titles on her.

8.21.09 another short run

3 miles today after work. Ran in the sun, 80 degrees but lower humidity and slight breeze. Kept my pace up the entire run. Went in town and ran the streets of Zelienople. Great path with some hills/inclines and flat stretches. Nothing really interesting happened on the run other than a flashback of a previous incident on that same path. A month or so ago, I ran the same path as today. Slower pace due to not as trained as I am now. I was focused and had my music going. I see a lady, roughly in her 70 or 80’s walking toward me. I can tell that she is going to say something to me, so being polite, I take the headphones away from my ears. I am expecting sympathy or words of encouragement but what I heard, was neither. She said, “Don’t you think you need to be running a little faster”? Two words came to my mind immediately that I would not right in this post, would never have said to her because I would have been vulgar and rude, but certainly wanted to say the words. How dare her say that!! I am working as hard as I can. Instead I responded politely with, “I sure wish I could” and kept running. Today, when I reached that same spot, I chuckled to myself thinking of that incident and oh, if only she could see me now!!!

Running Blog: Off Schedule

8.12.09

Life has thrown some curve balls lately which in turn as forced me to alter my schedule. I am hoping to make up some lost distance tomorrow. The race is only a month away. I think I am doing well with my training. I enjoy my runs up to 6 miles, after that, I have to focus and keep reminding myself I am training for a race. I hope one day, I will enjoy a 8 mile run.

Running Blog: Killed with humidity

8.9.09

I woke to windows in the house fogged due to the humidity outside. I knew I was in for a huge challenge. I was supposed to run 9 miles. Changed my location of where to run. I was going to run a trail so that I could run 5 miles out and double back. I began to rethink that option due to the hydration issue. I finally decided to run around the lake by the house. Problem: only a little over 2 miles around, therefore, need to make 4.5 trips around. Positive aspect: pass the car every 2 miles for water break. Off I go, park, stretch and begin to sweat. I had my doubts on whether or not I could make it the 9 miles; I was right. First trip around, tough but not bad. Stopped for water break and took off my singlet. I am not one to run with just my running bra, but I needed as much air as possible. Off I go again. ½ way around, my legs became numb, was difficult to focus and the slower I became. By the time I reached the car, I couldn’t feel my legs and I was beginning to chill, even though I was sweating and extremely hot. I rested a while and made the decision that I needed to call it a day. I sat in the car with the air full blast. The cold air was ecstasy.

For PA, we don’t have many extreme humid days therefore, I am not acclimated to the heat/humidity. I don’t run well in mid 80’s with humidity. I am sure I am a wuss to some. We have had a stretch of hot/humid days which has made my runs difficult/impossible.

Running blog: Easy 3 Miles

8.4.09

I have not run in a week due to my busy schedule and some due to laziness. I wish I had a running partner to run with in the mornings before work. I would love to run before work to get it done and the temps would be lower. I can’t run effectively by myself in the mornings (won’t get out of bed).

I ran tonight out by the lake. The run was wonderful. I felt energized, smooth, in the groove and focused. I have no complaints about my run. I have approx. 4 weeks left until my race. My mother confirmed this week that she will not be able to run with me. I am upset about that. Hopefully we can run the Alyss Beach ½ marathon together in March. I am getting excited about my upcoming race. There is a guy at work that may run it with me. It won’t be the same as Mom running with me. At least I know that Steve will be there for me at the finish line. I have to really focus from here on out on my long runs and mentally prepare for the race.

Running Blog: Possibly solved shin splint problem????

7.26.09

First, one thing that I forgot to post in my last blog (5k Raider Maze), to all race runners, when you have a race, be courteous to the other runners and don’t eat garlic the night before!!! I ran behind a man that reeked of garlic!! I had to pick up my pace to get around him. Definitely motivation!!

Second, I am sure that you are tired of reading about my shin splints; therefore, I will try my hardest to make this my last post regarding the issue. Thanks for comments I received regarding the issue. I have tried to run on grass/trails, but the pain only intensified. This week, I have run 3 times; today I ran 8 miles, no pain!!!! Here is what I have done, not sure which one really worked (and honestly, I don’t care, as long as the pain is gone):

1. Rested for 1 week

2. Wrapped shins with Ace bandages for the runs (suggestion by Runner’s World)

3. Increased my Calcium intake

4. My chiropractor gave me some maneuvers to help elevate the pain

Today, my schedule called for my long run. I was apprehensive because I had run the day before and I was not sure how my shins would hold up. I wrapped them tight and headed out. Decided to try a new course (didn’t have the time to drive to my usual running spots). I live on a hilly country road. Decided I would run to the lake, around the lake and back, which was 8 miles; PERFECT!!! I was aware that there were hills that I had to climb, but figured that would be a good challenge for me. Just an FYI, you never realize how hilly a road is until you run it!! A few hills, holy crap that was an understatement!!!! The first 3 miles were great. Quiet, peaceful, running past horse farms, conquering rolling inclines; no problem. Had one hill that was intense, but felt great getting up it. Ran around the lake (passing more fisherman at the lake than I did cars on the way to the lake) and started to head back. Oh my, the hills are worse on the way back than on the way there. I was losing energy quick. Had to walk 4 of the hills (mountains) on the way back. Not bad, only 5 min out of my total run time. For sure, that was the toughest course I have ran so far, but great training. The best part, no pain in the shins!!!!!!!!!!! As the day went on, I felt muscles in my legs and butt that I didn’t know were there. I love to feel that soreness.

It is amazing how each run is so different and what you can learn with each one. It is like Christmas; what surprise will this run bring to me???? Another “gift” I was given today with this run, a visitor. ½ mile into my run, a black and white Jack Russell Terrier started to follow me. I love dogs, but Jack Russell’s I am not fond of and I didn’t want any distractions for this run. This dog didn’t have a collar or tags (I see him all the time, so I know he lives somewhere close). He ran with me for 6 miles!!! Mostly in the middle of the road. The 4 cars that I did pass looked at me like, “what an ignorant lady, running with her dog off a leash and letting it run in the middle of the road”!! I kept my head down and didn’t make eye contact. I have to say though; he was a nice “distraction”. I enjoyed having the company.

Running blog: 5k Raider Maze

7.25.09

Today I ran in a 5k. This was the second time I have run since taking the week off for my shin splints. I was not really sure how well I was going to do. The course was not the most scenic. It was on the track and in the parking lot of the high school (the race was to benefit the high school cross country team). The course ended up being tough due to the hills that were strategically placed in the course. I didn’t finish last, but was part of the last group. Small entry and I don’t run fast (9:37 mile), but all that mattered to me was that my shin splints didn’t hurt and that I beat my previous 5k race time. Only one more 5k before the half marathon.

Running Blog: Solution for Shin Splints????

7.20.09
I took a week off in order to rest my legs. I also put my boot camp membership on hold till after my race. I have been wanting to get back to my runs, but made myself wait a week. So off I went today. I only did 3.5 miles, but without pain!!! During my last week, I have spent a lot of time researching on the internet ways to cure my shin splints. I didn't like the one suggestion; slow down and cut back on miles. I am hoping that since I cut out the boot camp, I will be ok again. I tried one suggestion today; wrapping my shins in ace bandages. Let me tell you, the look was not pretty, but wow did it feel good. My legs kept warm ( not that I needed that in the heat today) and loose. I am going to keep trying that and see if it doesn't make a difference. I am still sticking with the ice before and after runs, increase calcium intake and stretching. Something has to work. I don't want to hurt myself but I am so excited about this race (goal) that is starring me in the face. My goal is to finish the race; running the entire race. I am not concerned about my time. That will come later.... I have felt great all night tonight. I am getting back on schedule and going to do Yoga and upper body conditioning for my cross training. Leave my leg work for the runs. Time will tell if this works.

Running Blog: Disappointment and pain

7.15.09
My run yesterday was cut short due to the pain in my shin splints. After 2 miles, I could feel it into my left knee. I walked back to the car, very disappointed and in deep thought on what to do next. I iced my legs for a while and it felt so much better. Since starting the boot camp, my legs are more tight. I think it is too much for me at this point. My leg muscles aren't strong enough to handle that much activity back to back. I am putting the boot camp on hold till after my race. I think I need to go back to what I was doing before; yoga/pilates one day a week and upper body one day a week along with my 3 day a week runs. My runs are on hold now until Friday. I will try a short run that day. I am very upset, but hopefully this hasn't put me back too much.

running Blog: Feeling the cross training pain

7.13.09

I am in my 2nd week of boot camp. I am feeling it in my legs and butt the most. There is something to be said for working out with a group of motivated women. It is amazing; some of these women are obese but they do every exercise and do it well. Times I want to quit and then I see one of these ladies still working at the routine and I think, "If they can do it, so can I". I am very proud of those women. I know how I hurt during and after the hour. Tonight was an awesome workout. We did a lot of running and sprint work. Just what I needed. My favorite was the relay sprints on the basketball court (outside). I am very competitive in sports. Not that I have to win each race/competition, but I have to keep up and push myself to the limit. Not something I can do training on my own. Had a blast with the sprints/ have a feeling tomorrow is going to be painful.

Boot camp is great, but it is nothing like a run. The mental/emotional aspect of my runs can't be matched by any other exercise. It is like a drug to me (not that I have ever done drugs). I crave that mental/emotional "high". As far as my runs, I am missing my long run. I was not able to get it in this weekend due to being out of town. My body is itching for the 8 miles I missed. This week, I will add a few miles onto each run to make up some of the mileage. I am so excited to get out there tomorrow for a 5 mile run around the lake. I was looking at my training schedule yesterday and got real excited when I realized that I am on my home stretch!! The race is roughly 6 weeks away!!!!!

Running Blog: Cross training/shin splints

7.8.09

Short run today; 2 miles. I ran in town. Nice easy run with a faster pace. Everything felt great except my shin splints. I have been dealing with them lately. I need to start icing my legs before and after my runs (advice from a personal trainer).

Tonight I started attending a boot camp. Up to this point, I have not done well on my own with weights and leg strengthening exercises. The trainer is confident that he can further along my running skills with his boot camp than I can on my own. The boot camp kicked my ass. I feel ok tonight, but I have a feeling that tomorrow, it is going to hurt to sit and walk up and down steps. I have another class tomorrow night. This should be fun. I had a blast in the class. All women at completely different fitness levels/goals. It is nice to exercise with a bunch of people who are suffering like you but also motivating you by comments and clapping. I love my runs by myself. I would not give that up for the world. To cross train on my own; I just can't push myself to the point I should be. I need the competition with the other boot campers and the trainer yelling at me to get me where I need to be. I am hoping that my running improves b/c of this as well as seeing more definition in my body.

Running Blog: Some bad/good news

7.7.09

So, had a great 4th, but ate too many brownies!! Had to work that off today. Received some potential bad news few days ago. My Mom has been training to run the 1/2 marathon with me in September in Erie, PA. Chose that one because it is the flattest (need all the help I can get). My Mom called the other day and told me that she pulled a muscle and can't run for 4-6 weeks, therefore she doesn't think she will be able to run with me. I am a little upset. It would be both of our first 1/2 marathons and I really wanted to run it with her. Maybe she will be able to run some of it; we'll see. It is possible that we will have to run our first together in either Hawaii in January or Alys Beach Florida in March (most likely this one).

Good news: I think of the 1/2 marathon more and more during my runs. Today, that was main focus. Had the best long run I have had so far. I only went 5 miles today, but it was incredible!!! The weather was perfect and I enjoyed my nice, slow pace.

Ran around the lake of a park we have here. It is amazing what you can see out there; good and bad!! It was peaceful today. Started to get a little hot and then a much needed burst of wind came from the side to cool me off. Problem was, I turned the corner about the same time and now the wind was in my face. I was so focused on my thoughts that it didn't bother me much. I am convinced that my speed training makes a huge difference with my long runs. More stamina and the hills are not as rough. My breathing today was so smooth and non-laboring. I am so thrilled with today!!!

Running Blog: 5k Race for Virginia

7.4.09

Today was another 5k race for me. 2nd one this year. I was a cross country runner in high school, but that has been many years ago. I am older, slower, more competitive and set goals for myself (some that are hard to obtain). My last 5k was good, surprising and taught me a few lessons, for which I put into practice today. Slower start, controlled breathing and who cares who is passing you; run your race!!

The race was a benefit for children who have died from cancer. My soul purpose for entering this race was to: gain more experience with racing, exercise and further my training. Once there and listening to the speech this morning, I realized that I had done something greater than trying to obtain my goals; I had helped someone with a cancer tragedy. Lined up ready to race, I teared up as I listened to a father that had lost his daughter to cancer. My focus was changed for that moment. I was very proud to be standing with the 700 some folks that were ready to hit the pavement.

Bang, and we are off. My music pumping loud in my ears, I refocused to proper running posture. I was in the middle of the crowd. Slow take off, but was happy because that was a mistake I made at my last race; took off too fast. Slow start then moved out of the crowd and found my pace. Felt great during the race. My breathing was steady and focused. My posture was perfect. I sped up when I felt the energy surge and slowed as I fatigued. Surprisingly, my fatigue was very limited. The course was not scenic, so I focused on the music and my strides. The course was rolling; more hills than I first thought. Heading back to finish line. Great all my hills are done, I can speed up. I turned the corner and staring me in the face was one last gradual incline. I started to panic, but slowed and got passed it without much fatigue. The rest was down hill!! Sprinted to the finish line. Was thrilled with my run.

Checked my results tonight. I am more pleased with myself tonight than I was at the race. My time was 30:39, 9:53 pace. Finished 395 out of 762; 16 out of 40 in my age bracket. For me, that is awesome!! I am thrilled. I am hoping that my 1/2 marathon is just as pleasing to me.

Now for the real challenge; a 6 mile run tomorrow after eating so much junk today.

Running Blog: Frustration Runs

7.2.09

I am a little behind writing about my run. This week has been a little stressful with work. On Tuesday, I was scheduled for another easy 2 mile run. I forced myself to go and once I began to run, my tension took over. I don't remember much of the run, just the focus I had on the issues of the day. When I finally refocued on my running, it became clear to me that I was almost done. It was somewhat saddening; I hadn't been able to enjoy this great, easy run. So, I decided to go a little further, focussing only on my running. What a great end to my scenic run in town. It is amazing how my tension is released after my runs.

I was slotted to run today. I have been having problems with my shin splints, therefore, I am going to take the day off from running. Instead, weight lifting is on the agenda for tonight. I am running in a 5k on Saturday. The coarse is not that pretty, but more or less flat. I am excited to see how I do.

Running Blog: Easy run

6.29.09

I planned for an easy run today. This week's training schedule is hectic. I was unable to do my long run yesterday and as I began to look at my schedule for this week, I realized that I couldn't do it today either, so I went short. On the schedule is one short run and 2 long runs this week, plus I have a 5k race on Saturday. Therefore, the schedule was altered. I was off work today and got caught up in other things to do. Was going to scrap the run altogether when a friend challenged me to go for it. As I was driving to my running route, I challenged myself to make this run different. I succeeded!! It was warm out, but nice breeze and clouds made the run pleasurable. I chose the "in town" route. Little quaint town, tree lined streets, park, unique houses; interesting sights. I ran my 2 miles faster than usual. Kept the music at a faster pace and focused on my feet and keeping my shoulders out of my ears. Before I knew it, my run was done, I felt awesome and was glad I listened to my friend. Tomorrow, another 2 miles.

Running Blog: speed work

6.27.09

Today was speed work on my training schedule. One mile warm up, 3 mile sprinting and one mile cool down. The run was on my mind all day today. Excited yet freting at the same time. I love speed work, but have done 2 miles on treadmil up to this point. Was fretting because I can only handle 2 miles of speed work on treadmil without wanting to scream. I am not one of those people that can hop on a treadmil, watch TV or a movie and run like Forest Gump. I get bored! When I run, I need an end to run to. So anyway, I kept putting everything else that I had to do in front of my run. Finally, 8pm, had to run. I head down to the basement where the treadmill is located. Great, it is nice and cold! The treadmil is situated that I overlook my beautiful patio with flowers and my treed backyard and rolling countryside. From the outside looking in, seems peaceful. Inside, the stereo is pumped so loud, I can barely hear myself singing (singing only for the first half mile and rests between sprints), I yell out every third word to either some hip hop song or 80's hair band, and the dog is barking because she thinks this is play time!! Aww, speed work! Warm up mile is done, I was feeling really good. Remembering to run on the balls of my feet and keep my shoulders down. Excited now to start the sprints. I started at 5.6 mph and topped out at 7.8mph. The first mile of sprints went well, then I realzied I still had 2 more miles to go and a cool down. The 2nd sprint mile was a little tough to keep motivated. The 3rd flew (think it was the music that distrated me). Now for the cool down run. At this point I am tired of being on the treadmil!! Overall, feeling really good though. Finally, the workout was complete and I feel great!! I am really glad I don't have to do that workout too often. Maybe next time, I will run my warm/cool outside and then come in and do speed training.

Running Blog: Yesterday's Mistake

6.25.09

I have been training for my half marathon for 4 weeks now. I have to say that I am doing very well, proud of myself and feel great; most days. I have also made many many mistakes and I am sure there are more to come. I will mention my mistakes learning opportunities in future blogs.

Yesterday was a short run day. 2 miles (following runners world training program for half marathon - kind of). Anyway, it was sunny, high 80's, humidity was a little bit higher than past few days. Nice breeze; gonna be a great run was my thought. I had been having problems with shin splints, shoulders/back hurting, after my long runs (7 miles). Long story short, I learned that I was running wrong! I was striking the ground with my heal; been taught years ago run heal toe. So, I tried on my run yesterday the proper way to run; on the balls of your feet. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! I felt great when I was done. No pain any where and I ran faster. I had to keep reminding myself to run on the balls of my feet. Anyway, back to my mistake. So it is sunny, hot, etc. That morning I had pulled out my running clothes to take to work so I could change and run on my way home. I hadn't payed attention to the weather obviously, because I pulled out black shorts, black running bra and black singlet. During my run I was smoking hot!!! Couldn't even take off my singlet; black running bra wasn't going to help me much. So, mental note, hot sunny days, can't wear all black!!

Running Blog: Newbe

6.24.09

I am a newbe in multiple ways. This is my first blog ever. I love to journal for my own personal gratification (or in most cases, therapy), but have never "journaled" for the world to see. I am also a newbe in the race relm. In high school I ran cross country and have always enjoyed a good jog a few times a week, as part of my exercise routine. I am now training for my first half marathon, therefore my "jogs" have taken on a new meaning!! Being new in this "runners world" is a little intimidating. Please forgive me in future blogs for my "running ignorance". I am still learning what there is to know with regards to being a runner, not a jogger. There is a difference, I now know.