These Shoes Are Made for Running

A few weeks ago, I did something I should have done a long time ago: I went to a specialty running store to get some running shoes that really fit my feet. In the past, I've just picked out some shoes at chain stores that I thought would work, but I didn't get an expert opinion or advice. Let me tell you, it makes a difference!

I've written before about my Achilles heel and ankle soreness, and I decided to get serious about finding a solution. I went to Fleet Feet Nashville, and the guy who helped me was so great. He analyzed my foot structure and callouses, and he watched me walk and run outside the store. It turns out that I turn my feet in a little when I run - kind of pigeon-toed - especially on my left foot, which creates a pull on my tendon and ankles. He recommended that I get Mizuno brand shoes, which I'd never heard of. Apparently, they're less flexible and tend to hold my heel in place. He also fitted me with an insert that helps support my arch and hold my heel in place.

Amazingly, I could tell a difference after only one run. It was refreshing to deal with people who really know what they're talking about and are trained to help you find the right gear.

I've also cut back a bit on running for the moment, which is giving my joints a break. I'm down to one five-mile run a week - sometimes two. I'll be picking up the schedule in a couple months when Erin and I start training for the half-marathon again. I can't believe it's almost that time again!!

We were out on the trail this morning for our usual run, and the weather was gorgeous. I really look forward to this hour of me time every week.

Here's a shot of Erin this morning in her movie-star glasses :) ...

and me ...

Famous Last Words

OK, so I've been vowing to blog more, and I have not followed through... I don't have time for the details now, but I have a lot of new stuff going on in my life - good stuff. Mainly, a new job that is physically demanding and leaves me exhausted at the end of the day, with no energy for blogging! BUT I've still been running pretty faithfully, with the exception of last week. Erin and I ran on Tuesday morning at 5:15 a.m. (with a headlamp strapped to my head because it's so dark!), but we skipped Thursday. Erin had something planned that morning, and I was just in need of a break. We skipped today because our husbands were camping together with our older kids, and I had no one to watch my 2-year-old. We have another scheduling conflict this week, but we should be back on track by Thursday. I did go to an outdoor yoga class yesterday, which was awesome. If I had more time, I could easily get addicted to yoga. It was a good workout - different from running, of course, but I still broke a sweat - and I felt so calm afterward (but am sore today).

I still have some running issues - a lingering Achilles heel soreness along with ankle soreness. It's so annoying. I love running now, and I don't like to take time off because of soreness. A lot of what I get out of running is mental, and I really feel it when I miss too many workouts.

The Heat Is On ...

... but we're still running! I haven't posted in a while, but I've still been running three days a week (5 miles each time) with my trusty running buddy, Erin. I've only missed a couple of times this month when she was on vacation or when my husband was on a trip. So I'm feeling pretty good about our tenacity in the face of 100-degree heat and wilting humidity. Seriously, folks, it is soooo humid in Tennessee right now. An excerpt from a local TV station's weather report:

"Temperatures for most of middle Tennessee are expected to be in the mid to upper 90s this weekend. High humidity levels will produce heat index values around 105 degrees. Dangerous heat levels will occur for those who are outdoors, especially during the afternoon and early evening hours."

That's why we're running at 6:30 or even 5:30 a.m. during the week. Today we ran at 7:30 a.m., and - despite thunderstorms last night - it was hazy and hot and almost hard to breathe. Erin said her knees were sweating. We were soaked.

On the bright side, we're still doing it. And let me tell you, I need to run. I missed one day this week, and I could tell in my mood, my attitude, my (lack of) productivity, sleep - everything. Running clears my head and puts things in perspective somehow.

There's also the sense of accomplishment I feel at the end, when I'm finished, drinking hot coffee and relaxing, and I still have the whole day before me.

On Sundays there's usually a big breakfast waiting at the end.

Indulging without guilt = priceless.

Morning Moment

I went running solo today for the first time in awhile - just four miles. I saw a sweet sight on the trail: A rumpled, unshaven, tired-looking dad was walking along the trail with his little girl, who looked to be about 3. As I passed them, I saw the dad was holding a teeny-tiny newborn baby asleep in the crook of his arm. I knew immediately that the mom was home catching a few moments of peace while the dad got the kids out of the house.

Ah, I've been there. Sweet.

Limping Along

Hello, running blog. I am still here! I think the last time I posted was two weeks ago... yikes, I am slacking. But hey, it's summer. And I mean really summer in Nashville, with temps in the 90s and wilting, oppressive humidity.

I was out of town last week and didn't run a bit. I ate and drank and didn't think about running. :)

I came back home yesterday, though, and Erin and I ran at 7:30 a.m. It was already hot; we ran 3.5 miles and walked 1/2 mile. My heel feels pretty good, and I'm just working on hanging in there. Did I really run 13 miles just two months ago??

Hot!

We started out early for a Sunday run - 7:30 a.m. - and it was already about 85 degrees and steamy with the sun beating down. We ran three sweaty miles before deciding to walk the last 2.5. Erin was feeling queasy, and I didn't mind the slowdown since my Achilles was sore (I thought that pain was gone but no!). Did I mention it was really hot?

Maybe Tuesday will be better. At least we got out there - that did feel good.

And the big news that I can't believe I haven't posted: The trail is open again! It's all intact but not nearly as shady since so many big trees were uprooted and washed away. Still, we are just glad to be on a nicer route with some shade and a river view.

Taking a Break

I've had a little break from running, since Erin has been on vacation for about a week. My family has been doing some traveling of our own, and it's been nice to give my ankles and Achilles heel a little rest time. The soreness seems to be gone, which is a relief! (Yes, I could run on my own, but I made the executive decision to embrace rest and sleep so as to avoid burn-out.)

I hope we'll start up again Sunday with a short run to get back into the routine.

Still Going

This past week we ran Sunday (about 5-6 miles) and Thursday (around 5 miles). There's plenty of light at 5 a.m. now, and it's already pretty warm - even that early in the day. Not too bad yet, though. Erin found a new route that takes us out of that boring loop, so that helps keep us going.

My main problem at the moment is that my ankles are sore - both of them. I'm not sure why it's happening now, when we're not running very intensely at all. So I'm wondering ... do I take a break or keep it up?

I don't want to take a break from running - I'm happier and more productive when I run, and of course I'm still eating as if I run 25 miles a week - so I'm just taking each run as it comes and trying to work through the soreness.

ChiRunning?

Have you heard all the buzz about ChiRunning?

USA Today did an article on it recently, and I'm curious about it. It's basically a way of running that uses gravity and core muscles to transform running technique and avoid injuries. I've been experiencing some ankle pain and a lingering Achilles soreness, so it caught my attention. Founder Danny Dreyer says that humans through the ages have run with no shoes or minimalist shoes, and that our current shoes actually contribute to injury by restricting the foot and causing more impact to the knees, hip and heel. His technique focuses on hitting mid-foot instead of heel-toe. I haven't tried it yet, but I think I'll see if I can get the gist of it next time we head out. Why not, right?

Here's a short video of him explaining the technique.

Video Finish

I remembered recently that I have a video of me and Erin finishing the half-marathon, so bear with me while I revisit that day with the short (very short) video.

This video is from Marathon-Photos.com. For about $12, the company e-mails a video of you finishing the half-marathon to you and 10 other people. Then you can download a copy and keep it. This sounds really cool, but I think it's only really worth it if you're lucky enough to be on the side where the camera is located - and if the camera is a little closer to the finish line. We were about as far away from the camera as you can get, so you have to look closely. A few seconds into the clip, you can see me in a red shirt on the far, far left, and Erin (in a white shirt) is next to me. We put our hands up as we cross the finish line. Don't blink or you might miss us. Check it out!

And save your money. :)

Back At It

After a brief hiatus, we're back at it.

Erin and I ran about four miles this morning and five miles last Tuesday, and we ran about five miles again last Sunday morning - in the rain. Yes, the rain is pretty much a staple around here these days. It was warm, though, and sort of drizzly, so it wasn't so bad. We were soaked at the end, and I had my husband take a picture of us. Here we are - a couple of drowned rats.

Our new route is basically a half-mile loop in a circle that has no damaged homes. We just run the same loop over and over for an hour or so. Boring, but bearable.

It feels good to be working out again.

Why I've Been MIA

If you've heard about the devastating floods in Nashville, then you know why I haven't been posting. Our neighborhood was among the many that were flooded, and many, many homes just down the street from us are severely damaged or destroyed. I'm so thankful that our home was not affected, but so many of our neighbors' homes had the first floors saturated. The neighboring subdivision had even worse damage, with water up to the roofs in some cases. Fortunately, no one here was hurt.

We had no power for two days, and we couldn't leave to get ice or food because the roads were closed. So, needless to say, running has not been a priority. And then there's this: Where will we run? Our beautiful trail that I write about so often is completely under water and most likely destroyed. The neighborhood streets are littered with mounds of drywall, soggy insulation, furniture, tricycles and other belongings that are drying in the sun or waiting to be hauled off to the landfill. Some areas are open, but I'm not sure how I feel about jogging through that - even if we go early. It seems wrong somehow and so trivial in the face of all that has happened.

I'll leave you with these photos of our running trail. The first shows the entrance to the trail, completely submerged, along with the first floor of a neighbor's home. The second was taken after the floodwaters had receded quite a bit. I'm afraid we won't be back there for awhile.

Spreading the Love

We ran five miles again yesterday, bright and early as usual - but still dark out at first.

Jerod said: "It's a beautiful morning for a run .... zzzzzzzzz" and fell back asleep. Did I mention that he has started running, too? He runs during the workday a few times a week in Centennial Park and around here on weekends, and he's started lifting weights again. He's already feeling the positive effects, and he says our consistency has inspired him. It's good to be spreading the love.

Yesterday was a beautiful morning - clear and cool, maybe 65? Perfect for shorts and a long-sleeved T-shirt. It's funny how we consider five miles a short run these days. We ran and talked, and I noticed that my Achilles tendon is hurting a little on my left foot. I'm taking the day off today and tomorrow to let it rest, and we'll pick back up with a medium-long run on Sunday. (Erin is not taking these days off, however. She took a yoga class Thursday, lifted weights Friday and will probably be running on Saturday.)

OH! My friend Sarah mentioned a relay race coming up in Tennessee in November. I've never done anything like this before. It sounds like a great race, so I'll find out more details about that. Thanks for checking in!

Back in the Saddle

This morning I woke up at 5 a.m. to the pitter-patter of rain outside, and I peeked out the back door to view the drizzle. I figured Erin would (like me) want to take the day off.

Me (texting): Hey - don't want to go in rain, do you?

Erin: I don't care. It's just a little rain. :(

Me (after grousing to my husband, because I don't want to be the wimpy one): Damn ur tough. OK.

Erin: Yep!

And so we went. By the time we started (about 5:20), the rain had stopped and it was a nice, cool, damp morning. We ran five miles and felt pretty good. I would have been upset at myself if I had gone back to sleep.

We Did It!

Here we are! That's me on the left, and my running buddy, Erin, after the Country Music Half Marathon yesterday. I finally have a moment to tell you about yesterday's race ...

First, we did it!! We finished the whole thing, and we RAN the whole way. That was really our goal - to run the whole way. Our chip time was 2:26:28, and we averaged an 11:11-minute mile. Not too bad, especially when you consider the HILLS on this course. We didn't really train for hills, and we didn't realize how many sneaky, long uphill climbs Nashville has downtown and in the surrounding area. I never noticed all those hills while cruising along in a car. But it didn't phase us too much - just slowed us down a little, I think.

About the text messages/race tracking. It worked OK, but they didn't send out a text when we finished - the most important part! So my family wondered if I had disappeared after mile 10. Oh well - new technology.

Anyway, we had a pacer in our corral, and she was running a 2:30 pace. She held up a sign the whole time so people could follow her. We were saying to each other, "Man, it would be so great if we could stay with her," but we just pushed that out of our heads because we didn't want to get started too fast and kill ourselves. Turns out that we ran ahead of her most of the race, but she passed us near the end. We still finished in less than 2:30, though, so we were completely happy with that.

So here's the rundown, in detail:

First, I got in bed late the night before because our 5-year-old had the Country Music Kids' Marathon Friday night. That was really fun, but it wasn't exactly a relaxing evening. We finally got the kids in bed around 9 (the kindergartners didn't run their 1/2 mile until 7:15 p.m. - what is up with that?) Anyway, I probably got in bed around 10:30 after setting out all my clothes, shoes, socks, rain jacket, hat, etc. I also had to figure out how the chip fastened on my shoes, etc., and pack my little gear bag, which I had to check at the starting line and pick up after the race.

Then ... our 5-year-old woke up crying with ear pain at 11:30. We gave him some Tylenol and he slept in our bed with us - never a good sleep night when that happens, but he seemed OK (no fever) so I wasn't too worried. So then our 2-year-old woke up around 2 a.m. crying. He's been doing this lately - just a phase. So I dragged myself upstairs to snuggle with him. I woke up around 4:30 in his bed, and of course you might as well just get up at that point. (I'm actually amazed that I didn't contract pink eye or a stomach virus right before the race. That's just how it usually happens around here.)

Took a shower, ate half a bagel, half a banana, drank some water and headed out to catch a ride with my running buddy at 5:30. Drove downtown, got out and joined the hordes of people getting ready for the race. That was really cool, except there were already lines for the Porta-Potties. BUT there was no rain, which was awesome. We just walked around and found our corral and waited for the start. There was an early start because of the predicted weather, and that was good. Weather was actually perfect - 65 degrees, overcast and breezy!

We were in corral 25, so it took awhile for us to get to the front. Then we started out at an easy pace. It was so cool to be part of that whole event. There were tons of people cheering on the side of the road, bands playing, and we were just running down the center of Broadway. Kind of surreal, in a good way.

The weird thing was how crowded it was. I didn't really expect that. We kept having to sidestep people in front of us and kind of run around people to keep from tripping or bumping into people. That was pretty much how it was the whole way. No chance of getting lost or going on the wrong route.

Let's see ... so we drank the Cytomax and water offered by volunteers along the way, which seemed luxurious since we didn't train with much water along the way because there's nowhere to keep it. We actually felt really strong throughout the race, and there was a lot to see and hear - lots of music and people cheering and partying on the side of the road. The miles were ticking by pretty quickly, it seemed, and it only started to get pretty hard around mile 11. Still, we knew we were almost finished, and there was so much going on, it was easier than running in training. It was like, "This is it!!" Adrenaline and all. I'm not saying it was a breeze or anything - it was just exciting, so we weren't too focused on pain. People were talking and joking with each other. There were lots of funny signs to read. My favorite:

"Your feet only hurt because you're kicking so much ass!"

It was really inspirational. There was an old guy in front of us the whole way, and his shirt said, "I know I'm slow. Get over it." And he was so NOT slow. Lots of people were running for different causes and friends/family who had passed away. That was sobering.

There was an elderly lady wearing a little black lace skirt over her shorts - kind of defying the whole aging thing. There was a guy running while juggling, a guy dressed as Elvis, girls in cowboy hats - lots of characters.

But back to the race ... so we passed the 12-mile mark and headed down the hill (so glad to go downhill!) to LP field. People kept saying "You're almost there! You're almost there!" and I was thinking, "Well, where is that damn finish line??" My legs were on autopilot at this point.

Then Erin grew rocket boosters and started stepping it up, and I was like, "Hold on there!" and had to pick up the pace. But we were on flat land at this point, and we rounded the corner and saw that awesome finish line. We totally kicked it in!

Then I had a wave of nausea, and I saw someone had thrown up an orange on the ground. I eyeballed a trash can and thought I was going to throw up in it, but thankfully I did not. Then we got our medals, and we heard the announcer say severe weather would hit in about 30 minutes. So we found Erin's husband and kids and headed to the car.

On the way home, I thought I was going to throw up, so I hung my head out the car window in the rain like a dog. It felt so good. I didn't throw up. At home, I crawled into a hot bath, drank water and ate a banana and chocolate bar, then crawled upstairs for a nap. I felt much better after that.

It was a really awesome experience - a fun race that was tough, but doable. I cannot imagine doing a whole marathon, but I liked the half. We want to do it again next year.

Some things I learned: Try to eat something during the race, even if it's an energy bean or a banana. I think that's why I was feeling so bad afterward, but I hadn't trained with that so I was afraid to do it during the race.

Also, I would definitely run 13 miles before the race - or very close to it. Those last few miles were tough, and that's when a lot of people started to walk. We were exhausted, but I felt our bodies had been there before, and we knew we could make it.

So there it is. Waaaay more than you wanted to know.

This has been a fun ride, and a very long-winded post. Thanks for reading to the end. I reached my goal, but I'm not going to stop blogging about running. Erin and I have decided to continue our four-day-a-week running schedule, with some modifications. Our weekday runs will be 4-5 miles, but our weekend runs will be shorter.

And the pressure is off for a while. That's nice. But I'm going to start looking for a shorter race to do as another goal - just something to keep me motivated.

Thanks so much for reading! Check back soon. We're running again Tuesday morning. :)

Finally, It's Time!

OK, so we ran two easy miles on Tuesday, and two easy miles on Thursday. It was weird running so little distance. But kind of nice, too.

Finally, tomorrow is the BIG DAY!!

The weather forecast:

The National Weather Service has said Middle Tennessee faces a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms on Saturday that could include hail, damaging winds and isolated tornados.

Seriously?? Well, we've run in rain before. But hail, damaging winds and tornadoes? This should be interesting.

I bought a light-weight, breathable, weather-resistant jacket at the Health Expo the other day, so that should help a little. The plan is to be ready by 5:30 a.m. The race starts at 7. Erin's husband is dropping us off near the starting line around 6, and he'll pick us up after the race. I signed up for race tracking, so some family members will get text messages as we cross mile markers. Pretty cool.

My worry is that we'll start off too fast, so I really want to take it easy - just like we do on our weekend runs. I just want it to be fun.

So stay tuned! I'll be back to fill you in on the details. :)

11.5!

Today we ran 11.5 miles. The day was gorgeous - sunny and in the 60s. I would LOVE to have this weather next weekend. We felt pretty good, although Erin had some stomach cramps because she ate bacon before the run. So no bacon next Saturday! I've been wondering what to eat, and all research says to eat only what you've tried during training. For me, that's bananas - and maybe half a bagel with some cream cheese. If we eat around 5:30-6 a.m., we should be OK when the race starts at 7.

The 11.5-mile run went well. I mean, it wasn't easy, but it was doable. I think it's important that we've run more than 10 miles twice now. It was painful at 11.5, but our bodies were like, "OK, we're familiar with this pain. We can handle it." Sort of a muscle memory thing.

On Saturday we ran four miles in the afternoon. That was really hard - probably because it's always hard to run in the afternoon ... and that Sonic cheeseburger may have had something to do with it.

Now we're looking at two miles on Tuesday, two miles Thursday - and then the BIG DAY!

Counting Down to the Country Music Half-Marathon

So... Erin and I ran six miles this morning, as usual. It's never easy to head out the door at 5 a.m., but I always feel like a million bucks when I'm done and can relax with some hot coffee. That's the best feeling. Six a.m. and I've already accomplished something major.

We'll run 3-4 on Saturday, and then a long run - 10 or 11 miles - on Sunday.

Nine more days until the Nashville Country Music Half-Marathon!

Getting Closer

Today we ran five miles, and I wore my brand-spankin'-new shoes. I need to break these shoes in before the big day, but I think I'll have plenty of time - especially since I have about 25 more miles of training before the race.

I found out that I have high arches, and these Asics are supposed to give me lots of support. They felt great this morning, and I think my old, broken-down pair contributed to some lower-back pain. Or maybe 12-plus miles will just do that to you.

Anyway, today's short run felt good, and we'll be running the 1/2 in less than two weeks!

12.5 miles!

Today Erin and I logged 12.5 miles. Yep, that's right. 12.5!

We stomped it out, as Erin would say. I see now why people say you should train more than 10 miles before the race. The last couple of miles were tough; we were definitely feeling it in our legs. But we did it and even had enough energy to kick it in. So I'm feeling good about the race, which is in just two weeks! With a cheering crowd, water every few miles, and live music along the way, we should be in great shape to finish 13.1 miles.

We were out of town most of the week, so I haven't kept up my blog log. Here 'tis:

I had to skip the Tuesday run because of our trip, but I met Erin bright and early for our five-mile run Thursday.

And I ran four miles yesterday (Saturday).

After today's nearly-half-marathon run, we're taking the day off tomorrow and will pick it back up on Tuesday.

10 Miles!

Yesterday, Erin and I ran 10 MILES!! That was the first time I've really felt like, "Hey, I can actually run the whole half." We woke to pouring rain and decided to run anyway, but the skies cleared just as we headed out at 8 a.m. By the time we finished, the morning had turned into the perfect spring day - and we had the run behind us. A great feeling.

Thursday before that, we ran five miles in the dark, as usual, with the nearly full moon lighting our way.

Another Early Morning

This morning at 5 we ran five miles. The full moon illuminated the mist rising from the river, and we could see the paved path winding through the trees like a silver ribbon. That's one of the great things about getting up so early - you get to see these beautiful moments that are long gone by sunrise. And that's pretty much the only thing great about it. Ha!

Seriously, we had a good run, but I'm glad tomorrow is a rest day. I'll be up late tonight working after the kids go to sleep, and it will be nice to sleep in until 6. :)

Going Strong

I haven't posted since last Sunday, but I have been running. Here's the breakdown...

Tuesday: Five miles with Erin in the wee morning hours.

Thursday: Between five and six miles with Erin in the pouring rain at 5:15 a.m.

Saturday: Between three and four miles solo on a gorgeous, sunny afternoon.

Sunday: Eight solid miles with Erin. We started running in a slight drizzle, but the sun was out by the time we finished. I wore a heavy rain coat (the only one I have), but I ended up with it tied around my waist and feeling like a 10-pound weight. This week I'm buying some new running shoes and a light rain coat for running, since springtime in Tennessee comes with lots of rain - at least this year.

All in all, it's been a great running week. Those early runs are not always easy, but I'm grateful to have a steadfast friend and running partner who is dedicated to our goal - even when it's cold, rainy, dark and inconvenient.

My body is sooo sore today after the eight-mile trek. The kids are asleep, and I'm heading now for a long, hot bath.

Here's a photo of Erin on our run today when the train was coming through.

We Rock

I ran seven miles solo yesterday. It felt pretty good, and I was helped along by my new This American Life iPhone app. This $2.99 app is great. At any time, I can listen to any episode ever aired. No downloading to my Shuffle anymore. The Shuffle died in the washing machine anyway. :(

Anyway, I ran six miles today with Erin in the pouring rain. We rock.

Coming up:

Tomorrow is rest day, and then a five-mile run Tuesday morning.

Just Three

I squeezed in three miles this morning before my husband left for work, and now I'm packing up to visit my parents with the kids for a couple days. I hope to run once while I'm there. Looking forward to a long run Saturday when we're back in Nashville.

Life Gets in the Way

I've taken a hiatus, but not by choice.

My 2-year-old had a throwing-up virus last Wednesday night, so I couldn't make my Thursday morning run (and it was pouring rain and lightning, so Erin didn't run, either.)

See my last post below: Throwing-up children are acceptable excuses for missing a run.

Friday we left to visit our family friend who is terminally ill in a hospital in Indianapolis. The decision to go was a quick one, and we just piled in the car and went. So Saturday and Sunday - my long runs - were out. My idealistic plans to run on the hotel's treadmill ... well, that just never happened. Not even close.

I did run about 3 miles today just before dark; I'm trying to hang in there during this week or so of tough schedules. But tomorrow I'm off to Arkansas to visit my parents for a few days. I'm hoping to find somewhere to run there.

My motivation is down lately. I think the cold, gray, rainy weather plays a part, and definitely sadness for our friend, C.P. Also, I think, because I haven't been as running regularly as I'd like. It really does make a difference. I plan to be back on track by Saturday, when I'll be home and ready to do the long runs with Erin.

By the way, Erin has officially registered for the Country Music Half-Marathon - YAY! We're going to run it together.

Running at Daybreak

This morning I ran 4 miles with Erin (including two 1-minute aerobic intervals), and we were out and about before dawn - 5:15 a.m. I am so glad we got it out of the way early, because my resolve wouldn't have lasted long today.

Last night was terrible. I went to bed late, and then I couldn't stop coughing. I cleaned the garage yesterday, and I think the dust got to me. So at 12:30 I was up digging in the cabinet for an allergy pill. Then my 2-year-old woke up crying, so I went to snuggle with him. I came back downstairs around 3, and he started crying again at 4. So I went back up to his room. Thankfully, he is not sick; he just needed some cuddles.

At 5, my husband came up to get me so I could meet Erin at 5:15. So maybe I got two hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Bailing on our run just wasn't an option, though. There are so many excuses that can be made, and you really just have to get over it. As long as I'm feeling OK and my kids aren't throwing up, I have to take advantage of the free time I have - even if it's before daybreak.

Speaking of daybreak, I snapped a quick picture of the sunrise this morning with my iPhone. Running is so worth the effort once you're out there.

By the way, I think Erin is going to do the Country Music Half-Marathon with me. Yay!

I'm Feelin' It - Finally!

I took an extra day off Saturday because of my cold, and I feel much better today. So good, in fact, that I ran 6.5 miles with my (avid runner) neighbor, Erin. Let me tell you, running with a friend makes a world of difference. We sailed through 6.5 miles in one hour with no problem - and no stopping. We're going to try to run together more often, especially on weekends.

After the morning run, I trekked all around the Nashville Zoo with my family. It's a beautiful, spring-like day here - 62 degrees! I'm looking forward to more of these gorgeous days for running, gardening and just hanging out.

Some extra half-marathon incentive: I've learned that two of my neighbors, a neighbor's daughter and several friends are running the County Music Half-Marathon. Also, one of my friends from our New Hampshire days is coming in from Philadelphia with her Team in Training team to walk it. She's bringing her husband, and we're all going to hang out before and after. Fun!!

Now I'm going to try to get Erin to do it, too.

Four More

Today, four more miles. I was supposed to do four "gentle pickup" runs (about 100 yards each) after that, but I didn't feel up to it. I'm battling a chest cold, and I was a little worried about pushing myself too much. I wonder if I caught the cold running in the rain/snow on Wednesday??

I'm going to bed early tonight, and maybe taking the day off from running tomorrow (a rest day, according to my schedule) will help me feel better for Saturday's run.

Some Hard-Core Hoofin'

Today's running distance: four miles, including two miles of one-minute aerobic intervals, despite a steadily falling mix of snow and rain. The snow didn't stick (yeah!), but it looked beautiful coming down.

My mantra for the day was this, from Runner's World: "Running any given route in the rain makes you feel 50 percent more hard-core than covering the same route on a sunny day."

Tomorrow is rest day, and I'm meeting a friend for coffee and munchkins at Dunkin' Donuts. That's one great side benefit of running - no guilt over donuts!

Seven Miles!

Today I ran seven miles. That's right. Seven miles! And let me tell you, seven miles is a loooooooong way. It actually wasn't too bad, though. My legs were shaky at the end, but the worst part was the tight muscles in my lower back. I had to walk a few times, briefly (never more than 30 seconds) so I could try to stretch those muscles.

For me, the hardest part about training is just finding the time to do it. Carving an hour out of the day for myself is pretty much impossible - even on weekends. It really, really helps to have a goal. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have made this much progress.

A Real Training Schedule

I ran five miles today and felt really strong. It was a beautiful, sunny day - blue skies, upper 40s - and I was glad to be outside on the trail listening to Ira Glass on my iPod.

With officially eight more weeks until race day, I've adopted a formal eight-week training schedule from Runner's World. It's a straightforward and doable plan. All I have to do is stick to it, and I'll be ready for 13 miles!!!!

Bumps in the Road

Husband out of town + no backup child care + tight work deadline = no running for a week.

Things are back to normal now, and I ran 4.25 miles this morning. It's not perfect a perfect training schedule by any means, but I'm doing what I can and feeling pretty good about it!

Little By Little

I ran five miles yesterday morning around 7:30. I'm going to try to squeeze in a few more miles today once I get some work done...

The race is looming - only about eight more weeks!

Hanging On

Today's mileage: 4.6. It was one of those days when I was checking my pedometer and thinking, "That's all??" It felt like more, which is not encouraging. Motivation, where are you?

I ran in a spitting rain, which was actually not so bad once I was out the door. Tomorrow morning's agenda calls for at least three more miles. The big news: I have a running buddy! Some company should make tomorrow's pre-dawn run a little easier.

Here's the Thing...

We had snow in Nashville again on Tuesday, so the kids were home and there was no way to run outside anyway. I was sick on Wednesday, and Thursday was packed full of stuff. I hope to get on track tomorrow. Some warmer weather would help with motivation.

Movin' On Up

Today .... drumroll .... 6.5 miles!

It was cold. My legs felt heavy. I walked a few times, very briefly. I'm sure the pace was slow. But I made it about halfway through a half-marathon! This gives me some hope that I may actually be able to do this thing.

Two Is Better Than None

One of my boys was sick today, so I didn't get in the 3.5- or 4-mile run I had planned. But my sweet husband came home a little early so I could squeeze in a short run. I was only able to go 2 miles before it was really dark, so I had to be satisfied with that. It was better than nothing, right? And it made me feel much better.

Note: I need to invest in a reflecting vest since I seem to do most of my running in the dark - either before daybreak or at dusk. And all my winter running gear is black! Not good.

The Best-Laid Plans...

You know that saying ... something like, "If anything is certain around here, it's that nothing is certain." And so it goes with my running schedule. This time it was snow and ice that kept me homebound - and I have been pretty grumpy without my regular running time. Seriously, I can tell a difference (and so can my husband). The sidewalks and roads - and definitely the trail - have been layered with ice and snow, and I really didn't want to sprain an ankle or worse. I could have run today (temps back in the 40s - yeah!), but schools were closed, and there was just no way. You can bundle up a 2-year-old in the jogging stroller, but you can't ask a 5-year-old to run along, you know? No matter. Tomorrow should be back to normal, and I'm looking forward to getting back in the groove.

Five, No Jive

I ran five miles yesterday, which I have not done in years! It was not easy, but not terribly hard, either. Finishing felt great, and I was able to run in the daylight, which helped. :) I'm slowly improving my mileage. Next week the goal is 5.5 to six miles on a long run, but I'll still do the shorter 2 and 3 miles for maintenance.

Today is a rest day - except for sledding and playing in the SNOW with my kids!!

Running in the Dark

I logged 2.5 miles this morning at 5:30. I had plenty of energy, but I don't like running in the dark. It's a little scary, to be honest, even though I stick to the lighted streets. That's the only thing that kept me from going farther and faster today, which is kind of nice to know. I'm looking forward to an earlier sunrise.

Getting in the Groove

I've been getting up at 5:30-6 a.m. to run these days, since it's the only time I really have to fit running into my schedule. And let me tell you, I'm loving it - to my surprise. I actually look forward to those early-morning runs, mostly for the peaceful solitude. I feel much better these days mentally, and I'm a lot more productive on the days I run.

The mileage: Two days ago I ran a little over two miles, and yesterday I logged 4.5 miles in the morning (plus a two-mile, hilly afternoon walk through the park pushing a jogging stroller with the family).

Today I'm resting so as not to overdo it. Now that the weather is warmer (50s), I'm going to start upping my miles and sticking to a stricter schedule.

Back!

Today I ran 3.79 miles, if my pedometer is to be believed. I started at 5:30 a.m., because that is the only time I have to run these days. A light drizzle was falling, and it was dark - but not cold. The run was great, and I felt so much better the rest of the day. It feels good to be moving again.

On Hold

I haven't posted because I haven't been running. It has been too cold to run consistently, so I decided to just wait until things warm up a little - maybe by the end of the week. Then I'll get started again.

And I'm ready for spring.

Snow (Sort Of)

Today (technically yesterday - I'm up at 1 a.m. working) we had a tiny dusting of snow. Schools were closed, so I wasn't able to run at all. Also, it was really cold outside - wind chill in the single digits - and probably too slippery for running. These cold days are supposed to last through the weekend, so I might have to postpone my actual running until the first of next week. In the meantime, I'm going to do some workout tapes to keep me going. On days like this, I wish I had a gym membership.

Rest Day

Today is a rest day, so I didn't brave the freezing temperatures at sunrise. Snow is predicted tonight, so I'm not sure about tomorrow. If the kids stay home, there's no way for me to run, and it's my four-mile day. So we'll see. I'm actually looking forward to running, cold and all. But I really would love to go sledding with the kids or make a snowman - or even a little snowball. Come on, snow!

Freezing!

This morning at 7:30: two miles with temps in the teens. My toes were numb by the end of the first mile, and I thought I might have to turn back. The grass along the trail was white with frost, and the puddles were frozen solid. I eventually eked out 2.14 miles and felt pretty hardcore. It reminded me of my New Hampshire days when I trained for a 10K with Trish and Janet and ran in even colder temps, even earlier in the morning, despite ice and snow. That was about 10 years ago. I've gone soft since moving back down South ... and running partners helped a lot. (Probably being 10 years younger helped, too. And I'm only at two miles. Sigh.)

Next time - thicker socks.

Here's a look at the morning frost, via iPhone.

Rest Day

Today was a rest day, according to my training schedule, so I took full advantage of that. I had work to finish, my husband was back at work, and my 5-year-old was still home on winter break, so I really didn't have time to run anyway. Tomorrow: two more miles in the freezing cold. Can't wait. :)

Day Two

I ran 2.5 miles today .... and it was 24 degrees! I felt pretty good running-wise, but it was coooold, and I was worried about pulling a muscle, so I headed back right at 2.5. I figure I'm just getting my body used to the activity this week, and I'll try to increase my distance a little by the end of the week.

Then I did 15 minutes of stretching and 11 minutes of abs, while my two little boys did some stretching beside me (and climbing on me). My 5-year-old made up his own exercises ("put your arms out like Plastic Man! Now move your feet fast like the Flash! Now move your claw like a werewolf!") while I followed the stretching part of a workout DVD.

So here's to day two! I'm off to watch Return of the Jedi with the family. Tomorrow it's back to an almost-normal schedule of work and school. That's when the real challenge (time, time, time) of this running thing will begin.

First Day, Not Bad

I ran 2.5 miles today in the freezing cold, so I'm feeling pretty good about my first day of training. I barely made it out the door, what with the sausage balls for breakfast and the lazy, holiday feel that is still in full swing around our house. You know how you get in a slump if you lay around the house all morning without a shower? That was me today. But I finally got into gear while the kids were napping (husband was home) and headed out to the trail with my new pedometer and an iPod full of This American Life podcasts. I actually felt that I could have gone farther, but I didn't want to overdo it - and that could be very easy to do considering how very little I've exercised the past year.

I know 2.5 miles isn't much, but it's something. At this point, that's enough. (Bonus: Kids were still sleeping when I got back.)