Run Strong for Boston

Ever since I got back into running, the Boston Marathon has been an iconic event for me. It's something I love to watch, and would love to run. The purity of the race, the history, the tradition. 27,000 people, who put in so much time and effort to qualify, to be able to register. 27,000 people who, for the past few months or longer have put blood, sweat and tears into training for this one day. They have sacrificed time to spend with family and friends, missed out on so much pleasure to put all their effort into this race.

I admire these people, the dedication they have to qualify, the dedication they have to make it to Boston. I admire the people who support these runners, the family, friends, co-workers. The Bostonians who take off work, leave their homes to cheer on these people. Even if they only know one runner, or no one, they support. They are what keeps us runners strong, keeps us going. When we want to quit, when our legs hurt and we're tired and we just don't think we can finish, we run for them. We run BECAUSE of them. Their cheers, their signs (my personal favorite is still "Worst Parade Ever"), their offering of little treats like Sour Patch Kids. These cheerleaders are my heroes.

To have what happened on Monday, for some coward to take such a sacred event, such a patriotic event and attack innocent people is senseless. Whoever this was will not win. They didn't just attack the United States, but they attacked the world. The thing is, this has backfired on the intent. Because if the intent was to make us fearful, the complete opposite has happened. People have united, people are standing strong. The response from the running community yesterday, the support was amazing. The #runforboston could probably be seen all over the world. People joining together to get out and run, to not let this horrific event stop us. The London Marathon is not cancelled. Runners will still unite to run 26.2 miles. Spectators, cheerleaders, family and friends will still come out to support these marathoners.

This is why I love running. This is why I will continue to run. This is why I will run the Big 5, I only have four to go after all! I will not live in fear to attend events, to cheer others on, to be cheered on myself. And I will take an extra second to thank those people, those supporters, those volunteers. So thank you. Thank you for your support, and I will run strong for YOU. I will run strong for Boston.

Yesterday runners everywhere united to wear a race shirt to support Boston, so wanted to share mine!

2013 races!

Decided to add two more states to the list this summer. My little sister graduates from high school in Dallas beginning of June, so the runner in me googled "half marathons in Dallas June 2013" and there JUST so happens to be on June 9th near where mom and Haley life. Score! It's a Wounded Warriors Half too, I love running in races to support my military. My mom is going to run the 10k, I am so proud of her and can't wait to see her finish!

Wanting to get another close state out of the way, my FAVORITE state has a half in mid-July, the Missoula Half. Might spend the week up in Montana exploring my youth, then run the race. Really want to get in Idaho this year, so will have to do some research on that one.

Three states, will get up to 10 so far toward my goal so pretty stoked about it! Who knows what the fall looks like, there could be a random race always thrown in the mix.

It's been great training this week, my lab puppy is over a year old now and loves to run. He keeps my pace quick and sleeps well after so best of both worlds. Although whenever we run by the water, instead of taking a sip in the stream he crawls in it. At least he's entertaining!

New Year, new goals

Ah the annual New Year's Resolutions day....where people everywhere vow to accomplish goals throughout the year, typically intangible ones like "I resolve to eat healthier" or "I vow to work out more", these goals typically die out within a month or two of the turn of the year. Also why I like to stay away from gyms. Sitting at a church in Tri-Cities on Sunday, the pastor mentioned someone he knew who wanted to run 1,000 miles in 2013. My boyfriend and I are both avid runners so this is a 'resolution' I am going to borrow, however it's going to be more of a challenge. We've challenged each other to see who can run 1,000 miles in 2013 FIRST. Not quite sure what the prize is, but it's something that's easy to track, the competition will add a little motivation in the attempt to complete the goal. I am going to do a weekly update to show the progression of both of our results and how we're doing. Apart from this fun challenge, I'd like to continue my quest to run at least a half marathon in every state. Last year I hit Washington, Oregon and Illinois. I don't have any travel destinations planned at the moment, but living in the Pacific Northwest I know I can at least hit Idaho and Montana, perhaps venture down to California. These seem like good places to race this year, they are close by, therefore easy to travel to. Setting these tangible goals for the year, things like 'exercise more' and 'eat healthier' will come naturally. I challenge everyone to make some goals for the year that they can track and see the progression throughout the year, instead of goals that are set up for failure without the proper accountability.

Finished!

The race was rough, it shouldn't have been, but it was. All the conditions were a perfect setting for an amazing race: temps in 40's at start, up to mid-50's in morning, flat course, tons of people on every inch of course cheering on the runners. If properly trained with no injuries this would have been the perfect race. Yet nothing in life is truly perfect.

About 6 weeks out both Irvin and I were struck by injuries. Him with an IT band and shin splits, me with a hamstring. Both injuries kept us off our feet for a while during a pretty critical time in our training.

I got through most of the race fine, around mile 20 or so pain started to kick in and I started walking a bit more, although I ran quite a bit. Came in around 5:33, 10 minutes slower than my hilly Marine Corps Marathon last year. But I finished, I accomplished something not a lot go out and do. I wasn't just someone who's done one marathon, I was now a marathoner and that feels pretty darn good.

Poor Irvin started out strong, with the 3:05 pace group but started dropping back around mile 9...and walked from 13 on. He finished, perhaps not in the time he wanted but he refused to give up and made it to that finish line. I am so proud of him for that, through all the pain and suffering and thoughts of quitting he powered through. He had a goal, he aimed for it and even though he was rough he finished. What a strong willed man I have!

We both have said we'll stick to shorter races for a while. I think it's a good decision, but I still wouldn't change the outcome of the race for anything because it shows if you have enough determination to complete something you will, and that's all that matters.

Injuries suck

Well, I have been laid up since about August 11 (think that was my last real run). Prior to my half marathon August 4 I had some pain in my hamstring, so taking full advantage of working in College Athletics I hobbled over to our athletic training room to see what advice they had. Stretch, ice...the norm. Said it should heal soon and I'll be back on the trail training for Chicago before I know it. This has been a SLOWER process than I anticipated. I hate not running. I didn't realize how much until I wasn't allowed to do it. All I want is to throw on some gear, crank some tunes and get out there. Patience is key....but mine is seriously lacking. I know in the long run its better, better than permanently injuring myself or having a nagging reoccurring injury. Whatever, it still sucks. Hoping to get back out there shortly, start off slow with a short run and work my way back up to finish off the last 5 weeks of training. I will finish the Chicago Marathon. One way or another I am determined to get that finishers medal and bragging rights, even if I have to walk. Course, after watching the Olympic Marathoners, I know the smart thing would be to stop if it’s so bad I can’t put pressure on it. I look up to Ryan Hall a lot; he is an amazing man both as a runner and in his faith in God. His first DNF was the Olympic Marathon, and I know that would take a lot of guts to know you have to stop and not finish something so monumental. Sometimes it is better to be smart I guess…

Race and training!

Chicago training started a few weeks ago...and in my quest to run 50 races in 50 states I also ran the Seattle Rock and Roll half marathon on Saturday. Since I was suppose have a long run anyway I figure I might as well get a medal for it!

Was worried about the weather, but the rain held off and it turned into a great climate for a race in Seattle! I was kind of worried since my training has been somewhat slacking lately, but the race went better than expected and my first four miles or so I was actually running under a 10 min pace, which is great for me! I ended up finishing in 2:22:52, and my former PR was 2:23:25 so I PR'ed again! Still aiming for that 2:10 mark, but I'll take any PR I can get.

My favorite parts of the race was when I ran past a bunch of high school cheerleaders and they turned out to be from my former high school! That gave me a boost of energy for a stretch. The second part was toward the end when I saw my dad and my puppy! Probably wasted a few seconds giving puppy a kiss, but totally worth it.

Right before the end my boyfriend jumped out of the crowd and ran with me for a few! What a great feeling to have him support (even though he DID finish the race almost an hour before me, ha ha). I was focused on getting to the finish line before my time, but always happy to have my manfriend keep me company.

FANTASTIC photo of me crossing the finish line, I need to order it still, but I'm giving the thumbs up with a cheesy grin on my face. Better than a grueling face I guess!

This week is a 3, 6 and 3 during the week and 11 miler this weekend. Did my 6 today during lunch and it was about 10 degrees hotter than I was expecting....but no humidity so I won that one! On to the weekend and just keep runnin'

Week one

And it begins again. Chicago training started this week, which was a little tricky since I was on vacation on the east coast. This morning I got up and ran 3 miles on the Burke-Gillman trail in Seattle. It was about 45 degrees outside so not too bad! My boyfriend got me the Garmin 610 so I get to play with a watch again. Hopefully this one won't stay in Ohio.
Tomorrow I will try to run 5, then 3 again on Sunday. I have a half marathon in two weeks in Seattle, nervous since my training hasn't been up to par, but it will be nice to get out and race again! This move and transition has been quite the learning experience, but hopefully I'll slip back into my routine.
I go a puppy a couple months ago, can't wait till he's old enough to run with me. Right now it's mostly entertaining because he's 3 months and a bundle of energy, so he gets puppy training soon. I don't need to be pulled on the trail. Actually, now that I think about it that doesn't sound too bad after all!