Failure

I just have to say a little bit about failure. I don't like to do it. It really bothered me when I had to give up my training last year. I didn't want to talk about it and I didn't want to think about it. Now that I am training again this year I know I need to address it. I'm afraid of failing again. I worry if my knees will hold out. I worry that Cheri will go into labor while I am running. I worry if my heart is strong enough (physically and mentally). I worry that I will let myself down. I worry I will embarrass myself. I worry I don't have enough discipline. Then I remember I had all these worries with every other goal I have given myself and I make sure I am successful in the goals that are important to me. This goal is important so it will be a priority. Wish me luck!

It is getting easier...

I am running 2 miles on a regular basis now and start my 3 miles on Sunday. It seems to be getting easier and easier so that makes me happy. I use Zumba as my crosstraining and yoga, weights, and stomach exercises as my strength training. I'm feeling pretty good except for some knee pain. It doesn't hurt when I am running but it aches afterwards. I was told to get a knee band so I will be picking one up tonight.

My cousin Kelly has been running marathons for a while now and I read her blog detailing all her adventures with her running groups. I have to find a running group here to keep me motivated and accountable. She is a working mother with 2 young girls so I should be able to do it too. The only problem is I have 15 years on her. I still can do this.

I start my half marathon training a week from Monday. I'm ready! Set! Run!

Plan for half marathon

I signed up for the Glass City Half Marathon on April 22nd. I am starting my training today. My official marathon training starts at the beginning of February but I am starting today to get myself comfortable at the 3 mile distance. I'm going to run 1 mile for a couple of weeks, 2 miles for a couple of weeks, then 3 miles for a week or so. At that point the official training starts. I have it all mapped out on a calendar so I am ready and pumped. I'm really excited for this race. I attempted it last year but health issues got in the way. I am healthy, 50 years old, and ready for the challenge! Wish me luck!!!

My thoughts on runners...

I really don't feel like a "runner" yet. People fall into 2 categories - runners and non runners. I have felt like a runner on an off through my life but I haven't felt like a runner in years now. This does not mean I don't run, it means that I only run after everything else in my life is taken care of. If you know me you know that that doesn't happen very often. I am 50 years old now and I am very aware that keeping myself in shape will contribute to my quantity and quality of life. I don't want to be a feeble old woman. I want to be the type of woman that people don't even think about my age. This means I need to make me a priority. I can talk the talk but can I walk the walk? I am challenging myself and setting goals for my life.

Say a little prayer for me...

Let's try this again...

It is October and I just received the sign up email for the Glass City Marathon. I didn't train properly for it last year and ended up skipping the race. I had just had surgery and still did not feel 100%. This year is different. I am 50 years old and have 2 grandbabies on the way. I really, really want to do this so I'm signing up again for the race and I will start my training earlier this year. I want to run the Turkey Trot again on Thanksgiving; I did it last year but quit running after the race because of my gall bladder. It is gone now so I should be physically strong this year. I will prepare for the 5K and work from there for my 1/2 marathon in April. I'm ready...bring it on!

One week down and sprinting into week 2!

I'm starting my second week of training and am really sore. I can't wait until I am over that hump. I am working through it. I am pushing my body everyday and seeing results, even if it is coming slowly. I just keep thinking how I am going to get from today to April 17th? Slow and steady wins the race. I'm just impatient and want to be in fighting condition now!

The treadmill is getting old. I can't wait until this weather warms up and I can take to the road. I have discovered that running to Zumba music helps me run faster. I am learning new music for my classes and taking advantage of the energy from my Latin obsession. The only problem is that I am choreographing songs in my head while running. Sometimes I start dancing to them which can be very dangerous on a treadmill : 0

Just Do It!

All through college and with a divorce, 3 teens, a dying father, and all the little stressors in my life, I used to say over and over in my head, "Just Do It." The famous Nike slogan got my papers written, court cases resolved, and helped me in taking care of Dad. I try to remind others to live by those 3 little words. They are so powerful.

Into my first week of 1/2 marathon training, I find myself saying those words to myself daily. I also just learned a new one, "Inhale God, exhale the devil." (BTW, I refuse to capitalize the devil. He isn't worth the time.) The new mantra has helped me sleep, relax, and keep focused. By the time I do it 6 or 7 times, I can't remember why I was stressed in the first place. It's kinda cool. It also helps me breathe through the running when I would usually give up. I think I am going to use both of these on race day.

Week one is going well: Monday I ran 2 miles and power walked for an hour, Tuesday was Zumba, today I ran 2 miles this morning and am walking again after school and before bowling, tomorrow will be Zumba, Friday is rest day, and Saturday is my 4 mile run.

I am also on a 5 day diet to kick start my metabolism and clear my system. My stomach has been messed up since fall and I am trying get rid of it being an issue in my everyday life.

Balance, everyday is balance.