Must be more consistent

I need to be more consistent about blogging here! I am training and trying to be diligent in my running. Our group runs are great. The season is much different that my first. This is just as wonderful as last season. I definately hope to run Nike again, but not for a few years. I have some other runs to accomplish first.

It feels sort of strange training for a half marathon instead of a full this go around. I feel sort of like I whimped out.

I was late for yesterday's group run, but I did get my required time in. Lake Padden is so muddy. My shoes were just trashed. It took three cycles through the wash to get them clean. I let them dry out under our propane fireplace. I definately prefer summer training to winter/spring training. I don't like the dark mornings and cold rain.

This last week was crazy personally and the daily runs helped my sanity. I can't imagine life without those runs. I don't want to imagine life without those runs. Running has made me a much better, calmer, happier person. Skinnier too!

I am failing in the fundraising aspect this go around. I just haven't gotten off the procrastination train and powered through. My goal is to get as much in $ donated as I can in the next 2 weeks. I want to hit the half mark by April 7.

We had a great group run this morning. The weather was so wonderful. I had to peel off layers as I went. It was sunny and the day ended up very warm. I finally got a new pair of shoes. I was so past due. After the run this morning I ended up at Fairhaven Runners and got the next generation of Mizuno Wave Alchemy. I tried on 4 pair total and went back to Mizuno. I am having a little ache showing up in my shins, and both the coach and the guy at Fairhaven Runners said new shoes should quickly ease that. I mean I trained, ran a marathon and began training all in one pair of shoes. They are beat, but I love them. I took them home with me. I became a runner in those shoes. I have serious sentimental attachment to them.

We have a great group of members. I just love them all. We brainstormed some fundraising group events. It will be great fun, we are going to do concessions at a couple Mariner's games, concessions during Ski To Sea, as well as a couple car washes. The unity and spirit that is beginning to form is inspiring.

I ran 100 minutes today and am now starting to feel my body stiffen and get sore. I ignored the signs all day by keeping busy working in the yard. Now that I have stopped and sat, the ache is settling in. It has been a long time since I have felt this wonderful ache. It is the ache of knowing that I am on a new journey to conquer another marathon and raise money for my heroes and others whose lives are affected by Blood Cancers.

Time To Play Catchup!

I was out last week with a rotten flu and missed 7 solid days of running. Today was our team run and I managed to run and feel ok. I was a little weak in the legs, but got my 40 minutes in. It feels like such a tiny amount after having completed one marathon training. I have to remind myself to stick to the schedule and not over run, especially after missing a week.

The weather was good. It was overcast and cool and thankfully not pouring rain.

We have a great team and our coach is wonderful. She is much different than the last coach I had. She is more proactive and takes more time to have an organized warm up before we start and then we gather together at the end and visit and are getting to know one another. I think this season we will be more cohesive than the last team I trained with. I had gotten so used to being completely on my own, I find I have to adjust a bit and not be so solitary and sink in to my own thoughts.

Time to get on with my day - always a ton around here for me to do. It never ends.

Kick Off and More

It was supposed to be cloudy and a bit snowy yesterday. Instead the skies were clear and it was just absolutely gorgeous. We had our official TNT Kick Off yesterday morning. The run before hand was great. Mo led us and she is a riot and really great to run with. I just loved it. As usual the runners - all those long legged tall people cruised on ahead of me and I had a solitary run. The crisp cool air was perfect as was the scenery. Mo would periodically run back and high five me or turn around and shout out at me. There were a couple walkers from TNT behind me.

The majority of the TNT team this year is for the 2 Tri races. I think at this point we have 8 marathoners. 3 new people signed up at Kick Off.

I am really excited for the season.

I will have a short run today before the Super Bowl and then tomorrow I am taking a Yoga Class. My toes are a little tender this morning.


This is the worst part of the year for me. February is the longest month in my mind and it is the point where I am so tired of winter and short cold rainy days. The crocus are starting to poke through and I see the buds fattening on the cherry trees. Yesterday there was a Robin in our yard. This makes it difficutlt to have patience for spring and summer - the time when I feel best and most alive.

Winter Running

I am back to a more normalized running schedule finally. Does it ever feel good. It makes such a difference in my day to day outlook and approach to life in general. I don't ever want to have to give this up.

Yesterday was a snow day around here for the kids. We were all home bound. I ran for the first time in my life in the snow. It was wonderful. Out where I live it was quiet and peaceful. I could hear the river, feel the snow flakes stinging against my cheeks as I ran and the quiet was incredible. I loved it. I ran about 3.5 miles. No Ipod, just the quiet of the snow to accompany the sound of my foot fall on the soft snow.

Today we are back to our regular rain.

My toes haven't bothered me yet, which is so encouraging.

Our official Team In Training Kickoff is this Saturday. Our team is very small. A total of 4 marathoners in addition to myself and one of our honored patients that is hoping to do the half in Alaska with us.

I am really looking forward to this training season. I got my fund raising web page all set up and will start actively fund raising this coming week. The Team In Training Logo on this site will take people directly to the donation site.

She runs~!

I ran yesterday. It was a gingerly run and honestly the most mentally challenging run yet. It was only 4 miles, but a tough 4 miles. Today I am sore and my shins are a little achy. The sore shins is a first for me and makes me a little nervous.

I didn't run today, but had a little walk at lunchtime. Tomorrow I will run a little bit again and hopefully my gradual build up will be an easy one.

Tonite is a TNT meeting with 8 potential team members. I am looking forward to it.

It's been like forever....

I haven't been running much, so I haven't been posting on here. I have injured feet/toes and so running has been very sporadic. I rest, then start running and then have to stop again. I have soft tissue damage on the end of my toes and running is aggravating it. The only cure is rest. They feel good right now. I ran once this week. I have been swimming, but it isn't the same. I dont' get the same adrenaline and over all emotional satisfaction from it. I am a strong swimmer and I know that it is a great all over body workout.

I am a bit worried that my feet problems are going to sideline me for the Mayor's Marathon. This marathon is a bigger deal than the first marathon. I am hoping to reconnect with a childhood friend. She is in Anchorage and our friendship ended after a tragic event came to light in her life.

Next week I will try running again and we shall see how it goes.

I am very excited to be a team captain for Team In Training this go around. Our kickoff even is Feb 2. I am really looking forward to the season and the new team. I love that part of training.