Be Thankful....

As most of you know I wanted to do a long run before Thanksgiving- best way eat some turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy GUILT FREE! And who loves guilt free food (especially carbs)... THIS GIRL!






It was only a 10k.. Only... and I was prepared for this. At least as much as I could. My knowledge of the course from the website- it would be a gradual down and up and down again. I could do this. Plus, I had my sister at my side. I did the usual water preparation the week before and I was warmed up and ready.

And then it happened... My sister cancelled on me. For the first time EVER I was on my own! 

sigh

gasp

shudder

sigh

Cue anxiety attack

I practice run on my own- and don't get me wrong I am not nearly as fast as my sister but just knowing she is on the course SOMEWHERE is a calming force. But here I was, staring down a course I have never ran, all by my lonesome and the internal debate of whether or not I would be going to the race myself. 

$45.00.... That is where I got stuck. I couldn't look past the $45.00 that I spent to register for the race and so I convinced my inner doubting Thomas that I could in fact do this and continued to plan ahead.

Race morning came and after 20 minutes of driving aimlessly to find the parking I was parked and picking up my packet- it didn't matter that I was over an hour and a half early so I had some time to mentally prepare.... 

Energy Beans.... Check

Number attached... Check

Lets get this party started



And then it was time to line up-- I cranked up the music and reminded myself it was only a 10k... 6.20 miles... No big deal

Well, for starters, whoever posted the elevation chart... They lied. Liar. 

And let me finish that with a note- if the beginning of your run is a lonnnnng downhill... That is not a good thing. because guess what.... You eventually have to go UP that hill.






The scenery was very country and the run was small- but not too terrible.





My goal was simple... Beat my 10k split time for the KC Half- that's it. 

(For those of us that STILL cannot read it no matter how big the picture is it says "1:22:55")

That was the goal- and I knew I wanted to do it- the question was going to be could I push myself hard enough on my own

After 4.0 miles I was struggling- I was getting emotional (happens to awesome runners like myself) so I did what I knew would help.... I prayed- ALOT. And then I got a string of text messages that will always make me tear up when I read them... 

And then.... My phone died. Seriously. On the hardest and worst hill in the race (the last one) my phone pooped out on me. But I kept on- what was I going to do at this point? Say I quit? I knew I could do this and I was going to!

Now knowing where I was in regards to time- I pushed as hard as I could and I finished! It was tough, rough and emotional- but I finished a race all by myself! 

Leaving the race with my new medal and sticker... I could only think of two things... A snack and did I beat my time?







FINALLY the results were posted later that evening....

40 seconds.... 40 seconds!!! That is all I needed.... After I tried to think about how long it took me to stop and tie my shoe at mile 2 I realized that it was okay that I failed. It's OK. I have to have something to keep shooting for- so it's ok. 

In all seriousness... I am thankful. Thankful for the husband that lets me leave him on Saturday mornings with our two adventures, and thankful for my support system. They are awesome in every way and I would not have been able to do any of this without them.

So thank you. If you have supported me in ANY way... thank you.

Ps..... And in those nights that I tend to lean towards the site of the boat that gets down about it... I do what everyone else would do in my situation.... I blame my sister! :)

Until we meet again

~K

Oh holy crap!

I know I'm normally a thoughtful, long and exciting blogger (right?!?!)! But this time I must share a short story that just about made me per as well as motivation when I needed it!

Recently I got a new app (thanks to my Starbucks app and my sister- it was FREE)- so I thought Id give it a whirl...

And I love it... But when you start the app for a workout- it asks you....

 

And of course-- I always say yes-- when all else fails, agree right???

But nothing has ever come of this- the only thing that shows up is the following in my profile....

So... There I am trotting along for a brisk 4 miler, fighting gravity and the sun. At mile 3 I was feeling the workout from yesterday and struggling to get up the hill... And then it happened...

Imagine hearing the following in a deep deep deep mans voice.... "Ooooooh yea... I liiiiiike it..." That's what I heard like someone was right behind me-- And I JUMPED OUT OF MY PANTS ALMOST LITERALLY!!!! I looked around, fists up and ready to fight.... And then it happened again.... "Ooooooh yea... I liiiiiike it..." And then I realized it... THE APP!!! Someone wanted me to push on!!

Well ladies... After nearly peeing myself, I did in fact push on... And was motivated to go even faster just in case no liked my status...

Good times!!

Thanks ladies-- you rock!

Kansas City… Kansas City here I come!

So, yet again another race I was very much peer pressured to complete. Don’t get me wrong- I am more than thankful that I crossed that finish line, but I was reminded of what the 12 mile shuffle really is!

Back in January, I made you stick with me and do a running plan- did you do it? How did you do?? Tell me about it!!

I vowed to you avid fans that I would complete a Half Marathon after my son was born last December- before the end of the year- working on getting rid of that baby belly! My baby boy is 10 months old and it was time.

October 19^th, 2013 crept up on me very quickly. I should restate that- came up on me very quickly (nothing creeps quickly, does it?)!

The whole week had been wonderful running weather! I mean fantastic! And then the weather started to show for Saturday on my wonderful weather app, and every day it only got colder. I kept my spirits high- hoping that would motivate the temperature as well- and got ready for my adventure. After all, the racing shirt I had made for me was a TANK TOP!

The day had arrived.... The alarm went off early--- very early

As I arrived downtown, and quickly-thank goodness- found a parking spot, the nerves set in. I wasn't able to run the week before because, well because life happened. And the nerves of “will I survive” were more than present. 

Quickly I found my sister and brother, and we set off to find the rest of the family. What you may not know, this year was special, not only were my sister and I running the half, but my mom, 2 brothers, cousin, sister-in-law and father were a team for the full marathon! How awesome to be part of a family that values healthy choices!

With the temperature coming in at a whopping 34 degrees outside, even though I prefer to round down to 16 degrees to make me sound tougher, it was nothing short of COLD! As soon as we got out of the car, we all knew the only choice would be to do a warm up run to make sure all limbs were present- that didn't work. Still cold. The time ticked down, and the masses began to file into the start line- it was time!

We kicked off, and I was ready- sports beans and all- I was going to do this! The first goal was clearly to survive it, but secondly I knew I could beat my last time on this course- and that was the focus.

Kansas City was gorgeous as the sun came up and everyone was in good spirits- the course was full of people, hills and fans- and I was determined to nail it!

It was a great run over all- but don't you worry, I did learn a valuable lesson on this run... Throughout the course the race had their photographers planted to get good race shots of you, as most do, for later purchase options. As my sister and I had conquered the first hill, we saw one and posed- aren't we smart?! However, unbeknownst to us... That photographer happened to belong to the Kansas City Star- and don't you worry this picture was on their website and linked to my Facebook VERY QUICKLY! Yea....

Tragedy struck my poor left leg at mile 5… my calf muscle was done and the pain began. When I stopped to check things out I was hoping for blood, swelling or even a missing limb it hurt SO BAD… alas there was no battle wound to speak of… Just a limp that lasted a few more miles (days really but I stopped feeling it). Luckily, my parents were waiting to cheer us on at mile 5.5 and I needed the boost! I fought back the tears, took a deep breath (turns out that's vital), received some sisterly encouragement, found my (slower) stride and kept on.

Before I knew it, I had passed mile 12… MILE 12!! I was going to survive!

The last 1.10 miles were ahead of me and since muscle memory had taken over and all I had to do was pray. I could make it. As the mileage ticked by, I could taste the beer.

I crossed that finish line, and although I swear I was sprinting, all I knew was one foot was still falling in front of the other and for the most part I was upright.

My sister, who is also one of my biggest fans, was there cheering me on at the finish, and if that didn't make me cry, the fresh smell of beer did!

Done, completed, accomplished…..

NAILED IT

PS.... Beat last year by 16 seconds... Hey a win is a win!

Lastly- a shoutout to a friend of mine that completed this half and put down in the books his first half marathon!! Woot woot Michael!! You rocked it!!

The 2014 goal is coming... it involves a certain series... are you in or are you out?

~K

Follow the rules

There are rules… Rules of the trail

When you get into the longer distances- the city blocks and choppy sidewalks just don’t quite cut it anymore! You have to find a great, and I would suggest flat, trail to put in the long hikes. However, while on these trails, there are unsaid rules (and posted ones) that you must follow for your fellow runners on the trail.

First, pack some supplies, you NEVER know what will happen and running for 2+ hours is a long time! So make sure you are prepared

• ·         Fanny packs… Yes- I said it- Bring it back yo! It’s handy, it convenient, and I think it is quite stylish!
• ·         A mobile device… For tracking your runs, your tunes and a mayday call if necessary
• ·         Kleenexes… Bathrooms can be few and far between so don’t count on there being any kid of paper that isn't green (and probably poisonous). And if you are anything like me and you don’t pay attention to your diet- you will need that toilet paper
• ·         Water/Gatorade… No brainer
• ·         Carbs… 10 miles isn't natural…. Shoot sometimes I think that 3 miles isn’t natural so carbs are a must have!
• ·        Bandaids and Tylenol.... I pretty much am injured EVERY SINGLE TIME
• ·         Keys… Do you want to be locked out when you get back to your car and have to hike another few miles home? I didn't think so!

Read their rules- these are the ones that you can’t miss when you get there and are plain as day! Then interpret them as you see fit- I mean rules are for breaking, right?

• ·         Travel at reasonable speeds? What if I want to go super fast, does this trail not allow over accomplishment?
• ·         Take up only half of the trail? What are you trying to say? What if, by default, I need the whole trail? Huh? What if I am afraid of the sides and need to be in the middle? Just sayin’…

Pay attention to nature!
There are a lot of things nature will tell you!

For instance- the grooves in the trail? 

Well, Katie....  

This is just from water runoff...

And this is from bikers on the trail...

Are you 100%, bet your life and your first born, sure? I didn't think so- and when in doubt—

THINK SNAKES! (And it goes unsaid to run faster, right?)

Do you believe in UFO’s? 

Someone is either making a sign in the corn, Superman is finally here, or the alien landed- and changed his mind!Note: A dear friend of mine gave me a complex about rivers- therefore while running next to a river- check it for bodies… Seriously



Landmarks are the best… 

 This means only AWESOME people can pass… Right??

When you find a bathroom- USE IT! This bathroom is a blessing! Real roof, walls and on concrete!

Seriously… I can’t even make this stuff up! Who puts the "Trail of Death" on a trail I should probably no longer run solo?!?!?

Dance and celebrate your victories- who cares who is watching?!?!

Last, but most importantly—when you see used duct tape along the way – run FASTER!

Party on and happy trails!

~K

Here are mine... Now show me yours

Running Sucks. Period. It does. I do not like it, I don’t love it, and I don’t look forward to it. Ever. Never. Every time I have to go run (and yes I said HAVE to, I have AT LEAST 15 excuses running through my brain as I squeeze into my awesome running clothes and slip my shoes on.

Here are just a few…

1. I don’t want to
2. A beer sounds better
3. Isn't Sister Wives on?
4. It’s hot
5. I want some cheese
6. I miss my kids
7. I want to hang out with my hubby
8. I want a beer
9. It’s hot
10. It’s hard
11. My house is dirty
12. Isn't there ANYTHING on TV?
 13. I need to fold laundry
14. I need to clean the bathroom
15. There is an ice cold beer in my fridge

And that list could pretty much ramble on forever- and it usually does! I have been able to talk myself out of a run that was much needed! But how is that not a normal thing? If someone were to tell me that they HONESTLY LOVED RUNNING—I might want to double check their sanity score. Its hard and there are many things about it that make it harder for me….

1. I sweat… every where
2. My feet hurt
3. Races are expensive
4. I MUST have matching clothes… $$$$
5. Races are early
6. There aren't enough bras in the world to reign me in
7. You have to work at it to get faster
8. I have to wear a fanny pack (yes… have to)
9. What goes up…. Somehow ALWAYS stays going up!
10. I sweat… seriously it’s worth putting down twice
11. I am sore every time
12. It’s not cheap…. Who made up that lie anyways??
13. You have to be thin to be fast but you have to be fast to be thin…
14. Blisters, calluses, tree limbs, parked cars…. Injuries
15. You have to actually get off your butt and DO IT

So why do it? Well, I need to. I don’t have to, I need to. I have made my running public not only for the comic relief of what happens to me throughout the journey, but to keep me on plan. I finished my run last night in the 4,000% humidity because I know there is a run I am publicly about to take on and need to survive! I have an accountability group that is important to me! And I don’t see you all every day, but when I do and hear things from you about my running, my brain goes two ways…

First— Crap…. They read it and I better be on top of my game or its going to be OBVIOUS someone isn't sticking with it! Sigh. No more slacking off for me without making a public announcement that I have been slacking off!

Second thoughts? How AWESOME to hear of the motivation that this blog provides some of you! That is so cool and I am so happy for that!! Some of you have stopped me to tell me how it has motivated you to do something hard and step out on faith- that is the best thing you can ever tell someone on a journey of their own! Don’t shy away from telling people these things- those are the comments I hear as I run out of energy in the last mile!! Although it may be small… the quality of reason why running DOESN'T suck usually gets me out the door…. 

1. Smaller pants 
2. I NEVER regret a run…. EVER 
3. Healthier example for my kids 
4. The bling of the race… (Yes I am persuaded by the medal) 
5. Smaller pants 
6. To show others that you CAN in fact do things you never thought you could 
7. Awesome racing outfits Do something good for you today- I promise you won't regret it!

Peace, Love and Miles to you!
Days are counting down until October--- will you be there at the starting line with me?Why not? What is your excuse?
~K

FAILED IT!!

How you ever colossally failed at something? I mean bombed, tanked, and ashamed to tell your own mother failed at something? Well, let me just say this is something I have mastered- can you excel at failing? Doesn't that turn around the idea of failing? These last two weeks have shown me how much I really have to work at this whole running gig to truly NOT fail at it.

My hot new shoes

My wonderful mother and sister were on top of me buying new shoes- new shoes is something I definitely FAIL at! I wish I could run barefoot… to truly buy nice shoes that will last more than one 5k will set you back at least $100… I can think of (100) things I could buy instead- I love the dollar store. ANYWAYS… I bought these PINK shoes and now the task of breaking them in… Which I thought after a few runs I should be fine, right? After run #1 my feet were sore, but I knew that was coming- my old shoes have no tread left on them so the structure was going to be painful. And they tore up the back of my heels. All growing pains I have dealt with before but for some reason the one on my left foot will NOT heal! How do you fail at healing blisters? I am not sure- but I am quite excellent at it! We are now at week two and I am going to have to take a hiatus from running for a solid week to see if I can get some tough skin back there!

I have a schedule, it is beautiful, and it makes sense. 100% complete sense. And it even seems like no big deal… I am crushing that, right? Nope. Not at all. I finished the Hospital 10k and in my brain I know that I have until October so why rush? I have cute shoes, matching clothes and NO MOTIVATION. I have missed a week for "recovery" from the 10k- yea I didn't need a whole week.

Mini Strawberry Deliciousness!

So one day it hits, and find the oomph to hit the pavement. That day I also had to complete the “design” of an order for mini strawberry shortcakes for a customer. (Makes total sense that I would start cake baking while doing a running program, right? Right?!) So, back to the point, I hit the trail. I had had plenty of water as it was 500 degrees outside and I didn't want to deal with a dehydration headache. 4 miles would take me less than an hour and the faster I hit the pavement the faster I would have my feet up in the AC and kicking back a beverage of some sort. At mile 1.0, I felt good. Going well and on target to meet my goal time. At mile 1.30 my stomach rumbled, and I mean rumbled, so I paused but thought my stomach was just “adjusting” and I would be fine. At mile 1.50 I realized that I was on a route that was not something I could cut short and I would have to power through. I can do it. It’s only 2.5 more miles, just keep swimming, swimming, and swimming. Right?

For those of you that haven’t followed along since the beginning this is where I will warn you… I am moderately lactose intolerant. I forget this sometimes but for long runs it is best for me to stay away from ANY dairy…

Or the results are as follows: read with caution

My horrible 4.0 mile run

So there I was, coming up on mile 2.0 and no bailout plan. My stomach was getting worse, and it hit me. Sampling the whipped cream, eating berries all afternoon and the smoldering 500 degree heat was coming to a head… in a very brutal way. This was all going to happen, and not in a lady like way… AT ALL. I was desperately looking for “good” leaves and a bush or tall grass because there was nothing I could do about it! I even called my husband, who quietly snickered, and then explained that by the time I loaded up two kids and came to get me it would be faster for me to simply cut through yards and get home. So as I started this adventure looking for the yards without fences, small dogs and yards that hopefully there was no one home I created a plan in the back of my head. I had two shirts on, so the black one was dispensable, I had my new shoes on so those would have to come off and the headband I was wearing could come in hand as well. Somehow, through prayers and happy thoughts I made it home… Barely. Barreled over my toddler, cursed at the STUPID LEGO that I stepped on and made it to the bathroom. Only to realize, almost too late, that I was pretty sweaty and almost slid right off of the toilet seat. But I made it. And I have NEVER been so happy in my life. Ever.

I consider that a failed day really, in all aspects, but you know what? Tomorrow is a new day! Completely.

Lastly, June just fell off the radar for training really- Even after trying to get back out there I missed a week and a half for the stomach flu- which is not appropriate to discuss... Because I am afraid of talking about in case that brings it back! Here is how my June ended...

How my month ended...

My bowels are clean, and I am two pounds lighter, and it is a new day! I will be revisiting my running schedule as well as looking into ways to be a better me, tomorrow, and make it a new day.

I have failed, more times than I have succeeded. But I tried, I put myself out there and gave it a shot- and with that I am 100% satisfied with myself.

July is a new start… T minus 3 months to the first 13.1 miler… I can do this… I WILL SURVIVE- Join me?

Hope you are doing well and just remember--- Tomorrow is a new start and today doesn't matter!! You can always start fresh!