The Learning Curve

I hope this post finds all is well and you are coming into warmer weather soon! There is nothing like running for hours without one drop of sweat to show for because you were so dang cold!

As you all know, I am still in training for the Heartland Series that my sister convinced me would be a good idea…. I am still trying to convince myself of that as well. BUT I have come to the conclusion that it won’t kill me- so why not?

I found this training set to be one of lessons- many, many lessons that you would have thought an (cough-cough) experienced runner like me would have learned by now! Who knew there would be a learning curve involved while training?

As you read through these lessons- there is no judging allowed…. Or aloud. (Okay, okay… You can do so quietly)

       1)      When you jump on and off a treadmill—verify your feet placement—every time.

 Luckily for me, when my right foot decided to not get on the side completely and almost wiped me out, no one was watching!

       2)      Reading on the treadmill helps a 6 miler pass faster

I know what you are thinking- how can you read and run? Well… first, the font is

THIS BIG

So really it’s hard not too and I cannot look up. If I MUST look up, I have to hold on first and understand to look up VERY SLOWLY. Or, it will much result like the first one… I will fall off.

       3)      Get it over with

 I am working on being a morning runner (**Gasp**) Yes… I just said the “M” Word. Crazy, right? I agree, and every time I get up at 5:15 AM I am thinking that as well. BUT do you know how much I can get done if I get a workout in before 7:00?? My house is clean, I have a bra on, my hair is brushed and the kids eat something other than dry cereal or granola bars for breakfast! Madness

     
       4)      Tighter is better

Really in all things--- it’s true. But recently I have had the opportunity to actually shed some of my baby weight and found that while running, my pants tend to fall off. And I spend much of my first few miles pulling them up until sweat helps to seal them to my body. So, off for new pants. I was tempted to by the XS pants, but after realizing I would be able to only fit those on my arms, I went after the right pair- and still ended up with a smaller than normal size at the checkout. (And yes, I wanted to ask the checker to look at the size and tell me congrats- but I refrained! Instead I texted my sister and told her to compliment me)

     
       5)      Running saves lives

 Yes, most runs are for GREAT causes and I think that is AWESOME, but I mean saving lives in the literal sense.  As you know, I LOVE my two children- blessed that God chose me as their mother, and there are so many moments I am thankful to not miss any part of their tiny little lives. HOWEVER… That love seems to need a recharge- on a consistent basis- and at these moments if I can get to the gym, or hit the pavement I am golden. And my children will survive yet another day.

       6)      Running saves marriages

My husband is my dream boat. I am a half empty cynic, and at any moment the world is ending. I trust very few people and consider even fewer people close enough to divulge my deep dark secrets (Admit it- you wanted a small bio for my awesomeness J). My husband is the EXACT opposite! God knew what he was doing with us two for sure! They only thing we have in common is that we both  love making people laugh. So after a long day with my hellions, and my husband comes home with a comedy routine about what is for dinner let me just tell you that 3 miles alone is a marriage saver. And there have been a time or two in which he has (gently) suggested that maybe I go for a run-- MAYBE I wasn't in the best form at the time. Love is a wonderful thing!

       7)      Running forces you eat better

Sometimes I really don’t like this. My running schedule really messes with my fast food and alcohol intake schedule- and it kills me. I love a good cheeseburger, greasy fries and a huge slice of cheesecake! But let me tell you—if I ate that, even my sister would not go for a run with me. I would be sick as a dog. Yes, I know, glass half empty, but sometimes I REALLY WANT TO EAT CRAP! Ah well- my waist is thankful and I know somewhere inside my skinny person is too.

       8)      Comparison is a slippery slope

Someone told me recently that I let comparison steal my joy. WHEW! It was a little early for that shot to the gut! However- it wasn’t false! How true! I am horrible at that, and when I am running and the guy next to me is running faster I tend to go slower- NOT faster because of the negative conversation in my end. So these past few weeks I have learned to use it more as motivation and to make sure I am comparing myself to myself. And when the guy on the next treadmill is going faster- I simply try it as well. (Both of those occasions were a HORRID idea- and the saying pride goes before the fall was in fact literally TRUE!)

       

       9)      You are a runner if you run

Who cares what your fastest mile is or if you can hold a conversation on mile 10? If you run, you’re a runner. I don’t know why, (refer back to my cynic nature) but for the longest time I wouldn't tell people I was a runner! I didn't think that a 14 mile average made you part of this elite club, and I suppose part of me was embarrassed. BUT NOT ANYMORE! Doggonit, I wake up at 5:00 am to do this stuff, I spend so much money on running gear and entry fees that I am surprised my husband hasn't made me pull out a loan! I have had more mishaps on a treadmill and trail than anyone I know; I have missed family time, and (mostly) sleep for this habit. I am a runner- and guess what that means if you are out there trying—SO ARE YOU! Be proud of it and own it- flaunt your hotness and make it count!

     
       10)   What doesn't kill you…

…Makes you stronger. It just does. From morning running, to seeing a 7 mile run as “quick”, I have been amazed at how far I have come. It doesn’t matter how fast you are, whether you run/lift/box, or how good you look doing it (because no one looks good exercising). What matters is that you are doing it! Rock on with your bad self and keep up the awesome work!! I have seen so many friends choose to take on big hairy audacious health goals this year and I am so blessed to be surrounded by such awe-inspiring people! Keep it up—you keep me going!

As the training continues- so does the learning. I doubt that part will ever stop (and here I was SURE I knew it all!!) I would love to hear from you and how things are going! Keep inspiring me- it keeps me going and have a GREAT week this week!

Happy trails to you!

~K

Running for Beans (or for a Cold- whichever)....

I apologize for the delay in my blogging! Turns out that 2 toddlers, a full training schedule, a dog and a husband tend to keep you busy! Not to mention I decided to take on the challenge of writing a list of “30 things to do in my 30’s” to keep me focused on me in all the chaos- so it has been CRAZY!

Nonetheless I have been able to keep up with my running program in the midst of all of it! I really wanted to get faster this year, and not just do the “twelfth mile shuffle” the whole time! So I have done the unthinkable and joined a gym. Turns out that your core is not just something you throw away after scarfing down an apple! No worries- I have plenty of embarrassing tales to come of my days in the gym!

However, as you all know, my crazy sister, is now an addict when it comes to running and in January we celebrated her birthday- and although I did tease her about her age... I figured I would leave it out of this entry.... at this current time. But a big shoutout to her and another year well spent (or well survived) with me as your sister!

Now-what do you think she wanted for her birthday?? Well, as you may already know, she wanted anyone that could to join her for a 5k. What is the problem you ask? Well her birthday is in JANUARY and we live in the Midwest. Which means it would be in the teens –at best- for temperature and most likely snowing. Well GUESS WHAT?? We were lucky enough to get BOTH!

She had won a free entry to a Battle of the Bean race (coffee vs. cocoa) and so I (begrudgingly) joined her. No worries, I think I complained more than I actually ran- but hey! I ran!

During the race, I was fortunate enough to be passed by at least 10 people in their 80's, almost wiped out on a slick spot of the pavement, and let my fellow runners know exactly which song I was jamming too on my playlist!

I told myself that this would be a race to practice my stamina- and I really surprised myself! At the moments when I wanted to stop and walk- I just slowed down and it worked. Believe it, or not, it is actually EASIER to just slow down your pace but keep running than to stop and walk! Although I didn't make my PR, I still sprinted in the finish and ran better than I have for the last 12 months!

A very happy birthday to my dear, and crazy, sister and I look forward to many more to come!

What races are you doing this year? I would love to see you at one! I have been gearing up for the Heartland Series as well as a race that I am making my sister do this year (see that turn of the table!! OH YEA!!!) And trust me, the blog entries to come from these two events will be EPIC... Promise!

And remember.... when you just don't think you are going to make it....

Many miles and blister free days to you and yours....

~K

Only 2 miles... or was it 8?

Running is much like your favorite TV Show, if you don't stay caught up then it becomes almost unbearable to catch up. Almost. (I suppose that depends if the shows you watch are as awesome as mine are!)

With the Holidays and adjustments we had made- it happened- running fell to the background. I had done such a fantastic job of staying on top of purely maintaining just so I wouldn't set myself back but the two weeks of Christmas/New Years, and then a week with the flu and other incidentals, well... let me be honest here- I didn't MAKE the time to hit the pavement, and I was behind.

Can you claim that you are back in the game, back on the trail or hitting it hard after a 3 week hiatus with only one run after your belt? I hope so because that is what I am going to claim!

It was time for that fateful day to arrive and for me to get back out there to see just how bad off things were. With the Heartland Series peeking around the corner I was going to run out of time- and likely not survive. So I put on my big girl panties, laced up my well worn shoes and headed out. I jokingly told my husband I would be back in an hour (for a 2 miler), but sadly he didn't see the joke (or he truly agreed it may take me that long!) and noted the time --Most likely to look for my body along the trail when I didn't make it. 

But at some point every runner has to make a decision. the decision to get out there and just do it- stop talking about it and put one foot in front of the other. On this particular run, the first mile was great- running a  PR mile time and not really having any pains or breathing issues (pretty much a rock star) and then it hit me... I might actually not make it! every muscle started burning, you would have thought I smoked a whole pack of cigarettes and weighed 800 pounds for as much as it was hurting. But guess what-- I survived. I didn't die the gruesome death on the side of the road, no one hit me with their car (even though they might have slowed thinking I was in need of assistance from a mortal wound) and I made it back to my house on my own accord. While walking to the front door I didn't have one ounce of regret. My whole entire body sure felt as though I had finished an 8 miler, not only a 2.... But the important word here is FINISHED. And that was good enough for me!

Just like the office bully that seems impossible to deal with, get around and always seems to get her way... Running is a mind set and if you let the bully talk you down, you will never be able to rise above it! There are some of you that have mentioned that you really want to do a series, a run or even a half marathon this year... Just do it! Right foot, left foot, right foot.... Show em what you are made of my friend! I promise you, that you will not regret it

Things are never how they seem and anything, ANYTHING can be accomplished!

Nothing but love, hugs and calories burned to you!

~ K

If change is good....

Then why does it seem to be one of the biggest fears that most people have?

Change.

According to Webster; change is 

: to become different

: to make (someone or something) different

: to become something else

how do those options NOT sound like fun? Recently I have gone through a decent amount of change.

And it brought me to my knees.

For those of you that don't know me personally- I am a woman of faith. I do believe that every living being has a purpose on this earth and that there are times where you have to walk out of faith. That was a VERY easy sentence to type- but in the last three months I have actually HAD TO STEP OUT OF FAITH! Most terrifying and exciting thing I have ever done! I have worked all my life, both in school and than in the work place. I have worked hard to excel at anything I am tasked to do and have not done to shabby if I say so myself. But the one job I NEVER thought I would have is to be a stay at home mom. And then it happened. The forces of the world aligned and I resigned in October to be at home full time with my little ones.

As of late- I have begun to embrace it as well as recognize that I also need to do some things for me- and be the best version of myself. Although it is quite scary to admit that I haven't been!

So here it is... 2014... and I have set a goal for both myself and for you, if you are brave enough to accept it. 

Find something that scares the living daylight out of you this year... and then conquer it. 

That being said, this year I will be participating in the 2014 Heartland Series.... GASP. I cannot even believe I am doing this as I type it! But I am. What is that you may ask?


5 WEEKS – 3 RACES – 2 STATES

39.3 Miles

The Heartland 39.3 Series is a challenge for all of the half marathon fanatics who love to run half marathons and who want to take on the challenge of participating in three area half marathons in five weeks! 

No, this isn't my GREATEST fear, but this is definitely something I didn't want to do because I am afraid of it! So here we go- let the fun begin and the training commence.... (And yes... my sister MAY have peer pressured me into facing this challenge :))

What are you doing this year? Challenge yourself and please share it with me! I love to hear from you- remember YOU keep me going!

Happy training and be the change you want to be!

First run of the season.... Fast feet to you and yours this year!!

~K

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