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!

I am a liar...

I lied…. I swore I would never do Hospital Hill again and I lied… I just finished another Year on the Hill….  

My sister has become a race junkie and in the different challenges she has set for herself she also pushed a challenge in front of me to keep up with her (unknowingly… I think). So as soon as my scars healed from baby #2 I began my quest. And although I had slowed down A LOT I was determined ot catch that girl!

As my loyal fans may remember I completed the Hospital Hill Half Marathon last year when I was carrying my son… Poor kid. It was hot, hard and exhausting but I finished!

I promised myself that I would not embark on this one again- it was terrible and by terrible, I mean horrible, hard, disgusting, heartbreaking…. Terrible.

And then I get a text message wanting my birthday, address, and t-shirt size… Yes- even from my mom and sister this is a very suspicious email… I was getting signed up for something! They knew me well, they knew I would wait until it sold out and then “Oh darn, I can’t do it- sorry guys it’s sold out.” Point for them, zero for me. I was signed up for the first 10k of the year (there was a moment of panic that they put me on the 13.1 docket, but they didn’t - whew!!) I was unsure with it being hospital hill, but nothing ventured- nothing gained, right? So it was time to stare down the bull.

My first practice 6 miler was a fail… I decided to go on Memorial Day during naptime, it had rained that morning and it was HOT… recipe for a muggy, sweaty and swollen run because you can never drink enough water to prepare for that kind of run. I spent 20 minutes talking to my sister about how I didn’t want to run, 15 minutes debating turning around at the 2 mile mark and the rest of the time worried because my phone had died and if I was abducted Jeremy would never know. Needless to say, it was not a good practice run and I had a horrible headache afterwards- BUT I did it and I felt I could now conquer the hill.

Race morning started with a “why do I sign up for these” kind of mood when I had to roll out of bed before 7:00 am on a Saturday but as I got closer, I was actually excited for the adventure!



Pre-Race shot with my favorite running partner



There were so many racers, we had to do a stagger start, so we didn’t actually start until 7:45ish but we were ready to go! My goal for my first 10k was 1:20:00, but I have decided to give myself some slack for this particular race, and here is why….

EVERYTHING WENT UP…. ALL THE TIME (I don’t recall ANY of those downward slopes!)

But I ran smart this time around, I didn’t commit solely to my intervals, I walk the hills when I needed too and ran as often as I could. There were great cheerleaders and even better there was beer at the end that I could actually enjoy this time so I was ready to go!

It was very hard to pass the 5k turn off (mostly because it was the first DOWN hill I had seen) but I stayed to the path and made myself finish. And as a side note, when it came time to follow the path for the 10k, the half marathon was also embarking on a downward slope… seriously.

I didn’t make my goal… I was disappointed… I know, I know I shouldn’t be as I did finish but it was a hard pill to swallow for me. Yes, it was a big accomplishment- don’t worry I have heard it all but I really took it hard. I have come around enough to just rely on the fact that I get to try again and I will do better… don’t misunderstand me here; I get to try another 10K, no Hospital Hill. Seriously I am not doing it again- ever. For anyone or any reason…. Did you hear me wonderful sister of mine?



Post Race



10K Completed....

My Hospital Hill Racing Family.... (My cousins Abby and Madi left before we could take pictures!)

Only 19 more weeks to go until half marathon #1… Who is with me?

More to come... Happy trails and I am excited to see you on the trail soon!

~K

Dangerous Pace

I wouldn’t say I LOVE to run, but I enjoy it. Silence from my kiddos, my husband and of course I get smaller and smaller as time goes on. But as we have discussed previously there are dangers to running, as well as things along the path that make me go faster. I have a very dear friend that introduced me to the show Criminal Minds, and is also pretty sure that you can find a dead body anywhere. That being said, I would like to discuss some of the things that can make me run faster than normal, AT MY DANGER PACE…

WARNING: IMAGES THAT FOLLOW MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, AS WELL AS PEOPLE WITH BAD EYESIGHT! (I WAS RUNNING WHILE TAKING THEM- DONT JUDGE)

Note: If your house/property/goose is pictured... we might have to discuss some very important matters

Places you can hide a dead body would be first….



If I have to run on the opposite side of the road because the bush is so overgrown, what is the source of the fertilizer?





Where did all that dirt come from and what is in it’s place?



Yup, that’s big enough for at least two bodies



This was made for an easy dump site! Just slide that body down the ‘ole body slide and problem solved!



Ah the road in which a Fox 4 News Van stopped me mid-run and asked “Is this where the police found the dead body?” Ehhhhhhhhh



Driveway- where does that lead? To dead bodies?



And now for just odd in general, odd enough that I will sprint by at neck breaking speed so I am not on the 5:00 news….



every time I pass this, I just KNOW that someone is going to jump out and scare me… EVERY TIME!!!!



If you don’t see these and automatically think of those super scary, creepy, haunting ghosts stories than you don’t watch super scary, creepy, haunting ghosts stories. There is nothing natural or pretty about these super scary, creepy, haunting ghosts’ story trees!

I am just confused as to why you would display one of these? To show me how you’re going to kill me??? CREEEEEEPY!!!!

Look closely… it’s not a horse… It’s a DOG…. A very territorial one

God made these creatures to torture me (well and squirrels)- they are not pretty and sweet- they are MEAN and hate me! And you NEVER know if they are real or plastic! Seriously!



[Sign under mailbox reads "Please do not block mailbox"]

What are you having delivered to you that someone cannot park in front of your mailbox? Even more, who is parking in front of your mailbox that you don’t know and can’t just ask them to move?



Are the police slow or the criminals? If it’s the police, is it because even they don’t want to come here?? If it’s the criminals—then why do you even need the police? If they are so slow you know about it, why can’t you just resolve the issue yourself??



I have never found a dead body en route, and I pray I never do but my imagination can sure get away from me sometimes! I hope you are staying motivated and healthy, (and following my blog) throughout your journey!

This month I have chosen a very unflattering picture of myself to try and kick my butt into gear and get motivated… so far I just look at while I am thinking about chocolate- the chocolate wins but HEY… it’s all about baby steps.

Very ALIVE trails to you,

~K