Rookie on the Run

I'm so excited! I just found out I am the winner of the $100 Running Shoes from Online Shoes from the Reese's Run virtual race!! Thanks, Christy from Run Like a Girl . Also, thanks to everyone for the advice regarding my last blog post. I so appreciate all the encouragement and suggestions. Everyone made terrific points. Mark Berry from Half-Marathon Mania reminded me that I have 30 days until the marathon and don't need to decide now. Great point! Lots of you reminded me that a lot can happen to a body in 30 days. And to keep trying. More good points! Glenn Jones (aka The Running Fat Guy) and Rick from Marathonman Runs Again! reinforced my concerns that attempting a marathon could cause my injury to worsen. I think Melanie from Mel Tries to Run imagines that I'm going to dance and rock out along the course. What Mel doesn't know is that I'm a horrible dancer (picture Elaine in Seinfeld... ya, I'm almost that bad). I do like how Mel thinks, tho...

Now that my knee/leg is feeling better, I decided to get out and walk this afternoon. It was nice to be outside, even if I still can't run. I wasn't pushing myself to walk my fastest because I'm concerned about hindering the healing process. Still, I thought I was making good time. I was wrong. I walked for an hour and 19 minutes and went about 4.3 miles. That makes a pace of 18.22. In order to finish the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in 6.5 hours, I need to be able to walk at about a 15 minute pace. The race gives 7 hours to finish but I want to get across that finish line ahead of the people with the push brooms. I'm going to go ahead and admit this: I'm scared! I am so far behind in my training... whether running or walking... I feel like I will not be ready for this race. I am so hoping I will be able to run part of the race. I can't, however, even run across the street at this point without experiencing sharp pain in my right thigh. I know ...

There are less than 36 days until the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. I am getting so excited! Even though I've had to change my focus and plan to walk it, I am looking forward to the excitement of the day, the bands, the scenery, and the post-race beer. In a way, it's nice that I will be walking the race. I get to focus on having fun! I just have to finish in under seven hours. And heck, you never know... if my leg/knee feels well enough, I may try running parts of the race.

Out of respect for my scattered-brain, I decided to go random tonight in my blogging. I'm in Love It's not uncommon for me to profess my love for inanimate objects. I've proposed marriage to strong, hot cups of coffee. I've fallen in love with many Italian Gelatos in my life. I've even had my knees go weak & my heart throb when seeing a beautiful, shiny 1968 Mustang Convertible or a sweet, custom Harley Davidson. Today was a great day in the love department: I got to go on the Roller Table at the chiropractor's today. I LOVE the Rollie Table! The Roller Table is a cushioned table that has rollers under the upholstery that move along the spine/back in a wave-like motion. I always fall asleep on it. Ahhhh ... I wish I had a Rollie Table. I also found and fell in love with these: After falling asleep at the chiropractor's and then again at the physical therapist (yep, there too), I decided I needed some caffeine. And chocolate. I found both in ...

Reese's Run Reese's Run Virtual Race is supposed to be tomorrow. Well, I did it today. And I didn't run it, I stationary-biked it. I also did twice the amount plus two miles. I hope that counts! Reese is the daughter of blogger, Run Like a Girl! . Reese has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. She turns four tomorrow. Run Like a Girl hosted this 4-mile virtual race in order to raise money for Joints in Motion. It's not too late to sign up for the virtual race. You can still click on the Reese's Run box on my sidebar and take it from there. Something's Missing My first two years of teaching were pretty much spent either being sick or fighting off some sort of illness. During our first month-long break (we were a year-round school), I remember waking up one morning and feeling weird. I kept wondering, "What is wrong with me?" Then it hit me... I felt well! For the first time in three months, I wasn't sick or feeling worn down from fighting ...

I'm going to try to make this quick. I'm trying to be good lately about getting to bed before 11:00. Plus, I'm tired. I got tagged by MCM Mama to fill out the Crazy 8s Survey. I'm glad because I wanted to blog... lest you all forget me... and I had nothing to say. Plus, I know you are all just dying to know everything about me * , so here goes: *I'm being facetious. I'm sure you already know more than you ever wanted to know! 8 Things to which I am looking forward: 1. My glass of chocolate milk in the morning 2. My first cup of coffee in the morning 3. Mother's Day... I love getting showered with hugs, gifts, & special treatment 4. Being able to run again. 5. Dog the Bounty Hunter to be over (my hubby is watching it) 6. Dropping 5 pounds off my hips and butt 7. Going to the San Diego Wild Animal Park with my 4 year old tomorrow 8. Wearing my new Running Skirt on Saturday to do another 10 mile walk 8 Things I did yesterday 1. Made birthday cupcakes...

I've been reading a lot, lately, about the benefits of caffeine when running and/or working out. Here's a little test you can take to make sure you're getting the most out of your morning cup of coffee: Created by OnePlusYou

Short one tonight My knee/leg is feeling better! I really started to notice the improvement yesterday. While I do still feel some pain, it definitely is less! Woo-hoo! So tomorrow, I'm going to do the 18-mile run I missed yesterday. Hee hee... I'm kidding, folks! I'm taking time off until I know I'm able to run and not injure it again. I'm also going to go back slowly. Yep, slow like that. Have a great day!

Take It and Run Thursday (belated) Yesterday's Take-It-and-Run Topic at Runners' Lounge was about blogging as a runner... why start & how it helps. I'm not going to write a lengthy blog about that... I'm going to bullet-point it. I love bullet-points. When I started running and training for a marathon, I thought I had a unique idea... I'd blog about my running experience! It might be entertaining for my friends. I found that my idea was not unique. Instead, I found lots of running blogs. My friends don't find it entertaining... I guess if you're not a runner, it's not interesting to read blog after blog about " running this " and " running that "... " Asics blah, blah, blah "..." my knee wah , wah , wah "... and so on. As quickly as I found out I did not have a unique idea, I found out that the running blogger world would be a place to learn, get encouragement, give encouragement, and laugh at things havin...

Today was my first session with the physical therapist. I've never been to a PT before so the only thing I knew about them was based on TV shows and movies. S o, here's what I imagined: Someone who looks a lot like The Incredible Hulk (minus the green, of course). A loud, bossy, Drill-Sargentesque guy in scrubs. Me, sweating and crying in pain as I strive to pull myself across the parallel bars... all the while, the PT yells at me to be strong... to stop being such a wuss or I will never, ever run again!! After I find the strength within myself to reach the end of the bars, my tormentor applauds and tells me I have what it takes... I will run again (start the sappy music) . I admit it... I've watched a few too many made-for-TV movies in my life. Here's what I got: An athletic-looking, lean-muscled young man (dang, I'm getting old!). Turns out he is a runner. A soft-spoken, kind individual who listened to me and didn't immediately toss out my idea that I migh...

Mel, at Tall Mom on the Run tagged me to fill out this survey. I think it's fun to learn new things about my fellow running bloggers ... things that may not have anything to do with running. So, assuming you're as nosy as I am, here are my answers for the survey. The rules are: 1. Fill it out 2. Change one question with one of your own 3. Add an additional question 4. Tag others 1. What are your current obsessions? My leg... wondering if I'll be able to do the San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon. And finding fun half marathons to shoot for in the next few months. 2. Which item from your closet are you wearing most often? My Addidas running pants... I don't run in them, but they are comfy. I also love my long-sleeved Charger T-Shirt. 3. Last thing you bought for yourself? Another running skirt from Running Skirts . I think I'm going to ask for another one for Mother's Day. Maybe this should be up there under my obsessions. 4. What’s for dinner? Already ate...

Now that I'm into this whole running thing, I've been looking into half-marathons I would like to do. There are so many out there! My ideal half-marathons are in pretty places, allow slow runners, offer cool shirts, and have entertainment along the route. Even more ideal, are those that offer Finisher's Medals and free beer at the finish line. Here are a few I've found that fit most of my "Ideal" standards... The Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay November 15, 2009 Pretty place... check! Slow-Runner Friendly... check! Cool Shirt... check+ (the plus is because the shirt is a tech shirt) Entertainment... check! Finisher's Medal... check! Beer... So many wineries in the area, who cares?! Pros: Mini-vacation, sight-seeing, cool weather Cons: The cost of a mini-vacation The Silver Strand Half Marathon Coronado, San Diego November 15, 2009 Pretty Place... check! Slow-Runner Friendly... check + (the plus is because they also allow skaters... ha ha) ...

I took this picture on my group run in Encinitas... about 20 miles north of San Diego. I couldn't decide if it was blasphemous or profound when I first noticed it. Trying to give the benefit of the doubt, I decided it probably wasn't meant to offend. This surfer statue can be found in Encinitas, near the San Elijo Campground. Regardless of the intention behind it, it makes a good point. If Jesus were physically here today, living in Southern California, there is a good chance He would be a surfer. I say this because when God became a man, He didn't come as a king, a rich man, a ruler... he was an "average" guy. His friends were average men and women. In fact, many of his friends were society's outcasts. So, Jesus... a surfer? Sure, why not? *Disclaimer This commentary in no way means to imply that surfers are outcasts. Most of them are fine, dedicated athletes. :) With that in mind... Happy Easter Everyone! I hope the day is a wonderful, blessed on...

Tangled up in Blue I was feeling down this afternoon. Since I haven't been able to run, I've been unmotivated to do much of anything except stick around the house. That is so unlike me... usually I'm all over the place, doing fun things with my boys. I usually need to get out of the house and go hiking, walking, visit to the zoo, or anything but stay housebound. This week has been hard because my first grader has been on spring break and he loves to torment his little brother. On top of that, my husband has been working late and is exhausted because he's been super busy, getting ready for our church's Easter services. So, I have been pretty much isolated from adults for almost a week. I didn't realize how desperately I needed a break until I had to make an early morning trip to Starbuck's to replenish our coffee supply. It was bliss being by myself for that short time! Running is MY Time Running is my ME time! I miss having that time to myself... t...

OK... I'm a couple days late but I finally took some pictures of what I bought at the Carlsbad 5000 Expo. Running Skirt I'm sure most of you have heard of Running Skirts . I've seen them on-line and have wanted to check them out in person. I got that chance on Sunday since they had a booth at the Expo. I wasn't planning on buying any more running clothes but when I saw how cute the running skirts are, I had to get one! They are sporty, but feminine, and the colors/patterns are fun. I also got a top to match the skirt. I'm not as excited about the top... it's pretty generic-looking and the fit is not the most flattering thing I've worn. It IS comfortable and seems to be made of high quality fabric. Running Skirts has a bra-top but it's a wee bit skimpy. Maybe when my tummy is flatter and more toned, I'll be brave enough to buy and wear just a bra-top with my Running Skirt. For now, here is a picture of me in my new Running Skirt & the matc...

My First Race Ever! Sunday's Carlsbad 5000 (5K) will go down in my personal history as the first race I ever ran. I'm getting all teary-eyed just thinking about it... sniff, sniff. Honestly, I wasn't overly excited about this race. I've been so focused on the Rock & Roll, that I sort of viewed this run as a fun little distraction on my way to San Diego. And a way to help raise money for Dan to get his wheelchair-accessible van. When I went to watch my boys run in the Junior Carlsbad on Saturday, I got more excited about Sunday's run. The excitement generated by the crowds, music, and party-like atmosphere is very infectious. I was even inspired watching all the kids run their races, having fun, and flashing their medals. It also occurred to me that the Carlsbad 5000 may be the only race I'll get to do for a while. If my leg isn't better in the next couple weeks, I am going to back out of the Rock & Roll Marathon altogether... not even to walk ...

Today was a fun day for our family! As part of the Carlsbad 5000 weekend, the kids' race events were held today. When I signed my boys up, I was a little worried they would back out at the last minute and decide not to run, but they did it... and they did it well! Here are some pictures of the day: RookieBoy1, after passing the finish line. His group (6 year old) had to run 1/2 mile. RookieBoy2 after his 1/4 mile race. RB1 with his Finisher's Medal & Complimentary Jamba Juice. RB2 with his medal. His chicken ran the race, too. Tomorrow is the Carlsbad 5000. My very first race ever! I'm excited, even though it is only a 5K. At this point, I am thinking of trying to run it. My knee/leg feels better as long as I take the anti-inflammatories ( better ... not good ). I'll see how it feels in the morning. Worst case scenario is I go with the walking crowd. I need to get caught up on my blog reading! I have been so busy with family stuff, I feel out of the loop ...

Whine, Anyone? I haven't blogged for a few days. There just has not been much to blog about... unless you want to read my whining about my knee/leg. That's right, it hurts again still. I haven't been able to run or even do serious walking because of it. I am finding myself feeling depressed and sorry for myself. See? Aren't you glad I haven't been blogging? What's Next? My doctor decided to refer me to a specialist. He's hoping the insurance will OK me seeing an orthopedic specialist but thinks they'll want me to see a physical therapist first. I don't know what the difference in approach is between the specialties. I just want to be able to run pain-free again. "Walk & Woll " Marwathon That's what my 4 year old calls the Rock & Roll Marathon (San Diego). Well, he has part of it right... I decided to change my focus for the marathon. I'm going to start training to walk it. I would rather run/walk it but since...