How Running Has Changed Me (and helped me maintain my stress)

These last 2.5 months have been incredibly hard and I’m glad as heck they are done.

Hubby got transferred to New Orleans in April and I stayed in the ATL with the boys to finish up school. I now have a new found respect for single parents and military spouses. Single parenting sucks! I found solace in running. Knowing that each footstep I took was bringing me closer to June 1, our move date. As therapeutic my running was it was also bittersweet. Knowing that these were my last two months running the streets of my neighborhood. I found myself on those streets. I started walking and pulling my boys (a combined weight of 80+ pounds) in a wagon to prepare for my hysterectomy. Post surgery, I started walking. My walking moved to wogging. I bought my first pair of running shoes and decided to give this running thing a try. I fell in love. I lost twenty pounds. I found my confidence. I found my strength. I grew up. I conquered 5k, I crushed 10k, I ran my first 13.1 and I pulverized 15 miles! 

In my last week before the move, my family back home in Seattle called to tell me that my Gram was in the hospital and she had 24 hours left to live. My Gram was my best friend in college. We were roommates, foot twins and shouldered each other through the grief of my PopPop’s passing. She had been battling lung cancer for over six years. (She never smoked a day in her life.) She had 24 hours to live and I was 3,000 miles away. I have never felt so crushed and so helpless in my life. Thankfully I was able to face time with her for over an hour at 1:00 in the morning ATL time. I was able to see her, smile at her and tell her that I love her. I only wish that I could have given her a hug. She was tired and in pain, but I was not able to see that she was dying. After our chat, she took a turn for the worse and died 14 hours later. I find comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and that she is with PopPop. My last words to her were asking her to give PopPop a hug from me and telling her I love her. Her last words to me were telling me what an honor it is to be my Grandma and goodbye.

Goodbye. It’s so final.

She passed on a Tuesday, the movers came to box up our house on Thursday and they loaded the truck on Friday. I don’t know how I made it through that week; probably because of the flask of Jim Beam that I kept in my purse. We left the ATL on Saturday morning and started our drive to NOLA. We only made it as far as Montgomery, AL when the transmission on my car blew. All I could do is laugh. After everything that I had been through: single parent for two months, my Gram dying, moving and then the transmission blows. Long story short: AAA towed the car to a garage, they don’t work on transmissions, hubby took a taxi to the airport, finally found a rental car, drove back to the garage in said rental car, the nice assistant manager offered to lock up my car in the garage over night, we drive the remaining miles to NOLA and eventually fall asleep in hubby’s corporate apartment. The next morning (Sunday), I attempt to have AAA tow my car to a garage that works on transmissions. Epic fail. You can’t have a car towed to a closed garage without being present. We end up spending moocho dinero to have the car towed from Montgomery all the way to NOLA. We meet the tow truck at a transmission shop and drop the key. We spend the next few days lounging around the apartment, trying to catch our breath. Wednesday, the moving truck arrives. They unload and I start unpacking frantically so I can turn around and pack suitcases for the boys and myself.

Thursday morning at 6:50 am, the boys and I hop a plane to Seattle for Gram’s memorial. If given the chance, I would have bailed on this last minute trip due to the large amount of stress I was carrying. We made it safely to Seattle and I collapse. Gram’s memorial was nice but incredibly hard. I was glad to be able to attend and see her friends. I was relieved that I had the opportunity to run on my brother’s treadmill for five miles before the service.

We enjoyed 1.5 weeks visiting with family that we hadn't seen in years.

The day before Father’s Day, my baby brother, mom, the boys and I hiked up to the ice caves. My mom fractured her ankle just as we were starting the descent. She went one way and her ankle went another. I learned how to basket carry someone with a fracture. It isn’t easy work whilst hiking down a mountain!

I spent my last few days in Seattle deep cleaning my parent’s house and babysitting “Gimpy” as I now call her. She finally gained the rest and strength she needed as I was leaving. Phew!

The boys and I are back in NOLA, a happily united family. Glad to be with hubby and looking forward to possibly going for a run tomorrow morning. I really wouldn’t advise any of the above happening to any of you (as if you can control it!) and I especially wouldn’t advise all of the above happening to you at one time. I am thankful for the ability to run. I am thankful for my family. I say I love you to my family each time we say goodbye. You never know if it is your last goodbye.

Next month I start my marathon training. Right now I plan to run as I feel: maintain my base, sanity control and getting used to the humidity down here. I’ll keep y’all posted as I ease into 100%+ humidity running whilst training for the Full Mary. I can’t wait!!!

It’s a great day for running y’all!

Cold weather running and chia seeds

Cold weather running does me some good! I set a 5k PR yesterday and I wasn’t even trying. As I started, my legs felt heavy and stiff. It was 45 degrees and I felt slower than dirt. When the first mile chimed on my garmin I looked down and saw 8:03. No freaking way!!! I couldn’t believe that. I wasn’t even trying and kicked my MM time out of the water. I then decided to see if I could keep the pace. My second mile was 8:23. My third mile slowed down to 10:01, not sure what that was about since I felt like I was keeping a steady pace. My .1 was at 8:58 pace. I completed 5K in 27:28. That is fast, like wicked fast for me!

Since I finished my normal route in less than 30 minutes, I decided to save the PR (I love seeing PRs online when I upload my Garmin). I re-set my watch and decided to run for two more miles. I was slower, 9:44 and 10:38- more like my normal times. I kept thinking that if I had fueled properly, would I have kept sub 9 times for the whole 5 miles? Who cares, yesterday’s run was glorious!

I was watching Dr. Oz the other day and saw that he recommended 2 Tablespoons of chia seeds in 8 ounces of water. I have heard far and wide the benefits of chia seeds and have been incredibly proud of hubby for losing 29 pounds in two months. I decided to take the plunge and buy some chia. My first consumption was per Dr. Oz’ suggested route and they were horrible. I had them again this morning in my smoothie and it was fabulous! I threw in some brewer’s yeast, flax seed, coconut oil and chia seeds to my cherry, banana, Greek yogurt, and chocolate soy smoothie. I was so full I was almost uncomfortable.

Tomorrow is intervals. Here’s to hoping my legs can handle them.

It’s a great day for running!!

Stay At Home Mother Runner Ramblings

Last Sunday, (has it been THAT long??) I woke up before my alarm to go for a run. I was so excited to finally lace up my asics and hit the pavement. My legs were heavy, my lungs felt like deflated balloons, it was an EPIC run! That run kicked my butt, it felt so good to be out there sweating. I left my iPod and my Garmin at home. I let the birds be my music and the sun be my Garmin. It felt so good! Monday, I put the boys on the bus and went for a walk. I had to run across the street to avoid cars and I found myself exhilarated. It felt so good to pump my legs that I continued for the remaining 2.5 miles of my walk. I am so glad that I listened to my body and changed that walk to a run because L came home from school that day with a headache and a fever. Oh Snap! My week’s running plans were just flushed down the toilet with another sick kid. By Wednesday morning, he was so bad I took him to the doc. The same fever virus that N had that settles into an ear infection, boo! After 32 hours back on antibiotics, L went back to school today. REWIND. J went to work late yesterday and I was able to fit in a run after visiting the kindergarten class and before he had to leave for work (remember L was home sick). That run was gloriously butt kicking! I came home, took a shower and then started my core exercises. I was sore this morning so I skipped my run and decided that all the walking around Legoland could by my “walk” for the day. Tomorrow, I run. I can’t wait!

Whilst sitting around the house taking care of a sick L, I cruised the internet and saw that some skirts were on sale at Running Skirts. I threw them into my basket and saw that there was free shipping available (miracle!) so I typed in the RunLove coupon code and ordered myself FOUR new running skirts. They came yesterday. I can’t wait to try them out! My first one will be tomorrow morning!!! Happy Mother’s Day to me!!!

After buying myself a fabulous Mother’s Day present I decided to check out the upcoming ATL races. I have decided that I am going to run a 5k, 10k and Half this year! I am planning to run the Dog Days 5k on 8/11/12. I will then hit the Big Peach Sizzler 10k over Labor Day weekend and then I will finish with the Grand Finale, the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day. The ATL ½ is my debut half from last year and I can’t wait. I have some unfinished business with those hills. They are going to become my b!t(h and I can’t wait! I am also going to sign up for the Publix Georgia Half, which will be on St. Patrick’s Day in 2013; I’m thinking I might have to dress in costume?

Overall, it is shaping to be a fabulous year. I wasn’t even planning on running more than one race this year due to hubby’s work schedule but I am ready for the challenge!!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and a Happy Mother’s Day to you!!!

Happy Running Y’all!!!

Three Things Thursday

1. Last Saturday (yes it has been awhile, sorry!) I decided to run 10k. I wanted to see how fast I could run that distance. My goal was 1 hour. I missed my goal by two minutes, 53 seconds. I’m ok with that. I know that I can work on my pace and easily drop three minutes. Heck, I’d be happy with a 1:00:xx time! I was pleased with my performance even though my time was slower than I had hoped. I took a gel at 3 miles and only walked for water and to catch my breath after the hills (darn asthma). I gave it 100% and will now be chasing that 1:00:xx time for a 10k.
2. Monday, I set out for a quick 30 minute run to loosen up my muscles after the 10k. I had no time goal, but ran by feel. I was feeling so great that I logged my fastest 5k in over 6 months! SWEET! It’s funny how you can chase a time goal, bust your butt and have an epic fail. Then another day go out there with no goal at all and have a PR.
3. I was supposed to run 6.5 today but am feeling a twinge in my hip and sciatica. I opted to stay home and spend some quality time with my foam roller. I will try to get that 6.5 in either tomorrow or Saturday depending on how I’m feeling. I don’t want to mess myself up by running through an injury. Beth at Shut Up and Run (SUAR) addresses this in her post here. I made that mistake when I started running (no taper AND running through an injury) and ended up as a DNS for my first two 5ks. Bummer!

My new tag phrase: It’s a great day for running!

Happy running y’all!!!

Monday, Monday

Dropped the boys off at school and quickly went for a run before heading back to the school for kindergarten learning centers and 2nd grade Junior Achievement. I started with ZERO expectations. I have learned that Monday runs suck and I'm OK with that. I actually felt really good today. I hit the high at mile one and I felt like I was flying. Then I looked down at my watch and realized that I wasn't moving that fast. Oh well, it sure felt good!

After JA, I swung by the house to pick up hubby (his day off!) and we had a hot date grocery shopping. We were able to find some organic instant polenta at Whole Foods (score!) and some yummy allergen friendly vitamins for the boys (even BIGGER score!). Now we're home and then head back out for kid chess and Valentine's Day party shopping.

Maybe that is why my Monday runs suck so much? I spend the WHOLE day running.

Happy running y'all!

Liquid Awesome

Yesterday I ran 5k in just under 31 minutes. It was hard. (That's What She Said!). I blame the humidity, yes we have humidity in the ATL in January! I blame the headwind. I blame the hills. I blame my legs; they just aren't cooperating with me this week! I debated all day: to run or not to run. I thought of what SUAR would say, "Shut Up and Run!" so I did. I am so glad that I did. Even though yesterday's run kicked my butt, I am so glad that I did. It may hurt during the workout, but the pain feels so good after! Here's me, post 5k sweating like a man! (That's what the humidity does to me!)

This weekend I will go for a quick 30 minute run on Saturday, followed with a 2 mile hike with the boys (gotta get L up to 50 miles as soon as possible!). Then Sunday, hubby has the day off so we will go for a family hike. We're hoping to get 4 miles in if N can handle it! Of course, I have to bribe the boys with "coffee" to get them out there, but I want to set a fabulous example for them--get out and move!

Happy weekend and Happy Running y'all!

Still Here, Still Running

As you can tell from my Daily Mile, I'm out and moving. My boys had yesterday off for MLK, coincidentally, hubby also had the day off. I was able to go for a quick 5k to clear my head and de-stress.

Lately, I have been really creeped out and borderline scared to go running since SUAR's cousin Sherry Arnold was abducted and murdered while out on her run. I have been obsessively checking Sherry's story by the hour to see if there are any new updates. I am not sure why. I think of her as I run. I think of her family. I worry, hope, wish that won't happen to me and my family. It so easily could be me, or you. That angers me. That scares me.

The blogosphere is buzzing with Sherry's story and tips on how to stay safe while running. You can check out Run Like A Mother's tips from this mornings post. Be sure to check out Skinny Runner's post today, after reading it I am even more creeped out. I am wishing for a running buddy, a dog or a treadmill. Maybe then I won't feel so vulnerable? I have been running with pepper spray, but after reading SR's post, I don't know what to do. I do know that I am going to change up my runs regularly. I don't want anyone targeting me. I'll admit it, I'm scared to run right now but I am not going to let it stop me. I am not going to let the bad guys win. I am just going to be a smarter runner than I have been.

Compression Socks and Self Loathing

Ran a quick 3.1 this morning before J headed to work. It felt good. It wasn't epic like yesterday's run, but it felt good. I intentionally ran slower because I'm running 6.5 tomorrow and my calves are really sore. I'm not sure if they're sore from running yesterday or doing wii fit the day before. Either way, they're stiff. I threw on a pair of compression socks today (haute pink Run Love compression socks from Running Skirts), my purple C9 skort, long sleeved, black, C9 technical shirt underneath my bright pink C9 technical tee. I topped it off with my purple Washington Huskies visor. I looked cute. I needed to look cute because my body hurt. Those socks really worked. I'm not sure why I'm so shocked to find that they work, but they really do. I only own two pairs (pink and blue), I want every color of the rainbow and some! I LOVE my compression socks.

Now that you've endured my pointless ramblings about my love for compression socks. Go read this post here. G, of Neurosis of the Stay at Home Marathoner is able to eloquently state how I feel about myself. Her post is life changing and every woman needs to read it, take a good look at herself and realize just how beautiful she really is. Something that I'm working on. Thanks for this post G!!!!

Back In The Saddle

I went for a short 3 mile run today. It felt good. It felt better than good. It was epic! I haven't run since that whiny post. I finished up my meds and slept like there was no tomorrow. I felt normal yesterday and plugged in the wii fit. I haven't used it for over two years. The good news is I lost over 17 pounds since the last time I stepped on. The bad news is that it took me over 1,100 days to achieve it-- according to the fit. I was able to do some step aerobics, running (in place) and yoga. I then passed over the controls to the boys and let them have at it.

Today I was sure to eat a bowl of oatmeal before heading out the door. I used to be able to run with only water and coffee in my system. My body got used to having food before running (even short distances) during my training. I headed out the door with plenty of time for a run, stretching and shower before J had to leave for work. I had zero expectations. It had been a week since my last run. My lungs and legs to do not cooperate after more than a few days off. I cranked up some Led and hit the pavement. I felt great! My lungs were cooperating and my legs felt as light as air! It was epic! My body needed that week's rest.

I'm planning to head back out tomorrow for another short 3.1 before J heads to work. He closes the restaurant on Saturday so I'm shooting for 6.5 early that morning. He has Sunday off (miracle of miracles!) so if the weather cooperates, we're going to go on a family hike. Not sure if I will be able to squeeze in a run Monday, I'll try for 3.1. The boys go back to school on Tuesday and I can return to a normal schedule.

I hope you all are getting out there and enjoying those endorphins! Happy running!

Race Recap and Happy New Year

Happy New Year! I know you're asking yourself, how did the New Year's 5k go? As it turns out, I was a DNS. After that excessive whining in my last post, I marched my butt down to the doctor and found out I had a double infection (hence the whining) and was put on antibiotics. These are some strong meds and the side affects do not go with running, even just a 5k. So I decided to listen to my body, and skip the virtual race. J also got called into work early so it would have been tight (that's what she said!) squeezing in a run before he left. I have been sleeping the days away and it feels good! The lesson of 2011 was listen to my body. I'm glad to say that I did.

2012 started with sleeping in. How am I going to get going early enough to get the boys to school? I'm glad that I have nine more days to figure it out! I am excited for my New Years' meal tonight: Hoppin' John, Greens and Cornbread. No, I am not a Southerner. BUT I have lived here for four years and I now cook my greens almost as good as a true Southerner--or so a Southern friend has told me!!! Maybe she was just being nice? It is tradition to eat black eyed peas, greens and cornbread on New Years' Day. They represent happiness, health and prosperity and it tastes good!

My 2012 Goals:

Run 1,000 miles this year. I ran 507.42 last year. I struggled with injuries due to switching my shoes around and trying to figure out this whole "running" thing. My runiversary is January, and I am two years in! I think that 1,000 miles is attainable this year. That's only 20.84 miles a week.

Run another race. Unfortunately, my hubby's crazy work schedule (the restaurant industry is not family friendly) is unpredictable and my family is over 3,000 miles away so I can't count on childcare. Ideally, I'd like to run the Atlanta Half again on Thanksgiving Day. The restaurant is closed that day so I know that J will be off, but the training took a lot of time away from the family. I'd like to crush a 10k. I'm leaning towards that distance and we'll see how it goes. I do dream of meeting the ATL Half again and crushing it. Maybe I'll be able to hit a 5k, 10k and 1/2 this year? I know that I will hit these distances on my own, but the whole race day logistics are hard for me to figure out considering our "situation".

Pay off our next debt on our snowball. Since I'm new to blogging, you don't know how BIG of Dave Ramsey fans J and I are. We have been working our debt snowball since July 2009. It took us six months to figure out what we were doing and stop hemorrhaging money. In that time frame, we had two surgeries in the family and one car accident. In January 2010 it all clicked, we took FPU and became true gazelles! We have paid off five of the seven debts on our snowball. We have two more to go. I know we will pay one off in 2012 and the last one will go in early 2013. Culinary school was very expensive!

Happy New Year to you and yours! May 2012 bring you health, happiness and prosperity!

Tired

I finally mustered the energy to go for a run yesterday. After taking six days off (due to weather, hubby's work schedule/lack of childcare etc) it was hard. I was tired. I am incredibly frustrated that I get so tired from a short 5k. I just ran 13.1 miles a month ago! I am going to roll with the punches and get back on a training schedule once the boys are back to school on January 10th.

I did find a virtual 5k that I am going to run on New Year's Eve. J is working from 1-10 pm that day so I can squeeze in a quick 5k before he heads out to the restaurant. He's then opening the kitchen on New Year's Day so that means no running for me.

If you're looking for a virtual race, this one's for you! Join me!!!

Busy Week, No Posts

Hello! I'm here and I'm running. I just haven't had time to blog. It's been a busy week down here. The boys had their "Holiday" parties this week and being double room mom means that I was super busy prepping for said parties.

I did run last Saturday as I mentioned in my last post. The sun was out and it was perfect running weather. The only problem was, my skirt kept riding up. I had to stop every five minutes to pull down my skirt and my under shorts. That put a damper on my desired "perfect run". What a let down. 3.1 miles, stop and go to pull out clothes. Boo!

I ran Monday. 3.1 more miles. I had a hard time with my lungs, even using my inhaler. The past few runs, I've had heavy legs, heavy lungs. Depressing runs. I did manage to find that elusive runner's high on Monday, the only redeeming factor on this run.

Tuesday, 3.1 more miles run. It was warm so I rocked my compression socks with shorts and a tank top. Another "depressing" run. I have found myself wondering what's going on? I managed to run 13.1 miles a month ago and now I'm struggling with 5k. Where's my speed? Where's my endurance???

Ran again yesterday. I decided to throw on the skirt I trained in, super cute pink compression socks and a pink tank top. I ran 5k and I found "IT"! It felt so good to run. First half was hard with my lungs, but I warmed up and found my speed. A redeeming run and it felt fabulous!

I wasn't even planning on running yesterday. My hip was hurting and I had a lot to get done before the boys got off the bust and started their Christmas vacation. But it was a gray, rainy, muggy day and I was fighting my Seattleite SAD self. I decided to shake off the depression with a mind-clearing run. Zero expectations but to get out there and shake off the darkness. What an epic run! It all clicked and felt so good! I found my "speed". I use quotes because I'm not THAT fast, but I managed to find my race pace yesterday and it felt so good. I am actually sore from yesterday's run and it feels so good!!!

As I type, I have L sitting over my left shoulder reading every.single.word. He's laughing. N is constructing some sort of fort with my laundry baskets in the spare bed. The house is already destroyed, I'm trying to keep my sanity. January 10th is a LONG way off. Just remembering yesterday's run and dreaming of my next run on Christmas day.

Happy running y'all!!!

10k Never Felt So Good

Last night I left the house at 8:30 (PM!!!) to meet an old friend for a drink downtown. I never leave the house that late. N.E.V.E.R. I am usually crawling into bed at 8:30. I haven't seen this friend since my wedding day almost ten years ago. It was great to see her, have a drink and catch up on the last decade! Unfortunately, last night was not the makings for a great "long" run today. Or so I thought.

G was SOOO right! Last Friday I tried to run 5 miles and threw the towel in at 5k. My body wasn't feeling it. I waited a week and set out today. I had zero expectations; especially after falling asleep after midnight! Ideally I wanted to run the 5 miles I missed last week, but would have been happy with 5k again.

I had a swig of OJ and set out the door. My run was amazing. Epic! I felt as strong as I did during my half! My legs were light and my lungs were working. I hit 5k just at 30 minutes and decided to go for 10k. I finished in 1:01. Other than not fueling and having to wait for cars to cross the streets, it was perfect! The kind of run I dream of. Just me, the road and some Led.

Happy running y'all!

In Memoriam

Today I ran a virtual 5k race in memory of baby Ashlyn and my niece Kristin. It wasn't my easiest 5k, I didn't PR, I didn't find that elusive "runner's high". It was hard. I ran without music (by choice), it was raining and muggy, my legs were heavy and my asthma made it hard to breathe. I am glad it was hard. For those 29 minutes I thought of Ashlyn and Kristin. I thought of their Mommas. I cried for their loss.

I am a food allergy Momma, my older son, L, has a life threatening peanut allergy. Not a day goes by that I fear for his safety. If the phone rings during the school day, my heart skips a beat; wondering if it is the nurse calling with bad news. My biggest fear is losing my boys. My second biggest fear is not being able to watch them grow up. Courtney and Linda are my heroes! They have faced my fear and they are making this world a better place because of their loss.

As my legs felt like lead and were struggling to move, I wept for Courtney and her baby Ashlyn. How she would never watch Ashlyn crawl, walk, or run. As my lungs struggled to breathe up those hills today, I wept for Linda and her baby Kristin. My niece who I watched struggle for each breath in her bassinet. Ashlyn and Kristin may not be here on this earth running, but I can run for them! I can breathe for them and that's what I did on my run today!

~Phil 3:14

Unplanned Rest Day

I was hoping to get a quick 5k in this morning before heading up to the elementary school for kindergarten learning centers and lunch with N. Until N started complaining of a sore throat last night; even more this morning. Normally, I'd tell him to suck it up and go to school, but I had strep throat the week before my race and I've been waiting for the rest of the house to get it. So, today is an unplanned day of rest. Extra one-on-one time with my lovable, energetic and contrary five year old. Here's to hoping I can get my run on tomorrow!

Virtual 5K in Memory of Baby Ashlyn

In July 2003 my older brother and his wife had their second daughter, Kristin. Nineteen days later, baby Kristin went to be with the Lord. She was a shining angel for her 19 days in this world and continues to shine in Heaven. Kristin's passing really affected me and my hubby (J). Driving home from Kristin's funeral, we decided that there would never be a "perfect" time to have a baby so what were we waiting for? One year later, our first son L was born. Regularly, I look at L and think about his older cousin, what would she have looked like? If she were alive today, she would love playing with L and N and her big sister K.

Today I came across a virtual 5K in memory of baby Ashlyn here. On Tuesday, December 6th I will run the Hope Endures Virtual 5k for Ashlyn and my niece Kristin. Never forgotten, forever changed.