Before this morning's run, I spent some time reading through all my blog posts from this past year. I would definitely consider myself to be a sentimental person and I appreciate the opportunity to pause from the daily grind and reflect on the blessings and lessons from the past year. Each year, it's always easy to pick out and remember the big events. Several New Year's ago, some friends took turns toasting to a different favorite memory from the year. There were many "oh yeahs!" spoken, as others helped me to recall some of the smaller but still special memories from the year. Rereading through my blog, I was able to do the same.
It's true that the days are long, but the years are short. When I reread blog posts for the beginning of the year, it feels like it was just yesterday. While I've done a good job at weaving my outside-of-running life into my blog, there were still a few big events from the year that were left out - the beautiful weddings of so many close friends, three incredible weeks in New Orleans, the beginning stages of planning a wedding! Having this forum serves many purposes for me - a chance to reflect, to digest, to track, to document.
I just signed up for an eight-week yoga class, which I'm really excited for. Over the years, I've tested the yoga waters and have struggled with my feelings towards it. For so long, I've thought that it's not a justifiable work-out because I'm not dripping sweat and out of breath. A few weeks ago, I bought a one-day pass to try out yoga at my gym and it was amazing. I've been so focused on how slow yoga is that until now, I haven't been able to appreciate that that's a huge benefit of it. We live such busy, go-go-go lives and what a gift to be able to etch out time for no one but yourself, to truly slow down (And with regards to it being a work-out - when you're shaking, you're definitely working those muscles).
While running is a different kind of work-out, it is certainly time that I can carve out for me. It's easy to skip out on a run because there's just too much to do, but once I start, it's uninterrupted time for me. After Hope Express, I struggled with my motivation and reason for running. It was a tough adjustment, because I felt like I no longer had a good reason to run. I felt like it was an interruption to my life at times, instead of a gift of carved out, set aside time....which it is.
All relationships change over time, so naturally my relationship with running has changed too. I still struggle to believe that I ran 18 miles as part of Hope Express and that there was a point in time that I was running 2x some days. I just today realized that this is the first year I ran 2 half-marathons. Ryan and I trained and ran our first race together - proof that love does conquer all. While living further from home, I feel closer than ever to many of my family and friends back East. My definition of family has grown immensely and my friends now include a group of people in Ann Arbor who make it really feel like home.
Carrie Bradshaw taught us long ago that as we balance our relationships - with commitments, family, friends, work, passions, and goals - perhaps it's most important to remember the relationship we have with ourselves. It's easy to lose ourselves when we feel pulled in so many different directions, but we owe it to ourselves to un-gumby at times and find ways to put ourselves first. Whether it's experimenting in the kitchen, reading in the bathtub, or running through the park, may we all remember to treat this most important relationship extra special.
Happy new year and here's to a wonderful, beautiful, special 2013!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
A Lesson from Science
The holidays are filled with the best of things, but it sometimes feels like that comes at a price. I've noticed a reoccurring theme in conversations with friends and family this week, as the guilt from neglecting any resemblance of a healthy living has crept its way into our lives. I feel fortunate that I have a significant enough amount of time off from work that I can come home to visit family and friends and have time to relax, but as special events, visits, and gatherings invade my schedule, it becomes challenging to balance it all. Ironically enough, it's sometimes just as hard for me to "find time" to run or work out when my day is completely empty. It began to snow in the afternoon yesterday and I immediately thought it was a great excuse to stay in and spend some extra time on the treadmill in the basement. It never happened though. I found my way to the couch....and never left.
In a conversation with my cousin on Christmas Eve, my mom randomly but so timely paraphrased Sir Issac Newton - "Objects in motion stay in motion. Objects at rest stay at rest." It so perfectly summarized something I had been hinting at for months (if not forever, really). While we oftentimes complain of wanting and needing more time in the day, I know for me, it's hard to have a semi-busy day. It either is or isn't. It's either a rushed run or a non-existent workout. On free days when I have nothing but a run scheduled, I often find myself still managing to skip it. Sometimes when I have the most time, I get the least done.
As many people have, I have accepted that the best way to overcome this is to start early in the day. This morning, I smashed the Laws of Motion by getting the gym out of the way...and then slowing down to a snail-like pace the rest of the day. Take thatttt all-my-science-teachers-ever!
In a conversation with my cousin on Christmas Eve, my mom randomly but so timely paraphrased Sir Issac Newton - "Objects in motion stay in motion. Objects at rest stay at rest." It so perfectly summarized something I had been hinting at for months (if not forever, really). While we oftentimes complain of wanting and needing more time in the day, I know for me, it's hard to have a semi-busy day. It either is or isn't. It's either a rushed run or a non-existent workout. On free days when I have nothing but a run scheduled, I often find myself still managing to skip it. Sometimes when I have the most time, I get the least done.
As many people have, I have accepted that the best way to overcome this is to start early in the day. This morning, I smashed the Laws of Motion by getting the gym out of the way...and then slowing down to a snail-like pace the rest of the day. Take thatttt all-my-science-teachers-ever!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
absence makes the heart grow fonder
I have not been a very diligent blogger lately. I'll assign blame to my shift in focus away from solely running to a more diverse work out schedule, something I wanted to do following the Detroit Half. Immediately following the run, I wasn't sure how quickly I'd want to jump right back in, and yes, it's been slow. Nevertheless, I've found myself looking forward to runs and noticing a difference when they're missing from my life.
Yesterday, my family went to Rockland Lake, a favorite spot to run near my hometown. It felt good to head out as a family and it felt nice to just go for a run for the sake of running, without stressing. I ended up not being able to use my phone, so I couldn't track my time. While I would never volunteer to head out for a run without it, it was a pleasant change of pace and I enjoyed it. It felt good just to run.
Yesterday, my family went to Rockland Lake, a favorite spot to run near my hometown. It felt good to head out as a family and it felt nice to just go for a run for the sake of running, without stressing. I ended up not being able to use my phone, so I couldn't track my time. While I would never volunteer to head out for a run without it, it was a pleasant change of pace and I enjoyed it. It felt good just to run.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Detroit Recap
It has been way too long since I last wrote and even longer since the Detroit Half. Not too good considering I still want to write a recap for that event. It's hard to just think about that and not everything else that has happened in the past month since I last posted, but maybe that will be motivation for me to be more present. So let's rewind five six weeks...
Ryan and I stayed downtown the night before the half, which was a great choice. In the morning, we just had to walk a few blocks to meet some friends, and then just another block to get into our corral. It made it much less stressful than I imagine it would have been had we driven in from Ann Arbor, had to find parking, etc. Nevertheless, my nerves were still out of control. It was frustrating and unsettling, especially since they blew a horn every time another wave crossed the starting line. It made my stomach jump!
It was still dark when we finally started, just about 20 minutes after 7AM. Once the sun started to rise, I started to feel a little lighter and more at ease, and I hoped the fact that I had to pee was just nerves and would go away (it wasn't and it didn't - ugh!). We saw Colleen just before we started up the ramp to cross the Ambassador Bridge into Canada, which was awesome - I greatly appreciated her coming out. It was a huge help. Crossing the bridge was beautiful. It was PERFECT timing, as the sun was just started to come up over Windsor. There were a ton of people out in Canada and we ran right along the water, with an awesome view of Detroit. Honestly, the weather could not have been more perfect!
I tried to hold off, but I just couldn't, and when I saw what I thought would be a short line at the portapotties just before Mile 5, I decided to stop (which is only worth noting because it's never happened to me before). It was frustrating and hard, because Ryan and I were running together and we had wanted to run at least half of the race together, so he had to stop and wait for me.
The whole course was really cool. We ran through the (HOT!) tunnel back to the US and looped through some neat neighborhoods with lots of people out cheering.
Ryan and I split up at Mile 10, which was bittersweet. I wanted him to go on and push himself, but I was oddly emotional. I spend so much time and effort encouraging those around me to simply try and to focus on the journey - it's not about where you end up, but about where you started, and then ended up. Nevertheless, I couldn't take my own advice. Knowing I was going to come in over all other halfs I'd done, I was frustrated and upset. Instead of celebrating that I was running another half-marathon and enjoying the accomplishment, I found myself fighting back tears.
When my always-supportive friends and family called and texted to ask about the race, it was hard to hide my feelings. It wasn't until later that night that I realized how much I was letting 2 miles of feelings overshadow the ENTIRE day, race, and training. Instead of acknowledging and accepting the facts (I did the best I could with training; I was aware of the fact that the lack of cross-training put me at a disadvantage; my knees had been bothering me on every long training run I had done leading up to the half), I was allowing myself to ignore the big picture - I had run a half-marathon...and I had done it with my best friend, a first for us.
More than any other race I've run, this one certainly proved to me the most emotional. For whatever reason, it challenged me in a new way and with some distance now, I can say for sure that this too serves a purpose. Things aren't always what we want them to be, and that's okay, but even with the best support systems in the world, if we don't believe in ourselves, we won't get very far.
Ryan and I stayed downtown the night before the half, which was a great choice. In the morning, we just had to walk a few blocks to meet some friends, and then just another block to get into our corral. It made it much less stressful than I imagine it would have been had we driven in from Ann Arbor, had to find parking, etc. Nevertheless, my nerves were still out of control. It was frustrating and unsettling, especially since they blew a horn every time another wave crossed the starting line. It made my stomach jump!
I tried to hold off, but I just couldn't, and when I saw what I thought would be a short line at the portapotties just before Mile 5, I decided to stop (which is only worth noting because it's never happened to me before). It was frustrating and hard, because Ryan and I were running together and we had wanted to run at least half of the race together, so he had to stop and wait for me.The whole course was really cool. We ran through the (HOT!) tunnel back to the US and looped through some neat neighborhoods with lots of people out cheering.
Ryan and I split up at Mile 10, which was bittersweet. I wanted him to go on and push himself, but I was oddly emotional. I spend so much time and effort encouraging those around me to simply try and to focus on the journey - it's not about where you end up, but about where you started, and then ended up. Nevertheless, I couldn't take my own advice. Knowing I was going to come in over all other halfs I'd done, I was frustrated and upset. Instead of celebrating that I was running another half-marathon and enjoying the accomplishment, I found myself fighting back tears.
When my always-supportive friends and family called and texted to ask about the race, it was hard to hide my feelings. It wasn't until later that night that I realized how much I was letting 2 miles of feelings overshadow the ENTIRE day, race, and training. Instead of acknowledging and accepting the facts (I did the best I could with training; I was aware of the fact that the lack of cross-training put me at a disadvantage; my knees had been bothering me on every long training run I had done leading up to the half), I was allowing myself to ignore the big picture - I had run a half-marathon...and I had done it with my best friend, a first for us.
More than any other race I've run, this one certainly proved to me the most emotional. For whatever reason, it challenged me in a new way and with some distance now, I can say for sure that this too serves a purpose. Things aren't always what we want them to be, and that's okay, but even with the best support systems in the world, if we don't believe in ourselves, we won't get very far.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Relationship Status: It's Complicated
In the weeks leading up to the half-marathon (for which I will have a recap up for soon), I longed for the days when I wouldn't have to think about running after work or for weekend mornings when I could sloth around the apartment guilt-free. In the hours following the half-marathon, I made the usual vows to never do anything like that again and began to share my excitement over how I would spend this new-found "free time."
Yet after all the build-up for the break-up, I find myself ready to get back out there. Not that I'm saying I am jumping into another big run anytime soon (although I know the painful memories of 13.1 will fade soon and foolishly, I'll commit to doing it all again - sucker!), but I often take for granted the feelings of familiarity and comfort that come along with running. I'm reminded of the annoyed girl who complains of an over-eager suitor, only to question his presence when he finally does get the hint and stops nagging. As soon as he finally stops, the girl wonders where he went, questions if maybe she did like him after all, and then reaches out, renewing his hope...only for the cycle to repeat, for her to begin shaking him off again.
And this is my relationship with running. Can't live with it, can't live without it. Especially in a week of such extreme emotion and turmoil, I find myself seeking out sources of comfort, striving to gain some kind of control in a time of so much uncertainty. I have been forced to sit back from afar and hear about the backdrops of my childhood and the devastation that has hit the East and impacted my closest family and friends. I think without realizing it, it has created a whirlwind of a week for me, even at a great distance. The presence of so much destruction without the normal release running provides has left me unsure of what to do and how to deal with such a range of emotions.
I can reflect on countless runs in which I have run from my heart, running to grapple with unsteady feelings or frustrations. Without even realizing it, it have become a release for me, a place when I can attempt to work through the unfairness of the world, no matter how big or small I feel my issue is. It has become such a part of me that I feel off, even unsettled, without it. It's not to say I'm not going to continue to have my ups and downs with running, but I am becoming more confident that running will be a part of my life for a long time. Just like that annoyed girl, I will continue to reach out and reel it back it, never letting it get too far out of my sight.
Yet after all the build-up for the break-up, I find myself ready to get back out there. Not that I'm saying I am jumping into another big run anytime soon (although I know the painful memories of 13.1 will fade soon and foolishly, I'll commit to doing it all again - sucker!), but I often take for granted the feelings of familiarity and comfort that come along with running. I'm reminded of the annoyed girl who complains of an over-eager suitor, only to question his presence when he finally does get the hint and stops nagging. As soon as he finally stops, the girl wonders where he went, questions if maybe she did like him after all, and then reaches out, renewing his hope...only for the cycle to repeat, for her to begin shaking him off again.
And this is my relationship with running. Can't live with it, can't live without it. Especially in a week of such extreme emotion and turmoil, I find myself seeking out sources of comfort, striving to gain some kind of control in a time of so much uncertainty. I have been forced to sit back from afar and hear about the backdrops of my childhood and the devastation that has hit the East and impacted my closest family and friends. I think without realizing it, it has created a whirlwind of a week for me, even at a great distance. The presence of so much destruction without the normal release running provides has left me unsure of what to do and how to deal with such a range of emotions.
I can reflect on countless runs in which I have run from my heart, running to grapple with unsteady feelings or frustrations. Without even realizing it, it have become a release for me, a place when I can attempt to work through the unfairness of the world, no matter how big or small I feel my issue is. It has become such a part of me that I feel off, even unsettled, without it. It's not to say I'm not going to continue to have my ups and downs with running, but I am becoming more confident that running will be a part of my life for a long time. Just like that annoyed girl, I will continue to reach out and reel it back it, never letting it get too far out of my sight.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Live from Detroit: It's Saturday Night!
The 35th Detroit Half/my fourth half/Ryan's first half begins in just over TEN hours! I have been filled with a whole range of emotions this week leading up to the big event. The forecast for tomorrow has been great all week and while we'll be starting in the dark, I'm really excited about the fact that we will be crossing the Detroit River into Canada just around sunrise, which might look a little something like this (taken in traffic approaching Detroit on Thursday AM...don't tell). Experiencing beautiful things like this on runs just make me really happy and thankful I've gotten into running. I still fluctuate with my feelings about running and I'm sure I always will, but I can't argue with the fact that it's allowed me to see some pretty awesome things and feel some really wonderful feelings.
Anyway, the clothes are laid out and the PB&J sandwiches are made. Early to bed and early to rise, it's almost time to do this..!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Game Day Forecast
Sunday's forecast is 61 degrees Fahrenheit (that's important to note when you're crossing international borders) and sunny, with ZERO percent chance of rain! While it still is a little ways out, I'll be the first to say WOO HOO!!! Sunrise on Sunday is 7:55am and coming from someone who arrives at work, which is only a few miles from the start line, just after 7AM. So I know it's DARK at 7am. ek. I was bummed about this super early start (I mean, I still am VERY bummed - woof), but if it's going to be as nice as I hope/expect, it will be pretty awesome to run under the city's sunrise. Just thinking about it brings me back to some of my Hope Express runs from the past two years, and that in it of itself eases all my nerves right away.
We're going to the Expo on Friday, which I'm looking forward to, since I have not yet been to a race expo due to travel/being out-of-town since my first half (and LB's first half). I'm excited for that and for the whole weekend in general. ahhhh!
We're going to the Expo on Friday, which I'm looking forward to, since I have not yet been to a race expo due to travel/being out-of-town since my first half (and LB's first half). I'm excited for that and for the whole weekend in general. ahhhh!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Race Numbers!
Even though it's my birthday backwards, I still consider it good luck to have both 4&6 in my race number that I received today! It will be 16403 and can be use to track the run via the Detroit Free Press Marathon App. Just eleven days - I'm getting very excited!!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Next Stop: Detroit Half!
Yesterday was our final long run before the Detroit Half on October 21. It was the longest training run I have ever done (11 miles!) prior to a half and it feels really great to have such a long distance under my belt. My knees have been a little testy towards the end of these longer runs, so naturally, I have started to question if I had 2 more miles in me at the end of yesterday's run. The good news is that in the past, I've needed to go 3 more miles over that final run and was able to pull it off. 2 more? No problem!
Talking out some of the logistics during our run for the morning of the half was really exciting (minus the idea of it being any colder than it was today at 10AM...a brisk 40 degrees - what?!). I miss running with friends and training with Ryan has been great. While we haven't discussed the logistics of how we plan to "attack" the race, even starting/running the first few miles together will be such a treat!
Talking out some of the logistics during our run for the morning of the half was really exciting (minus the idea of it being any colder than it was today at 10AM...a brisk 40 degrees - what?!). I miss running with friends and training with Ryan has been great. While we haven't discussed the logistics of how we plan to "attack" the race, even starting/running the first few miles together will be such a treat!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Why We Dance: The Story of THON
Last Thursday, "Why We Dance: The Story of THON" premiered. As always, I was excited to see and hear stories of THON, but the hour-long look at THON was better than anything I could have imagined. Seeing familiar faces and places on my living room television (thank you apple TV) felt so good. After nearly a year of generalized publicity, everyone should know about and experience Penn State's greatest point of pride - raising millions of dollars for the kids.
THON had an incredible impact on my four years at Penn State, and even greater, on who I am today. It taught me about the power a group of people can have and the value of commitment, hard work, and dedication. When I think about all the hours I have spent running, and then of course, pondering running and the level of commitment it requires, I am baffled by the fact that I somehow "danced" (stood! remained awake!) for 46 hours straight. The spirit of THON is contagious and it drives people to do unthinkable things. It's an experience I carry with me everywhere I go - when I'm teaching a challenging class, when I'm faced with a problem at work, when I set out to run a half-marathon.
The documentary brought to the surface so many emotions. It felt like I was right back in it - running through the tunnel to kick off the weekend, counting down the last seconds of 46 hours, running 135 miles from Hershey to Penn State. While THON is a huge part of me, running as part of Hope Express was something I could be an integral part of. Seeing clips of our party at Hershey (32 minutes in - check us out!), legs of the run, and dancing on stage at THON. Even thinking about it now, I feel the emotions all come back. When we talk about Hope Express, we talk about being a family and that's what it truly is. It's people coming together for an incredible cause and supporting one another. I thought nothing could surpass dancing for 46 hours at THON and it will always be an incredible experience I carry with me, but the 24 hours (TWICE!) from Hershey to Penn State are some of the most special of my life.
I'm so thrilled this documentary is now something that can be shared with the world, beyond the borders of Pennsylvania. Not everyone is or will be connected to THON, but it's inspiring and encouraging. Everyone should find their own THON - the thing that makes them push themselves, a cause that drives them to take on incredible challenges in the name of helping lessen the burden of another.
THON had an incredible impact on my four years at Penn State, and even greater, on who I am today. It taught me about the power a group of people can have and the value of commitment, hard work, and dedication. When I think about all the hours I have spent running, and then of course, pondering running and the level of commitment it requires, I am baffled by the fact that I somehow "danced" (stood! remained awake!) for 46 hours straight. The spirit of THON is contagious and it drives people to do unthinkable things. It's an experience I carry with me everywhere I go - when I'm teaching a challenging class, when I'm faced with a problem at work, when I set out to run a half-marathon.
The documentary brought to the surface so many emotions. It felt like I was right back in it - running through the tunnel to kick off the weekend, counting down the last seconds of 46 hours, running 135 miles from Hershey to Penn State. While THON is a huge part of me, running as part of Hope Express was something I could be an integral part of. Seeing clips of our party at Hershey (32 minutes in - check us out!), legs of the run, and dancing on stage at THON. Even thinking about it now, I feel the emotions all come back. When we talk about Hope Express, we talk about being a family and that's what it truly is. It's people coming together for an incredible cause and supporting one another. I thought nothing could surpass dancing for 46 hours at THON and it will always be an incredible experience I carry with me, but the 24 hours (TWICE!) from Hershey to Penn State are some of the most special of my life.
I'm so thrilled this documentary is now something that can be shared with the world, beyond the borders of Pennsylvania. Not everyone is or will be connected to THON, but it's inspiring and encouraging. Everyone should find their own THON - the thing that makes them push themselves, a cause that drives them to take on incredible challenges in the name of helping lessen the burden of another.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Journey//Don't Stop Believin'
Last week, I received the answer to 10 questions I had responded to a year ago, during the 10 days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (really cool – check out 10Q). Especially since I was just beginning a new chapter in my life one year ago – moving to a new place, not even having a job – it’s really cool to read about where I was then and to reflect on the journey from there to here.
Having this blog has really allowed me to quite literally track my progress, or really, my journey through the past few years. While I was stretching the other morning, I flipped the print-copy of my blog (thank you friends!) and read back over some of my firsts – first struggles with finding a balance to get it all done, first 6-10 mile long runs, first half marathon. While life is always flooding us with new musts, goals, and things to reach for, it's important to remember where we're coming from...and sometimes, just how far we've come.
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| Lani after her first half! |
In addition to it being the start of the Jewish new year, this week has also been the mark of many journey ends and new beginnings around me. Even though Lani only just signed up to run her first half back in February, it has certainly been an ongoing journey of a few years even, especially as she battled through an injury that delayed her initial race earlier this summer. Beyond that, I think back to all our runs together in Philly and think how awesome it’s been to watch her come so far. Yesterday morning, she crushed her first half in Denver, the place she now calls home - so proud of her!
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| Dr. RJW |
While she was doing that, I was back in the Mid-West, checking out South Bend and touring Notre Dame. I love seeing new campuses, especially when the tour guide is a friend who feels the way I do about my alma mater. Tour guide/favorite friend, Joe, just moved back to ND after 5 years away, taking with him his new, shiny doctorate degree. Oh and by the way, he put us in our place this afternoon when he informed us that while wrapping up his dissertation, he was banging out first-time mileage at a pace that leaves me gasping for breath just thinking about it (warning: you will be pressured into running a half soon). Anyway, talk about JOURNEY!
Life is ever changing and all we can hope is that when the changes come, we can appreciate them. If they’re not easy changes, I try to find a reason for it or push myself to make the most of it. I think it’s these things that help us to become problem solvers, as we strive to be content and satisfied, to be fulfilled, regardless of the things that come our way.
Running has taught me a lot about "the journey." They say it’s not about the destination and any runner who runs loops around the block or does a long run, just to end up back where they started, will confirm that. While we hope our destination – where you live, where you end up professionally, the finish line of your first race, the beginning of a new chapter after working hard in the last one – is one we love, it’s true that it’s all about the journey we took to get there. It’s about the unexpected things we found along the way, about the lessons we learned, and the people we met. Each journey gives us something different and it’s up to us to take that gift…and run.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Running for a Cause
As the Detroit Half inches closer and closer, I'm working hard to attempt to balance work/personal time that includes adequately preparing myself for this race. Mentally, I'm committed and want to put in the time and work (usually...), but it's hard to find the hours to do it all on some days and that extra hour of sleep vs. an extra workout is a tough sell for me at this point. After skipping a mid-week run, I was a little nervous about yesterday's long run. In addition to it being 9 miles, it was the first long run I was going to be doing alone this time around, since Ryan is back home this weekend. On repeat, I reminded myself that every time before now, I had done these long runs on my own. Nevertheless, I've gotten used to running with someone for them and it can be daunting to think of covering the same milage solo.
Despite my worries though, the run went great! The weather was perfect and I even squeezed out an extra quarter-of-a-mile at the end to get myself all the way home. I definitely still see a big need to cross train, and so yet again, I will see if/where I can squeeze it in when I'm not eat/sleep/breathing school work. It's hard that naturally I have the most time on the weekends, but I like to give myself the day after the long run off. I don't want to make impulsive decisions and pushing myself in the wrong way and regretting it.
Even running alone though, I had A LOT to think about and keep me going. In the next two months, FIVE of my close friends are running for 3 different worthwhile causes - the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. I know the commitment it takes to train and fundraise for a half (forget even thinking about the FULL!), and it overwhelms me with good feelings to think of how many of friends are willing to put others before themselves to make this commitment. Of course, I also thought a lot about my first half in Philly (which Beckerman is running today!!!) and how it felt to run for a cause I cared so much about. I remember so many of the little details of the day and I'm THRILLED Beckerman is experiencing it all RIGHT NOW! I'm eager to hear how her morning went and while I wish I were there cheering her on, I'm sending all kinds of love and good thoughts back to the place where it all started for me!
Despite my worries though, the run went great! The weather was perfect and I even squeezed out an extra quarter-of-a-mile at the end to get myself all the way home. I definitely still see a big need to cross train, and so yet again, I will see if/where I can squeeze it in when I'm not eat/sleep/breathing school work. It's hard that naturally I have the most time on the weekends, but I like to give myself the day after the long run off. I don't want to make impulsive decisions and pushing myself in the wrong way and regretting it.
Even running alone though, I had A LOT to think about and keep me going. In the next two months, FIVE of my close friends are running for 3 different worthwhile causes - the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. I know the commitment it takes to train and fundraise for a half (forget even thinking about the FULL!), and it overwhelms me with good feelings to think of how many of friends are willing to put others before themselves to make this commitment. Of course, I also thought a lot about my first half in Philly (which Beckerman is running today!!!) and how it felt to run for a cause I cared so much about. I remember so many of the little details of the day and I'm THRILLED Beckerman is experiencing it all RIGHT NOW! I'm eager to hear how her morning went and while I wish I were there cheering her on, I'm sending all kinds of love and good thoughts back to the place where it all started for me!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Oh yeah...Half Marathon Training
I appreciate the fact that I feel entitled to write about whatever I want here as long as I connect it to running...which I think I genuinely do. Nevertheless, I realized that my related-to-running rants have caused me to neglect actually writing about my running. This isn't to say I haven't been. On the contrary, I realized today that despite my lack of posting, I am in full-out half-marathon training (full-out is still relative, of course).
A hectic few weeks of traveling proved to make increasing mileage very challenging. While I was excited to be able to keep up a basic routine, a lack of routine made getting over the 6-mile hump incredibly challenging. A wacky sleep schedule, lots of driving, and not upholding past pre-long run routines gave me 3 weeks of 6-milers. While the first one rocked (bff run in Chi-town!), the next two messed with my head and got under my skin. It was frustrating, but at the same time, an important reminder. The things I do differently on long runs - eating a pb&j sandwich, body gliding, drinking water the night before - have an impact, as they should. They say if it an't broke, don't fix it. It's taken too long this time around to remember that it's important to stick with what works.
Since returning to Michigan, I've felt a lot better about long runs...and with good reason! Last week and this morning, Ryan and I ran 7 and 8 miles respectively, and both runs went GREAT! Ryan has officially ran his longest distance ever (re: ROCKSTAR!) and aside from a tight knee, we both felt great on both runs. For me, the biggest part of this is that I feel like I'm in a good place mentally for the next few weeks. When I ran my last half in April, I was dreading it because I knew I hadn't prepared the way I needed to. Leading up to race day, I was filled with regret, instead of excitement. Being part of big races can be motivating, exhilarating, and a lot of fun, but not when you're busy thinking about all the things you should've or could've done differently. This time around, I feel great about how things are going, knowing I'm doing all I can to enjoy the run when it gets here. Of course, that doesn't mean I don't have small goals, but with the craziness of the summer and the craziness of the back-to-school season, I want to be realistic about what I can do, instead of ruining race day with feelings of regret.
A hectic few weeks of traveling proved to make increasing mileage very challenging. While I was excited to be able to keep up a basic routine, a lack of routine made getting over the 6-mile hump incredibly challenging. A wacky sleep schedule, lots of driving, and not upholding past pre-long run routines gave me 3 weeks of 6-milers. While the first one rocked (bff run in Chi-town!), the next two messed with my head and got under my skin. It was frustrating, but at the same time, an important reminder. The things I do differently on long runs - eating a pb&j sandwich, body gliding, drinking water the night before - have an impact, as they should. They say if it an't broke, don't fix it. It's taken too long this time around to remember that it's important to stick with what works.
Since returning to Michigan, I've felt a lot better about long runs...and with good reason! Last week and this morning, Ryan and I ran 7 and 8 miles respectively, and both runs went GREAT! Ryan has officially ran his longest distance ever (re: ROCKSTAR!) and aside from a tight knee, we both felt great on both runs. For me, the biggest part of this is that I feel like I'm in a good place mentally for the next few weeks. When I ran my last half in April, I was dreading it because I knew I hadn't prepared the way I needed to. Leading up to race day, I was filled with regret, instead of excitement. Being part of big races can be motivating, exhilarating, and a lot of fun, but not when you're busy thinking about all the things you should've or could've done differently. This time around, I feel great about how things are going, knowing I'm doing all I can to enjoy the run when it gets here. Of course, that doesn't mean I don't have small goals, but with the craziness of the summer and the craziness of the back-to-school season, I want to be realistic about what I can do, instead of ruining race day with feelings of regret.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Forever True to You, Dear Old White & Blue
Last weekend marked the end of a summer of galavanting and travels. On our drive back to Michigan, we decided to spend the night in State College, which set us up for a longer run on campus Monday morning - the first day of classes! In addition to being the first "first day" I've been on campus for since 2007, it was the first time I have really been on campus on an normal day of classes at all. Throwww backkkk!
The entire run was nostalgic and gave me a lot to think about. The Penn State community has had a challenging year as we strive to remain focused on the things that matter most to us and work hard to prove that we are not defined by the actions of a few people. The extended alumni community is made up of thousands of people who are excelling at what they do and making a positive impact in their fields. Over the past ten months, a cloud of tragedy and pain has allowed outsiders to make blanket statements about a place nearly half a million people call home. When I think about the people who I associate with when I think of Penn State and the way they carry themselves, I know these generalizations are just that. What transpired there this past year, or rather decade+, is disgusting, disturbing, and hard to even accept as truth. I cannot let it define who we are, because they are the actions of a few people, not the majority.
During the run, I watched students walk to class - leaving East Halls for their first college class ever, waiting to take the blue loop across from SBS, walking across Old Main's lawn, stopping in McLanahan's for a breakfast sandwich - and I thought about the four years I spent living in State College, ultimately becoming the person I am today. My time there provided me with the foundation I use every day in my classroom as a teacher and it gave me leadership experience to take initiative in my school and community. As we ran past both Rec Hall and the BJC, I thought about the four THONs I attended - the countless hours spent on our feet dancing, canning, cheering, supporting, all in the name of finding a cure for pediatric cancer. Running along Curtain Road, I thought about the opportunities I've had to come back as an alumni and combine two of my greatest passions - running and the Four Diamonds Fund. Running through the new Arboretum, I was reminded that no matter how much you love a place and think you know it, there's always something new to see or learn about it. With every step that I took, I was reminded of how lucky I am to have met the people I did during my time there - people I don't need to even be reminded of. When I left State College in 2008, I left with some of my greatest friends and of course, the love of my life.
Especially this summer, when I have been lucky enough to return to so many of my favorite places, I'm reminded that as we move through our lives, we leave a piece of our heart in all the places that matter most to us. Rather than feel empty without those pieces, we benefit from feeling connected to them when we return. Little pieces of my heart are sprinkled all throughout University Park and State College - Brumbaugh Hall, Chambers Building, the HUB, the Waffle Shop, the Cafe, Mad Mex, - and when I am fortunate enough to return, the memories of those places and the people I shared them with always come back to me....and as always, you can cover a lot more ground when you're running.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Summer Reds and Oranges.... and Blues
If the summer were done, I'd be able to talk about how amazing it was and all that jazz. I still have a few more days of glory, so I'm reluctant to summarize it all and wrap it in a pretty bow. I am feeling grateful for such a special summer, yet I am nearly ready to head back to my work and become a productive member of society. I am a creature of habit, so especially where running is concerned, my regular routine has certainly suffered. It's been a struggle to enjoy all the freedom of summer has to offer without feeling the impact of it. On Tuesday, Ryan and I were able to finally squeeze in a delayed long run and I felt the difference. It was roughhhh. Usually I am an "out of sight, out of mind" kind of girl and I am complain for miles, yet forget it as soon as I return to the comfort of my couch... but definitely not in this case. THAT'S how rough it was! So you live and you learn. Fingers crossed the next long one goes a little more smoothly...with less complaints and more high fives! Rah rah!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Chicago
Last weekend, I enjoyed a great getaway with the Philly girls in Chicago! I was excited to check it out for the first time and obviously excited to see some of my favorite people..in my part of the country, no less.
In between deep dish pizza, batting cages and the Cubs in Wrigleyville, and taking "the picture" at the Bean, I managed to carve out some time for some pretty awesome runs. On Sunday, Lani and I got up early for an overeager 6 miles...and we did 6.5! Running with your best friend among the sites of a new city makes for a pretty great run. We stopped to take a few pictures and bandage my aching toe, and at the end, I realized I didn't even listen to my distance/pace alerts. Running with a friend completely shifts your focus and attention.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Best Run of My Life!
Finally - the best blog post ever about the best run on the best day of my life. Okay, enough of trying to make you gag. Just know that this will do all my thoughts and feelings little justice, but I will try!
So about a week-and-a-half ago (July 29 to be exact), Ryan and I set out for a nice, early morning 5 miles around his neighborhood. We went to a park near his house and decided to run a few loops there to start. We noticed a new path/walkway leading up to the amphitheater there/big field in front of it and decided to stop on the second loop to check it out (any excuse to stop is always welcomed in my book). While we were standing there, Ryan made a comment about his headphones not working right. He unplugged them and started pulling them out from under his shirt and there was a ring looped around the cord. You can imagine my surprise...or maybe you can't. I WAS SURPRISED. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him and of course, I said YES!
Needless to say, we did not finish the run (which has been subsequent runs a little challenging...what? no stopping to give me a present?). After taking a few minutes to enjoy the moment/take it all in, we headed back to Ryan's parents' house and when we walked up, I saw my parents' car in the driveway and immediately started crying...again. A nice little RunKeeper shout out - they were all tracking us so they could see when we were heading back. Anyway, I couldn't have been happier to have them there to be part of the celebration. Ryan's brother, Sean, and his girlfriend, Sarah, were in town from California and I was so happy to have them be part of the moment too. Champagne for everyone!
The entire day was an amazing whirlwind. This summer has treated me incredibly well and I've thought a lot about how great it would be if we could "bottle up" good feelings and memories so we never lose their strength or clarity. I've never wanted it more than in that moment, yet I quickly realized that we are blessed to have a lifetime of those moments ahead us. The love, support, cards, and kind words we have been showered with from our friends and family in these past weeks has been incredible and I feel lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful people, both in body and spirit (since they live far away, not because I'm friends with ghosts...uhh).
One of my most favorite running/life quotes is from Kara Goucher: That's the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful life is. More and more, I've seen, or rather, felt, the truth in this. Sometimes, the good is so good and it's hard to conceive how you got that lucky. I've thought a lot this summer about the feeling you used to get jumping off the high-dive as a kid - that incredible rush and release, the feeling of being on-top-of-the-world and screaming your head off and laughing afterwards at just how crazy wonderful it was....and that's how I feel. Running is the big-kid form of the high-dive high. Oftentimes, running is seen as stress manager, but it can also be a break from the day-to-day routine to take time to appreciate the good in your life and reflect. If running is my high-dive high, then I anticipate there will be a lot of it in this next year...and in all the years of our life together :O).
So about a week-and-a-half ago (July 29 to be exact), Ryan and I set out for a nice, early morning 5 miles around his neighborhood. We went to a park near his house and decided to run a few loops there to start. We noticed a new path/walkway leading up to the amphitheater there/big field in front of it and decided to stop on the second loop to check it out (any excuse to stop is always welcomed in my book). While we were standing there, Ryan made a comment about his headphones not working right. He unplugged them and started pulling them out from under his shirt and there was a ring looped around the cord. You can imagine my surprise...or maybe you can't. I WAS SURPRISED. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him and of course, I said YES!
The entire day was an amazing whirlwind. This summer has treated me incredibly well and I've thought a lot about how great it would be if we could "bottle up" good feelings and memories so we never lose their strength or clarity. I've never wanted it more than in that moment, yet I quickly realized that we are blessed to have a lifetime of those moments ahead us. The love, support, cards, and kind words we have been showered with from our friends and family in these past weeks has been incredible and I feel lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful people, both in body and spirit (since they live far away, not because I'm friends with ghosts...uhh). 
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Olympic Marathon
To beat the heat this morning, Ryan and I got up early to run, which gave me a chance to watch the start of the marathon (while he was sloooowly crawling out of bed). I am just now watching the remainder of the event, as I paused it for our run, but I'm not going to lie - I may or may not have thought I was running in the Olympics when we headed out this morning.
I'm not sure how watching a televised marathon became an anticipated and exciting event for me. It was probably the 2010 NYC Marathon, when I went to watch and cheer on Sindy. Watching and hearing about the excitement on TV, and then being able to walk right outside to watch it all unfold in the flesh was exhilarating. The closeness a the broadcast allows for made the actual event feel so intimate. While I love watching so many other Olympic events, running naturally feels so close to me. I am aware of how removed I am from the realities of gymnastics, for example; how spoiled I am from watching the world's best every four years, unaware of the true skill and gifts they have. When I am watching distance running, I am in awe of their hard work, commitment, and strength in a way I simply can't conceive when watching other sports.
It's been a slow few weeks getting back into a routine, both in practice and in mind. Maybe it's been my return to Michigan and resuming a (minimally, to stay the least) schedule and day-to-day life. It could be all the outside factors in my life or in my running or in my Olympic watching. Most likely, it's a culmination of factors and I'm grateful for it all. It feels good to be nearing a mental place where I feel ready to train for my next half, where I'm excited, confident, and motivated.
Back to the event to see who the winners will be.....!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Find Your Greatness
Mid-run engagement post to come soon, but in the meantime, I loooove this commercial. Snaps to Nike for hitting the nail on the head yet again!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
The Secret to Summer Running
I have figured it out and I am now ready to share it with fellow runners, family, and friends. To beat the heat, you must....literally beat the heat. As in get up early. MYSTERY SOLVED!!!
Of course, easier said than done! I have been blessed with some weeks of true vacation to return back East and visit with family and friends I've missed living in Michigan this past year. That being said, maintaining a semi-regular routine has been challenging and while for some people, vacation = throw the routine out the window, that poses some problems for me. I do better with structure.
This became all too clear when Ryan and I decided to sleep in a little on Tuesday and paid for it in the WORST WAY with what felt like the hottest run of my life. It was a rude awakening and definitely made me think about my approach to training, particularly in this summer of freedom. The hour-by-hour weather forecast has always been a good friend of mine, so it's time I bump our relationship up to the next level and settle down. Commit. Make it official.
When I trained for Philly two summer ago, I definitely made major adjustments to my schedule based on the weather, and I honestly just need to get back there. It could be for a whole variety of reasons, but I don't feel like I had as gradual of an adjustment this summer. Either way, if you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen (so you can go to bed and wake up early!).
Anyway, I didn't need to get up "real people early" this AM, but setting my alarm DEFINITELY helped to make this morning's run more enjoyable/less like a close encounter with the devil.....AND if I was too hot, I got a nice cool-off when it started to downpour. It was more funny than anything else, until I walked into my garage and my phone stopped working. It's soaking in a nice rice/jambalaya mix as we speak, so fingers crossed he'll be resurrected!
Of course, easier said than done! I have been blessed with some weeks of true vacation to return back East and visit with family and friends I've missed living in Michigan this past year. That being said, maintaining a semi-regular routine has been challenging and while for some people, vacation = throw the routine out the window, that poses some problems for me. I do better with structure.
This became all too clear when Ryan and I decided to sleep in a little on Tuesday and paid for it in the WORST WAY with what felt like the hottest run of my life. It was a rude awakening and definitely made me think about my approach to training, particularly in this summer of freedom. The hour-by-hour weather forecast has always been a good friend of mine, so it's time I bump our relationship up to the next level and settle down. Commit. Make it official.
When I trained for Philly two summer ago, I definitely made major adjustments to my schedule based on the weather, and I honestly just need to get back there. It could be for a whole variety of reasons, but I don't feel like I had as gradual of an adjustment this summer. Either way, if you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen (so you can go to bed and wake up early!).
Anyway, I didn't need to get up "real people early" this AM, but setting my alarm DEFINITELY helped to make this morning's run more enjoyable/less like a close encounter with the devil.....AND if I was too hot, I got a nice cool-off when it started to downpour. It was more funny than anything else, until I walked into my garage and my phone stopped working. It's soaking in a nice rice/jambalaya mix as we speak, so fingers crossed he'll be resurrected!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Olympic Warm Fuzzies
My excitement has been building and the moments are almost here....SUMMER OLYMPICS 2012! I have always been a big fan of the Olympics and I would say my more recent interest in running/reading of Runner's World has only increased my excitement for the next few weeks. Not surprisingly, I LOVE the personal backstories and beautifully edited montages that summarize athletes journeys and struggles to make it to the Games. Today, Marni shared this one - The man with no country: Runner plans to compete at London Games under Olympic flag. Dreamers everywhere - get excited!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Serious Fun Network/North Star Reach
"I wish I could recall with clarity the impulse the compelled me to help bring camp into being. I'd be pleased if I could announce a motive of lofty purpose. I've been accused of compassion, of altruism, of devotion to Christian, Hebrew, and Moslem ethic, but however desperate I am to claim ownership of a high ideal, I cannot. I wanted, I think, to acknowledge Luck: the chance of it, the benevolence of it in my life, and the brutality of it in lives of others: made especially savage for children because they may not be allowed the good fortune of a lifetime to correct it." - Paul Newman
A few years ago, I had the good fortune of getting involved with the Serious Fun Network (then known as the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps) and since 2007, these amazing camps have only further inched their way into my heart. Paul Newman founded the first camp in Connecticut in the very year I was founded, and the network has continued to grow since then. The camps are designed to give children with life-altering conditions and illnesses the chance to simply be kids in a safe and loving environment. Spending a week at The Painted Turtle and a week at Hole in the Wall Gang Camp left such an imprint that I wanted to do my part to help send children to camp (because yes, it's free!). This was the push I needed to commit to my first half-marathon, which I ran as part of Team Hole in the Wall.
About a month after I moved out to Michigan last summer, I learned of North Star Reach, a provisional member of the Serious Fun Network, being built just 30 miles from where I live! Last month, before leaving for New Orleans, I had the wonderful honor of accompanying 3 kids to their first week of magic at Hole in the Wall Gang Camp as part of the Camp on the Move program. This initiative sends deserving children to a camp already in existence while one closer to them is being built. This summer, 30+ kids were sent from Michigan to three different Hole in the Wall camps - Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut, Victory Junction in North Carolina, and Double H in New York. As a travel chaperone, my job was to help the kids get to the fun....and then sadly turn around and come back! Due to the craziness of this summer, I'm not able to spend a full week at camp, but I still wanted to be involved and even if it was only for about an hour (the length of a very tasty lunch, thank you very much!), it was so great being back at Hole in the Wall and it made me want to share the love with all those I love....so expect forceful invitations to get involved and volunteer in summers to come!
Yesterday, I started reading Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good, written by Paul Newman and his partner, A. E. Hotchner, about the start of mass producing salad dressing, the creation of Newman's Own, and the beginning of Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and its related camps. While I knew funding for each camp did not solely come from Newman's Own, I didn't know that to this day, 100% of all profit is donated to charity - WOWZAS! The book was an easy, quick read (did I mention I finished it today?), and it made me feel all the emotions of a good book - happiness, hopeful, love, and appreciation - and I would recommend it to all. It's a good reminder of the importance of giving to others, as well as eating quality pasta sauce.
A few years ago, I had the good fortune of getting involved with the Serious Fun Network (then known as the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps) and since 2007, these amazing camps have only further inched their way into my heart. Paul Newman founded the first camp in Connecticut in the very year I was founded, and the network has continued to grow since then. The camps are designed to give children with life-altering conditions and illnesses the chance to simply be kids in a safe and loving environment. Spending a week at The Painted Turtle and a week at Hole in the Wall Gang Camp left such an imprint that I wanted to do my part to help send children to camp (because yes, it's free!). This was the push I needed to commit to my first half-marathon, which I ran as part of Team Hole in the Wall.
About a month after I moved out to Michigan last summer, I learned of North Star Reach, a provisional member of the Serious Fun Network, being built just 30 miles from where I live! Last month, before leaving for New Orleans, I had the wonderful honor of accompanying 3 kids to their first week of magic at Hole in the Wall Gang Camp as part of the Camp on the Move program. This initiative sends deserving children to a camp already in existence while one closer to them is being built. This summer, 30+ kids were sent from Michigan to three different Hole in the Wall camps - Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut, Victory Junction in North Carolina, and Double H in New York. As a travel chaperone, my job was to help the kids get to the fun....and then sadly turn around and come back! Due to the craziness of this summer, I'm not able to spend a full week at camp, but I still wanted to be involved and even if it was only for about an hour (the length of a very tasty lunch, thank you very much!), it was so great being back at Hole in the Wall and it made me want to share the love with all those I love....so expect forceful invitations to get involved and volunteer in summers to come!Yesterday, I started reading Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good, written by Paul Newman and his partner, A. E. Hotchner, about the start of mass producing salad dressing, the creation of Newman's Own, and the beginning of Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and its related camps. While I knew funding for each camp did not solely come from Newman's Own, I didn't know that to this day, 100% of all profit is donated to charity - WOWZAS! The book was an easy, quick read (did I mention I finished it today?), and it made me feel all the emotions of a good book - happiness, hopeful, love, and appreciation - and I would recommend it to all. It's a good reminder of the importance of giving to others, as well as eating quality pasta sauce.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Time of your life: GO!
ahh - so many things I could post about after being completely MIA. In a dream world, I will catch up/fill in/cover it all over the next few weeks, but we'll see how well that goes. While the rest of the summer will afford me with more free time (=time to start training!), the traveling/visiting will be ongoing...which is great! I'm ecstatic and grateful for the time and flexibility to visit with family and friends back home after a year of mid-west living.
This morning was what I can call the first run on the training calendar for October's half and aside from the undeniable fact that it was pretty brutal, it felt (mentally) great to be back out there, slowly easing back into a familiar routine. While running and I continue to be swing back-and-forth on this continuum of absolute love and completely loathing, there's something comforting about it.
As for the past month, it has been madness, in the most wonderful of ways - Camp on the Move for North Star Reach/Serious Fun Network; 2 weeks of service learning with a group of 27 amazing teens in New Orleans + a few days of vacationing down there with Ryan. I will need to blog about it all just just so I can be sure I didn't just dream it up a few months from now :O).
This morning was what I can call the first run on the training calendar for October's half and aside from the undeniable fact that it was pretty brutal, it felt (mentally) great to be back out there, slowly easing back into a familiar routine. While running and I continue to be swing back-and-forth on this continuum of absolute love and completely loathing, there's something comforting about it.
As for the past month, it has been madness, in the most wonderful of ways - Camp on the Move for North Star Reach/Serious Fun Network; 2 weeks of service learning with a group of 27 amazing teens in New Orleans + a few days of vacationing down there with Ryan. I will need to blog about it all just just so I can be sure I didn't just dream it up a few months from now :O).
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Marathon Crasher
This morning was the first Ann Arbor Marathon. I had originally wanted to volunteer/check it out in some capacity, but with this past week being so crazy, it just wasn't feasible. I had forgotten about it until last night, and when I set out on my run this morning, I wondered if I would cross paths with the course at any point. A favorite run of mine is through the Arboretum, which is just .5 miles from my apartment, and I learned quickly after I set out that it served as the first leg of the second half of the marathon. WOOF.
Now, this totals THREE races that I have crashed, but the other two were more intentional. Two years ago, I happened to run the course of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which was amazing (and not obvious - there were thousands of runners jammed into those streets!). Several months later, I had the honor of running one of the last miles of the NYC Marathon with Sindy. It was so many things, but one of them was guilt ridden. Knowing what I look like after 13 miles, I can't even imagine what mile 24 would look like (think uncanny side-by-side between me and the crypt keeper?), so I felt terrible when sideliners were telling me to "keep it up!" and that I "look great!" (because yes, I take those things very personally when I am running a race and people say them to me!). It was such a cool experience to run with my running guru, especially on such a milestone run for her, but I felt deceitful that these people thought I had run 24 miles!
Anyway, today was quite a challenge (I use that word verrryyyy generously). I just couldn't win! When I gave encouragement to another runner actually running in the marathon, I felt like a jerk for breezing past them. When I ran past the water stations because it wasn't for me, I looked cocky for not needing water on a hot and humid day (I was saved a teeny bit on this one because I had my own water bottle - phew!). At the top of a hill, three volunteers were cheering me on and I finally had to come clean to someone, because I felt like a fake! Yes I did look good...I had been running for 10 minutes. Yes I could keep it up, because 1.5 miles = halfway.
If nothing else, it reminded me of how fun and exciting races are and that I don't need to just wait for 13.1 miles to run them.
Now, this totals THREE races that I have crashed, but the other two were more intentional. Two years ago, I happened to run the course of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which was amazing (and not obvious - there were thousands of runners jammed into those streets!). Several months later, I had the honor of running one of the last miles of the NYC Marathon with Sindy. It was so many things, but one of them was guilt ridden. Knowing what I look like after 13 miles, I can't even imagine what mile 24 would look like (think uncanny side-by-side between me and the crypt keeper?), so I felt terrible when sideliners were telling me to "keep it up!" and that I "look great!" (because yes, I take those things very personally when I am running a race and people say them to me!). It was such a cool experience to run with my running guru, especially on such a milestone run for her, but I felt deceitful that these people thought I had run 24 miles!
Anyway, today was quite a challenge (I use that word verrryyyy generously). I just couldn't win! When I gave encouragement to another runner actually running in the marathon, I felt like a jerk for breezing past them. When I ran past the water stations because it wasn't for me, I looked cocky for not needing water on a hot and humid day (I was saved a teeny bit on this one because I had my own water bottle - phew!). At the top of a hill, three volunteers were cheering me on and I finally had to come clean to someone, because I felt like a fake! Yes I did look good...I had been running for 10 minutes. Yes I could keep it up, because 1.5 miles = halfway.
If nothing else, it reminded me of how fun and exciting races are and that I don't need to just wait for 13.1 miles to run them.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Detroit Half!
Ryan and I have signed up for the Detroit's International Half for October 21 - AH!
Yes, it was just weeks ago that I was eager to not have a half hanging out my head, but after spending well over an hour at the bottom of the Ambassador Bridge on Sunday at customs, I got to thinking about what a cool run it would be....and even more awesome now that Ryan will be joining in for his FIRST HALF! WOOOOO!!
Yes, it was just weeks ago that I was eager to not have a half hanging out my head, but after spending well over an hour at the bottom of the Ambassador Bridge on Sunday at customs, I got to thinking about what a cool run it would be....and even more awesome now that Ryan will be joining in for his FIRST HALF! WOOOOO!!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
What is Running?
"Games require skill. Running requires endurance, character, pride, physical strength, and mental toughness. Running is a test, not a game. A test of faith, belief, will, and trust in one's self. So hardcore that it needs a category all to itself to define the pain. When game players criticize, it's because they aren't willing to understand, not because they're stronger. Running is more than a sport; it's a lifestyle. If you have to ask us why we run, you'll never understand, so just accept." - Jessica Propst
Thursday, May 24, 2012
New (free!) Shoes!
Back in the Fall, I purchased a pair of Sauconys that I really liked and enjoyed and we had a good ride together, but after just a few runs, the mesh above both big toes wore completely through. The running store where I bought them suggested I send them back if I was unhappy, but I didn't want to give them up, since it was a much overdue purchase.
After recently buying a new pair a few weeks ago, I FINALLY sent the other ones back to Saucony, not really expecting much since I had waited so long...but alas! A brand new pair of beautiful kicks were waiting for me at my door yesterday..AND they are super cool colors, which is important to me when choosing a running shoe.
This should be the extra kick in the butt that I need to get back into a good routine.
After recently buying a new pair a few weeks ago, I FINALLY sent the other ones back to Saucony, not really expecting much since I had waited so long...but alas! A brand new pair of beautiful kicks were waiting for me at my door yesterday..AND they are super cool colors, which is important to me when choosing a running shoe.
This should be the extra kick in the butt that I need to get back into a good routine.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Indian Runner Prepares to Mark 101st Birthday with London Marathon
Sindy shared this article with me a few weeks back and I had been meaning to post it for safe keepers.
Indian Runner Prepares to Mark 101st Birthday with London Marathon
Centenarian Fauja Singh, center, takes part in a running event in Amritsar, India, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012.
The world's oldest marathoner plans to celebrate his 101st birthday in an unusual way. He wants to break his own record.
Indian-born runner Fauja Singh, who became the oldest person to complete a marathon when he crossed the finish line at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon last year, plans to compete in the London Marathon on April 22. If he finishes, it will be his 11th, 42-kilometer race.
Singh, who was a bit of a late bloomer, started running when he was 81 as a way to fight depression after his son and daughter-in-law were killed in a car crash.
”His mental attitude was what inspires me to this day,” said Harmander Singh, who coaches the runner. ”He was so mentally focused. If I said, ‘We’re going to do 10 kilometers today,’ he would say, ‘Why not 20?’”
Despite the determination, the turbaned athlete still needed a little guidance.
”He turned up the very first day not knowing what running was all about. He was a savvy dresser. He came in a three-piece suit and a pair of trainers,” said Harmander Singh, who is not related to the centenarian. ”I suggested he needed to invest in a pair of running kicks. And I provided him with a first set but he soon brought his own.”
Fauja Singh was inspired after seeing the New York City Marathon on television and decided he wanted to be a part of it. He finished his first marathon at the age of 89. Since then, he has broken eight world records for his age group.
In India, Singh was a farmer for most of his life. He is illiterate and speaks only Punjabi. But that hasn’t limited his international exposure, or prevented him from being an inspiration to others.
On a recent trip back to India, Singh told the Times of India he wants to inspire young people and motivate them to ”leap big in life.” But he said time is running out. ”I am ready to go to any length to help youths before I die,” he told the newspaper.
Singh’s coach said as long as his trainee, a vegetarian, is moving, he’ll stay healthy.
”You can’t stop the guy running. Because the day he stops running will be the day his body will start deteriorating,” said Harmander Singh. ”He said he would like to die running.”
Fauja Singh, with his long white beard, has become, in a sense, a man of steel. His trainer said recent blood tests showed the runner is as fit as a 40-year-old. And when London University tested his bone density, they found his left leg had the density of a 35-year-old, while his right leg had the bone density of a 25-year-old.
Singh’s trainer said youth and health are a state of mind.
”All people who reach a certain age, you will find what they have in common is they have a positive attitude in life,” he said. ”They do not believe they are old. We do, but they don’t.”
(Additional reporting by Kate Woodsome)
Indian-born runner Fauja Singh, who became the oldest person to complete a marathon when he crossed the finish line at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon last year, plans to compete in the London Marathon on April 22. If he finishes, it will be his 11th, 42-kilometer race.
Singh, who was a bit of a late bloomer, started running when he was 81 as a way to fight depression after his son and daughter-in-law were killed in a car crash.
”His mental attitude was what inspires me to this day,” said Harmander Singh, who coaches the runner. ”He was so mentally focused. If I said, ‘We’re going to do 10 kilometers today,’ he would say, ‘Why not 20?’”
Despite the determination, the turbaned athlete still needed a little guidance.
”He turned up the very first day not knowing what running was all about. He was a savvy dresser. He came in a three-piece suit and a pair of trainers,” said Harmander Singh, who is not related to the centenarian. ”I suggested he needed to invest in a pair of running kicks. And I provided him with a first set but he soon brought his own.”
Fauja Singh was inspired after seeing the New York City Marathon on television and decided he wanted to be a part of it. He finished his first marathon at the age of 89. Since then, he has broken eight world records for his age group.
In India, Singh was a farmer for most of his life. He is illiterate and speaks only Punjabi. But that hasn’t limited his international exposure, or prevented him from being an inspiration to others.
On a recent trip back to India, Singh told the Times of India he wants to inspire young people and motivate them to ”leap big in life.” But he said time is running out. ”I am ready to go to any length to help youths before I die,” he told the newspaper.
Singh’s coach said as long as his trainee, a vegetarian, is moving, he’ll stay healthy.
”You can’t stop the guy running. Because the day he stops running will be the day his body will start deteriorating,” said Harmander Singh. ”He said he would like to die running.”
Fauja Singh, with his long white beard, has become, in a sense, a man of steel. His trainer said recent blood tests showed the runner is as fit as a 40-year-old. And when London University tested his bone density, they found his left leg had the density of a 35-year-old, while his right leg had the bone density of a 25-year-old.
Singh’s trainer said youth and health are a state of mind.
”All people who reach a certain age, you will find what they have in common is they have a positive attitude in life,” he said. ”They do not believe they are old. We do, but they don’t.”
(Additional reporting by Kate Woodsome)
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Self-Given Gifts
I've noticed a clear link between my feelings towards running/my overall "success" when I'm running for a cause greater versus when I'm just running for me. Because I started running with the mission of the Hole in the Wall Camps (recently renamed the Serious Fun Network - woo!), and soon after ran as part of Hope Express, I've grown used to running for a greater reason, a bigger picture. I've thought A LOT about that in the past few days and how much I love that connection, how it makes me feel so purposeful not just in my running, but in my life.
When I ran Hope Express in 2011, our team met Emily, a 5-year old at the time, who had been diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Emily was back to Hershey Medical this year when we visited before Hope Express, after a then recent relapse. It's not a place I enjoy seeing familiar faces. In recent weeks, after an experimental treatment, Emily has been fighting like no 7-year old should have to for her life. Today, results came back that the t-cells they gave her have been working! I cannot express my feelings of happiness for her family as I began to think about all the things Emily will get to do in her life because of this treatment, this miracle. It leaves me with no words.
Running during these past few weeks has allowed me to feel even a teeny bit more in control over all of this. It's completely unfair that children like Emily need to suffer and fight, when they should be playing and just being kids. Nevertheless, if they must fight, let it be so they can live a long, healthy life filled with love.
When I ran Hope Express in 2011, our team met Emily, a 5-year old at the time, who had been diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Emily was back to Hershey Medical this year when we visited before Hope Express, after a then recent relapse. It's not a place I enjoy seeing familiar faces. In recent weeks, after an experimental treatment, Emily has been fighting like no 7-year old should have to for her life. Today, results came back that the t-cells they gave her have been working! I cannot express my feelings of happiness for her family as I began to think about all the things Emily will get to do in her life because of this treatment, this miracle. It leaves me with no words.
Running during these past few weeks has allowed me to feel even a teeny bit more in control over all of this. It's completely unfair that children like Emily need to suffer and fight, when they should be playing and just being kids. Nevertheless, if they must fight, let it be so they can live a long, healthy life filled with love.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Lansing Half Recap (finally!)
It has been a long time - too long. I started a new job just before the Lansing Half, so things have been busy/I have been on a mission to spend most unoccupied hours in my bed, sleeping. Nevertheless, I have been thinking a lot about this recap and have been wanting to finally get it together. Luckily, I had my own personal photographer on route, so we got a bunch of great pictures/well worth sharing, which is good. They give a pretty good recap of the day!
Just after crossing the start line!
Just after mile 8
Just waiting for me...
The last two miles were a struggle, but I'm proud that I still gave it my all at the end (which came at a price- ugly (professional) finish line photos)
Toodles Orange
And done!
A few seconds after finishing!
Enough strength to hold all my freebies
Sitting and stretching in front of the Capitol Building/what I would look like as a superhero
Finish line done right - Rege finishing his second marathon!
Wooooo!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Lansing Tomorrow!
Tomorrow is the Lansing Half, and while I have been mildly dreading it due to my recent lack of motivation, I feel like I am finally in the right mindset and as ready as I'm going to be! The weather should be perfect - low 40's and sunny - and although I know nearly nothing about the course, I do know it will be relatively flat - score! If nothing else, the medal looks awesome.
Ryan's parents are in for the weekend, as his dad will be running the full in Lansing tomorrow, and my parents have sent their love and support via delicious fruit basket - THANKS J&D! xo
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Deer spotting!
It's a rare occasion that school is cancelled on a beautiful day...but today it was! We had extreme winds all day yesterday and into the night, and I received a call this morning that we didn't have power, and therefore, wouldn't have school. It's odd to have my second day off, but I'll take it.
So I used a chunk of my morning to go for a nice, not-rushed run. Sometimes I'll hear a rustle in the bushes/grass next me, a squirrel or other small critter, and I always jump a little before even having a chance to look at who it is. Today it was FOUR deer! So close! Normally, by the time I take my phone out of my armband, they've scurried away, or are too small to even show up, but they stayed where they were. It was a nice treat!
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