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26 (.2) things I love about running/training for a Marathon

Movin' it with Michelle

26 things I love about running (do you see a pattern here?  Yup, self-motivation is key for marathon training!!!)

1.     Running provides me a release of “life” stress.  We’ve all got it, work, kids, husbands, housework, training…but when I am running all the “crap” becomes just that…crap…

2.    Is it odd I love the smell of sweat after you hit the second or third mile?  Sorry, I love it…it reminds me that I am sweating, working, and moving. 

3.    I see so many posts that people run to lose weight.  Not me.  I gain weight while in training for a marathon.  I love it anyhow. 

4.    While running with friends, you can literally talk about ANYTHING.  Long runs are awesome, because you are running at a “comfortable” pace therefore talking is acceptable.  And we talk, let me tell you…

5.    Running friends get it…they get the issues, the heartache, the pain, the sweat, and the tears that can be shed during a long run. 

6.    Shoes.  I love new running shoes.  Yup.  I have a small, ok, large addiction. 

7.    Vaseline, body glide, and “the Stick” are words that don’t make a runner giggle…they are sheer necessities. 

8.    Rest days aren’t welcomed.  Runners get it.  We know they are needed, but they make us anxious.  This said after my 45 minute cat nap taken after a long day of work, LOL. 

9.     Cross training is also an oddity.  But we do it.  And it makes us stronger. 

10. GU, beans, and fuel are something that is shared during water stops.  A runner will never go without. 

11.   Planning your weekend around long runs is normal.  Running errands and going to Walmart after a long sweaty run, is also normal.  #ignorethestench

12.   Logging your miles on Facebook, dailymile, or runkeeper isn’t a burden, it’s a shout out of pride. 

13. It’s ok to come home after running a long run, seeing nothing has changed.  Your kids are playing, your husband is doing his thing, and your house work is still waiting.  But YOU, YOU, have changed because you accomplished those miles!

14.   Race bling, is, well, COOL.  Display it with pride. 

15.   You begin to get superstitious about race bib numbers.  Too many even numbers?  Too many odd?  How will it all pan out?  You never know what the day will bring. 

16.   Crossing the finish line of any race, no matter what distance, brings you close to tears because you feel your hard work displayed RIGHT THEN AND THERE. 

17.   You realize that not every race will be a PR, and you are ok with that.  As long as you gave it your ALL. 

18.   Becoming a crazy creature of habit makes you smile.  Because you know it works for you. 

19.   You receive your dailymile week recap, and get giddy seeing your mileage creep up each week!

20.   You endure pain, suffering, and sacrifice of “fun” on the weekends to get those miles in each week, and LOVE every minute of it. 

21.   You count down the miles, instead of telling yourself OMG I have XX miles more to run. 

22.   The mile markers become LIFE markers.  Each mile, one mile more you’ve ran, you’ve endured, you’ve WORKED for.  And you celebrate every single mile. 

23.   The alarm going off at O’dark 30 on an early Saturday morning is no longer a chore, it’s a blessing.  Embracing the long run is awesome.

24.   Sweaty hugs, laughter, tears, and everything in between encompasses what you feel after a long training run with friends.  #runningfriendsrule

25.   Your running friends know, more so understand more about YOU, than even you do…and they build you up with every single run.

26.   The .2 after a 26 mile is bliss all mixed up with sweat, tears, and pain.  And it literally is better than any feeling you can imagine, pain and all that jazz mixed in with miles.  I honestly can’t NOT get choked up thinking about my ONE full marathon. 

 

#movinforwardfitness
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Things I have learned from running

Movin' it with Michelle

Things I have learned from running

I am a creature of habit.  I set my gear, fuel, Garmin, Ipod, pre-run breakfast and have my play list set the night before each and every run/race/training run.  I can tell you exactly what I will eat, drink, and take with me, as well as the amount of Vasoline I will apply on my toes the morning of my run to prevent blisters.  I have it down to THAT much of a science.  Please don’t let me forget my nose spray, or my 5 hour energy…one missed entity and I feel discombobulated. 

I am going to sweat.  I am going to sweat in places I didn’t think possible, which in turn could cause chaffing.  I don’t like chaffing.  I have only encountered chaffing twice.  I don’t like it…Vasoline, again, is my friend. 

I will have to pee on a long run.  If it’s over a half marathon, please…let me stop and relieve myself.  Because there will come a point where I have to pee so bad, I no longer have to pee. 

I spit.  I just have to.  I promise to look back and make sure no one is behind me, but if you are downwind, I can’t promise anything…after about 10 miles my aim suffers.  Sorry…just sayin’…

I carry a sweat rag…because well, I frickin’ sweat like a MARATHONER IN TRAINING. 

I sing.  Loudly.  On long runs I find it best to sing LOUD and PROUD to get the frustrations of my aches and pains out…get it?

Bike up?  Bike back?  I will call it out if I am in a group…and I will say good morning to every runner and biker I see…catch me at mile 8 and you will see one giddy girl.  A runner high is in full affect for me at this point.  Don’t like it?  Look away.  I run to be happy.

I will talk of kids, husbands, job, housework or lack there-of, and yes, the STICK.  What get said on the long run, stays on the long run.  Yup…more just sayin’…

My delusional horse like sounds often come out around mile 10.  This is my release, my AHH HAA, my OK KEEP GOING GIRL time…don’t like it?  Hmm…turn your Ipod up. 

I believe in the high protein, MUCHO H20, and day before a long run carb load. 

I don’t run to lose weight, for I’ve gained weight doing so…and I still love running dearly. 

I embrace my water weight, for I know I am at least hydrated. 

My IT band, patella femoral syndrome, and other running issues are all every day topics I can discuss with my running partners. 

An Epsom salt bath…is bliss.  Yes….no ice baths for this chick. 

And so is this well-deserved Cosmo…wait, who took away my glass of wine?

I just spent 20 minutes cutting down my ugly toe nails because I refuse to pay anyone to do it for me, for it would be pure torture to endure working on these nasty black and dead nail beds…bah. 

I end this roller coaster list with the best…

My running friends. 

These people…the ones who see me sweat, cry, hurt, laugh, endure, suffer, MOVE FORWARD, gain momentum, and so much more…these people…my sole sisters and brothers…are the embodiment of the foundation in the journey in which I RUN.   

And my running not only has taught me inner strength…it has taught me more…

It has taught me with all my quirks and weirdness, if I can help ONE person run ONE more mile, than I have succeeded. 

Life is good.

My 18 zillion ounces of water were good.

And now my Cosmo is even better. 

14 miles in the books. 

Damn I love to run. 

It hurts.

It’s hard.

And it is so darn worth it. 

#movinforwardfitness
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Half way mark!

Movin' it with Michelle

7-15

Last week I modified my training; I realized I did TOO MUCH too soon.  So instead of biking or doing a long mid-week run, I supplemented doing my short runs and strength training.  My mileage suffered, but my knees were thankful.   

I finished the week with 24 miles, with the highlight being my 13.13 run on Saturday. 

It hurt. 

I wasn’t easy. 

I began the week thinking what the hell.  I can’t run 4 stinking miles comfortably….how can I do 26.2?????????

And then I met up with my fellow pacer and running friend, Melissa on Saturday and we KILLED our 13.1 miler. 

We were smart. 

We stopped to pee…fuel…and stretch.  But we ran…we ran through beautiful trails, sun pouring down on us, and shade hugging us…we ran.  We held our pace for the entire training run, and I believe it’s safe to say we were giddy. 
10:30 pacers rule.  Yup. 
 

Yes…

We are only half way there. 

No…we’ve already finished HALF of our long runs.  Yes. 

But I am training with my heart this time.  I know now that all the silly crap in life is just that…SILLY.  I am not letting myself count on anyone for this race, these miles, other than myself. 

I have let go of confidence crashers, financial discord, and everything in between. 

So now, when I run, I RUN.  I leave all the crap behind. 

Now brings on week 9 of Fox Valley Marathon training. 

I pushed off my rest day and ran 2 miles today, prepped healthy meals, and am now relaxing with a glass of wine. 

14 miler Saturday?  Sure…

Yup.

I will now keep Movin’ forward.  Forward thinking.  Forward movement.  Forward goal setting. 
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Week 8 of Full Marathon Training complete!

Movin' it with Michelle

7-7-2013
 

Monday started out with a ten mile bike ride.  It was such a beautiful day, and I wanted to cross train so I headed out happily on my bike.  It was windy, but beautiful regardless. 
 

Tuesday I got my mid week mini long run in of 6 miles, knowing the holiday weekend was coming up quick. 
 

Wednesday was a rest day.

Thursday I was blessed to run 4 miles with friends after work, and then ate like a hog at a wonderful BBQ with my adopted St. Charles family. 

 

I allowed myself the next two days of rest for my upcoming long run. 

Sunday– This morning I woke up at O’Dark 30 to meet the Fox Valley marathon training group for our second training run.  This was my first training run pacing for the full marathon, and I was nervous as all get out, but managed to keep my nerves (and tummy) at bay.  I normally can run a half marathon without peeing, but the lines at the porta-potties were long when I got there, so bypassed going before the start.  We finished our 12(.25) miler strong, yet beat at a time of 2:08.

Looking around there were runners of all ages (even a KID-wow, he ran 12 miles today and was MAYBE eleven years old.  Yes, totally impressed).  I began to notice that some runners are more “elite” than I will ever hope to be, and felt a bit of a disconnect between the group.  Call it an odd ‘vibe’ so to speak.  I pushed off the icky feelings and hung with my 10:30 pace group proudly.   I like to call my pace group the “normal runners.”  The runners who run for themselves, for their health, or for possibly personal goals.  We all have competitive spirits as runners of course…but there was no feeling of, “oh, you are only the 10:30 pace group” type feeling. 

I don’t judge people on their pace…honestly, EVER.  I know we all can’t be Boston qualifiers, or people who can run the FASTEST or the FARTHEST.  To me, it’s a personal journey.  It’s a personal race to better ONESELF.  So hearing from a running friend that she too felt this “vibe” sort of bothered me.  But my advice to her was, “Smile extra big at them, and don’t let them steal your joy.”  (G rated version of course) J 

It’s all about Movin’ forward gang.  One mile.  At.  A.  Time. 

#movinforwardwithfitness
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Week 8 of marathon training and the 4th of July

Movin' it with Michelle

7-3-2013

I just typed the date of this blog (it’s how I catalog them for filing purposes) and I can’t help but to blink. 

22 years ago I was finishing up my first day of “in-processing” in basic training.  I left home, friends, family, and all I knew to join the Air Force. 

I didn’t ‘fit’ in growing up, and this was my chance to do something bigger and better for my life. 

Most thought I would fail.  I failed a lot as a teen.  Hey, who didn’t?  I let a lot of people down, including myself in my teen years.  I made wrong choices.  I was a jackass.  Yup.  Heck, sometimes I still am a jackass.  But I am constantly working towards being a better person. 

I realize as of late, I have to stop looking for acceptance from people.  I have to live my life for ME, just as I did for 20 years in the Air Force. 

I was GOOD at being an Airman.  I loved it.  I loved the uniform.  I loved the consistency. I loved the pride.  I loved the patriotism.  I loved being a part of something BIGGER.  I didn’t reach ALL the goals I set forth for myself while in the Air Force.  But I loved every single moment I was blessed to have served.  Tough, hard, meaningful, and AWESOME all wrapped into one great ball of GREATNESS.  And I will miss it, always. 

I am now 40 years old.  The 18 year old kid who got on that Greyhound bus is now just a memory.  But her passion, her drive, and her goals are still so very real. 

People may not respect, value, or support my dreams for something more.  But some DO.  More so, I do.  And I can’t keep hoping for support that I won’t receive. 

SO with that…I have my scrubs laid out for work tomorrow.  I am working my first 4th of July since joining the Air Force.  I will do my job, get my run on, and spend the day with great friends and extended family. 

Week 8 of marathon training is going well.  I will be pacing on Sunday for a 12 miler, and I am nervous as all heck.  But I will run with my heart when my legs and knees decide to give out. 

Happy 4th all.  This truly is, and always will be my favorite holiday. 

#movinforwardwithfitness
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June wrap up!

Movin' it with Michelle

Well, it’s the last day of June.  What a month it’s been. 

I am finally getting into the groove of my new job, and while I do enjoy it-more so the time it gives me with my family, I know this ‘career’ isn’t my life passion.  It’s a good job, and I always enjoy learning new things.  But I don’t LOVE the career path I have chosen, more so that was chosen FOR me by the Air Force 22 years ago.  But I plug along, and take the joys I get every single day. 

There is more for me out there.  I know it.  And I continually strive towards my goals. 

I love fitness, in all aspects, although I haven’t always lived the healthiest life style.  But running, lifting weights, biking, you name it-brings me joy.  More so, inspiring others to want for more in their lives gives me such happiness. 

So I have poured my heart and soul into my Facebook page, and am having so much fun reaching out to others.   What started out early last fall as an attempt to mark my place in this world with a small footprint has turned into 4000+ followers strong.  I lose some and gain some followers each day, and it is so exciting to hear about people’s progression in healthy eating, running, etc. 

With that, and my new commitment to run this full marathon in September, I will pace my first full marathon training run on Sunday.  I will be pacing the 10:30 pace group, and pray I can hold this pace for 12 miles in the heat of summer.  I am NOT a good summer runner.  Nope.  I suck actually.  But I am out there, and that’s what counts. 

Today I made myself get outside for a nice quick 3 miles, and made myself go on a hilly route in order to push myself.  WIN.  My last mile I struggled, but I finished strong. 
 

I will never be an UBER runner that wins awards, or has awesome PR’s that people look at in awe.

But I run.  And I love to run and work out.  And I keep trying harder.  That’s what matters to me. 

#movinforwardwithfitness
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Week 7 of Marathon training nearly complete!

Movin' it with Michelle

Well, I made it through my first official week (although week 7) of marathon training. 

I ate smartly this week; minus the buttered popcorn I ate the movie theater tonight that is totally kicking my ass right now.

I ran smartly, getting a short run in and my long run done on Thursday, which may have not been so smart.  It was 90 degrees, and the path I choose was FULL sun cover and NO shade which led me to some very slow miles.  But I got a ten miler in and I am pleased and only slightly sore.  We had a great time despite the weather, and even snacked on wild berries! Tomorrow will finish up my week with an easy 3-4 miler in my neighborhood.  I have revamped my plan to only 3 days per week of running, and strength training with cross training mixed in.  I didn’t get much “cross training” in this week, but I held strong with weights and core.  I hope to get a couple bike rides in this week now that my hubby is home and settled. 
 

I have been working on a logo for my FB page and it’s been so much fun.  One of my followers chimed in and offered a couple super cool designs.  I am brought back to my MBA journey where I swore I’d have my own business one day…this is a small step in a forward direction.  I can’t wait to see my fitness gear in production.  Stop by my page to cast your vote!  One lucky winner will win a custom made visor! 
 

I haven’t cooked much…but I have remained healthy for the most part. I cheated Friday night with 3 taco bell hard shell tacos, and popcorn today.  Heck…we aren’t perfect right?

I have realized that not everyone will always be in your corner.  Even those who are supposed to be closest to you…but you can’t please everyone, and you have to keep your boundaries.  You can’t let the lack of joy for your passions sway your determination. 

You simply keep Movin’ forward.  I have found some pretty amazing people on this journey towards a fitness and positive lifestyle, and I wouldn’t trade a single soul for the world.  I work hard to maintain my own fitness, the happiness of my family, and my slowly growing FB page and I love it, all of it!  I see changes happening, and it makes me literally giddy.

I didn’t train completely smart for my first full marathon.  I ate whatever I wanted, nearly like when I was pregnant with my second child thinking I would run it off.  I am still fighting off those 10 lbs of carbs.  SO with that, I will train smarter, eat smarter, and BE smarter this time around. 

Next week calls for a 14 miler.  I have to pace the half marathon group on Sunday so plan to do the route twice.  I got this.  Right?

#movinforwardwithfitness
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First full week of Marathon training-GO!

Movin' it with Michelle

They say you run a marathon with your heart, and your legs will surely follow. 
 

Last year I ran my first full marathon with my legs, and my heart and mind were all jacked up.  The voices that said “I couldn’t,” nearly won around the 17 mile mark.  But thankfully my heart kicked in, as well as my awesome sister sticking with me for every step and we ended up FINISHING my first FULL marathon. 

I didn’t doubt I would finish, heck I just did a 20 miler at 3:48? Just a couple weeks before…My sub 5 marathon was mine!  Yet my knee gave out and I was left on the side of the road doubled over in pain and tears.  I shuffled my way to the finish line.  And I was pissed.  Pissed because I over trained, I didn’t listen to my knee, and frankly I was just plain dumb.  But that didn’t take away the pride I felt when we crossed the line, and tears poured down my face.  I still can’t think about that day without crying.  I am NOT a true marathoner who does multiple races…I swore I was a “One and DONE” girl. 

But that’s not me.

I DON’T quit.   I don’t do things half assed.  And if I make a mistake, I FIX it. 

I have listened to those Jack Ass voices for far too long.  Yet as of late, more so within the last few weeks, I have taken those voices out back and kicked THEIR asses. 

This is MY race.  The Fox Valley Marathon, the training runs, ALL of it-last year-made me “re-fall” in love with running.  They welcomed awesome new friends into my life, and they proved to ME that I could do IT.  I remember my first training run as if it was yesterday.  I joined up with the 10:30 group, and didn’t know a soul.  I held pace for a couple miles, yet fell back quickly.  I was running alone, and I was scared and petrified of getting lost.  But I finished that training run, and returned for more…

I grew during those training runs.  I met new friends.  I got to know ME again.  And I realized the only thing stopping me besides a crazy knee, was ME. 

I learned I enjoyed running with people, which is something I NEVER enjoyed.  I learned I LOVED racing alone, because it was MY time to just blow EVERYTHING OFF.   I learned that it was ok if your close friends and family didn’t understand WHY you ran, and that they only needed to know you LOVED it.  And they simply needed to let you RUN. 

I struggled with dedicating myself to another season of full marathon training.  I don’t have the family cheering squad that some have, and it’s hard when those that know you best just ‘don’t get it.’  Then I realized…they don’t have to…I sacrifice a lot as a working Mom of two while my husband is away, A LOT.  So guess what…this is MY time.  I deserve it.  I deserve every mile underneath weary feet that I earn.  So here I go…

I deserve a ‘redo.’  I want redemption from Chicago last year.  I want to finish STRONG.  Not just finish.  I want to do better, run harder, feel stronger…and I WILL.  Lord Willing. 
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FVM Group Training Run #1 Recap

Movin' it with Michelle

Today marked the first official training week for the Fox Valley marathon.  
Training:
I managed to get in two 2 mile runs on the dreadmill this week, 2 strength workouts, and 5/7 days of core, and did my “long” run this morning with a nice and easy five miler. 

The day started off with an extra snooze, ok, two…My hubby got home from his training yesterday so I was too excited to sleep…had probably one too many glasses of wine before an early morning run, but hey, I’d get through it!  LOL!

As soon as I rolled out of bed and got dressed I was welcomed by a lovely text from one of my favorite people, Andrea #DOEPICSHIT…”Running is dumb.”  We both agreed we’d never love getting up early in the morning to run, but 30 minutes later we were tiredly hugging in the Geneva Running Outfitters parking lot.  “Let’s do this!”
#doepicshit  The original Epic lady.  I felt honored to run with her!
 

I was super excited to see Karen from Trading in my Heels  but bummed we forgot to take a photo!  I was also blessed to see all my awesome running buddies who I don’t get to see nearly as often as I’d like to!

The weather was already creeping near what I call HOT and it was only 6:30 am, but we grouped up and took off in staggered groups by pace.  This was my first time as an official pacer, so I was a bit nervous.  I was blessed with a smaller group of seven runners, half of which split off because they were training for the full marathon.  (yes, I already have the full marathon itch, that I will touch on later in this post-lol).

Thankfully these trails were ‘home’ to me, a place I have spent many hours, laughed, cried, and focused my energy and strength on self-improvement over the last 2 years.  And here I am…a pacer!  WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA??  Last year I couldn’t hold pace to save my life, let alone lead a group of runners to run the same pace.  But as we finished off mile one, I realized it wasn’t a matter of “could I do this?”  I WAS DOING IT! 

We ran, chatted, and got to know each other.  I had two seasoned full marathoners, a brand new half marathoner, my running friends Ami and Andrea, a runner who met up with us mid-way, and a runner I had met last year during the training runs.   I was feeling quite strong, and our first two miles were 10:35 and 10:30 respectively. 

We hit the water stop/turn around point at the 2.5 mile mark and stopped quickly to drink and wave our two marathoners and stragglers goodbye and good luck as we turned around.  The temperature was (or at least felt like) it was rising quickly, and we all were trying to stay motivated.  I would call out as we hit each mile, and we all continued to chat and get to know each other.  Miles 3 and 4 clocked in at 10:24 and 10:13 respectively.  Darn there I started trying to pick up speed, and we had to slow it down just a touch.  With the last mile to go we held strong, yet the dreaded last 2 blocks of HILLS were rough indeed. 
Photo thanks to Fox Valley Marathon
 

But we made it, and our last mile registered at 10:24.  YAHOO!  We rocked it, and I am so proud of my group. 

We were lucky enough to be welcomed by the Fox Valley Marathon crew with freezie pops, cookies, and yummy hydration drinks.  Life was good.  

With that, I am now toying (again) with the idea of training for the FULL marathon.  I can either do my long runs during the week in the evening so I can still do the ½ training runs with FVM group, or I can run added miles after the training runs.  I have a lot to think about, and not a lot of time to do it! 

Rock on, Movers!
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Memorial Day post

Movin' it with Michelle

I was an active duty Air Force service member for 20 years, 28 days. I served my country proudly stateside, in a support function that most don’t respect nor recognize. I personally will never forgive myself for not having “boots on the ground” overseas for this was the sole reason I joined. But I served, I sacrificed, and I wore my uniform proudly every single day for more than half my life.
Here I am, almost 20 years ago…

And I miss it. And it hurts. And sadly, yes, the flood gates have been opened. Someone pass me a tissue, PLEASE.

My Memorial Day wasn’t filled with BBQ’s or parties. We traveled to Wisconsin to view the stones my Father (a Vietnam vet) had dedicated for both my husband and myself. The ceremony was canceled due to nasty weather, but we still stood proudly at the memorial to view our stones laid carefully amongst other service member’s stones. I tried to hold back all of my emotion, my heartache in missing my fellow service brothers and sisters, but as we drove back south towards home I found I couldn’t hold back my tears. I closed my eyes, listened to country music and just took deep breaths.

I recalled so many memories…times when I was told I would “make it all the way to the top tier” and become a Chief, yet sadly I only retired as a Master Sergeant. My dreams will always be there, and I’ve let them go for the most part, but on days like today I am catapulted back to a time when serving my country in what little capacity I did, well, was what I DID. And I loved it…I still do. I always will. But my time as active duty ended two years ago. Now my role has changed to an Army Wife.

I have said goodbye, and welcome home more times to my husband than I can count on both hands. I am supposed to be the strong one, holding my family together while he continues to serve. Yet today, I feel very small and weak. I try to my tears so that he doesn’t see how his absence affects me. I blame it on allergies, being tired, you name it…he can’t know how hard it is on me; because he has bigger things to focus on…he’s still serving…

And then his post (very rare) on this picture tonight made me realize my time to serve isn’t over. He wrote “The true strength behind a paratrooper… family.” Keep in mind, my husband rarely posts on Facebook, so this meant a lot to me. I now need to dig deep, and serve in even a bigger capacity which means taking care of our family while he is gone so he can focus on his missions at hand.

But still, I miss the uniform and all it represented. I miss the camaraderie, the pride, and I miss the closeness of the military. I feel very lost and alone without it these days.

But my Grandfather, Father, and husband amidst many others will remain my heroes’, and I will hang on to that feeling for the rest of my life. I will allow myself this night of weakness, and keep in my heart the new beginnings of tomorrow. I will allow my heart to be heavy with the ripping sounds of my husband’s suitcases being zipped, but I will realize I have been doing this on my own for quite some time now and that I WILL get past the hard days and appreciate the good days.