January here and gone!

It is the end of the month and I am finally feeling like the training has gained some momentum.   Finally, but I can't believe the month is over!  The Cleveland Marathon is going to come up fast.  Its amazing how influential the people that you choose to surround yourself with can be toward your motivation.  For example, my husband knows me soooo well... that he knew an ultimatum (withdrawing a dinner date) was going to be the drastic measure to get me running last Friday evening.  I even had to get on the treadmill to get in the workout  (treadmills are my last resort... dreadful, but the only way to fit it some running without a babysitter for our boys.  Sometimes an outdoor workout just isn't possible).
 Then there is the sharing with friends.  Powerful!...  Those friends that share their good feelings about fitness and the benefits they feel from their own sacrifices and week's workouts (or regrets when there is a lack of) can be huge motivation.
And of course, the media... humor goes a long way to lighten the heavy burden and uncertainty of finishing 26.2 miles.  Have you seen this video?:
 Marathon Thoughts
www.youtube.com

Super funny (hope it isn't really going to be like this though).

So... the training this week:

Monday- cardio cross-trained (insanity).  The legs felt pretty heavy after the Sunday long run.

Tues.- 5.3 miles

Thurs.- cross-trained (lower body strength

Fri.- 4 miles (and a dinner date :)

Sat.- 6.8 miles

Sun.-9.3 miles...  and FEELING STRONGER... whew.  

Hoping for another good week to start out February!

Inspiration just in time

So my super inspirational sister (who is a new mom, looks great, is in awesome shape, and a great role model)  sent me this great article to help get me out the door for some running.  Yes, still dealing with the January blahs and cold temps bringing me down.  I have found that if I can get myself out the door then it is all good!  I am going to go back to this article the next time a little extra push is needed to get out the door... so true and funny:  http://hellogiggles.com/10-reasons-running-doesnt-suck-as-much-as-you-think 

New long run milestone

Okay, so motivation has not been my strength the last couple of weeks.  The plan was to slowly amp up weekly mileage for a targeting the mileage needed to begin the "official" training plan scheduled in February.  No more excuses once the germs were kicked out of my system.  I thought that coming down with a cold had drained my energy (but I never got the energy back).  I could let the January blahs continue to drain all the life out of me, or choose to suck it up and stop the excuses.  So, the last couple weeks I managed to accomplish a couple of indoor track workouts (love escaping the cold temps. without running on a treadmill).  It even felt good to do some "pick up" intervals with some 200 and 400 repeats.  Last Sunday was a 5.5 mile run braving the cold air and was a milestone for the fact that I returned to the river trail after the injury (finally feeling like I can handle some uneven terrain).  I even managed some hill repeats sledding with my kids yesterday.  The real milestone was today:  I reached 8 miles again in the long run.  This was that next step in my own mental confidence needed to handle this upcoming training.  I wasn't totally depleted after the run was over, and felt that I could do more.  No pain!  (other than from the sore muscles from the "insanity asylum" workout yesterday).  I am hoping that this milestone will help motivate that much needed consistency in my running schedule.  I just need to keep telling myself that it is difficult to keep "re-starting".  If I can just keep a schedule it will be easier the next time I need to head out the door (sore muscles, cold weather, tired, or otherwise).  It always feels better to finish the workout!  Even if conditions are less than ideal it is better than not to do it at all!  I just need to keep telling myself this. 
 In fact, my waistline needs to be reminded as well.  It is virtually impossible to eat the way I like and not work on burning those calories.  Typically, I enjoy healthy foods and love the challenge of combining them in new ways.  This love of "food creativity" can be a very sabotaging interest.  I discovered that I am more hungry for "bad" foods on days that I do not workout.  Its really annoying actually.  I work hard one day and eat right for energy to workout at the best of my ability, and it feels great!  If I don't get in a workout, then I end up eating foods that zap energy and leave me feeling sluggish and more hungry.  Bad cycle!
What a great way to break the cycle by ending out the week with a great accomplishment:  a long run and a great day of eating.  We made a baked potato soup (perfect way to warm up after a Jan. outdoor workout).  Potato soup can be heavy.  So, I was excited to try a new recipe using 1/2 cauliflower with the potato and reduced fat cheese and sour cream.  It was pretty good and (most) of the family enjoyed it as well. It is super difficult to please all 3 kids and Chris's and fit into my own standard of tasty...especially keeping it healthy). Recipes that fit this high level of expectation are worthy of repeating.  This is where Pinterest might be helpful (still new to the whole pin board concept and experimenting).  I am attempting to pin some of our favorite family recipe picks on a board:  http://pinterest.com/cflagg.  I would also welcome any other recipe idea that could make our list.
Goal for the week:  run a consistent schedule, repeat that Sunday long run, and eat right in between!
Did I mention that I had a really great ale with the potato soup (that's probably what actually made it taste even better).

Strategy in Battle..

We all have our demons to fight.  Mine this week:  germs.
Just as I was feeling some success jumping right into a workout routine to start 2012...
I thought the battle to fight was going to be finding the energy to keep the workout momentum going after a holiday filled with indulgence and a restful schedule from school.  I knew that the running and workouts were going to be the most effective fuel to keep up with the teaching schedule (the semester ends this week), and the addition of my daughter's basketball and confirmation class schedule (added onto the already jammed packed family schedule).  Well, the schedule itself did not end up being the obstacle, oh no.  Instead, that "tickle in the throat" feeling ballooned into a swollen, stuffed-up, hoarse throat, mess.  I was ready for the battle (as this was the first germ warfare event of my school year).  I knew it was inevitable.  Eventually, some virus that my husband, 3 kids, or myself brought home was going to try to infest my system.  There is truth to the idea that a regular exercise routine helps strengthen the immune system (I have had less colds the last few years since losing weight and exercising on a regular schedule).  It seems to help me feel better if I get in a good workout when my head/nose is a little stuffy.  So, when the run Thursday didn't help, I brought in some extra ammo:  airborne, cold-eez, green tea, vitamin c, extra sleep, extra fluids.  You name it, and I would try it rather than go into "exam" week feeling like I was run over by a truck.
Friday was going to be a "non-running" day anyway.  So, I chose to get in some strength training with the "Insanity Asylum" core and back workout (couldn't talk myself into kicking up any cardio activity).
I was able to shake some of the slug feeling on Saturday morning when my sister called to do a run with me.  My sister is fighting her own demons, and I am determined to help her in any way that I know how. She had expressed an interest in starting a running routine to join in the Cleveland 1/2 marathon when Chris and I run the full.  I was ecstatic to hear this from her.  She needs a focus like this and so no cold was going to let me miss a run with her to kick-start her own "battle" (besides she hasn't run in a while and I talked myself into thinking that it would be a slow, low mileage event...just enough to help clear my head).
Well, my sister was a no-show.  Its okay though... I know she won't be successful in every step of this battle.  Just as long as she keeps trying, I will be there to help any way that I can!
I chose to use this as my "fuel" to get in a good workout:
Saturday:
4.46 miles
time: 37:40
8:27/mi. pace
472 calories
The germs won over me on Sunday and Monday (very frustrating to say the least).  It was horrible just getting through the work day.  I just wanted to feel good again.  Yesterday, I was lying to myself throughout the day thinking that a run was going to be possible and would make me feel better.  Instead, a cup of hot soothing throat tea and in bed by 9 p.m.
Today is the day.  I felt some glimpses of a clearer head, on and off throughout the day.  I believe that I might just be winning against the germs.
workout:
5.67 miles
 time:  46:39
8:14/mi. pace
604 calories.
I guess tea and early bed might be a good idea more often.   Ready for tomorrow's battles (hopefully they will be easier, or at least ones that I can handle with a clearer head).

Great News...I can run!

I have been anxiously awaiting today's podiatrist appointment, since the marathon training plan was in hand.  I just needed that verification that the plan would be possible after "the injury".  Anyone that knows me is fully aware of the (in my eyes) tragic event, but if you are not, here it is:  I landed on a butternut during an easy 13 mile training run during my, first attempt, to train for a marathon.  I say an easy run because the weekend before was my first ever 20 mile run. I never thought that this distance was possible, and still don't know how I completed it.  So, theoretically, this weekend workout should have been a breeze.  It only took one split second.  I wasn't looking ahead at the sidewalk and my foot landed, in just the right way, on this evil tree nut!  My determined side told me just to walk a little to see if the ankle pain would subside and I could finish the last 7 miles of the run.  It felt OK, after a few minutes, so I continued on my way and finished the workout.   Long story short:  I had a giant swollen ankle, immediately upon taking off my shoes.  After a fews weeks (not long enough to resume running again) ended up with an ankle sprain and a foot fracture.  This meant no marathon!... and  6 weeks in a walking boot (also occurring during my first week ever of cross country coaching, adding an additional challenge the whole first season).  I believe that all things happen for a reason.  As a result, I was forced to slow down and re-focus my coaching efforts on being more observant and re-thinking strategies in dealing with some first time runners on this Junior High team (impressionable to say the least).  This less physically active approach proved positive for my first attempt at coaching.   Not to mention that my family was not having to endure the stress of my own training too.
Back to today:  It is just over 4 months since the tree nut attack.  The boot has been off, but running was officially forbidden by my (wiser than I knew) podiatrist.  Until today!
I did try (with Dr. approval) to get back to it in time for a turkey trot on Thanksgiving (my favorite event of the year by the way).  There was elliptical training mostly up until the few weeks prior to the 5k.  I ran it (the first time my husband finished before me).  It didn't hurt either (the foot or the husband... I am super proud of him).   So, of course, I ran 6 miles the next day.  I will admit it now.  I did not go back slowly and felt some pain as a result.  Lesson learned.
The wise Dr. Degere advised staying off running through December.  Now I truly understand the effects of training past fitness ability and through injuries.  It is not worth it.  I really had no idea how much time it takes to heal when an injury occurs.  There is also the residual effects to consider (hamstring pull due to muscle weakness and not being able to accomplish tasks that were once easy).  This time I plan to get it right.  Clearly, I could not avoid a butternut if it tried to attack my foot again.  But, I plan to take the doctor's advice (he proved to be right so far).  I will progress in mileage slowly.  I will stop if I feel pain. He understands that desire to push harder, going on further than I should (as he is training for a duathlon this year).  He said just to keep in mind that I can add that mileage the next week, and more the following.  That sounds much better than having to start all over again!  I'm pretty sure this approach will leave me ready for February's workouts.... AND...
I have the approval of the doc to follow the marathon plan.  WOOHOO!
So, what did I do with this information?  Of course I ran out the door on this gorgeous, balmy January day (even though it was already dark outside and 35 degrees isn't really balmy).
 First run this week:
It felt great.  I haven't tried a run since last week.  My sore calves were refreshed.  I couldn't ignore the feeling that I was coming down with a cold today (that swollen feeling in the throat).  It was great taking in the deep breaths of oxygen.  The best I felt all day.
5 miles
42:44 min.
8:33/ mile pace
529 cal.
I have to start somewhere.  This is it.  I won't run tomorrow to see  how it feels and give a recovery day before trying it again (fairly confident since I had run this distance in my workout last week).

New Year. New Goals. New Optimism.

This is it.
 The adventure begins this month.  I have made the commitment to train and run the Cleveland Marathon with the help and support of the people at Ohio Sports and Fitness Magazine, my devoted husband (Chris), kids, and a great group of supportive friends to help along the way.  This will be my first marathon (although not the first attempt at training for one).  The thought of all the work ahead is extremely overwhelming! Somehow, I am really ecstatic about the challenge.  Bring it on!!!
To begin, I think it is important to establish why I want to achieve this goal.  Somewhere along the way I am going to have to fall back on this reasoning to pull me through some unmotivated moments and some overwhelming workouts.
It took some contemplation to get an answer to this question that will help pull me through.  I think it boils down to proving to myself that I can do it.  If I can do this because I decided to do it and it becomes a reality, then I can do anything (or at least believe in my own strong will).   I have done this to myself before.  Just like everyone one else, there have been life challenges that were either going to beat me or I was going to win over them.  Today, I am going to choose this challenge.  There are some challenges that I have chosen in the past (some successful and some still works in progress).  I chose to get fit, lose, weight, and become a runner.  These are a few past goals that are topics and adventures that I continue to learn about and will probably write more on later.
Today, it is about deciding.
Making a decision to create a goal and follow it through.  A person has to have a little bit of a rebellious side to take on a challenge like running a race at this kind of distance.  Distance is relative to your experience.   Three years ago, this concept would have applied to the idea of racing a 5k.  Then, it was a 10k, then a 1/2 marathon.  Others have found that it takes even more miles to challenge themselves.  I don't know how far or how fast my feet will take me in the future.  Regardless,  I think there is this personality trait (no matter what the distance or event) that is worth digging a little deeper into learning more about.  If you have spent much time with me, you have witnessed a little of my rebel side.  Don't get me wrong.  I have an obligation to be a responsible wife, mother, teacher, coach, etc.  My rebel side is usually pretty tame.  But if someone tells me that I can't do something, well I have been known to just prove them wrong (my husband or mother probably know this all too well).  This mentality can be very destructive.  However, when a positive challenge is set forth then it can be a true asset to have this drive to prove yourself.  I recently read a running article that termed this mentality "grit".  I would like to think that I have a little bit of it and the more I use it, the more it produces itself.  The idea is to keep it channeled toward positive goals and to learn how to tap into it when I need it.  This training will help in this, I'm sure.
Okay, back to the goal:  running 26.2 miles.  Initially, that was it.  Complete the race.  In fact, I trained toward this in the fall and was sidelined with an injury.  But, again, don't tell me that I can't do something.  I have tried to heal smart... kept up on some strength training, tried to keep my weight down, physically therapy, and now (finally) slowly back to running.  Then last week, I met with Marla from Ohio Sports and fitness.  She is super positive.  What a great idea to help follow some of us in training toward our goals (I am anxious to hear from the others.  Are they as nervous as I am?).  There is no better motivation than others knowing about your goals.  Voice them!  It works.  Then I met exercise physiologist, John Rolf.  He is super inspirational.  Just learning his own experience sports and fitness is motivation enough to kick start some serious training!  But, he planted an additional seed... not just to finish the race, but how about some speed too.  So, here I go.  John gave me one pretty challenging plan to follow.  In fact, it is going to take me all of this month following through with workouts just to build up to this training plan. I feel motivated and inspired to get started!
Two hurdles this week:  First, my appointment with the podiatrist.  I need his professional opinion to verify that my injury is healed enough to follow this marathon plan (confidence, surely he won't tell me that I can't).  Second, I actually have to run (and it is below 20 degrees outside and January, not ideal).  Talking about running is easy.  What will I accomplish this week?