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I just got home from my second 20 mile run. Compared to last weekend's 20 mile, today was a better run. This was surprising considering the week I had and how I just wasn't enjoying my runs. The weather was a little chilly today, but at least we didn't have the humidity. It makes such a huge difference. I also switched things up and ate the Power Bar Gels instead of the beans. While I'm not convinced any of these things do a thing, I think I like the gel because of the caffeine they have in them...and it was like eating icing out of the container!

Oh, and one more thing...since the news is finally out and I no longer have to worry about Andy spilling the beans...I want to say Congrats to Mike and Dana!! They are expecting their first child in April and we're so excited for them. I can't believe Mike is going to be a Dad! We foresee a lot of Euchre nights in our future at the Wood Tavern...the most happening place in Collegeville.

GO BLUE!

Lessons Learned through Running

I would just like to preface that this posting was very hard to publish. But for this week's Take it and Run Thursday (http://blog.runnerslounge.com/2008/10/take-it-and-run.html), here's what I've learned through running.

Being consumed with my weight for as long as I can remember, I've learned is that it's not the number on the scale that should matter…it's what I'm accomplishing each day that's important. My weight does not define me. There is so much more to me and I'm missing out on too much by allowing this to consume my life. While it was difficult to write that, it's even more of a struggle each day to believe it. But as I was running through New Hampshire a few weeks ago for Reach the Beach, I actually said to myself, "Look what you are doing! Look what you're capable of! Stop beating yourself up over your weight and letting that define who are. For once, be proud of yourself and what you've accomplished." While I'm not all the way there, I'm happy to say that I'm making progress. Even if they are just baby steps.

(And for my sister, who is a loyal reader of my blog…No, I do not want a cupcake. But thanks for offering).

I'm a Morning Runner

I tried to change up my routine today and run after work. I thought maybe the extra sleep in the morning would make a difference in how tired I've been feeling and possibly give me some more energy. While I did manage to stay awake on the car ride into work this morning (Andy drives us into work, thankfully), I'm not sure it was worth the lousy run I had tonight. I ran 6 miles in my expected time, but I felt terrible doing it. I got cramps, which I never get, my legs were heavy and my breathing was off. I know we all have bad runs from time to time, but I'm chalking this one up to the time of day. I'm just so used to my routine, I can't handle changing it up. But, I will give it one more try and run next week with the club from North Wales Running Company(http://www.northwalesrunningco.com/). Hopefully there will be another rep there and I can score some free stuff!! :-)

Just realized that I'll be running again in 9 hours...it never stops.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

I woke up this morning feeling pretty beat up. My knees are sore and I just felt overall tired. The fact that I have 8 weeks of training to go only made me feel more down and out. But I managed to get to the gym to lift and that helped a lot. Then to make me feel even better, Andy made me a fantastic dinner tonight. I usually do all the cooking because I need to have all the control over what I eat and how it's made. I tried not to "supervise" too much and think I did pretty well. Andy was understanding, as usual, and told me everything that went into the meal and significantly reduced the oil that it called for. Dinner was delicious! We had rock fish baked with pineapple and orange slices and a green bean/red bliss potato side dish (made with balsamic vinegar and onions...my favorite!). I even had a glass of wine with dinner, which is a complete no-no for me on a night before a morning run (which over the past few months has been every night!). But I'm trying to relax a little and not be so rigid with my life. Sounds silly, but having that glass of wine and breaking a rule of mine was really difficult. I'm usually plagued with guilt when I break one of my own rules, but I'm hoping writing about it will help me address it and let it go...

I'm scheduled to run 45 miles this week with a long run of 20 miles on Saturday. Work is going to be really busy with some late nights so I imagine this will be a tough week.

First 20 Miler!

Well, I did it! I successfully ran my first 20 mile run. We started in the dark, ran through the rain and finished in the humidity. I feel ok...I'd be lying if I said I felt great, but I feel pretty good. We averaged a 9:30 pace and it took 3 hours 10 minutes. The last few miles were tough, and we didn't talk quite as much, but we keep chugging along. My back really bothered me and the longer I went, the pain spread. It seems to spasm while I run and right when I'm done, but after I lay down for a little bit, it subsides. Anyway, it's not worth talking about the pain...I DID IT!! That's all that matters. I am SO proud of myself. I never in a million years thought *I* would run 20 miles.

So, it's time to go lay down. I'm heading out with friends to watch the Michigan game and I'm going to have a good time. I deserve it!! GO BLUE

Runners Lounge

While reading Blyfinn's blog (http://eric-running.blogspot.com/) I came across a link to Runners Lounge. How have I not known about this site?? Anyway, today is Take It and Run Thursday (TIaRT) and the topic is to describe how to conquer a marathon/half marathon in 26/13 words or less. While I haven't completed my first marathon yet, I do have PDR fresh in my mind...

My thoughts on the half:
Believe in yourself, enjoy the scenery, smile and have fun!

I'm glad no one told me I was being followed!