As a Board Member of the VIA Foundation, I see the good work that VIA does everyday in our community. I know how important it is to support this great organization by volunteering my time and money to support their efforts.
I hope you'll support VIA as I train for and complete the half-marathon in September. It's been about 30 years since I've run seriously so this will be quite a challenge for me, but not nearly the challenge that the people we serve face everyday.
On behalf of all those we serve, thanks for your support.
Make a donation: http://via.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=332201&lis=1&kntae332201=7504904DEC034C0DBDDCF0981F72FC20&supId=287594961
Thanks for visiting my blog. As you can see this will be my first half-marathon. The last time I ran/walked was probably about 10 years ago in a 5k with no goal/prep/training. I wasn't in a hurry. Last time for serious running was on the high school track team. I was a miler and qualified for districts. However; that was over 30 years ago. How time flies. I have been fortunate to be reasonably athletic and have done many cool things athletically. I would say the toughest thing so far in my athletic life was getting my Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do (1992). That took 4 years of training, a couple of bruises, but I really had fun. But now I only have just over 5 months to train which I have a feeling will be far more difficult, especially since I HATE to run. I'm not kidding, I hate running.
So you may ask, why try to run 13.1 miles. Are you crazy. I'm pretty sure I am. But here's why. I have been involved with VIA of the Lehigh Valley for several years now and as noted on the intro we do some great things for people and families who need our help. The LVHN Marathon is a growing event and great fundraiser for VIA. I was thinking, instead of just listening to the great things about the Marathon and voluteering at the Marathon maybe I'd try to get on a relay team. I know I could surely do the 5 or 6 miles. But, remember, I do have that competive spirit. My younger brother, Mark, who was not the athletic one growing up (he got all the brains) has now run I think 3 Marathons and has trained others for Marathons so I asked him if he thought I could do it (Not easy asking baby brother for sports advice) and he said sure. Hopefully he joins me.
Last week, on the advice of my sister-in-law, I signed up for First Strides, a group that helps women start running and train for a 5K in June. Went to that on Tuesday night and actually made the 25 minutes 1st night mostly jogging. My husband Jerry (fully supportive of my crazy adventure) asked me before I went if I had running shoes and I said yes, I do. Upon my return he asked how I did. Great I said. He looking at my shoes and said those aren't running shoes, those are cross trainers, you'll end up with shin splints. See, he does care!!! I now have running shoes and I know that I am somewhat flat footed so no need for arch support and I don't pronate. Who knew. Also one foot is bigger than the other. Never too old to learn.
On Wednesday night I attended the very excellent, VIA All-Star Basketball Banquet and met John Crampsie, Board Member and chair of the Half-Marathon. I told him I was thinking of training for an running either the Relay or Half. He TOLD me to sign up for the Half. Plenty of time to train. I knew that because I had already done the research. I was still on the fence. That was until I heard Troy Tucker and Tracy Cyr talk at the banquet about why they are involved with VIA and the personal experience they shared about their Autistic Children. If you have RCN you can see the banquet and their moving presentation.
As I listened to them and heard about the experience that the parents had whose special need children attending the VIA Basketball Clinic I committed and signed up for the Half Marathon. I'm all in now. I can't quit! Now I have to do it now.
So last night was my running homework. Twenty five minutes of warm up, jogging, fast running, jogging, fast, warm down. Did my stretching. Wasn't as stiff as I thought from tuesday. Yikes. It was tougher that Tuesday. About halfway through I'm thinking, am I nuts. I don't know if I can do this. But then, into my head popped something I heard at the board meeting that afternoon. Lisa Musselman from VIA's staff, talked to the board about the Teen Summer Experience program. One of the things they teach the group is that we all try things and sometimes it's tough and we want to quit and that part of what they are trying to teach those teens. That it's ok to fail, but what's important is to pick yourself up and keep going. Set a goal. It doesn't matter how many times you have to try it, keep going. So as I'm thinking how much I hate this I'm going to keep running. And on September 12, 2010 I will run 13.1 miles for them. If you can help me get there and read my trials and tribulations and sign up for any of the races, or volunteer at the race, or sponser me an help me raise money that would be great. I almost can't wait for September 13th. But I have many miles to run before then.
Thanks and we'll be back soon. Got to mentally prepare for my run tomorrow! Yikes. I hate to even think about it.
I just checked my e-mail. Just got one from Crampsie about my run tomorrow. It's gonna be a long summer.
Just got back from my 7:15 am run. On a Saturday morning. I'm nuts. That's what I kept thinking anyway. Lots of time to think while I'm trying to keep myself moving forward for 25 minutes or so at a decent pace. Had a few carbs in prep for the run last night.
Not usually up this early on a Sat but I was thinking that maybe it's because I hated the thought of running so I might as well get it done. Maybe mornings are the way to go. No cars on the road, freezing my tail off, probably helped me move faster, alone with my thoughts. Here a few things I was pondering.
The theme song from Rocky (I'm a phila girl) which turned into eye of the tiger (And then my work friend Mike's take, eye of the gerbil). At least I was laughing.
My husband said last night maybe he'd do the half. I'm wondering, does he want to kick my butt? We're pretty competitive. Even Wii golf gets us fired up. But I know he's just being supportive of me. Always telling me it's better for my health to exercise. Wish I had half his motivation.
I started a facebook group for my training for VIA and told a few people as well. I'm starting to think these running fans are really a cult. They're all really pumped up and supportive. A client told me yesterday if I needed a running partner, he's available. An old friend in CA on FB joined right away telling me that 13 Miles is a piece of cake and fun. Wonder what kind of kool-aid they drink.
Today wasn't too bad. Still couldn't run the full 25 minutes of so but it felt better that the 2nd run. My quads weren't screaming. Still worried about what I'll be thinking about and how I get through 13 miles. That's a lot of time to think.
I think it will be great for VIA and the people with disabilities we serve. That's what's really keeping me going. Thanks for the support.
Good morning. Fourth Run done today in rainy Flordia. So much for getting away to the sun to run!!!
Did it on the treadmill (still hated it) so got to watch the news. Saw news about what states have decided to tax to cover budget shortfalls. As I was trying to divert my thinking to anything but running (even though I had the I-pod working for musical distraction) it brought me back to how important our fundraising efforts at VIA are. Government funding of our programs has never been enough and keeps falling. We need to continue to meet these shortfalls by our events like the Marathon, Basketball, Golf outing and our upcoming champagne tasting event. That kept me motivated today.
This week's notes will be short as I'm trying to enjoy my so far rainy vacation.
Thanks for reading and supporting my half-marathon try and VIA of the Lehigh Valley.
Did my fifth and final run in sunny florida before heading home. I'm starting to think I like running better in the am. We'll see when I get back today. Still doing lots of thinking while running. I'll be running tomorrow on my birthday from home. Back to my same course whatching robins, not pelicans and blue heron's. But that will give me something to think about.
Congrats to all the basketball raffle winners and for supporting VIA. I think I might have talked my husband into playing golf in the VIA Outing. Will be his first time on a golf course. Should certainly be worth the entrance fee.
Ran early this am after getting back from Florida. Kind of missed the flatness of the terrain down there.
Nice and cool this morning. Still thinking I'll like running in the AM rather than the evening. (Don't assume the like means I like running, yet). Everybody's been telling me to cross train so I went to my Spinning class yesterday with my favorite Spin Instructor Allen. Good class. It's been awhile but felt great. I think it helped with my run this morning.
My ipod (with the clock) helps me time my first strides slow/fast workout. Did most of my 2 1/2 miles today jogging/running listening to my 80's tunes. Except for the Van Halen Running with the Devil (Good one for Easter, right) it was a great mix.
On the Easy/Fast part of the running it seems to all fold together. Something I've got to work on. Like my running shoes. My feet are feeling good.
Think about VIA alot when I'm running. The need for fundraising has never been greater in this economy. We continue to seek diverse funding sources as our costs to run our programs continue to put a strain on the budget like most non-profits. Our focus still is to provide the best services for the people we serve. If you haven't had a chance to learn more about VIA please check out what we do at VIA and donate you time of a few spare dollars. We do great things. You can hear about it yourself from those we serve on the VIDEO's on the home page.
You can also sponsor me for my 13 mile run at my page.
Last night at First Strides the weekly speaker told a story about his young son watching finishers in a local 1/2 marathon many, many years ago. As the first runner came toward the finish line he bent down and told his son here comes the winner. As he crossed the line he jumped up and down cheering on the winner. Shortly thereafter the next person came towards the line and the young boy starting cheering yea winner!!!!! This went on for all the participants crossing the line. At the First Strides group many people are walking/running for the first time in there lives. It's not been easy for some of them. The point was that anybody who starts to run/walk is already a winner.
By the way, I made the 30 minute run last night, only walking about 5 of those minutes. The First strides group is great because I'm not running alone and for the competitor in me, it makes it psychologically harder to walk a bit like when running alone. I'm kind of starting to, yikes, enjoy my runs!
This morning, as I was on my way to a VIA Meeting I thought about Winners. VIA is full of winners!! All of our clients are winners. If you read about our employment services, many of those with disabilities are venturing out to the work force for the first time. That's hard enough and scary enough for most of us without the disability part. Our staff at VIA are winners. They are the ones working daily to help our clients live a full and rewarding life, which is what we all aspire to. And our Board Members and volunteers who give of their time, expertise and money are winners. Supporting VIA will help us allow our clients to stay winners and to allow others with disabilities that find VIA become winners as well!!
Please support VIA by sponsoring me on my goal to finish the Half Marathon on September 12. You can find me by clicking the Make a Donation link then the Half Marathon Link.
I was going to comment on my last 2 training days but I clicked on the link to watch Troy and Tracy's presentation at the VIA Basketball Banquet "learning to be different together". If you weren't there or haven't viewed it yet, please take the time. This will put a face on what VIA does for the individuals we serve, their families and our community. In a room full of hundreds of people you can't hear a pin drop.
This is why I'm running in September. This is why I'm trying to do my small part by asking my friends to sponsor me in my quest to raise funds for VIA. Please click on the Make a Donation Link and search for me under the half marathon, Lisa Somers, and donate what you can. Every dollar helps.
Had a great run on Tuesday night with the First Strides group. It was a 34 minute run. 5 Min warm up, 3 min slow 3 min fast (4 sets), 5 min cool down. I was able to continue running through 32 minutes. Best I've felt yet. I did keep thinking towards the end of the 1/2 hour (I'm guessing I ran about 2 1/2 t 3 miles), oh my god, it will take me over two hours to run 13 miles. Am I nuts!!!!! How will I ever make it!!! The good news is my new running shoes are great, no problems there, my knees are hodi
Also heard yesterday that the Troy and Tracy video from the BBall banquet went viral on the internet. They are getting e-mails from all over the country. How great is that!!! Getting the word out about VIA and what we do is what it's all about.
Signed up for the VIA Golf Outing in May. Maybe I should walk the course as part of my training. LOL. Won't happen. Don't want to slow the golfers down. Still spots left if you want to sign up on the events page.
Running on Friday morning. Will keep you up to date.
It's been over a week since I've posted. Hate it how work gets in the way of fun stuff. I'm not saying running has become fun yet, but I've been meaning to post.
So since the last post I've ran 4 more times. I am sticking to the First Strides program, doing my homework, between Tuesday runs. (Wouldn't Mom be proud!) On Tuesday I felt great and ran about a 5k in about 34 minutes no stopping. Why is it I feel better towards the end of the run and am sucking wind midway through? Oh yeah and why after running for about 4 weeks did I gain almost five pounds. Part of my rational for my crazy thinking was to lose 10 pounds, now I have to lose @ 15 pounds. Yikes. Good news was yesterday, I was back to my starting weight. Thank God. I was starting to get worried.
Today's run was not too bad, but I had to talk myself into it. Felt kind of crappy, but had to run since I'd be seeing my fellow board members in the afternoon and didn't want to let them down. We'll be having a donation day on May 1st for our thrift stores. If you have extra stuff to donate or want a few great bargains check them out on our website. The VIA Thrifts help support the programs and services we offer at VIA. I'm hoping that when I'm finally down the 10 pounds, I'll surely be making donation and buying a smaller size.
Halfway through my First Strides program last night working towards the Hanover Twp 5k on June 12. Almost didnt' go.
I was feeling pretty lousy yesterday afternoon (note to self. Don't eat ARBY's Beef and Cheddar on a running day) and was thinking about how I could get so much more done at work rather that going to first strides. Plus it was cold, damp and windy...Hmm, recipe for blowing off the workout.
Well, I went anyway. The speaker was Fran Derhammer from Lehigh Valley Hospital about the importance of exercise and proper diet. (You can't make this stuff up, can you). I know Fran from a past networking life. She asked us all to stand up and was going to go through a list of all the excuses we use not to work out and sit down when we heard one that applies to us. The first one was time. I sat down. I also have used several of the other ones as well, like weather, no one to work out with, etc, etc.
Fran's been with First Strides for years. We ran together. While she talked and we ran I started to feel a bit better. I told her why I started running (for the half marathon and to support VIA of the Lehigh valley and our consumers). It's amazing how much better I felt after the run. Glad I went.
This morning I was thinking about choices. We all make choices every day. What to wear, what to eat, what to say, who do donate our time and money to. I've chosen to donate my time and money to VIA to support our programs for people with disabilities. Our programs enable our consumers to be able to make many of the same choices we all value in our lives. If you haven't read much about VIA we envision a time when all people will have equal access to appropriate developmental and educational services, have friends who care and relationships that are rich and meaningful, a rewarding career of choice, and a satisfying retirement. Oddly enough, the same choices we all want.
Please support me in my quest to run the half-marathon and raise $1000 to support VIA. Thanks!
Getting ready for my Sunday Run. Today will be the hottest day that I've run in so far. We'll see how it goes. Kind of looking forward to it, but not looking forward to it. Still having a hard time seeing myself running over 13 miles. Mapped out the route I ran on Thursday. About 3 miles in 35 minutes. Ran almost the whole time including the warm down. So I'm thinking I have to run this route at least four times (Can you tell I'm a math whiz)....Holy Crap. I'm not sure I can do this. Am I really crazy.....
Ran in the heat. Didn't really enjoy it but I think it was more about not running with the tunes that day. As I'm now able to tell when I'll get back to my home on how I'm running, I took a different route through bicentennial park. Had to run up a slight incline which I don't need to do on my current route. Didn't really enjoy that either! So what did I like.
Well, on Tuesday after talking myself into going to first strides (I was working on all kinds of excuses) I found out that we were going to be timed at some point during the 40 minute run on our benchmark mile time. (No pressure we were told as they will do it again at the end of the training so we can know how we've improved over the course of the next 5 weeks) Timed in 11:11. I was pretty pumped. Thought that was pretty good for only running for 7 weeks. Guess doing my homework had paid off! (Hear that kids!)
Also, Bart Yasso, just sent me a training program for the half-marathon. Now that the Chief Runner and designer of the Course knows who I am, I have no choice but to complete the run.
Last night, I ran into a friend who ran the VIA Half last year, and he told me about the course and how I should be fine. Also now have a running buddy for when I have to do those long runs that I know will be coming up this summer. It's great to have friends who care! The more I talk about my running the more friends I'm finding.
And if you haven't learned about what VIA is about, here's our VISION.
Via’s Vision
Via envisions a time when all people will have equal access to appropriate developmental and educational services; have friends who care and relationships that are rich and meaningful; a rewarding career of their choice; and a satisfying retirement.
Friends who care. That's what everyone deserves and why I'm running. Thanks for reading. Lisa
Happy Mother's Day!! I hope everyone enjoys the time spent honoring and being honored!
Did my run this morning in very WINDY conditions. Was going to wimp out and go to the gym for the treadmill, but I thought, who knows what kind of day September 12 2010 (my 18th wedding anniversary) will be. I should run in the wind. So I bundled up. Put a beanie on. (That's what Jerry calls them). Looked pretty silly, I thought, but really, who am I trying to impress. Already have the total package (most days) at home.
I expected that with the wind it would take me longer to finish my run but, I was feeling pretty good so I was able reach the 3 mile mark at 35 minutes including my 5 minute slow warmup. Not to shabby for a windy day. Walked off my last 5 min of today's 40 minute goal.
Pretty sure the 5K in June should go smoothly, and after reviewed the half-marathon training Bart Yasso sent me on Friday, I'm feeling pretty confident.
Please don't take it that I'm looking forward to it. I still have to argue with myself to get moving every time I go out there. Got the motivation. Had some extra tix to the IRON PIGS game last Thursday. One of the staff took one of the VIA Consumers and we met them at our seats. Susie was having a great time. She may have been the most excited fan at the stadium. I was glad she was able to attend and thanks for the staff person for taking her personal time to escort Susie to the game. I'll keep Running for VIA!!!
Wow, it's been awhile (May 9) that I've been on to write. I think about writing but work and life and running seem to get in the way. Had my first "Breakdown" last Tuesday and blew off first strides because it was cold and rainy. Froze my tail off at Whitetail (no pun intended) last Monday night golfing and was still cold on Tuesday. Not in the mood to freeze again. I did get up Wednesday morning and got myself to the gym and did my 40 minutes on the treadmill. I really had no choice but to do my run non-stop since my husband was behind me on the elliptical. Wasn't going to let him see me struggle. Still p*****d off at myself for being a wimp. Pretty sure I made up for that Friday night running in the midst of the Thunderstorm. It's truly amazing how much faster I fan with the fear of a lighting strike in my head. Somebody told me you also run faster when an unleashed dog is chasing you. Hoping I don't experience that one.
I'll be running tomorrow night outside since I won't miss two First Strides in a row. Just about 1 month until the 5K race and 4 months to the half. Yikes. Try to write again before the VIA Golf Outing a week from today. Maybe I should walk to course? Have a great day and thanks for reading.
Today was VIA Golf day. I participated along with many others supporting the cause. Didn't play well, but it wasn't about the game. It was about VIA. A good group for the a.m. round and what looked like a good group for the afternoon outing. Well attended event in a rotten economy. Thanks to all for coming out. Since it was 2 pm when I got home, still thinking about VIA and all they do, decided to go for a run.
Up to running 4 times a week. Today I did about 4 miles in about 40 minutes. Starting to feel pretty good. Was in the mood to run today. Was dangerously close however to running out of music as the Ipod battery was low. Need the distraction....
Sunday morning I ran my route backwards which entailed a bit of an gradual uphill. Note to self. Don't play slower tunes when running uphill. Not much motivation going on there.
Lot's of motivation today at the VIA Golf Outing. Great to see so many people playing as well as volunteering. Board members out in force as well as staff pitching in.....
We have many, many wonderful staff and Volunteers doing great things at VIA. What a great experience. I am so fortunate to be a part of something like VIA of the Lehigh Valley.
9:30 Thursday night. Watching the lightning outside. Powerful. Also checking a few things on the net about a few people I know. Bart Yasso - Designer of the VIA Marathon Course. He's running this sunday, the Comrades Marathon in South Africa. 55 Miles. Quite a historic race. Never heard of it until I learned more about Bart. May have to read his life on the run book at the beach this summer. Bart is a big supporter of VIA and the VIA Marathon has become a big fundraiser for VIA. I'll be tracking Bart and hoping he completes his quest to finish the Comrades Marathon. www.comrades.com.
The Comrades race was founded by a World War I veteran in honor of his fellow soldiers. When peace was declared in 1918, Vic Clapham felt that all those who had fallen in this catastrophic war should be remembered and honoured in a unique way, where an individuals physical frailties could be put to the test and overcome. Remembering the searing heat and thirst of the parched veld through which he had campaigned, he settled on the idea of a marathon and he approached the athletic authorities of the day to sound their views. His enquiry led him to the doors of the League of Comrades of the Great War a corpus of ex-soldiers who had formed an association to foster the interests of their living companions who had survived the War.
Clapham asked for permission to stage a 56 mile race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban under the name of the Comrades Marathon and for it to become a living memorial to the spirit of the soldiers of the Great War This was strenuously resisted by the League, but Clapham persisted maintaining that if a sedentary living person could be taken off the street given a rifle and 60lb pack and marched all over Africa then surely a fit and able athlete could complete the distance. Applications in 1919 and 1920 were refused but in 1921 the League relented and gave permission and 1 for expenses, which was refundable. GO BART!! The first race was in 1921.
This brings me to this weekend. I was running early this morning and struggling with my 50 minute approx 4 1/2 miles. After I returned home and checked my e-mails I had received a reply from the wife of one of my clients (Marine Capt) who has just arrived in Afghanistan (Kandahar Province) with the 1st Light Armored Recon Group. My nieces 4h group will be sending care packages to him as well as myself and clients. After reading her list of items needed by the Marines, and how infrequently they are at the FOR (Forward Operating Base) because they are out in the field, I felt a little silly about my bit of complaining about my difficult run in the am. I am sure those running the Comrades Marathon this weekend in honor of fallen soldiers of past wars, and especially those serving this great country in the present, have overcome and will face far more difficult challenges than I have and will in training to run 13 miles in a few months.
Our service men and women and their families overcome challenges ever day. Please, remember them this Memorial day. They are the ones who protect and defend our freedom on a daily basis so we all may enjoy our life in this great country and be able to volunteer, work and support agencies like VIA of the Lehigh Valley assist people with disabilities to live life to the fullest!
Congrats to Bart Yasso for finishing the Comrades Marathon. Amazing. 55 miles in 11 hours. WOW.
Sitting here waiting for OT to start, game three, Stanley Cup finals. Go Flyers. Boy do Philly sports teams make it hard to be a fan. No, I'm not on the bandwagon. I'm a Philly girl and growing up in Philly, played street hockey all the time and have been a Flyers fan for almost all of my life.....Nothing like playoff hockey.
OT is about to start and not only am I hoping the Flyers score early to end it and get back in the series, I'm wondering how I'll be able get up early tomorrow to run my 4+ miles. My serious training starts next week so I know goofing off is out. Pretty confident that I'll cruise through my 5K race on June 12. Last night was First Strides 2nd to last run and we were timed for our mile again. Down to 10:30 minute mile. Shaved a minute off my mile time in the last month. Always encouraging when you make progress.
Yesterday I felt lousy all day (long weekend) and was thinking of reasons not to run and put it off for a day. As usual, talked myself into it and ended up feeling great during the run and afterwards. Felt like I could run forever. Forest Gump like feeling. We'll see how tomorrow goes. Never give up!!
Flyers Score!!! Uh oh, under review... waiting, waiting. No goal. Bummer. Gonna be a tough run tomorrow.....past my bedtime.
Flyers WIN! Yeah!! And I was up and on the run by 6:25 am. Not as early as I wanted but a WIN for me none the less.
Just a thought about some of the things I noticed this morning while I was running. It was a beautiful morning at 6:30 am. Sun was out, not too hot, not too cold. Why do parents drive their kids (not elementary age kids) to the bus stop one block away from their house? Am I crazy that this sort of annoyed me or am I getting old and cranky. I remember walking (probably a mile, uphill both ways in the snow, sleet and freezing rain - lol). Are we enabling our youth by driving them 1 block to the bus on a sunny day? If it were just one "drop off" that I saw this morning I might have thought it might be someone with a disability but that's not what it looked like to me. I won't go on from here but you get the drift.
At VIA, we enable people with developmental disabilities to become productive members of the community by training them and finding them jobs with the many employers who have embraced VIA and the dedicated, hardworking employees that they hire through our employment services. Please take a look a the Employment Services part of the VIA website. There you will see the wonderful opportunities that we provide for our consumers to become productive members of society. And that's why I'm running.
It is really hard to watch Philly Sports teams. Flyers down 5-2 in the 2nd period. Thy only good think about this team is they don't give up. So, should I stay up and watch the rest of the game or get some rest as my training will be ramping up this weekend. We'll see.
Felt lousy all weekend. Have a nasty "summer" head cold. Stuffed up head, runny nose. Hadn't run since Thursday, did my Cross training spinning class on Sat am but still felt rotten. Even the beers weren't tasting good. What the?
I had to get out today though. Jerry's cousin, Pat and his wife have signed up for the half-marathon. Anne told me about a website, www.mapyourrun.com and I was able to map my 4 mile course to get started. Felt great during the whole run. Amazing since I'd felt terrible all weekend. Did the four miles in just over 40 minutes. Even in the heat this morning. Don't really mind the humidity for some reason. Have to do two more 4 milers this week and then 5 miles on Sunday. Also running the 5K on Sat I've been training for at First Strides. Gonna be a busy week.
Finally went to the doc and got a physical so I make sure I'm ok to run. Probably not a bad idea. Seem to be in good shape. Have some bloodwork to get done, but my BP is good and all else seems well. Pretty healthy for someone who's been goofing off for a few years. Guess I've got no excuses to finish the 13.1 miles, not that I was looking for any......
Go Flyers. Still haven't decided????
By the way, thanks to those who have sponsored my run. 2/3 of the way to my goal!!
Graduation night from First Strides and ready to run my 5k race in Hanover Township on Saturday Morning June 12. Exactly 3 months until the half marathon on Sept 12th. June 12th - My parents wedding anniversary, Sept 12th, my wedding anniversary. Interesting.
Anyhow, tonight we did some "Speed" training and are supposed to taper down for the 5k on Saturday, however; this is the 1st week of my official half training start week so I won't be tapering. I'm not really concerned with the 5k, just want to keep running. Am scheduled to run 4 miles today, tomorrow, 4 miles Friday and 6 miles on Sunday. Yikes! Will have to adjust that a bit for the 5k. One of the mentors who I know, Rita, said that I should just add a few miles after the run on Saturday morning to get to the Six instead of Sunday. We'll see how I figure this out. I'll let you know.
Update on my Marine client. Talked to his mom today about things they need over there in Afghanistan. She said the biggest problem out in the filed is staying cool. It's only early June and already around 110 degrees in the desert. Don't forget they are also armored up and carrying packs, weapons, etc with them. I have to try not to remember to complain about running in the heat, or running, or complaining about anything in general.
First Strides Graduation Race 5K in Hanover township.
I'm not really worried about that, it's the six-miler on Sunday morning that has me worried. I've never run six miles before so I am having the irrational fear that I won't be able to run the whole time, although the 4-miler's have been reasonably easy. Time will tell.
Like I did with Thursday mornings 4 miler, in the 1st two miles when I wasn't in the mood, I went back to the reason for my running (VIA) and the marines in afgahnistan and the new offensive. No worries running 4 miles in safe, suburban america. I'll do the 6 miles!
I'm back. Friday night, pre 5k dinner. Bratwurst and Beck's for dinner. German training regimen. Hope it works out. Still worried about the 6 miler. Jerry (husband) told me that any athlete that can run 4 miles can run six. And why aren't I cross training? A compliment and a dig all at once. Gotta love marriage.
Anyhow, had a crazy thought earlier. Really crazy!!
I thought that maybe, just maybe, next September I would try the................
Marathon. I could keep raising money for VIA, right?
I told a few people when I started this adventure that if I ever told them I was gonna run a marathon to make sure they got me to a doctor to have my head examined (one of my mom's old sayings).
We'll see how it all goes. I should try not to get ahead of myself. Have a great weekend.
Yes, I am alive and well after my 5k yesterday and 6 really, really exhaustingly hard miles today.
I finished the 5k yesterday in 31:23 or 10:08 per mile average. I was shooting for 10 minute miles but I'm not complaining.
Great race environment. It was all women and was the Graduation race for the Spring First Strides group. I believe there were close to 300 women running. Old and Young, fast and slow. Great camraderie. Everybody cheering everyone else on. I had my own cheering committee of my Sister-in-Law, Mom and Nieces. Signs and everything..... Great stuff.
Now on to the difficult part of the weekend. Today. Six miles. Was sort of in the mood this morning to get at it. Sort of. Kept telling myself to go slow, no hurries. Checked my route on Map my Run so I knew where I was headed. Started out at 8:10. Feeling ok. Tried to keep it slow knowing I had a looooooooong way to go. Man was it freaking hot out. Not even a breeze and very little shade. Good thing I wore my sunglasses. Dripping sweat. Made it all of about 50-55 minutes without stopping.
My mind was all over the place. Was it from the Race yesterday that I was dying? Was I dehydrated? I think I should have drank some water before I rolled out of the rack and started running. Was it too darn hot? Or was it a combination of all of the above.
After the 50 min or so I was really having negative thoughts. I guess I hit the wall and the "endorphins" forgot to kick in. (Never really did today) Am I nuts! How will I ever run 13 miles? This was the worst I felt since early on in the First Strides training. So as I was walking a bit, I remembered the first strides workouts. 1 or 2 minutes slow. 4-9 minutes fast. So I decided to go back to that rather than feel sorry for myself and walk the last part of the run home. I did 2 minutes slow (a walk at this point) and 8 minutes fast. Wow, it worked. I still was exhausted, but I least I didn't "quit" and walk the rest of the way. I completed the 6 miles in about 75 minutes or 12:19 average mile pace. A guess that's a good start. Jerry said I should be able to do the 6 in about that time. Curses, he's right again.
I really couldn't wait for that first gulp of cold water. Stayed outside in the heat and just dripped out all the impurities for about 1/2 hour drinking cold water. It's almost 1:30 and I'm still a bit stiff. Not really in the mood to do much today. Day of rest, I'm thinking.
Back in the groove on Tuesday with a 4 mile run. I'm thinking that should be a piece of cake!!! Trying not to think about the 7 miles I'll be doing next Sunday.
After the 6 miler in the oppressive heat on Sunday I can see why you need a day off. Ran my 4 miles today in 44 minutes feeling pretty good. Gonna have to get up early this week to avoid the heat that's coming. Also drinking plenty of water and trying to eat better. This weeks schedule today 4 miles, Wed 4 miles, Friday 5 miles and Sunday the dreaded 7 miles. I guess if I can do the 7 miles I'm more than halfway to 13.1......
Yikes. At the beginning of First Strides I really didn't think I'd be running 4 miles with really no difficulty. Amazing what one can do when you set your mind to it.
Never thought I'd be up at 6:30 on a Sunday morning getting ready to go out for a 7 mile training run..... Trying to hydrate up on this hot, humid summer morning to get it done before the sun is out and the heat is on. Don't want to have the same feeling I had last Sunday. Not fun. Also dropping water off early in the run and crossing back around on my route to water up. Why didn't I think of that last week. Thanks John and Paul for that simple idea.
Gotta go, sunblock up (hear that Deb), hook up the i-pod, stretch and go.
Did my 7 miles in 80 minutes. 11:24 pace. Felt pretty good all the way. Had my water stop...it's really hard to drink from a water bottle and run at the same time. Lost of time to think in an hour and a half. Thinking about what I'm doing up at 6:30 and running on a Sunday. Thinking about the good things going on at VIA to keep us going for the next 50 years serving people with disabilities. Thinking about the good songs I was listening to as I'm running. Thinking about Father's day and my long passed away dad. Thinking about how proud he would be.
Also can't believe I had this thought at about the end of the fourth mile, "wow, only 3 miles to go", this will be easy. Never thought I'd be saying that. Even sprinted at the end to finish in my 80 minutes. By the way, Jerry said I be faster for the 7 miles than the six (mile pace) and "curses, he was right again.
This week we're at 4, 4, 6 and 8. Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun. Time flies when you are having fun....
4 and 4 done. Yesterday's 4 was great, today's not so much. As I'm sitting here having my healthy salad for lunch trying to drop another 10 lbs after dropping 5 thought I'd post my thoughts after reading the VIA Newsletter. Trying to lose another 10 as my husband Jerry told me it would be way easier to run 13 with 10 less pounds of baggage. He's laid down the challenge so being the currently crazy person I am I'm taking up the challenge. Not giving up my carbs in a bottle for the summer, but I will go lite.
Even though I struggled today still did the 4 miles in 45 minutes. When the going is tough, I have negative things running through my head about my upcoming longer runs. How my gonna get through it, better get up early for the 8 miler on Sunday, may be another hot one. Mark (my brother) told me on the 8 miler, if I'm struggling go back to First Strides training and go easy/hard for short/long timing. Might have to try that on Sunday. After that I have what I now call a running vacation. The week of the 28th I only have a 4,4,4,6 week. Cool. Bad news after that as the miles start creeping up on Tuesday's and 8's on Sundays. Gonna be a long July!
Getting closer to my goal of raising $1,000 for VIA... Thanks to my contributors for supporting VIA. If you want to help, look for me under the half-marathon on the donations page.
Can't wait to sleep in tomorrow. No getting up before 6 to beat the heat.
Beat my last 6 mile time this morning by 6 minutes. Of course I hadn't run the 5k the day before and made sure I was plenty hydrated with a water stop and thankfully the humidity wasn't too bad. Not really looking foward to the 8 on Sunday, but I have to remember not go for time, just trying to run 8. Hard for me to believe I spent about an hour and 10 minutes running around the neighborhood before work today. In early March if you told me I'd be doing this at the end of June, I'd have said you were crazy.
Generally, on my longer runs, I seem to be struggling around the 3rd and 4th mile but can work through it. Today I thought of my marine in afghanistan to get on with it.....Who know what I'll be thinking for 8 miles on Sunday.. Follow along and I'll let you know. Enjoy the weather.
Saturday afternoon. 8 miles on my mind. Went spinning this morning. My good friend and spin instructor Alan mentions the half every week. Hoping to raise some funds from the regulars. Great guy. Always helps out with our causes. Halfway to my fundraising goal. Thanks MJ, for the donation.
Not feeling so great today. Must've been the wine with dinner last night. Drinking lots of water today. Hydrating up. Going to make sure I have a few stops for water tomorrow. Can't wait until it's over.
The good news is next week I have somewhat of a running vacation. This is my third week of training (total miles - 22) Week four I only have 18 miles. Week five, six and seven it ramps up before my next "vacation". Who knew I'd be looking forward to only running 18 miles a week. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow. No wine tonight!!
Just finished my 1st 8 miler.....in one hour and 29 minutes! And burned over 850 calories. Good thing, as it's my nieces birthday parties today so I can fit that b-day cake in a not fell guilty.
Up at 7, waited for the rain and finally got at it. My new favorite running song is Boston's Don't Look Back. Great motivator as I was starting my last mile. Had a great kick at the end as I wanted to get in under 1 1/2 hrs. As I was listening to the words of the song I was thinking about VIA in the past year. Our interim ED, the difficult changes we've had to make, the great, active and engaged board or directors, VIA Volunteers, and our hardworking leadership team and all of the VIA staff and how now it's time to start looking forward to the future with our new ED who will be coming on board in August. What a great time to be involved in this great organization!
Oh yeah, and I'm glad my running "vacation" starts now! 4,4,4 and 6 this week. Piece of Cake!
Well, I've done my 4 and 4 and tomorrow I'll do my next 4. Tuesday was a great. Was under a 10 minute mile pace (9.45) for the 4. Wednesday was a bit slower so I decided to go back to the First Strides training method. For the last two miles did 2 min slow, 3 min fast. It was also a bit chilly on Wednesday morning. I almost think I like the heat better in the early morning. It appears that I'll get my wish on Sunday morning. Thanks for reading.