BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND TWITTER BACKGROUNDS

Thursday, July 22, 2010

RnR San Diego...

San Diego was a half marathon that I was challenged to run
by a friend of mine. Sure, I ran one in February, but I wasn't totally sold that I could run this one without totally training for it properly. Hence I hired @coachprs and with his help I was able to finish without dying out there.

San Diego, as I soon realized, was completely different. There was constant humdity. As the race started, I could feel it come on and so did my heart. I soon learned the value dumping water over my head every mile and downing the Cytomax as I could feel and taste the salt pouring off of me.

It was a great race to run, though. Besides having the music every mile and cheer squads, I learned more about myself. I don't do good in humidity. I can't image what my friends in TX are having to run through. All in all it was a blast. Probably the best part was getting to meet a teammate of mine @twittyrun!!.

Friday, July 9, 2010

I feel like I'm drowning..

So for the past two weeks I have been stuck with this lovely chest/head cold. I had to take a week totally off, which for a runner, is the utmost hardest thing to do. Everyday I struggled to NOT go run or swim-both I knew would hinder my progress yet I wanted to keep my body moving. After talking with my coaches and running friends, for the week I gave in and let my body rest and hydrate.

After my week off from running, I struggled to get back. That's when I had to dig deep to get through the mileage (albeit low). First, it was getting up again at 5am to fuel and be out the door before the city fills with tourists and the humidity totally takes affect on me. Next was conquering the battle of breathing-having a clogged nasal airway did not make it easy. Finally, getting my legs back to running mode.

What keeps me going? I dig deep; I always run for a reason. I run for my grandmother who I know would be so very proud of me running to raise money for cancer. I think of each mile as just that...a mile. I also know that I am a rare creature out there who can say "I've completed a marathon" and see the awe in people's eyes. Those are the thoughts that can bring me out of my drowning feeling.

I feel like I'm drowning, but I know that I'm not. It's been a bump in the road. I know that I can do this. After all, I've already completed one marathon...the next one should be easier, right?? yeah....right...

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Let's party in New Orleans...Mardi Gras style!


New Orleans....alot of things come to mind when one hears that but this year, another tradition was added. The rock and roll series added to the series a half/full marathon thru the city and it definitely lived up to the true RnR experience.
I ran this the end of February 2010; hence after Mardi Gras offical and after the HUGE win of the Saints so the town was still in party mode. The start was packed; all decorated only the way New Orleans can do it. There were various costumes surrounding me-fairy princesses, Elvis, tons of people wearing beads...I could go on and on.
The course was flat and fast. Just what I needed after only training (really training) for 2 months. Luckily I was coming from 6,000ft above sea level to sea level. The sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky. I remember pushing myself-after all-I could do this. Had to stop for a photo op with my parents around mile 7. I kept going, grabbing water at every stop and using my own gels as I needed.
As I crossed that finish line, I was ecstatic! I did it-and then almost lost all the cookies-but I didn't. Around my neck hung the coolest medal yet. To top it off, Sister Hazel was the concert at the finish line. Am I going back, heck ya and this time with two teammates!!