Ok, I get it!

So, last night I had dinner with one of my Running Buddies (i.e. my mom) and I was telling her how demoralized I was after the Half and how hard it was to get motivated for this full marathon. I admitted that as I looked at my training schedule I was starting to fear the miles. She gave me a pep talk and told me it would not be a defeat to wait and do the marathon a little later when I felt more ready.

It didn't really help but I know she's right.

When I got home and chilled out for the evening, I got a call from her to change the channel because the Biggest Loser was on. Not being a avid watcher I was not too interested until she told me they were running a marathon this episode. (Read Episode Recap here)

A sign!

I watched the final four Biggest Loser candidates and shared in their trials and tribulations through the 26.2 mile course. I got so inspired I started doing squats during the show! It renewed my Marathon Motivation!

I'm excited about today's run and tomorrows and the following one!

It was definitely something I needed to see!

I finally get what the hype is about! I am a Biggest Loser convert :)

Getting Back in the Swing

So, yesterday's run didn't totally suck.

It went something like:

Mile one: My legs were cramping and knotting to no end
Mile two: I felt like I couldn't breathe
Mile three: Slow but Steady
Mile four: I like to run!
Mile five: I missed running, why did I ever stop!

So, I am getting back into the swing of it.

and here are last months stats:

In Review - Month of November

WORKOUT	DISTANCE	AVG Speed	TIMES
	102.79 Miles	5.04	16
	0 Miles	N/A	0
	0 Meters	N/A	0

Total Workout Time: 20:41:46

Happy Tuesday!

In Dire Need of A Fresh Start

Ok, so the 16 Miler didn't happen this weekend.

Rationally I know it's ok because I really wasn't supposed to be up to 16 miles till next weekend but blowing the 16 miler blew my November Goal of running 120 miles, and of running consistently through my vacation.

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Sun
Rest	5 M	5 M	7 M	Rest	16 M	Rest

I bailed on 3 runs this week.

I am upset at myself but I know that my body probably needed the rest and I can now start the week off fresh.

Tonight, I will continue with this weeks schedule and keep pushing forward!

This weeks schedule looks alot like last week's so I can feel like I've made it up ;)

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Sun
5 M	Rest	6 M	5 M	Rest	16 M	Rest

Happy Monday!

M.I.A. in MIA

So, I've been M.I.A. in the MIA.

I've been on vacation this whole week and with the addition of the Holiday Festivities it's been a pretty full week.

Unfortunately, all the festivities are wrecking havoc on my training.

In the last ten or so days since I've last written, I've only run twice. A 15 mile long run and a 7 miler, both less than stellar but still accomplished.

Today, I was supposed to do a 16-miler and a cold front hit but when I woke up it was in the low 50s and too cold for this Miamian to peel the covers off. (yes, I know that's not really COLD but it's cold for us down here :)

But throughout the day I was pleasantly surprised: Mr. Boyfriend and I went exploring throughout the city and founds some great free spots that were just fabulous on cool day.





Tomorrow, I intend to make-up my 16-miler.

Hopefully back on the wagon :)

Better Than Chocolate

I am now convinced that Recovery Runs are better than Chocolate. Alright, maybe a close second but still right up there.

Boy, do I feel better today!

I was a little scared apprehensive about heading out on my first run after the 13.1 but I knew the soreness would not subside without it and after postponing on what was going to be 3 days Mr. Boyfriend finally pushed me out the door (Thank goodness for him!)

I started out slow, as I knew I should, but about a mile in my knee started to complain so I decided to set my Garmin for 5:1 Run:Walk Ratio. Afterall, it seemed to work very well for a group of people I was stalking pacing with on the run and I lost sight of them after mile 4. So I decided to give it a shot.

My pace was right on for a recovery run and I felt terrific afterward.

and now for a few pics from the race itself:




Had to do a little Photoshopping on them but I still think they came out great. I ended up purchasing my finish pic which I will add to my wall of accomplishments :)

Today is my Friday being that I start a 10 day long weekend, boy do I need this!

Happy Thursday!

Recovering & Looking towards the future

Thanks to all of you for all the wonderful comments on my post 13.1 Afterthoughts: A Moment of Doubt, I truly appreciate the faith and motivation. :)

--

I am feeling better today.

My post-RACE-um Depression is starting to subside and I can go up and down stairs without feeling like my quadriceps have been set on fire.

I've also done alot of MULLING over (the last two run-less days) about the 26.2 and being that the 13.1 (i.e. my A race) is now behind me I am looking to 2010 and pondering what lies ahead.

Potential Race Schedule:

January 31, 2010	ING 26.2 Marathon MY FIRST MARATHON!
March 7, 2010	13.1 Miami Beach
March ?, 2010	Mercedes Benz Cooperate 5K Run
April 17, 2010	7 Mile Bridge Run - LOTTERY
May ??, 2010	Tour Of The Gables
May ??, 2010	She Rox - Triathlon
July 4, 2010	4th of July 5K
September 26, 2010	Escape to Miami - Triathlon
October 31, 2010	Halloween Half Marathon
November 7, 2010	NYC Marathon - LOTTERY
November ??, 2010	Space Coast Marathon back up in case I don't get in NYC
November ??, 2010	Waterford 5K
November 26, 2010	Turkey Trot 10K

Wow! I'm getting excited just looking at it.

Wishing everyone a Happy Hump day!

13.1 Afterthoughts: A Moment of Doubt

Training Completed.

Race Run.

Milestone Reached.

Bucket List Item Checked.

So now what?

It still feels too soon to start running again today although I know I should probably get out there for a short easy run to loosen up the tightness.

But I'm having trouble getting motivated today.

Actually, I've been feeling a little different since I crossed the finish line ... and not in a good way.

It was very anti-climatic.

Now, don't get me wrong. I know what I did was a great feat of traveling 13.1 under my own power. It's taken me alot to get here and I am darned proud of getting it done! The race was challenging but it did not break my mind or my spirit! I can now say I am stronger than 13.1 Miles!

But as soon as I finished, I realized there was a monster that looms around the corner.

It remained hidden behind the 13.1 because this race came first and I needed to stay focused but now what lies ahead is:


This one I am pretty much doing alone.

My running buddies are excited about doing the ING too but the Half Marathon, they don't think they are ready for the Full yet.

AND WHAT MAKES ME THINK I AM!?!

I do know two people who are doing the Full, both acquaintances. One has done lots of marathons before and the other signed up last year and turned at the 13.1 cross over and he has been running and doing TRIS for a while.

WHAT MAKES ME THINK I CAN DO THIS!?!

I keep telling myself if the day comes and I don't think I'm ready I can take the turn at 13.1 and live to fight another day ... BUT I DON'T WANT THAT!?!?!

Then I remember:

I have never been the ATHLETE!
I have never been the Lithe Thin Svelte one!
I'm the RUNT OF THE LITTER!
The Chubby Chic!
What am I doing here? Standing at this point, signed up for a Marathon in 11 Weeks.
I HAVE NO RIGHT!?!

... and of course in your darkest moments the light reaches you:

I AM A RUNNER!
By John Bingham, aka “The Penguin”

I am a runner because my runs have names. I do tempo runs and threshold runs and fartlek runs. I do long, slow runs and track workouts. My runs are defined, even if my abs are not.

I am a runner because my shoes are training equipment, not a fashion statement. The best shoe for me is the one that makes me a better runner. I choose the shoe that goes with my running mechanics, not with my running outfit.

I am a runner because I don’t’ have running outfits. I have technical shirts and shorts and socks. I have apparel that enhances the experience of running by allowing me to run comfortably. I can say “Coolmax” and “Gore-tex” in the same sentence and know which does what.

I am a runner because I know what effort feels like, and I embrace it. I know when I’m pushing the limits of my comfort and why I’m doing it. I know that heavy breathing and an accelerated heart rate – things I once avoided – are necessary if I want to be a better runner.

I am a runner because I value and respect my body. It will whisper to me when I’ve done too much. And if I choose to listen to that whisper, my body won’t have to scream in pain later on.

I am a runner because I am willing to lay it all on the line. I know that every finish line has the potential to lift my spirits to new highs or devastate me, yet I line up anyway.

I am a runner because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.

I am a runner because I say I am. And no one can tell me I’m not.

Still have my doubts! I am still afraid! But this CHUBBY CHIC is going doing FIGHTING!?!?!?!