Day 98

Still running. I keep meaning to write but seem to find other things to do. Like make bread and read US weekly. I have been running though. I did have to take a week off due to a tendon injury. It kinda sucked not running but I knew I had to rest. My tendon feels much better but still a bit sore. I'm avoiding steep hills at the moment. I think this Saturday will be my first time back in Forest Park since I got hurt. I will never run in a torrential downpour again. Ick! I did do 9 miles yesterday. I actually ran from my house to Sellwood. It was rad. I am going to do 10 this weekend and that will be the longest I go until the race. I can't believe I'm running the Half in less than 2 weeks. Wow. What a journey it's been. I've gone up and down and all around. I've learned a new meaning of discipline and self respect. I believe in myself. I am healthier, stronger, and totally hot. I like running now. And it's like life. It's not always easy but you push through and in the end you find happiness and all the other reasons to keep on living. Here I come Vegas, Rock 'N' Roll me!!!!

Training: No runs on Sunday
Days til race: 14 days
Mind: A bit nervous

Day 84

Ooops. It's been 2 weeks since my last post. SLACKER!!! I'm still running. A lot. I ran 8 miles in the pouring down rain yesterday. Not sure it was the best idea but it had to happen someday. This is Oregon. I was going to run 9 miles but I made a deal with the rain. If it wanted to keep monsooning, I was only going to run 8 miles. I'm off today and cleaning the house like a mad woman. And doing 3 loads of laundry. I can't believe Vegas is in like 3 1/2 weeks. I'm getting new shoes this week. I'm super excited about that. Pretty much the best thing ever. Pretty much not the best thing ever was when I "hit a wall" last week. It SUCKED. I hadn't eaten much all day and then set out on a 6 miler. Dumb! My muscles were starved for energy and didn't want to function properly. I could barely move my legs and I felt like I might actually have to stop and walk. Or just fall over. Luckily, I made it home and learned a very valuable lesson. Must eat before running. But not to soon before. Running is crazy. I love it.

Training: cleaning the house
Days til Race: 27
Mind: holy crap

Day 70-- "Run Like Hell" 10/25/09

Today, I ran like hell. I participated in my first 10k (6.2 miles) race since starting all this running stuff. It was awesome. I had so much fun and got to drink beer at 8:30 in the morning. Funny. I guess runners feel they can justify drinking that early. I finished the race in 57:04. I am stoked by that time. I was 51 out of 129 for my age and 356 out of about 800 overall. Rad. I am really looking forward to Vegas. I know I have a lot of work to do yet, but I am ready to kick ass. I think November is going to be super serious for me. Lots of running and then maybe some more running. I am really proud of myself right now. I am amazing. Run Love.

Training: 10k
Days til Vegas: a little over a month
Mind: confident

Day 63

I flippin ran 8 miles today. Fuckin shit!!!! I was totally dreading it but once I started, it went well. I realised about 4 miles in that I might not be able to walk in the morning. I've been stretching for about 3 hours now and I'm still sore. Crazy. I did it though. I feel like I've gotten over a huge hurtle. I've been thinking about this day a lot. More so than any other mileage day. I know now, for sure, that I can run 13.1 miles. No sweat. I get tomorrow off and I like that. I need to find a hot tub. I love running. It's been a great day. Run Love.

Training: 8 miles
Mind: positive
Days til Run Like Hell 10k: Next Sunday

Day 53

I did it! I PR'ed (personal record) on my 5K run last Saturday. I ran it faster than I did in high school by 22 seconds. Fuckin A!! I'm about half way finished with my training and I'm starting to feel the strains and pains of running. My knee hurts, my butt hurts, my back hurts, yeah, pretty much everything is sore. I'm getting new running shoes soon and I think that will help a bit. I have good shoes now but they are just getting worn out. I've been slacking on my strength training too. I just get bored in the gym. I need to figure that out. I've got a 7 mile run on Saturday and I think that's crazy. The Ducks play at noon so it'll be an early one. Sweet. Bring it!!

Training: 4.5 miles
Days till marathon: 2 months
Mind: a bit nervous

Day 46

We are going to Vegas. It's totally official. Jeff booked our flight and room today. We're going to be staying at Excalibur and I can't wait for all the medieval shenanigans that shall ensue. Especially since Sami and Tim are coming too. Woooooo hooooo! I gotta figure out how to get my joust on board the plane. Can't run a marathon without it. Can't do much without it if you think about it. Anyway, I'm racing a 5K this weekend. I'm interested to see if I can beat my high school PR. Probably not, but it will be fun to try. Training is going well. Seems like a lot of the same thing everyday but I try to change it up. I ran in Forrest Park on Monday and that was fun. I was supposed to go 4.5 miles and I ended up running close to 6. Sweet. I'm actually not running today. Instead, I'm headed to the gym for some cross-training and trashy magazine reading. I love it!!! Vegas baby, Vegas!

Training: 40 min cross-training
Days til Marathon: a little over a month
Mood: saucy

Day 38

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO unmotivated this week. I haven't enjoyed any runs and I'm really sore and tired. My hip and knee have been aching and I'm not sure what to do about it. I may need new shoes, I may need to drink more water, I may need to rest, I don't know. I also feel like I've hit a plateau and this running thing is not getting any easier. I have 6 miles to run this weekend and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Just a shitty week in the life of a marathon runner I guess.

Training: 40 min cross-training, strength training
Mind: poopy

Day 32

It's official. I've registered for the race. I'm going to Vegas. Let the good time roll. Woo hoo! I am #524 and super proud. Running is going well. I'm up to 4 and 5 miles and it's not that difficult. My body feels pretty good. My right knee has been getting sore and I think I may need a brace. My old ACL injury is trying to haunt me. Bastard. I'm going to push through though and not let it stop me. I CAN DO THIS!!! I'm actually off today and it's great. Went to a Timbers game last night and had a blast. Mmmm thirsty Thursday. I'm still trying to figure out where to run this weekend. I'm actually staying in town and it's kinda weird. I think Forrest Park is calling my name. Sweet.

Training: watching movies, maybe check out the swifts, drink water, eat, awesome
Mind: chillin

Day 29

I know, I know, I haven't posted in over a week. I thought I would have so much time to blog but I guess I'm busy. I went to the Duck game on Saturday and that was rad. They looked like shit but they won. I did my long run on the Amazon/Rexius/Adidas trail in Eugene. I spent Friday night woopin it up on the town and it definitely made for an interesting run and recovery on Saturday. Just a bit of advice for those training for a marathon....don't run in 80 degree weather after a night of boozin. You will vomit. GO DUCKS! I did run 5 miles though. Not sure how it happened and I'm a bit amazed it actually did. Lesson to self: don't get wasted the night before a long run. I feel great now though and I'm looking forward to my 5 miler today. I register for the race on Thursday and after that, there's really no turning back. Snap! Also, I dedicate today's run to Mr. Patrick Swazye. RIP.

Training: 5 miles
Weight: 132
Mind: tired but excited

Day 21

Sore. I'm very sore right now. I got to spend the weekend at the Wilson River and it was great. I got to do my long run (5 miles) along the river on the Jones Creek trail. It was SWEET. My friend Zoe came with me and we totally rocked it! There were some very nice uphill switchbacks that kicked my ass. I can't believe I get to run in the most beautiful place on earth. Yeah!!! I've gotten into a routine with my running and I don't dread it. I like that. I think I'm going to continue and recruit my friends to run with me. Watch out!! I feel good and this running thing has totally become a part of my life. Crazy.

Training: 4.5 mile run
Mind: hungry
Days til I register: 9 days (then it's official official)

Day 15

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO! I did it. Yesterday, I ran farther than I have ever run before. It really wasn't that bad either. My knees did start to hurt toward the end but I just went with it and powered through. I've learned that I have to interpret the pain in a positive way so that it doesn't hold me back or get me down. Ooooohhhh, that hurts but it feels sooooooo good. I've still got to run today and I'm pretty excited about it. The sun is out and the mileage is doable. Feeling great today. It's amazing how far a good attitude will get you. So far, farther than I ever thought possible.

Training: 4.5 mile run (yesterday) 3.5 mile run and strength training (today)
Mind: party party party
Days til race: about 3 months

Week 3

Not so motivated today. I didn't get enough sleep last night and I worked my ass off today at work. Uuhg! I am tired and hungry and I have to work again at 4am. Ick. I did make it running today though and for that I am grateful. I do feel better now that I've run but I'm not super stoked about having to run again tomorrow. And longer. I hope this is just one of those days. Time to eat. And sleep.

Training: 3.5 mile run
Mind: yaaarrrrr

DAY 12

Just got back from a wonderful weekend of camping. I love the outdoors. I had a long run on Saturday and it went well. I was out in the woods so I got to run on trail. Definitely much easier on the knees. I love the Mckenzie River! It was so nice to be surrounded by such beautiful scenery. The trees smelled delicious and the water was so crisp and clean. I think I am going to make it a point to run all my long runs on trail. I definitely need to switch it up so that I'm not always running on cement. My knees are already a bit cranky and I need to be nice to them. Injury prevention is the key to running a marathon!!! This also gives me a great opportunity to discover more of Oregon's amazing trials. It's like I'll be going on a mini vacay every weekend. SWEET! Overall, I'm still feeling good and positive. I did miss a cross-training day last Thursday but I'm not going to beat myself up over it. Life happens and if you want to avoid Portland traffic, you gotta get out of town early. I think my main focus this week will be on my diet. It's super important to feed the body appropriately while training. I need to eat more of the right kinds of carbs and protein and less simple sugars and tater tots. That being said, I'm pretty sure I want someone to meet me at the finish line with a large cheese pizza. Rad.

Training: 4 mile run (Saturday)
Days til race: A lot
Mind: curious

Day 7

No worries, despite my lack of blogging I have still been training. My goal was to write everyday but it seems that might not happen. I will do my best to keep up though and hopefully I can figure out a daily routine that always includes blog time. Regardless, training has been going well. I stretched and strength trained for about 45 minutes on Sunday and it was nice. I ran 3 miles yesterday and I felt good. I've discovered a website (with help from my good friend Phaedra) that allows you to track your mileage and even find new routes to run. Pretty neat. Now, I don't have to go spend $200 on some fancy tracking device that the running store offers. Awesome. I picked up the book "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer," and have started digging in to all that it has to share about running one's first marathon. A lot of the words are CAPITALIZED and sometimes it feels like I'm listening to a motivational speaker. Funny stuff. One of the first things the book says is not to establish a finish time for your first marathon. I think this is the best idea ever. It gives me the opportunity to focus on my main goal which is to finish the race. I've got 4 hours to go 13.1 miles and I know that's possible. So far so good and I hope to keep up the positive attitude. I've been warned that you can't finish a marathon without continually believing in yourself and maintaining positive thoughts. Here here. I feel this philosophy may find it's way in to all parts of my life and make living that much sweeter. Sweet!!

Training: 4 mile run
Days til race: 102
Weather: It rained today but was nice when I ran
Mind: persistent

Day 4

I woke up early today and all I could think about was running. I ate a Luna bar and hit the road. It was my first long run today and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I can't remember the last time I ran more than 3 miles at once. Perhaps back in high school when I ran JV cross country but I doubt it. Now, it's not that my run today was much longer than I'm used to but it's still a distance I don't know well. I'm sure I will cherish 4 mile runs soon enough. Anyway, the run started out great and was going well until about the 3 mile mark when I had to go to the bathroom. Big bathroom not hold it bathroom. I tried to use a Honey-Bucket I passed but it was locked, I thought about just going along side the road somewhere but thought better, and then, a lovely little coffee shop appeared. Thank god. After continuing my run, I found myself randomly amid a leukemia and lymphoma run/walk benefit. I tried to keep pace with some of the runners but after about a block I had to slow down. It was kinda neat to have the feeling I was actually running in a race, if only for a block. I ended my 4 miles with a sprint and it felt awesome. The only pain I had was in my back lower right leg and I believe proper stretching could have prevented this from happening. I am a bit worried about shin splints and I hope to figure out how to work through any and all further running induced issues. I may need new shoes. Overall a great day and it's only noon. Sweet.

Training: 4 mile run
Days til race: 105
Weather: sunny and cool
Mind: content

Day 3

Today I rest. I've been advised to let my muscles rest if I want them to build strength. Apparently, muscles need time to utilize the proteins and amino acids from our diets to repair themselves and get bigger. I don't really feel like I need a rest but I do want stronger muscles. Ahhhh, a day of relaxation. I woke up at 10am and it was awesome. I love that I don't have to work today either. It's nice to wake up late, walk the dog, eat a bagel, do a crossword, and still have the afternoon open to get stuff done. I think I'm going to figure out my 4 mile run route. I actually tried to do this earlier but I got stuck behind a train and eventually had to turn around, thus adding mileage to my odometer. I should probably just go pick up some sort of mileage counter somewhere. Maybe I'll check out the running shop up the street. Wow, I don't think I've ever uttered those words before in my life. I guess that's what change is all about.

Day two-woo hoo

It's crazy how many people will give you tips, pointer, and help if you ask. I've been given some great advice at the anfang of this feat and I want to thank you all. The best advice so far has been to listen to my body, be patient, stretch, and enjoy the occasional imbiber. Occasional. It is true that I have decided to cut most meat out of my diet, drink a shit ton more of water, and rarely drink alcohol. I know this might seem impossible if you know me but I am determined to change my life. I want to live a longer healthier life and getting wasted on a regular basis doesn't fit into that plan. I have relied on spirits and booze for too long and now it's time to rely on myself. My body is a temple and I must respect and nurture her. Anyway, I'm feeling good and focusing on getting informed. A friend recommended that I get the book "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer." I ordered it on-line from Powell's and it should be ready for pick-up in 1-4 days. It's been a great day.

Training: 3.2 mile run, 45 min of stretching and weight lifting
Days til race: 107
Weather: Another beautiful day in P-town
Mood: Optimistic

Day 1

Today was the first day of my training and it went well. I feel good. I'm not quite sure what I'm doing yet, but, I'm hoping to figure it out. I'm guessing if I just run A LOT I will get better at running right? I know there are certain strategies and training programs for this type of thing and I will definitely be looking into those over the next 3 1/2 months. I will also be talking to people who have ran marathons before and asking for their advice and help. Anyone have any advice? I also need to register for the race because once I do that, there's no turning back. I like the idea of going to Vegas and doing more than drinking too much and spending too much money. Sin City here I come. It might be a sin to run a half marathon. Good god am I crazy?

Training: ran 3.2 miles
Weather: Hot 90 degrees
Days Til Race: 108
Weight: 134
Mind: Feeling Motivated