Monday, August 29, 2011

When the Going Gets Tough...

....Let the tough get going. If it hasn't been tough enough yet, I can foresee the next 4 weeks posing quite the challenge. So work is always a constant. Then add on class 2 nights a week, walking the dog, bachelorette parties, out-of-town trips, a social life (maybe) and oh yeah running 36 - 52 miles per week. Yes that's right, I said 36 - 52 miles per week. At my pace, pretending I go 10:30 for each and every mile, that's 6 hours 20 minutes - 9 hours 10 minutes of running each week. That's longer than I sleep most nights.

That's a lot going on each day, but with careful planning and execution it should be do-able for the next 4 weeks. It's so important for me to finish this for those who have inspired me to take the journey. It really hit home today when I received a donation from my grandma and it had my grandpa's name written on the ribbon. It touched a part of my core that I didn't know about. Does he know she sent the ribbon? Does he know that I know? Here I thought I felt strong about doing something about cancer but that single envelope today crushed a little piece of my heart.

The past few days have really made the long run efforts worth it and I know what I feel afterwards is probably only a fraction of the fatigue and strain those who have cancer feel. They are in a constant battle to regain control of their body. I have that control to take a day off and modify things based on what I think my body needs, but people fighting cancer don't necessarily have that choice.

So even though the next 4 weeks are going to be tough. Let the tough get going. I'm ready for it and I know it will only make me stronger in the end.

Donate to the ACS

Saturday, August 27, 2011

I Haven't Moved in a Couple Hours

I haven't moved in a couple hours, and I think that is because I ran 16 miles this morning. That run is by far one of the toughest ones I've ever done and it has left me the most fatigued. Not only was it the longest run, the first and last third of the route was interlaced with hills. whoa. For you St. Charles girls- I found out it is possible to get to New Town from Frontier Park. I couldn't tell you how I did it but I saw the houses and what not.

All in all things went well, my legs and feet just got incredibly tired.  Our group kind of spread out during the last 5 miles. Everyone has a rough day now and then, so as the miles continue to climb some people fall back a bit. No worries- you have to do what is right for your body. Some people felt great during today's run, others of us were feeling a little pokey. But the best part of our 10:30 group is that the speedsters waited up for us to finish off the last mile together. They are the best :) I have to say I am really enjoying getting to know everyone. They all have such great words of wisdom and support to share.

I have yet to nap on a long run day, but today changed that. I attempted to nap after Cesse headed out but I woke up with cotton mouth and thinking about food. I took that as a sign my body needed more nourishment. Cesse, Josh and I did have some Ted Drewe's post-run, but apparently even that could only hold me over 2 hours. So today I'll spend the rest of the day relaxing (and eating)- I guess this is a perfect excuse to get started on those bridal magazines.

I would like to leave you with a quote someone from our running team shared: "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." - T. S. Eliot 
       Never have truer words been spoken. I guess today wasn't too far, but it definitely pushed the boundary.

Oh and shout outs to those who have donated to the American Cancer Society over the past few days:
  • Jaime & Jason
  • Susan
  • Jenn & Dusty
  • Houston & Colleen
  • Bertha
  • Tommy & Rachel
  • Jim & Beth
  • Al & Mitzi
  • Rick & Sheri
Click Here to donate to the ACS DetermiNation Program

Quick Update

Just a quick update before I head out for my 16 mile run.

I have reached my personal goal for the DetermiNation program. In a little over 2 weeks I have raised $1,526.00. There are still 56 days to the event- I don't keep a countdown, the donation website does (I prefer just to look at it on a week-by-week basis. There is plenty of time to keep fundraising but at least a huge load of pressure is off my shoulders. Did I mention should I fail to raise the minimum amount my credit card would be have been charged that amount ;).

I have to tell you the most ironic part of this all. Cesse is in town and as we opened the 4 envelopes that arrived in the mail yesterday, it was the envelope from my friend's mom that I'm running for that pushed me over the minimum requirement of fundraising. What a crazy thing. When I told the story to the girls at the game, we all got goosebumps.

I'm soooo excited I want to jump and scream! But instead I'll save it for the 16 mile run. I am a little nervous because I was out pretty late with the girls at the Cardinal game, which they won, and I know that my nutrition and hydration was not up to par. I did the best I could with the circumstances and I'll do the same again today. I ended up not 'canning' for money at the game last night. Since I was so close to my goal I wanted to spend time catching up with my girlfriends instead of standing on the streets. I think it was time well spent- and I didn't have to ask randos for money. But I have such a great group of friends because they all showed up ready to help :)

Okay well I need to run, literally. I'll be back later to let you know how the run goes.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Mental Health Day

I love mental health days. My definition of a mental health day is taking off work and staying in town. Mental health day got started with a nice 8 mile run. The run itself wasn't so nice but the weather sure was. The run was tough only because I completed my speedwork so late last night (9:00). I've done this before and vowed never to do it again but sometimes it can't be helped. I figure get the miles in, even if it isn't under ideal conditions. Essentially I ran a half marathon within a 10 hour time span. Speedwork always wears out my legs and last night I could feel my back spasms start to come back. I definitely felt them this morning, and even now. Even though it wasn't the best of runs, I still did it; for me that's all that matters.

Then I headed off to the dentist, swung by the American Cancer Society office to drop off more checks, and then met up with Caroline for a yummy post-run brunch. We love LOVE the Soulard Coffee Garden. Breakfast burrito please :) After some gal pal time I dropped her back off at work and then spent some quality time with the retail stores of St. Louis. All the little novelty shops are so fun- I bought some special gifts for some special people. I also visited one of my favorite furniture stores (Good Works). I'm still working on Josh for the dining room set I saw 3 months ago. It is still there and it is still on sale....isn't that a sign?

One of the nicest surprises of the day was getting a free foot bath/pampering at Lush. Great products from a morally sound company. Best of all, the employees love their jobs. I don't know of anywhere else you can enjoy a foot bath without making an appointment. My feet are still feeling soft. Thanks Jessi!

When I finally made it back home, more donations had been delivered to my mailbox. I'm so close to the minimum requirement that I have a hunch I'll achieve my personal goal by the end of next week. I'll keep you posted- for now the donation-meter is holding steady at $1,141.00. Woooo-weeee.

Here are some shout outs to the most recent donors. Without their efforts and generosity I would be a nervous wreck.
  • Caroline
  • Rich & Sherry
  • Richard & Sue
  • Jean
  • Lisa & Darren
  • Lance & Jennifer
  • Mike & Carmen
  • Brett, Ashley & Chloe
I even had some time to clean out the guest room for Cesse and get ready for the weekend. Not only was a today a great mental health day, tomorrow is Friday and that means no running. Instead, I'll focus on fundraising and eating. We'll be outside of Busch Stadium, before the game, to ask for donations for the American Cancer Society. I can only hope we get a Willie McGee bobblehead too; he's my favorite :).

If you can't make it to the game but will still like to donate, click here

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Half Way There

I got an e-mail from my group leader today entitled: Half Way There! After today's run I will have completed 34 workouts and only have 33 left. I italicized today because I didn't run today ;). I was super exhausted from my weekend workout, splitting my 7 miles around work, thinking about even planning a wedding and staying out late for the Cardinals game. Instead I did some yoga. I can't tell if I reached a total zen, or if I fell asleep in the corpse pose. Either way, it was wonderfully relaxing. I also intended to walk Emma but this heat and humidity has taken it out of me, and her. So instead I'll sit and blog and have a cookie and milk :)

What a crazy thought to think I'm halfway there. I have physically endured 14 miles, which is over half the distance of the 26.2 for race day, and on Saturday I'll tackle 16 miles for the first time.  Yes these are quite a distance but it still feels like I have so far to go. I try not to focus too much on October 23rd and just take it a week at a time. It's funny how 5 or 8 miles can seem just as far as 14. I've decided it is all about what I set my mind to. If I know I'm going to run 5, that's about all my body and mind can and want to do. If I know I'm going to run 14, no problem. So I guess by the time race day comes, my mind will be wrapped around 26.2 and it won't be a problem. Let's hope :)

In terms of fundraising I'm over halfway there. As of today, I have raised about $1,025 from all the amazing family and friends I have! My website does not currently reflect this; I'm technically challenged and can't figure out how to enter donations, so they have been forwarded to the American Cancer Society. No worries though- things should be up to date within the week. It's so crazy to think that in the past week people have donated over $800 and helped me become a member of the $1,000 plus club. I was super worried a week ago but now I'm more confident I will reach my goals :) I'm about $200 shy of my 'required' commitment as part of the DetermiNation program, but I'm about $500 shy of my personal goal. It would be so amazing to hit that target this week. I see real potential because on Friday some of my closest friends will help me ask for money outside of the Cardinal game. So if you'll be at the game on Friday come say hi and donate to fight cancer!

It's so neat to read the ribbons and letters people return with their donation. I have saved every one of them and will continue to periodically review them. It makes the whole process worth the effort, and it's touching to see how much people care about their loved ones. It's ironic how prior to signing up for the DetermiNation program with the American Cancer Society I didn't think I was personally related to cancer; but as I talk to people about what I'm doing, I realize I'm more connected with cancer than initially thought. One of my girlfriends had a grandfather diagnosed with cancer. My girlfriend's boyfriend's grandfather passed away from metastasis, or the spread of cancer. Since the start of my journey at the end of June, my grandfather has started radiation. He is in his second week, and so far so good. Another family member of mine was diagnosed with cancer. Instead of feeling sad, I know my efforts are supporting people currently undergoing treatment as well as supporting research for future treatment and cures. And even though he'll probably never say anything, I know that by participating in this program I am making him proud.

Click here to donate.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Introducing my Group

After I posted yesterday, my group leader e-mailed us a graph of the elevation we covered during our run. You have to see this.



One would assume my butt, legs, and calves would be an aching mess today. Surprisingly not. Perhaps that is because I slept 11 hours last night......? My body had plenty of time to rest, but unfortunately this took away from some of my time to refuel. My entire body was fatigued today. I took Em for a walk and then headed to the gym to pump some iron. My muscles were sooooo shaky. My body was screaming for more food! It is such a funny concept to me because I work in weight loss/weight management. I'm not used to telling people, or myself, that they need to eat more. Luckily we were headed to my parents' house for a wedding meeting/luncheon, so there was plenty of yummy nutritious food to refuel on. I feel much better now :)

I just discovered some pictures from the group long runs. I thought it would be fun to share some of these so that you can 'meet' my group members. Plus it will give me a break from typing- I've been working on the wedding guest list, that is going to be a whole different type of challenge... Enjoy :)


Meet the 10:30 group. We pretty much rock. This was in Forest Park (my second group run).

Left to right: Dan (he likes to run/walk), Laura (she is super fast and always sneaking up to the next pace group), Rachel (she gave me the best advice ever- Immodium), Kelly (she is super tough- battling IT band injury), Kim (she is a fellow DetermiNation athlete and Mizzou grad), Mary (cookie baker)
This is what we do at the hydration stations- catch a breath, relax for a few

We love water and electrolyte drinks. My fav is Nuun but the race course will have Cytomax

More group members: Crystal (she is the racing queen- multiple marathons this year), Me (doing lunges or something), Gayle (she is engaged too and offered to share some of her research), Dale (his wife Mary, also in the group, convinced him it was his life goal to run a marathon)

It looks like we were coasting in, but really we had already finished the 4 miles for the lap. We were just overachievers and took the long way in.

The tall guy is Paul- he's our leader. Since our group is full of small females, it's always easy to find Paul :)


Obviously telling a good story.

Waiting on water.

Again, another break time shot. I promise we actually run. I don't think we want to see the action shots, they're probably too scary to share.
On schedule for tomorrow, fitting in a 7 mile run with work and a date with the Cardinals.

Oh and a quick update on fundraising.....to date I have raised $850!
I'd like to give a shout out to John & Patty.  Thank you to everyone :)

Spread the word that people can donate here

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Holy Hills

This morning the Fleet Feet Marathon Group met up for 12 miles at Queeny Park. After 14 miles last week, this was considered to be a 'recovery' week in preparation for 16 miles next week. I had heard horror stories of this park due to the inclines and declines of all the hills. How bad could it be? I mean St. Louis doesn't have that treacherous of terrain- at least not in comparison to the slopes and hiking stuff I have experienced in Denver.

Well the day got off to a rough start. I woke up tired and not in the mood to run. I headed out anyway and decided to jam to my new Lady Gaga cd, which I highly recommend. I started feeling pumped up after listening to "Marry the Night", D.J. version of "Born this Way", and more. That pumped up feeling soon turned to panic because I was nearing the deadline for check in but still hadn't found the road that would lead me to the park. My gut instinct, and odometer, told me I needed to turn around. 4 miles down the road when you should have only gone 2.5....you do the math. I re-consulted my phone, thank goodness for smart phones, and got back on track. I finally found the park but then spent the next 5 minutes trying to find our group. It shouldn't be hard to find 50+ people doing silly warm-up exercises, but for me it was. After 4, probably illegal, U-turns I found them. At least there is no traffic at 6:30 on Saturday morning.

Now I really didn't want to run. But when I met up with the group, just in time for the last of the warm-ups, all of their smiling faces said they were glad I made it. Turns out Queeny first-timers tend to get lost ;). It was a little sticky as we set out, but the terrain didn't seem too bad. We were running on gravel, which was pretty new for me. I found myself constantly tripping over rocks but avoided face planting. Our group leader Paul gracefully hopped over a log thing. Apparently we ran through a horse training area. There were remnants to prove horses had been there, if you know what I mean....

We continued on through 2 miles and no real hills. This isn't so bad. Then we entered the 'woods'; so this is where they hide the hills. My heart was beating so hard and fast I thought this must be what it feels like if you have a cardiac arrest. We quickly finished the first loop, 4 miles, and refueled and hydrated. That wasn't so bad, I guess, let's do this 2 more times. The second go was a little more challenging. I wish I would have taken a picture of this hill. My thighs and butt burned so much by the time I got to the top. It felt like I had done 100 squats in a row. At least my butt will look extra good in jeans this weekend ;)

The trail got a little crowded because I think it was high school cross country training day or something. They were like a stampede of horses. I kind of liked it when they sped by because it stirred up a little extra wind to cool me off. I was pouring sweat the first lap. The second lap I think I got used to it. The third lap the wind picked up and it felt like the temperature dropped 10 degrees. I was actually cold while running!

A storm was brewing. We could hear thunder off in the distance. Someone said they could feel rain, but I thought it was just sweat flying off some of my teammates. There are some sweaty people on my team.....and they know it. The joke is that if you ever get lost, follow their sweat trail. We cruised through the third loop. It wasn't easy. Our legs were so tired. I think my heart and lungs adjusted to the extra effort required for the hills, so that was the only plus. Well, that and the fact that running with my team put me in a better mood. We were all in it together. They are some of the toughest people I know. Kelly is fighting an IT band injury. Another girl almost puked on the course- don't try new nutritionals on hill days. And Mary just cruised ahead and turned around to run up the biggest hill one more time, even though she didn't need to. We finished strong, and just in time. I stretched a bit and then the rain just started to come down in buckets. I stayed in it long enough to grab one of Mary's homemade peanut butter cookies. That cookie made the whole run worth it. Too bad I didn't have my chocolate milk at that time.

I think I made it through today without serious injury. I noticed the bug bite on my foot turned in to a blister, but I think that's about it. Oh and my stomach- because I know you're dying to know- completely fine. So not only will I celebrate conquering the hills, this will be done with ibuprofen and a leg massage from my fiance (he doesn't know it yet), but I'll also celebrate my stomach finally settling. Yay!

So was this as horrible as everyone made it out to be? I don't think so. Then again, I'm one of those weirdos who likes hills, just maybe not that many and not that steep. What a tough but rewarding day.