Runnerisms

First I'll start by saying I really like making up words and rhyming!

During most of my runs I always seem to solve some major problem I have lingering out there. Do you feel this way on your runs?

I also plan things out, make lists, schedules, decided how I can fit in my next run without it affecting anyone else's schedule. I also come up with runnerisms...

1.) You might be a runner if; you've picked up clothes out if the dirty clothes basket, smelled them, triaged them for the least smelly and decided they would do for today's run!

I have become way more relaxed with my running, meaning if my watch isn't charged its not the end of the world!

2.) you might be a runner if, you have walked around in a circle with your wrist facing the sky waiting to here your watch signal that the GPS has acquired!

2a.) cleared your trip miles in your vehicle and driven a route to see your exact mileage, and then when you realized you ran further then expected you suddenly feel like you should contact your favorite running shoe brand because surely they will want to sponsor you due to your awesomeness!

3.) you come up with words like run naked and your friends and family do not think you are crazy, well crazier than they already do...run naked=sans electronics! Try it it's invigorating! (This does not mean running without highly technical fabric covering your unmentionables)

More to come...off for a run which I'm sure to have solved the healthcare crisis and figured out a way for all people everywhere to live in peace!

Happy running y'all! 

Lacey

Down from the mountain

You know how people talk about "mountain top" experiences? That's how my long run Saturday felt. I loved it and was on a high from it until today! Today I came down from that mountain top experience with a tough run.

Sometimes I'm discouraged by a tough run, especially when they are short. That was my experience today and I hate that I get discouraged when I should be celebrating all runs. This concept got me to thinking about my run and suddenly I realized that I finished my run today in less time than I planned and I planned to run at a faster pace than I typically do! Back to the mountain top! It is exciting to see my body getting stronger and my times getting better even when some runs feel tough! 

Sometimes it's just the small things of getting yourself out if bed to run early so you don't miss a run, when what you really wanted was to sleep in!!! This morning I literally had to tell myself a litany of things to get out of bed including some of the following:

You never regret a run!

You will beat yourself up all day if you don't get up! 

PRs don't come without effort!

Don't forget what today is 8-6-13, honor those men who gave all two years ago today--that did it! 

What tough thing have you overcome this week? I think it's most important to remember to have fun! If you're not having fun you're doing it wrong!!! Retain the JOY of running! 

Challenge Accepted

Many of you know that Lacey is a run coach, which I love more than any of you know because she's the rockingest coach there is! We make a smashing duo because we have different strengths and hers is making me a better, stronger, more confident runner. Currently I'm training for The Hottest Half in Dallas. This proves my lack of sanity just from the name, also because its in Dallas, in AUGUST! 

So, I tell her I want to PR at this race (again, psychosis must be setting in) and she quickly sends me a training plan. Not one she would give anyone else, but one she thought I would and could stick to. The thing is...I didn't! Vacation got in the way mostly, then I had a sinus infection, and blah blah blah blah blah, I wasn't training strong. I had a horrible speed session and was feeling defeated, but Coach challenged me. There is something you should know about me and that is I never back down from a challenge. Her challenge...14 miles on the wheel. Really?!? FOURTEEN miles on the dreadmill (yes, we both hate/love our wheels). Seriously y'all, to get through short runs we would have to send each other videos during our workouts! I thought she was the one who was crazy. I told my husband, who really didn't understand the challenge. I told him it had to do with mental endurance, and he was skeptical, heck, I was skeptical! I told her I would do it, but my heart was lacking conviction. 

Saturday I got up early so I'd have it done before Sugar woke up. By mile 4 I was done, bored, wanting to cry, just hating life! Then I hit mile 5 and something happened...Sugar woke up! What?!? Why was she awake so early? How would I ever finish? So I wet down and got her grabbed her a quick breakfast of finger food and milk and brought her upstairs and put on the TV. Before either of us knew it I was at 9 miles! I texted Lacey multiple times and was always met with cheers and encouragement, even when I said "I don't see 14 happening"! 

But then I was past 10 miles and the determination set in! For some reason my treadmill cuts off after 1hr and 40 mins, maybe it thinks longer than that running is insanity! I think it's thrilling! So I started it back up! The crazy thing is that boredom set in, so I started playing with the speed to shake things up a bit, my last 4 miles the pace was faster than I'd done on my first 10! 

EXHILARATING! That's what finishing that 14 miler on the wheel was for me! I certainly never thought I'd do that, or that Sugar would cooperate (she was restless the last 3 miles). But I will say, that was one of the most fun things I've ever done once I was done! It was a complete mental thing and it boosted my confidence like no other! I'm still on a runner's high from that! It made my 3 miles in the heat today feel like nothing! 

I felt guilty having Sugar parked in front of the TV so long (though she didn't mind), but then I realized I was teaching her something else. I was practicing hard work in front of her showing her that sometimes things don't go according to plan and you have to adjust. Having kids and running can be challenging, but sometimes you just have to be up for the challenge! Grateful my little running buddy is such a trooper! 

What challenge have you accepted and conquered? Find one and go for it! 

Happy running y'all! 

RFF...Run For Fun

I have been asked more times than I can count why I run?

Top 3 reasons:
1. Running keeps me sane, it is my stress release, it is my time to think just for me
2. I love good food and good wine, and occasionally a good beer
3. I know that running makes me the best me that I can be

Since I discovered the love of distance running I crave it.  If I had the time, I would totally run 12 miles a day or more. I have also discovered the love/hate relationship with speed and wanting to go faster.

Today I woke up with the whole right side of my face hurting from sinus pressure and told myself that it was ok to sleep in, especially since I knew that I would get to run outside this afternoon since CA is home. While thumbing through my facebook feed this morning there was a video clip posted from the Rocketchix Triathlon this weekend, of a girl that had been paralyzed from the waist down and basically told that she would never run a race again.
Here is the video clip

I cried my eyes out and said to myself I will run today, what is a silly sinus headache.

There is inspiration all around us, we just have to decide what our goals are.  My main goal is to continue to enjoy running for many years to come.  To me running is fun, and so is running fast, but running fast takes a lot of hard work...well for me at least! For some running fast comes naturally, like lots of the people that I am surrounded with on a daily basis.... CA for one.

I texted CA to see what time he would be home from work so that I could be ready to run when he got home. I told him it was my speed work day and I just wasn't feeling speedy. His response was; "then don't do it...RFF Run For Fun...always remember that."  I said I agree; I just really want to make you proud with my 45 minute 10k. He said; "I am proud that you have kept it up this long and remain so motivated. The times will come."

This was all that I need to get me fired up.

I will recap post run...

Happy Running Y'all

Mother's Day and Running

Happy Mother's Day to all you mommies out there and to all of you who are dreaming of being mommies! Today we celebrated the baptism of my niece and had a lovely family gathering, followed by a four hour car ride home.

Now, my whole thought was I would walk in the door and get in my pajamas and curl up with a book. However, I made a pact with a friend of mine, Kaila, that we were going to streak through May, since its national running month, and I'm determined if nothing else, so I won't just skip a day because its not AT ALL what I wanted to do. I actually put on pjs, then remembered, looked at my husband very dejected and said "I am supposed to go run", fully expecting a "it's ok you don't have to". Instead he said "yes, you are!", so I did--only a mile and very begrudgingly, but I did it! 

I'd love to end this with a great story of how it made my whole day bright and I felt shiny and new afterwards, but that's not the case, I just felt accomplished and still a little grouchy. Still, I've never regretted a run, but very often regretted skipping one, so I will not wake tomorrow with that regret! Plus, Foxy rubbed my legs afterwards, that's a plus! 

Run happy y'all because if you're not having fun, well, you're just not doing it right! 

Chasing Dreams

When I first started running I was just pumped to run a mile, the 3.1, then tackle a half marathon. I had no goals in mind except finishing.

After having Sugar my goals changed, my depression lifted and I fell in love with running in a whole new way. This was *my* thing, the thing I have as a SAHM that still gives me a title separate from Mommy (which is my favorite title). I enjoyed pushing Sugar and feeling like I was teaching her something good from the beginning of her life. Then she couldn't talk or respond and mostly just slept, but I felt like it was good to get her outside and I would point out things to her or just play my music and go. After Lacey and I got closer she really started encouraging me to believe I could do new things. I remember last summer doing Run for Sarah here and pushing Sugar, but still making great time and it was freeing. It liberated me to believe that I could do more with myself and my body, that I was stronger than I ever believed! I ran that race and many before and since with Skinner. Today I got to video her little girl crossing the finish line of a 5k where she won her age group! I hope Sugar wants to run too!

My first half after Sugar's birth was a PR for me BIG time, I took 28 mins off my previous PR, that's when Lacey put on the "Coach" magic and started pushing me! I knew I wanted a sub 2hr half and I started working for it! In Sept last year I got it and I'm not sure I've ever been more proud of myself. So now I'm working on a 5K PR and I must say its a lot more fun since it takes a little less time! If only I can get this asthma under control, I know I can reach my goal!

What are your goals?!?

Run happy whatever your goals! I've started telling myself during runs...if you're not having fun, you're not doing it right!

Music...yes or no???

So my coach challenged me to run without music for a couple of reasons; one being that I will play with my music while running, and two it will help me to keep a more even pace. For a race my music wouldn't work, I played with my phone for the first 5 miles, and then I just listened to the same song over and over! That song was Led Zeppelins what is and what should never be, so at least it was a good song!

I have really grown to like not running with music, especially during races because I can hear and chat with people on the course. When I run alone, my thoughts do wander sometime from man this is an amazing run and when I am finished I feel like I can conquer the world! On days where my run is not going so good, I think about the end result and how much better I will feel once I am done! I make to do lists, I conjur up new recipes, I pray, I think about upcoming events, I solve world peace, and so on! Lately running without music helps me to be more aware of the snakes!!!! YIKES!!!

I still have writers block, hopefully it will lift soon!

Do you run with music?

Happy running,
Lacey!

Love for Boston

We both want to send out our love to Boston, to all the runners, the race volunteers, the support crew, the policemen(women), the security, everyone involved!

Running is our passion, it's something we love and believe in. This community is strong and loving and supportive always. Runners love to love and encourage each other and anyone we think we can suck into our love of running, so tonight we send out our love to Boston! We both hope to run Boston one day, now with even more conviction!

Trail Run

Lacey and I have many things in common, one is an obsessive fear of snakes! Yesterday Rhonda and I took to some trails that run right beside the Red River. It was a beautiful day and being back in the woods it was cool enough to be enjoyable! Rhonda shares our snake phobia, and insisted I run in front of her. No problem, I got this, right?!?

Y'all we are trucking, along chatting it up, enjoying the morning and I jump sky high! Pretty sure that I jumped and turned 180 degrees in one fluid motion, there was a HUGE!!!! HUGE!!! HUGE!!! Snake laid across the trail, and no sir, he was NOT dead! I'd say his diameter was equal with a mason jar and about 2 feet of him was stretched across the path and who knows how much more was coiled up behind that! We were screaming like middle school girls being caught rolling someone's house (not that that's ever happened to me)! We both spun around and ran faster possibly than we have ever run before, all the way out to the paved path!

While I'm still determined to tackle Hell's Hills, I'm quite a bit more nervous now! On our run yesterday we just sprinted back the way we had come in a hurry (fairly certain my HRM read 220), but during a half that won't be possible. I'm starting the prayers now that all snakes will be cleared from the trail before I spot them!

Run Happy y'all!

**image from google**

Birthday Miles

So, not too terribly many years ago I would've celebrated another year with too much alcohol and food, and while I still had too much food this year, as Monday rolled around before my actual birthday, my thoughts were so different!! I thought--how can I challenge myself this week? How can I celebrate my new healthier lifestyle while also challenging myself to something new?

**LIGHTBULB** (Despicable Me reference)
34 miles!!! before the actual day, which is today. I actually in my mind allowed myself Sunday too, BUT I completed my 34th mile yesterday, so 34 miles in 5 days back to back! It's not something I'd recommend often, but as a personal challenge to myself I was proud to accomplish that! A few years ago I couldn't have run 34 miles in a month, much less 5 days.

Running has changed my life, it allows me to make new challenges for myself, be it a new distance, a speed goal, or even new terrain, it's freeing to watch myself accomplish things I never dreamed I could. It's one thing to grow up doing something and I'm super jealous of people who grew up runners and hope I can impart that on Sugar, but for me to start running in my late 20s it's an awesome feat! So this sweet goal was accomplished and my next mission is Hells Hills Trail Half in May.

I'm SUPER excited to be running Hell's Hills as our second race together with my co-writer and personal running coach, Lacey! Also running are her hubby, the ever speedy CA, and my super hardcore speedy friend, Rhonda, who pushed me to my fastest half marathon to date! Rhonda and I have a date with some trails tomorrow morning!

What's your next running goal? To get started? To run your first 5K, 10K? Let us know! We'd love to encourage you on your journey!!!

Run Happy Y'all!

Mommas gotta run

So I have had extreme writers block for a while now. I have run several great races and am really happy and proud of the outcome, yet I could not begin to write about them...maybe one day, but today is not that day.

I am very much a routine oriented person. When I get out of a routine, I just feel lost and out of focus. I used to really struggle with taking time away from spending quality time with my bug to get in a run. I have learned that there will definitely be days where it will be difficult to get in a run, but there is always a way. Get up earlier or include your little one. Yesterday it was rainy, and so I opted for the treadmill, my little bug had so much fun cheering, dancing, and coloring right next to the treadmill. I normally will run while she is napping, but she asked if she could stay up and watch me run, so I said sure. I even offered to put her on a show, but she chose to color next to the treadmill. She definitely helped me keep a smile on my face, as you know I am not a huge fan of the treadmill, but it does serve a purpose. I still feel like that was quality bonding time with my bug, we chatted and sang the whole time. She even led me through stretching after.

I was showing her that it is ok for mommy to do something for herself, something that is good and healthy for mommy.

So the point is, you can find a million excuses why not to run; JUST RUN! Your body and mind will thank you!!

Happy running y'all!!

Motivational statements

Today on Facebook, I saw two different postings that made me smile, the first one from Claim Your Journey seriously spoke to my week of running. The second from Runner's World just seriously made me laugh because only runners think that way!!

Both made me smile. I've had some bad runs lately, more bad than good honestly and that's hard. What seems strange is I've only contemplated quitting maybe twice, and by quitting I mean running altogether. Years back it would have only taken a bad moment to make me actually quit! My super long marathon training run I wanted to quit every step, but knew I wouldn't just from sheer determination, however, I did cut my speed work short yesterday! It was very hard for me, but I couldn't breathe well (asthma was winning in the humidity) and now that I'm a mommy I worry about taking care of myself. Where my single a/o non-mommy self would've pushed until I passed out, I worry too much about who will take care of sweet Sugar if something happens to me (her Daddy is awesome, I just mean from a mommy standpoint). I thought I'd just go out yesterday afternoon and do a few easy miles, but again Mommyhood stepped in as Sugar wasn't feeling well, so I had to get her from MDO and go to the doctor. I didn't feel right taking her out feeling bad, so we just snuggled up at home. Then I thought I might go after I put her down, but Foxy wanted to go to the gym and I had at least gotten in a short run. So yesterday didn't go as planned. Sometimes life gets in the way of your "plans", but getting back out there when you can is most important! I'm battling sinus infection, so hoping as it resolves so will these tough runs, then the good ones will mean that much more!!!

Happy Running y'all!

**post to come soon on form as Lacey and I have been discussing it a lot!!**

Long time...plus Q&A

So, we've been slacking mommies! Actually we've been busy and I'm currently on limited Internet availability. So...what have we been up to??

LOTS of running! Lacey and I are BOTH running the Louisiana full marathon in January along with 2 other friends and two doing the half! Woo hoo! Love a good race weekend with a big fun group and especially these two mommies running together!!!

Lacey, who shall be referred to as speed demon, has been getting faster and more awesome by the day! She's also coaching runners, like for real, it's her job! I'm so jealous, but so blessed to have that expertise at my fingertips, but guess what?!? That means y'all do too!

While I'm constantly asking questions and still constantly having questions asked, here are just a few questions I've had lately and my answers...

1. How do I pick good shoes?

This one is tricky. Honestly, you need to go have someone at a reputable store help you. But my biggest bit of advice is somewhat new and hard for any non-confrontational types...if you but shoes and you do not like them (for running purposes, not fashion!) you can ALWAYS take them back. Shoes are a big investment and one of the more $$ things you'll buy, so don't let a store make you feel like you can't bring them back, even if you've run on pavement or not!

2. What about socks? What are good socks?

I love Feetures and New Balance because I like mine thin. Thorlos makes some great thick ones. Most importantly, they should NOT be cotton. **cotton and running gear are an absolute NO NO!!! = chaffing, ouch!! Buy a few pair of socks until you find ones you like and stick with them. As a rule I buy a new pair of socks for each race, one of my runner friends told me he does that and I adopted the practice!

3. Should I hurt?

My answer is YES! Just because you hurt doesn't mean you shouldn't/can't/aren't a runner. Your body has to adjust and different things will hurt throughout the journey. I started with shin splints, then had knee issues, on to hip pain, and low back pain. These can all be related & should gradually ease up, but then usually a new one appears! If something is nagging or gets constantly worse, see a doctor, do NOT run through immense pain. It is better to rest something a few weeks than to make a small injury serious & have up start back at square one after a long hiatus!

4. Do you have some good Christian songs to run to?

I do have a few, but I run mostly to a random assortment of all kinds of music including rap! However, a friend shared this link with me and it has great suggestions...
http://www.tinareale.com/1215/100-motivational-workout-songs/

5. How long did it take you to love running?

Hmmm, well, years! I worked my way into running over a long period of time. When I was pregnant I didn't run since I have a history of miscarriage, but I dreamed I was running at least 3 times a week, so then I knew I was hooked! There are still days I don't want to lace up my shoes, but I have never regretted a run at all! Races make running more fun, they are addictive, just the camaraderie and the vibe in the air at a race is fun! If you're in a slump, sign up for a race, you won't be sorry!

6. What training plan do you use?

At this point I kinda do my own thing, but I started with a Hal Higdon plan, then used the ones in back of Marathoning for Mortals (my fav book), and basically have used a variance of it for my last 8 halves and my full. I suggest finding one that looks "doable" to you & go with that. Also, know that training plans are a guideline and missing a couple of runs throughout isn't tragic or the end. Just jump right back in where you left off (unless you miss more than 2-3 runs).

7. What's my "fuel" preference?

I like 2nd surge gels because they have no maltodextrin, so they're easier on my tummy. I like Luna protein bars for breakfast and PB&J! I love Nuun for hydration or G2. Cliff shot block, jelly belly sport beans, and all the Stinger products are good too!

Any more questions? Post them here or email us at twomommiesrun@gmail.com

Also, head over to my friend's new blog about running with diabetes...
Www.bloodsweatand.wordpress.com

Wounded Warrior Project 8k

Two of my favorite Songs to sing in my head when a run gets tough are; "even in my weakest days I get a little but stronger, and what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" Well, now I will also have a lasting image of a Wounded Warrior running on a Nike prosthetic leg through pretty treacherous terrain. I'm not even using the word treacherous in exaggeration one bit, my description of the course can not be justified by description, I really wish I could have videoed the whole course! Serious holes and rushing water, hills, uneven terrain, this was definitely more of an adventure race, not just a regular 8k! God was definitely present during this run, not one fall or injury, and I can not say enough how crazy this course was! For those of you that know me well, no how terrified I am of snakes, honestly I think that's what kept me moving so fast over the water that you could not see through! I was also trying to keep up with the lead pack so I didn't get lost because the course was not marked very well because it had been washed away by all the water. I stayed with jake for a while, but the course was so narrow and I was not aggressive enough to fight for my position:) jake finished about a mile ahead of me and came back a pushed me to run hard for my last mile. I love when CA pushes me, I also live that at the end he told me that was my best kick ever! He said I should be proud if the race I ran, and he knows I can do it even faster! LOVE HIM!!! I am definitely proud of my time of 40:38, I really wanted to break 40, but I know that with an even terrain I would have, so it makes me feel even more fierce! I truly am shocked I ran as well as I did considering we literally ran through water for 5 miles! I held back tears quite a few times as soldiers yelled oorahhhh, and told the wounded warriors thank you for your service! I lost it when jake went and shook a wounded warriors hand after he finished the race, he ran that race like he did not have a prosthetic leg, truly amazing strength!! I am so thankful to everyone who donated to team Witte! I think team Witte represented well in San Antonio today!!!

My little bug also raced today! This kid is gonna be a fierce competitor one day! It was pouring down rain and she couldn't wait to get out there and run! The look on her face when she crossed the finish line can only be described as priceless! She makes me one proud momma!!! I'm hoping she gets her daddy's running legs!

After we got back to the hotel and had lunch and got bug down for her nap, I headed out for another 6 miles. I had 11 on my schedule so I had to get it in. Well, I definitely got some hill training in today! I don't think I ran on flat terrain for longer than a quarter mile! It was still raining, but it actually felt really good! I saw deer along the route and the trees were so green and pretty, and I didn't run with music for both of my runs today! It was nice to listen to nature for a change!!

I am typing all this the day after and am pleasantly surprised that I am not more sore! I did make a point to stretch really well! I can not emphasize how important it is to stretch! My foot was kind of bugging me through some of the run mainly because of the wet shoes and my foot sliding all around but it surprisingly feels pretty good considering. Gonna do another 6 in a little while when CA gets back from his run. I'm hoping he found a better route, or I'll be running on the treadmill! The bug says today is her rest day! I love that she knows running lingo, makes my heart smile to know we are raising a happy little runner!!!!!

Happy running y'all!!!
Lacey:)

Half PR

I'm gaining on Lacey!! Hahahaha!  I'm not gonna catch her, but at least I came in under two hours 1:56:51 to be exact!  How fun.  Not gonna lie, I'm still relishing in it today, and may do so for a while!!!

I ran with a super runner mommy, who is one of my favorite people for a million reasons.  She's kinda my hero because she's older than me as runs like she's 20!  A few years ago, she was playing indoor soccer and broke the crap out of her leg, I mean it was serious!  Many people would've quit trying to run, would've thrown in the towel and been defeated, but many people wouldn't have been her!  She and her husband  (who is running 50 marathons in 50 states, because well, he's insane!) are in the process of adopting two children from Haiti, who are 8 & 10 and she runs I think to keep her sanity because she has three other children!  She fits most of her runs in on the treadmill, she says she prefers that, but let me just tell you what a machine she is...

She has run so many halves she can't remember the number
She has run like 7 fulls, including the Marine Corps, which is hard core!
She is a military wife, and lived through seminary with her husband (some people may not understand that significance, but it is a challenging thing!!)
She rarely uses any gels or anything, so imagine how fast she would be if she did!?!?
Without speed work and with a nagging ankle pain she ran that half with me like it was no body's business!


We've wanted to run together for a while, but I now know that until now I couldn't have kept up with her speediness!  Also, since she's a youth director she has a hard time making races that are on Sundays, so thank you Oklahoma City for my second memorable race especially for making it on a Saturday!!!

As for the race itself, the only complaint that I had for this one was that there was no sports drink on the course or afterwards.  That is hard when you are used to having sports drink.  Otherwise a fabulous race, nice flat course, beautiful run, and thankfully unlike the full, the weather was picture perfect as well!  OKC seems to be very runner friendly, so I highly recommend heading there for a race if you're looking!

Pumped about that finish--nice hair!

All done, need gatorade or something!

Love a good race and a neon shirt!

Ready to run!

Happy running y'all!!!

Hurricanes Run Away!

Well, I have awoken this morning with lots of thoughts on my mind regarding running and hurricanes! It seems like over the past 8 years those to things have been connected in my life quite a few times.

I have mentioned that I began running when I met my husband, and well lets just say I also have a strong hate for hurricanes because of him also.

In August of 2005, he surprised me with a trip to Disney for my birthday(this was before the bug was born, he LOVES disney) Well we arrived back from our trip early due to the looming tropical storm Katrina. I will remember these next few days and exactly how they occurred for the rest of my life. He got the call saying we needed to evacuate. We had no time to pack up anything, so we grabbed our bags still packed from Disney, and we headed out; Jake said Lacey don't forget your running shoes! I grabbed them but I did forget my heart rate monitor. Jake grabbed one uniform, one set of running clothes, and his running shoes. We loaded up in the military vehicle, and said goodbye to his Jeep that we did not know we would not see again. When we realized the magnitude of the storm, I headed back to New Orleans the next day to grab the cats(yes we almost left them there, I still think about that vividly until this day) I was stuck in 8 hours of contra-flow traffic with a dog and two cats just watching the gas gage as it would get lower, so fearful to pull off and get gas and lose my spot in this line of traffic.

Well Katrina hit! and the unimaginable occurred! Jakes apartment flooded. He was working 20 hour days, and a run for him was not even possible, but he still carried his running stuff with him in his vehicle everyday; as I type this today I wonder if he carried that stuff because it was all he had left or if he really thought he would get to break away from the General and go for a run. As the stress of everyday built one on top of the other, Jake encouraged me to run and would ask me how my runs went everyday. I am tearing up as I am typing down these thoughts. I have often times thought how many times in my life running as saved me, saved me from my own thoughts, and saved me from wallowing in stress and sadness.

I will never forget the smell as we drove into the city for the first time after the storm. That smell is burnt into my memory for life. As we drove up onto North Claiborne, there was a house in the road! I started crying! This was 3 weeks after Katrina, and one week after Rita; his apartment flooded twice. When we pulled in through the gate, the guard said LT you can't stay in there very long, try not to breath in much; and then he said this; "watch out for snakes!" This was the one time those words did not scare me. I wanted to salvage whatever we could, even though I knew we couldn't take anything. I was not expecting what we were about to see, the refrigerator was in front of the door, so we climbed in through the window. There was one thing that I was really trying to find that day, it was an award he had received after his deployment. Everything was everywhere and nothing really made sense. He said Lacey its ok, lets go we aren't gonna find it. I never once thought about the possibility of finding a snake, I lifted up the couch cushion, and there was the award! It was made of glass and literally must have been the first thing to hit the floor and everything else fell on top. I screamed, Jake jumped, you know how when you are so excited words wont come out, that what happened. He thought I had seen a snake, I finally was able to say I found it! It was the only clean spot on the whole carpet where that glass plaque had laid down.

During my run the next day (back then a 45 minute run was a huge achievement for me) I ran like I had never run before. I cried several times during that run, it took me a very long time to get over the material things that we lost. What we gained in love and appreciation for each other during that time, and how from then on running became a part of my life, can never be measured in material things.

to be continued....

I love a 10 miler!!!

Haha! But seriously I do! Having dealt with infertility and loss for years, being able to bust out a 10 miler makes me feel semi in control of my body. It's a bit a my own personal "Booya" to infertility!!

This morning I planned to start 10 @ 7am, but it was storming here and I'm actually scared to run in wet because I don't want to fall, but actually the lightening kept me at bay.

When Sugar went down for her morning nap I decided to tackle the beast! My longest run since my full in April (was it really that long ago?!? I'm still feeling pretty proud of that!!). Typically starting a long run at 10:30am in August is misery, but...

Dear Storm, Thank you for bringing in lower temperatures so my run started around 74* with a pleasant breeze!! Sincerely, Mama on a 10 mile run!

It was nice and I ran faster than I intended, and my sister brought me water because she's awesome!! I ran the hills here, which can be brutal but also make me feel strong.

Do I really love a 10 miler? The truth is yes!!!! I love saying "yeah I ran 10 miles this morning!" and still being able to walk, busting out a few dance moves during it, and knowing where I started versus where I am now! It's satisfying!!

No matter where you are, how fast or how slow, get out there and see what you can accomplish because you never know how much you can do until you try!

Enjoy the run!

Stretch! Stretch! Stretch!!!

Lacey and I both are currently nursing injuries, so is our good pal Skinner. I'm having knee pain, so is Skin, and Lacey has a foot injury.

Upon discussing it, Lacey pointed out that when she starts making good progress in running she quits stretching as much. Thinking on it, I realized I do the same, it's like we suddenly take it for granted.

I'm of the school of thought that you don't stretch cold muscles, so no stretching before you've got your body warmed up. Pretty sure Lacey feels the same way because Captain America (aka Kenyan--Lacey will explain), always has us run some, then stretch really well, then run more.

We both love yoga. Lacey is like a professional, I'm serious, you should see her in a full bow pose--it's unreal! I started out barely being able to touch my toes and now can do quite a few poses proficiently. But if I don't keep up the stretching, I almost always get hurt, IT band issues, SI joint problems, most of which end up manifesting in my knee.

I'm not saying you have to master crazy poses or be a yogi, but stretching is important. As you use muscles, they build up lactic acid and stretching helps release some of that. As it builds up you get tighter and tighter and can (almost always will) end up hurt.

As a mom I know it's hard to fit in everything you want to do in a day, much less extra stretching. But you can stretch anywhere! We both stretch while blow drying our hair, flip that hair upside down and blow it out that way, gives it more body and loosens up your hammies, your back, your neck, your shoulders, tons of stiff joints! Stretch while you're sitting on the floor with kiddies, move the laundry basket to your left right and lean our to pull out the next thing!

If you have questions or want us to post some pics, just let us know! We'd be glad to!

Also, wish Lacey I happy birthday--it's a big one ;)

**pic is me in pigeon pose per Lacey's suggestion for my knee. One leg straight begin you, other leg at a right angle in front of you, bend over the front. If that hurts (like it did me for years), just put one leg behind you and the other in front, pull front foot closer to you for less stretch and don't lean over it. As Leandro on Brazil Butt Lift says "stretching is not about pushing, it's about allowing"--in his thick Brazilian accent!!***

Olympic Fever!!!!

These runners are so freaking amazing!  I think I've cried more in the past few days watching them (mostly the women) win medal after medal after medal!  I'm not sure how you even get to go to the Olympics, but I want to go!  I want to get out there and win a gold for the USA!  I'm extremely patriotic, these women are my running heroes.

I'm not sure how much anyone else is following all of the running, but the women's marathon had 116 (I think, I know the most EVER) women start the race,  and a few had to drop out including our own Desiree Davila (due to a hip flexor injury that happened a month ago, can you imagine training all that time, then having to stop a few miles in like that?).  Our other two Americans finished 10th and 11th, seriously, Kara Goucher's (Lacey's hero) has a baby that is not even two years old and she came in 11th in the freaking Olympic marathon!!!!

I'll say this, it's pretty obvious that I'm not that beast (however I dream in my head), but watching them run in the rain I really felt for them.  My (only) marathon was in rain very similar and when I tell you that that changes everything, honestly it does.  I'll give you a comparison, mine took me 5:11 (that is hours and minutes peeps) and these women finished in 2:26--the whole freaking marathon in less than half the time it took me!  The course was FULL of curves and twists and crazy crap, then add in the rain and these women are so hardcore it makes my teeth hurt!

Did you know that the relay they ran tonight was in WORLD RECORD time--they (women) got the first gold since 1996 in that race, and the demolished the world record! They didn't beat it by a few seconds, but by nearly a minute.

Also, one of our Americans got tripped in the 1500m and completely fell and didn't get up!  All of that work, all of that training and someone tripped her (quite obviously not on purpose, but I still would have wanted to beat that girls butt)!!! It to me is gut-wrenching to watch someone lose their dreams like that, in a moment.

I'm also watching the men do the 4X4 relay and one of our men was shot IN THE LEG like 4 years ago and still made it to these Olympics! WHAT?!!?  One of the guys who helped qualify us for the finals of this race broke his fibula during that qualifying leg, yeah, got us to the finals while running on a broken leg (broke during the race).  Um, my leg kinda hurts, oh yeah, it's broken!!  Um, yeah, we still qualified for the finals!  Our men have held the gold on this relay for 60 years, but tonight got silver--BOO HISS!  But they ran their hearts out!  Plus that super fabulous Pitorius ran in the relay, who is he you ask, a freaking DOUBLE AMPUTEE!  How awesome is that?!!?

I need to go to sleep because I am running in the morning and I'm too pumped up!  Dang you Olympics, you're making my sleep even worse!!!!!  Too much fabulousness on the track y'all!!

So, in the am I'll be running like I stole something with one of my favorite college ladies who completed her first half earlier this year--made my heart smile for real!!

Run run run, maybe you or your daughter will bring us home a gold one day!!!!

How about a PR?

Lacey keeps telling me to blog about this and I've just been busy, but I'll tell my shorter long version of it...

When I started running I was doing great to finish a 5K in 40 mins.  I'm not exaggerating and I don't think that is anything to be ashamed of or to keep to myself.  I was out of shape, had honestly never really been "in shape".  Unlike most people I know I never played sports or danced or cheered or anything of the sort.  But at that point I was lapping everyone on the couch.

Speed was never a real concern for me because I was just so pumped to be accomplishing a run at all.  I still do NOT think speed defines a runner, I stand by that always.  However, it is fun to challenge yourself to new goals and well, I'm not trying to run longer than a full marathon, so speed work it is!

For a long long time I had wanted to break 30 mins for a 5K, but really thought that coming under 31 would be huge, so I aimed for that.  In May I accomplished that goal coming in at 30:55 in a 5K in the blazing heat pushing Sugar in the stroller.  So, what does a crazy person do but try to go for more.  Honestly, Lacey is a lunatic and keeps pushing me and giving me pointers.  Foxy does the same, always saying, "That's cool, but I bet you could do it in...".  For the Firecracker 5K, which is known for being sweltering heat, I had a goal in mind.  Doing lots of speed work I knew what I was capable of, so I was really mad at myself when I decided to do a cleanse the week of the 5K (which fell on a Wednesday), and honestly completely lost my juice in the last half mile.  I still set a PR at 28:54 (I think), but I was really disappointed.  My running pal, Skinner, was with me and helped push me to finish and said I shouldn't be disappointed, but I was.  I knew how hard I had been working and knew that I could do better.  So, I hit the hamster wheel some more, pounded the pavement, and kept working hard and found another 5K to sign up for, The Hot Pursuit 5K.  Yep, it was hoooooooottttttt!

That was the first race I've ever gone and run completely alone.  Usually I plan it with someone and meet someone there, I have plenty of friends who run, but seriously everyone was busy that day!  So, I left Sugar with my friend and headed out solo in the heat and tore out of the gate as best I could.  Those races aren't chip timed, so I was super OCD about starting my watch at the start/finish lines.  It was hot and I could feel it, but I also knew that I was doing pretty well.  I didn't use my Nike app or watch the time at all because I was worried I'd stress myself out.  When I crossed the finish and looked down to hit my watch to stop and my time said 25:51!!!  Holy moly!  That was 3 mins faster than the firecracker, so I knew then that my disappointment at the previous race was well served and it pushed me to accomplish even more.

So, what do you do after you set a PR like that in 5K?  Go for faster in a half I guess ;)  Training and working towards that now--lots of effort, energy, and sweat.  Watching these Olympic races, the women mostly, has really inspired me.  While I probably won't go to the Olympics for running, I know that I can continue to work towards my own personal best and push myself as hard as I can to show my daughter that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to and much more when you put in hard work!  Heck one of the men who came to the Olympics (and didn't qualify for the finals) has only been running for 4 years (though I'm pretty sure he's been athletic forever by the looks of him!)!!!  Four years and he's at the Olympics--that is amazing!

Run like you stole something and smile when you do!!!