Okay so sweet Amy's mararathon recap got me motivated to write my own, so without further ado her is teh MCM weekend recap.
The weekend began on Friday when I caught my flight to DC, the flight was smooth as silk, on time with no problems whatsoever. I arrived at Reagan National Airport where my friend Katie picked me up. I had never met Katie in person before, we met many years ago on a message board so this was our first in-real-life meeting. It was delightful to share her company as we took in Old Town Alexandria and had lunch. As a bonus I got to cuddle her 9 month old, perfect for my pre marathon nerves.
Then it was back to the hotel to check in and wait for Dana to arrive. After Dana got there we headed off to the expo to pick up the all important bibs, shirts and bags. I bought myself a shirt and a pendant to commerate Marathon #4! We then headed back to the hotel, had a snack and headed to bed. Sometime in the late night/early morning hours the other two members of the roomates arrived Colleen and Makeya!
Saturday- Twas the Day before the Marathon:
First off it was COLD in DC on Saturday, rainy, sleety, snowy, downright dreary. I was hoping and praying with all fingers and toes crossed that the weather would clear as predicted for the next day. Now I like to be cool when I run, but wet for 5+ hours no thank you.
We met up with Stacy and the rest of the gang at the expo, and got the wonderful suprise that Sherry's husband David had a shirt with all our names on it to cheer us on the next day. What a great guy!
The rest of the day was spent at the Smithsonian and then we went out to dinner with the rest of team run/walk, including Hannah who had flown in just to cheer us on! She's amazing! I had a minor/major freakout regarding my choice of clothing for the following day, but with Hannah's help made the decesion to run in long sleeves and capri pants. Lucky for me I had packed them.
Sunday- MARATHON DAY!!!
Here it was the day we had been training for, planning for and thinking about for the past four months was upon us. With 4 girls in our room when our alarms all started chripping at 4:45 am! (In case you were wondering that is EARLY). We had made the decesion the night before to get into the first shuttle lines at 5:30 am. We dressed in the pre-dawn, put on throw away clothes over our running clothes, and met up with everyone else in our hotel lobby. Last minute pictures, hugs and good wishes from our cheerleaders and we were off to the shuttles. We got right on a shuttle no problem and rode it to the start line area. We huddled together in the tent (renamed the incubator by Sherry) ate our pre-run breakfasts, and went to the bathroom. Then we began the walk to the start line.
We lined up in the corral where we thought our finish time would be 5:30 ish, and wonder of wonders we ran into 3 other MITers Jolin, Laura and Linda. My goal for this marathon was to stay with Dana the whole time no matter what, so as the National Anthem played and we got a flyover from Marine One I started to get a little nervous, I had never "paced" someone before in a marathon but here we GO!!
Miles 1-8 Arlington VA- Having Fun Now!
The first miles were in Arlington VA, and we stuck to our Galloway 4:1 method perfectly. Stacy as always was the pace master and she kept us right on track. Dana was wearing the pace band so at each mile marker we would check in with her as to where we were in terms of our 5:30 goal time. So far so good. There were some hills in Arlington but we handled those pretty well and what goes up must come down!!
Miles 9-12, Some fans, Georgetown, still keeping the pace
As we approached mile 10 we knew that Hannah would there, but before that we ran through Georgetown, saw the back of the University and many cute little shops. and actually saw David in line for cupcakes at Georgetown Cupcakes from TLC's show DC Cupcakes, he shouted out that he would save some for us! At mile 10 when we saw Hannah we ditched some of our clothes and I got rid of my hat, which was bugging me along with Stacy's jacket. Thanks Hannah for schlepping all of our extra gear around DC you rock!!
Soon after that I turned to Dana and Stacy and asked how are you doing? Fine, fine- Good let's go!
Right before the half marathon mark we decided to take a bathroom break, something I had never done in any race before, and it took us 10 minutes. Yep the line was that long. I think it messed with us mentally a bit, but what was done was done and on we went.
Miles 13-16- More Fans and the Memorial Miles
As we contiuned on I was feeling good, but Dana started to struggle, saying she couldn't catch her breath during our running intervals, eeep! We still have 10 more miles to go and the marathon doesn't really begin until mile 20. I was a little nervous, but tried to be calm and reassuring, and asked her what she wanted to do, longer walk breaks, slower running? She decided she would like to try a 3:2 interval fine with me. As we approached mile 16 I kept saying just a little further and we'll see Hannah and everyone else, just a little further. And we DID! Hannah, Colleen, Jacqueline, David, Lance and Shawna! Big Cheers, hugs and how are you doing, you look great etc. Then we ran around some more monuements and I was trying to point out the sights to take the girls mind off of things.
Miles 17-20- Beat that DARN Bridge.
You see at MCM if you do not keep a certain pace by mile 20 and the bridge, they pull you off the course and ship you back no medal, no finish time. I kept checking with Stacy regarding our pace to ensure we were going to make that. I had never seen a more beautiful sight in my life than that bridge at mile 20! - 10 K to go we got this! But that was until I got on the bridge- longest mile ever. Along a freeway with nothing to look at. At this point we were 2:1 intervals, and my hamstrings hurt more if I was walking so I was doing a slow jog next to Dana to help with the pain.
Miles 21-26.2 Home stretch!!
These miles are pretty much a blur to me, we came across Laura and Jolin who were walking, at some point I remember asking Laura how she was doing and I got the classic response of this race " I don't think I could feel any worse if I tried." We kept run/walking which at this point was more walking than running. At 3 miles to go my Garmin died- no good. And at 2 miles to go I remember asking Dana for our time and me pushing her a little so we could finish in under 6 hours. At this point Stacy looked strong so I told her to go on ahead. Actually I had told her this several times in the race, and really she could have.
And with .2 to go, Colleen appeard to push us up the final steep cruel hill to the finish. I crossed the line with Dana right beside me. I was a sobbing shaking mess, but on the plus side I got a hug from the Marine giving out the medals.
We got our pictures in front of the War Memorial, and then began the long walk to the baggage check and the family meet up area. Seriously who puts these things so far away from the finish line. We met up with everyone else!! All of team run/walk had finished as well as Kristy and Sherry! We had dinner and cupcakes later!
Overall Impression:
I LOVED IT!! It was an incredible experience, the race course was gorgeous, the weather perfect, and the company outstanding. The was the first time I had ever run side by side with a friend for the whole 26.2 miles and it was an experience not to be missed. I recomend MCM to anyone! I had never felt such and incredible sense of pride in my country, as we thanked the Marines at each water station they replied "Oh no Ma'am thank YOU! Seriously this is easy peasy compared to what they do for our country every single day! Thank you Service Men and Women!!
"Sometimes we need endurance to have the best kind of fun." -Kristen Armstrong
Run on Friends,
Heather
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Lessons Learned during Marathon Training
As I’m writing this the Marine Corps Marathon is just a little over two weeks away, I can’t believe another 20 ish week training session is about to end. Every marathon training session is different, with its’ own challenges, rewards and lessons to be learned.
This is my fourth summer training for a marathon- I can’t believe I’m getting ready to do this for the fourth time! Crazy for the girl who used to claim and loudly “I only run if someone is chasing me.” Not anymore!! And it hasn’t been that way for quite some time. My running feeds my soul in unique and special ways, and every time I lace up my running shoes and slip into my running clothes, it’s like coming home. Like this was the person I was meant to be all along, but was too scared of failure to try. I’m so glad I took my very first running step, so grateful for the life running has given me! Run a Marathon Change your Life?
you bet it has!
This season I lesson I’ve learned more than any other is joy! This was my very first season running using the run/walk method- I was little scared to try it out, not knowing what to expect, and this was a whole new group of people ( I really didn’t know anyone in the group except for Dana). But as I’ve gone through this season- from learning how that interval function on my watch works, to hot runs when we changed the interval (gasp!!), or when we miss calculated on our 18 mile run and ended up running 19 instead (oops! can’t do math when we run), and on and on, I’ve found new joy in running!
The biggest joy to me this season by far has been my early morning running partners! All 3 of them are training for their first marathons (Amy’s is Sunday, Stacy and Dana are running Marine Corps with me) and I’ve gotten to relive the excitement and anticipation of a first marathon all over again through their eyes. Those Personal Distance Records are so sweet, the first time we went past 6 miles on an early morning run was an experience I wouldn’t have missed sharing for the world. Or that first rainy cold morning when I ran with Amy, in long sleeves- with some giggles about how crazy or hard core we were.
It’s been a season of enJOYing running in a whole new way, and it’s been a delight to my heart, what my heart and my spirit needed this summer. My sister moved away in March and a dear friend in July, so my spirit was little sad- but you know what God knew that- My God is big enough to know what I needed, and in a way only He could have orchestrated filled my heart and my life right up with my early running girls.
The greatest joy is yet to come- seeing Amy cross that finish line on Sunday is going to make my heart burst- I already warned her I would be weepy! And getting to experience Marine Corps with Stacy and Dana is going to be so, wonderful, I’m sure I won’t need the plane to get home from DC I’ll be able to float here all by myself!
Hoping you find your own joy my friends!
Run on Friends,
Heather
“Sometimes we need endurance to experience the best kind of fun” Kristen Armstrong
This is my fourth summer training for a marathon- I can’t believe I’m getting ready to do this for the fourth time! Crazy for the girl who used to claim and loudly “I only run if someone is chasing me.” Not anymore!! And it hasn’t been that way for quite some time. My running feeds my soul in unique and special ways, and every time I lace up my running shoes and slip into my running clothes, it’s like coming home. Like this was the person I was meant to be all along, but was too scared of failure to try. I’m so glad I took my very first running step, so grateful for the life running has given me! Run a Marathon Change your Life?
you bet it has!
This season I lesson I’ve learned more than any other is joy! This was my very first season running using the run/walk method- I was little scared to try it out, not knowing what to expect, and this was a whole new group of people ( I really didn’t know anyone in the group except for Dana). But as I’ve gone through this season- from learning how that interval function on my watch works, to hot runs when we changed the interval (gasp!!), or when we miss calculated on our 18 mile run and ended up running 19 instead (oops! can’t do math when we run), and on and on, I’ve found new joy in running!
The biggest joy to me this season by far has been my early morning running partners! All 3 of them are training for their first marathons (Amy’s is Sunday, Stacy and Dana are running Marine Corps with me) and I’ve gotten to relive the excitement and anticipation of a first marathon all over again through their eyes. Those Personal Distance Records are so sweet, the first time we went past 6 miles on an early morning run was an experience I wouldn’t have missed sharing for the world. Or that first rainy cold morning when I ran with Amy, in long sleeves- with some giggles about how crazy or hard core we were.
It’s been a season of enJOYing running in a whole new way, and it’s been a delight to my heart, what my heart and my spirit needed this summer. My sister moved away in March and a dear friend in July, so my spirit was little sad- but you know what God knew that- My God is big enough to know what I needed, and in a way only He could have orchestrated filled my heart and my life right up with my early running girls.
The greatest joy is yet to come- seeing Amy cross that finish line on Sunday is going to make my heart burst- I already warned her I would be weepy! And getting to experience Marine Corps with Stacy and Dana is going to be so, wonderful, I’m sure I won’t need the plane to get home from DC I’ll be able to float here all by myself!
Hoping you find your own joy my friends!
Run on Friends,
Heather
“Sometimes we need endurance to experience the best kind of fun” Kristen Armstrong
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Training Update and Happiness
In 32 Days I will be running my fourth marathon! I can hardly believe it is so close! Just weeks away, hard to believe there (as I’m writing this) that there are just two more long runs left before the taper. This week is a drop back to 12 and next week we tackle the last “stupid long run” i.e distances that would be advisable to drive in one’s car. :)
Last week Dana and I tackled the 20 mile, if you can do this you can run a marathon, run! It was Dana’s very first 20 and she rocked it. We had the perfect weather overcast, with a chill in the air and a light mist for some of the run. I felt really well throughout most of the run and felt at the end I really could have gone further, which is a great way to end a long run in my opinion. Having worked hard enough, but not so hard that you left it all on the trail, that’s for race day!
The next day our two other training buddies tackled their own long run (Amy’s last before her taper of 22 and Stacy who ran the 22 with Amy because she’s a great friend!) They did awesome too!
So training and morning running continues at least for a few more weeks, and it’s been going really well. I’ve covered 750 miles this year so far! I need to get out the map and see where I could have gone with that number.
Now on for the weekly happiness:
1. My morning running girls- I can’t express how much of a blessing these wonderful ladies have been in my life this season. We run side by side sometimes talking (okay a lot of the time talking) but sometimes just drawing quiet strength from being near one another. And when one of us is struggling with a run, the others are right there with encouragement and support. We’ve shared so much on these dark morning runs, so much yet to be shared, and I’m comforted and at home in their presence.
2. Pumpkin Spice Lattes on cloudy days.
3. My new work schedule- They changed our allowable work schedules to 9 hours 4 days a week and half day Fridays! So I decided to try it out and so far so good. I like the quiet hour at the end of the day to get things done.
4. My Mom- yesterday was her Birthday and I’m reminded time and time again how blessed I am to have her. I’m so glad I got to know her as an adult friend! She’s awesome!!
5. My Bible Study- Learning so much about God. And the other ladies are incredible.
My life is so full, rich and blessed!
Last week Dana and I tackled the 20 mile, if you can do this you can run a marathon, run! It was Dana’s very first 20 and she rocked it. We had the perfect weather overcast, with a chill in the air and a light mist for some of the run. I felt really well throughout most of the run and felt at the end I really could have gone further, which is a great way to end a long run in my opinion. Having worked hard enough, but not so hard that you left it all on the trail, that’s for race day!
The next day our two other training buddies tackled their own long run (Amy’s last before her taper of 22 and Stacy who ran the 22 with Amy because she’s a great friend!) They did awesome too!
So training and morning running continues at least for a few more weeks, and it’s been going really well. I’ve covered 750 miles this year so far! I need to get out the map and see where I could have gone with that number.
Now on for the weekly happiness:
1. My morning running girls- I can’t express how much of a blessing these wonderful ladies have been in my life this season. We run side by side sometimes talking (okay a lot of the time talking) but sometimes just drawing quiet strength from being near one another. And when one of us is struggling with a run, the others are right there with encouragement and support. We’ve shared so much on these dark morning runs, so much yet to be shared, and I’m comforted and at home in their presence.
2. Pumpkin Spice Lattes on cloudy days.
3. My new work schedule- They changed our allowable work schedules to 9 hours 4 days a week and half day Fridays! So I decided to try it out and so far so good. I like the quiet hour at the end of the day to get things done.
4. My Mom- yesterday was her Birthday and I’m reminded time and time again how blessed I am to have her. I’m so glad I got to know her as an adult friend! She’s awesome!!
5. My Bible Study- Learning so much about God. And the other ladies are incredible.
My life is so full, rich and blessed!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Reflections
I've spent much of the past 10 days or so in a reflective thinking mood. Most of it due to anniversary dates I wish hadn't come. I hate the word anniversary for sad events, somehow in my mind, I think they should only be for happy things.
First of course was the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. I spent much of that Sunday this year reflecting and praying. I watched some of the memorial coverage and thought of how one day (just a few hours in reality) had forever changed the world. But more than that as I listened to the names read, and saw those families with their fingers tracing the names of loved ones, I was struck all over again that this event had forever changed those families. Forever thankful to our military and our first responders who are heros always.
The second anniversary date happened on Monday, with the 5th (how it world has it been 5 years) of my friends Angela and Shayne's precious daughter Christi's death. She was just 9 years old and she died of a rare form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma. I met Angela through the blog she kept (and still does) about Christi and her family. Is it unfair that Christi died in my mind- you bet it is! But Christi is 100% cured, healthy and happy in Heaven, no doubt of that.
In an awesome irony I found out that my running buddy Stacy knows Christi's family too! Her Mom worked with Angela on some education committees. Did Christi have something to do with us becoming morning running partners. So closely matched in temperment and personality, so much in common, running the same exact race (without even knowing it first). I know God knew exactly what I would need this training season, He knew I would need some morning running partners so He sent me Stacy, Dana and Amy. In the hot humid summer we have had having these ladies to run with has literally saved my training. I know there is no way I would have gotten in near as many runs as I have without them to meet me. God in His infinite wisdom knew what I needed, and He gave it me.
So on Monday when we finished our run, we stood in the still, dark morning and blew kisses to Heaven for Christi as I told her we loved her and we missed her, and Stacy asked for her to send us some strength.
My ultimate reflection these past two weeks, is that life is short, we never, ever know what tommorrow is going to bring- so we should enjoy the miracle of the momement. Thankful for momements this week that have brought me joy!
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Enjoy what you have while you have it." Christi
First of course was the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. I spent much of that Sunday this year reflecting and praying. I watched some of the memorial coverage and thought of how one day (just a few hours in reality) had forever changed the world. But more than that as I listened to the names read, and saw those families with their fingers tracing the names of loved ones, I was struck all over again that this event had forever changed those families. Forever thankful to our military and our first responders who are heros always.
The second anniversary date happened on Monday, with the 5th (how it world has it been 5 years) of my friends Angela and Shayne's precious daughter Christi's death. She was just 9 years old and she died of a rare form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma. I met Angela through the blog she kept (and still does) about Christi and her family. Is it unfair that Christi died in my mind- you bet it is! But Christi is 100% cured, healthy and happy in Heaven, no doubt of that.
In an awesome irony I found out that my running buddy Stacy knows Christi's family too! Her Mom worked with Angela on some education committees. Did Christi have something to do with us becoming morning running partners. So closely matched in temperment and personality, so much in common, running the same exact race (without even knowing it first). I know God knew exactly what I would need this training season, He knew I would need some morning running partners so He sent me Stacy, Dana and Amy. In the hot humid summer we have had having these ladies to run with has literally saved my training. I know there is no way I would have gotten in near as many runs as I have without them to meet me. God in His infinite wisdom knew what I needed, and He gave it me.
So on Monday when we finished our run, we stood in the still, dark morning and blew kisses to Heaven for Christi as I told her we loved her and we missed her, and Stacy asked for her to send us some strength.
My ultimate reflection these past two weeks, is that life is short, we never, ever know what tommorrow is going to bring- so we should enjoy the miracle of the momement. Thankful for momements this week that have brought me joy!
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Enjoy what you have while you have it." Christi
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Weekly Happiness
Things that are making me happy this week:
1. Sweatshirts- I love a soft comfy sweatshirt, and now it is cool enough to wear them.
2. Long hot showers after cold rainy runs.
3. Friends who make my life good, rich and full!
4. My nephews- their giggly little voices on the phone never fail to make me smile! I love you Braydan, Dylan and Peyton!!!
5. Having only 6 weeks left until my marathon- To me the race is the reward for all the training, it's the fun part (well mostly fun anyway!)
6. Honey Crisp apples- my favorite!!
Have a great Thursday everyone!
1. Sweatshirts- I love a soft comfy sweatshirt, and now it is cool enough to wear them.
2. Long hot showers after cold rainy runs.
3. Friends who make my life good, rich and full!
4. My nephews- their giggly little voices on the phone never fail to make me smile! I love you Braydan, Dylan and Peyton!!!
5. Having only 6 weeks left until my marathon- To me the race is the reward for all the training, it's the fun part (well mostly fun anyway!)
6. Honey Crisp apples- my favorite!!
Have a great Thursday everyone!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Tuesday Happiness
I've decided to make Tuesday my day that I list things that are making me happy! Tuesday seems like a good day to do it.
Things that are making me happy today:
1. Being on Vacation! I can't remember the last time (if ever) I've taken a vacation in the fall- I always take a week in July and one at Christmas, but rarely at any other time of the year. So this is nice- it's a stayaction so no agenda.
2. My parent's Keuring- love!! I think I've had 3 or 4 Chai Teas since I arrived on Monday and I'm drinking another right now.
3. Reading- I'm finishing "The Help" and about to start "Marathon Woman"- and I can read all day if I feel like it.
4. My nephews- Both spent the night last night and we had a relaxing morning together, and they came back this evening for dinner. And a walk with the dog while they rode their bikes. So much fun!
5. Cool Weather- I know this is just a fall tease but being able to walk the dog in long sleeves today was a treat!!
Hope everyone is having a good Tuesday too!
Run on Friends,
Heather
Things that are making me happy today:
1. Being on Vacation! I can't remember the last time (if ever) I've taken a vacation in the fall- I always take a week in July and one at Christmas, but rarely at any other time of the year. So this is nice- it's a stayaction so no agenda.
2. My parent's Keuring- love!! I think I've had 3 or 4 Chai Teas since I arrived on Monday and I'm drinking another right now.
3. Reading- I'm finishing "The Help" and about to start "Marathon Woman"- and I can read all day if I feel like it.
4. My nephews- Both spent the night last night and we had a relaxing morning together, and they came back this evening for dinner. And a walk with the dog while they rode their bikes. So much fun!
5. Cool Weather- I know this is just a fall tease but being able to walk the dog in long sleeves today was a treat!!
Hope everyone is having a good Tuesday too!
Run on Friends,
Heather
Monday, September 5, 2011
Giving Back and a long weekend of running
Runapaloza 2011 is offically over for the weekend!
Yesterday I had the opportunity and privelage of giving back in some small part to the running community who has given so much to me. I paced a group for the quarter marathon 6.55 miles at Emerald City. It was an awesome race, well organized, well supported and a huge medal for all finishers. I had a blast sharing the miles with my friend Kim, who was the perfect pacing partner. We were able to encourage others along the way and that's what pacing is all about. It was so much fun to see so many first timers out there including Ben from Fleet Feet. He did great in his first half marathon finish. Congratulations Ben!
Then today I ran For the Health of It, Four Mile race in Westerville. The temperature sure had changed from Saturday- it was perfect running weather in my opinion. I was delighted to be able to run with my friends Hannah, Stacy and Libby. Libby was recovering from an awesome half marathon the day before, and we were all "supposed" to be taking it easy. Thanks Hannah for making the miles fly by!
Well apparently cooler weather makes me run faster because my offical average pace was 11:46 per mile. Not too shabby after having run 16 and 6.55 miles respectively the two days before. So run/walk is apparently the way to go for me, I haven't run a 4 miler for time in so long that I'm not sure if this was a Personal Record or not. I would guess close if not one. Add that to the PR I ran at the 5K in July, and I'm loving the run/walk method! I can hardly wait to see what happens at the Marathon in October.
And now I get to extend the holiday a bit longer. I've been enjoying the afternoon/evening here at my parent's house with my two nephews Braydan and Dylan!
Happy Labor Day Everyone!
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Life is for Participating, not spectating." Kathrine Switzer
Yesterday I had the opportunity and privelage of giving back in some small part to the running community who has given so much to me. I paced a group for the quarter marathon 6.55 miles at Emerald City. It was an awesome race, well organized, well supported and a huge medal for all finishers. I had a blast sharing the miles with my friend Kim, who was the perfect pacing partner. We were able to encourage others along the way and that's what pacing is all about. It was so much fun to see so many first timers out there including Ben from Fleet Feet. He did great in his first half marathon finish. Congratulations Ben!
Then today I ran For the Health of It, Four Mile race in Westerville. The temperature sure had changed from Saturday- it was perfect running weather in my opinion. I was delighted to be able to run with my friends Hannah, Stacy and Libby. Libby was recovering from an awesome half marathon the day before, and we were all "supposed" to be taking it easy. Thanks Hannah for making the miles fly by!
Well apparently cooler weather makes me run faster because my offical average pace was 11:46 per mile. Not too shabby after having run 16 and 6.55 miles respectively the two days before. So run/walk is apparently the way to go for me, I haven't run a 4 miler for time in so long that I'm not sure if this was a Personal Record or not. I would guess close if not one. Add that to the PR I ran at the 5K in July, and I'm loving the run/walk method! I can hardly wait to see what happens at the Marathon in October.
And now I get to extend the holiday a bit longer. I've been enjoying the afternoon/evening here at my parent's house with my two nephews Braydan and Dylan!
Happy Labor Day Everyone!
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Life is for Participating, not spectating." Kathrine Switzer
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Scenes from Saturday
Let's see how many S's I can use in this post. :)
Sixteeen- As in 16 miles that is! Stacy and I conquered her first 16 miler today! We met early to beat the heat that decided to invade Columbus today. We actually had a great run- the heat only really started in earnest during our last 3 miles so I was glad we got out early.
Then it was on to breakfast at Scramblers no picture here because I left my camera in the car. Suffice it to say the breakfast was delicious and the company even better.
Then we headed on over to our favorite running store Fleet Feet so that Stacy could have the opportuntity to meet Kathrine Switzer. The courage she had to stand up the status quo brings tears to my eyes. And did today! The race that changed the world- I would say so. She really made the sport I love possible for us women. It was an honor to get to meet her this weekend. She is amazing!
After all that I came home and watched the Buckeyes in the 'Shoe beat up on Akron!
I have had the best day!! Running, friends and football! Life is good!
Sixteeen- As in 16 miles that is! Stacy and I conquered her first 16 miler today! We met early to beat the heat that decided to invade Columbus today. We actually had a great run- the heat only really started in earnest during our last 3 miles so I was glad we got out early.
 |
| 16 Miles DONE!!! |
 |
| The Race that Changed the World- Who says I can't run Boston- we'll just see!! Love her courage! |
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| Stacy and I with a Running Legend! |
I have had the best day!! Running, friends and football! Life is good!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Friday Happenings
Happy Friday friends! This week has seemed really long to me, I think it's because I've been anticipating my vacation week from work. Yes as of 4 pm today I'm offically on vacation for a whole week! Ahh delicious- sleeping in, hanging out with my nephews. Looking forward to it all!!
But first the long weekend and the beginning of as Amy was calling it Run a Palazo 2011. My MIT schedule is 16 miles tomorrow, then I'm leading a pace group for the quarter marathon (6.55 miles) on Sunday and then running 4 the Health of It- local race on Monday. (4 miles). This is either very hard core or very crazy or maybe a mixture of both. :)
Oh I almost forgot the best Friday happening- I got to meet Katherine Switzer- the first woman to ever Finish the Boston Marathon!! She is in town for a book signing event tomorrow at Fleet Feet (local running store) and I went in tonight to pick up the book and she was there!! I got to chat with her a bit, and WOW she is amazing. Truly a very courageous woman, took on the status quo and changed the sport.
Great ending to my Friday and a great way to start my running weekend!
Off I go for carbs, water and an early bedtime!
But first the long weekend and the beginning of as Amy was calling it Run a Palazo 2011. My MIT schedule is 16 miles tomorrow, then I'm leading a pace group for the quarter marathon (6.55 miles) on Sunday and then running 4 the Health of It- local race on Monday. (4 miles). This is either very hard core or very crazy or maybe a mixture of both. :)
Oh I almost forgot the best Friday happening- I got to meet Katherine Switzer- the first woman to ever Finish the Boston Marathon!! She is in town for a book signing event tomorrow at Fleet Feet (local running store) and I went in tonight to pick up the book and she was there!! I got to chat with her a bit, and WOW she is amazing. Truly a very courageous woman, took on the status quo and changed the sport.
Great ending to my Friday and a great way to start my running weekend!
Off I go for carbs, water and an early bedtime!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
End of August
Today is the first day of September, but it sure doesn't feel very fall like outside right now.
August was a great month! My very first nephew and my Goddaughter's birthdays are both in August, so the month both started and ended with birthday celebrations.
Looking back on August, things I am proud of:
1. I didn't miss any scheduled runs! Logging 122 miles towards my marathon goal this month and bringing my total for the year to just over 600 miles! I didn't really GO anywhere, but my Dad pointed out to me tonight that I could have ran to his childhood home in Alabama, pretty amazing when I look at it like that.
2. I ate well most of the time this month, with treats thrown in and I actually managed to lose some weight!
3. I enjoyed and really tried to savor every momement with my friends and family.
Oh and my friend Amy at http://www.amyaroundthecorner.blogspot.com/ nominated me for a
Award, so sweet of her, I'm honored!
So here are 7 things about myself:
1. I hate to clean, loathe it! I would rather do most anything else but that.
2. I love being called Aunt Heather, being an Aunt is a great gig if you can find it.
3.I have a huge sweet tooth, in fact my usual response when someone asks my favorite dessert is "Yes please!"
4. My Daddy and I are the closest personality wise in our family, at times equal parts endearing and frustrating.
5. I love reading and don't find the time to do it as much as I would like.
6. I am tone deaf and can't carry a tune. But I still love to sing along to the radio or in church anyway.
7. I have to have a cover on at night-even just a sheet, can't sleep without it!
Thanks again for the nomination Amy!
Okay off to my first Bible Study of the fall!
Run on Friends,
Heather
August was a great month! My very first nephew and my Goddaughter's birthdays are both in August, so the month both started and ended with birthday celebrations.
Looking back on August, things I am proud of:
1. I didn't miss any scheduled runs! Logging 122 miles towards my marathon goal this month and bringing my total for the year to just over 600 miles! I didn't really GO anywhere, but my Dad pointed out to me tonight that I could have ran to his childhood home in Alabama, pretty amazing when I look at it like that.
2. I ate well most of the time this month, with treats thrown in and I actually managed to lose some weight!
3. I enjoyed and really tried to savor every momement with my friends and family.
Oh and my friend Amy at http://www.amyaroundthecorner.blogspot.com/ nominated me for a
Award, so sweet of her, I'm honored!
So here are 7 things about myself:
1. I hate to clean, loathe it! I would rather do most anything else but that.
2. I love being called Aunt Heather, being an Aunt is a great gig if you can find it.
3.I have a huge sweet tooth, in fact my usual response when someone asks my favorite dessert is "Yes please!"
4. My Daddy and I are the closest personality wise in our family, at times equal parts endearing and frustrating.
5. I love reading and don't find the time to do it as much as I would like.
6. I am tone deaf and can't carry a tune. But I still love to sing along to the radio or in church anyway.
7. I have to have a cover on at night-even just a sheet, can't sleep without it!
Thanks again for the nomination Amy!
Okay off to my first Bible Study of the fall!
Run on Friends,
Heather
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
7 Miles before dawn
Yes this morning I joined my running girls and we completed 7 miles before the sun was even completely up. A good way to get the day going I would say!
Yet in thinking about this mornings run, I thought (not for the first time) about how far I've come in my running journey. Back when I started running, 7 miles seemed crazy in my best moments and an impossible dream for me in my worst. I had no desire really to ever run any further than a 5K or 10K distance, and even those were a stretch.
Even after 3 half marathons (that I trained for on my own), I still wasn't so sure about this full marathoning business. Sure it was a great accomplishment, sure people did it, (I only knew one person at the time who had completed a full marathon), but that was for "real runners", of which I did not count myself as one.
But then came the decesion that changed my running journey and in no small part my life forever- I joined MIT! And suddenly that dream I had held quietly in my heart for a long time of being a marathoner didn't seem so impossible anymore. Thanks to my first MIT coach's (Julie) encouragement I signed up for that very first marathon- I always joke that Julie forced me to run a marathon against my will, but really she just believed in me, as did so many other people at MIT- they believed I would cross that finish line. Even when I wasn't so sure, they were postive I would finish, they believed for me when I didn't.
So today when I ran that 7 miles in the morning, pretty much without a second thought, I thought of all those coaches and friends who helped me take each step in this incredible journey!
Run On Friends,
Heather
"Running keeps me in touch with what is outside, both outside of myself and outside in the world, and I need that." Kristen Armstrong
Yet in thinking about this mornings run, I thought (not for the first time) about how far I've come in my running journey. Back when I started running, 7 miles seemed crazy in my best moments and an impossible dream for me in my worst. I had no desire really to ever run any further than a 5K or 10K distance, and even those were a stretch.
Even after 3 half marathons (that I trained for on my own), I still wasn't so sure about this full marathoning business. Sure it was a great accomplishment, sure people did it, (I only knew one person at the time who had completed a full marathon), but that was for "real runners", of which I did not count myself as one.
But then came the decesion that changed my running journey and in no small part my life forever- I joined MIT! And suddenly that dream I had held quietly in my heart for a long time of being a marathoner didn't seem so impossible anymore. Thanks to my first MIT coach's (Julie) encouragement I signed up for that very first marathon- I always joke that Julie forced me to run a marathon against my will, but really she just believed in me, as did so many other people at MIT- they believed I would cross that finish line. Even when I wasn't so sure, they were postive I would finish, they believed for me when I didn't.
So today when I ran that 7 miles in the morning, pretty much without a second thought, I thought of all those coaches and friends who helped me take each step in this incredible journey!
Run On Friends,
Heather
"Running keeps me in touch with what is outside, both outside of myself and outside in the world, and I need that." Kristen Armstrong
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| First Marathon Dream Come True! |
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Happiness
Things that are making me happy today:
1. "My" running girls- seriously these ladies are such a blessing to me and my running! They are there every morning with smiles and good conversation that make the miles fly by. Even if it IS at o'dark thirty.
2. A quiet day at work- My boss was a training and meetings all day and my co-worker was off sick, so I was able to get lots of things done.
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte is back at Starbucks- I love fall, it's my very favorite season, and pumpkin returning signals the offical beginning of the fall season to me! Never mind the little fact that it's supposed to be 87 on Saturday!
4. Football!! Ohio State Football to be exact, as a proud alumni I love all things Buckeye, and I love all things college football! The season starts Saturday- GO BUCKS!!
5. Hawaii 5-0- Discovered this show this summer and can we say addicted! I love it!, which brings us to the last one..
6. My DVR- it is critical for those early morning runs, I can DVR and watch later. And without commericals, seriously how did I live without this.
Okay off to bed now for the aferormentioned o'dark thirty run!
1. "My" running girls- seriously these ladies are such a blessing to me and my running! They are there every morning with smiles and good conversation that make the miles fly by. Even if it IS at o'dark thirty.
2. A quiet day at work- My boss was a training and meetings all day and my co-worker was off sick, so I was able to get lots of things done.
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte is back at Starbucks- I love fall, it's my very favorite season, and pumpkin returning signals the offical beginning of the fall season to me! Never mind the little fact that it's supposed to be 87 on Saturday!
4. Football!! Ohio State Football to be exact, as a proud alumni I love all things Buckeye, and I love all things college football! The season starts Saturday- GO BUCKS!!
5. Hawaii 5-0- Discovered this show this summer and can we say addicted! I love it!, which brings us to the last one..
6. My DVR- it is critical for those early morning runs, I can DVR and watch later. And without commericals, seriously how did I live without this.
Okay off to bed now for the aferormentioned o'dark thirty run!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Happy Monday
I want to start off by say a HUGE Congratulations to all my friends who finished the Ironman Kentucky race yesterday! Each and every one of them is an inspiration!
My Sunday was good- I saw "The Help" with my best friend, it was great!! I really enjoyed it, now I just have to finish the book.
Today has been good- it started out with a run with the girls- awesome to have all of us together again-it's been over a week since our runs got cancelled twice last week due to storms. And then Stacy was out of town over the weekend.
And work was work, but I got lots of things checked off my to-do list.
Ahh Monday it comes every week, so I've decided that Monday will be my thankful day!
Today I'm thankful most of all for my wonderful friends! I'm so blessed to have them!
My Sunday was good- I saw "The Help" with my best friend, it was great!! I really enjoyed it, now I just have to finish the book.
Today has been good- it started out with a run with the girls- awesome to have all of us together again-it's been over a week since our runs got cancelled twice last week due to storms. And then Stacy was out of town over the weekend.
And work was work, but I got lots of things checked off my to-do list.
Ahh Monday it comes every week, so I've decided that Monday will be my thankful day!
Today I'm thankful most of all for my wonderful friends! I'm so blessed to have them!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
16 Miles and Ironman Day!
Sorry I missed my post yesterday- I was so tired from a fun, but long day!
It started off with a 16 mile run with my MIT friends. We had a great run! I was tired by the end, but that's a normal feeling after running 16 miles. And I came home and took my first ever ice bath. Not as horrible as I had feared and it did help my legs feel less sore today.
After the ice bath it was off to the Movies with my best friend, and her children. We had a great time. :) And I refueled with far too much movie popcorn. Yummy!
Today is Ironman Day!! Lots of my friends are competing in the Ironman Kentucky. It is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a marathon! Each one of them inspires me! Go Ann, David, Kristen, Susan, Rocco and Kathy! I am tracking on-line and hope to see a few of them cross the finish line later tonight!
It started off with a 16 mile run with my MIT friends. We had a great run! I was tired by the end, but that's a normal feeling after running 16 miles. And I came home and took my first ever ice bath. Not as horrible as I had feared and it did help my legs feel less sore today.
After the ice bath it was off to the Movies with my best friend, and her children. We had a great time. :) And I refueled with far too much movie popcorn. Yummy!
Today is Ironman Day!! Lots of my friends are competing in the Ironman Kentucky. It is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a marathon! Each one of them inspires me! Go Ann, David, Kristen, Susan, Rocco and Kathy! I am tracking on-line and hope to see a few of them cross the finish line later tonight!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Reflections on a Friday
Day 2 of my blogging challenge:
This week has been filled with ups and downs and has caused me to do some reflecting and praying.
The ups were definitly the runs with "the girls". Especially the hot and difficult run Amy and I shared on Wed night. It was so hard that I doubted at times we would make it,but you know what we did! Those hard runs make the easy ones so much sweeter when they come. Last night I had a "reset run" on my own. I used my phone for the first time for music since my long neglected i-pod wasn't charged. It was just me with my thoughts, music and prayers. No pace agenda, just a run. And it was perfection! Just what my heart and my mind needed.
The one big down this week was/is a work issue I've been dealing with for quite a while. No, I'm not losing my job or anything nearly that dramatic. Just some office stuff that is no fun. I had a long talk with my supervisors and my Senior Manager yesterday on some ways to make things better, so that was a good thing.
But I have been thinking/feeling for a bit that my current job might not be the best fit for me anymore. So I've been keeping ears and eyes open for an opportunity that might fit me better. And this week I found a job that looks good! I am currently working on my application and resume to get it all ready to submit early next week. For a girl who hates change (always have), this is a big step. I'm praying about it, and if it is in God's timing (not my own, must remember this) this will work out. And if not my situation will encourage me to grow in new ways.
The other down this week (although not for me personally), is that Legendar y Women's Basketball Coach Pat Summit, told the world that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia. I know all too well what this diagnosis will mean. My Maternal Grandmother died of dementia when I was in 8th grade. It is vicious disease who seems the hardest (especially at the end) on the family and not the person themselves.
I have followed her carreer for well over 20 years now, and to me she is the a true class act. Always just as gracious in defeat as she was in victory. It is sad that she may have to give up her passion, far sooner than she planned.
Also of course I am keeping everyone in the path of Hurricane Irene in my thoughts and prayers.
Run on Friends,
Heather
"We don't run because it's easy, we run because it's real." Kristen Armstrong
This week has been filled with ups and downs and has caused me to do some reflecting and praying.
The ups were definitly the runs with "the girls". Especially the hot and difficult run Amy and I shared on Wed night. It was so hard that I doubted at times we would make it,but you know what we did! Those hard runs make the easy ones so much sweeter when they come. Last night I had a "reset run" on my own. I used my phone for the first time for music since my long neglected i-pod wasn't charged. It was just me with my thoughts, music and prayers. No pace agenda, just a run. And it was perfection! Just what my heart and my mind needed.
The one big down this week was/is a work issue I've been dealing with for quite a while. No, I'm not losing my job or anything nearly that dramatic. Just some office stuff that is no fun. I had a long talk with my supervisors and my Senior Manager yesterday on some ways to make things better, so that was a good thing.
But I have been thinking/feeling for a bit that my current job might not be the best fit for me anymore. So I've been keeping ears and eyes open for an opportunity that might fit me better. And this week I found a job that looks good! I am currently working on my application and resume to get it all ready to submit early next week. For a girl who hates change (always have), this is a big step. I'm praying about it, and if it is in God's timing (not my own, must remember this) this will work out. And if not my situation will encourage me to grow in new ways.
The other down this week (although not for me personally), is that Legendar y Women's Basketball Coach Pat Summit, told the world that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia. I know all too well what this diagnosis will mean. My Maternal Grandmother died of dementia when I was in 8th grade. It is vicious disease who seems the hardest (especially at the end) on the family and not the person themselves.
I have followed her carreer for well over 20 years now, and to me she is the a true class act. Always just as gracious in defeat as she was in victory. It is sad that she may have to give up her passion, far sooner than she planned.
Also of course I am keeping everyone in the path of Hurricane Irene in my thoughts and prayers.
Run on Friends,
Heather
"We don't run because it's easy, we run because it's real." Kristen Armstrong
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Shared Joy
Okay so my friend Amy, has challenged herself to blog every day for 21 days, and since my blog is a little neglected I decided to do that too. So starting today I will blog every day for 21 days, not sure about what just yet but getting there.
Shared Joy, anyone who knows me well, knows how much I enjoy/love/thrive on my friends. I love time by myself too, but my soul feels best when I’m with my friends either one on one or in a group. Either one makes my heart happy. I especially love being able to share in my friends’ joy!
This past weekend I got to have so much shared joy I thought my heart was going to burst. First on Saturday morning I met with my MIT group for a 10 mile run! Our friend Amy had 16 to do however, so she had decided to run 6 prior to the group run and then run 10 with us. Well when we arrived at MIT Amy had run 5 instead of 6 and I quickly said I would add a mile to my run to finish out her 16 with her. We had a great run, it actually felt quite easy ( I definitely wasn’t signing that tune last night however!), and the last mile was simply awesome! I got to be there as a friend I’ve come to love and treasure got a new Personal Distance Record! The smile on her face was priceless and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything in the world. I took great joy in taking her picture, in sharing in her happiness of her achieving something awesome! I can hardly wait to share the same milestone with Dana and Stacy this week and next.
I’m getting to experience the joy, excitement and the challenges of a first marathon all over again through my friends. It’s an awesome experience! I encourage any of you out there who have run a distance (5K 10K half or full marathon) to find a friend who has not and share their training with them.
The second part of my day brought me to sharing the joy of my friend Christi’s marriage. Christi is another friend who MIT brought into my life. We trained for and ran our first marathons together (holy cow 3 years ago now) and then we shared a hotel room in Chicago last year. She was speed demon but waited for me at the finish line! Along with our other roomies.
She looked simply radiant and her joy was evident! I’m so glad I was able to attend and get to share in another joyous occasion with a dear and precious friend.
In addition to the wedding joy, I got to spend time with running friends. These are my friends who have been with me through many, many miles and many laughs and tears. I’m so blessed to have them to love and be loved by.
So sharing joy- it’s privilege I treasure.
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Who says you can't run away from your problems?" Joan Beniot Samuleson
Shared Joy, anyone who knows me well, knows how much I enjoy/love/thrive on my friends. I love time by myself too, but my soul feels best when I’m with my friends either one on one or in a group. Either one makes my heart happy. I especially love being able to share in my friends’ joy!
This past weekend I got to have so much shared joy I thought my heart was going to burst. First on Saturday morning I met with my MIT group for a 10 mile run! Our friend Amy had 16 to do however, so she had decided to run 6 prior to the group run and then run 10 with us. Well when we arrived at MIT Amy had run 5 instead of 6 and I quickly said I would add a mile to my run to finish out her 16 with her. We had a great run, it actually felt quite easy ( I definitely wasn’t signing that tune last night however!), and the last mile was simply awesome! I got to be there as a friend I’ve come to love and treasure got a new Personal Distance Record! The smile on her face was priceless and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything in the world. I took great joy in taking her picture, in sharing in her happiness of her achieving something awesome! I can hardly wait to share the same milestone with Dana and Stacy this week and next.
I’m getting to experience the joy, excitement and the challenges of a first marathon all over again through my friends. It’s an awesome experience! I encourage any of you out there who have run a distance (5K 10K half or full marathon) to find a friend who has not and share their training with them.
The second part of my day brought me to sharing the joy of my friend Christi’s marriage. Christi is another friend who MIT brought into my life. We trained for and ran our first marathons together (holy cow 3 years ago now) and then we shared a hotel room in Chicago last year. She was speed demon but waited for me at the finish line! Along with our other roomies.
She looked simply radiant and her joy was evident! I’m so glad I was able to attend and get to share in another joyous occasion with a dear and precious friend.
In addition to the wedding joy, I got to spend time with running friends. These are my friends who have been with me through many, many miles and many laughs and tears. I’m so blessed to have them to love and be loved by.
So sharing joy- it’s privilege I treasure.
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Who says you can't run away from your problems?" Joan Beniot Samuleson
Friday, August 5, 2011
Married to the Marathon
“You can’t flirt with the Marathon, you have to marry it.” Kristen Armstrong
I was using this quote last weekend and everyone seemed to enjoy it and have a good chuckle over it, myself included. But then I really started thinking about it, and as I am in the midst of training for my fourth marathon, I gave some serious consideration to what “Married to the Marathon” means to me
1. It means being serious about my training, and fully committed to it, no matter what. My training schedule is my training schedule and as much as possible I try to stick with it, and do it as written. Especially long runs on Saturdays -those are non-negotiable in my schedule. Even on vacation as proved in July in Virginia, 8 miles on my own, in the heat, on 1.75 mile loop that seemed endless at times, but I got out there and got it done. Of course if my body says rest, I do that too.
2. It means eating well, to quote my dear friend Katia “Food is Fuel, it is not your friend” and this is no more true than in marathon training. Fruits, vegetables, and whole foods need to be more of my diet than processed junk. I try to go with a 90/10 ratio myself. 90% great stuff, 10% a little less great.
3. It means taking rest just a seriously as training, so on non-running days on the schedule, I do not run! And I take 1-2 full days off of any activity at all. Friday nights you will find me in my PJs by about 8:30 pm and definitely in bed no later than 10 if I can help it. Yes party animal right here!
4. It means long runs are long runs and not a race! My theory on long runs is any way I can get them! (The miles that is the miles). So on Saturday mornings at MIT you will find me, happily running along in my group (I adore you all) and not worrying too much about my pace, as long as it is with reason. Thinking that every single Saturday I’m going to go out and run just the same, is not going to happen. Weather, how I feel, etc, will always affect me to some degree.
5. It means having fun on this crazy ride called marathon training! I love running (most days), and I love seeing people achieve what they thought not possible. So coffee after Saturday morning runs is a treat I treasure, my friends are blessings I adore, knowing I can do something only 1% of the population has ever done is exhilarating!
I am happily married to the marathon! At least most days I am, and on those days I’m not, well my friends can remind me!
Run on Friends,
Heather
I was using this quote last weekend and everyone seemed to enjoy it and have a good chuckle over it, myself included. But then I really started thinking about it, and as I am in the midst of training for my fourth marathon, I gave some serious consideration to what “Married to the Marathon” means to me
1. It means being serious about my training, and fully committed to it, no matter what. My training schedule is my training schedule and as much as possible I try to stick with it, and do it as written. Especially long runs on Saturdays -those are non-negotiable in my schedule. Even on vacation as proved in July in Virginia, 8 miles on my own, in the heat, on 1.75 mile loop that seemed endless at times, but I got out there and got it done. Of course if my body says rest, I do that too.
2. It means eating well, to quote my dear friend Katia “Food is Fuel, it is not your friend” and this is no more true than in marathon training. Fruits, vegetables, and whole foods need to be more of my diet than processed junk. I try to go with a 90/10 ratio myself. 90% great stuff, 10% a little less great.
3. It means taking rest just a seriously as training, so on non-running days on the schedule, I do not run! And I take 1-2 full days off of any activity at all. Friday nights you will find me in my PJs by about 8:30 pm and definitely in bed no later than 10 if I can help it. Yes party animal right here!
4. It means long runs are long runs and not a race! My theory on long runs is any way I can get them! (The miles that is the miles). So on Saturday mornings at MIT you will find me, happily running along in my group (I adore you all) and not worrying too much about my pace, as long as it is with reason. Thinking that every single Saturday I’m going to go out and run just the same, is not going to happen. Weather, how I feel, etc, will always affect me to some degree.
5. It means having fun on this crazy ride called marathon training! I love running (most days), and I love seeing people achieve what they thought not possible. So coffee after Saturday morning runs is a treat I treasure, my friends are blessings I adore, knowing I can do something only 1% of the population has ever done is exhilarating!
I am happily married to the marathon! At least most days I am, and on those days I’m not, well my friends can remind me!
Run on Friends,
Heather
Friday, July 29, 2011
Long Overdue Update
Well my poor neglected blog.. I can’t believe it’s been a month since I last wrote. I need to get better about that.
So I had a pretty eventful July- filled with running, family vacation and a wedding. Here are the brief highlights:
The Month started out awesome as my friend Dana and I PRed (Personal Record) our 5K on July 4th. It was a hot day too, so proud of us! We rocked it! It was my first official run/walk race too, so that was especially great.
Then the next week it was off to Virginia for my family vacation to visit my sister, nephew and brother-in-law who moved there for my Brother-in-law’s job. It was so much fun! My brother and sister-in-law and other two nephews joined us as well. The boys enjoyed playing with each other, having two sleepovers at my sister’s apartment and seeing the ocean for the very first time. I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to experience the first time at the ocean with all 3 of my nephews! Pretty special and they loved it!
The next big event was Amy (fellow MITers) and Scott’s wedding on July 23. It was a great time! I love anytime I get to hang out with my running friends outside of running. It was a full day since I had run 8 miles that morning, but I got a nap before the festivities began. I’m blessed with all the wonderful friends I have from running! They make my life rich and my heart full.
In other running news I have fallen back in love (or at least strong like) with morning running! I used to do it two summers ago and I liked it then. But I will say the only reason I love it so much is the group of ladies I get to share the early (5:30 am) morning runs with! Dana, Amy, Stacy and I meet Monday- Thursday in Dana and Amy’s neighborhood for a run! It’s always great conversation (well once we get woke up it is) and great running too. And we have a new friend who has joined in recently as well Colleen. It is so nice to have my run DONE for the day before I get to work, and then I have the whole evening to do what I want. (Which usually involves an early bed time), but hey meet someone for dinner- you bet, go to a friends, no problem, laundry or whatever seems so much easier at 5 pm when I arrive home than trying to fit in a run and then all that other stuff after work! Loving it! Thanks ladies for your awesome company run after run!
Looking forward to an awesome August- how about you?
Run on Friends,
Heather
So I had a pretty eventful July- filled with running, family vacation and a wedding. Here are the brief highlights:
The Month started out awesome as my friend Dana and I PRed (Personal Record) our 5K on July 4th. It was a hot day too, so proud of us! We rocked it! It was my first official run/walk race too, so that was especially great.
Then the next week it was off to Virginia for my family vacation to visit my sister, nephew and brother-in-law who moved there for my Brother-in-law’s job. It was so much fun! My brother and sister-in-law and other two nephews joined us as well. The boys enjoyed playing with each other, having two sleepovers at my sister’s apartment and seeing the ocean for the very first time. I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to experience the first time at the ocean with all 3 of my nephews! Pretty special and they loved it!
The next big event was Amy (fellow MITers) and Scott’s wedding on July 23. It was a great time! I love anytime I get to hang out with my running friends outside of running. It was a full day since I had run 8 miles that morning, but I got a nap before the festivities began. I’m blessed with all the wonderful friends I have from running! They make my life rich and my heart full.
In other running news I have fallen back in love (or at least strong like) with morning running! I used to do it two summers ago and I liked it then. But I will say the only reason I love it so much is the group of ladies I get to share the early (5:30 am) morning runs with! Dana, Amy, Stacy and I meet Monday- Thursday in Dana and Amy’s neighborhood for a run! It’s always great conversation (well once we get woke up it is) and great running too. And we have a new friend who has joined in recently as well Colleen. It is so nice to have my run DONE for the day before I get to work, and then I have the whole evening to do what I want. (Which usually involves an early bed time), but hey meet someone for dinner- you bet, go to a friends, no problem, laundry or whatever seems so much easier at 5 pm when I arrive home than trying to fit in a run and then all that other stuff after work! Loving it! Thanks ladies for your awesome company run after run!
Looking forward to an awesome August- how about you?
Run on Friends,
Heather
Friday, June 10, 2011
Happy 10 Year Anniversary MIT!
Tomorrow is the Ten year anniversary of MIT, my running group! I can't express the way that MIT helped me change my life. I had run two half marathons on my own, before joining MIT. And once I did there was no looking back. Group runs quickly became the highlight of my week, and the friends I have made through MIT, help put the living in my life!
I tell Jeff G and Tim F all the time, how incredibly blessed I feel that Jeff started MIT and that Tim bought his Fleet Feet franchise here in Columbus Ohio. There is no doubt in my mind that I never would have attempted, let alone finished my first marathon without the coaches and friends I had at MIT. As you all know I have since gone on to run 3 more and am currently training for my 4th.
People who are not with MIT ask me all the time, why I love it so much. The simple answer to that question is because of the support! It is second to none. If you never have experinced it you really can't describe the feeling. It's friends who drove over 150 miles to come suprise me at my second marathon. It's coaches who send out those weekly e-mails with hints and encouragements. It's the planning and care that goes into each and every Saturday or Wedensday workout. And this list could go on and on.
I am blessed to be a part of this incredible group of people, who come out each and every week! They motivate, inspire and encourage me!
So Happy Anniversary to the best running group I know! And thank you a million times thank you to our coaches and founders!
Run on Friends,
Heather
I tell Jeff G and Tim F all the time, how incredibly blessed I feel that Jeff started MIT and that Tim bought his Fleet Feet franchise here in Columbus Ohio. There is no doubt in my mind that I never would have attempted, let alone finished my first marathon without the coaches and friends I had at MIT. As you all know I have since gone on to run 3 more and am currently training for my 4th.
People who are not with MIT ask me all the time, why I love it so much. The simple answer to that question is because of the support! It is second to none. If you never have experinced it you really can't describe the feeling. It's friends who drove over 150 miles to come suprise me at my second marathon. It's coaches who send out those weekly e-mails with hints and encouragements. It's the planning and care that goes into each and every Saturday or Wedensday workout. And this list could go on and on.
I am blessed to be a part of this incredible group of people, who come out each and every week! They motivate, inspire and encourage me!
So Happy Anniversary to the best running group I know! And thank you a million times thank you to our coaches and founders!
Run on Friends,
Heather
Thursday, June 2, 2011
National Running Day and Speed work
Yesterday was National Running Day- a whole day devoted to one of the biggest passions in my life. I love running, for one beause it's so simply- a pair of shoes, clothes and the road is all you need. Of course sharing running with friends is great as well, both kinds of running- alone and with groups give me different perpectives and workouts. Running really has changed my life, in some awesome ways! I'm so blessed my our running group here in Columbus Marathoners in Training (MIT), I never, ever would have run a marathon without them.
So last night in celebration of National Running Day, it was the first speed workout of the season. Speed work is hard work, you always work a little (or a lot) harder than your Marathon pace. Each week is different and Jeff works so hard to mix up our workouts and give us great ones each week.
This week was mile repeats, our prescribed pace was 11:42 for the mile, but we did our first one at 10:42 (oops?) and the second one at 11:21, so faster than prescribed, maybe this means a faster marathon. We shall see! It was great to have company since some friends are trying speedwork and they run my pace! Yipee!
It was a great night for a run, much less humid.
I enjoyed my celebration of National Running Day! I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate!! Hope all my running friends had a great National Running Day as well! Looking forward to another celebration at MIT on Saturday!
Run on Friends,
Heather
So last night in celebration of National Running Day, it was the first speed workout of the season. Speed work is hard work, you always work a little (or a lot) harder than your Marathon pace. Each week is different and Jeff works so hard to mix up our workouts and give us great ones each week.
This week was mile repeats, our prescribed pace was 11:42 for the mile, but we did our first one at 10:42 (oops?) and the second one at 11:21, so faster than prescribed, maybe this means a faster marathon. We shall see! It was great to have company since some friends are trying speedwork and they run my pace! Yipee!
It was a great night for a run, much less humid.
I enjoyed my celebration of National Running Day! I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate!! Hope all my running friends had a great National Running Day as well! Looking forward to another celebration at MIT on Saturday!
Run on Friends,
Heather
Thursday, May 26, 2011
First Run of the Season and other randomness
On Saturday (May 21) we had our very first run of the MIT season! It was great! So many people (the spring/summer session is always huge), and so many new people too, which always makes me smile. We have an awesome running community here in Columbus Ohio.
I am training with a new group this season the run/walk group. This group is based upon the Jeff Galloway training method of taking short, brisk walk "breaks" throughout the mileage starting at the very beginning. The theory being it gives your muscles a short rest from constant running and allows them to work in a different way. I am excited to try it out- I have walked in every marathon I've ever done to some extent, so I figure why not get the benefit from the very beginning.
Also as an added bonus my good friend Dana is the coach and is training for her first marathon, Marine Corps so we are going to train together and run the race together. I am very much looking forward to sharing the miles with her this summer! Running has given me so many wonderful friends! I truly am blessed to have them in my life- more than I can say!
After the MIT run I came home and waited for my parents to arrive. They do not live far from me (about 2 hours), but this visit they decided to stay overnight on Saturday. We had a very nice weekend hanging out, going to church, and shopping. The largest purchase was I selected new carpet for my living/dinning area in my condo. I have needed new carpet for a while so I am excited to get it installed next week!! I will attempt to take and post pictures.
I am very much looking forward to a long weekend!
I am training with a new group this season the run/walk group. This group is based upon the Jeff Galloway training method of taking short, brisk walk "breaks" throughout the mileage starting at the very beginning. The theory being it gives your muscles a short rest from constant running and allows them to work in a different way. I am excited to try it out- I have walked in every marathon I've ever done to some extent, so I figure why not get the benefit from the very beginning.
Also as an added bonus my good friend Dana is the coach and is training for her first marathon, Marine Corps so we are going to train together and run the race together. I am very much looking forward to sharing the miles with her this summer! Running has given me so many wonderful friends! I truly am blessed to have them in my life- more than I can say!
After the MIT run I came home and waited for my parents to arrive. They do not live far from me (about 2 hours), but this visit they decided to stay overnight on Saturday. We had a very nice weekend hanging out, going to church, and shopping. The largest purchase was I selected new carpet for my living/dinning area in my condo. I have needed new carpet for a while so I am excited to get it installed next week!! I will attempt to take and post pictures.
I am very much looking forward to a long weekend!
Friday, May 13, 2011
New Training Session- New Blog Use
Holy Cow it's been forever since I've posted a blog entry! Almost a year.
Recently I have been inspired by my friend Sara and her blog (it really is great you should check it out!), to get my own blog more active. So here we go! I'm going to try to post something at least once per week about running mostly but probably with some other things thrown in there as well.
I recently completed my 6th half marathon, the Flying Pig in Cincinnati- what fun! It was a great race, well organized, tons of crowd support and you just can't beat the theme! Pigs and pink everywhere! In fact I wore a pink sparkle skirt for the race, along with several of my "sole sisters". The race was a little rainy and a LOT hilly, so it wasn't a personal best time, but I was proud of finishing strong and running the second half of the race faster than the first!
Then the following weekend (May 7th) I was privelaged to pace a group for the Cap City Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles). In 2006 I ran this half marathon as my very first half marathon and that was the race that started it all for me- so it seemed appropriate to go back and lead a pace group and give back just a little bit to the running community to has and continues to give so much to me.
I had fun and had many people come up and thank me aftewards and tell me they were watching my sign for pace. Many of my Marthoner in Training (MIT) friends ran the half, and for some of them it was their very first half! In additon many, many friends (far too many to name here less I leave anyone out) ran personal best times! In fact many ran what I call "Rock Star" times and paces! Go MIT!
So that concluded my winter season with MIT! This weekend Sara, Jessica, and Bill (all MIT friends) will be running their very first marathons in Pittsburg (Sara) and Cleveland ( Jessica and Bill). I know they are all going to do awesome, and I can't wait to welcome them into the marathon club!
Next week I will begin a brand new season with MIT and will train through the summer for the Marine Corps Marathon on October 30! Many MIT friends including some of my favorite sole sisters are going to run it as well! It's going to be a fun summer of training (well mostly fun), of course it will be hard work but in the words of my favorite running author Kristen Armstrong.. "We don't run because it's easy, we run because it's real."
Looking forward to posting more as the summer progresses, maybe I'll even get all fancy and post a picture from time to time too!
Run on friends,
Heather
Recently I have been inspired by my friend Sara and her blog (it really is great you should check it out!), to get my own blog more active. So here we go! I'm going to try to post something at least once per week about running mostly but probably with some other things thrown in there as well.
I recently completed my 6th half marathon, the Flying Pig in Cincinnati- what fun! It was a great race, well organized, tons of crowd support and you just can't beat the theme! Pigs and pink everywhere! In fact I wore a pink sparkle skirt for the race, along with several of my "sole sisters". The race was a little rainy and a LOT hilly, so it wasn't a personal best time, but I was proud of finishing strong and running the second half of the race faster than the first!
Then the following weekend (May 7th) I was privelaged to pace a group for the Cap City Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles). In 2006 I ran this half marathon as my very first half marathon and that was the race that started it all for me- so it seemed appropriate to go back and lead a pace group and give back just a little bit to the running community to has and continues to give so much to me.
I had fun and had many people come up and thank me aftewards and tell me they were watching my sign for pace. Many of my Marthoner in Training (MIT) friends ran the half, and for some of them it was their very first half! In additon many, many friends (far too many to name here less I leave anyone out) ran personal best times! In fact many ran what I call "Rock Star" times and paces! Go MIT!
So that concluded my winter season with MIT! This weekend Sara, Jessica, and Bill (all MIT friends) will be running their very first marathons in Pittsburg (Sara) and Cleveland ( Jessica and Bill). I know they are all going to do awesome, and I can't wait to welcome them into the marathon club!
Next week I will begin a brand new season with MIT and will train through the summer for the Marine Corps Marathon on October 30! Many MIT friends including some of my favorite sole sisters are going to run it as well! It's going to be a fun summer of training (well mostly fun), of course it will be hard work but in the words of my favorite running author Kristen Armstrong.. "We don't run because it's easy, we run because it's real."
Looking forward to posting more as the summer progresses, maybe I'll even get all fancy and post a picture from time to time too!
Run on friends,
Heather
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