A Runner in the Making

Yesterday it was raining and I really needed to get in a run. I'm running a 5K next Saturday and had slacked a little in my training. I've been back on track the past couple of weeks though. So I gave in and went to the gym. While I am beginning to love running outdoors, I still despise running on the treadmill. My gym has an indoor "track" but it's only 1/8th of a mile long, and the idea of running around it for 33 minutes did not excite me. Which left me with only one option. My nemesis, the treadmill.
Running on the treadmill use to give me horrible shin splints, but since I realized that it is worth every penny to buy good quality shoes and get fitted properly I no longer have that problem. I am a major over pronator and the treadmill seems the make this worse (btw never a good thing when the lady at the running shoe store says "wow" when she watches you walk and comments that she's never seen anyone with a gait quite like yours). I think I despise the treadmill because I feel like I'm not going anywhere. When I run outside I can see how far I've gone and make goals to get to a certain point in the distance. I love mapping my route online and seeing how far I ran and what my pace was.
Yesterday marked W6D2 for me in the C25K program which meant after a 5 minute warm up I had to run for 10 minutes, walk for 3 and then run another 10 minutes. That may not sound like a lot to those of you who are hard core runners, but for me this is a big deal. I have a heart condition, so I have to take it slow when I start exercising and can't push myself too hard. The first 10 minute run wasn't too bad. I didn't feel like I was going to die, but I was very glad to hear the "walk" message in my ear. The second 10 minute run segement was a whole other story. It's hard for me to regulate my pace on the treadmill. I always feel like my stride is a little off and I think I pushed it too hard the first part of my run. I was ready to quit after about the first 2 minutes, but somehow convinced myself to keep going for at least another 2 minutes. When I reached that point, I realized I could hang in there for just a little longer. Each time I got to the point where I planned to give up and stop running, I realized I could keep running. I pushed through, stayed strong, and before I knew it I had completed the second 10 minute run! It felt so good to know I finished strong and didn't give up. My body ended up being stronger than my mind.
I left the treadmill feeling like I conquered something. Covered in sweat and red faced, but strong and proud :-)

The Roller Coaster Known as Life

It's been a while since I've blogged. Not because I don't have things to say. There is plenty going on in my life, but I just can't seem to put it in writing these days. Overall it's been good lately. There is still stress, but it is more manageable. I feel happy most days.
The weather has been nice and I have been able to run outside as I prepare for my 5K in April. I'm really excited about running for Great Strides this year. I was inspired last year when I saw kids with CF running and not just walking and decided that if they could do it, so could I. I slacked a little in the training, but now I'm back on track.
My sister and brother-in-law were in town this past weekend and it was so good to see them and spend time hanging out. He has a scan scheduled for tomorrow, so please keep him in your prayers. Hopefully the tumors will have shrunk some more.
We are entering my favorite time of year better known as travel season. I don't know why I seem to travel more in the summer, but I do. And I love it! I get to see my girls, my lifers (to borrow L's term) again in a couple of weeks and visit Nashville at the same time. Double score :) Wedding season is also starting and I'm so happy to be a part of my friend's celebrations. The next few months are going to be busy but I'm looking forward to them.

Therapy Weekend

Friends

Last weekend I was in Nashville with three of my favorite people in the whole world. These girls are so special to me and I love every minute that we get to spend together. I needed time with them in the worst way as life has been insane lately. It was a blast and my soul was refreshed. We ate at some great local Nashville restaurants, including Burger Up, Noshville, The Smiling Elephant (amazing Thai food!) and Hog Heaven . We drank lots of wine and coffee. We went to the Flea Market at 7am on Saturday. We took pictures and laughed til our stomachs hurt. We talked and talked. We painted 125 terracotta pots. We shopped. And then we shopped some more. We caught up on life. I loved every last minute of it.

Being Silly!

It is always bitter sweet to say goodbye at the end of a wonderful weekend. Thankfully we will be together again several times this spring as L's wedding grows closer.