Parkway Half Marathon . . . PR!!!

Here’s a recap of May 4th – a fun, fantastic, fueled-correctly day to run my second half marathon.

I  laid everything out the day before.  Seriously, I am more organized with my running clothes and nutrition than I am when we pack for vacations!!!

I had checked and rechecked the clothes I would be running in, made sure my iPhone was charged, had my heart rate monitor in my bag, along with extra clothes, extra nutrition, extra Nuun (electrolytes), extra gels – after all I am a mom, right?!!! So really all I had to do was get up at 4:00 AM and make breakfast to eat on the road and get dressed and off we went to pick up Debora, Amanda, Emmi, and Kari.  Mike, my husband, was wonderful and was our chauffeur for the day.

We arrived and used the port-a-potties, but there is just something that makes you have to use them again before the race . . . nerves . . .

Amanda, Kari, Me, Debora, and Emily before the race

The race started at 7:45 . . . and we were off . . . woohoo!!!

This being only my second race ever . . . I freely allowed myself to move along with my adrenaline leading me well . . . meaning probably went out too fast!!

Debora and I had trained together so we ran together.  I started the race very refreshed and ready to run after tapering my runs the past week and allowing my muscles to rest.  Debora, being the wonderful mom that she is, started the run already tired from being on a school trip to Yosemite with her daughter and taking some great long, steep hikes!!! She gets an A-plus for being the best mom!!!!

We had already decided that we were going to run together, stop (if needed) together, cry together, finish together . . . we were in this together!!!

She was amazing for being as tired as she was.  I must admit when she said she felt like she was ‘hitting the wall’ at mile 8, I thought, “No, surely not, this is way too soon,” forgetting that she started the run tired.  But what a trooper - she just kept moving forward.

I had a goal in mind, but my main goal was to PR.  My first half marathon I ran in 2:15 so I knew I wanted to run faster than that.  I knew we could do it.  Debora and I ran together – I enjoyed it and I think Debora would say she endured it!!

We crossed the finish line together both of us getting a PR!!!

I ran it in 2:13 . . . yay, a 2 minute PR for me . . .

Yay, we all finished!!! We are all winners!!!!

This half marathon was a totally different experience from my first one. I struggled during my first one, by mile 10 I was done and just counting the ever so slow miles as they went by, not feeling well when I finished.

This run I felt strong the whole distance and I really needed that boost.  As a runner, there are good, bad, and just downright ugly runs.  When you have too many bad runs it is most discouraging.  I went into this race with a few too many discouraging runs and wondering why I am running.  I am here to tell you it only takes one good, strong, happy, energetic, butt-kicking run to remind one why they run!!

After the race . . . ahhhhhhh!!

As I look back at my race, I am thankful -

Thankful to my long run friend, Debora, who got me through some difficult runs.

Thankful that we had the time to put into training, which made all the difference for this race.

Thankful for friends that I run with.

Thankful for the running community – such a great group of folks that are a bit crazy . . . about running!!

Thankful that I can run.

Thankful for this amazing body God has gifted me with!!

I am resting, mostly, this week and trying to be wise with my running, which doesn’t come easily for me.

I am signed up for two more races this year – Folsom Blues Breakout 13.1 and the California International Marathon (CIM)

At this moment, I feel ready and excited to train for them and that they are doable . . . ask me in a couple of months and I might feel different, but for today I bask in a great half marathon and will cling to that for some time.

As always, I’m thankful for a God who is always with me, is ever faithful and always good!!!

Patty

One more sleep . . . am I ready?!?!?!?!

I have been very relaxed and thoroughly looking forward to running the Parkway Half Marathon.  I trained with my friend, Debora.  We ran on our own during the week and ran our long runs on either a Friday or Saturday.  We learned so much from them.  One day I would have a bad run and then the next would be Debora.  We had plenty of time to discuss our ‘issues’ and trying different ways to avert the ‘issues’ on our next long run. The issues range from hydrating to fueling to foam rolling our muscles to cadence to pace to breathing to compression socks to digestion issues to TMI issues . . .

Trust me when you run 15 miles with a friend you can cover a myriad of topics.

Me and Debora after our 15 miler

I’ve learned that for less than 10 miles I only need to hydrate – no fuel.  When I run 10 – 15 miles I need to hydrate with fuel added.  I use a product called Fluid Performance, which has electrolytes and carbs in it.  That seems to be enough for me.  I take a gel along just in case, more for security – I haven’t had to use  it.  Things may change once I start doing longer runs for my marathon training.

I learned when I am done with my long run I need to drink something right away. I drink Fluid Recovery, which has protein and carbs for muscle recovery, as I walk around for about 10 minutes.  Then I can stretch.  Debora and I have had many conversations about what’s best for each of us and our guts during this running process.

So I have trained . . . I have done weight work for my legs, my core, and my upper body . . . I have read many running blogs . . . I have worked on my nutrition – upping my carbs when getting ready for a longer run . . .

So . . .

Why, after rereading the race schedule, reviewing the race map (Debora and I already ran the path, mostly), figuring out parking, going to pick up our race bibs today . . . why am I so uptight (nervous, anxious) at this moment??

In my mind I’m thinking . . . “Really, Patty, why did you sign up for this race and the two others you are signed up for? Why can’t you just run your short miles, your longer miles, your really long runs and just be happy with that? Why race?”

I can’t answer that!!!!

I don’t even know if I like running anymore . . . I don’t even know why I run . . .  

I THINK I NEED HELP!!!!

I would go out for a run right now to clear my mind, but this week has been my taper week, lower mileage week, and today most definitely is my rest day before the race tomorrow.

From everything I have read, this is a very normal feeling.  Well . . . honestly . . . I don’t like it!! No, not one bit.  Hence, I am writing today and getting this out, if it can’t be on a run it will have to be here.

This is what I can/will do today -

- Remind myself of all the training I have done. I am ready.

- Remind myself why I am running . . . what it has done for me . . . the closeness I feel with God, as I run

- Remind myself it will be a time to be around others with the same passion for running that I have . . . a time to be encouraged and a time to encourage

- Remind myself that I am running with a good friend, Debora, who has listened to me go on and on about whatever, who has encouraged me, who has waited for me (bathroom stops) patiently with a smile

- Remind myself that it is not all about me . . . it’s an opportunity to celebrate my love for running with a bunch of other runners . . . and run for Him!!!

Okay . . . if you have gotten this far, thank you!!! I feel much better.  I have a little more perspective . . . still shaking a little . . .

I have a goal time that I would love to hit . . . we will see . . . I’ll keep you posted.

I’m thankful for a God who knows my weaknesses and He loves me in the midst of them. 

I’m thankful that He has given me the ability to run . . .

Tomorrow I run for Him with a smile on my face . . .

Patty

PS – I just remembered . . . this is my do-over race . . . ’cause I never got to do it last year due to a broken foot while training for it . . . and I get to run it this year with my daughter, Emily, and some other great friends!!! Woohoo!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sadness … not much to share

I don’t have much to share today. I’ve read many encouragements on twitter to get out and run today with one of your race shirts on for Boston. I was going to rest today, but felt this nagging to get out in my neighborhood and run. I wore my one and only race shirt.

No one really saw me other than a neighbor and a few dogs. But, it gave me three miles worth of time to think and pray for so many hurting. My heart felt lighter .… one of the reasons why I and so many others run!! My eyes were lifted up to God in prayer and in Him I found peace, hope, rest, and trust that He knows!!

I will never understand tragedy like this … there are no answers to the why’s … but I will trust and I will put my hope in a faithful God who does.

I read a blog today and she expressed so well how I and so many are feeling – undone. Check it out from Dimity from Another Mother Runner.

http://anothermotherrunner.com/2013/04/15/undonebostonmarathon/

Praying for so much tonight and so many and trusting in a God of comfort, of strength, of grace in the midst of life,

Patty

Running in the Rain . . .

It’s been such lovely weather here in the foothills of Northern California – perfect running weather, not too hot and not to cold – happy for me!!!

Today it is a rainy day.

I had a choice to make – to run or not to run . . .

I still have my goal of 30 miles a week . . .  I had planned every run and knew I needed to get my 5 miles in today or, heaven forbid, I run under the allotted mileage.  Do I have a problem . . . possibly. 

It stopped raining and I thought I had my opportunity, got all dressed in long tights, a couple of layers just in case it started raining and looked outside and, yes, it was raining again.  I made the choice to run anyway.  Put my windbreaker on, which will keep me a bit dryer, put my hat on and out the door I went.  It was just sprinkling and I actually enjoyed the freshness of the cool air.  It started raining much harder as I ran . . . but I didn’t care . . . I was already wet and I was outside and I was running!!

Rain does create obstacles to run around through!!

oops!!

God just seems to lighten my heart when I get out in His creation and exert myself . . . whether it be running or biking or hiking . . . just plain moving is all it takes.

I was reminded of the different seasons in my life that have been difficult to walk through, yet God was always there.

I was reminded of how my view in the midst of the difficult season was clouded,  with emotions running wild, not seeing clearly . . .  

. . . kind of like this . . .

The rain blocks us from seeing clearly . . . can you tell what I’m looking at in the above picture?

But look . . . I can see clearly!!!

The cool thing is that God sees the whole picture of our lives clearly!!

He knows the beginning, the middle, and the end . . . He is always right there with me in the midst of my unclearness, my rain, my difficulty . . .

I realized I can run in the rain (through difficulties) much easier when I remember . . .

. . . the faithfulness of God in my life in the midst of the rain 

. . . the times He held me up when I couldn’t stand

. . . when He surrounded me with friends that loved me in the midst of the rain 

In remembering . . . I have strength to go forward and ‘run in the rain’ with a great God who never leaves me and has never forsaken me.

As I write this, my heart is heavy for those who are in the midst of rainy – difficult, impossible, heart-wrenching - times. 

My prayer is that they, as well as all of us, have  grace for this moment in time that God has given each one of us.  Grace to take the next step, trusting in the One who knows it all.  Grace to remember all that God has done in their/our past and is doing and will do.

Philippians 4:14 “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

I’m learning to run in the rain . . . and enjoying the journey

Patty

Celebrating . . . 1-Year Anniversary . . . broken foot

I broke my foot on May 10, 2012 – one year ago.  I remember the deep feelings of despair as I realized I wouldn’t be able to run the first half marathon I had ever signed up for.

Much has transpired in this past year – a complete recovery of my foot and I ran my first half marathon – Urban Cow – the first weekend in October.

I continued to run after the half marathon wanting to keep up my mileage.  I started with 20 miles a week, to 25 miles a week, and the last couple of months 30ish miles a week.  I feel stronger as a runner and signed up for another half marathon – Parkway Half Marathon on May 4th of this year and plan on running the  – Four Bridges Half Marathon  - in October.

Finally, yes I did it – I signed up for my first marathon – CIM – in December!!!!

Now that’s a way to celebrate recovery and running and life!!!

I celebrated my year anniversary by getting these -

My new Brooks PureCadence running shoes.  I am over-the-top excited about these. 

I want to just run, run, run in them, but they are designed differently than my Brooks Adrenaline’s and I have been advised to start with shorter runs and gradually build up my mileage with them.

I love the color.  I love the feel – almost like slippers on my feet.  I’m looking forward to many runs with them.

 

Spring is in the air!! Everywhere I look I see flowers blooming, new leaves leafing out . . . it feels kind of weird because as beautiful as it is, I have found I really enjoy running in the cooler temps of winter and find myself mourning a bit for winter to leave and spring/summer to come.

Different seasons, as they begin, always seem to take time for me to adjust to.  Isn’t that the same with life . . . we walk through so many different seasons, some harder than others, taking time to adjust to each one.  But . . . there is a reason/need for each season and I’ve learned or am continually learning just to trust and rest in it with God’s help, to stop fighting and wishing for something different.

So . . .  it will be with the seasons of the year – Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter – I will learn to enjoy the season for what it is and stop fighting against it in my running adventures. 

Enjoy the seasons . . .

Patty

Motivational image #41

Reblogged from Fit for a year:

Motivational image #41. If you ever wondered whether you are a runner or not ...

I loved this definition of a runner, so true - You Just Run . . .

RunStreak Ended . . . Grandmothering Begins

I was on Day 76 of my RunStreak and plans were to continue until Valentine’s Day.  But, really, to be honest, I was thinking of a nice round number like 100 days to end on.  I’m pretty sure if I got to 100 I would have found a new extension for my RunStreak, I enjoyed it that much.

When I received the text that my daughter, Jenna’s, water had broken, I, of course, had Jenna and baby first on my mind, but I did pack my running clothes.  You know, there might have been a moment to run that one quick mile to continue the streak.  What I realized was there was a moment most likely that Wednesday, as she was laboring, but I knew where my heart was and it wasn’t with running at the moment.  Little sweet Allison Rose Schott’s birth was the perfect ending to my RunStreak.  Such a way to celebrate!!

Matt (Daddy) holding Allie Rose

Jenna (mommy) at home with Allie Rose

Nana (me) holding my sweetie Allie Rose

There are no adequate words to describe my feelings.  I am so over-the-top in love with this sweet girl. 

I am so thankful for the gift of watching Matt and Jenna as they enter into this new world of parenthood.  I love to watch them love each other and care and love  this new little miracle-gift they have.  My heart is beyond full!!

I am entering a new season of my life in a few different ways.  I was bicycling with my husband, Mike, when I came to that realization.  As I rode with smiles and tears, I came to the conclusion that a new season is to be celebrated.  I am going to celebrate this year!!!

I mentioned in a previous post that I was thinking about signing up for a marathon this year.  Well . . . that is how I am celebrating this year of changing seasons . . . I am signing up for the CIM, which is in December.  I will also be running two half-marathons – The Parkway Half Marathon on May 4th and the Four Bridges Half Marathon which is in October.  I will keep you posted. 

As I celebrate new seasons, being a grandmother to a precious sweet little Allie and life . . . I remember the One, who gave His all for me. The One who has loved me through so many seasons of my life and has been ever-faithful and always with me.  I give thanks to the Lord for All He has done and has been in my life and look forward to this next season as I walk with Him.

With a thankful heart,

Patty