Day 32: 40 mins - 4.90 miles
Day 31: intervals/sprints - 1.5 miles
Day 30: 60 mins - 5 miles (100+ miles!!)
Day 29: 50 mins - 5.65 miles
Today, I feel like I am on top of the world...I broke the 100 mile mark since I began training in January!! I didnt realize how close I was until yesterday when I logged in to record my time and mileage. After the team workout in Tacoma I only had just over 4 miles to go to break the barrier...Sundays are suppose to be easy, low-mileage days a.k.a recovery days. I couldnt resist, I had to break the 100-mile barrier. I accomplished this feat during a slow run with some friends that I have recently started running with. The weather was perfect too...60 degrees and sunshine :)
Lately, I have been wondering why so many people take up this crazy sport of running? What causes people to push themself passed the point of exertion? For me, running helps me stay in shape, but its more than that. I run for the feeling I get when I have ran farther or faster than I've ever ran before. I run to escape life and take time to appreciate all that God has given me. I run to test my mental strength and my physical strength. I run because if I work hard enough, someday I will accomplish something that I never thought I could do.
During my search, I fell in love with these short video clips and I encourage anyone interested to watch. They give great insight into a runner's passion and tell the stories of many different types of runners. There's more to it than you'd ever imagine! Watch and find out...very inspiring too!
The Spirit of the Marathon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8XSit8XyeM
(Watch the full documentary: http://www.hulu.com/watch/85354/spirit-of-the-marathon)
Why Do I Run?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iuy1GSYoOr8
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Week 4: Rekindled Motivation
Day 28: 40 mins - 5 miles
Day 27: rest
Day 26: 40 mins - 4.75 miles
Day 25: 60 mins - 7.35 miles
Day 24: rest
Day 23: 60 mins - 5.2 miles
Day 22: 50 mins - 6.10 miles (Saturday, February 20th)
Although I have been posting a decent number of runs, this past week was not easy. Wednesday's workout called for a 40 min. run, but after a long day at work not one inch of my body felt like running. I was sitting on my bed thinking how it would be to just lay down and take a nap...afterall it wouldnt be that big of deal if i skipped just one day. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I thought of Teri. I thought of Grace. I thought Mrs. Renaker. I thought of Bill. I realized they never had a choice whether or not that wanted to fight their cancer that day. And so I ran. I wanted quit 2 minutes into my workout...it felt like torture! I ran the entire 40 mins because if quitting wasnt an option for my honored teammates, then it wasnt going to be an option for me. When I finished my run that day, I was glad it was over, yet thankful that I had such strong honored teammates to keep me track. Whether they know it or not, they are helping me achieve my goals!
I used my new found motivation to finish the week strong with some nice long runs. Saturday's team run in Tacoma was awesome. We had great weather...lots of sunshine! After practice we went to J&R's Bar in Silverdale to touch base with the owners about a big fundraiser we planned. Everything is ready to go. We are going to raffle off over $1000 worth of prizes, sell pizza by the slice, sing karaoke, play shuffle board, and have fun on March 5th...all to fight cancer and raise cancer awareness! While we were visiting J&R's bar, Ellen and I collected $46 in donations from random patrons who had over heard our conversation! I am so incredibly grateful for all the support from everyone!
Day 27: rest
Day 26: 40 mins - 4.75 miles
Day 25: 60 mins - 7.35 miles
Day 24: rest
Day 23: 60 mins - 5.2 miles
Day 22: 50 mins - 6.10 miles (Saturday, February 20th)
Although I have been posting a decent number of runs, this past week was not easy. Wednesday's workout called for a 40 min. run, but after a long day at work not one inch of my body felt like running. I was sitting on my bed thinking how it would be to just lay down and take a nap...afterall it wouldnt be that big of deal if i skipped just one day. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I thought of Teri. I thought of Grace. I thought Mrs. Renaker. I thought of Bill. I realized they never had a choice whether or not that wanted to fight their cancer that day. And so I ran. I wanted quit 2 minutes into my workout...it felt like torture! I ran the entire 40 mins because if quitting wasnt an option for my honored teammates, then it wasnt going to be an option for me. When I finished my run that day, I was glad it was over, yet thankful that I had such strong honored teammates to keep me track. Whether they know it or not, they are helping me achieve my goals!
I used my new found motivation to finish the week strong with some nice long runs. Saturday's team run in Tacoma was awesome. We had great weather...lots of sunshine! After practice we went to J&R's Bar in Silverdale to touch base with the owners about a big fundraiser we planned. Everything is ready to go. We are going to raffle off over $1000 worth of prizes, sell pizza by the slice, sing karaoke, play shuffle board, and have fun on March 5th...all to fight cancer and raise cancer awareness! While we were visiting J&R's bar, Ellen and I collected $46 in donations from random patrons who had over heard our conversation! I am so incredibly grateful for all the support from everyone!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Week 3: Should I bring tissue to practice??
Day 21: 52 mins - 6.15 miles
Day 20: rest
Day 19: 40 mins - 5 miles
Day 18: 40 mins - 4.90 miles
Day 17: Cross Train - bike 13 miles
Day 16: Valentine's Day Race, 4 miles - 29:31
(super hilly race course = torture!)
Day 15: 40 mins - 4.85 miles (Saturday, February 13)
Our third team practice was a 40min run. We ran on a trail next to the busiest highway that runs through Tacoma. It makes me appreciate all the beautiful miles of trails in Bozeman, MT where it was just me with mother nature and my iPod wasn’t fighting the sound of traffic to be heard. My ipod is usually blaring "I can only Imagine" by Mercy Me, which is my favorite running song. Nonetheless, it still feels great to get out run especially when you have good company. I am starting meet more and more of my teammates....all of them are amazing people! I am also feeling more confident with my runs, I am ready to start rampin' up on the miles a bit more, so the 50 min run next Saturday will be perfect. After practice, we had a fundraising clinic and a really great “mission moment”. One of the mentors first read a poem written by a leukemia survivor. It set the stage for my emotions. She then read a letter from our honored teammate’s mother. My emotions took over. Before I knew it I had tears rolling down my cheeks! It makes me wonder, should I be brining my running shoes and a box of tissues to practice??
Day 20: rest
Day 19: 40 mins - 5 miles
Day 18: 40 mins - 4.90 miles
Day 17: Cross Train - bike 13 miles
Day 16: Valentine's Day Race, 4 miles - 29:31
(super hilly race course = torture!)
Day 15: 40 mins - 4.85 miles (Saturday, February 13)
Our third team practice was a 40min run. We ran on a trail next to the busiest highway that runs through Tacoma. It makes me appreciate all the beautiful miles of trails in Bozeman, MT where it was just me with mother nature and my iPod wasn’t fighting the sound of traffic to be heard. My ipod is usually blaring "I can only Imagine" by Mercy Me, which is my favorite running song. Nonetheless, it still feels great to get out run especially when you have good company. I am starting meet more and more of my teammates....all of them are amazing people! I am also feeling more confident with my runs, I am ready to start rampin' up on the miles a bit more, so the 50 min run next Saturday will be perfect. After practice, we had a fundraising clinic and a really great “mission moment”. One of the mentors first read a poem written by a leukemia survivor. It set the stage for my emotions. She then read a letter from our honored teammate’s mother. My emotions took over. Before I knew it I had tears rolling down my cheeks! It makes me wonder, should I be brining my running shoes and a box of tissues to practice??
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Week 2: New Shoes!
Day 14: 30 mins - 3.97 miles
Day 13: 30 mins - 3.90 miles
Day 12: rest
Day 11: 40 mins - 5.05 miles
Day 10: rest
Day 9: 30 mins - 3.70 miles
Day 8: 40 mins - 4.78 miles (Saturday, February 6)
This week's 8a.m Saturday team training session was much better. Its was a 40 min run on a trail with steady rolling hills. After the run, we had a shoe clinic at a local running store. I was able to get the right type of shoes for my stride. Running high mileage in the wrong shoes can have damaging effects on your body. I'll do anything to reduce the risk of another IT band injury, plus hopefully no more black toenails either (I've got one about to fall off)!
Day 13: 30 mins - 3.90 miles
Day 12: rest
Day 11: 40 mins - 5.05 miles
Day 10: rest
Day 9: 30 mins - 3.70 miles
Day 8: 40 mins - 4.78 miles (Saturday, February 6)
This week's 8a.m Saturday team training session was much better. Its was a 40 min run on a trail with steady rolling hills. After the run, we had a shoe clinic at a local running store. I was able to get the right type of shoes for my stride. Running high mileage in the wrong shoes can have damaging effects on your body. I'll do anything to reduce the risk of another IT band injury, plus hopefully no more black toenails either (I've got one about to fall off)!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Week #1: Here we go...
Day 7: 30 min run - 3.73 miles
Day 6: rest
Day 5: 30 min run - 3.90 miles
Day 4: 30 min run - 3.97 miles
Day 3: rest
Day 2: 30 min run - 3.67 miles
Day 1: 30 min run - 3.20 miles (Saturday, January 30)
Today marks the first official day of marathon training. We met in Tacoma at Vassault park as a team. I have about 90 teammates training for either the Seattle or San Diego marathon, of those 90, only about 30 are training for San Diego. It was a very easy run today, in fact everyone was encouraged to walk (I opted not too though...dont tell!)
Day 6: rest
Day 5: 30 min run - 3.90 miles
Day 4: 30 min run - 3.97 miles
Day 3: rest
Day 2: 30 min run - 3.67 miles
Day 1: 30 min run - 3.20 miles (Saturday, January 30)
Today marks the first official day of marathon training. We met in Tacoma at Vassault park as a team. I have about 90 teammates training for either the Seattle or San Diego marathon, of those 90, only about 30 are training for San Diego. It was a very easy run today, in fact everyone was encouraged to walk (I opted not too though...dont tell!)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
TNT Kick Off Party!
Tonight was our Team In Training (TNT) kick off party! No “official” running yet. I was introduced to my mentor, Nick, who will be supporting me throughout the season. He has ran several races before with Team In Training and will be running the race in San Diego with me in June. I also learned more about what I could expect from the training, ate lots of food, and met other TNT participants as well. The party was motivating and inspiring, but the it definitely left me with the feeling that this is only the beginning and the best of what's to come is incomprehensible. This Saturday is our first team practice and first “official” training day.
Right now, I can’t help but feel fatigued. Last night, Abby and I went to JR’s Bar for Shirley Temples to organize our fundraising efforts, we stayed until 10pm. Nonetheless, as I was at JR’s Bar again this morning by 6:00am to drink coffee with owners and discuss a fundraising event we are hosting on March 5th. The owners of the bar are awesome. They seem more than willing to help us in any way they can. We are just in the planning stages, but I think it will be a fun event for everyone!
Also, I finally found a business to sponsor $100! Puget Sound Auto Body owed me a favor after I kindly brought them a couple $1000 worth of business. Lets just say that WA traffic was quick to remind me that I dont live in Montana anymore...needless to say, my car survived and Puget Sound Auto Body returned it to "like new" condition. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!! I really REALLY appreciate it!
Right now, I can’t help but feel fatigued. Last night, Abby and I went to JR’s Bar for Shirley Temples to organize our fundraising efforts, we stayed until 10pm. Nonetheless, as I was at JR’s Bar again this morning by 6:00am to drink coffee with owners and discuss a fundraising event we are hosting on March 5th. The owners of the bar are awesome. They seem more than willing to help us in any way they can. We are just in the planning stages, but I think it will be a fun event for everyone!
Also, I finally found a business to sponsor $100! Puget Sound Auto Body owed me a favor after I kindly brought them a couple $1000 worth of business. Lets just say that WA traffic was quick to remind me that I dont live in Montana anymore...needless to say, my car survived and Puget Sound Auto Body returned it to "like new" condition. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!! I really REALLY appreciate it!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Set Back #1
Today was my first day of fundraising. Abby and I spent the entire afternoon trying to find businesses to sponsor us. Needless to say we were pretty unsuccessful...we came home with $0!! Well, thats not completely true. Signo Di Vino kindly donated a $20 gift certificate which we will put to use in other fundraising efforts.
Despite our day's failure, we learned alot! First of all, we do have a couple leads to chase and may need to refocus the types of businesses we approach. Secondly, it is clearly obvious that running a marathon is not going to be the hardest part. Fundraising almost $3,000 may be the true challenge (but completely worth it). After throwing in the towel for the day, we did some serious brainstorming for fundraising ideas. Here is what we came up with:
-Dollar Drive - For $1 (or more) people can sign our TNT racing shirts
-Garage Sale - 100% Donation based
-Rootbeer Floats/Italian Soda Stand at the Mall
-Sponsor Donuts and Coffee at Church
-Valentine's Day - Help local flower shops deliver flowers
-Event Concession Stand Sales
-Donation Cans - At grocery stores or fast food restraurants
-Bowling Night
Please feel free to post a comment if you have any fabulous fundraising ideas to offer up. We (Abby, Ellen & I) will gladly consider them! No idea is a stupid idea! ;-)
Despite our day's failure, we learned alot! First of all, we do have a couple leads to chase and may need to refocus the types of businesses we approach. Secondly, it is clearly obvious that running a marathon is not going to be the hardest part. Fundraising almost $3,000 may be the true challenge (but completely worth it). After throwing in the towel for the day, we did some serious brainstorming for fundraising ideas. Here is what we came up with:
-Dollar Drive - For $1 (or more) people can sign our TNT racing shirts
-Garage Sale - 100% Donation based
-Rootbeer Floats/Italian Soda Stand at the Mall
-Sponsor Donuts and Coffee at Church
-Valentine's Day - Help local flower shops deliver flowers
-Event Concession Stand Sales
-Donation Cans - At grocery stores or fast food restraurants
-Bowling Night
Please feel free to post a comment if you have any fabulous fundraising ideas to offer up. We (Abby, Ellen & I) will gladly consider them! No idea is a stupid idea! ;-)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Beginning of a Journey
Welcome to my Team in Training marathon blog! I officially registered for the San Diego Rock'n Roll Marathon yesterday and have eagerly begun "pre"training and devising a fundraising strategy. First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to explain to you how this challenge came about. A couple months ago, I was signing up to be a 5th grade basketball coach at the Poulsbo Parks & Rec Association when I noticed a booklet of local recreational activities. I grabbed a copy to take home and skim in my spare time. Later that evening as I was reading through the booklet, a training class for a Seattle marathon caught my attention. Running a marathon is something that has alway been on my bucketlist, but I never thought I would take on the challenge this early in life. Afterall, I haven't even ran a half-marathon yet! The idea of a training class appealled to me mostly because I would have to be accountable to someone other than just myself. I have learned to never overlook the power of motivation. Nonetheless, I wasnt sure if I was ready for the commitment.
A couple weeks later, I was buying a trainer for my bike. As I was walking out of the store with my new purchase, the Team in Training flyer caught my attention. I had heard of Team in Training before and thought I would take a look. As soon as I started researching Team in Training, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't let pass me by. I thought about all the people in my life affected by the diease. I told my roommate, Abby and co-worker, Ellen of my ambition to participate. We knew completing the unthinkable marathon and the opportunity to save lives and leave an impact would be a life-changing journey. They decided to join me as well. And so together, the three of us signed up for the Rock'n Roll Marathon in San Diego.
As we raise funds, we will recieve professional coaching and mentorship with weekly "team" practices every Saturday. My goal is complete the race in under 4 1/2 hours, but I realize this race is not just about the finish line I hope to cross in San Diego. Its about working together to fight a diease.
At this point, I am still in a state of shock....I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM GOING TO RUN A MARATHON!! AM I NUTS?!?
A couple weeks later, I was buying a trainer for my bike. As I was walking out of the store with my new purchase, the Team in Training flyer caught my attention. I had heard of Team in Training before and thought I would take a look. As soon as I started researching Team in Training, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't let pass me by. I thought about all the people in my life affected by the diease. I told my roommate, Abby and co-worker, Ellen of my ambition to participate. We knew completing the unthinkable marathon and the opportunity to save lives and leave an impact would be a life-changing journey. They decided to join me as well. And so together, the three of us signed up for the Rock'n Roll Marathon in San Diego.
As we raise funds, we will recieve professional coaching and mentorship with weekly "team" practices every Saturday. My goal is complete the race in under 4 1/2 hours, but I realize this race is not just about the finish line I hope to cross in San Diego. Its about working together to fight a diease.
At this point, I am still in a state of shock....I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM GOING TO RUN A MARATHON!! AM I NUTS?!?
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