Week 7

I did my 11 mile run Last Saturday! WOohoo! Maybe walked a mile total, I was so proud of myself! Afterwards my Achilles tendon hurt really bad and continued hurting, Monday I did my 4 miles despite the pain...and by the end could barely walk. It was horrible. Aunt AJ said to let it rest, ice it, Ibuprofen it up and elevate it. Dang, i was wanting magic, speedy, immediate fix. I rested it Tuesday, Wednesday, then today I ran on it intending to do the 6 miler, but a mix between the tendon hurting and wardrobe malfunction I had to come in after 4 miles. Note to self: Today was too cold for a white t-shirt and don't run in shorts until I don't have inner thighs, my butt ate my shorts. Yikes. I'm praying to heal up and hopefully be able to run my 4 miles tomorrow.

xoxonipsareNOTinstyle

Week #6 Days 2 & 3

This week I did my 5 mile run on Tuesday night and I ran it straight, felt soo good! I did 5 miles in 40 minutes! Yippee! I ran after class, I came home, changed clothes, then ran ran ran! 8 min/mil, pretty good accomplishment for me, because I've been averaging 10 or 11 min/mile. It was a good run even though it was kinda chilly outside! My legs are feeling stronger, they're more fatigued after runs, but I take that as a good sign that they're getting stronger and the muscles in my legs are definitely getting bigger and much harder, it's such a good feeling! My stomach is becoming more defined and shrinking, I feel happy, I feel confident, I am loving life.

I ran my 4 miles last night, did a 40 minute time, so 10 min/mile again, but that's alright! I finished and I didn't stop the whole time! My run tomorrow is 11 miles and I am nervous. I've gotta be honest, I get really nervous about these long runs, but I think this time I'm going to take my 4 mile track twice and one lap around my 3 mile track instead of running all around town again, because there is water accessible on the track I'm on and I'll carry lifesavers with me for energy booster. It'll help get me through the 11 miles I believe

Weekly Subtotal: 13 miles.

p.s. I've been working on finding symbolic things to inspire me on my marathon run. I found a Nike Campaign that uses Soccer to fight AIDs. I love Public Health and I am a huge advocate of health now that I have been taking these classes and realized how much awareness plays on the actual health of our global community. When I started Public Health I wanted to do global care and fight the HIV/AIDs epidemic. I found this Nike (RED) campaign that is raising money for RTV drugs to help those who have AIDs and can't afford the medicines to recieve their medicine. I am going to buy their NIKE (RED) shoelaces and wear them on my marathon run and if anything, help spread awareness that way. The laces are about $5.00 and every bit of profit from those laces goes to the medication for those who can't afford it and the education and AIDs awareness. I am excited, I'm completely broke right now, but when I get paid on Friday, I will be buying those laces and putting them on my shoes as soon as they arrive! Since my running I have also grown a passion for fighting obesity & exercise+mental health

Day 1 Week 5

Today was a 4 miler. The sun was out for the first time in about a week. It was SO invigorating. I did the 4 miles in the 40 minutes, but I walked some, because I ran at a faster pace and walked some, but I enjoyed the sun so much I couldn't help but smile. More people honked today, I wish they'd slow down so I know who it is honking! It's funny bc a few times a week people tell me they see me running, it's so nice to realize I have so many friends in Provo! I love this town...for college. :) no, I really do love it here, & there are certain things I will remember later lookin back on my BYU years. I may be biased, but I think I've had the best college experience! Alrighty, I got sidetracked...shocker! :)

xoxowishmelucktomorrownight...it'sbeenwindy&cold@night

Double Digits?

Okay, so I should've started this blog a LONG time ago. So, I've been training for the Nashville Music Marathon on April 24, 2010. In December I could maybe run a mile straight...I was faster though, maybe an 8 minute mile or so, but then I'd walk for a few blocks & then run some more. I started my training for the marathon on January 4. It is now February 6. The super bowl is tomorrow, I think I'm going to root for the Colts, because I found out today Austin Collie plays for them. ANYWAYS, 2 weeks ago, on my day 3 of the week I had 3 miles on my training plate, I told myself to turn down the pace & see how far I can run, I ran the whole 3 miles straight...I was extatic to say the least! My Day 4 training that week was 8 miles. I was feeling pumped for it coming off of my straight 3 miles, wanting to test my new theory on my 8 mile run! Friday after work I came home, laced up my running shoes, dressed in my spandex and a tee shirt. Got the Ipod clipped onto my waist and took off. I ran the whole 8 miles! I walked maybe 3 blocks total...it was amazing, pace makes all the difference! I wasn't out of breath at any point in the run, my legs just started getting exhausted. This week my Day 1-3 miler was okay, so for my Day 2-5 miler I calmed down and ran it straight! I was gross and sweaty after, but I did it! I was SO pumped. Day 3-3 miler, again, it was okay, tried to go too fast. Friday I was dreading the 10-miler. I was totally overwhelmed by the double digit mileage. It was cold and cloudy/snowy/rainy outside. I wasn't looking forward to the run. I got off work at 12 and finally made it out the door for my run at 2. I ran the whole thing, except for a few blocks, though by the end, it could hardly be referred to as a run. It was more like a fast crawl :). I did it though! My hips were crying at the end and my legs felt like they'd been steam-rolled twice, but ladies and gents, I finished! I was SO excited! I am going to do this marathon!
I am a Marathoner!
I decided that I am going to dedicate each mile to someone different and race day, these peoples names are going to be written on my arm in sharpie so I can remember who they are. I can't wait. I am so excited to cross that finish line.
This whole experience has been the most emotional experience. The greatest of my life. 6 months ago, I started running, but was not good at it. I was still intimidated by runners because I didn't feel like I qualified as one because I have curves, I have squishy spots on my body, and I am slow. I decided in November that I am going to train for the Nashville Marathon. I was so nervous and sick about it, but felt SO empowered. For once in my life, I believed in myself physically and mentally enough to pursue this. I have a big fear of saying things out loud, because it concretes them for me. The fact that I said it out loud, and to other people, was a feat in itself. I continued running 3-5 times a week, sometimes more than others in November. I bought under armor to stay warm while running in Utah's miserably cold weather. January 4 I started my training program and wanted to die. I didn't think there was any way I would be able to do this marathon. I wrote all my running days down in my planner next to my homework assignments. I wanted to throw up as I wrote down mileage numbers as large as 14 and 18!!?? What? How am I going to run that?
Folks, I would have never guessed I'd've run 10 miles either. It took me about 2 hours to do. I don't care about my time, though, my goal for this marathon=finish. I am so pumped for it.
I overcame a lot to get to this point, and I know the rest of the training won't be a picnic, but I am going to do this!
I have possible candidates for mile dedications=
(in no particular ordered, just numbered for the purpose of counting)
1. Carrie
2. David
3. Pat Wood
4. Mom
5. Dad
6. Great-Grandmother
7. Grandmother
8. Weston
9. Kristi Cutler
This Week's Mileage: 21 miles