So I guess I should get accustomed to being surprised on a weekly basis. Each week it seems like we go further than I thought I could. And each week I am really nervous going into it, and then I finish feeling like I could go even a little further than we did that week! Today we went 8 miles. 8 WHOLE miles. It kind of blows my mind a bit, but I did it!
At the recommendation of some friends who have run marathons, I decided to get a fancy contraption called a hydration belt. Mine is really fancy and holds 4 bottles. I was a little skeptical about having the thing around my waist while running, but let me tell you, I'm a believer now.
We ran from the Santa Monica Civic Center, down to the ocean, then all the way down the strand about a mile to Wilshire Blvd, then took the stairs up and over the PCH (anyone from LA can appreciate how cruel that is in the middle of a workout,) then another mile over on Ocean to San Vicente. Then we had a water stop, and ran up 2 miles on San Vicente to 22nd street. That was probably the toughest part- it was hot and slightly uphill, and I was really glad at that point that I had the hydration belt. Then we turned around at 22nd street and did the whole thing back to the civic center. I feel good, but I'm sure I'll be sore tomorrow!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
THANKS!
I got a donation last night from one of my Mom's good friends and her husband, MARY ANN & RAY PRICE! She has been a friend of my mom's for about as long as I can remember, and her and her husband are absolutely wonderful people. Thanks Mary Ann and Ray!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Glorified Water Aerobics
So I decided that in addition to running, I need to do some sort of of other type of exercise once or twice a week. I saw an ad for a class at the Santa Monica College pool called “Deep Water Workout” on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and thought it could be a good fit because water workouts are easier on your joints, etc after all the running I'm doing during the week.
Now, for some reason, to me, the word deep implies tough. Not sure why. Maybe it is because they offer both a Shallow and a Deep water workout, so I thought- Ok, the deep water workout will be the tougher of the 2- I’ll give that a shot. And because I’m a SM resident, it’s only $4 per class. What a steal! Parking at SMC is notoriously tough, but if you purchase a workout pass (good for $10 classes,) you also get a parking pass. Good deal all the way around.
So Tuesday I race home from work, throw on a bathing suit, and head over to SMC. The class starts at 7pm SHARP, and at about 6:50 I left my flashers on while I parked in a loading zone and ran over to the booth where you buy your ticket to get into the pool. There are several folks in front of me, but I manage to get my pass purchased, my photo taken (for the pass,) and have run back to my car with my new parking pass in my hands by 6:57. I park and scurry on over to the deep end. There are 2 bins that people seem to be grabbing things in as I pass- some sort of water weights and some sort of flotation belt-thingy. So I grab mine and continue on to the pool. As I round the corner, I see that there are already quite a few folks in the pool, and I notice a common denominator among the attendants...let’s just say I am the youngest person in attendance by at least 15 years, and the median age of the class is probably twice my age at the least! And not one single dude in the pool- all ladies.
That being said, I actually did get a decent work out- it was one of those “it is what you make of it” kind of a things. And the ladies were really sweet and helpful- I made a friend with one named Maureen who demonstrated the moves to me because most of those ladies go to class every day, 6 days a week, and have been going probably for years, so they don’t need the demonstrations. It was a bit of a learning curve. But it was pretty fun, and I think I’ll go back. Why not? I paid for 10 classes, after all, and I think I spiced things up quite a bit!
Now, for some reason, to me, the word deep implies tough. Not sure why. Maybe it is because they offer both a Shallow and a Deep water workout, so I thought- Ok, the deep water workout will be the tougher of the 2- I’ll give that a shot. And because I’m a SM resident, it’s only $4 per class. What a steal! Parking at SMC is notoriously tough, but if you purchase a workout pass (good for $10 classes,) you also get a parking pass. Good deal all the way around.
So Tuesday I race home from work, throw on a bathing suit, and head over to SMC. The class starts at 7pm SHARP, and at about 6:50 I left my flashers on while I parked in a loading zone and ran over to the booth where you buy your ticket to get into the pool. There are several folks in front of me, but I manage to get my pass purchased, my photo taken (for the pass,) and have run back to my car with my new parking pass in my hands by 6:57. I park and scurry on over to the deep end. There are 2 bins that people seem to be grabbing things in as I pass- some sort of water weights and some sort of flotation belt-thingy. So I grab mine and continue on to the pool. As I round the corner, I see that there are already quite a few folks in the pool, and I notice a common denominator among the attendants...let’s just say I am the youngest person in attendance by at least 15 years, and the median age of the class is probably twice my age at the least! And not one single dude in the pool- all ladies.
That being said, I actually did get a decent work out- it was one of those “it is what you make of it” kind of a things. And the ladies were really sweet and helpful- I made a friend with one named Maureen who demonstrated the moves to me because most of those ladies go to class every day, 6 days a week, and have been going probably for years, so they don’t need the demonstrations. It was a bit of a learning curve. But it was pretty fun, and I think I’ll go back. Why not? I paid for 10 classes, after all, and I think I spiced things up quite a bit!
THANKS
I got a donation in the mail last night from some long-time church friends of ours, JERRY & KAY BALLARD. I've known the Ballards for about as long as I can remember- their kids Ellen, Barton and Libby are friends of mine, and they are all really great people. THANK YOU!!!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Off Topic
The whole point of this Blog is my marathon training, and I don't want to get too off topic. But I read this article on the war today in Texas Monthly that I found thought provoking. Though I don't necessarily see eye-to-eye with everything Broyles says, I agree with a lot of it, and I think it is a dialogue we as a nation need to be having more of.
More THANKS
Got some love in the mail last night from my AWESOME new Brother In-Law (Pat's Brother) and his wife, COLIN & KELLEY MURRAY! I know I have said it before, but I feel really lucky to be marrying into such an amazing family- folks who I would love to hang out with even if I didn't have to. :) I feel the same way about my family- I got lucky all the way around in the family department. Thanks guys!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Thanks and raising my goal!
I got a donation this evening from my old boss at House of Blues, JIM CANNELLA! I had several different jobs at House of Blues, and the last one was working in the National Sponsorship Fulfillment for Jim. Even though I was only in that position for less than a year (thank you, Live Nation,) I learned a whole lot doing the job and I learned a lot from Jim. I feel lucky to have worked with such great people for 3 years there and to have retained so many wonderful friendships. Jim was not only my boss, but is someone I count as a friend. Thanks a million, Jim!
And in exciting fundraising news, I've UPPED MY GOAL AGAIN! That's right, folks, my new goal is $5,000! I think it is definitely doable- I'm currently at $4,035 when you factor in offline donations that have not hit the system yet. So keep spreading the word- I want to raise as much money as possible for this great cause!
And in exciting fundraising news, I've UPPED MY GOAL AGAIN! That's right, folks, my new goal is $5,000! I think it is definitely doable- I'm currently at $4,035 when you factor in offline donations that have not hit the system yet. So keep spreading the word- I want to raise as much money as possible for this great cause!
Training Run #5- 6 whole miles!
I guess every week I'll be a little amazed because the distance we run on Sunday will ALWAYS be longer than I have ever run before, but this week kind of snuck up on me. Every other week we've done our Sunday runs based on time- last week we went for 60 minutes and went almost 5 miles, by my calculations. Well, this week, boys and girls, we threw caution to the wind and switched things up- from now on we'll be doing our runs based on distance. Today's distance was 6 miles.
Let me tell you this- just 5 short weeks ago, the longest I had ever run in one sitting was about 3.1 miles- a 5k. We basically ran a 10k this morning, which blows my mind. It just goes to show what you can do if you take little steps.
I definitely was feeling it at the end and I was really ready for it to be over, but I did it and I think I could have continued on for another mile or two! Don't get me wrong, I was glad that I didn't have to. But still, it feels good to not be completely wiped out at the end.
It is REALLY hot in SoCal this weekend- it was 106 in Burbank on Friday. It is probably only in the 80s in Santa Monica, but still- it was HOT running. So I'm glad to have the long run behind me for another week. Hopefully it will cool off this week and be a little less hot next weekend. I heard a rumor that we are going to move our long runs up by 30 minutes so we start running at 7:30 AM instead of 8:00 AM soon, although if you know me well, you know how unexcited I am about the earlier time. But it will be good in that it will be a little cooler still.
Let me tell you this- just 5 short weeks ago, the longest I had ever run in one sitting was about 3.1 miles- a 5k. We basically ran a 10k this morning, which blows my mind. It just goes to show what you can do if you take little steps.
I definitely was feeling it at the end and I was really ready for it to be over, but I did it and I think I could have continued on for another mile or two! Don't get me wrong, I was glad that I didn't have to. But still, it feels good to not be completely wiped out at the end.
It is REALLY hot in SoCal this weekend- it was 106 in Burbank on Friday. It is probably only in the 80s in Santa Monica, but still- it was HOT running. So I'm glad to have the long run behind me for another week. Hopefully it will cool off this week and be a little less hot next weekend. I heard a rumor that we are going to move our long runs up by 30 minutes so we start running at 7:30 AM instead of 8:00 AM soon, although if you know me well, you know how unexcited I am about the earlier time. But it will be good in that it will be a little cooler still.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
THANKS!
These are the most fun things to post- more THANKS!
First, to CLARE SURGESON, one of my coworkers at New West. THANKS Clare!
Next, thanks to KEVIN & ROXANNE MURRAY, Pat's Aunt and Uncle in New York. I can't wait to see ya'll soon!
Finally, thanks to LYNDIA AND DICKEY STUCKEY, my great aunt and uncle. Looking forward to seeing ya'll, too!
Thanks so much to all of you- every dollar helps and we are raising so much money for such a great cause!
First, to CLARE SURGESON, one of my coworkers at New West. THANKS Clare!
Next, thanks to KEVIN & ROXANNE MURRAY, Pat's Aunt and Uncle in New York. I can't wait to see ya'll soon!
Finally, thanks to LYNDIA AND DICKEY STUCKEY, my great aunt and uncle. Looking forward to seeing ya'll, too!
Thanks so much to all of you- every dollar helps and we are raising so much money for such a great cause!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Dance With Me
In terms of inspiring acts of fitness, few things impress me more than the guy in the video below. We shot this video for the Old 97's new single, "Dance With Me," a few weeks ago in LA, on one of the hottest days we've had in recent memory. We filmed it in some club in Hollywood, with no AC and it was BLISTERINGLY hot inside. The original concept was to get the entire video shot in 1 continuous take without stopping the camera. After the first go round, it became apparent that this was not going to happen- the lead "frack me" guy sprained his ankle, and then split his head open a few takes later, but never gave up. I bet this guy could run a marathon, having watched him get up and keep going take after take that day- something you wouldn't believe just by looking at him...
THANKS to old friends and unknown ones!
I got a fun surprise yesterday when I got a donation from LIZ & PAUL SMITH! Liz is a friend who I met during the HOB days, and we'd lost touch a bit since we both stoped working there. Not only did Liz and Paul generously donate, but I also got to catch up with Liz, which was great. We're hoping we can get the gang together sometime soon.
I also got another ANONYMOUS donation, so whoever you are, thanks!
I also got another ANONYMOUS donation, so whoever you are, thanks!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Run #4 and More Thanks!
First off, Thanks to TERRY & SANDY CARLMAN, longtime family friends of ours, and the parents of one of my oldest and best friends, Erin. Erin & I have been friends since we were 5, and the Carlmans were like my second family when I was growing up for all the time I spent over there. I love ya'll!
Also, I want to thank AMANDA GRAY, my dear friend who I met during my HOB days. Amanda is one of a kind and so much fun- your friendship means the world to me and I really appreciate your donation!
So yesterday we ran somewhere between 4 1/2 and 5 miles- for a total of 60 minutes of running. It really is amazing what you can do in little increments. We started with 30 minutes of running only 4 weeks ago- and here we are doubling it. It is further than I have ever run before, but it really didn't feel all that different than the week before. I hope each of the week's incremental increases goes as smoothly.
I think that is a good lesson in life- everything in moderation. If you bite off more than you can chew right off the bat, well, no wonder when you get burnt out. But if you slowly build up, you can do so much more than you would ever think you could. It just takes patience.
We also had a really interesting clinic on running form. Apparently I bounce a little too much when I run (thank you, years of cheerleading) but I'm working on it.
I didn't make it to the farmer's market yesterday because I had some folks coming over to play Euchre. Yes, we played a midwestern card game on a Sunday afternoon- I promise I'm not 80. Amanda (see above) and I put up a good fight, but we lost 2 games to 1 to Jake and Amy. What can you do? We just got out played.
Also, I want to thank AMANDA GRAY, my dear friend who I met during my HOB days. Amanda is one of a kind and so much fun- your friendship means the world to me and I really appreciate your donation!
So yesterday we ran somewhere between 4 1/2 and 5 miles- for a total of 60 minutes of running. It really is amazing what you can do in little increments. We started with 30 minutes of running only 4 weeks ago- and here we are doubling it. It is further than I have ever run before, but it really didn't feel all that different than the week before. I hope each of the week's incremental increases goes as smoothly.
I think that is a good lesson in life- everything in moderation. If you bite off more than you can chew right off the bat, well, no wonder when you get burnt out. But if you slowly build up, you can do so much more than you would ever think you could. It just takes patience.
We also had a really interesting clinic on running form. Apparently I bounce a little too much when I run (thank you, years of cheerleading) but I'm working on it.
I didn't make it to the farmer's market yesterday because I had some folks coming over to play Euchre. Yes, we played a midwestern card game on a Sunday afternoon- I promise I'm not 80. Amanda (see above) and I put up a good fight, but we lost 2 games to 1 to Jake and Amy. What can you do? We just got out played.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
HUGE thanks!!!
So yesterday's trip to the mailbox was a great one- I had several donations from really kind folks and am happy to report that I HAVE NOW MET MY FUNDRAISING MINIMUM AND AM RAISING MY GOAL UP TO $4,200!!! So great big thanks to everyone who has donated thus far, and please keep spreading the word! Just because I've met the minimum doesn't mean there is any reason to stop raising money for this good cause!
First of all, great big thanks to LOUIS (SKIP) & MARY TOURGEE! They're more of my new extended family- Skip is Pat's Uncle- and I feel really lucky to be joining such a kind, fun, giving family. All of the Murrays/Tourgees/Walkers, etc are great, and I am incredibly blessed to be a part of it. THANKS SKIP & MARY for your incredibly generous donation!
Also thanks to RAY & MAURICE STANFORD, who are family on my Mother's side. I really appreciate it- thanks!
Next up, thanks to BRETT, BECKY & NATALIE FENN! Becky was my roommate sophomore year in the Chi Omega House and is a dear friend of mine, and her and her husband Brett are some of my favorite people. And baby Natalie is beautiful- love you guys!
Also, thanks to LORI JACKSON, an old coworker at House of Blues. Lori- I miss getting to see you every day- we need to rally the troops again soon!
Finally, thanks to RON & SUSIE BOLEN! The Bolens have been friends of our family for years- Dr. Ron Bolen is my dentist and keeps my smile looking fabulous, and their son David and I played golf together in high school. Thanks so much, guys!
First of all, great big thanks to LOUIS (SKIP) & MARY TOURGEE! They're more of my new extended family- Skip is Pat's Uncle- and I feel really lucky to be joining such a kind, fun, giving family. All of the Murrays/Tourgees/Walkers, etc are great, and I am incredibly blessed to be a part of it. THANKS SKIP & MARY for your incredibly generous donation!
Also thanks to RAY & MAURICE STANFORD, who are family on my Mother's side. I really appreciate it- thanks!
Next up, thanks to BRETT, BECKY & NATALIE FENN! Becky was my roommate sophomore year in the Chi Omega House and is a dear friend of mine, and her and her husband Brett are some of my favorite people. And baby Natalie is beautiful- love you guys!
Also, thanks to LORI JACKSON, an old coworker at House of Blues. Lori- I miss getting to see you every day- we need to rally the troops again soon!
Finally, thanks to RON & SUSIE BOLEN! The Bolens have been friends of our family for years- Dr. Ron Bolen is my dentist and keeps my smile looking fabulous, and their son David and I played golf together in high school. Thanks so much, guys!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday THANKS!
Hey Folks,
I had my first ever ANONYMOUS donation yesterday, so whoever you are, THANK YOU! I really appreciate all donations, large and small, aknowledged or anonymous.
It was really fun to check the mail yesterday; I had a mailbox full of checks! First one I opened was my PAPA, MELVIN POLK. He's my Dad's Dad, and he's the coolest. Also in the family category, my Godparents, AUNT BETTY & UNCLE BILL STRINGFELLOW mailed in a donation. I have the best Godparents in the whole world. And Pat's parents, RICH & SARA MURRAY also stuck a check in the mail- I feel like I got really lucky in the In Laws department- I'd hang out with the Murrays even if they weren't my new relatives. They are absolutely wonderful. Thanks so much to all of ya'll!
I also got a check in the mail from DONALD & CATHY ESTES, long time friends of my Mom & my Aunt Marsha from growing up in Natchez, MS. Thanks ESTES'!
If you're thinking about donating but would prefer to send me a check, just shoot me an email and I'll send you my address. Checks should be made out to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
My long lost Camp Allen Sr. Staff friend JEN BUTLER (formerly Houston) contributed to the cause. Jen & I found each other on Facebook, which is one of my new favorite things. Great way to reconnect with folks I haven't seen in years. Jen has become a marathon runner since the last time I saw her and has offered me quite a bit of encouragement in my Journey. Thanks JEN, for both the kind words and the donation. I will be needing lots of both in the coming months, and I appreciate your gift of both!
Finally, I need to once again thank BRIANA CARMAN for passing on my website to friends of hers. Her dear friend SABRINA SMITH, who I had the pleasure of getting to know last summer when we were both bridesmaids in Briana's wedding sent in a donation this morning. So spread the word, folks! Every bit helps! Thanks so much SABRINA! Come visit us in Cali soon!
I had my first ever ANONYMOUS donation yesterday, so whoever you are, THANK YOU! I really appreciate all donations, large and small, aknowledged or anonymous.
It was really fun to check the mail yesterday; I had a mailbox full of checks! First one I opened was my PAPA, MELVIN POLK. He's my Dad's Dad, and he's the coolest. Also in the family category, my Godparents, AUNT BETTY & UNCLE BILL STRINGFELLOW mailed in a donation. I have the best Godparents in the whole world. And Pat's parents, RICH & SARA MURRAY also stuck a check in the mail- I feel like I got really lucky in the In Laws department- I'd hang out with the Murrays even if they weren't my new relatives. They are absolutely wonderful. Thanks so much to all of ya'll!
I also got a check in the mail from DONALD & CATHY ESTES, long time friends of my Mom & my Aunt Marsha from growing up in Natchez, MS. Thanks ESTES'!
If you're thinking about donating but would prefer to send me a check, just shoot me an email and I'll send you my address. Checks should be made out to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
My long lost Camp Allen Sr. Staff friend JEN BUTLER (formerly Houston) contributed to the cause. Jen & I found each other on Facebook, which is one of my new favorite things. Great way to reconnect with folks I haven't seen in years. Jen has become a marathon runner since the last time I saw her and has offered me quite a bit of encouragement in my Journey. Thanks JEN, for both the kind words and the donation. I will be needing lots of both in the coming months, and I appreciate your gift of both!
Finally, I need to once again thank BRIANA CARMAN for passing on my website to friends of hers. Her dear friend SABRINA SMITH, who I had the pleasure of getting to know last summer when we were both bridesmaids in Briana's wedding sent in a donation this morning. So spread the word, folks! Every bit helps! Thanks so much SABRINA! Come visit us in Cali soon!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
a LOT of Thanks!
Ok, so I'm a little behind on the thanking, but it has been a busy first half of the week, and there are a LOT of people to thank (which is a really good thing!)
First, I want to thank THE WINGO FAMILY for their donation. I'm running the race in Ashley Wingo's honor, and it was really kind of Brad, Staci, Sarah and Ashley to donate to the cause. It is an honor to be doing this for sweet Ashley- she's a brave girl, and she has a wonderful family. THANKS WINGOS!!!
Next, big thanks to my Aunt and Uncle (Staci Wingo's Parents, Ashley's grandparents,) MARSHA & NEUMIE ROBERTS. Also from my mom's side of the family- thanks to HANK & EVONNE KIMBALL!
Some friends of mine from work who have been along for the entire Amy-decides-to-give-running-a-try journey pitched in this week- thanks to GEORGE & CECILIA FONTAINE, AMANDA & DANNY ORNELAS and DAVID LESSOFF.
Some former co-workers also lended their support: thanks LISA JENKINS and VICTORIA TORCHIA! Most of my HOB coworkers are astonished to hear that I'm training for a marathon- one of my favorite places to eat when I worked there was a little stand across the street from our building that had killer Chili Cheese Dogs and Chili Cheese Fries. Not so good for the arteries.
I also got some love from friends from college so far this week: thanks to BRETT & MARY-LAUREN AND SOON TO BE BABY EUBANK, BROOKE, KEVIN & CAROLINE MANUEL, and TRAVIS HOPPER! Mary Lauren was the first person I ever watched run a marathon, and it was awe-inspiring at the time. I never thought I'd be attempting it a few years later! And Kevin Manuel ran the Rock & Roll Marathon in San Diego last May.
And Finally, thanks to MIKE SIMON, Pat's old roommate in Orange County, who, knowing me pretty well and getting to see me go from couch potato (on his couch) to runner, has been supportive every step of the way. Thanks Mike!
Please send around the link to my fundraising page (http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf08/apolk) around to anyone you know who might be interested in donating. I've raised $1130 and am about 1/3 of the way to my goal of $3200!
First, I want to thank THE WINGO FAMILY for their donation. I'm running the race in Ashley Wingo's honor, and it was really kind of Brad, Staci, Sarah and Ashley to donate to the cause. It is an honor to be doing this for sweet Ashley- she's a brave girl, and she has a wonderful family. THANKS WINGOS!!!
Next, big thanks to my Aunt and Uncle (Staci Wingo's Parents, Ashley's grandparents,) MARSHA & NEUMIE ROBERTS. Also from my mom's side of the family- thanks to HANK & EVONNE KIMBALL!
Some friends of mine from work who have been along for the entire Amy-decides-to-give-running-a-try journey pitched in this week- thanks to GEORGE & CECILIA FONTAINE, AMANDA & DANNY ORNELAS and DAVID LESSOFF.
Some former co-workers also lended their support: thanks LISA JENKINS and VICTORIA TORCHIA! Most of my HOB coworkers are astonished to hear that I'm training for a marathon- one of my favorite places to eat when I worked there was a little stand across the street from our building that had killer Chili Cheese Dogs and Chili Cheese Fries. Not so good for the arteries.
I also got some love from friends from college so far this week: thanks to BRETT & MARY-LAUREN AND SOON TO BE BABY EUBANK, BROOKE, KEVIN & CAROLINE MANUEL, and TRAVIS HOPPER! Mary Lauren was the first person I ever watched run a marathon, and it was awe-inspiring at the time. I never thought I'd be attempting it a few years later! And Kevin Manuel ran the Rock & Roll Marathon in San Diego last May.
And Finally, thanks to MIKE SIMON, Pat's old roommate in Orange County, who, knowing me pretty well and getting to see me go from couch potato (on his couch) to runner, has been supportive every step of the way. Thanks Mike!
Please send around the link to my fundraising page (http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf08/apolk) around to anyone you know who might be interested in donating. I've raised $1130 and am about 1/3 of the way to my goal of $3200!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Training Run #3/Why I'm running
So I haven't been the best blogger over the last few days- I had a semi-busy weekend, but mostly I just didn't feel like getting my laptop out from when I left work on Friday until today! the beauty of my iPhone is that I can still check my email and I don't have to turn my laptop on, which is really nice.
So I'll start with a running update- I was a running MACHINE this weekend. Saturday I ran on my own and did about 2.5 miles. Then on Sunday we had our 3rd group run and went for about 50 minutes- just shy of 4 miles total. That is the farthest I've ever run, and I was definitely feeling it a bit on Sunday evening, but I felt great during the run, which was really encouraging because each slight increase in distance hasn't been that difficult!
So finally, here's the story of how/why I'm RUNNING. I was always that kid in Elementary and Jr High School who was slow. You know the one, holding up the back of the pack when you'd have to do the physical fitness test and do the mile run. I had asthma as a kid and would usually run about 3/4 of the first lap and then get shooting pains in my side and have to stop to walk. This would lead to whatever PE Teacher was out there that day to start yelling "come on Polk- no walking!" Needless to say, I hated it. I hate not being good at stuff, and I was never good at running. I distinctly remember being in 5th grade at Spicewood Elementary, and we all had to run the mile in under 10 minutes. To most athletic kids, this was not a problem. Now, I was a pretty athletic kid- I played softball and basketball (though not very well, I'll admit,) I took dance lessons, I played outside all the time. I wasn't really a couch potato. I was a really fast sprinter, I just was not such a fast runner. And 10 minute miles did me in- I just couldn't do them. I remember that year, in 5th grade, me and 1 other kid didn't finish in 10 minutes, and we had to redo it, and I was really embarrassed. I kind of resigned myself then and there that I was no a runner. I might be a lot of other things, but I would NEVER be a runner.
So I just kind of stopped trying- I didn't do things that required running distances. I was a cheerleader (short sprints at most) and played golf (zero running) through high school. Then in college, I became a bit of a couch potato. I'm lucky because I have high metabolism and haven't really HAD to exercise to stay relatively thin, and I think I took advantage of that. I remember one time in college, my roommate Brooke talked me into going for a jog, and I just about died. I don't think we probably even went a mile and I was DONE. Right about then, I decided "hey, I'm thin- I don't really need to work out." Pure laziness, I know. But I took advantage of it for the past few years, just because I could. I kind of had this mentality of "It won't always be like this- I'm not going to be thin without having to work for it- I should enjoy it while I can." Completely insane, I know, but the things we do to justify our laziness.
So over the last few years, I've had the opportunity to watch a couple friends (Mary Lauren and Faith) run marathons, and last year I watched Pat complete a Triathlon. Every time I've cheered my friends on, a little voice inside my head has said "you could never do anything like that. You're not a runner, you're just not made for something like that." But I am always so awe-inspired, watching completely ordinary people do something that I find completely extraordinary, and I've always secretly wished I could do it, I think, I've just used the excuse that "I don't run."
Well, about 8 months ago, we did this whole team-building thing with work with this guy that we all call Dr. Drew. It was this 2 day seminar with everyone I work with, and part of it was an exercise in goal setting. The goals didn't have to be work specific, they could be anything as long as they were S.M.A.R.T goals. I'm not sure what made me decide to do it- there were plenty of other work-related goals I could have picked. But I decided that it was kind of pathetic that I was a near-30 year old woman who couldn't go out and run a mile. And frankly, that I had NEVER been able to just go out and run a mile. So I decided, then and there, the first week of October that I was going Run a 5k (specific and measurable and hopefully attainable and realistic) by Christmas (timely.) I decided it didn't matter at all how fast I did it, I just wanted to finish. And I wanted to run it, even if my running was barely faster than a walk. To be totally honest, part of me really thought I couldn't do it- I wasn't a runner, after all, but I thought it was worth a shot.
Pat helped me find a really great 8-week training plan online, and I just made the decision then and there that I was going to do it, even if I hated it. The great thing about the training plan was that it was all about baby steps. It focused on a combination of a little running with a lot of walking at first, and gradually built up the running each week. It was 30 minutes, 3 times a week, and I figured I could do ANYTHING for 30 minutes, even if I hated it. My friend Stephanie wrote this great blog a couple weeks ago and has this great quote by Confucius in it that I have always loved "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." It is kind of how I felt last October- just one step at a time until I can do it.
That first step, the first time I got off the couch was the hardest, but they proceeded to get easier as I realized the most beautiful thing about running- that it is just me. I don't have to keep up with anyone else- I don't have 5th grade pressure anymore to finish a mile in 10 minutes. If I am running 20 minute miles, that is completely fine- I just want to finish. And a crazy thing happened- I started to like it. Oh yeah, there are still plenty of moments during a run that I completely hate the physical act of running- my side will start to hurt still, and I'll be short of breath and my legs will ache. But I absolutely love the way I feel AFTER I'm done running, and that helps me enjoy the process of running. And I've learned that I can slow down, or stop and walk if I want- I'm not being judged on anyone else's running scale but my own, and that helps me to run in a way that I enjoy.
So on a beautiful Saturday morning at the beginning of December, I finished the Santa Monica Christmas 5k. I ended up running about 12.5 minute miles, I think, and I stopped and walked once, which I'm OK with in the end, because I enjoyed myself the whole time. There is nothing else like running a race- being part of the crowd at the start, and then running along city streets that are normally packed with cars, taking in the sights. And there is a great sense of accomplishment when you finish- I was so ridiculously proud of myself. Compared with the longer endurance events I've watched, my little 5k wasn't much, but it was a great start for me. It changed my whole view on running- I thought I'd hated it and could never do it- but hey- I just ran a 5k and it wasn't that hard. Maybe I could run farther, longer if I just put a little more effort into it.
So here we are, about 5 months after that first 5k. I kept running, but realized that I need goals to really stay motivated. I decided back in March that I would like to run a half marathon. That seemed really do-able- it is only a little more than 4 5ks. I knew I'd be much more likely to actually do it if I trained with a group, though, which is how I found TNT. And the crazy folks at TNT had me convinced in no time that I could do a full marathon- that it wasn't that hard if you just put the time and training in. And for the first time in my life, I actually believed them- that ANYONE could run a marathon if they tried. And I figured, why not? Why not try to do what a year ago I would have called impossible. Why not set the bar higher than I ever imagined. Me- the girl who can't run.
I'm happy to say that I'm down to 10:49 in my mile time- I still wouldn't pass the 5th grade physical fitness requirements, but frankly, I don't really care. It isn't about being fast anymore, it's just about being and improving and feeling good. And in my training runs with TNT, I'm certainly not in the fastest group, but I'm not in the slowest, either. There are all kinds of athletes of all ages and all body types and ethnicity, and I really like that. And none of them look at me the way I've looked at myself- as "not a runner." I'm one of them, I'm a runner, and I like that. We run the Sunday runs at a conversational pace, and who knew- I love running and talking! It makes the time go by so much faster- the key is to find people who are OK going the speed you're going. We've been doing reps of 4 minutes running, 1 minute walking. I think we will gradually build up to longer amounts of running between minutes of walking, but all the groups (even the fastest one) does some walking, because apparently it is a much healthier way to do a marathon- it helps your body use different muscles and sustains itself longer. So maybe 5th grade Amy, with her walk-breaks built in to the mile was just ahead of her time!
So I'll start with a running update- I was a running MACHINE this weekend. Saturday I ran on my own and did about 2.5 miles. Then on Sunday we had our 3rd group run and went for about 50 minutes- just shy of 4 miles total. That is the farthest I've ever run, and I was definitely feeling it a bit on Sunday evening, but I felt great during the run, which was really encouraging because each slight increase in distance hasn't been that difficult!
So finally, here's the story of how/why I'm RUNNING. I was always that kid in Elementary and Jr High School who was slow. You know the one, holding up the back of the pack when you'd have to do the physical fitness test and do the mile run. I had asthma as a kid and would usually run about 3/4 of the first lap and then get shooting pains in my side and have to stop to walk. This would lead to whatever PE Teacher was out there that day to start yelling "come on Polk- no walking!" Needless to say, I hated it. I hate not being good at stuff, and I was never good at running. I distinctly remember being in 5th grade at Spicewood Elementary, and we all had to run the mile in under 10 minutes. To most athletic kids, this was not a problem. Now, I was a pretty athletic kid- I played softball and basketball (though not very well, I'll admit,) I took dance lessons, I played outside all the time. I wasn't really a couch potato. I was a really fast sprinter, I just was not such a fast runner. And 10 minute miles did me in- I just couldn't do them. I remember that year, in 5th grade, me and 1 other kid didn't finish in 10 minutes, and we had to redo it, and I was really embarrassed. I kind of resigned myself then and there that I was no a runner. I might be a lot of other things, but I would NEVER be a runner.
So I just kind of stopped trying- I didn't do things that required running distances. I was a cheerleader (short sprints at most) and played golf (zero running) through high school. Then in college, I became a bit of a couch potato. I'm lucky because I have high metabolism and haven't really HAD to exercise to stay relatively thin, and I think I took advantage of that. I remember one time in college, my roommate Brooke talked me into going for a jog, and I just about died. I don't think we probably even went a mile and I was DONE. Right about then, I decided "hey, I'm thin- I don't really need to work out." Pure laziness, I know. But I took advantage of it for the past few years, just because I could. I kind of had this mentality of "It won't always be like this- I'm not going to be thin without having to work for it- I should enjoy it while I can." Completely insane, I know, but the things we do to justify our laziness.
So over the last few years, I've had the opportunity to watch a couple friends (Mary Lauren and Faith) run marathons, and last year I watched Pat complete a Triathlon. Every time I've cheered my friends on, a little voice inside my head has said "you could never do anything like that. You're not a runner, you're just not made for something like that." But I am always so awe-inspired, watching completely ordinary people do something that I find completely extraordinary, and I've always secretly wished I could do it, I think, I've just used the excuse that "I don't run."
Well, about 8 months ago, we did this whole team-building thing with work with this guy that we all call Dr. Drew. It was this 2 day seminar with everyone I work with, and part of it was an exercise in goal setting. The goals didn't have to be work specific, they could be anything as long as they were S.M.A.R.T goals. I'm not sure what made me decide to do it- there were plenty of other work-related goals I could have picked. But I decided that it was kind of pathetic that I was a near-30 year old woman who couldn't go out and run a mile. And frankly, that I had NEVER been able to just go out and run a mile. So I decided, then and there, the first week of October that I was going Run a 5k (specific and measurable and hopefully attainable and realistic) by Christmas (timely.) I decided it didn't matter at all how fast I did it, I just wanted to finish. And I wanted to run it, even if my running was barely faster than a walk. To be totally honest, part of me really thought I couldn't do it- I wasn't a runner, after all, but I thought it was worth a shot.
Pat helped me find a really great 8-week training plan online, and I just made the decision then and there that I was going to do it, even if I hated it. The great thing about the training plan was that it was all about baby steps. It focused on a combination of a little running with a lot of walking at first, and gradually built up the running each week. It was 30 minutes, 3 times a week, and I figured I could do ANYTHING for 30 minutes, even if I hated it. My friend Stephanie wrote this great blog a couple weeks ago and has this great quote by Confucius in it that I have always loved "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." It is kind of how I felt last October- just one step at a time until I can do it.
That first step, the first time I got off the couch was the hardest, but they proceeded to get easier as I realized the most beautiful thing about running- that it is just me. I don't have to keep up with anyone else- I don't have 5th grade pressure anymore to finish a mile in 10 minutes. If I am running 20 minute miles, that is completely fine- I just want to finish. And a crazy thing happened- I started to like it. Oh yeah, there are still plenty of moments during a run that I completely hate the physical act of running- my side will start to hurt still, and I'll be short of breath and my legs will ache. But I absolutely love the way I feel AFTER I'm done running, and that helps me enjoy the process of running. And I've learned that I can slow down, or stop and walk if I want- I'm not being judged on anyone else's running scale but my own, and that helps me to run in a way that I enjoy.
So on a beautiful Saturday morning at the beginning of December, I finished the Santa Monica Christmas 5k. I ended up running about 12.5 minute miles, I think, and I stopped and walked once, which I'm OK with in the end, because I enjoyed myself the whole time. There is nothing else like running a race- being part of the crowd at the start, and then running along city streets that are normally packed with cars, taking in the sights. And there is a great sense of accomplishment when you finish- I was so ridiculously proud of myself. Compared with the longer endurance events I've watched, my little 5k wasn't much, but it was a great start for me. It changed my whole view on running- I thought I'd hated it and could never do it- but hey- I just ran a 5k and it wasn't that hard. Maybe I could run farther, longer if I just put a little more effort into it.
So here we are, about 5 months after that first 5k. I kept running, but realized that I need goals to really stay motivated. I decided back in March that I would like to run a half marathon. That seemed really do-able- it is only a little more than 4 5ks. I knew I'd be much more likely to actually do it if I trained with a group, though, which is how I found TNT. And the crazy folks at TNT had me convinced in no time that I could do a full marathon- that it wasn't that hard if you just put the time and training in. And for the first time in my life, I actually believed them- that ANYONE could run a marathon if they tried. And I figured, why not? Why not try to do what a year ago I would have called impossible. Why not set the bar higher than I ever imagined. Me- the girl who can't run.
I'm happy to say that I'm down to 10:49 in my mile time- I still wouldn't pass the 5th grade physical fitness requirements, but frankly, I don't really care. It isn't about being fast anymore, it's just about being and improving and feeling good. And in my training runs with TNT, I'm certainly not in the fastest group, but I'm not in the slowest, either. There are all kinds of athletes of all ages and all body types and ethnicity, and I really like that. And none of them look at me the way I've looked at myself- as "not a runner." I'm one of them, I'm a runner, and I like that. We run the Sunday runs at a conversational pace, and who knew- I love running and talking! It makes the time go by so much faster- the key is to find people who are OK going the speed you're going. We've been doing reps of 4 minutes running, 1 minute walking. I think we will gradually build up to longer amounts of running between minutes of walking, but all the groups (even the fastest one) does some walking, because apparently it is a much healthier way to do a marathon- it helps your body use different muscles and sustains itself longer. So maybe 5th grade Amy, with her walk-breaks built in to the mile was just ahead of her time!
Friday, June 6, 2008
A few more THANKS!
I got a little busy over the last couple days, so the why I'm RUNNING portion of the story has been put on the back burner. I'll get to it by this weekend, I promise.
I did, however, want to that a few more folks who have donated to the cause!
First up, MY PARENTS- Thanks Mom & Dad! (aka Mary-Lynn and Darryl Polk!)
Next, thanks to MARILYN COLLIER, who is one of Ashley's Sunday School Teachers- thanks so much MARILYN!
Next, thanks to my dear friend BRIANA ERWIN, for not only donating, but for spreading the word! Briana passed the word on to sweet AIMEE LIRETTE, who also sent in a contribution. Aimee ran a marathon with TNT a few years ago and is a big supporter of the cause. THANKS AIMEE!
So pass the word on folks- you may have friends and family who want to support the cause, and every dollar helps. Thanks to everyone who has donated so far! We've collected $620 in just over a week, and I think I'm going to raise my goal from the $3,200 minimum up to something higher- I'd really like to raise $5,000 and I think that it is possibly, especially with all this enthusiasm right out of the gate!
I did, however, want to that a few more folks who have donated to the cause!
First up, MY PARENTS- Thanks Mom & Dad! (aka Mary-Lynn and Darryl Polk!)
Next, thanks to MARILYN COLLIER, who is one of Ashley's Sunday School Teachers- thanks so much MARILYN!
Next, thanks to my dear friend BRIANA ERWIN, for not only donating, but for spreading the word! Briana passed the word on to sweet AIMEE LIRETTE, who also sent in a contribution. Aimee ran a marathon with TNT a few years ago and is a big supporter of the cause. THANKS AIMEE!
So pass the word on folks- you may have friends and family who want to support the cause, and every dollar helps. Thanks to everyone who has donated so far! We've collected $620 in just over a week, and I think I'm going to raise my goal from the $3,200 minimum up to something higher- I'd really like to raise $5,000 and I think that it is possibly, especially with all this enthusiasm right out of the gate!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Why I'm doing this, part 1, and some THANKS!
What an exciting start to the week this has been! I've had my first donations for the marathon- all courtesy of some of Ashley's Dad's family. She's a little girl who has a lot of friends and family behind her! So thanks to Carol & Bill Wingo, Lucille, Donna, Dede & Pat Callaway and Steve and Kelly Deman for kicking off the fundraising!
I got to thinking, I should explain why I'm doing this. I'll get to the why I'm RUNNING portion tomorrow, but I'll start with why I'm fundraising for Team In Training (TNT.)
A year ago next week, my Aunt Marsha (my Mom's sister) and her husband Neumie were visiting my parents in
Ashley and other kids just like her with Leukemia have to get poked and prodded more than any kids should- the treatment makes them feel terrible before it makes them better. And when something happens like that to someone you care about, you just feel helpless, and I wanted to do SOMETHING. So when I started to contemplate running a 1/2 Marathon (yes, it started as a 1/2- the crazy TNT folks convinced me I could do a full marathon and now I believe it to,) I thought the best way to do it would be with an organization like TNT, to raise money for a cause near and dear to my heart.
Some other facts about Leukemia:
Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are cancers that originate in the bone marrow (in the case of leukemia and myeloma) or in lymphatic tissues (in the case of lymphoma). Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are considered to be related cancers because they involve the uncontrolled growth of cells with similar functions and origins. The diseases result from an acquired (not inherited) genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell, which becomes abnormal (malignant) and multiplies continuously. The accumulation of malignant cells interferes with the body's production of healthy blood cells and makes the body unable to protect itself against infections.
Why should you support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?
It is estimated that leukemia and its related cancers lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma strike some 102,200 Americans each year and kill 60,340. These totals account for about 8 percent of new cases of, and deaths from, malignant diseases.
Every week, there are 1,900 new cases of leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma diagnosed in this country.
Every week, approximately 1,155 Americans die of leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society sponsored research has been the catalyst for effective treatments of Hodgkin's disease, lymphomas and other common kinds of cancers, including breast and lung cancer. Now, on the threshold of a new era, the hope is that with accelerated funding for research, all leukemias and related cancers will be curable early in the next century.
The research is working. 25 years ago, only 5% of children diagnosed with leukemia survived. Today, 73% of children with leukemia and 76% of those with Hodgkin's disease will live thanks to the research funded by people involved in projects like Team In Training.
The LA chapter of Team In Training supports 19 research grants locally at institutes such as UCLA, City of
Up-to-date educational materials and a quarterly newsletter are sent free of charge to individuals and health care professionals in hospitals, agencies, and libraries. In addition, the Society provides up to $500 annually for outpatient expenses to patients with leukemia and related cancers. Family support groups have been established and are facilitated on a volunteer basis by oncology nurses, social workers and counselors.
What can my donation really do?
- $500 raised allows the Patient Financial Aid program to reimburse 1 patient up to $500 per year to help cover costs of transportation, drugs and various treatments not covered by insurance.
- $1,000 raised makes possible one-on-one conversations with health care specialists who provide patients with information about their disease, treatment options, and helps prepare them with questions for their health care team.
- $2500 raised provides 5 patients with a $500 stipend.
- $5,000 raised allows transportation for 13 out of state bone marrow donors.
- $10,000 raised provides 1 patient with 10 weeks of Kaiser co-pay.
- $25,000 raised equals a 1 year supply Gleevec for 1 patient.
So THANKS for your support! Every dollar really does make a difference in fight against blood cancers. Tomorrow I'll discuss how couch-potato me decided to RUN at all!
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Breadman
So I can't believe I forgot the MOST exciting thing that happened yesterday!
So some back story- there is this really great farmer's market on Main Street every Sunday morning. I've been going sporadically ever since I moved here; in fact I used to see Jeremy Pivin there almost every Sunday back before he got all big-time in Entourage.
There are all these great vendors who sell really fabulous produce and beautiful flowers. There are also local restaurants that set up stalls and sell breakfast- omelets and pancakes and tamales. Then there are vendors who sell prepared foods like honey and pesto and BREAD.
Ah yes, the bread. There is a stall called "The Breadman" and he makes FANTASTIC bread. The thing is, pre-marathon Amy rolled up to the farmer's market at around 11:00 AM on a good day. Sometimes it was later than that. So I always stop and buy something from The Breadman. 11AM Me was lucky if there were still these balls of goodness called Pretzel ROLLS by the time I got there. Pretzel ROLLS are, as the clever name implies, dinner rolls, made out of bread that tastes like pretzels. The Breadman only makes a few of each of his products every week, and once things are gone, they're gone. I've kind of always wondered "Hey, why not just make more of the stuff that is the most popular?" But who am I to question The Breadman?
That brings me to Pretzel BITES. Now, ever since I starting going to the farmer's market 5 years ago, I've heard of these creations, but never truly believed the existed because I'd never seen them with my own eyes. Apparently the pretzel BITES are extremely popular and go FAST.
I've made a little routine on Sunday mornings that i think I'm going to stick with: I begrudgingly get out of bed at 7:30 (ish) and then I go do the running thing. Once I'm done, I swing over to the Farmer's market. That puts me in PRIME Breadman time, and I am happy to report that yesterday, I got my first ever batch of PRETZEL BITES, and they were delicious! Little morsels of soft pretzely goodness.
So some back story- there is this really great farmer's market on Main Street every Sunday morning. I've been going sporadically ever since I moved here; in fact I used to see Jeremy Pivin there almost every Sunday back before he got all big-time in Entourage.
There are all these great vendors who sell really fabulous produce and beautiful flowers. There are also local restaurants that set up stalls and sell breakfast- omelets and pancakes and tamales. Then there are vendors who sell prepared foods like honey and pesto and BREAD.
Ah yes, the bread. There is a stall called "The Breadman" and he makes FANTASTIC bread. The thing is, pre-marathon Amy rolled up to the farmer's market at around 11:00 AM on a good day. Sometimes it was later than that. So I always stop and buy something from The Breadman. 11AM Me was lucky if there were still these balls of goodness called Pretzel ROLLS by the time I got there. Pretzel ROLLS are, as the clever name implies, dinner rolls, made out of bread that tastes like pretzels. The Breadman only makes a few of each of his products every week, and once things are gone, they're gone. I've kind of always wondered "Hey, why not just make more of the stuff that is the most popular?" But who am I to question The Breadman?
That brings me to Pretzel BITES. Now, ever since I starting going to the farmer's market 5 years ago, I've heard of these creations, but never truly believed the existed because I'd never seen them with my own eyes. Apparently the pretzel BITES are extremely popular and go FAST.
I've made a little routine on Sunday mornings that i think I'm going to stick with: I begrudgingly get out of bed at 7:30 (ish) and then I go do the running thing. Once I'm done, I swing over to the Farmer's market. That puts me in PRIME Breadman time, and I am happy to report that yesterday, I got my first ever batch of PRETZEL BITES, and they were delicious! Little morsels of soft pretzely goodness.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Sleep Panic/ Training run #2
So I'm not always the world's best sleeper. It always takes me a while to fall asleep, and sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, unable to fall back to sleep. It stinks, I'm not going to lie.
Part of my motivation for starting to exercise was hoping that if I wore myself out, the sleeping problem might get a bit easier. No such luck. All that aside, I have been having a good sleeping spell lately.
Last night, however, was not so great. My friend Amanda had a Luau last night in Hollywood which was a lot of fun. Knowing I had to be up and ready to run at 7:30 this morning, I left the party at 11:30 PM and was in bed by midnight. I was sleepy, so I thought- Ok, this is going to be good- I'll get a decent amount of sleep and wake up refreshed- ready for my run. At 4:30, however, I woke up, wide awake. That's when the paranoia kind of set in. I think it must have been the 4 hours of sleep I was working with- but I started to worry- oh no- what if I don't go back to sleep! I can't run 3 miles on 4 hours of sleep! What if this marathon thing was a bad idea- what if I always wake up before big runs! What if I can't sleep the night before my marathon?!? I went from 0 to panic mode in no time flat. That's not so good. I eventually calmed down and I think I must have dozed at some point, but MAN was I tired when my alarm went off at 7:22 AM. I did hit snooze, finally rolled out of bed, got dressed, ate a granola bar and made it to the Civic Center (where the training group meets,) by 7:45 to stretch and get ready to go.
I decided to slow my pace down a bit and run with a slower group of runners today, partially because I was so tired, and partially because I was kind of hurting at the end of the run last week. That proved to be a really wise move, because the run went really well! I felt really good the whole time through, ran at a conversational pace, and didn't feel wasted when we finished. Our group ran 35 minutes total- 7 sets of 4 minute runs/1 minute walks- about 3 miles total. I've still been tired today, but I think this was a good step in taking care of the sleep panic- at least for now. I was able to run even though I didn't sleep well, so I know I can do it if the same thing happens in the future- which, ironically enough, I think will help the next time I wake up in the middle of the night before a long run.
Next week we run for 45 minutes- and I know I can do it- not worried at all!
Part of my motivation for starting to exercise was hoping that if I wore myself out, the sleeping problem might get a bit easier. No such luck. All that aside, I have been having a good sleeping spell lately.
Last night, however, was not so great. My friend Amanda had a Luau last night in Hollywood which was a lot of fun. Knowing I had to be up and ready to run at 7:30 this morning, I left the party at 11:30 PM and was in bed by midnight. I was sleepy, so I thought- Ok, this is going to be good- I'll get a decent amount of sleep and wake up refreshed- ready for my run. At 4:30, however, I woke up, wide awake. That's when the paranoia kind of set in. I think it must have been the 4 hours of sleep I was working with- but I started to worry- oh no- what if I don't go back to sleep! I can't run 3 miles on 4 hours of sleep! What if this marathon thing was a bad idea- what if I always wake up before big runs! What if I can't sleep the night before my marathon?!? I went from 0 to panic mode in no time flat. That's not so good. I eventually calmed down and I think I must have dozed at some point, but MAN was I tired when my alarm went off at 7:22 AM. I did hit snooze, finally rolled out of bed, got dressed, ate a granola bar and made it to the Civic Center (where the training group meets,) by 7:45 to stretch and get ready to go.
I decided to slow my pace down a bit and run with a slower group of runners today, partially because I was so tired, and partially because I was kind of hurting at the end of the run last week. That proved to be a really wise move, because the run went really well! I felt really good the whole time through, ran at a conversational pace, and didn't feel wasted when we finished. Our group ran 35 minutes total- 7 sets of 4 minute runs/1 minute walks- about 3 miles total. I've still been tired today, but I think this was a good step in taking care of the sleep panic- at least for now. I was able to run even though I didn't sleep well, so I know I can do it if the same thing happens in the future- which, ironically enough, I think will help the next time I wake up in the middle of the night before a long run.
Next week we run for 45 minutes- and I know I can do it- not worried at all!
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