Couch to 13.1?

I took a hiatus from running the past few months. MISTAKE! I feel like I have a love/hate relationship with it, so in the mix of moving, wedding planning, etc., I pushed it to the back burner. Our puppy Timmy however, has re-motivated me... The kid has some energy and as I always wished Chloe would run with me, I decided that if I was going to turn him into a running partner, sooner would be better than later! I've somewhat initiated him into the habit of it over the past couple of weeks and he is getting the hang of it!

I have a couple of friends that are involved in Team in Training. I'd love to participate in a group such as that, but the fundraising aspect of it is difficult for me, time-wise. Regardless, my friends have been a huge inspiration and they somehow convinced me that I could do it. What the hell, right? ;) So - on January 1st 2009 I decided I'd sign up for a half marathon. How hard could it be! I'm sure many of you have heard of the "Couch to 5K" program, well - I jumped from couch to 13.1! I mean, I worked out pretty regularly, but I had never enjoyed running, let alone running long distances. I gave myself 2.5 months to prepare and that March I ran my first half marathon. I had bronchitis a week before and my lungs were still feeling it that morning, but my amazing friend Shannon stuck through it with me and coached/motivated me the whole way!

A few things I quickly learned:

- TMI, but running jostles things up a bit and between carb loads and being in constant motion for 13.1 miles, it's a good thing pit stops are placed along the way! ;)
- Do not, I repeat....DO NOT go stagnant after a long run. Stretch immediately! It's going to hurt and it won't be fun but 2 hours later, 24 hours later and above all, 2 days later your body will appreciate it. I half-assed stretched after my first 13.1 and I was definitely sorry!
- Walk or take an easy jog the next day. Your body will thank you!
- Do not be intimidated by other runners. Marathon runners come in every shape, size and/or age. People 300 lbs and/or 75 plus years may pass you. Smile as they pass and push yourself to keep up!
- Thoughts that may go through your mind while running a distance run:
1. Adrenaline: Holy crap...lots of music, cameras, cheering...let's do this! SO MUCH FUN!
2. Crowd spreading out some, get your running groove, no problem.
3. Hmmm, my body is feeling it, but I've trained for this, so I know I can keep going...let's go.
4. If I have to run up one more hill....$&^#(&
5. Ah, downhill! ;) Make up some time.
6. I'm hungry...
7. I'm thirsty...
8. Biofreeze anyone?
9. Oh - only 3.1 miles left? Got this!
10. F! F running! F moving! F chatting with your running buddy! F the music coming from iPod! F signing up for this thing in the first place! F!F!F!!!!!!!
11. I'm hungry...and thirsty...again
12. So close to finish line! So happy!
13. ONLY .1 to go. Should go by fast!!!
14. Really....I haven't gone .1 yet?!?!?!?
15. OMG!!!! SEE FINISH LINE!!! SPRINT!!!!
16. I finished? I'm alive?
17. I finished!!!!! I'm alive!!!
18. Nice medal!
19. Let's eat.
20. Let's sleep!

The second half I did was over my birthday weekend this year. Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon! Traveled to Orlando and ran through disney world! ZOMG!! So amazing! I had a better idea what to expect, but this race was packed! Half-way through I ran through the castle at Magic Kingdom. Definitely a highlight of my life! :) Mostly a women's run, but there were a few gentlemen dressed up in their princess gear. There was even a guy in a full frog suit with a sign on his back saying "accepting kisses from princesses!" There was plenty to keep me laughing and going the whole way!

My cheerleader! :) (Don't judge me...it was 4am)

About mile 6 - about to run through the castle! Just a few  thousand people around!

I have 2 medals hanging up on my wall now! In March, B and I did a 5K together. He's never really run much, but he did great and we had a fun time together! I'm still trying to work him up to run a half with me, but he still laughs every time I approach the subject! haha. We'll see! I plan on running another race in a couple of months. Another 1/2. Everyone keeps asking me if I'll ever do a full. My response?

Really though - I don't know that I'll ever take on a full. I'd like to...but running really is hard. And time consuming (which is great motivation to run faster...ha). I feel pretty decent after a half. Sore, yes but able to move. I really think I might die if I tried to run 26.2. We'll see though. Honestly, 2 years ago I'd never even think I'd be able to say I could go 13.1 miles...at once!

Again - it is hard. Hence the "hate" part of the relationship I have with running. It is excellent for your health though and as long as you stretch and take care of yourself, your body will adapt to handling it. A little motivation/humor regarding running....

AMEN! If I can get myself out the door, then I'm good to go and always grateful that I did it! 

This makes me feel better when my iPhone app chimes in my min/mile! ha

No caption necessary!

And last, but not least...my current "like" to go along with the theme of this post:
www.rockmyrun.com
Free (like no catch kinda free) playlist downloads. Great fun running music! Can't wait to listen to mine tomorrow morning!

Go run people - the weather is cooling off and you'll be happy you did. And when you wake up to head out the door for your run - call me to make sure I'm up and on my way out as well, please! ;) ha. Thanks and gig 'em!

Until next time,

Lisa