The Aftermath...

It's been over a week since completing my half marathon.  While my body was in a great deal of soreness for the better part of last week, it was also happy to get a much needed rest.  Thursday was our practice 5K with our GOTR team - they did simply amazing.  I can't believe the program wraps up next week already.  I wondered whether or not this year's team would live up to last year's and they have.  I'll miss these girls...

So, on Thursday last week I ran/walked with the girls.  Felt pretty good but we were slow-going to say the least.  Yesterday morning Husband got up with me to run 4 miles.  A little slow the first two, but felt good after that.  We've finally made it to the time of year when the sun is starting to peek out at 5:45 and we aren't running in total darkness.  A 5K is scheduled for this Saturday in town, a 7K on Memorial Day and both of us are running the 10K at this year's Kalamazoo Klassic.

I had to retire my running shoes.  They were actually far past due but by the time I realized that I was so far into my half training I couldn't change.  I had to special order these shoes because the company "upgraded" the style and the new shoes were NOT just the same.

My new shoes I picked up on a whim for a pretty good price.  I've had two successful days of running in them without wanting to tear my legs off so they'll do.  The half was a big accomplishment and kept me motivated for the better part of the "winter" but I'm certainly glad it's over!

Day 70 - I Made it

Everything about today was perfect...great weather, family and friends for support, bathroom visits out of the way early.  If you remember I had 4 goals:

1) Raise at least $1000 for Girls on the Run
2) Run the entire time
3) Cross the finish line sprinting with a smile on my face
4) Beat my 2010 half time of 2:10:44

I was well-prepared to run about 8 miles.  In fact, if the last 5 miles were as smooth, energetic and FLAT as the first couple, I would have done awesome, but that wasn't the case.

One of my good friends turned 30 today.  She suggested I dedicate a mile to her.  This morning I said I would do mile 9 in her honor knowing it was the end of a few miles uphill and that I'd only have a few more miles to go.  I ran all the way through mile 9 and the last 4 were not so good.

The hill that was in mile 9 can not be described unless you ran it.  I've run a few hills in my time, but this one was ridiculous.  I kept telling myself to keep those legs pumping and I'd be good.  I wanted to RUN that whole race.  At the top, I had to take a break and walk.

The last four miles followed in the same manor.  I'd run as long as I could and had to take a break to walk.  This course was TOUGH!!!    A friend from work met me with about 2 miles to go and ran in with me.  A much needed boost to help me finish.  So, here's how the goals went:

1) I raised $1,597 for Girls on the Run - mission accomplished!
2) I did NOT run the entire time :(
3) I did cross the finish line running faster than I had been for the previous 4 miles and was smiling because I was finally done
4) I ran 2:12:08 which was a minute and a half slower than my previous half

Overall, I'm totally proud of myself.  This was a challenging run and I'm glad I did it.  It has motivated me since after Christmas and given me something to work towards.  Husband did awesome in his first half - 1:42:14, but we knew that would happen!

We've got a few 5Ks planned and I'm going back to the 10K at the Klassic to attempt to beat my time from last year.  Thanks again to everyone who helped me meet my SoleMates fundraising goal.  The best part of the run today is that I helped sponsor 10 girls who otherwise wouldn't have been able to participate in Girls on the Run.

Day 63 - Cruise Control

Yesterday was my final long training run.  I was fortunate to be home before it started raining for the day.  Last week I slacked off quite a bit and only ran 3.0 miles on Monday morning.  Miraculously my body felt amazing while I was out for my run and I finished with a pace of 9:13/mile!  WOOO!

As I looked down at my watch during my first couple of miles, I noted I was moving pretty good.  At that point I started questioning how best to attack my run and my half next weekend.  If the body is feeling good and moving swiftly, should I ride it as long as I can?  Or, should I slow it down to the 9:35/9:40 average pace that I hope finish the race with?

I don't want to sell myself short.  One of my goals is to beat my previous half marathon time of 2:10:44.  That's a pace of 9:59/mile.  I've been training at a pace much better than this and I know how race atmospheres are - at this point I believe my goal is attainable.

In addition, I've been reviewing the elevation chart for the course.  There's a steep downhill at the start of the race and it flattens out for miles 4 through 7.  After that, it's going to be tough going.  This leads me to the conclusion that I better keep those legs moving as best I can through the first 7 miles, build up a "lead" for myself and hope my legs can handle the last 6 on adrenaline.  Cruise control it is.

It'll be calm and quiet around the house this week as we rest up for next weekend.  Both sets of parents are planned to be in town and I'm excited for Husband to complete his first half.  Earlier this week I achieved my fundraising goal of $1500 for Girls on the Run.  I just hope the wind is at my back for some of next weekend's run.  We are so ready for this!

Day 52 - Mind Over Body

My body is ready for this run.  I posted my longest long run a couple days ago and miraculously felt amazing.  Husband and I also took some time to go drive the half marathon course which also made me feel better about the daunting 13.1 miles we have approaching in just over two weeks.  While it won't be a walk in the park, knowing what lies in front of me is more comforting than the unknown.

I also received some exciting news about the half marathon and other Borgess run events.  Girls on the Run is doing a cheer section around mile 7 which is also up a hill...what great motivation!  In addition, a local band which I LOVE is playing on the course, in a spot we'll pass by TWICE during the run - score!

So, things are looking up.  On Monday I attempted to run on the treadmill after work.  It has been ridiculously windy around here for quite some time and there was no way I was going outside.  This "run", if you can even call it that, resulted in 2.5 miles of running and walking - my body was beat.  Over time I have discovered there is a significant difference in how I run (and feel) in the morning verses the end of the day.  My body is too exhausted to perform after being at work all day long.

Last night I decide I'll get up today for 5 miles outside.  I tried to convince Husband to come with me but he had other training in mind.  When my alarm went off I recognized how cold it was and my phone confirmed 35 degrees....brrrrrr!  Here's some of the dialogue I had with myself:

It's chilly, I'll stay in bed.
I'm already awake, I might as well get up.
I can just run 4 miles instead of 5.
You said you were going to run 5, it's only 5 miles.
Get your butt out of bed and go run!

If you run, or do any other type of activity that you have to motivate yourself for, you've had similar conversations with yourself.  I've heard it before but believe that the hardest move you have to make is the first one out of bed.  After that getting ready is easy!  I bundled up and hit the pavement.

I'm not sure if the darkness made me run faster or, like I said, my body is just READY for this run.  For five miles I held an average pace of 9:19/mile and my fastest mile was my last one at 8:57!  My hopes are getting up for actually beating my previous half time but I know I'll have to tell myself to have a good run and listen to my body.  I may get a shorter run in on Friday morning and then Saturday is out for 9 - "only 9."  I can't believe I'm to a point where 9 miles seems like it's nothing...

Day 52 - number of vehicles that almost hit me, 1 lady but she probably didn't see me at all

Day 52 - number of vehicles that got the wave, 0 - not too many people out and about at 5:30 in the morning!

Day 42 - Vacation

As I start week 6 of training (holy crap!) I found myself hitting the pavement after a 4-day break.  I decided I didn't want to hurt or disappoint myself so I'd head out for 4 miles.  Simple enough.

1) I overdressed - the temperature said 49 but it felt about 75.  Halfway through I took off my longsleeved shirt and was a little more comfortable.

2) I was sucking wind the entire way - again.

3) My entire body felt like it forgot how to run...legs, lungs, arms.  Reflecting back I think I just lacked energy.  A few days of REST should help, right?

4) I started to doubt myself.  I shouldn't have taken so many days off to rest, how am I going to run 13.1 in a few weeks?

Such is the life of a runner.  There are days you feel amazing and days you feel like crap.  The fact of the matter is, there is always tomorrow. 

Day 36 - RAIN!

I was slotted for my long run of the week - 10 miles!  With some traveling this weekend and my preference for morning runs, today seemed like a great day.  I glanced at the weather last night before bed and noticed rain - in the afternoon.  I was set.

It was perfect "training" this morning.  I had a horrible night's sleep, I woke up to poor weather but I still got my butt out the door and started running.  The lightening lit up the sky in front of me on more than one occasion and I also swore out loud as I ran through puddles I didn't notice on more than one occasion.  As I was approaching my loop point I started having a conversation with myself to determine whether or not I'd go the other 5 miles.  I SAID I was going to run 10 miles this morning, I am already up and out, I can and want to just keep going!

I made the decision to do the other 5 miles and then in less than a half mile the rain picked up again.  Already soaking head to toe and already with my Ipod in my pocket because it stopped working, I decided it would be best to head home.

"Some days you win, some days you lose, some days it rains."  - Bull Durham

Of course now that I write this the sun is out and it's a comfortable 50 degrees...perfect for running!  As I've stated before, though, race day may not be a perfect day for running.

Day 36 - number of vehicles that almost hit me, 1 and it was a guy on a bike!  I seriously had to step out of the road into the grass so he wouldn't hit me...he then said "sorry"

Day 36 - number of vehicles that got the wave, 0

Day 33 - Positive Self-Talk

The other week at GOTR we taught the girls about positive self-talk.  We also defined and gave examples of negative self-talk.  It's easy to get down on yourself when things don't quite go your way.  As runners we KNOW our body can do it, but often our mind gets in the way.

Today I was talking to myself outloud.  I had my headphones on so it wasn't easy to hear myself, but outloud I found myself saying things like, "you're doing awesome, great job, one more hill!" 

I ran 9 miles today and completed week 5 of my training - halfway done!  My body continues to feel really good...I did wear my knee brace today and can feel some soreness in my calf but while I was running I felt amazing.  This week will be a challenge because we are going out of town for a few days.  I'll get my long run in but it will also be nice to have a few extra days off to rest.

Day 33 - number of vehicles that almost hit me, 0

Day 33 - number of vehicles that got the wave, 0...didn't encounter any cars in my path while out running today!

Day 31 - The Wind

I was quickly irritated by today's run when my watch, which I was sure charged all night, had low battery and stopped working after a half mile.  So, I'm not sure I went exactly 5 miles today and I have no idea how long it took me.

I can do nothing about this situation so I shouldn't dwell on it.  Hopefully I can rectify the charging situation otherwise the expensive watch is getting exchanged.  Happy this happened at the beginning of the run, I was free to do what I could and accept no way to track today's training.

It's been pretty windy around here.  I contemplated running after work yesterday but on a drive back to town the wind showed me who was boss and I didn't feel like fighting it through a run either.  Outloud I told Husband as we laid down to go to sleep, "I will run 5 miles after work tomorrow!"  As soon as something is said outloud (or posted on Facebook) it is happening.  That's my motto at least...

The wind bothers me...I always seem to catch it in my face when I'm running uphill and today was no different.  However, as I was battling the wind I reminded myself that there will never be a perfect situation and someone is always going to be pushing or pulling you to do what they want you to do - similar to the wind.  I don't get a choice at what the wind throws at me much like I don't get a choice at what life throws at me.  Fortunately, I do get the opportunity to decide how I react to situations and to the weather.  Running gives you A LOT of time to yourself and a lot of time to think.  At the end of a run I always feel good about myself and ready to conquer any other challenge I'm faced with.

Today I put my head down and muscled through the wind and I'll do it again on Saturday for 9 miles if I have to.  It's hard to say what the weather is going to be like on May 6th when I run my half though I hope it's mild and comfortable.

Day 31 - number of vehicles that almost hit me, 0

Day 31 - number of vehicles that I waved to, 2!  One of which backed out of the intersections when they saw me coming so I could pass.

Day 27 - Kal Haven Trail Run

Today was so amazing I don't know that I can put it in to words!  As I said, we ran the Kal Haven Trail Run as a 6-person relay team.  While it wasn't a great day, it was awesome for running - overcast and about 50 - 55 all day long!  While we were running it was perfect though we were all a bit chilly while waiting at the exchanges.

These race atmospheres are so much fun.  There were people doing the 33.5 miles solo, as a two-person team and then as a relay with either 3, 4, 5 or 6 people running legs.

For being our first relay, we were really quite organized.  We knew when to expect each person, we had the driving directions printed out, we had ample snacks and we had sweet outfits!  I will say there was one team I was jealous of as they were passing the runner who was finishing the leg a can of beer as the other person took off - note for next year!  In addition, there were MANY people at the finish line parading around with bottles of beer.  We managed to find some at a local bar, don't get me wrong, but we could have had immediate satisfaction.

Every one of our runners exceeded expectations and we finished at about 4:50:50 which is unbelievable!  As far as runs go, this was unlike any other event I've been to.  We waited in anticipation for our teammate to finish their leg, we cheered loudly so they knew where to tag and then hustled in the car to the next exchange point while squeezing in a bathroom break when needed.  Jem and the Holograms had a successful day and I am already pumped for next year's run!

Day 26 - Preparing for a Race

Husband and I do a lot of races throughout the year.  We've found quite a few that we love participating in either for the shirt, the distance or the sweet snacks afterwards!  Tomorrow we are participating in a new race with a new twist for us - The Kal Haven Trail Run.  The Kal Haven Trail is stretches 33.5 miles from Kalamazoo to South Haven. 

And we are going to run it!

Ok, so we are doing it as a 6-person relay which makes it even more exciting!  A friend of Sister's asked her about it several weeks ago and Sister asked us if we'd be interested.  The other cool thing about the event is that the proceeds benefit Girls on Track which is the 6th - 8th grade program of Girls on the Run.  IN.

Usually we spend evenings before runs "taking it easy".  A healthy dinner, minimal drinks, and a good night's sleep are all keys to a good run.  I won't be running until close to 1:00 pm so I'm a little nervous about how the day will unfold.  However, every run is a new challenge and we are pumped!

Day 17 - Girls on the Run

This week we started Girls on the Run (going forward will be referred to as GOTR) practice.  Sister and I are co-coaching this year and after the awesome team we had last year, I was aprehensive as to whether or not this year would compete.  After two practices, I can say I am almost MORE excited with this year's girls than the girls we had last year.  They are so kind to one another and helpful - today one of them asked me to help her tie her shoes and another one of the girls offered to help instead. 

GOTR has been in our area for 10 years.  We never had it where I grew up and I probably wouldn't have participated anyway - remember, I hated running!  The program allows girls in 3rd through 5th grades to be a part of the team and the teams are mixed with girls in each of the grades.  We have 11 girls this year and only 3 of them have participated before.  This excites me because everything is new to them!

Today we got to go outside for about 25 minutes for our "workout".  We have a large soccer field to run around and have determined that 6 laps is about one mile.  The girls get lap counters each time they go around the field so they can keep track of how much they are running.  The girls were so excited at the end of practice to see how many laps they had done and equate them to miles!  Each time around they were PROUD to tell us how far they had gone so far and eager to do more.  It's amazing how inspiring 3rd, 4th and 5th grade girls can be.

Day 16 - I Saw a Coyote

Life's getting a little busier around here - let's not kid ourselves, I still get to sleep by about 9:30 each night so it's not THAT busy.  But, Girls on the Run started this week (our team is awesome!) and that means two nights a week after work I am hoofing it out to co-coach with Sister.  This decreases amount of time available for my training runs.

So I decide to get up this morning, since I'll go to work an hour later than I do on other mornings, and do my 4-mile run.  While NOT training, Husband would have come with me but he's on his own schedule.  Don't think I didn't attempt to make him believe he said he'd get up and run with me, because I did.  It didn't work.

A perfect morning to run.  42 degrees, no wind and no cars because it's 5:30 in the morning!  I put on my reflective gear, strapped on my blinky lights and grabbed the flashlight - ready to run!  I did see one other crazy friend out running but other than that, the roads were mine...or so I thought!

Three of the four roads I run on are not very well-lit in the morning.  As I rounded on to Road Two I came near an open field area between a church and a house.  I saw something out of the corner of my eye so I flashed my light at it.  Is that a dog?  No, it didn't bark and it's just staring at me...I wiggled my light and fortunately it ran away in the other direction.  Was that a fox?

I decided it was a fox at the time and picked up my pace a bit.  With my new fancy watch I discovered that mile 1 (pre-fox) was a 10:00/mile pace...mile 2 (post-fox) was 9:10, mile 3 was 9:05 and mile 4 was 8:53.  Man, I ran fast today! 

Husband was awake enjoying some coffee when I returned.

Me: Could I have seen a fox?
Husband: Yes, we have those around here.
Me: I think I saw one...or maybe a coyote.
Husband (eyes growing wide): How big was it?
(a friend has two dogs, one is quite small, we'll call him J, and the other is a little larger, we'll call her C)
Me: About the size of a dog...maybe like C.
Husband: WAS it a dog?
Me: No, it didn't bark at me and it ran the other way.
Husband: Foxes are more like J, not C.
Me: I think it was a coyote.

Wait, no, he looked more like this...



I should have run faster...

Day 16 - number of vehicles that almost hit me, 0

Day 16 - number of vehicles that I waved to, 0

Day 16 - number of coyotes that almost ate me - 1

Day 13 - Long Run

Six miles this morning and week 2 of training is done!  Husband and I got to bed early, got up early and hit the pavement.  Good thing because it was another WINDY day! 

The best thing about today's run was when I saw Run Campers headed the opposite way as me down one of the roads.  For about a mile I was distracted watching other runners.  This is why races are so much fun - there are other people around.  Sure, I could run just for the fun of it but I'd never get sweet race shirts and I'd always be running alone.

It was a cold run.  When I returned home I felt like my thighs were frozen.  Then, all I wanted to eat was a bagel.  My knees were a little stiff during parts of the run but overall I continue to feel really good with my training.  If the darn wind would cool down just a bit I'd be happy!  I'm pumped for this week because GOTR practices start and weather should climb into the 60s and maybe 70s!  OH BOY!

Yesterday I went over $1,000 in donations so I am on a high from that.  In addition Sister got me a sweet necklace as an early birthday present.  Reasons it's awesome: it has a little girl with a pony tail running, it has a 13.1 which is the race I'm training for and it says "Sole Sister" and I'm a SoleMate for GOTR!  She is an amazing gift giver.

Day 13 - number of vehicles that almost hit me, 0

Day 13 - number of vehicles that got the wave, 0

Day 12 - Morning Runs

This morning I hit the pavement at 5:45 am and did my 3 mile run.  When I got dressed and looked outside I was surprised there was a coating of snow on the grass so I had to go back up and change my clothes - the wind chill was 19!  The first few steps off the driveway were slick but the run went by quickly.  The great thing about running in the morning is that no one else is out - no cars to hit me, no people to wave at, no iPod to distract me.  Just running...

Today was a rollercoaster.  I received generous donations that took me over $1,000 in my SoleMates fundraising, I found out the John Mayer concert I had tickets to has been canceled, I got a few more adds to the March Madness bracket.  I'm currently enjoying a brew after cleaning up the house for guests tomorrow while Husband whips up some delicious dinner.  Tomorrow is long-run day - I'll head out for 6 and Husband is doing 9!  Legs have been feeling great so I am eager to see how the 6-miler goes.  I'll likely load up my fuel belt with some Gatorade, water and sport beans.  The run should take me just under an hour to complete and then I'll continue my day feeling amazing about my morning run!

Day 12 - number of vehicles that almost hit me, 1 large truck that was not looking for me before turning so good thing I was looking at him

Day 12 - number of vehicles I gave the wave to, 0

Day 10 - "I'm Breezy!"

I wanted to get up and run this morning - Husband told me that was not as safe as running after work.  I was attempting to dodge the wind.  While it has been nice and warm the past couple of days, it has also been BREEEEEEZY!  I ran in shorts and a tee shirt...it was amazing.

There were moments during my 4-mile run when I felt like I wasn't moving forward at all because the wind was so strong.  I got a new toy earlier this week - it's a Garmin GPS watch.  I think I'm sooooo cool.  I had a Nike Sportband which was pretty good for the price and what I got out of it.  However, now that I'm doing longer training runs, and because I had some discounts/gift certificates at Gazelle, I figured something new was in order.  It's awesome.

What motivated me today?  A co-worker gave me a bag full of cans for my SoleMates fundraiser.  I was so excited about this because it's someone I don't OFTEN interact with!  How thoughtful...In addition, I received someone's money for my March Madness bracket - a $10 entry fee.  He gave me a $20 and told me to put the rest toward GOTR - THANK YOU!!!  Riding a super high on the donations.

Day 10 (wooo double digits!): number of vehicles that almost hit me, 1 coming around the curve in the bike lane I was running in

Day 10 (wooo double digits!): number of vehicles I gave the wave, 0 :(

Day 8 - Headbands

Being a female runner I've tried every tactic in the book to keep my hair out of my face while running.  I prefer to have shorter hair so my ponytail doesn't stick to the back of my neck, but when I wear my hair the other 90% of the time, I favor long hair.  Two years ago I started the french braid for when I run in the mornings.  It keeps the hair under control without pulling or flapping around too much.  Not bad for a start...

In high school I used to use prewrap as a headband to keep the fly-aways under control.  Surely I could find something reusable.  Everything I tried slid off my head once I started moving.  Then at my first half I discovered Chica Bands.  They had a booth at the expo and were offering buy 2, get one free.  So, I bought two and Sister got one for free...funny how that always works out!  I suddenly have over 20 of them now because they are SO amazing!!!

One would be enough if you were boring.  But I need to have one for every color and every mood - NEED!  They don't move once they are on your head - at all!  No slip and no fly-aways.  SCORE!

I recently got some NEW headbands over the weekend.  They are super sweet, don't get me wrong and I'm for sure going to wear them.  However, they have to hold up against the Chica Bands.  Fortunately these also help with my moods.  Here's the one I sported on the treadmill today:

Initial reports - no slip, wicks the sweat and is still loose on the head.  Another great find for headwear! 

I know I missed a few days but week one of training went fabulously.  Today was a bit windy and chilly so I stayed inside on the treadmill.  Hoping for a few nice days this week to get my run on!

Day 8 - number of vehicles that almost hit more and got the wave, 0 because I was on the treadmill!

Day 4 - Decisions

Every day is full of decisions and choices.  I don't believe that anything happens by chance but that I work hard for everything I have.  At the start of the day I was planning on my third run of the week - 3 miles outside after work.  As the work day went on I got busy and knew I'd be there a little longer than planned.  I made an excuse in my head that tomorrow I have GOTR training so I can get up and go on the treadmill instead of going outside today. But on my way home I made a concious decision to put on my running clothes and get outside.  While it wasn't sunny, it was comfortable and not very windy.  Plus, it was only three miles.

What a great three miles.  It was breezy on the way out but the way in was awesome.  I can feel myself getting stronger and more comfortable with the runs and am already feeling really good about myself.

Every day something happens to enhance and carry my motivation.  Today it was a co-worker who I talk to once or twice a week (so not too often) asked "Hey, Kristie, how's your training going?"  It's nice every once and a while for people to remember something about me.

On my way home from work I returned $9.00 in pop cans from work.  After dinner I went to Sister's and loaded up the car with her returns that she was donating.  I still have a few more to return but I'm at $20.70 and estimate another $4.00 - $5.00.  I also had three more people sign up for the March Madness bracket!  Again, knowing that the work I'm putting in to both my running and fundraising for Girls on the Run motivates me so much and truly makes me feel awesome about my decisions and accomplishments.

Day 4 - number of vehicles that almost hit me, 0!

Day 4 - number of vehicles I gave the wave to, 4 - but not as a "thank you" more as a "you see me, right?"

Day 3 - Pizza and Wine?!

Ah...rest.  On rest days I'm usually preparing for my next run.  Probably tomorrow (Thursday) and may have to be back on the treadmill - booo!  Today would have been a good day for a run and I'm bummed I'm "wasting" sunshine and 50 degrees on resting!  Such is the life of a runner.

My running partner also has a rest day which means we had more time to make dinner together.  Here is what "rest" looks like at our house:

PIZZA AND WINE?!  First off, that pizza is made with a cauliflower crust and is pure veggies (and some mozzerella cheese for protein).  Here's the recipe and it's delish!  Husband tells me I need the antioxidents in wine so it's all good...

Though we are not "running together", Husband is also training for the Borgess Half.  We are not the same type of runner so he is doing a different training plan which involves easy runs, tempo runs, intervals and long runs.  I'm just trying to keep my legs moving for all my miles!  Having someone around to push me is what really matters.  Someone who askes how my run was, tells me to get my run on and encourages me to do my best is all I really need.  Plus, it's kind of fun to literally kick him out of bed to get on the treadmill in the morning.  Here's another photo that motivates me - my sister and husband standing around for over 2 hours waiting for me to cross the finish line at my first half (note, Sister did a half before either of us and I wish I would have been there and Husband will accomplish in May):

Day 3 - no almost hits or waves due to REST

Day 2 - Additional Motivation

I had no intentions of running today - going to rest.  However, all day the sun was shining, snow was melting and I was convincing myself it'd be a great day for run number two this week of 4 miles.  I checked the hourly weather around 1:30 to see that it was going to cloud up right around 4:00 which is when I'd be ready for my run.  Awesome, thanks again, Mother Nature!

But, being in training I know I have a certain number of runs and a certain number of miles to do each week.  I wanted to run so a little cloud cover and slight breeze wasn't going to stop me.

Yesterday I had my snailmail as motivation.  Today I received a text from a faraway friend reading this, "so I was thinking that since you are running the half marathon on my bday and since I am a GOTR supporter that one particular mile should be run in my honor!"  WHAT A FABULOUS IDEA!  I already have my SoleMate participation driving me but how awesome will it be when I reach Mile X (likely 9 or 10) and think to myself, Happy Birthday, Friend - this mile's for you!

Today I uploaded my snailmail donation and a donation of $100.00 which I've collected from pop cans and spare change over the past couple weeks.  Believe me when I say a little bit goes a long way!  Another way I'm currently raising money is through a March Madness Bracket.  Don't tell me you don't like picking teams, watching games and hoping you win big because everyone does!  If interested the link's below to sign up, $10 entry fee and $2 of each entry goes to Girls on the Run with the other $8 of each entry being paid out in winnings!  Plus, I know a lot of my friends are Spartan fans and there's a big game on later tonight!

March Madness Bracket - password is "gotr2012"

Day 2 - number of vehicles that almost hit me - 1, apparently he had to pull out of the drive as I was ready to cross it and couldn't wait 7 seconds for me to pass

Day 2 - number of vehicles I gave the wave to because they waited for me - 2, THANK YOU!

Day 1 - The Dreaded Treadmill

I hate running.  Well, I used to hate running - now I do it to stay in shape and feel good about myself.  A couple years ago my cousin, who I grew up with, went to high school AND college with (so he knew me PRETTY well) said, "when did you become a runner?"  My simple answer was, "when I stopped having friends around all the time to play with."  Seriously, anything that was NOT running was my favorite...volleyball, softball, basketball, dodgeball.  I know they all include running, but they are not focused around being good at running.

After a successful 2010 where I got married, dropped almost 30 pounds, and ran my first half marathon, I got a little bored.  In 2011 I thought I could run the Borgess Half Marathon and started training, but it didn't work out.  Admitting that you can not do what you said you were going to do is tough, but accepting it and moving on is usually better.  I bit off more than I could chew and had a lot of pain as I started running.  Although half marathon number 2 did not come in 2011, I did run the 10K at the Kalamazoo Klassic and ran my first 5-mile race at the Schoolcraft Firecracker 5-Miler.

Instead I focused my energy on assistant coaching Girls on the Run - an AMAZING program devoted to teaching girls confidence, how to live a healthy lifestyle and training toward the end goal of completing a 5K.  Running with those girls each day touched me and knowing they just needed someone to listen to them and understand them motivated me.

This year my sister encouraged me to be a Solemate.  I committed to running the Borgess Half Marathon that will be held on Sunday May 6 in Kalamazoo to help raise funds for GOTR.  No girl is turned away from this program, even if their families can not afford it.  During a data entry volunteer day I noticed how many girls want to participate, and are able to, because of donations raised by the Solemates.

Today was my first official day of my 10-week training plan.  It's been an awesome winter and I've run a lot of miles outside.  Of couse three days ago Mother Nature dumped snow on us and decided to initiate 30 mph gusts of wind today.  So, Day One of training was spent on the treadmill watching The Help which I can barely hear over the noise of the treadmill.  But I ran three miles nonstop (not a huge deal, except on a treadmill) and I'm proud of myself.  My biggest motivation was a GOTR donation I received via snailmail from an old high school friend with a heart-felt note that brought a few tears to my eyes.  It's now posted in the room with the treadmill to motivate me even more on cruddy days stuck inside.

Today I share with you my goals for my SECOND Half Marathon, a short 10 weeks away:

1) Raise at least $1000 for GOTR
2) Run the entire time
3) Cross the finish line sprinting with a smile on my face
4) Beat my time of 2:10:44 set at my 2010 half

Of the four goals listed, the fourth is definitely a stretch.  The Grand Rapids Half Marathon which I completed in 2010 is much flatter than the Borgess I'll run in May.  However, my training will be slightly different and the atmosphere will be amazing being in my "hometown" - besides, goals should be something we SHOOT for, not something we know we can easily attain.

I'm excited to share these next 10 weeks as I document my training, my successes, and undoubtly my disappointments.  But at the end of it I'll know I completed another tremendous milestone and raised money for an awesome cause.

Day 1 - number of vehicles that almost hit me - 0, I was on a treadmill