The Good, The Bad & Well....

There ain't no ugly around here!  haha  I've been gone from this blog for awhile.  Not much to write about on my running blog when I'm NOT running!  I wanted to give those that care (all two of you, well, that might be pushin' it) an update.

Today was full of highs and lows.  I think I'll start with the lows.  I went back to the doctor today for my one month check up following the needling procedure.  I've had increased pain since the procedure and have had to take recovery pretty slow.  So my prognosis wasn't good.  The doc said 80% of people with Achilles problems get back on their feet after 6-8 weeks of rest, ice, etc.  The other 20%, are like me.  Tendons just don't heal and it takes FOREVER to get better.  How lucky am I?!  I relayed my frustrations to him and he was empathetic.  He said we just have to keep on the same path and hope that it gets better with time.  The next aggressive procedure would be taking my own blood, spinning it out to just platelets and injecting them directly into the tendon.  It's a new procedure that most insurance companies don't cover.  He charges $600 to have it done.  So I'm gonna stay with my physical therapy program and keep my fingers crossed.  He did have the athletic trainer make a pad for the back of my heal.  My shoes tend to rub on my tendon and cause more pain throughout the day.  I'm hoping that will quit exacerbating the pain and increase the healing process.

I did ask him if I could participate in a mud run that I entered months ago.  He said YES!  He warned me that I would hurt afterwards but I should go have some fun.  I think he could really tell that I'm about to lose it.  He told me to get a pair of soccer cleats and wear clothes that I don't mind throwing away.  Of course, I went straight to Academy and bought those cleats.  They had some on clearance for $9.98!

So the mud run decision was a positive but so was this...

I reached my goal weight today!!!!  Yep, I'm down to 135 and couldn't feel better.  I started back to the gym last week.  Spend the majority of my time lifting weights.  I do some on the elliptical machine too.  I really want to get toned.

The husband just HAD to take my picture this morning before I left for the doctor.  I was going to the gym afterwards.  I don't usually wear this outfit to town.

The husband was telling my how to pose.  Which hand to put where and which foot to put in front.  It was pretty funny.

Hope all you're running/weight loss/healthy eating goals are going well!  Until next time, peace out!

An Answer to Your Question...

I got a question about how much weight I lost.  Navy Wife was very sweet and said I didn't have to answer.  But really, I'm an open book.  It doesn't bother me.  So first let me say I am 5'7".  Now let's get to the numbers!

So in late December, when I decided to start running again, I weighed 164 lbs.  I couldn't even find a picture of me during that time.  Guess I made a point not to have it taken!

The "heavier" picture in the last post was on February 20th.  I was down a few pounds to 157.6 lbs.

Then on June 3rd, I started My Fitness Pal and counting calories.  At that time, I was 153.6 lbs.  I had been running but was having no luck with losing.  I mean from February to June, I only lost FOUR pounds!

The "skinnier" picture is me at 138 lbs.  My goal is 135.

So what does that translate into clothing sizes.  Well, I went from a size tight 10 to a perfect 4!

**Achilles news....I went back to physical therapy yesterday.  We started back at square one.  I'm still very stiff and sore from the procedure.  They added ultrasound to my treatment yesterday.  Go back in the morning.  Fingers crossed and prayers that this is going to work.**

Before and After

I have almost reached my weight loss goals.  Wanted to show some before and after pics.

This picture was taken at the end of February.  I had been trying to lose some weight since the last of December.  It wasn't going very well.

Ugh, I hate looking at this picture.



Well, early June, I started on My Fitness Pal.  The results speak for themselves.  It's all been about my eating cause I've not been able to run.  Here I am this morning before work...




A male coworker asked me where my butt went today!  And my husband said I was "super model pretty".  Doesn't that make a girl feel good!

I know I feel a lot better about my image. This is the body that matches the picture in my head.  Now I just need to tone it up and get back to running!

Keep up the hard work!

Still Fighting

I've been slacking on my running blog.  I guess it's because I'M NOT RUNNING!  Achilles is still messed up.  I had a needling procedure done two weeks ago.  Was then placed in a walking boot.

I'm still pretty tender and stiff.  Doctor told me yesterday we will go back to physical therapy and try to progress the healing from here.  I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I've contacted both marathon race organizers I entered for Dec and January.  They were very understanding and graciously let me change my entries to the half marathon.  I hope to be able to at least do the 13 miles by then.  I figure I can walk/run and get them completed.  No PRs gonna be accomplished, that's for sure!  Then hopefully, I can get back to the marathon training and start this goal over.

My weight loss is still in full force even though my working out has been lacking non-existent.  Counting calories works miracles.  I'm 3 lbs from my goal weight.  I'm hoping to start hitting the gym to do some strength training during the week.  I need to tone up plus it'll help once I do get to run again.

Hope all is well with y'all and your fitness endeavors.

Frustrated Runner, That Be Me!

Monday, I reached my limit.  I couldn't twiddle my thumbs anymore.  I had my follow-up doctor's appointment set for Tuesday and I wanted to provide him with valid information.  So I got back on the treadmill.  This time I walked 1/2 mile, ran 1/2 mile, walked 1/2 mile, ran 1/2 mile, etc. for 2 1/2 miles.  Achilles felt fine walking, hurt running.  But it was bearable.  Then it hit me, I could do this for an entire marathon!  I was completing a mile in 12:50.  That wouldn't be a great marathon time by any means but still under time limits.

Oh, my physical therapist told me I needed arch supports in my running shoes to keep from pronating so much.  I knew I had gotten really bad about rolling my feet in when I ran.  So I went to Academy to pick up insoles and new shoes.  I figured I may have already ruined the pair I had been wearing since January.  Didn't want to take any chances.  Plus who doesn't love new running shoes!

Saw my doctor Tuesday.  I think he hates to open the room door and see me sitting there.  He asked if I was improving.  I told him apparently NOT since it still hurt when I ran even though I've been off of it for a month.  He told me I could continue PT and see what happens or take a more aggressive approach.  He said most runners get very frustrated and want to go to the next option.  HELLO, FRUSTRATED RUNNER HERE!

So my next step is this....dry needling.  Basically, he's going to go in with a needle, poke the tendon to make it bleed thus accelerate the healing process.  The tendon does not have much blood flow so that's why it takes so long to heal.  This will hopefully speed up the process by making blood go to the region.  Sounds like loads of fun, huh!

I asked him what the odds were that this would work.  He said most people see an 80% improvement!  Fingers crossed I'm like most people.  I scheduled the procedure for next Friday.  He said it's best to do it before a weekend so you can lay around for a few days afterward.  Then I will start PT two weeks following that.

On a racing note, I contacted the marathon I entered in December.  Asked to transfer my registration from the marathon to the half marathon.  They said that would be fine.  I figure I will be more likely to complete that than the full.  I hope!

I've Been a Bad Girl

Tomorrow is my last day of therapy.  Next Tuesday is my follow-up doctor's appointment.  So my reasoning says I need to do some running to see how things are progressing.  Right?  That's sounds logical, doesn't it?  Therapy has been difficult for me.  At the beginning of every session, my girl asks how my achilles feels.  And of course I tell her fine.  Then add, but I'm not running so it should feel fine.  I mean really, how is it suppose to feel when you're not doing the one thing that aggravates it!  I told the Husband last weekend I don't think it's better.  It just doesn't hurt because I'm not running.  I know the minute I start running again, the pain will return.

I wanted to be able to tell my therapist and doctor the facts so I decided I would give it a short jog today.  I have been good the entire time and did what I was told.  But I think they need this information to see how I'm doing.  You know what I found out....when I got to about a mile, the pain started.  Only slight twings but still it was coming on.  I decided to walk from that point further.  I was right.

So now where do I go from here?  As I was running, I thought maybe I could do the Jeff Galloway run/walk program for the marathon.  That could possibly help out.  Maybe?  I found a marathon in January that I REALLY want to do.  I AM going to do it.  I'll pass up the one in December but my heart is set on the one in January.

Gonna talk to the therapist tomorrow and see what the doctor has to say on Tuesday.  I really don't see much coming out of either one. :o(

Her Royal Rudeness

My morning started off great.  I got ready for work.  Was able to fit into my old clothes that have just been hanging in my closet.  It's like I have a whole new wardrobe.  The husband told me how pretty I looked.  I thought I was rockin' it!

Then I go to work.  Walk into my office and the first thing my coworker says to me is this...

Coworker: "I see you're still trying to squeeze in your size 4s."

Me: "Squeeze?  No, they fit.  And look, it (the skirt) is loose around the waist." (I pull my waistband out and show her.)

Coworker: "Well, your waist might be small enough for it, but your thighs aren't."

Seriously, why are people rude?  I was stunned my her comments.  I think I know the reasons behind this coworker's nastiness (she has weight loss issues) but really, there was no need for her to lash out at me.

To be fair, I took a picture when I got home from work to show you exactly what I look like.

So are my thighs too big for this skirt?  You can be honest, just not rude.

Cool Running Shirts

I found this website yesterday, mymottoz.com.  They have performance tees with all kinds of mottos like Running on Faith, Will Run For Chocolate, Shut Up and Run, Life is a Marathon, and so on.  I had to buy one.  I do lots better with visual motivation.  Even though I'm still not allowed to run, I figure I will need all the help I can get when I do get the thumbs up from the doctor.

And you can get 15% off discount if you use the coupon code "NEWSLETTER".  Go over and see if you can't find some motivation.

Still Here

Well, still not running.  Have been going to physical therapy.  I really do like my therapist.  She's a hoot.  I'm so competitive trying to do the stuff.  She just laughs at me.  I go back to the doctor at the end of the month.  We'll see what he has to say.  Fingers crossed he puts me on a running program.  It will be very slow going at first but still, I'll be running!  I may have to chalk my marathon entry up to a donation.  Pick another one after the first of the year.  I want to properly train if I am going to do it.  I looked into changing my race in December.  I thought I might be able to run the half.  They only way they allow you to transfer races if is you are transferring from a full race to a less than full race.  Right now, the half marathon is more full than the marathon.  It doesn't look promising.

Other than that, I'm just counting the days till I'm back out on the road.

Good News

Today was my first physical therapy session.  I really like my therapy girl.  She's too funny and thinks I'm a nut.  I was given exercises to do at home.  I go back next Friday.  She said she didn't think it would take much to get me fixed up!  I'm so excited.  I have doing as I was told, no running.  I told her I wanted to run a marathon in December.  Gonna see if I can't still accomplish that!!

Other good news, I fit in my size 6 jeans again!!  Today I wore a pair I bought way back when but never could stuff myself in to.  I was so excited.  I've been very strict with my calorie intake and it's paying off.  Even though I haven't been able to run, I'm still losing.  I bought Jillian's 30 day Shred DVD today.  Gonna give that a try while I'm banned from running.  I have a closet full of size 4.  I'm hoping to get back in those.  It would be like having a whole new wardrobe!

If you're not a reader of my primary blog, Gizzards & Calf Fries, go check it out.  I have a giveaway going on right now for a $70 gift certificate.  The contest ends Saturday morning so get over there and leave me a comment!!

Major Setback

Got the results today.  It's my Achilles. (Isn't that what I've been telling the doctor for over 3 months now!)  Good news he said, I don't need surgery.  Bad news, I can't run.  He's sending me to physical therapy for a month to see if it helps.  If not, then he will go in with a needle to make the tendon bleed to promote healing.  Doesn't that sound fun!

I am so bummed.  I need to continue to run.  I have to start my marathon training in August.  In order to be ready to start my marathon training in August, I need to be running now.  Do you get my issue here?!

The doctor said he understood I wasn't hearing anything but bad news.  He stated he realized he took away my "crack."  But I could do the elliptical or ride a bike for exercise.  That's when I started pouting and said "I hate the elliptical!"

So now I'm wallowing in self pity.  It's leading to this...

Yep, drowning my sorrows in Diet IBC Root Beer!  This really sucks.

Bummed

So I haven't posted in awhile cause I've been bummed.  My leg has been bothering me so I haven't been running like I want to.  I had my MRI.  Now I'm just waiting to see if they found anything.  I go Tuesday to see the results.  I think this is Crazy M MRI month since both the husband and I have had one in June.  Of course the husband's showed he needed shoulder replacement surgery.  I pray mine is just a teeny tiny lil thing that can get fixed easy and fast.  I really just hope they found something.

On a fun note, I entered a Mud Quest Adventure Run with my best friend from high school.  It's not till October 2 but I can't wait.  We picked the Conquest course which is 3.5 miles long with 19-21 obstacles.  It's gonna be a messy blast!  I promise to have lots of pictures when the time comes.

Other than the speed bump with my running, everything else is going well.  My eating is great and the weight continues on a downward slide.  Calorie counting is truly the easiest way I have found to control my eating.  But I guess it's all about discipline.  I know someone that is trying to do the same thing and she continually sabotages herself.  I've tried to help her and she continually asks me for advice but no matter what I say, it is up to her to follow thru.  Maybe someday it will hit her.  I know I've fallen short many times before I was able to get on track and stick with it.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Guess What I Found Out...

NOTHING!  Yep, that's why I hate going to the doctor.  He looked at my leg again.  Then said we could do two things, either go to physical therapy and see how that helps OR do an ultrasound, see if we can find what exactly is wrong, then do injections.  Well, first off, I'm not a big fan of physical therapy.  I get bored very easily. Second, I want to know WHAT IS WRONG!!  Really, don't guess, let's find out.  Third, I have to get this leg fixed by August.  That's when I start my serious training for the marathon.

So the doctor did the ultrasound.  And guess what, found nothing.  Couldn't see anything wrong.  Just my luck.  Again, this is why I don't go to the doctor.  Always happens to me.  It hurts.  I know it hurts.  It's not in my head.  Yet can't find anything.  I sometimes wonder if doctors think you are exaggerating about the problem.  Or you're just a pansy and it really doesn't hurt as bad as you say.  All these things run thru my head as I'm sittin' there.  So tomorrow I am having an MRI done.  I told the husband I'm sure it won't show anything either.  Don't get me wrong, I want to find something.  Something to give me validation for my pain.  But the reality of it is they may not see anything which just ticks me off!

Of course, the doc said if it hurts to run, don't run.  But he knew I wouldn't stop. Plus I've ran on it this long hurting, why stop now?

One positive note today, I've lost 5 lbs since June 3!!! This calorie counting thing is so easy.  Just have to be disciplined and stick with it.

Takin' It Easy

Yesterday was suppose to be my easy day, a 2 mile run.  I tried using an ankle brace.  Wanted to see if that would help.  Well, it didn't.  I think it actually bothered me more than my actual leg pain.  I ended up only running 1 measly mile.  What a bummer.

Then the husband called me at work this morning.  He called my doctor and scheduled an appointment for Monday.  He said we were going to find out what was going on.  He told the receptionist that he was coming to the appointment with me and we were going to get to the bottom of this!  Oh my, I can hardly wait for this appointment.  The doctor has no idea what he has in store for him dealing with the husband!

Today is my off day.  The leg has been sore all day.  Tomorrow is suppose to be my long run day but we won't be home.  I'm waiting till Sunday evening to run it.  Hoping my leg will feel better after a few days rest. We'll see.

In other news, I wanted to share a few websites I've found very helpful.  First one is MyFitnessPal.  I totally love this free site.  I use it to count my calories daily. You can access it online or via an IPhone.  My weight has been coming off using this program.  Of course, I'm very strict about remaining in my calorie range.  It's a great tool.

Another site is Eating Well.  They provide all kinds of healthy recipes.  I subscribe to their newsletter.  Right now, they have healthy recipes for homemade ice cream.  Yummy!  I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for a recipe that has a few less calories.

Are there any healthy websites you use on a regular basis?  Let me know about them.

Self-Deprecation, Party of One

Some days I really feel like an athlete.  Striding down the road, full of myself and my abilities.  But then there are days that I feel like a wannabe runner.  That was me today.  As I'm joggin' down the road, thoughts are runnin' thru my head:

"you are SO slow."

"hope no one sees you running, they'll wonder why you're even trying."

"what were you thinkin' entering a marathon."

"you're never gonna make it."

"you don't even push yourself"

And it goes on and on.  I don't really know why today was so bad.  I'm very critical of myself.  I knew my pace was slow and it went downhill from there.  I try to speed up but my legs feel heavy.  Then I feel defeated.  Then I get mad.  I was suppose to run 30 minutes.  I think it should be easy for me to complete 3 miles in that time.  But I don't so I make myself keep running until I do hit 3 miles.  And it only took me 31:10.  I was just over a 10 min/mile.  Realistically, I should be okay with that all things considered.  So why wasn't I?

Grasshopper-palooza

I stepped out of the truck today and noticed the ground move!  Seriously, I had to take a second look.  Realized it was grasshoppers.  Grasshoppers EVERYWHERE.  I knew I would need my ninja moves along this run.  Sure enough, I was bombarded.  They attacked me from every side.  A few grabbed hold but not for long.  I think they were trying to take me down!  Are grasshoppers carnivores?  I'm almost certain these were!

Anyhow, my run was good.  My tempo was much better today.  But my leg was hurting.  It hurt all day.  I tried stretching out good before my run.  Used my rubber band and everything.  I think it made it hurt worse.  So now I'm icing it.  Maybe that will help.  I'm gonna pick up an ankle brace tomorrow.  I saw on WebMD that immobilizing may help.  See I went to a doctor, Mr. WebMD!

On a side note, I lost 3 lbs last week.  Magically, when I count the calories I put in my mouth, my butt gets smaller!  Wow, what a concept!

Time: 25 minutes
Pace: 9.79

Longer Run

I put my longer run off till this morning.  I thought it might be better to run it in the morning instead of yesterday evening.  The wind has been blowing and the humidity has been horrible.  Figured at least I would have cooler temps in the AM.  Come to find out, I don't think it would have mattered.

I was fighting my head today.  About half way thru, I wanted to stop.  Just kept tellin' myself there was no good reason to stop.  I was only tired.  Nothing wrong.  Then I thought about Navy Wife and her last post.  She talked about the same thing and training her mind for mental endurance.  Well, I had a lot of training to do today!  My mental endurance sucked!  But I took it in small increments.  Just do 5 more minutes, than 5 more.  Finally I hit the finish.  I have lots of work to do by December.

On another note, my achilles is still giving me fits.  The husband wants me to go back to the doctor.  I say no because he will most likely make me quit running again.  I know, I don't make sense.  But I don't want to get sidelined.  If it gets really bad, I'll go back.  Until then, I deal with it.  (I so sound like the husband when he was riding!)

Run time: 40 mins
Pace: 10:69

Blah...

You ever feel like that?  Today was suppose to be my "off" day.  But yesterday I ate bad BBQ for lunch and felt bad all evening.  So I switched my days.  Got home today after a busy day at work and was beat.  So tired I tried to lay down and take a power nap.  Didn't work very well.  I was just NOT motivated to run.  Plus it is windy and hot and humid and etc.  I could think of so many excuses not to get my butt out there.  But I put my running clothes on and headed out.  I haven't missed a run in three weeks.  This was not going to be the first just because I didn't "feel" like it.

I took a different route on my blacktop today.  For some reason, I've never ran the opposite way.  I think the biggest reason is there are residences that way and I'm not sure about dogs.  But today was the day to find out.  Only saw one dog at a cattle/trucking place.  Dog didn't care one bit that I was running by.  Hardly raised his head to acknowledge me.  That makes me happy.

I came across a skunk on my trek.  I didn't ever see it but I could smell it.  I just told it to stay where it was and I would stay where I was.  No issues there.  Almost back to the truck, I encountered another critter.  A SNAKE!  Luckily, it was just a lil green grass snake, about 2 foot long.  It slithered so quickly across the road in front of me that I couldn't even get a picture.

But all in all, a run can't be that bad if it ends like this...



Today's run: 25 min
Pace: 10:31

I'm So Miffed!

I was all ready for my run today.  My last run was great.  Today it was raining and cool.  Perfect for a jog.  With Mike (Iphone) in hand, I headed out.  As I'm running down my blacktop, I see white up ahead.  White?  Please tell me they didn't!  Please!  Sure enough, I get up to the "white" and the county had covered the top of the blacktop road with rock!  Now my nice smooth running path is a rocky, ankle twisting maze.  I was so mad!

After I got past that section, I continued on my way.  Then sure enough, there's more!  I hate it.  I have to slow down to a crawl.  If a vehicle comes, I have to stop all together cause I can't safely run on the side of the road with all the large loose rocks.  And how many vehicles passed me today......record setting 6 (4 trucks, 1 car and a semi)!  What the heck!

Doesn't that look like a mess to run thru!  Well, it is.  I came home and called the husband.  He asked what I was going to do about it.  I asked if he would take the tractor and scrap it up!

On a positive note, I'm officially entered in the White Rock Marathon!!!

Todays run: 30 minutes
Pace: 10:10

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

First let me say, IPhone ROCKS!  Okay, now that I have that out of the way, I'll explain my outburst.  I downloaded an app called Jog Log.  Thru GPS, it measures your distance and pace.  It also calculates calories burned.  Also maps your run.  All kinds of cool stuff.

I thought I would try it out today.  I was pumped.  Got it all cued up and hit the road.  I was feelin' great today.  Could tell that I was scootin' along faster than usual.  I checked my pace and was estatic.  Mainly because I've felt like a slug lately.  I get the to end of my road (1.25 miles) in 11:58.  Faster than I've ran it since I started three weeks ago.  Woohoo!

I head back.  Mid-way, my phone rings!  It's the husband.  I'm huffin' and puffin'.  Tell him I'm running.  He says goodbye.  I look down and see a message on the Jog Log.  I think it says "do you want to resume your paused run?"  So I push yes and keep going.  Few seconds later, the thing beeps and it's stopped.  WHAT!!!  I'm running and pushing on the screen, running and agitated that I can't figure it out.  Running wondering what the heck is going on.  I finish the run in a huff.

Turns out, I think it said "do you want to continue to pause your run?"  Geez louise!  Luckily, I set my watch when I started so I got the end time.  I'm such a number freak though.  I want to know what I did, how fast I did it, etc.  Then I want to be able to compare the next runs.  I figure at least I got part of the run logged.  So I come home and try looking at it.  Up comes the message to resume run, I press No.  Then try to look at the log to see what I had done.  NOTHING THERE!  Somehow I screwed it up so much that it didn't even save the first part of the run.  WHY????

Oh well, maybe I will figure it out.  Or maybe the IPhone is just too smart for me.  Good 'ol faithful watch clocked my 2.5 mile at 24:15.  I'll take it!

Calorie Counting

Yep, I went back to loggin' my food.  I found it to be the best way for me to control my eating.  I'm tired of low fat this, no sugar that.  When it comes down to it, it's all about calorie intake and calorie burn.  So I've set a limit to the amount of calories I'm allowing myself to take in daily.  My goal is 1200-1300 a day.  I'm eating a lot more veggies and fruit to keep my hunger at bay while taking in less.  It has been going extremely well.

I started my food journal off the old fashion way, carrying a piece of paper around, writing down everything and the calorie count.  But then, I got an I Phone yesterday!!!! Holy crap, it's awesome (and only $97 at Wal-Mart!)!!  I got an app called My Fitness Pal.  I log what I eat and it keeps track of everything.  Best thing ever!

I have followed my running plan to the T.  Haven't skipped out on one run yet.  There have been a few days when I really didn't want to get out there, but I kicked myself in the butt.  Once I was running, I was glad with my decision.  I'm not real happy with my progress.  Seems like I'm still struggling.  I've been running the same stretch of black top road for two weeks now.  Doesn't seem any easier.  That gets me a little discouraged.  But I'm gonna stick with it.

I've also decided on the marathon I will run.  It's the Whiterock in Dallas, scheduled for December 5th.  It will be a week after my 34th birthday.  What's a better way to celebrate?!  I also found out that the race benefits the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital.  They allow people to sponsor a runner by making donations.  So I have set up a donation page.  I figure I might as well make the most out of this.  It should benefit someone else besides me.  I will be putting a link to the site in the near future.

Besides that, nothing new.  Thought I would share a few pics of my running path with ya.

Here's where I start...

My usual audience...

The harvested wheat fields...

Headed back...

More onlookers...

The finish line.  My truck waiting patiently for me.

I live about a half mile down the caliche road.  You may wonder why I drive to where I run.  Well, let me just say, I'm not the most graceful person.  I tend to hurt myself on the most mundane things.  It's best that I don't jog on caliche.

You Hear That?

I noticed something while running without my music recently.  The swoosh of my thighs rubbing together!  Ugh!   My name is Kit and my spandex is a little tight.  There, I said it!

I also came to another realization.  I have a long way to go!  I'm running about 2.5 miles right now.  As I was huffing and puffing down the road today, I thought how in the world am I going to do 26.2 miles?!  That is an overwhelming goal.  Then I reel myself back in and remind myself of baby steps.  First off, I have run every day scheduled on my plan.  That is awesome! Plus, I have a lot of training ahead of me.  Not like I'm running a marathon next month!

And I will take a camera with me the next time I run.  I busted out laughing at the cows today.  As I ran by, they looked up at me, grass hanging out of their mouths, with this "what in the heck?" look on their face.  I have to get a picture of it.

I took a picture with my phone of the sun setting as I finished my run this evening.  The cell camera just doesn't do it justice.

Suckin' Air

Some days my runs really suck.  You ever have those?  Like this morning, I ran the same stretch of road I've been running all week.  Yet I was slower and having a much harder time.  I think it had to do with the humidity.  The temp was in the high 80s, which is what it usually is when I run in the evenings, so that shouldn't have mattered.  But the humidity killed me.  The air feels so thick.  My best guess is I have to work harder cause of  it thus my run sucks!  Not a good way to start off the day.

Then I look at the upside, I did get my butt out of bed and run.  That's a gold star for me.  No matter how bad the run was, I was out doing it.  And I enjoyed all the cattle giving me crazy stares and the butterflies fluttering around me.  Can't beat that.

Run time: 25 mins

Running on a Country Road

You really never know what you're going to come across.  Today they were harvesting the wheat along my joggin' trail.  So, using my brain, I decided not to use the IPod and pay attention.  You know, semis, tractors, pickups and a combine might need to be paid attention too.

Luckily, the combine was in the back of the field when I went by the first time.  The trucker said hello as I passed.  I think he thought I was a nut.  On my return trip, they were unloading the wheat into the trailer.  As I went by this time, the trucker said "Isn't it a little hot for that?"  I just yelled "oh yea!"  Then laughed and jogged on.  It was only in the mid-80s.  But if I wait much longer, it will be dark.

And why is it when I run past a cow, I have to say "hey moo moo?"  I do, almost every time.  Something's wrong with me.

Run time: 24:45

Awesome Run!

You ever have one of those?  I did today.  It felt great.  Well, after the first mile, it felt great.  The first mile always kills me.  I felt so good at the end, I sprinted to the finish!  Plus I ran the second half faster than the first.  And the second half is uphill!  Maybe it was the smoothie and soy nuts I ate prior to running?  I'll have to do that again.  See if it helps.

Run time: 25:30 min

I Need Support

A support system is so freakin' important when you undertake such a challenge.  I've had a lot of people over the years tell me I need a workout buddy or a running partner.  Thing is about me, I don't like relying on someone else when I'm doing my thing.  Is that strange?  I'm really a solo act.  I don't like scheduling times and having to make conversation.  When I workout or run, I want to do it when I want to do it.

With all that said, I still need a support system.  Luckily, I have the Husband.  He's awesome.  This running thing is not new to him.  I've been running for many years now.  At first, he wanted to run with me.  But I nicely asked him not to.  I wanted "my thing".  Something that I was good at.  I knew if he ran, he would be better than me.  He was sweet enough to step down and let me have it.

The Husband has been known to drive next to me, be my water station and my cheering section.  He puts up with me needing to get my run in before we can go do whatever it is we need to do.  He calms my nerves before races.

The best example of his support was when I ran a half marathon.  He was waiting around mile 9 for me.  I was not doing well.  Gettin' down on myself.  He encouraged me to push on.  Then he started joggin' with me.  Only thing was, he was wearing wranglers, cowboy boots and a carhart jacket!  Once we realized he couldn't turn around to get to the finish line, he ran the rest of the way with me!  At the last water station, a volunteer yelled to me "Is that man bothering you?"  I just laughed and told them no.  Guess they thought he was some sort of crazy stalker or something!

So with my support system, I'm working on developing my base.   I'm running for time instead of distance.  I plan to do this for about a month before I start increasing my mileage.  
Today's run:  25 minutes

I Think I'm Insane

I started my training today!  Got up this morning and headed out for a 30 minute jog down the country road.  I wanted to get out before it got too hot.  Not the best time of year to start running!  It was in the upper 70s by 8:00am and the humidity was about 90%.  Had a nice breeze blowing too.

I love running down our road.  There is hardly ever any traffic.  I only had one car pass me the entire time I was out.  It's very peaceful.  The cows tend to look at me like I've lost my mind as I run by.  I wish I could take my camera along to show y'all what it's like.  But I would never get my running done then.  Would be spending all my time taking pictures!

The jog was not easy.  But I knew I needed to get out on the road.  It's a lot different then jogging on a treadmill. I also haven't been running since all the problems with my Achilles.  But I'm happy to say it didn't bother me at all.

I took my Ipod shuffle with me today.  I usually don't listen to music when I run out here.  I want to be able to hear if a vehicle is approaching.  But today I decided I would take my life into my own hands.  I wore it but had it set very low.  Plus the wind was blowing so hard that I couldn't hear a car coming if I wanted to.  And I had my road ID bracelet on.  I bought it several years back when I was running a lot.  It has my name and emergency contact information on it.  Just in case someone does wipe me out or they find me laid out on the road!  If you run, I suggest you get one.

So here is what I looked like upon my return home...

Now I just need to work on running another 4 or so hours in addition to the 30 mins!