Be Great Today....

Look what I got in the mail!  Thank you Jim over at 50after40 for my cool sticker.
Be GREAT Today!   I will be putting it on my training journal to inspire me daily.

If you don't follow Jim, you should seriously check out his blog and follow him.  He is pretty funny and down to earth.  He is on a journey to run 50 Marathons after the age of 40. 

I went and saw "Legally Blonde, The Musical" last night.  And to tell you the truth I was really not that impressed.  I could not understand what they were saying when the cast was singing.  Don't get me wrong,  there was some pretty good one liners and the second act was much better then the first.  But all in all I would not recommend it.  Movie was better.

I did have a great time with the Second Born and her friend  L from college.



Second Born and L


  Dinner at Olive Garden was wonderful.  Check out the Desserts we had, just the right size for a little sweet after you stuff yourself with pasta, bread and salad.




Chocolate Mousse, Strawberry Cheescake, Tiramasu

 I have had a great week of training so far:

Sunday:     8 Miles
Monday:    22 miles spinning, 15 min core
Tuesday:   Rest
Wednesd:   5 Miles
Thursday:  18 miles spinning, 15 min core

3 weeks until TX/NM Challenge Half Marathon. 

Another date night..... I am heading out tonight to see MY RUN with the running buddy JL.  So excited about seeing this movie.  Dare I say, I hope it does not disappoint...

If you are going to run, Run Half Crazy

G.N.O.



I am having a Girls Night Out with my Second Born and her friend.  The Second Born is in her 2nd year of College. We will of course be getting food.  Olive Garden is her favorite, I think I might carb load, and then.....

We are going to see "Legally Blonde the Musical".  I just loved the movie with Reese and am so excited to see the Play.  I hope it does not disappoint.

Has anyone seen the Broadway Play "Legally Blonde The Musical"?

Review to follow later. 

I am heading out to get my run in,  Happy Running and remember

If your going to run, Run Half Crazy!

You Know You Are A Runner When....

A BIG hello and welcome to my new blog followers.  Thank you for stopping by and reading about my journey.

Runners come in all shapes and sizes.  We have traits or habits that only other runners could even begin to understand.  Runners definitely share a special bond!

I was talking last night with Mr. Incredible and trying to finish up some vacation plans for the year when I started laughing to myself ( I do that pretty regular) because all I could think about when we were planning was...  I wonder if there will be a race that weekend while we are there?   Make sure and find a hotel close to a park or someplace I can run.  I hope the weather will be nice so I can run while we are there.  Maybe I can find a running outlet.  

I kept thinking the rest of the evening and into this morning about how we characterize ourselves and how others characterize runners by what we do, think, say and even eat...

I can think of so many ways to finish the sentence below, but I thought it would be fun to see what you all had to say...

You Know You Are A Runner When.....

If your going to run, Run Half Crazy

"My Run"

Coming up this week, is the movie "My Run". It's the story of Terry Hitchcock's quest to run 75 marathons in 75 consecutive days. It's a one night only showing Nationwide, March 31st at 7pm.  I think this is a must see movie for any runner. 

There is limited seating so get your tickets today.

 You can purchase tickets HERE.

 

Are you planning on seeing the Movie?

Motivation Monday #4

Long run of 8 miles was a battle yesterday.  I Could not get my breathing down.  Not sure if it was the cold air or what.  I did finish but I had to walk/run.  When I got home I was so tired.

 There is always next Sunday.  I will keep my chin up and not let it bring me down.

Motivation Monday

Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right! -Henry Ford

Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.

John Quincy  Adams

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.

Muhammad  Ali

Perseverance is failing nineteen times and succeeding the twentieth.

Julie  Andrews

Some of the world's greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible.

Doug Larson

The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one.

Unknown

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure.

Unknown

If your going to run, Run Half Crazy

Kittee

Weekly Recap

Happy Sunday Runners!

Today is my long run, 8 miles.  And what a beautiful day for it.  45 degrees with a light rain.  I love to run in the rain.  Well as long as it is not raining cats and dogs..

Do you like to run in the Rain?

JL will be joining me, gotta love running buds.  We will be pushing each other that extra mile.

 

JL AND ME

I had a great last week, I felt great on my runs and I am really enjoy the bike.  The Heel is the same as it was last week.  Slowly but surely it is on the mend.  Very, Very Thankful I am still able to train for my April Half.

WEEKLY RECAP

I ran 3 days for a total of 15.5 miles

I rode the bike 3 days, 2 @ 50 min and 1 @ 30 min for a total of 54 miles

I stretched a ton, I am a stretch Nazi

I added some exercises to work my Core?

Are you a Stretch Nazi?

and

What exercises do you do to work your Core?

If you got out there and put in some miles this week, High Five!  Way to get out there and move.

Congrats to all you 20 milers and over Runners this weekend.  You are Incredible and such an Inspiration!

If your going to run, Run Half Crazy!

Motivation Monday #3

High Five to all you GREEN runners this weekend.

I had a great week last week I was able to run 3 days with a total of 18 miles.  I am still having to run easy because of the heel issue.  I also hopped on the spinning bike 3 days for 60 min each time, I was able to spin out 78 miles total.  I am totally loving the spinning bike.  I also was able to play 45 holes of golf this weekend.  Fun, Fun Weekend!

I have 5 weeks until my first Half Marathon of 2011!   Wow it is sneaking up on me fast.  I will be running the TX/NM Challenge in Hobbs New Mexico.  I know this race will not be a PR, but I am ready to get into race mode.  I just love the competition and being around runners who love to run as much as I do. 

Now on to 

Motivation Monday

I run with my head, my heart and my guts, because physically, I don't think I've got a great deal of talent or ability. I started at the bottom and worked up.

Steve Jones, former marathon world record holder

The long run is what puts the tiger in the cat.

Bill Squires

When in doubt, when in fear, be aggressive. Commit yourself and never look back.

Unknown

Champions are everywhere; all you need is to train them properly...

Arthur Lydiard

If you set your aim too high and don't fulfill it, then your enthusiasm turns to bitterness. Try for a goal that's reasonable, and then gradually raise it.

Emil Zatopek

Keep your dream in front of you. Never let it go regardless of how farfetched it might seem.

Hal Higdon

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.

T.S. Eliot

Life (and running) is not all about time but about our experiences along the way.

Jen Rhines

"Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."

Lou Holtz



If your going to run, Run Half Crazy

Kittee

Any PR'S this weekend?

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Irish Blessings

Motivation Monday

Due to circumstance out of my control Monday has decided to come twice this week.  Which is great for me since I was having computer issues and did not get to post my Motivation for the week.  

Motivation Monday

"If the word quit is part of your vocabulary, then the word finish is likely not."
 B.G. Jett

"There are as many reasons for running as there are days in the year, years in my life. But mostly I run because I am an animal and a child, an artist and a saint. So, too, are you. Find your own play, your own self-renewing compulsion, and you will become the person you are meant to be."

 George Sheehan

"Runners just do it - they run for the finish line even if someone else has reached it first."

Author Unknown

"Running is a big question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks you, ‘Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"

 Peter Maher

“A Runner must run with Dreams in his Heart.”

Emil Zatopek

“Endurance? You’ve only got to get out there and do it. Face up to it: man was meant to run.”

 Percy Cerutty

"Your toughness is made up of equal parts persistence and experience. You don't so much outrun your opponents as outlast and outsmart them, and the toughest opponent of all is the one inside your head."

 Joe Henderson

"You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face."

Gatorade

"Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."

Lou Holtz

If your going to run, Run Half Crazy

Kittee

Good Luck to all you Saint Patrick Day Shamrock runners this weekend!



Shoes

I went to a Running Store to get fit for a new pair of shoes.  Since it seems my feet have changed some since I have been running more.  They analyzed my feet, which was pretty cool, and told me I need a stability shoe. 

I decided to go with the Brooks Adrenaline

Brooks Adrenaline

They are light weight so I can run like the wind,  and they felt fabulous.  Here's the deal. The sales person told me I needed to go up a 1/2 size.  Which put me in a 9.  My feet felt like they were swimming in these shoes.  Mr. Incredible said I look like I have clown feet.

I kept asking are you sure, they feel too big. She said you need to buy the size 9.  Your feet will expand when you run long distance.   You will thank me later.

I have ran in them twice and I really do not like the fit.  My feet keep moving all over the place.  I am thinking of taking them back and getting a size 81/2.  

I sure as HELL heck am not thanking her at this moment. 

So here is the Question?

Do you buy your running shoes a 1/2 size bigger?

If your going to run, Run Half Crazy!

Motivation Monday

I hope everyone had Great Runs this weekend.  Did anyone finish a race this weekend?  High Five!  And for you folks putting in over 10 miles on a run… Awesome!  And those taking in a well deserved rest day… Thumbs Up!

Motivation Monday hmmmm What does that mean?  Well, every Monday I will post some motivational and inspirations quotes to get us all through the week.  How does that sound?       Away we go….

Motivation Monday

 "Running isn't about winning or losing, it's neither about glory or achievement, it's all about not quitting."
Ben Vachon  

   

In achieving your goals, you may run into roadblocks. Don't let that stop you, go around, over, or under. If you are committed to your goal you will find a way.
Catherine Pulsifer

I tell our runners to divide the race into thirds.
Run the first part with your head,
the middle part with your personality,
and the last part with your heart.
-Mike Fanelli

"We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves...The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find some outlet for this craving for freedom. No one can say, 'You must not run faster than this, or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is indomitable."Sir Roger Bannister

   

"Just remember – right, left, right, left....repeat."
Jordan F   

Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up.

It Knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed.

Every morning in Africa a lion wakes up.

It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve.

It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or gazelle -

When the sun comes up, you'd better be running.

Afican Proverb

Run hard, be strong, think big!

Percy Cerutty

The five S's of sports training are: Stamina, Speed, Strength, Skill and Spirit;

but the greatest of these is Spirit.

Ken Doherty

Believe in yourself, know yourself, deny yourself, and be humble.

John Treacy

The perfect run - The wind at your back, the sun in front of you, and your friend by your side.

Aaron Douglas Trimble

The marathon's about being in contention over the last 10K. That's when it's about what you have in your core. You have run all the strength, all the superficial fitness out of yourself, and it really comes down to what's left inside you. To be able to draw deep and pull something out of yourself is one of the most tremendous things about the marathon.
Rob de Castella

If your going to run, Run Half Crazy

Kittee

Happy Running and have a Fabulous Week!!!

 

Merci, Grazie, Muchas Gracias, Thank You

running friends for listening and understanding me.  It's nice to know that other runners experience the same thing. 

I hope you all took a little CRAZY with you today on your runs..

I woke up early this morning and really took my time getting ready for my run.   I kept thinking Fun.

Got a cup of coffee, read a little from the book I am reading for book club.   "Water for Elephants"  Pretty decent book so far. 

The weather was pretty chilly, 28 degrees.  Thank goodness wind was only 7mph.  I really wanted to run outside and get some good Vitamin D, that helps with depression right???

It also took me an hour and a half to get dressed in between starting laundry, dishes etc.  Sounds like I was stalling.. Yea I was...  No idea why.. I guess I wanted to run on my terms.

I started out by taking the dogs for a 1 mile warm-up walk.  They get so excited.



Daisy and Bella



Dropped the dogs off at the house and started running.  Heel was a little sore, not sure if it was just in my head.  I was favoring it a little, but once I got going I was good.  Wasn't really sure how far I was going either.  Just run that is what I told myself.  Just Run!

I finished my run at 5 miles.  So glad I got out there.  I iced the heel and did some stretching before I headed back to the laundry. 

I am still a little anxious about my training but I am going to keep every run simple and not worry so much.   Rest tomorrow.... 

I Hope you all are having a Fabulous weekend...


If your going to run, Run Half Crazy!

K.I.S.S.

I  have been MIA for the past few days doing some Sole Searching.

My training has not been going so well lately. Many factors can be figured in.

Weather

Work

Plantar Fasciitis

No Motivation a.k.a Depression

I have not been able to run farther then 4.5 miles in the last few weeks.  And now that I think of it my work-outs have been shit  Crap!

Should I start from the beginning...  Started training for the TX/NM Half Marathon Challenge  in the end of January.  With the help of a Running Coach, which I won off of a giveaway from Secrets of a Running Mom.  I am trying to get my Half down to 2 hours.  And this is the year I deem it will happen! 

I really have never seriously trained in the winter months and the weather here in the Panhandle of Texas has been Crazy along with my workload.  So I had to hit the treadmill for most of my training runs. I embraced the mill and was rocking it.  When my heel began to hurt.  I started switching shoes but nothing helped.  Ended up at the Doctor, Plantar Fasciitis was confirmed.  Night splint, ice, take it easy.  I have been swimming and riding the bike but it really is not the same.  I Love To Run!   

 Doctor said he would give me a cortisone shot in my foot if after a couple of weeks it wasn't any better.  I did a few short runs and then headed back to the Doc.  I received my shot on Monday.  I noticed a huge difference the next day.  I could walk with no pain.  I still have to wear the night splint, still need to take it easy on my runs, but no pain.  YEA! 

Too Late though Depression has set in.  I have no motivation to even get out there now.  What the heck is wrong with me?  I feel so overwhelmed that I can't seem to get my head back in the game.  I keep thinking of all the training I missed.  And how am I going to make up for it?  Do I have enough time to prepare for my Half?  

Thank goodness for my Running Buddy JL..  Cape Cods were the drink of choice as we solved our life's problems in as little as 2 hours.  I came to realize that I was taking the fun and simplicity out of running.  I want to run, I don't want to have to run...

So here is the new philosophy

Keep

It

Simple

Stupid

(K.I.S.S.)



I am going to keep my runs simple and fun. I will not fret about missing a run due to work, weather. (We have killer wind out here, today wind was blowing 30mph), or heel pain. I am going to find the joy in running again.  And it starts Tomorrow! 

Have you ever lost the fun in your run?

How did you get it back?

Any big plans this weekend?

If your going to run, Run Half Crazy!