Week 11: Back in black

I ran 14.5 miles this week!

445.17 miles to go.

Maybe it was the sunshine, the love of my family, the pushing of my husband or just the feeling that I would see someone I went to high school with... but however it happened, I ran this week. Being home really revived me, in more ways than one.

My I-T Band felt great, especially with some stretching and rolling with my runner's stick. I could feel my leg muscles screaming for mercy and I didn't stop. In fact, I liked the pain at first. It reminded me of the good ole college days and how sore I was after my first preseason two-a-day in college.

Getting back to Indiana is good - and the weather is not too much different than South Carolina's right now. Which makes it easier to get out and DO SOMETHING! I ran just as much here as I did back at my parents' which really surprised me. Looking forward to next week!

Week 10: Carolina on my mind

This week I ran ZERO miles.

459.67 miles to go.

I never thought I would go one week without running (unless due to injury) let alone two weeks sitting on my butt. I'll spare you from my excuses. It is what it is.

Next week, I'm heading to South Carolina. Hopefully a milder climate will allow for a few more runs!

I hope you have a marvelous holiday and get more runs in that I have lately. I'd love to hear from those of you who find me at least entertaining and learn how you stay in shape or plan to get back in shape in the winter months. Post comments!!

Week 9: I'm such a loser

This week I ran ZERO miles.

459.67 miles to go.

Boo. No words can describe how annoyed I am with myself. I made absolutely no effort to get out a run a foot let alone a mile this week. 

Week 8: Baby, it's cold outside

This week I ran 3.2 miles.

459.67 miles to go!

If you've never ran in central Indiana during the month of December, then you're really missing out. Icy winds that make 40 degrees feel like 15, short days (thank you Daylight Savings Time), ice patches in the roads and, of course, the occasional snow. It's a runner's paradise!

OK, so I'm trying really hard not to make excuses for myself (can you tell?). But with a full-time job, a kid and bad weather, it's not as easy as I thought it would be to find time to run two miles a day. Here's the truth: I'm struggling.

I was able to get out ONCE this week but even then, I had a time limit so I could get the kid in time for his swim lesson. I'm hoping I can get back on track, but chances are the weather will only get worse and my schedule won't be changing too much to allow for a run every day.

The good news is I'm not having any more trouble with my I-T Band. So there's that.

Week 7: Thanksgiving

This week I ran 2 miles.

462.87 miles to go!

I don't think I need to explain to you why I only ran two miles this past week. Hello... Thanksgiving! Not to mention, it was brutally cold where we were and if we weren't eating we were in the car on the way to visit more family.

The lack of activity showed this morning when I weighed myself. I'm up three pounds. Ugh.

Today I started a natural detox that promotes healthy liver function, EveryDay Detox by Traditional Medicinals. It's a detox herbal tea that you drink 2-3 a day for six weeks. It doesn't taste especially good, but it's warm and I'll take it on a day like today. The box says it's good with lemon so I may try to get a couple on my way home from work today.

Speaking of later today, I'm hoping to get at least three miles in before dinner tonight. I need to take advantage of days without snow while I can!

Week 6: Back in the Saddle

This week I ran 3.13 miles.

464.87 miles to go!

So Saturday I set out to run another 5k, this time just around my neighborhood. Not once did I experience any leg pain and when I got home I didn't feel the need to ice or take Aleve. I think it's safe to say I'm back in the saddle again! 

After running, my loving husband used the runner's stick on my legs. I'd be lying if I told you it felt good. In fact, I was in so much pain that I may have caused our young son some trauma. He knelt beside me the whole time, holding my hand saying, "It's OK, mama. I sorry, mama." I may or may not have said that I hated his dad... 

Ultimately, I'm positive my husband's "therapy" did more good than harm. I felt great the day after the run and I'm ready to go again today. 

My biggest supporter and me

Week 5: Baby Steps

This week I ran 3.1 miles.

468 miles to go!

I ran the Girls on the Run of Hamilton County 5k on Saturday with my husband, son (in his jogging stroller) and a family friend. I was able to run a 10 min/mile pace without stopping -- an effort I'm pretty proud of considering I haven't ran in two weeks.

Too bad my name was wrong on my bib. But 33rd out of 243 is pretty good. To be fair, most of the runners were girls in the GOTR program. I was so inspired by each of them. I found myself cheering them on and they yelled for me, too. They smiled the whole time, laughing even with their friends. I would have loved to have ran my first 5k in elementary or middle school instead of when I was 29 years old! Seriously, if you're not familiar with this program and want to learn more about it, the best thing you can do is sign up for our next 5k in spring 2014. I'll post links when I have the info.

All in all, I consider this weekend's achievement to be my baby steps back into a real running routine. I'm hoping with some ibuprofen, ice and a foam roller I can get in at least five this week at a reasonable pace. Here's to hoping the weather stays sunny!

Week 4: Healing

This week I ran a total of zero miles.

471.1 to go.

In an effort not to screw up my leg further, I didn't run this past week and tried to massage my I-T Band to the best of my ability. Granted, "the best of my ability" would probably be graded as a C- for effort BUT I'm no longer in pain walking up or down stairs and I'm not having to ice/take ibuprofen nightly. I think I'm ready to get back in the swing of things.

Lucky for me, as I'm feeling ready to run again the temperature in central Indiana has plummeted and this morning we had about an inch of snow on the ground. 

This weekend I'll be adding some more miles to my running log in the Girls on the Run 5K. Check out this great article on what I'll be doing Saturday morning with my family and why I'll be painting my pinky fingernails blue.

Week 3: Frustration

This week I ran a total of 2.5 miles.

471.1 to go...

As you can tell, I didn't run Saturday. During what was supposed to be a three mile run last Monday to help stay loose and ready for race day, I was in so much pain I had to walk the remaining half mile home. I've tried to rest and use the foam roller as I can (it hurts really bad and I'm not good with pain). This whole I-T Band issue is really a pain. No pun intended.

Nothing's worse than having a t-shirt from a race you didn't run.

So, I'm hoping to get a light jog in this week after using some heat before running, taking a couple of ibuprofens and icing afterwards. We'll see how it goes...

Resting for race day

Normally, I'd get a few shorter runs in before I tackle 13.1, but this week my "practice" runs are canceled. I'm having I-T Band issues, so I'm trying to take it easy so I can run on Saturday.

So, what is the I-T Band? Why does it act up for runners?

Well, first of all, the clinical name for it is Iliotibial Band Syndrome. A muscle below the hip, the tensor fascia, is connected by a long band of connective tissue that acts like a tendon going down the outside of the leg. It connects to the shin bone below the outside of the knee. This tendon tries to keep the leg from excess motion. Once it is weakened and continues to be pushed beyond what it can handle, it gives way at the point of the most stress. This is usually just below the knee on the outside of the leg.

I started experiencing slight pain on the outside of my leg just under my knee following my long run last Thursday. A second long run on Sunday pushed it too far. Monday, I couldn't go one mile without walking because of the pain I felt extending my leg - especially going downhill.

So how do you treat I-T Band Syndrome? You rest.

Awesome. 

That's exactly what someone wants to do the week before their last mini marathon of the season. It's the perfect way to kick off a distance running goal of 500 miles, don't you think?

Sorry for my sarcasm but it's hard to be optimistic. I want to run the race, not start out running and end up walking. So, I'm not running this week. I'm icing every night and consuming anti-inflammatory medicine as directed...

... and crossing my fingers.

Week 2: Preparing for race day

So, this week I ran a total of 17.2 miles.

Just 473.6 to go!

I surprised myself this past week with how easily I put eight miles under my belt in crappy weather conditions. It was about 40 degrees and spitting ice cold rain during the last five miles of my run, but I didn't stop. See… running is more mental than you thought!

I was able to take the dog with me for the first three, drop him off at home and then finish the next five without having to really leave my neighborhood. Love MapMyRun!

For those of you who detest treadmills like I do but aren't a fan of the Indiana fall/winter weather, I recommend buying several good running jackets. I have four heavy running jackets that are great for cold weather runs. They can be pretty pricey, but I was able to find one at TJ Maxx for $24.99 this weekend. However, if you are concerned about quality and having a jacket that will last more than a year, I haven't found one better than the lululemon Can't Stop Jacket. 

I've had my jacket for almost two years now and you would never be able to tell I've worn it in some of the nastiest conditions. It was a Christmas present from my mother-in-law, so my recommendation is to add this to your list because it's not cheap… At just under $150, it's definitely on the high end of running jackets but trust me, it's well worth the investment!

This Saturday, I'll take on 13.1 of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. I'm a little nervous since I haven't ran further than nine miles in my training (normally, I do 11). It's a little late to try to get 11 under my belt, so this week is all about stretching, staying loose and eating right. I'd like to PR this weekend and hopefully the weather and my body will accommodate!

Running Ambition

Today I had the opportunity to go for a long run and I took it. Sometimes when I get out on the street and start off I can immediately feel myself giving up. Let's be honest, I'm not a runner. It's just something I'm forcing my body to do. Today, however, as soon as I got out of the house I was pumped and ready to go. I knew I needed to get eight miles in and I wasn't the least bit scared or uncertain that I could do it.

Let me take you back to how I first started running. I was 29 and had a three month old baby. My triathlete husband signed me up for the Indianapolis Monumental 5K so I downloaded the "Couch to 5K" program. I'm dead serious when I tell you I am not a runner. Yes, I played field hockey in college. Yes, that required running. But you can ask my coach, I was one of the slowest distance runners on the team. A three mile run in preseason practice nearly killed me. I had to stop multiple times and cramped almost the entire time. Sprinting after a ball? Now THAT I can do!

To me, running was always punishment. "Take a lap," was the common shout from most of my coaches growing up if I screwed up or wasn't paying attention. So who would want to take a 5K lap?! What's the enjoyment in that?

I started out the Couch to 5K program slowly and little uncertain of myself. I finished it able to run 3.1 miles nonstop, averaging a 10 minute mile. It worked. Plain and simple. If you're looking for a way to get started, I highly recommend it.

Now, two 5Ks, two 10Ks, one 15K, three mini-marathons and one marathon later, who would have thought I'd be getting faster and improving my form as a runner? Certainly not me. I firmly believe if I can do this, anyone can. Don't believe me? Sign up for a 5K today and put yourself to the test.

Week 1: Getting the hang of things

So, this week I ran a total of 9.2 miles.

Just 490.8 to go!

The weather and some weekend travel plans threw a wrench in my goal of getting an eight mile in before Monday, but I think I can catch up this week.

Overall, I feel good about my goal and I'm up to the challenge. I've discovered that I'm not drinking enough water, so I've been really focused on drinking eight cups a day and tracking them. In the past, I've used various apps to track my daily caloric intake, activity and water consumption. Lately, I've just been using my Fitbit dashboard and I think it works well.

I bought a Fitbit Zip activity tracker on Amazon for less than $50. I love it because it's small, and has a clip on the back so I can put it in my pocket or clip it to my running shorts. Since I work downtown and do a lot of walking, it's nice to have an idea of how far I actually do walk in a day and approximately how many calories I burn without making a conscious effort to do so.

I still utilize MapMyRun to create my routes and get an idea on the distance, but I wear my Fitbit as well to confirm how far I've gone. It also makes me competitive with myself, wanting to outdo what I did the day before, etc. 

What apps/devices do you prefer?

Girls on the Run

Have you heard of Girls on the Run (GOTR)? If you have, then you already know why I'm so proud to be a part of such an amazing organization. For those of you less familiar, here's what GOTR is all about:

"We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running."

In a nutshell, GOTR provides a curriculum and activities for young girls from 3rd to 8th grade that promotes confidence, healthy habits, honesty and friendship. I wish it existed when I was in school. It's so much more than a running club!

This fall, I applied for and accepted a position on the GOTR of Hamilton County (Ind.) board of directors. I'm thrilled to be a part of this organization and look forward to volunteering in various ways.

For those of you in the greater-Indianapolis area, I encourage you to sign up for our GOTR 5K on Nov. 16, 2013. It is a run/walk for the entire family at Saxony in Fishers. Visit www.GOTRHamiltonCounty.org to sign up today! All proceeds go to GOTR.

Feel free to comment any questions about the organization or upcoming 5k.

Shoes can change your life, ask Cinderella

Two years ago I started running to lose the weight I gained during pregnancy. My healthy baby boy was born in June 2011 and my goal was to run (without stopping) the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon the following May. Well, I did it and two weeks later I ran the Geist Half Marathon beating my earlier time by nearly five minutes. That fall, I completed the Indianapolis Marathon and crossed 26.2 off my bucket list. This year, I ran the Derby Festival Mini-Marathon in Louisville, with a new PR two minutes faster than Geist. Now, I'm preparing for the Indianapolis Monumental Mini-Marathon in November. Through all of these races and all the training runs, one brand of shoe has been there for me: Brooks.

When I first started looking at serious running shoes, my husband (who is a 2x IRONMAN and triathlete) wanted to be sure I had a quality shoe that helped me and didn't cause shin splints, blisters, etc. I'm thankful I had him with me! I was fitted to the Brooks Pure Cadence and for Christmas in 2011, my parents bought me the scuba blue pair. For my first marathon, I bought a pair in hot pink. Now, with both original pairs worn from runs and races, I bought my third pair: Pure Cadence 2.

I LOVE THIS SHOE. Obviously, I'm not afraid of brightly colored shoes, but more importantly - these really fit my foot and make running comfortable. I have a narrow foot with a high arch. When I first started running, I had a tendency to heel strike and I'm guilty of supination. These shoes have seriously helped me to run more neutral to the ground and not hit heel first. Literally, they changed the way I ran. As a result, I'm able to run farther and faster. Who doesn't like that?

Here in Indianapolis, I swear by Runners Forum and Blue Mile. Both have amazing staff and will help you find the best shoe for your foot and level of activity. 

The Beginning

So I recently had the idea, while running, that instead of running to train for a race I should run for a distance goal. Something hard. Something to challenge myself. Something that will force me to run even if I don't think I have the time. The only question was, how far?

For those of you that know me, you know I am a HUGE IndyCar fan. I love open wheel racing. Formula One and IndyCar in particular. I watch it on TV whenever I can, I DVR it when I can't and I look forward to the month of May more than most women my age. I'm a Hoosier. It's in my blood. Even though I grew up all over the place, primarily in South Carolina, my family is from Indiana. "Racing and basketball, that's what Indiana does." (see what I did there?)

So as I'm running my six miles in preparation for my upcoming mini marathon next month, I decide 500 is a good number. 500 miles, just like the Indianapolis 500. I will run 500 miles between Sunday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, May 25.

That's 222 days away from today and I'm already nine miles in.

This blog is my running journal. It's going to hold me accountable. It may motivate me even. I look forward to posting new PRs (personal records), experiences and gear as I embark on my journey of running to 500.