Yep, still here!

Has it really been two months since I posted on here??  Holy cow time flies!!  I'm still here and still running!

In fact, I've participated in three events since I last posted: Pat's Run, The Night Run and a Father's Day 4-Miler.  I PR'd in two of those events and disappointed myself in the other.  But, you move on and keep your head up.

I'm in the final weeks of training for my next half marathon which takes place July 13th in San Diego!  I'm pretty excited for this run mostly because it's out of town, and I get to dress up!  I haven't trained as much as should (story of my life) and I'm sure I'll feel that while running.  But, it's the beginning of my week of vacation, and I can't wait!

I'm also excited to start more cross-training - this is definitely an area I've been lacking in, and I am hoping it will help my endurance and overall running abilities.  I've gone a year and a half with basically just running, and I think it' s time to step it up.  I really want to be in better shape and I know my running can improve.

While I am by no means a competitive runner (I know I'm not fast, so pass me, I don't care) - I've found myself comparing my results/times to others more and more lately.  And it's been getting me down.  Why?  I have nothing to prove to others.  I am running, which I never thought I'd do.  And I love it.  So what does it matter if someone else is faster than me?  It doesn't matter.  I have my own dreams and my own goals, and will feel good about my own accomplishments.  We are all unique - so don't compare yourself to everyone else :)

~ Courtney

Talking to Myself

I think I've felt uninspired to post on here for a while because I feel like I'm just talking to myself.  And maybe I am.  But I have also noticed that when I don't talk to myself about running and my goals and accomplishments or setbacks, I become uninspired about running.  Seems like a bit of a catch-22...

After "taking a break" while traveling, etc. getting back to where I was with my running has been a lot harder than I anticipated!  It shouldn't come as a surprise to me though - I read plenty of running magazines and articles that talk about it.  I just hadn't really experienced it for myself.  Now I know - breaks are SO not worth it.

If I'm being honest, I've also been struggling with my motivation.  My goal/resolution at the beginning of 2014 was to run in a race/event every month this year to keep me going and keep me motivated and inspired.  So far, so good.  I'm running in Pat's Run (www.patsrun.com) this coming weekend with my sister and I couldn't be happier to run with her for the first time.  I've signed up for three more half marathons this year, and a 10k next month and that leaves four openings for easier/fun events.  I'm happy to be sticking to my resolution, but at the same time feeling blah about training and running...

I've recently joined a couple of Facebook groups that focus on running - one local, one national and that's helping a little.  Seeing other's accomplishments, struggles, questions.  I've also done a couple of virtual runs to raise money for charities, and that always feels good.  I guess I'm just feeling more like "I can't" than "I can" lately.

Watching the Boston Marathon this morning was pretty amazing though.  To see those elite runners gliding along as if 26.2 miles was just a jaunt through the park on a normal day.  And the pace they were keeping!  Amazing!  It did make me realize I can do more.  I just need to push myself and believe in myself.  Maybe someone watching me run some time this year will be inspired to do the same - you just never know.  So here's to getting back on track :)

~ Courtney

Lessons Learned!

As I mentioned in my last post, I ran my second half marathon on March 9th.  And as I feared, my lack of training ahead of time caught up with me.

So, lesson #1 - Train.  Even if you "just" ran the same distance race two month prior and you've been running fairly consistently since then, you need to train.  Did I finish the half marathon?  Yes.  Did I have to take more walk breaks than during my first half marathon?  Yes.  Have I learned my lesson?  Yes.

Another big difference between my first and second halves, was the size of the event.  The first was a Rock N' Roll sponsored event with 16,000+ runners.  The second was a city sponsored event with about 300 runners.  Biggest difference aside from the crowds?  Aid stations.  The city sponsored event had way less stations, and they only had water at the stations.  I didn't realize that would be an issue for me until about mile 10 when my fingers started swelling and tightening up.  Guess who could have really used some Gatorade or Powerade for hydration??

So, lesson #2 - bring your own "ade".  Or just be sure to know if the aid stations at your event will offer some sort of sports drink and/or Gu or energy chews.  So on top of not training properly, I wasn't staying hydrated - not a good combo.  But now I know to pay more attention to the race details and/or just fill my "water" bottles with a sports drink so I can aid myself!

Last, but not least, I have continued to run without music.  No headphones, no iPod, nothing.  This is true on my daily runs and at events like the half marathon.  I know music can be motivating, and can help keep you going.  But do you know what happens without it?  You hear things - nature, people, life around you.  It's pretty amazing, and during an event, you might just make some new friends.  I did!  A couple miles in a man named Chuck caught up with me.  He noticed I wasn't wearing headphones and struck up a conversation.  We kept pace with each other and ran the next four or five miles together - which really helps pass the time!

So, lesson #3 - ditch the headphones.  You might make new friends.  You might actually enjoy the sounds that nature has to offer.  I promise it's very relaxing, and quite enjoyable to run with just your own thoughts even if no one else is around.  Give it a try!

Now, back to training, which I know needs to start including Fartleks and cross-training.  No pain, no gain!

~ Courtney

Guilty

I have to admit my guilt.  I've been a slacker the last few weeks.  And I'm going to pay for it - I am running another half marathon on March 9th!  Vacations have not been my friend this month, but ultimately, I'm to blame.

So, I better get my butt in gear and get moving!  And remember:

~ Courtney

Bling!

So, with my New Year's Resolution being to run a race in every month this year, I'm likely to collect a little bling.  But not every race offers a finisher's medal for participating.  No biggie - I just want to keep up with my training and running.

This past Saturday was February 1st, and the day I ran my February race - it was the only day this month I could fit one in!  Boy are we busy!  Anyhow, my hubby and I ran a 5k that only handed out awards to the top 3 male and female finishers overall, and then top three male and female finishers in each age group.  Guess who decided to try and earn a medal - no, not me.

My husband ran a decent race, was mad at himself for not pushing harder, and I finished in a respectable time, but by no means had pushed myself.  He wanted to leave right after (being that he had to head straight to work).  But I encouraged him to wait for the awards ceremony - you never know, right?  Low and behold, he won 1st place in his age group for men!  So proud of him!  Want to know what was funnier than that?  A minute later they called out my name for 3rd place in my age group for women!  What?!?!

I cannot tell you how much fun it was to earn a medal that way - I know I earned my medal for the 1/2 marathon (anyone who runs 13.1 miles deserves a medal).  But "winning" a medal is a whole new feeling of joy!  And motivation.

Good thing too - the Run Club I joined a few weeks back is kicking my butt, and just challenged each of us to run 60 miles this month.  Yikes!  Not only are there only 28 days this month, but I'm on vacation for a week - not a good combo.  But, challenge accepted.

So, here's to sticking to New Year's Resolutions, earning some bling, and taking on a new challenge!

~ Courtney

Success!

I ran 13.1 miles on Sunday!  It was my first half marathon, and I'm happy to say, likely not my last!  I was so nervous up until we ran across the start line (and there was no turning back).  But I ended up having an excellent running buddy who matched my pace and chatted with me the whole time.  What a difference it made to have someone to run with - normally my husband ditches me (and he did Sunday as well) and I run alone.  Having someone else to run with and distract me was awesome!

The miles just ticked along, and before I knew it we had made it to 4.5.  Then to 8.1 (well over half way)!  And then we tackled a horrible hill and made it to mile 10.6 - only two and a half miles to go!!  I really couldn't believe it!  My legs were getting tired for sure, but the finish was so close.  One more quick water stop and words of encouragement from the volunteers and we were on our way.

Getting close to the finish line the music got louder, the spectators grew thicker and my drive to finish grew stronger!  I crossed the finish line with a big goofy grin on my face and I honestly wanted to cry - happy tears of course!  What a great feeling!  Not only did I feel dumb for doubting myself, I felt amazing for what I had just accomplished!  A half marathon done and in 2:27:46 - not bad for my first if I say so myself!

My resolution for 2014 is to run a race in every month this year.  It doesn't have to be a half marathon, although my husband is now addicted to that high, so we're eyeing at least four more for this year!  I may just do a 5k or a 10k, whatever!  I just want to continue to keep up with training and getting better!  And I'm not going to lie - crossing a "real" finish line is a great feeling!

Here's a few pics from Sunday!

~ Courtney

The End Is Near

3 days.  And I think I'm in denial.  Not really - I'm actually really nervous, and super excited to complete my first half marathon!

Words cannot express how happy I'll be when this is over - I know I'm going to feel so good about accomplishing this goal.  But I have been stressing myself out the last couple of weeks, worrying that I'm not ready, and I won't be able to finish.  And then I remind myself that I'm not trying to win - just finish.

So, I head in to this weekend (praying I don't get sick, because the flu seems to be making the rounds) taking it easy, doing my last couple of easy runs, and trying to remember that even if I have to walk every couple of miles for a minute or two, I will finish.  And most of all - it will be fun!

Good luck to anyone else running their first (second, tenth, etc) race this weekend too!  No quitting - we've got this!  

~ Courtney