Benched

I think my foot is healing. But I'm still not up to a 3 mile run, let alone the 16 miles I was supposed to conquer today.

I have "benched" myself.

I am hoping this "benching" is just temporarily, though. I am really tired of being injured all the time. "I am much too young to feel this damn old" (yeah, I know - Garth Brooks says - and sings - it better than me - enjoy the video).

I have made the executive decision to "just" do the San Diego Rock 'n Roll 1/2 vs. the Full. The truth is that I would give almost anything to say "I've completed a full marathon." But the reality is that I want to keep on running for a long time after that Marathon. And if I don't start pulling it together and getting smarter with what running is doing to my body, I may not be able to. I feel as though the 1/2 may even be streneous on me, but I love it. My heart hurts for the day when I can't run anymore. So I'll take my time between now and June. I know that on any given day I can run a half marathon. I am not worried about that....and that makes me feel better!

While I was "benched" today, Ryan and I went for about an 11-12 mile bike ride. It was absolutely gorgeous out. We went on trails, and I really enjoyed every single minute of it! I guess at the end of the day, working out is working out. However I can be active, moving, happy and strong is all that really matters! 


I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! CHEERS!

14 Miles and a Pedicure

Yesterday I ran 14 miles!

This is the furthest distance I have ever run (2nd beind the Nike Women's Half Marathon). This was an accomplishment for me.

Sometimes, though, accomplishments go without feeling 100%!

That is what my run looked like. I made great time (probably went too fast for a long run) and stayed fairly consistent (especially during the last half). I have great physical energy when I'm out there running that far. I feel like I could run forever. But my problem is that my legs and my feet get so achy and sore. The second I stop (at a stoplight or to tie my shoe) I feel like I'm going to fall apart.

By the time I was to mile 10 or 11, it took all the mental power I had to keep plugging through it. Part of my problem, too, is that I am in desperate need of new running shoes. I have trained way too long with my Nike+ LunarGlides because I love them. But it's time for a new pair!

In the end, I did it! And that's what I believe is so powerful about long-distance running. We train our minds to accept, to endure and to finish anything!

I am trying to research more and learn as much as I can about what to do "post-long runs." After this run, I drank a ton of water. And I had a cup of cafffeine, as I've read numerous times that caffeine helps with post-recovery. As soon as I got home, I iced my legs and I used the Lacrosse Ball. Later in the day, I went out and got myself a Pedicure at Jellyfish Spa in Danville, CA! It felt so great and refreshing. And my toes look splendid again, don't you think?

Before I went to bed, I iced more, and I did the Lacrosse ball all over my legs and feet. It was painful - very painful! It had to be done.

When I woke up this morning, I felt a little stiff and sore. But feeling this way reminded me that - I did it! I'm still alive and I'm just one step closer to completing my first Marathon. But first things first....mentally preparing for the 16 miles I have this upcoming weekend! Cheers!

12 Miles & a Long-Distance Running Partner

I was thrilled with my run this morning! My stats from the Nike+ Application read like this:

ran 12.07 mi on 2/28/2010 at 6:43 AM with a pace of 9'15"/mi

I have not run that much since I did the Nike Women's Half Marathon this past October. (And ps for all you - NIKE WOMEN'S MARATHON FANS OUT THERE CHECK THIS OUT - I would love to promote this amazing event for Nike, as I did the Human Race last year! Let's campaign for me to do this! Join in the discussion!)I felt alive and accomplished today! 

Running long distances not only teaches you that you can do anything, but what I've also found is that it teaches you that you will be able to go above and beyond what you thought you could do! I thought I might absolutely struggle today since I haven't done this far in a long time. To my surprise, I was not tired (physically) at all! The only thing I felt at the end of the run was a little "achy - ness." I succeeded! And now I can be ready for the next long-distance hurdle!


I ran today with a new partner, Mrs. Joelle Diboki. I am so thankful and happy I found someone who is just as passionate about Nike Plus and Running as I am! We were perfect running partners, too, as we pace about the same on our long days! It's so important to find a great long-distance running partner. Literally, 12 miles can feel like just a few when you're gabbing the whole time! Thanks for running with me today, Joelle!

And once the run was over, I went straight home. I took a nice shower and then went out for breakfast - a nice, big, delicious breakfast! I was so hungry. I paid no attention to what I ate. My body was just screaming - FEED ME! And so I did. And it was just perfect!

10 Reasons for 10 Miles

It's been 4+ months since I've run as far as I ran today. In honor of this, I thought it would be only appropriate to give the Top 10 Reasons that I love 10+ Miles:

1. I feel free.
2. I feel strong.
3. My mind takes me to places that only 10+ miles can take you.
4. I can listen to one hell of a playlist.
5. I love the way "getting into a rhythm" feels.
6. I get a happy, sappy-kind of emotional.
7. I overcome the "what-if-Ican't" fears.
8. I am forced to stay fairly strict with the GAPS Diet. If not, my stomach will tell me at mile 3 or 4:)
9. I feel a high that only 10+ can give me.
10. Because I CAN love it!

I have been much too concerned these past few months about the fact that "running breaks down muscle." And I have been much too concerned with what other people think of long-distance running.

At the end of the day (as long as I'm smart about how I'm running and not in awful pain) running makes me happy. And perhaps that's reason #11 - the BEST reason - RUNNING. MAKES. ME. HAPPY.

I don't think one can understand until, literally, you walk (or run) in someone else's shoes. I'm a happier, more relaxed and energetic person. Want proof? Just ask my husband:)

So stop thinking, lace up and get running! Cheers! And ps. I'm taking the plunge - June 6th, San Diego Rock 'n Roll MARATHON!

P90X Doubles: Phase 2

P90X Doubles and Phase 2 began yesterday. I am already loving it! "Doubles" in Phase 2 = 3 times per week I'll do 2 workouts/day. One workout is cardio and the second a normal P90X Workout.

Yesterday I ran 4 miles in the morning and then did the P90X Chest, Shoulders, Triceps and Ab Ripper X Workout. I woke up today sore! I love that feeling!

I will begin training for the San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon beginning the week of February 15th. I am so excited. I have every intention of completing the full marathon! But the good news is that they just added a half marathon this year, too. If my body cannot hold up for the marathon training, I'd still love to do the half! This is my "next hurdle" to overcome - a marathon! But what better place than San Diego, June 6th, to do it at?!

Today for P90X was the Plyometric workout. It #neverfails, the Plyo workout is hard. When the workout is over I'm always drenched in sweat. But I love it. And this is why I #carryon with the entire P90X Program!



Tomorrow is another Doubles day. I can't hardly wait! Cheers!