Lead by Example

What a cliche, right? "Lead by Example." But it is so true. I have friends out there who always looked at me like I was crazy for running, especially as much as I do. Now, granted, running marathons isn't everyone's idea of an enjoyable Saturday afternoon, but running in general can be. Experience has taught me that urging people to run doesn't really work. However, just running and being the living example of the benefits can be really motivating for some people. I have had a handful of friends call me up, text, email, or whatever to let me know that they are now training for a half marathon, they are training to improve their run times for their PT (physical training) tests for the military, or (like yesterday) that they are seriously going to train for a full-on marathon. To no end-this makes my heart smile. One, because they know that I am here to listen and encourage as a friend, but more importantly, they are feeling the benefits of what running can do for their health and they are taking it to the next level. Good luck my compadres!

PS. I'm running the Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon tomorrow--I might need some luck of my own!

Ahhhh, the California Sun...Is it so Sunny?

The weather is beautiful over here in Northern California! Just moved West this past week. It's been CAARAZZZY the past year. So, I am at it again, trying to blog. North Dakota treated me well. I finished the Air Force Marathon under the 4 hours that I was training for. Quite the accomplishment for me! I also ran on the Air Mobility Command Marathon team which was an honor and experience I will never forget. Thanks to all those who ran and encouraged!!

Next week I will (hopefully) be completing the Seattle Rock 'n Roll Marathon. I didn't get to train nearly as much as I would have liked, so finishing it might be a bit rough. I'm hoping that this marathon will be the kick in the butt that I need to get my act together to start running more consistently. Who uses a marathon to do that?!? Haha!

Training through the winter and spring in North Dakota was probably the most difficult thing to accomplish this past year. The military kept pulling me away for weeks at a time for training (not the running kind:); there was ice on the ground 6 months or something crazy like that which I tried running on but nearly fell on my face...pretty funny sight actually. When spring hit we had flooding all over the state so we housed evacuees in the gym (so not only was there ice and water all over the place, there was no gym to run in either), and the list goes on and on and on. I am really not one to make excuses, but I really did try to run as much as I could. The worse part is I STILL gained 15 pounds when I was up there running through the winter. AGH!

Now that summer time is here in California and it's swimsuit season, I really need to get those running shoes on and hit the trails. Especially with the extra 15 pounds of jiggle I acquired! I really am scared of the neighborhoods and crime here though. I've been told there are gangs, streets to stay away from, drive by shootings, and all kinds of other stuff. The bad part is, I don't know the details of when, where, who, what, etc. so I am afraid to go outside for a run! Especially during hours of darkness!! I'm thinking until I get some better knowledge of the area, I am going to stick with running on the base.

I ran yesterday, just two miles...a quick two miles because the dogs were dragging me along. It was fun, but scary because I didn't really know where I was going through these neighborhoods. I kept telling myself I had the dogs there for my protection. In reality, they are labs and probably wouldn't do much else but lick the attacker! Am I just paranoid?!? Or pessimistic?? Anyways, a run is in order for tomorrow. I'm hoping to get 6 to 8 easy miles in. Gotta wake up early!!! Ciao for now!

Karrie

training...training...training...

Run: Smooth and tiring at the same time. 6 miles. 51:04 total time. 8:20 min/mile pace. 570 Calories.

Well, my training is sort of up and down these days. I have been sick, going through this divorce, and work is interupting-but-I am still getting in those miles to train for the United States Air Force Marathon. This past week I've ran 34 miles. 10 on Sunday, 18 on Wednesday, and 6 today. My calves are really tightening up. Does anyone know of good stretches or ideas to help out with them? I have a feeling if I don't start loosening them up now, they are going to cramp up during the marathon. I saw it happen to this guy during the Rome marathon and it looked SO painful. I'd like to avoid it as much as possible.

I keep finding more and more running trails out here in Grand Forks, ND. My runs seem to get better and better because I'm always on the search for something new to find. Running in a new area is proving to be quite the adventure. The dogs are starting to get up on their mileage too. They ran the 6 miles with me this morning. Here is an example of the trails that I am running on. Most of them are paved so they can be hard on the knees, but they get the job done:) The views are beautiful and there aren't a lot of people around so I frequently get lost in thought while I'm running. It really is enjoyable.

Turning 180

So, my running went to a screaming hault when my husband told me one day that he wanted a divorce. Out of the blue. But, I've taken the anger I felt from his irresponsibility with my emotions and life and turned it into something productive and positive. I have been running like a champ lately and it feels great. One thing I have learned through this is that you can't control anyone else's actions but your own. And it's an obvious lesson, but I have really felt it this time around.

Anyways, I got accepted on a marathon team for the Air Force, so I have to really gear in on my training. The marathon is on Sept. 20. My goal is to get under 4 hours and if I continue with this determination I will do it. Being a part of the team for the Air Force has shown me how far I have come in my dedication and training to running. It feels great!!!

Yesterday's run was 13 miles. I don't have the stats right with me, but this next weekend I'll be shooting for 15 miles. Wish me luck!!

First long run in a while

Run: Intense. 9.2 miles. 1:25:52 total time. 9:20 min/mile pace. 864 Calories.

I hit the pavement, pathways, and trails this morning with my husband behind me on the bicycle. He was a kind of motivator for me when the going got tough--especially up those hills. My pace was relatively slow...I didn't want to overdue myself considering all of the dizziness I have been experiencing lately. The sleep I had was PHENOMENAL last night, so I woke up feeling very refreshed. I wanted to get to 8 miles at least, but was striving for 10. I crapped out at 9.2, so I guess I was right in between. It was a hard run; the sun was out, the wind was blowing against me, and I wasn't familiar with the terrain. I brought plenty of water and a couple of gel packs, which definitely helped...but it wasn't enough to keep me going.

This run proved a lot to me today; I need to increase my water and carbohydrate intake in order to last longer. I also need a more positive attitude; more times than not I was thinking, "Man, I just need to stop." A mantra is one thing I will invest some critical thinking into. Each step I take will coincide with a positive word to keep me going past the ninth mile. You-Can-Do-This...or something along those lines. Like I said, I need to think about it some more ;) Anyways. It was a good run. Tomorrow is a day off from running, Monday will be spent lifting weights, and Tuesday I will be stomping ground once more.

Saw the Doc today...

...and he attributes my dizziness to the insomnia I have been suffering. I will be taking a prescribed sleeping medication to help with this, so hopefully the dizziness will cease. Viola!

Whoa...I feel dizzy

Run: 6.64 miles, 1:00:19 minutes, 9:04 average pace

So, I did a 6 mile run today. It was my first in a while, and all I remember thinking is, "why isn't this enjoyable to me?" I'm just going to let it go and believe that it's all because I haven't ran in a while and I put on five pounds. Soon enough I will be down to my 118 pounds and working harder and enjoying it more than ever.

To get back on topic: my current runs (3 yesterday and 6 today) have left me in a state of woozy, dizzy, nauseousness. It really sucked. I have been dizzy for two days now and it's making me sick. I don't know if I should attribute it to the running or if it's something different. I am going to the doctor tomorrow morning to hopefully figure out the cause. No matter, I will keep on running. I'm going for an 8 miler this weekend!

I thought moving to North Dakota I wouldn't find very many runners-but I have been proved quite wrong. I already have a training partner for the Air Force Marathon (September 20) who is really pumped up about it. Motivation will keep us fit.