Surfside Beach Trip

 

This past weekend Michael and I headed to Surfside beach for a much needed get away.

Of course our vacation wasn't much different then a normal day.

I woke up at 6 and had my energy drink on the porch (except this porch had an ocean view).

 

 

Not long after that Michael woke up and we just sat on the porch and took everything in.

Once I felt awake I decided what better way to start the day then  go on run.

 

 

I never ran on a beach before. It was actually a little tough. I kept trying to run where the sand was hard but would have to swerve so the waves wouldn't hit me.

I also faced a ton of "creeks".

I have no clue what they are but they were everywhere.

They were just wide enough where I couldn't jump over it.

Typically I just run through creeks.

But... I was wearing my new road shoes and didn't want to get them wet.

I want to keep them fresh for the marathon.

So I literally stood there deliberating if I should take the dive or turn around.

 

 

Of course I took the dive and completely soaked my feet.

Around 3 miles I turned to see if I could see Michael and I didn't so I decided to turn back. I eventually saw him but poor guy. Jogging, walking...its just not his thing.

 

After he saw me he let out a huge sigh of relief. He looked tortured. Luckily, we both agreed the beach was a bitch challenge so we headed to my stomping ground, the streets. 

 

I ended up walking with Michael the rest of the way back.

 

 

 I think he appreciated it.

 

After that we showered up and hit the board walk and ate this.

 

 

Coconut Gelato with Coconut Shavings

 

You just don't know y'all...

 

I just found out after 20 something years that I am no longer allergic to coconut so this was a total experience. 

Totally made the trip worth while.

yummm.

 

I so miss the down time, the beach and that gelato, especially that gelato.

 

So how was your weekend? Did you get a run in? Try any new foods?

 

Why Run?

When you meet a runner its like meeting someone from your town but in a completely different state. You suddenly are bffs and can relate to everything. I am like other runners to an extent but not lately. Running and fitness has taken on a new meaning to me.

I started to run for stress relief. You see I have a mild anxiety disorder. I have had it under control due to medication and fitness for sometime now. After my marathon my husband and I wanted to slowly come off the medication so we could eventually start our own little family.

 

We talked about babies for months before the marathon. It made us so happy talking about having our own baby.

 

We thought the timing would be superb. I was in optimal health, accomplished a major goal and  I was so happy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We knew weaning would take a awhile but the goal was to get off. You know, be medicine free and then start a family.  I knew I was ready to get off the medication. I wanted to get off of it. I didn't need it! Well, this didn't happen.

I went to my trusted doctor and we began the weaning process. After about a week I started to notice a difference in my mood. I was angry, I didn't want to workout, I didn't want to do anything but sleep. Then I started making mistakes on simple things. All of a sudden my side effects were effecting my life and those around me. I waited several weeks hoping, praying my body just had to adjust to the "newness." But it didn't.

It was decided I needed to stay on the medication. Our plans to start a family over the next year are no more. I cried a little and felt really disappointed in myself. I've done everything to overcome this "anxiety" yet it plagued me. It won, this time.

So now, a family isn't in the near future. Hard times lie ahead when we make the choice to wean again. It actually brings me to tears writing this. To not have control over your body for whatever reason is so defeating especially when you are truly happy!

Honestly, I decided to not think of children. AT.ALL.

No planning.

No, can you imagine a little Michael?

No nothing, yet.

I have decided that I want to take control of my body.

I'm about to be 30.

I don't have children.

And because of that I have decided I am going to be the healthiest I have ever been. I am going get in optimal shape. Because... I have no reason not to.

I have found solitude in that I can take control of my body in a positive manner.

Why do I run? Not to win races, not to get more medals (although I do like them!), not to PR but because it helps me cope with things I can not change.

 

 

"How do you cope with life?"

"Have you ever found refuge in running?"

Booked

The eyerolling moment when you're dragging yourself out of bed at 5:30 and telling yourself dont worry you can sleep in on Saturday and realizing you wont get to sleep in for not one not two not 3 but 4 Saturdays. Cheers to dedicated, sleepless runners. April 13 the BIG test run with The Bird April 20 volunteer at the sweetwater 50k April 27 THE marathon May 4 the darkside 8 hour run (just cause it seemed like fun)

Who'd You Rather?

TMZ has a thing called "who'd you rather" and when I look at the image of my 21 miler and the marathon's I cant help but think the same thing...

My Longest Run

So my marathon is inching closer and after going through a I hate running spell I am happy to say I'm back in the game. I think its the shitty weather that does it. I barely ran and was miserable every run during December and January. I told my self come February I had to get my act together because there was no way I was going to even attempt at marathon if I wasn't prepared. So I started jogging again. A lot on the treadmill which actually is a good thing for me because I have been able to zone out. That has been another problem lately I was so focused on my time and distance I was just miserable. So Ive been getting on the treadmill...one right in front of a window where I can stare at my reflection and just daze out and run. Creepy, weird? Whatevs. I got my running mojo back and that's what matters.

Since I have been inching my miles back up I thought I would attempt the sweetwater 50 volunteer run. Of course, my goal was to make 20 miles and not run the entire thing. Anyway, it was awesome. I was rather exhausted as the hubs and I got in the night before at 11 from NOLA and promptly woke at 6 to go on my longest run. If that ain't rogue than I don't know what is ;)

I ran with the girls. Three ultras that focus on having a good time and really listen to their bodies. Exactly what I needed. We ran the yellow trail twice which was pretty cool cause I never saw ran it before. Johnny, the Rogue President scared the shit out of me. He being speedy ran ahead. No lie, he found a ditch and covered himself in leaves, fully camouflaged. When lee and I jogged by him he jumped out and seriously scared the hell out of me I grabbed on to the straps of my camel pack cause obviously that would save me.

After that it was a jog-walk type of deal. If you can jog to the top of the world and the wall (which I know people that can) well you my friends are saints! It was slow but perfect for me.  I'm not a trail runner so even though I may not have been jogging the entire time I was pushing myself.
Check out the elevation we ran...

One thing I learned about is after about ten trail miles I was starving! Omg, when we stopped back at the aide station I scarfed down like 100 pretzel m&ms and a ton of frittos.

Oh, one thing the girls were kind enough to share with me were the S-Caps. Wow. they did wonders. After the run I didn't have ANY salt on my face which was a miracle. I just bought a bottle for my marathon. I think they are going to be a life saver.

Speaking of life savers. I told one of my friends about my little running issue I get at mile 8 and she told me to take prevacid before I jog and you know what? I didn't have one problem the entire time. Yay!

Ok, back to the run. Around mile 10 we made are way to the top of the world and the sun just started beaming on us. Apparently it got into the 80s. Knowing it was going to be bitch we all hid out camel backs and only carried a water bottle with us. We didn't want the extra weight going up those hills. It was a great idea. However, by the time we were making our way down from the top of the world I could feel myself start to crash. I needed more water, and calories.

I think going down the hill was worse than going up it. Seriously its not worth it to me to get hurt.
So we made our way down slowly.

One thing I was grateful for were the creeks. Literally we would all just stand in them letting the cool water soak our feet. It felt soooooo good. My nice new white brooks like shit but it was worth it.

I didn't have a watch or anything clocking my time on me. Kiersten had her garmen but I didn't ask her about distance or time. I didn't care how long it took. I just wanted to hit 20 and have a good time.

So we ended up being out there 7 hours total but only 5.5 were moving ha. So obviously we sat a little. But the thing is I was in the zone not focused on anything and it didn't feel like 7 hours at all. It was awesome. It was exactly what I needed...

When we decided toss in the towel we had gone 21 miles. I was rather excited about this more so days later. Just like with my first half marathon things don't phase me after long runs. Im just like, thats cool.

I thought I was in hell the next day. Albino here didn't where sun screen and got a nice burn and omg, my joints were hurting. Luckily, the girls had me meet them at Clinton for a  3 miles walk. Honestly that walk helped tremendously. When I woke up I had to walk sideways down the stairs my because legs were so tight. During the walk I felt the top of my right calve spasm a few times but overall I think I got all the kinks out.

Needless to say I am satisfied with this new accomplishment and I really, really enjoyed it (Thank God.)

Trail Running!

So I did something stupid while under the influence of huge quantities of cough medicines. I singed up for my first marathon. More details on that to come later. But it was brought to my attention the course was pretty hilly and basically my running motto is to finish uninjured, happy and not last. Thats not to much to ask, right? But truthfully, I have a hard time with "hills" they kinda make me their bitch, every time. I think I'm having an asthma attack, I feel like my ass weighs about 100 pounds and I'm dragging it up the hill. Honestly, when I run up tough hills I think of strong men pulling cars. Cause thats obviously what running up a hill is equivalent to...

 

So I figured if I'm running a 26.2 mile hilly course me and the hills have to come to some sort of understanding and make peace.

I figured the best way to do this  is to take on the trails.

 

One thing I like about trails is the various terrain. It really changes how you run...

It adds a lil somethin somethin to long run. So here are some of the terrains I encountered at Sweetwater park. Sandy dirt. My favorite. It offers a nice soft landing, its flat and usually doesn't involve and obstacle course.

 

Rocks- A little scary especially and sweetwater. You don't run them (at least this Rogue doesn't)  but it totally helps with the core

and my least favorite...

 Leafy foliage

Filled with surprises like roots and rocks beneath its beauty.
But hey,  it helps keep those legs high when you jog!

So I'm veering away from this...

 

to take on a lot more of this...

 

 

 

Waiting II

I started training for my half back in April when I signed up. I was only able to do 3 miles and had to walk part of it. The anticipation has been building for months now. I'm ready. I want to run. Now.

And here we are the eve before my first half and I'm starting to get the jitters. No, I'm not afraid of the run it's self I know I can do it! I am confident of that. But I'm all wrapped up with little things like should I run with a pace group? If so, which slot? We can't have head phones on the course and what if at the last few miles I need a little pick me up can I just pop an ear bud in or will I get in trouble?

But honestly mainly its the time. No, I will not be running a 2 hr and I know I can run 2:30 with hills. So now that its a flat course... what time should I aim for? Yes, this is trivial and I keep telling myself just to get out there and see how it goes. The competitive side of my says set a goal, pick a time, rock it! The other part of me says, RR, you dedicated so much of your time to fulfill this goal- take a chill pill and just take it in and be happy that your ran 13.1 miles.

Sigh. Anyways...

This week I didn't run but a mile on Thursday. My legs were pretty beaten up after the ten mile from my last training course. I am very scheduled when it comes to running. I ALWAYS take two days after a long run to recover. Which meant I would have to run Tuesday which was my anniversary so of course I didn't run. Wednesday was just crazy and I literally didn't have time. Then came Thursday. I was rather annoyed with myself because I really wanted run at least 2 5ks during the week but oh well. Side note: I also realized when I don't run I eat like a damn pig. Literally, I just stuff my face. When I run I really am drawn to healthy foods. So will see how my binging effects my run tomorrow.

Another thing I'm a little worried about is my new hair cut. I should have known junk wasn't right when the "stylist" asked if my hair color was natural. She should have been able to tell. Well, I stresssssed the need for it to be pulled up in a pony tail I said I didn't mind putting it in a few pins but a pony tail was a must. Anyway, snip snip its up to my chin and you can not put it in a pony tail. A half and half works but I sweat like a beast especially on my neck and I already look rough after a run but now I'm worried I'm going to have a sweaty stringy fro too. I know, I know thats so vain but besides that i don't want to have sweaty hair sticking to my neck- yes that will drive me insane!

So over the next I think 18 hours I am going to be utterly excited but in the back of my mind I will be thinking of the little, trivial what ifs....

Waiting

I signed up for this week's half marathon back in April. I sighed up so far in advance because I was just starting to run 3 miles and it was with breaks every hundred feet. I knew being cheap that there was no way I would back down and I had months to train. Plus I knew this course would be nice and flat so it was a "little" less intimidating.

Now here we are ‎2 days, 18 hours and 24 minutes away from my first half marathon. Honestly, I feel like a child counting down the days till Christmas. I have proved to my self my dedictation, and my strengh and I'm soooooooo ready to run that bitch!

On Saturday after my group run I hit up Road runners  and I bought a fuel belt (my Saturday race has only one water stop) and I purchased the infamous 13.1 car sticker. And you know what? That sticker is taunting me. It wants to go on my car. It needs to go on my car. But it can't till I earn it. Thus, it just sits on my kitchen table waiting for it's ceremonious occasion...

Those two days can't come quick enough

Track Club Group Run

10 miles

11:28 per mile

This week on our amazing 13 week half marathon training adventure we ran ten miles through the hills of the ATL. You had the option of running with a pace group which I wasn't to sure about. After all I'm new to this distance thing and I don't really know what my "realistic" or "goal" time is. Like I said in my last post I ran 10:30 splits the week before but this course was far from flat so I took that into consideration and decided to go with a 2:30 pace group.

Since my running buddy wasnt there I tried to actually not talk to anyone, just run. I didnt bring my water bottle or anything. I wanted to make it as close to a mock race as possible for myself. I stayed in the front of the pack the entire time. There was little huffing and puffing. After about 5 miles I did exchange banter with the coaches. Being an awesome facebook stalker I saw that one of them ran the Tower of Terror in Disney and I just had to ask how it went. He then went on about his upcoming races like running in Norway at night where after the race a bus takes you to see the Northern Lights. Um can you say amazing? I love running stories!

The talking slowed down after awhile because we all started moving at slightly different paces. No biggy I just took it in. The hills were a bitch to say the least. But I jogged up every single one of them. One of the coaches (who is running Boston) told me I would conserve energy by power walking up the hills but I don't know about you power walking is much harder then jogging up a hill. My legs get really tight when I power walk so despite her advise (which she told me twice) I tip toed to the top.

Over all I felt great. Never once did I feel out of breath (minus climbing some hills). I honestly think I can run a faster pace BUT I don't think I'm exactly strong enough for that yet. The past two days everything is popping when I walk. Yay!

Heres an 8 mile view of the elevation. For some reason I had a hard time capturing the last two miles. Whatever, you get the picture.

Oh and heres a picture of me getting my stretch on. I thought I hid from the Papz but apparently not well enough. Is it just me or does anyone else find stretching time to be a "private time" kinda thing? Notice how I triedddd to get away from the crowd.

Fail on my part.

 

Cue in Salt N Peppa's Push It

Double Digits Bitches

I did it. On October 14th I ran 10 freakin miles by myself (well, mostly by myself.) Uh, can I get an amen? I started my run with my husband who ran 2 miles with me (remember hes not a runner) after 2 he tapered off and started walking. I kept going on. It was an awesome fall day, there must have been a race else where because Team Spandex were few so I was able to just zone out without hearing TO YOUR LEFT.

 

The run was perfect. I guzzled my water bottle down and it was empty by mile 5. Right around 5.5 miles I felt a-mazing. Like all the stress and tension in my body disappeared. It was truly amazing. I felt soooo good. Its one of those moments that makes all the shin splints and cramps totally worth it.

 

Around mile 8 my legs started getting tight. They didn't hurt. But they were sure tight. I pushed through. Honestly, my goal for that day was to run ten miles and I was so giddy by the idea of hitting double digits I just ran through it.

 

I ended up running a 10:30 pace. Mind you, this is a FLAT course. Flat or not though I did it.

I ran ten miles . 

(INSERT GIRLY SHRIEK)

 





See that face up there, yeah that's the face of one ridiculously happy girl. Cheesy? Probably to a lot of people but for me a big ol' milestone.

Trail Runs

I can't believe I'm going to say it but I am starting to like trail runs.
It just happened.
For no reason.
I just like them now.
Shrugs.

It all started about 2 weeks ago when I went with The Bird to Clinton for a 9 mile run. Of course I was miserable and out of breath the first few miles then it became enjoyable.

 I went again a few days later and did 6 miles with my husband, being more acquainted with the grounds I jogged faster and hopped over roots like a pro.
I felt great after this run.

Its such a big change from a few months ago or even a year ago where I literally stopped and turned around after 2 miles, yes 2 miles.

But now here I am taking in every moment both miserable and zen.

I mean how can you not like trails when you get to run by things like this...

Beauty.

My advise for newbies on trails:

 Yeah, trails suck at first!

You will want to die!

 You will almost break your ankle at least 5 times.

But with natural condiditioning from the trails, persistence and familiarity the trails will be become your play ground.

Promise.

It takes time but before your know it you will be one of those runners...sprinting through the woods like a sparking vampire.

New Years Goals Revisited

Be a better wife!

I don't know how well I've done on this one...looking back the man doesn't look to happy here

or here....

 

But he looks like a happy camper here and he was with me...
 

Maybe running in and swimming in mud had something to do with the sad faces?
I don't know...
Guess I'll keep working on this one so he doesn't look like this
 

 E.v.e.r. again.

Get Healthy!

I sure did.

I continued my work out regime and stuck with it. As for the "clean eating diet" um never again. Eating to "green" or to "natural" can actually cause your stomach to swell and cause severe pain. Anyways...

I stayed active!
 

I danced!

I jumped!

and I ran!

Speaking of running...

I ran my first 5k!

Shamrock'n roll baby!

And ya would have thought I ran a marathon because I had my parents and best friend come out to watch me!
(Although they weren't at the finish line because someone didn't realize id only be running 30 minutes and took the ladies to a coffee shop. Um, Mom, Jess where are you? Haha)

So almost a year ago I wrote these goals but was to afraid to post them because I thought I was going through some sort of fad/phase. I was so afraid of failure and embarrassed to post them because I was 1. over weight 2. not active 3. I didn't know if I had it in me. But here I am still going strong. Its amazing what you can accomplish when you put your heart and mind into it!

My New Years Resolutions- Conquered

When visiting my old blog,"That Girl" I came across one of my draft posts that I thought I would share.

"New Year Goals"

I am not one for resolutions and have never really had any. But as of lately goals have somehow emerged their way into my life. I find myself striving to better the quality of my life everyday. So I thought I would try and focus in and set goals for myself to help achieve a new level of happiness.

Be a better wife!
When I reflect on my own personal actions I realized how selfish I can be! And I want to work on stepping back and letting Michael take control in certain situations. After all he is a wonderful, smart and trustworthy man why not?!?

I am by no means an bad wife but sometimes I am hmm a bit bossy. And truthfully, I don't want to be the woman that always gets her way! I want to make sure my relationship is fair, and reflects both of our opinions and wants. I want to make sure he has the opportunity to take the lead and not just jump on board because I said so. I also want to encourage my husband to speak up and let me know what he wants and not have every decision based on my wants. I want to work on being more supportive which means learning to keep my mouth shut sometimes and letting him take the lead.

Get healthy!

This is the the unhealthiest I have ever been in my entire life. Since graduating college I have had a desk job, and I mean a desk job. I don't move for like 7.5 hours a day and to be honest I'm more tired from not moving around! Thus, I go home and just lounge around and being that I'm tired I just pop in some frozen dinner.

And I can honestly say I feel fat, and have no energy!!! And I decided to change that back in November. I started hitting up the gym three times a week and really started to focus on running. Even though I kinda hate it, I literally can feel the stress I carry in shoulders just melt away and the buzz I get tops any venti carmel white mocha with extra whip.

I also started the Eat Clean diet which I hope to make part of my life style permanently.

Although its tough coming home and preparing meals, its pretty comforting knowing that we are fueling our bodies with tons of veggies and healthy stuff and... I already feel better.

Jog a 5k!

I know this isn't much but for someone that walks less then a mile a day its like climbing a mountain! I already signed up for Warrior Dash but I want to knock out a normal 5k- one without an obstacle course sometime in the future.

These are not merely thoughts or fads, these are things I truly want to accomplish to reach a new level of happiness.
Kinda like a mind, body, spirit cleanse.

So heres to 2012 and a year for personal growth and change!

Lil Discussion to Follow

Month End Recap

So this month I ran a total of 74 miles.

Boo Yah.

May not sound like a lot but it was for me!

When you look at my monthly charts you can really tell where I created a solid running foundation.

 You can definitely tell when I joined a running group and and started push myself.

On my "Total Miles" for jogging, biking etc. you can tell I put a lot of effort in cross training during May and July. This was the time when I was really trying to streghen everything because I wanted to enter the Atlanta Track Club training program strong. As you can tell, since August my cross training has dwindled. The main reason for it...I'm tired. I found it almost impossible to wake up after a day of running, followed by cross training. My body feels fine BUT exhaustion hit me hard.

To be a stronger runner I definitely need to work on my core. I've realized after several long runs that my abs are hurting. So I need to start to tackle that this month. As far as mileage I am working on a running plan. I am hoping to do 7-8 mile runs on Tuesdays, 6 miles on Thursdays, ATC group run on Saturdays so either 9 or 10 and then...we hit the first half marathon.

Chastain Recap

Looped around Chastain Park
8 mi
01:38

So Saturday I woke up at 5:45 and struggled to get out of bed to head to the ATL for my 8 mile group run. We met at our new sponsor's store- Road Runners (It was pretty impressive). Anyway, I ate a half a slice of bread before I got there and slowly chowd down on some sports beans. (All within 30 minutes before the run).

My ATC running buddy Nicole and I had a great pace we were actually passing more people rather then being passed. We were in no way running faster but I think we just found our grove. It took a while to really get warmed up and enjoy the run. But in the mean time it was interesting to see people doing yoga randomly on the outskirts of the parks. Around 3 miles I realized I NEEDED to find a bathroom. Of course there were none in site, my body filled with fear. Luckily, there was a random porta potty hiding behind a building that Nicole and I dared to enter. I do hate those things but in times of need... well, I don't take chances.

The run became much easier after that. Although we realized we didn't see anyone from our group once we got back in route. This is pretty strange since there are at least 50 runners at a time and we didn't take but a 5 minute break and there was a heard behind us. Anyways, we jogged on. Once we hit mile 7 we started scratching our heads, we were about to loop the park again, there were no runners, no signs and we didn't take a map. Luckily my water bottle had a t least a quarter of left and Nicole had about 3 sports beans left so if we had to ration... we could have survived. We actually stopped and asked a random lady how to get back onto whatever road the shoe store was on. (I got there at like 6:30 people you think I remember anything?) She gave us the directions and there it was one of our signs. However, it was an arrow pointing right and it was flipped upside to point left. I am guessing someone else had the same problem we did but ended up running further before discovering something wasn't right.

So the course was fine, a decent amount of hills nothing compared to Clinton however they were shorter and tons more. The only time we stopped at the aid stations and I gave gator aide a try. I typically stick to water but I figured I should start trying new things out. I don't know if it was the gator aide itself but I felt it swishing in my stomach. Typically I don't feel that way with water but I don't know maybe a I drank to much? 

Anyway, besides the aide stations I think we stopped twice for maybe a minute. We were never out of breath which I think is good. I wont lie part of me would like to push it and see how fast I could run it but I'm new to this mileage and I am trying to focus on gaining distance and maintaining a constant pace, I keep telling myself speed is later.

When I finished I was drenched head to toe in sweat. I ate a small luna bar and a bag of pretzels and hopped into my car. I blasted the AC and wow, got awful chills. Ill never do that again!

When I got home I ate a sandwich. Two hours later Mike and I went shopping and stopped somewhere and I had a soup. Around this time I typically crash. I felt the urge to go to sleep but I didn't "crash." I think eating definitely helped!

Over all it was a good run. I was a little stiff yesterday and more so today but really its nothing new! So yay!

Clinton Trail Run

I didn't bring my good ol' Nike faux garmin with me to track my time and mileage for the Clinton Preserve Trail Run. I figured it was trails, it would be hell and as long as I had an estimate of the mileage I just didn't care about my time. This was my first trail run since February when I first tried to run with the Rogues (the worst run of my life). At that time I just didn't have the endurance to run it. Now that Ive been training regularly i felt confident to take on a trail. I met with the Rogues on Tuesday at the Clinton Nature Preserve. It was rather cool as it had old houses and barns kind of sitting in the middle of no where falling a part. Being a (former) history buff it was visually stimulating. Ok, besides the view it was tough. Its started out nice, I think I had a good pace then BAM there was the hill from hell. Being a noob I went to run up that brat and of course was winded. Luckily my friend Miranda told me to slow my roll and kinda guided me up to the top. So the first hill was bearable but then there was a second and I won't lie I don't know if it was asthma or maybe my lungs just aren't built for it yet but I couldn't catch my breath. Once we got to the top I HAD to walk. Man, I wish I had a camera to take a photo of those hills. Anyway, I told Miranda to go on and hung back for another runner who was not to far behind me. Let me tell you she was an interesting lady! She started out slow when I met up with her but gradually went into what I call ass kicking mode. What I found intriguing is she ran some many Marathons that she just doesn't know how many she ran anymore. WOW. At this point, I can tell you how many miles I have ran to the day. Right there I felt like you could tell she was is in it for her, the race didn't matter but the experience. Pretty impressive I must say. So I ended up jogging back with her. I felt like we were running supper fast on our way back and I don't recall running down those hills from hell. But wow did it get dark fast. It was so interesting to be running and all of a sudden you run through a thick patch of woods and it was super dark then you come out and there is dusk. (Remember I'm new to this!) The run over all was OK. I wont lie I was super tense doing it I was so afraid of twisting my ankle more then anything. But once we finished I felt great and again was not out of breath. I actually thought of doing some laps around the small track outside of the trail but figured I would be cautious since Lord knows how my body would react to such a different type of run. I wont lie it wasn't my thing BUT I think I am going to try to do a trail run ie Trib or Clinton at least twice a month to start conditioning my body. Nonetheless, it was an interesting experience and when I woke up I had a hard time walking AND my abs were on fire. I personally consider that good training and now I know I need to work on my core and some other spots to make the next trail run more enjoyable.

Oh I dont want to froget to mention I may not have been that sweaty or out of breath at the END of the run but O-M-G I was starving when I got home. I mean I ate almost half a staufers lasagna. Yikes!

So listen here...

Not even 12 months ago I was 20 pounds heavier. I couldn't even run a mile. But I got to the point where I constantly was tired, constantly felt bloated and I entered a routine where I worked all day, came home ate and went straight to bed. I wasn't living life and I felt the need to change that!

Let me tell you, running didn't come naturally or easily. I didn't run a mile or 3 over night. It took time, patience and dedication. No, it wasn't fun at first it was hard, my chest was burning, my were legs heavy and cramping but once I conquered 3 miles a new feeling came around---zen, relaxation, accomplishment.

Really, when you run your only running for your self. And although it is intimidating at first that's just part of the battle-the journey and when the day comes where you can run a mile, 3 miles, 6 miles or more the feeling you get is incomparable to anything you have ever experienced. I mean, you beat that little voice in your head saying you couldn't do it, you proved those people wrong thought you were crazy for trying, most importantly you beat yourself! You made those legs move! You conquered something that your and mind didn't think it could do! Your ran!

The accomplishments of running truly effect the mind, body, and soul in so many unimaginable ways.

The thing is, its tough it doesn't happen over night but with persistence and dedication you will get there and you will not regret it.

Jog on my friends.

Why I Started Running.

I am really new to running. I really didn't take off until February (if running a  a quarter of a mile is considered taking off.) I got into running by default. You see a year ago I took part in "National Dance Day" and although almost having a heart attack trying to break it down to LMFAO I realized how much I missed being active. Lets face it, I work in a cube and the only time I move is to refill my water or to get something from the printer. So being moved by National Dance Day I (of course) decided I wanted to be a hip hop dancer. I thought I found my "path."er grove. I was most definitely inspired by this chick below:

So I went to a hip hop class. Wearing my coolest gangsta swag I had I semi confidently walked into the studio. I arrived expecting to find mid to late 20 somethings like the video above but instead found early 20 something ballerinas. Intimidating. They were wearing tight skinny booty shorts, and there i was over weight wearing baggy jogging pants and a hoodie. I shook it off though. I was still excited. I was going to dance. I was going to get in shape and have fun. But once I started dancing I realized I was huffing and puffing and turning red really fast and the little ballerinas just floated along not even glistening.

Whatever.

I kept going. Then after about 45 minutes of shaking it I went to do a turn and I fell. Not a graceful fall I mean a loud co put. At that moment I realized I had to get my life together. I was over weight, not confident, and well my ass hurt from the fall-ego hurt.

I realized then that I didn't want to be the tubby girl and that I didn't want to be the first to be out of breath...

Around that time my friend K-dog (who just lost 20 pounds) asked me to run a 5k with her. I said sure but was horrified.

I mean 3 miles... thats like a marathon right?

How in the heck was I going to do this?

WTH was I going to do if I couldn't run the 5k? SHAME, HORROR, EMBARRASSMENT came to mind..

And because I didn't want to be plagued by those fun words I decided to take it one mile at a time and start my new adventure...