Post-Christmas Run

I was pretty excited about the new fuel belt my brother got for me for Christmas.  I always go out for a run when I'm in Delaware.  I only recently started running distances where I feel I need a drink, so I was eager to try out the belt.  It's flat and beautiful on the back roads with farmland as far as the eye can see.  The drawback is that it's pretty isolated and I feel a little uncomfortable out there all alone.  My dad or husband usually comes with me on a bike or in the car (depending on how cold it is).

I decided to give the belt a test run.  I got a 4 bottle belt, but only filled 2 and I strapped it on.  My husband and I left the kids behind with my dad.  I decided on a 6 mile run out and back. I ate way too much and way too much of what isn't good for me and was sure I wasn't hydrated enough to go any further. 

  I was happily running along and noticed how comfortable the belt was, not riding up or shifting at all.  I took sips of the first bottle here and there.  It was going great and half-way through, I reached for the second bottle. 

It was EMPTY! 

It appears to have leaked around where the cap connects to the bottle.  After running a little further and considering this, I sent my husband home to get me a refill while I continued back.

Running, running, running ...

... and no husband.

I started to think, where is he? 

Running ...

My mind started to wander.  Maybe something happened to the kids?

What could I do?  Keep running.

Still thinking ... By now I'm convinced something happened to the kids.  He isn't coming!  OMG!

I was upset, not about the lack of fluid, but about the horror that he arrived to back at the house and that I wasn't there.  I wanted to stop running, but I kept going so it would get me there faster. 

After 2 miles (and 20 min) I spot him on the horizon?  "What happened?  What took you so long?"

"What do you mean?  Nothing."  he says.

I still can't imagine why it took him over 20 minutes to ride back and fill a small bottle but I was also relieved to know all was well ...

... and to have a drink.

Lessons learned:

• Double and triple check the seals on the bottles next time. 
• Stop being such an overreactive freak parent.



And things were going so well ...

Cookie day here.

Lots of baking. The weekend will involve lots of food. I've decided that it's ok. My running is on track and the food situation will be back to normal Monday. Happy Holidays!

Resolutions - 2012

I love this time of year.  Unlike a lot of people who set resolutions and have forgotten them by February, I really work to accomplish the goals I set.

The past few years I've done really well.  I lost all my baby weight (2008), started a blog (2009), became active (2010), ran a 5k (2011).

2011 was actually a really great year.  I wanted to run one 5k and I participated in 6 and ran 3 from beginning to end.

So, 2012 ...

How about a half-marathon??  Yes, please.

Last year, I saw an ad for the Disney Princess Half-Marathon.  I dreamed of doing it, but had to face the reality that there was no way I was ready.  In October, I started thinking about it again.  I was no longer plagued by injuries and was running consistently.  I decided to start following a training plan to see if I was able to maintain the mileage.  If I could keep it up until the deadline for registering to have my name printed on the bib (December 1), I would go for it. 

Success!

In February, we're packing up the kids and we're heading to Disney.  2 of my fellow belly-dancing running friends will also be participating with me.  Our trio will consist of Jasmine (me), Aurora and Rapunzel.

My goal is to simply finish.  This being my first half, I have no idea what to expect or what kind of time would be realistic to shoot for.  I think 2:30, but I really don't know so this is more of a general guess than a goal.
There you have it.  2012, here i come!

Background - In a Nutshell

2004:

I happily marry my wonderful husband two weeks before my 30th birthday. 

 

We try to make a baby - unsuccessfully. 

 

2005:

After 18 months, doctors and drugs - Baby on the way!

2006:

After 9 difficult months, Zoe arrives and I have 60 lb. to lose. 

 

Thanks to Weight Watchers, 50 lb. is lost before ...

 

2007:

Surprise!  Baby #2 is cookin' unexpectedly. 

2008:

9 very easy months later, Sydney is born and I have 60 lb. to lose again (50 lb. plus 10 I never lost).

2009:

I am tired and barely surviving sleep deprivation so exercise isn't even a remote consideration, but I am successful and lose 60 lb. again thanks to Weight Watchers and nursing.

2010:

NY Resolution - Get off the couch.  I decide to try belly dancing.  After 1 class, I'm hooked!  In June, I do my first performance.  In July, I decide to try to lose "those last 5 lb." and attempt to do something I've always hated - running.  I start C25K.  It is a struggle and I cannot be consistent due to a persistent injury (shin splints due to overpronation) but I run when I can.  I become addicted to how amazing I feel when I run.  I join a belly dance performance company.

2011:

It's winter.  It's cold.  I keep running.  I sign up for 5k.  Injuries persist.  I give up on 5k idea until 2 weeks before race.  I decide to go for it!  I run the race from beginning to end.  Injuries continue.  I do miserable 5k in July during which I nearly melt.  Another miserable 5k in September during which I nearly faint from heat stroke.  I join a new belly dance performance company.  Run fabulous 5k in October and another in November.  December - have ridiculous experience at Hot Chocolate 5k that was so packed I could only run 2 of 3 miles.  Decide to train for my first half-marathon.

2012:

I get super sick over New Years for several weeks but recover by Febuary to run my first 10k and follow that up with my first half-marathon.

Skip running for the summer but discover strength training doing Jillian Michaels Body Revolution when kids are home for summer break.  Start running again in fall and do Tower of Terror 10 miler and Army 10-miler.  Finally see an orthopedist for shin problems.  Am heartbroken when I have to take a 6 week break and he can't offer me many solutions. Join a gym to cross-train since I can't run and fall in love with BodyPump, spinning and the elliptical.  Hire a trainer - The Punisher.  Come off my running break to do 5k PR!  Train for Tinkerbell Half-Marathon.

2013:

Complete Tinker Bell Half-Marathon cutting 9 minutes from my previous time.

 

Currently training for:

Rock 'n Roll USA - March 16

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler - April 7

Parkway Classic 5k - April 21 (fingers crossed for PR here!)

Nike Women's Half-Marathon - April 28

To be continued ...

Starting Over

I had a blog a year ago, but had some hurdles along the way and eventually decided to delete it.

Why did I do that??  I wish I'd kept it.

Well, I ended up with a pretty good year and would like to start to document my progress again.

Here I go ...