Genetics

 

 

The other day my mom was asking me about how the Komen race went and how I did and I told her that I'd placed 16th in my division and went on to describe the race and later walking with my beautiful friends.  Her reaction, in typical, never-ending, undyingly supportive, mom-style fashion, was to say something along the lines of, "You amaze me with what you can do with those short legs of yours."  Mom, if you are reading this, please note now that I love you and I know you meant it as a compliment.  But, for the rest of you, when I read her words this is exactly what I pictured myself looking like:

And, at 5'1" it's probably a pretty accurate image.

Here is the thing, though.  I know I'm never going to break any speed records.  At least, not for another 25 or so years when my division is narrowed down to a bunch of old ladies power walking (nothing against old ladies power walking, I can't wait to be one).  I know that I will likely never wear anything more than a participants medal around my neck.  I know that when it's time to line up for the start of a race, I shouldn't rush up to the leaders section.  And, I'm totally okay with that.  I am 100% satisfied running my own race knowing that there isn't a chance in the world I will win.  I wasn't made for winning. My mom is right, physically, my body will not be breaking that sub 3 hour marathon.  I can barely fathom the idea of breaking a sub 4 hour marathon.  It's just not in the cards for me. 

 

I didn't commit to this in order to be the best runner.  I committed to this to be the best runner that I can be.  I committed to giving every run and every race my all.  I'm not in this for the records.  I'm in this because it's hard (very) and because I get a sense of fulfilment and pride out of doing very hard things.  Every day that I lace on my running shoes I know there isn't anyone standing at the end of the trail with a trophy for me (although, I wouldn't mind someone standing there with a box full of doughnuts).  The trophy comes from within.  The trophy is the sense of accomplishment that comes with setting a goal, working towards that goal, and finally, probably after a couple brutal fails, reaching that goal.  Of course, doughnuts would be cool too.



 

 

 

 

 



Rainy With a Chance of Donuts

Here is the deal: it's not always about self -discipline and self sacrifice. Sometimes it's just about doing what you want. Sure, in committing to the long run, you are committing to doing something very hard. You are saying you understand it's going to be painful, but you are willing to do what it takes. You will give up late nights drinking, long mornings sleeping, and any chance of ever having presentable feet again. But trust me, for all of this, you deserve a little reward. Treat yourself!!  I am very good at treating  myself. If you ever need a lesson in how to give yourself a well deserved reward, just ask me. I've got it down. 

I was looking forward to this week's long run all week. The forecasters were predicting beautiful weather. Lows in the fifties, highs just barely in the eighties, and zero chance of rain. If you live around here, you know days like this don't come around often. I was checking the weather all day on Saturday planning my long run and I was so excited to take advantage of the wonderful Fall weather (yes, around here Fall is eighties). So, as I'm eating my Luna Bar and hydrating early this morning, I hear it. I hear the pitter patter of raindrops on the window. WHAAAAT!?!?  This is not what I signed up for. The weather channel had me sold on a cool, sunny, dry run. And as I'm thinking that I must have been looking at weather for some other city, the sky opens up and it starts to pour. And just in case you're wondering what I was thinking planning my long run in the rain, this is what the weather channel was saying as I'm watching it pour down:

Lesson learned. Never trust the weather channel. Ever. And, never let yourself be disappointed by things you have no control over. I can't control the weather. Because if I could, I would say I've been doing a pretty terrible job of it lately. What I can do is control my reaction to situations that are out of my hand. I can choose to run no matter what. When it's not the easiest or most convenient thing to do, I can still choose to run. 

So, after a quick wardrobe change (thank goodness for run rain jackets and visors - yeah I said it, visors. Running is the only activity in which visors and fanny packs are considered essential), off I went for 9 miles in the steady rain. 

Because I pressed hard yesterday for pace and because I had to skip my rest day and because the rain was coating the road making it slippery, I decided to take it easy. They say the important part of a long run is just logging the miles, so that's what I resolved to do. I made the soggy miles without more than a few quick glances at my pace. I just let my body do what it wanted and ran on. 

Now on to the reward part. I did the hard part. I chose to run on even when conditions weren't desirable.  That was hard, I needed a reward. I needed a reason to run. So, this is where I calculated my long run to end:

Yeah, that's right. When life gives you nine soggy miles, respond back with donuts and kolaches. Life is oh so sweet when you are on a sugar high. Really, runners, I recommend doing this if you can. A nice warm glazed donut right after a run is AHmazing!  Treat yourself. I promise you deserve it. 

Unless you are the jerk who thought it was funny to drive by me as fast as possible intentionally splashing the giant puddle you hit all over me. No donuts for you!  To you I send a special one fingered runner's wave. 

Long Run Randomness 1

Came across this sign on this morning's long run:

That's right, it's a Pop-Tart ice cream sandwich. On one hand, I'm a little creeped out that this exists. We are a society in search of ultimate  gluttony. On the other hand, the hand that wins out, what I'm really upset about is that I never thought of this!!  Pop-Tarts are my ultimate the wheels have come off the wagon food (next to Cheeto Puffs, that is). The idea of combining warm (preferably cinnamon) Pop-Tarts with ice cream,yes please!! I believe I have found my DIY treat for when I hit long runs in the teens. 

FU BC

Yesterday morning my friends and I gathered for the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure in support of our wonderful friend Denise. To-date, team Crazy Fox Tales has raised over $10,000 and I am so proud of us!  

I was the only team member who opted to participate in the competitive run. It had been a pretty long time since I'd entered and run a race, so it was good to shake off the racing cobwebs. I'm not used to running races alone, so it was a little different for me but a good thing. As I stood waiting for the start, race officials read the names of all the women teams were running in memory of. It was pretty overwhelming. I couldn't help but think of my wonderful brave friend and as those names were read, I decided I was going to run my ass off for Denise. 

And run my ass off I did. As always, I forgot to hit stop on my Garmin when I crossed the finish line, so I'm still waiting on final race results to figure out my exact pace. What I can tell you is that it was unbelievably hot and humid and as I waited for the rest of my team, sweat literally poured off of me. I will not be posting any post-run photos, that's for sure!!  One thing about the Komen race is that it is HUGE!  I don't know the number of participants off the top of my head, but it's in the big thousands, I am sure. I spent the first half (if not more) of the race dodging other runners and walkers. Running to the left and right and hopping up on curbs and medians. I'd forgotten about the log jam of runners that occurs at the start of huge races and then remembered that I find it very frustrating. Something I'm going to have to think on for the marathon. 

After the race, the timing was perfect for me to loop around and walk with the rest of my team. What a great time. If you ever get the chance to participate in the Race For The Cure, I would recommend it. The whole event is touching and motivating. I dare you to get through without at least tearing up once. 

These are pictures of Denise walking down the Survivor Path. Now if these aren't examples of pictures being worth a thousand words, I don't know what is. 

Thank you to all who donated. If you are still interested in donating, the link is still open and in the Doing It For Denise Post. 

Protect Yourself

Okay, you know how I say one of my favorite things about running is that you can just grab your shoes and run (literally) out the door?  Well, I am probably exaggerating a little on that one. While still the most convienent form of exercise, there is some preparation that goes into running. Aside from standing around with my arm aimed to the sky waiting for my Garmen to locate a satellite (seriously why is it so slow some mornings!?!), this is how I spend a lot of my pre-race time:

Say hello to my running shelf. This is where I spend time before every run protecting myself. Really runners, you've got to use sunscreen before heading out on those long runs. Lets face it, tank tops and racerbacks do not leave sexy tan lines. You can always spot a runner in a bathing suit, she will be the one with crazy tan lines across her back and weird sock lines on her legs. But really, the truth is we run for our health. So be healthy running!!  Protect yourself from the sun. Even when the weather starts to cool (I hear that happens. I haven't actually experienced it yet), it's important to protect your skin. You'll notice I use the sport spray. It makes quickly getting out the door much easier. But, because I have sensitive skin, I also use a very high SPF on my face.  It's worth the extra 30 seconds of application. Oh, and if you're from around Houston, you'll know why I keep a minimum of four mosquito repellents handy. Really, I don't think those little blood suckers. Are going any where this year!!  They make post-run stretching miserable. 

So to you runners I say, be strong, be fast, be safe, and be sticky. Because there's no way around it. Sweat + sunscreen + mosquito spray = one hot mess. 

Doing It For Denise

I think several months back I did a post about not taking your relationships for granted and not waiting until someone you love has cancer before you tell them how much you love having them with you on the long run.  In that post I introduced you to one of my very best friends, Denise. 

We took this picture on a walk immediately following Denise shaving her head.  She is beautiful.

Earlier this year, Denise was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I don't know how to accurately describe the shock that comes with a cancer diagnosis for one of your friends.  I hate to admit this, but when it happens to your grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even your parents there is a small part of you that accepts it as part of age (please do not confuse this statement for me saying that it is any less painful.  A loved one being diagnosed with cancer is horrible no matter what).  But, when your friend is diagnosed with cancer, it is devistating.  Our friends are not supposed to get sick.  Our friends CANNOT get sick!!  Why in the world are our friends getting sick?!!?

 

The immediate feeling of helplessness when your friend is diagnosed is, for lack of a better word, overwhelming. Now that I think about it, overwhelming is exactly the right word.  After Denise told me the news, I probably spent a week begging God for the ability to fix my friend.  Well, not really to fix her, there is nothing wrong with my friend, she is awesome.  What I mean is that I prayed for the ability to take her cancer away.  Maybe that sounds dumb, but knowing what my friend was facing, and feeling like there was nothing I could do about it was awful.

 

This is where you come in.  This Saturday, I will be participating in the Komen Race For The Cure.  Being able to raise money in honor of Denise eases that overwhelming feeling of helplessness. I can't cure cancer, but I can run.  I can put one foot in front of the other and in doing so, I can help make sure that Denise and all women to come after her receive the best possible treatment.  This is where I ask you to PLEASE donate to my team in honor of Denise.  Or if for whatever reason, you can't make a donation right now, please forward the link to anyone you know who can.  I want to raise as much money as I can in honor of my dear friend and in hopes that your dear friends never have to go through this.  Every little bit helps.  Here is the link to my personal page:

http://rfch.convio.net/site/TR/Race/General?px=1908045&pg=personal&fr_id=1170

Ever since Denise was diagnosed, she and I have pounded the pavement together for many a mile.  We've being taking these walks since right after her diagnosis, through her first chemo treatments, through her hair falling out, through ringing the bell on her final chemo day, all the way up to right before surgery.  During these walks we've spent a lot of time talking about cancer.  We've also spent a lot of time talking about the usual stuff like food, travel, and our husbands (sorry Paul.  I've learned so much about her during these walks.  Let me tell you, Denise is brave, she is shockingly (only to herself) strong, she is wise (this girl can research better than the FBI!!), she is giving, and open, and I am in awe of her.  I wish I could adequately describe to you what these walks and talks will mean to me for the rest of my life, but it sort of goes beyond anything a blog could capture.  This is the link to Denise's blog so that you can get to know what an amazing person she is. 

http://crazyfoxtales.com/

To all my fellow runners out there, please donate.  Can we all send one giant runner's wave to Denise?

Spot the Problem

So, this is what happens when you pack your running bag in the wee hours of the morning:

So now I'm sitting here at the running trail  debating if it's a sign or not. What do you think?  Should I run in this condition?

***UPDATE:  I'm updating to let you know that I did indeed run 5 miles like this.  Luckily, other runners are very forgiving and did not give me any crazy looks.  At least not while they were running towards me.  Once we passed each other, I'm sure they started cracking up.  But man, when you have one new shoe and one old shoe on you can really tell just how dead that old shoes is.  The shoe on the left is toast!  I knew it was bad, which is why I bought the new, but I didn't realize how bad.  I had been hanging on to the old pair for emergencies, but no more.  These shoes are immediately going to be recycled!  Did you know that you could recycle your old shoes?  I have someone in my office who keeps a box for collecting and donating old shoes, but there are PLENTY of ways to donate your running shoes.  And, Goodness knows we runner's go through a ton of shoes!  Below are some links to multiple  shoe recycling programs:

http://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/better-world/stories/2013/05/reuse-a-shoe

http://soles4souls.org/

http://oneworldrunning.com/

http://www.greensneakers.org/

Also, for all of you in Houston, Luke's Locker will take your old shoes for a recycling program.