15 miles in good ol' Davie

Last night I was freaking out about running 15 miles by myself! At 10:45 at night, I got in the car and planned out my route. I didn't want my phone to die on me and then have no clue about my mileage. I woke up at 6am and there was no possible way I could get out of bed. I pressed snooze on my phone twice and ended up rolling out of  bed at around 6:30am. I checked the weather. 56 degrees. In Sandy's world...that's freezing. I figured I could wait till the sun came up a little. I ate my usual pre-run breakfast: two slices of toast with peanut butter and gatorade. Jeff got home from work, we talked for a bit while I warmed up...and I set out for my run around 7:20am.

My plan of attack on this run was to split it up into three 5-milers. That didn't seem too bad. The first 5 miles were easy.Quick note: if you're running, download Pitbull feat. T-Pain - Hey Baby...I promise it will get you moving...and almost dancing! LMAO!

My second 5-miles were kinda interesting. I was running down a new road so I got to see new things, which kept me entertained. However, I was kinda creeped out for most of the run. I felt like I was in the neighboorhoods of the TV show LOST, but gone redneck country with a twist of Mexican. (Yes, I think about these things while running lol). I ran next to cows...which I literally thought could smash down the fence and eat me. They were all staring at me. Very weird. Then I ran next to horses. They didn't seem to care about me. Although the only people I really saw were Mexicans working in about 10+ plant nurseries, I had to keep looking around me because I always felt like someone was behind me.

My last 5 miles were hard. Definitely had to mentally and physically push myself. When I got to 13 miles, I was happy. My third half marathon this year! By this point I was starving. I walked for a bit, had 2 of my shot blocks, some water and kept going. At mile 14, my body was hurting. My toes felt like they were going to cramp up and my knees felt swollen. I just wanted to be home already! The last mile flew by and I was done!!!! I felt SO GOOD to reach a new goal! 15 miles - the most I've run so far! I finished in 2 hours and 55 minutes.

10 miler with Kelly

The day before our 10 mile run, Kelly and I were arguing back and forth to see what time we would start running. I wanted to start really early, like 6:30am and she wanted to start around 10am. I don't like running that late because the sun is already out, it's hot, and I get really thirsty. Plus, I'd rather train exactly like the real marathon will be. After much convincing, we started around 6:45am. The first thing she said to me that morning was, "I hate your guts". LMAO!!! 

I was actually excited about this run. After running two half marathons in two weekends, 10 didn't seem so bad.

She runs faster than me, so I was trying to keep up with her most of the run. We were doing like less than 10:30 miles. There were a couple times that my Nike App told me we were doing 9-something miles! I actually felt pretty good for most of the run, but I knew I definitely couldn't keep this pace for a whole marathon.

Around mile 7 my music shut off and when I looked at my phone, the whole thing completely shut off and restarted itself. It was weird. Luckily, everything started working again, but after that, my mileage was off. My phone told me I had two miles left, when I really only had a mile to go. Kelly sped up because she knew she only had a mile, but I slowed down because I knew I couldn't last 20 more minutes at this pace. When I saw her stop, I caught up to her and she told me I was done! lol. That made me feel good because I thought I still had to go another mile!

At the end of the day, Kelly was happy she got up early and ran. So now she can't complain anymore ;)

Two half marathons in two weekends

I feel like I have been running like a maniac!! Training is definitely getting tough!

Two weeks ago, I did the 2nd Annual Key Largo Bridge Run. This was my SECOND HALF MARATHON! On Friday night, I headed down to the keys with Kelly and Ian, and we went with my parents to pick up our race packets and eat some pasta at Cafe Largo. We went to bed early because the next morning we had to be up at 4:45am!




Ian, Kelly & I picking up our race packets



Dinner at Cafe Largo

Luckily, I slept great and I was ready to run. We got the gang together to take some pictures before starting the race.

My dad, mom, me, my sister and Harold

Everyone who was running/walking with us

The beginning of the run was pretty tough. I felt heavy and sluggish.  I did not think it would be a good run at all. At mile 2, I got to see Jeff. He had gotten off of work in Miami at 6am and stopped on the side of the road to see us. It was great seeing him, but we had just started. I wish I could have seen him further along. I ran along side Harold (my brother in law) for most of the race.

The first 5 miles were hard. This was the complete opposite of my first half marathon in Miami. In that race, I didn't even feel the first 5. In this race, the runners ahead of us had already reached the turn around point so we constantly got to see them heading back. First I saw Ian. He was running fast! Then I saw another friend Nicky. She looked great! A little later, I saw Kelly and I was happy that she was doing her first half marathon! Steve ran by me at some point, but I completely missed him! lol. Although it was nice to see all the runners, it kept reminding me that I hadn't reached the halfway point yet!

At 6.5miles, I took my first water break. I was half way...now all I had to do was turn around and run to the finish line! By now, I was actually feeling pretty good. I had reached what I like to call the "numb stage". lol. My body was finally warmed up...I ran through some aches and pains...and then my body just gets numb and I can keep running for a long time. Then, it got really freaking hot. The sun was right on us and it was burning. I needed water at almost every station on the way back because of the heat. I got to see my dad on the way back. He was looking good!

We make running look fun! lol

The last part of the run was the monstrous bridge. There is no easy way to put it...it's killer. When I got to the top, I put my headphones away and decided to run the last little stretch without music. Harold and I were together up until the last half mile or so. He got a cramp in his leg and had to stop for a bit. I would have waited for him...but honestly, I just wanted to get this long ass run over with. I finally saw the finish line, I heard the music, and was sooo excited. I saw my family and friends waiting there cheering me on. It felt amazing to cross the finish line and BE DONE!

I finished in 2 hours and 27 minutes (11 minutes faster than my first half marathon). Although it was a good run and I felt stronger than my first half marathon, I still liked the Miami one better. I didn't like that this run was one road and a turn around point. I saw the same thing the whole time. In the Miami Half, there were spectators and a really nice course that I had never seen before. That made it more entertaining.


I got two days of rest, and then I had to run 3, then 6, then 3. Those runs were horrible! Then the weekend came and it was time to run ANOTHER 13. This time, all by myself. I was freaking out the night before. I really thought I would have to call Jeff at some point to pick me up. I woke up, got ready, and when I stepped outside, it was sprinkling. Jeff was getting home from work at that time and I was complaining and giving him shit. I totally did not want to do this. He told me it wasn't normal that I could hate this so much. I told him, "no one said this was going to be easy. I have to do it."

So I started while it was sprinkling, but it stopped after the first mile. At around mile 4, I saw this old man running ahead of me. He looked exhausted, he was drenched in sweat and was drinking an energy gel. I caught up to him and asked him how long he was running for and he told me, "you don't want to know". I told him I did. He said 17 miles. I told him I was doing 13 and after some conversation, I found out we were both training for the Miami Marathon. He said he had done the AIA marathon last year and when he finished, he swore he would never do another one again. But here he was, training again. We talked for about 5 minutes. We talked about training and good routes to run in Davie. Then we said good luck and split off.

I decided to run in two neighboorhods, and I'm so happy I did. They were by far, the most beautiful neighboorhoods I have ever seen in my entire life. I felt like I was in Disney World or something. I was in awe. Every house was my dream house lol. I didn't take any pictures, but I definitely will the next time I go!

At mile 8, the sidewalk was uneven, I wasn't looking down and I ended up falling straight on my left knee and my hands stopped my face from hitting the floor. I got up in 1 second, looked around, realized one car may have seen me (felt really embarrased) and kept running. It hurt for a bit, but I was able to keep running. My bruise looks worse than it actually felt.




Proof that I fell

 The last 2 miles were rough. I got blisters on two of my toes. I should have taken off my shoes and put bandages, but I just wanted to make it home. At this point I thought if I stop...I'll never be able to start again. My feet were really hurting and they felt as if they would cramp up on me at any moment.

I did 13.2 miles that day. My longest run. There was no finish line, no medal, no cheers. Just my fiance, sleeping in bed saying, "You're done? You finished? Really? Good job"...and falling back to sleep. I took a shower and napped.

When we woke up, I was so excited to show Jeff the neighboorhood that we actually drove back over there. Unfortunately, the security guard didn't let us in because we didn't know anyone who lived there. I was so upset that he couldn't see the houses. In reality, I wasn't allowed in either while running, but I decided to just run through the gates, figuring no one would chase me to stop me. lol. I'll take pictures the next time I go. After that, we went to Billy's Tavern and had some of the most amazing wings EVER! I also got a wonderful massage from my hubby-to-be. He said I can get one every time I do a long run. :)

This week I did 3-7-4 and I have to do 10 on the weekend. My 7 miler was with Kelly. During the last 2 miles, it started to rain hard, but it actually felt really good. It was refreshing! Today, during my 4 mile run, I saw Julito. If you know him, you know he is one of the craziest 50-something year olds on this planet with a dirty mind and mouth. He had seen me running and stopped to say hello and happy thanksgiving. He said, "What the hell are you doing running?" I said, "training for a marathon." He said, "ooooh. Fuck you". I dont know why but I was cracking up my entire run.


So yea...my body can totally tell it's training for marathon. I'm constantly aching. It never goes away. I'm taking an Aleve on most days and icing my knees whenever I can. Blisters are turning into calluses and weak muscles are getting stronger. I'm hoping my body can handle 9 more weeks of training!

10 miler in Key Biscayne

Nov.7, 2010

Last Sunday, Kelly and I ran a 10 miler in Key Biscayne. It was a really cold morning and when we got out of the car, it was so windy that the thought of NOT running crossed our minds. We were shivering!

It took about a mile for me to warm up, then it got pretty warm, and I didn't like having a long sleeve on. During the run, these army guys in full uniform, carrying a huge bag on their back and holding their guns, kept passing by. They looked miserable carrying all that junk while running, and I was happy to only be holding my water.

The last 3-4 miles it got cold again. And windy. I had to keep putting my hands over my mouth and breathe hot air to keep warm.

I finished the run in 1 hour and 48 minutes at a pace of 10:48 (about 50 seconds faster per mile than my 9 mile run) which I actually felt good about. I hope to run the half marathon on Sunday in about 2.5 hours. In my first half, I finished in 2hrs 38minutes. I feel like I've gotten stronger since then, so I'm hoping it will show!

After the run, we had the most delicious subs at Sub Cafe and splurged on HUGE, HOT, CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES. We deserved it! lol. We sat outside on one of the most beautiful days ever, and we were so happy the run was over!

Tomorrow, I'll be doing my SECOND HALF MARATHON in Key Largo. woo!!

A Training Plan....for Spectators

I read this article and thought it was great!

http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2010/11/a-training-plan-for-spectators.html

It reminded me how much I loved getting some inspiration from my family. I think my mom was more exhausted from cheering then I was running the half marathon! LOL!

My mom cheering us on!

My wonderful fiance

My cousins at the finish line!

The best doggy in the world!

Support from friends and family is great, especially in those last couple miles when you just want to fall to the floor. It's nice to know they'll be at the finish line treating you like a superhero :)

They Key Largo Half Marathon is this weekend. Anybody who wants to watch is more than welcome to come to the keys on Friday and wake up at the butt crack of dawn with us. After the race, we'll be relaxing, eating and hopefully marinating in the jacuzzi!

See ya!

Half marathon next weekend?!

I've been so focused on my marathon training that I completely forgot I had a half marathon to run next weekend! I've been getting a little more pumped for it, but I'm definitely not as excited as I was for my first half marathon. I feel like this is more of a training run then an actual race. I'm sure I'll get nervous and excited next week!

On Sunday, I ran 9 miles in Key Biscayne with Harold and Steve.

My sister came with us and stayed on the beach with Roxie till we were done. It was a great run. We had to run a steep bridge twice. The first time across it, I didn't even feel it. The second time (which was the last half mile) I thought I might throw up when I got to the top. But other than that, it was a great run. I felt strong, and I never really felt tired. I did have a little heartburn because I forgot to eat Tums beforehand. The time went by fast because I was in a new place with lots of runners and cyclers. There was motivation everywhere!
After the run, we ate at this little place with all natural food. I had ceviche at like 10am and it hit the spot. I want to run in Key Biscayne again just to eat that again! lol

Today, I did 3 miles. I had a cramp on the last mile. It hurt so bad I could hardly breathe. I had to stop and walk for a minute for it to go away. It reminded me of my first half marathon. I got a cramp, but since I didn't want to walk, I decided to keep running through it. It took a whole mile for it to go away! I won't be stubborn when training any more. If I get a cramp, I'll stop and walk it off. It's way better than being in that pain!

At some point this week, I have to run a 5 and 3 miler...and a 10 miler this weekend. That will be my last long run before the half marathon :)

8 miles turned into 9.5!

Saturday was my long run. I was well rested and ready to run 8 miles. I woke up at 6:30am, right as my fiance was getting home from work. He was going to shower and head straight to bed. I wanted to go back to bed so badly, and he was doing a good job of convincing me to sleep. I didn't listen to him and went outside to warm up.

I have an app on my phone that tells me my mileage and pace while I'm running, and my plan was to run 4 miles out, and then just turn around and head back home. However, as I was getting to the 4 mile mark...I figured I would be too bored running the same path back home, so I thought I could take another major road back home. As I was running on the road though, it never let me make a turn to make it home, so I ended up having to run further than needed. A whole 1.5 miles more! Surprisingly, it didn't affect me that much. At around mile 5.5, I ate one gummy cube energy thingy, and I had my water whenever I was thirsty.

It was fun exploring a brand new neighboorhood. It kept me entertained and I wasn't constantly thinking about my mileage. It got really hot the last mile and my legs started to feel shaky, but overall it was a good run! I'll definitely be ready for the half marathon in 3 weeks, but thinking of running that same run plus doing it a little less than two more times for the full marathon is still a scary thought.

I realized most people in training run their long runs on Saturday because I saw around 10 other runners with their water belts. I never see that many on Sundays.

I ended up doing 9.5 miles with an 11:25mins/mile pace. I've been very lucky because my foot stopped hurting. I don't know how because I didn't stay off of it this week! LOL. I guess praying really does work :)

7 miles. Check!

Saturday, I woke up at 5:45am to attend the Breast Cancer Walk. It was a leisurely 5K stroll where I got to talk with friends and family and support a wonderful cause. When I parked my car and walked to the park, I looked around and realized that this was the last little stretch before the finish line in the half marathon I ran in the beginning of the year. I don't know why but this got me really emotional. It's weird, but just being in Bayfront Park made me really excited to run the marathon and get that "feeling" back.

I had the itch to run this 5k...but I knew I had to run 7 miles the next day...so I decided I shouldn't. It was a really nice day, the weather was perfect, and seeing all the survivors made me feel blessed to be alive and healthy.

Me with my Momma, Sharrie and Nancy

My Mom looking cute lol

Two strong and beautiful women: Christine & Ketty



My family <3

 Today, I woke up at 6:40am for my 7mile run. I was a little scared of running by myself...but I brought my credit card, phone, water, energy gel and chapstick. I knew I'd be perfectly fine lol :) The run went pretty well. I saw some new parts of Davie that I've never seen, so that was pretty cool. I had to use the bathroom really bad and after 2 miles of holding it in, I saw a gas station! It was like heaven! hahahaha. That pumped me up for the last two miles of the run. My foot pain was going in and out...but never shocking or stabbing, where I had to stop. One of my headphones when out at the last mile. That was pretty annoying. I love those headphones, so now I have to get myself a new pair. I finished with an average pace of 11:25. I felt great!

I got home, showered, and went straight to bed with some ice on my foot. Of course, my foot didn't let me have it THAT easy. Later on into the day the pain got worse! It got to the point where it was a sharp, stabbing pain on the outside of my foot where it was difficult to walk. Now, it's a dull pain that is slightly uncomfortable when walking. I'm starting to get pissed now! lol. I tried getting an ankle brace last week....but that made my foot hurt more. I think my next home remedy will be shoe inserts for my terribly flat feet.


Anyways, yesterday I got REALLY excited because I convinced Jaclyn to run a half marathon!!! haha! I remember after running my half marathon, she mentioned she wanted to do one. So while I was at the Breast Cancer run, I implanted into her head that SHE CAN DO IT. lol. She went home and signed up! I AM SO EXCITED FOR HER!!

Jaclyn is in the middle with Zaida & my Padrino, George.

I haven't done anything ALL week :(

Last Sunday, I did a 6 mile run with Harold in the keys! It was a great run. I made sure to properly stretch and do my heel exercises! lol. My foot felt a little "strange"  during the run, but it never got to the point where I had to stop completely.  After the run and later on into the night, my heel pain got worse and worse. The next day, I could not walk on my foot, and I even bought an ankle brace. I was so upset. If I can't run a marathon because of a stupid heel pain, I'm going to be pissed!!!!

I was too lazy to even cross-train this week, so I literally haven't done one minute of exercise! I focused on school, got a lot of  labwork done, and studied but now I feel lazy. I need to get back into the groove of things. At the peak of my stressful week, I wished that I had decided to run this marathon the following year, when I have a somewhat normal life and I'm not cramming for BOARDS! I definitely take on too much at one time.

Anyways, tomorrow I'm walking a 5k with my family for Breast Cancer Awareness, and I'm hoping my foot pain doesn't flare up. If it doesn't, I will attempt my 7 mile run this Sunday!

5 mile run

So this weekend I went to Runners Depot and got myself a water belt which I absolutely LOVE! It has a big pocket to hold my phone, keys and any energy gels,etc that I may have to bring with me on long runs.

It was so comfortable! I didnt even feel it on me while I was running.

I started my run at 7am, and it was such a beautiful morning. The sunrise was spectacular and I had one of those, "it feels good to be alive" moments. I ran the entire time but walked for about 20 seconds while I drank my water at mile 3 and 4 (like I will in the marathon). At mile 4.5 I got a horrible heel pain on my right foot. I stopped for a second and it didn't go away. I continued running and it hurt more, so I walked for 2 minutes. It felt a little better, but I really wanted to run so I just sprinted home.

I finished the run with an average pace of 11:11 minute miles.

My heel has been hurting the whole day. I've taken ibuprofen and have had ice on it for most of the day. I'll take the day off tomorrow and hopefully I'm ready to run on Tuesday!

I'm going to blame it on improper stretching. I was excited for my run today and just head out the door without a real stretch. Lesson learned!

Signed up for the Marathon!

It's official... I'm signed up to run the ING MIAMI MARATHON!

26.2 miles here I come!

This week I ran Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday on the treadmill since it was raining. Running on the treadmill is a lot easier, but it's kinda nice to be able to run faster than normal and work out different muscles. I've been training with Kelly and we've also been doing a lot of crunches and push-ups. Talk about total body workout. PLUS, I've been eating really well this week so I feel pretty good :)

This weekend we're doing a 5-miler. I have to get a water belt or something, cuz I've been feeling pretty dehydrated on my 4 mile runs. Off to Runner's Depot I go!

If you're thinking about running the half or the full marathon, go here:
http://www.ingmiamimarathon.com/

Partying = Unsuccessful running

Alcohol and Fast Food are not good for running!

So this weekend was full of partying and nasty eating...which means I didn't run AND I felt like total shit. I was totally UNmotivated and everytime I thought about the marathon, I felt discouraged.

I got so fed up on Sunday night, that I said I wasn't going to drink or eat fast food anymore (at least not till the marathon). I don't consider myself much of a drinker - but we went all out for Ashley's birthday, and I haven't been that wasted since my 21st birthday!

At the Rascal Flatts Concert in the pouring rain!

So I'm starting a sort-of detox diet. Well not really. I just don't want fried foods in my body while I'm trying to get in shape for a marathon. Let's see how long this lasts. I know Wendy's will be calling my name lol!

Today was a busy day....but at 10pm after I was done with school projects, I got my butt to the gym for a nice run. I ate healthy all day and I already feel a million times better!

Susan G.Komen - Race for the Cure: Please join!

I'm going to be running this race for my beautiful cousin who is doing an amazing job at fighting cancer!

I love you Christine - keep fighting :)

This is a 5k Run/walk on Saturday, October 16, 2010. Please sign up here:
http://miamiftl.info-komen.org/site/TR/Events?px=3933392&pg=personal&fr_id=1984

Screw the Running Schedule

I was tired of running 30 minutes. I wanted more!

On Saturday, I went to a birthday party and when I got home, Harold and I went for a run. We said we would do 4 miles. I have the iMapMyRun app on my phone and it keeps track of my time and mileage. He has some other app. We said we would turn around when it told us we were at 2 miles. When mine got to 2 miles, Harold's still said 1.8miles. I don't know why, but those 0.4 extra miles drained me out - or could it be the fact that we were hauling ass?? lol. We did 4.4 miles at 10.5 minute miles. That's fast considering I usually do 12 minute miles. I slowed down towards the end while Harold sped up. All in all though, I felt good, but I was SO THIRSTY! I felt like I had a cotton ball in my mouth. I definitely have to keep water on me for 4+miles.

Today, was a hectic day and I thought I wouldn't be able to get my run in. At 9pm, I put on my exercise clothes without thinking about it and went straight to the treamdill at the gym. I did 45 minutes.

45 minutes is a good amount of time for a run. So screw the running schedule - if it says 30 minutes, I'll do 45 ;)

Miami Marathon Course Video & Map

I don't know why I watch this video. Everytime I open it, I get so nervous that my stomach starts to hurt lol!

Course Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfaaxBUbcEc

Course Map
http://www.ingmiamimarathon.com/Upload/documents/AerialMap_water_port-o-let.pdf

I'm going to have to separate my family & friends into separate cheer zones...some at the beach....some in downtown, some at the Grove, some at Rickenbacker...and of course, THE END! Or else I think I'll get very bored!

Remind me not to open this again! lol!

Labor Day Weekend = Lobsters + Running

So I've been following my running program...and I'm happy to say that 30 minutes feels like NOTHING now, I'm dying to go longer, but at the same time, I don't want to overdo it and hurt myself.

Labor Day Weekend was very relaxing...but I ate like a pig! My fiance caught lobster every day...which we ate fried or soaked in butter. Not good. But so delicious.

On Saturday, I went running with Jeff. I realized I ran a whole minute/mile faster with him. I wasn't any more tired. I guess I have to start pushing myself to run a little faster. I love running with him and I really wish he would go long distances with me (hint hint my love!)

On Sunday, I went running with Grace (the girl on the left of the pic). She hadn't been running in a loooong time and is thinking of running a half marathon, which I realllyyyyyy hope she does! She said someone has to "force her to run" so we ran/walked for 30 minutes. I didn't want her first run to be horrendous, so I made sure we stopped every little bit so she could catch her breath and regain some energy. She did great!

On Monday, I went running by myself...but after the huge lobster feast that we had...it didn't hit my stomach too well and I had to call Jeff midway to pick me up. lol.

Today, I went to the gym with Ashley and we ran on the treadmill. I had my new music loaded on my iPod and the time went by really quickly. I didn't feel out of breath at all, definitely ready to increase my mileage! Ashley did 3 miles (can anyone convince her that she CAN do the 10K by November 13???)

I've been really excited because a lot of people have told me they want to run!! Kelly & Ian are doing the Key Largo Half Marathon, and lots of others want to do the 10K (6 miles). That would be so much fun to have such a big group supporting eachother! I can't wait! Don't forget to sign up (and let me know when you do!) Here's the info again:
http://sandyfirstmarathon.blogspot.com/2010/09/2nd-annual-key-largo-bridge-run-111310.html

Peace out yo! ;)

2nd Annual Key Largo Bridge Run - 11/13/10

My first race ever was the Key Largo Bridge Run last November 2009. I did a 5K. This was when I saw my sister and dad complete the half marathon and realized that I may be able to do it myself!

Anyways, it's a wonderful run, and it's also walker friendly. You watch the sunrise over the water, which is absolutely breathtaking. You have a bridge to cross (twice) but it's not too bad because the view at the top is worth it!

You have the option to do a 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles) or a half marathon (13.1 miles).

I'll be doing the half marathon with my dad and Harold, and my mom is walking the 10K with some family. I think Jeff will be running the 10K.

Here is the website:
http://jewfishcreekbridgerun.com/index.html

To register:
You can either download the form on the website and send in a check
OR
sign up online but pay a fee ($5?)

If anyone wants to crash at my house the night before you can bring an air mattress and we'll make some spaghetti and relax  :)

Let me know if you'll be joining me!

PS
I've gotten 100 view on my blog! yay! lol. Don't forget to leave comments - they are appreciated!

Here are pics from last year:

My fiance and I at the top of the bridge!

Can you find me?

Jeff, ME, Nancy, Harold, My Mom & Steve

So proud of my sister & dad for completing the half marathon!

Runners are Nice People

Runners are nice people. So if the professor I was working with yesterday is a runner, I retract this statement. ;)

Yesterday was one of the craziest days of dental school. After a professor made me and other students feel like the scum of the earth, I decided to stand up for myself, and I told him I never wanted to work with him again and no one should EVER make me feel like he did. I'll end this story here, since this is a public blog. lol.

Needless to say, I wanted to go for a run BADLY when I got home. I had a lot of stress built up. I waited and waited for the rain to stop....but when it did, it was night time. I SHOULD have gone to the gym but Ashley sold me out (yes, I'm calling you out Ashley!). That's not an excuse, but I'll make it one.

Anyways, at 12:30 at night (while I'm sleeping), my patient decides to call me and cancel our 9am appointment. The first thing I thought, "Great! Now I get to go on a morning run." And I did.

I started my run around 7:20. The weather was gorgeous. It was still kinda quiet out. The best part of my run was the people I saw along the way. All of them, women. I realized that boaters and runners are kinda the same...when you pass by them, you smile and wave hello. Everyone is out there, sweating and feeling good. I always wonder what mile they are on. One lady wore a half marathon shirt,  I wondered how many she'd done. Either way, I realized that I've never came across an angry runner. No matter how much you are struggling during your run, you find the time to smile and say hello to the runner passing you by. It's a good feeling.

However, I don't think treadmill runners are the same. There will be 10 treadmills lined up together and you never feel as if you're a team, but if you run with a group of people on the street, you feel it. I dont know why that is.

This was during the half marathon. I think around mile 5.
You see that guy on the right with the peace sign? We don't know him.
Hence, runners are nice people :)

Run Slow

Last week was a great training week. Just three, 30 minute runs. None of them exhausted me, and I've been feeling really good. I got a BUNCH of music from Jeff over the weekend- actually 4.5 hours worth of music. I'm pretty excited to put them in my iPod and run!

In school, I got to meet 2 people that have ran multiple marathons. One was a friend's patient and the other was a resident. I loved talking to them because they understood the craziness. They didn't even know my athletic ability, yet they know that because I WANTED to run a marathon, that I WOULD run a marathon. They made me believe it was possible.

I asked them for one bit of advice. The girl said, "Run slow and enjoy it, because it is such an amazing experience". There is no doubt that I'll be running slow. That's the only way I know how to run. lol. After having my 5k race and half marathon running times, it's estimated that I'll finish the marathon in around 5 hours and 45 minutes. That's kinda scary to think about. That's longer than a road trip to Tampa!!!
What am I thinking?! hahahaha....

Join Me (at least part of the way...)

The people who joined me on my first half marathon: Harold (brother in law), Nancy (sister), and Timmy (cousin). WE LOVED OUR MEDALS!

Hiii :)

So today was another 30 minute run. My legs were a little sore from my run on Monday but nothing horrible.

I've had a lot of people tell me they want to run a half marathon. If the thought has every crossed your mind, do it! It's easy to sit back and say you can't do it, but what fun is that?

Here's the link to the half marathon training program that I used when I ran in January. I didn't follow it precisely. My longest run was 8 miles on land and 9 miles on a treadmill....and I was still able to run the whole thing (just walking for water).
http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm

If you run the ING Miami Half marathon on January 30, you'd have to start this program November 8. It starts at 3 miles, so make sure you can do that comfortably before you start the program.

Here is the website for the half marathon:
http://www.ingmiamimarathon.com/Home.htm

It's $65. I would love to have your around for the first 13 miles. It's a lot of fun to run with people, and I promise you you'll think it's one of the coolest experiences ever!

Hope you join me!

xoxo

My First Run

Today, I started training.

I ran 30 minutes and did 2.7 miles. I'm not the fastest of runners but I'm not looking for speed. I'm looking for endurance. When I got to 2 miles I thought, "Great...now I just gotta do this 13 more times".

The run wasnt too bad for not running since...hmmm...maybe a month ago? I just kept a steady pace. By the end, my quads started cramping up, but that's about it. I have to stretch a little better before my runs.

According to the training schedule, I'll be doing this 3 times a week for the next 7 weeks gradually running up to 40 minutes. I guess they want me to feel as if running 40 minutes is a walk in the park before the intense training begins.

I realized quickly into my run that I need good music. I haven't updated my iPod in a really long time so I'm excited to steal music from Jeff this weekend and jam out to new songs next week!

That's all for now :)

Why am I do this?

So why am I going to run a marathon? Well....why not?

I can definitely list 1,000 reasons why running a marathon is a stupid idea. Some of those reasons include:
1. It's crazy
2. I'm too busy
3. I might hurt myself while training
3. It's not physically possible for the human body to run that far.
4. I am setting myself up for failure if I don't complete it.
5. I'll get bored of running
6. I don't have the body of a runner
and did I mention, it's crazy?!

Of course, I've thought about each one of these things....but then I have that little voice in my head that says, "but just imagine actually doing it...running 26.2 miles...saying I ran a marathon". Then, I kind of just forget everything else.

My dad has been running for awhile now and has run around 7 marathons. I always thought he was nuts and a total extremist but at the same time, I found him inspirational.

I started running for exercise about 6 years ago, and in 2005, after hearing all my dad's stories, I wanted to run a half marathon. I signed up for the Disney Half. I started training for it, but then quickly gave up after I had knee issues every time I hit the 6 mile mark. I told myself, I'd never be able to do it. For the next couple years, I stuck to 2-3 miles a few times a week, and that's pretty much how I stayed in shape.

Late 2009, Key Largo started it's 1st annual Key Largo Bridge Run. I signed up for my first 5k, but my dad, sister, brother-in-law and friend signed up for the half marathon. The 5k was amazing. I was pumped up and wanted to run more. I remember sitting there waiting as everyone who ran the half marathon came through the finish line, and I cried for almost each and every person. So many people from different walks of life, young and old, were able to run 13.1 miles. I was impressed. When I saw my sister complete the race, my jaw just dropped. I was in shock that she had the strength to do it. At that moment, I realized, if my sister and dad can do this, so can I.

I signed up for the ING Miami Half Marathon (13.1 miles) and trained for it in 1.5 months. I ran it with Nancy (my sister) and Harold (my brother-in-law). I finished it in 2 hours and 38 minutes. It tops as one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and I realized at that moment, that if I say I can do something, then I probably can. It doesn't mean the race was easy by any means. It was hard. My body hurt, my stomach cramped, and my toenail was bruised for a couple months. Could I have kept running the entire distance one more time? Who knows! That's what I'm trying to figure out.

So I'm starting this blog so that all of you can join me on what I know will be one of the hardest goals I have yet to reach. I'm going to need all the encouragement and motivation I can get, so comments will be much appreciated.

I also want to be held accountable. Now that everyone knows I'll be running a marathon, I don't want to back down. I've come to realize that this goal may not work out for me. I may have to change plans, push it back, or try again next year. Whatever it takes, I don't want to give up. I read a quote today that said, "The miracle isn't finishing the marathon, it's having the courage to start". So that's exactly what I'll be doing. If race day comes and my body shuts down on me on mile 17 and I have to have a bus drive me to the end, I'll be disappointed, and I'll probably try again next year, but hey, I tried!

My training starts tomorrow. I'm pretty much just going to start 30 minute jogs until I can work my way to around 5 miles easily. In about a 1.5 months we'll start the intense training, where we have long runs on the weekend which increase about 2 miles every week.

The ING Miami Marathon is January 30, 2011. 5 months away. I get nervous every time I think about it. I just pray that my body is strong and my mind even stronger.

Let's see how this goes...