WOOOOHOOOOO!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adoseofshipboy/216516964/ by ADoseofShipBoy

It is Monday and I am still in shock that I have completed my 16 week training plan and that I ran 3 miles straight yesterday!!!  I actually ran 3 miles straight--without stopping. It was a long and slow 3 miles--took 44 total minutes. I ran on the treadmill at our rec center so it was indoor.  And I did it first thing in the morning--which was also kind of a first.  I have to say again that Tonia's planning is brilliant.  I remember looking at this 16 week plan in the dead of winter--early January--and thinking, "This is slow and long." But I knew it was what I needed. I committed to giving it a shot and sticking to it for the 16 weeks. I wasn't totally convinced (until about a week ago) that I would actually be able to run 3 miles by the end of 16 weeks but I knew I'd be in a better spot physically.

I have lots of reflecting to do about why I stuck with it this time, what I learned, etc. Here are a few things.

1. Tonia created an amazing plan. When I started this, I KNEW a lot about running, but was not a runner. The plan I followed got me running but it also taught me some habits and behaviors of runners. I found lots of blogs and learned from lots of people. I actually paid a bit of attention to the Boston Marathon. I learned some tricks of the trade. I had long runs and short runs. I learned about pacing.  I learned that runners really don't run to impress other people.  And that they pull you right into their group--even if you run a 15 minute mile. 

2. My cousin emailed to let me know that she figured out how to pretend you are a runner but not really be one. She recommended that I volunteer at a race--that I would get a t-shirt and even get free bagels. I tried to explain to her that the shirt doesn't seem to matter to people who actually run the races. Running the race is what matters.  

3.  There have been lots of stories on blogs about people who have recently started running or of people sharing their stories of how/when they started.  I think maybe spring is the time lots of people start running.  I especially liked Erin's story celebrating 3 years of running. It was inspiring to me because Erin is someone I just assumed had been running since infancy.  Nice to see everyone started somewhere!

4. I've also found lots of stories about people starting to run when they were older.  No one seems to wait until they are 48, but since I was actually 47 in January, I may not be the oldest person to ever attempt to begin running.  SEE MOM RUN FAR has some stories on a recent blog post.

5. I am recently fascinated by these relays that lots of people seem to be doing.  It seems like they are big slumber parties that include some running. (I am sure I do not have this right at all, but the girls who have run some of these relays sound like they have a blast even though they sound excruciatingly difficult and long!) Anyway, the Nuun teams for the Hood to Coast relay were announced this week. I was happy to see so many people who I "know" from their blogs and tweets.

6.  I am now able to listen to music again when I run. For so long, I couldn't add another thing to what I was doing so I quit music. But I found a few new songs and since I was running longer times, I could add it back in. My new favorite song for running--the one that I use to get me started when I am running longer these days--is WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL by One Direction. It pays to have a 12 year old and a 21 year old daughter when you need new music:-)

7.  I found a new blog that I like--MCM Mama. I tend to be inspired by moms who run. No matter their age.  Because I have realized that time really isn't an excuse.  And that it isn't easy for anyone to make time to run. I loved this post about going from a 5K to a marathon, not because I EVER want to do that but because the bullets of how she did it are not that different from what I did.  There were lots of days that I would have rather gotten the laundry done or finished up something for work.  The feeling of having something hanging over my head that needed done and then still going for a run was a little stressful at first. But then I decided it was a mindset.  There are always things to do and really 30-60 minutes is not a big chunk of time. I found that I could catch up later and if I didn't, it was really no big deal.

8.  As I mentioned earlier, I ran my 3 miles indoor first thing Sunday morning. I was worried about it but I had a really busy weekend and had trouble fitting it in at all. On Saturday I had an all day workshop and then dinner for my grandmother who turned 97!! Lots of family was in for the weekend to celebrate and I knew once Sunday got started, I might never get a run in. I wanted to enjoy the day without the stress of finding time to run. So I got up at 7, ate a Cliff Bar (discovered Coconut Chip which I LOVE thanks to a friend at work:-) and got to the rec center when they opened at 8. I didn't feel great when I started but was okay after the first mile or so.  Not sure that I could have gone much longer--I was thrilled when 3.0 came up and I could slow down. But I did it. In the morning. Tired and not feeling great.  I was pretty tired for much of the afternoon and evening so running in the am is still not something I'll do often yet.  But it is a new possibility:-)

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

9. It seems like years ago that I noticed this "About Me" on one of my favorite blogs 365 DAYS OF AWESOME.  Heather shared that she got a plan to run 30 minutes from Tonia and I decided the minute I saw the photo of her completed plan that I would do the same thing. It just made sense at the time and it seemed right. So I emailed Tonia and got started.  One of the things I realized is how critical the online community is.  Having a trainer I've never met in person, reading about people's running experiences, being inspired by one post, continuing on because of another.   I have always understood the power of online communities but this is the first time I've "joined" one as a newbie. And I have realized how critically important it has been for me to hear from others about their experiences. So I am thankful to every single blog post I've read that kept me going--especially the first one that got me moving in the right direction.

10. So, where to go from here? I don't want to run a marathon. But I do want to keep running. I want to  see what I can do. Continue to push myself a bit.  I want to run in the rain and maybe run in the winter. I want to run a bit more in the morning and someday I'd love to run with others.  I'd love for running to feel natural at some point.  And I'd love to run a few races with friends--throwing in costumes from places like Team Sparkle when appropriate:-) I'd love to run a bit when I travel--the change of scenery sounds fun.  The Disney runs are something that amaze me and I notice that they have a 5K. Running in wings and crowns--what more could one want?  If they ever do a Princess 10K, I think I'll have to give it a try.  And I'll keep blogging about my running, I think. I probably won't stick with the 10 things format--that was my way of paying attention to any little change early on.  But this weekly posting has helped me to really reflect on my growth. To remember that I did get better, even on days when it didn't feel like it. To have people that took the time to read my posts and cheer me on:-)

I said early on in my blogging that it seemed to take a village to get me running. I realize every day how large of a village it takes for me.  This running thing is not something that is easy for me so I can't tell you how much all of the support meant throughout the last 16 weeks.  Thanks:-)

10 Things Week 16: I Can't Believe I'm at Week 16....

My birthday gift from Louse--run happy!

So, I can't believe I am even writing this post. I remember getting my 16 week plan from Tonia in early January and looking at the pages and pages of runs I'd have to do to get to the point where I could slowly run a 5K.  I remember looking at today's particular run--40 minutes at 9 minutes running/1minute walking four times.  I remember thinking I'd never get to that.  I remember last week looking at that run and thinking I'd never be able to do it. I remember emailing Tonia wondering if my plan needed to be extended a bit.  I remember all week dreading this run.  Even though I have one more week, this one was the one I have been most worried about 40 minutes of almost all running.  And guess what? I did it.  I decided to do an indoor workout on the treadmill.  I have been out of town and am exhausted and didn't want to mess up this run. So I did it slowly --very slowly, like a 14 minute mile--on the treadmill at the rec center. It was a really good run. I could have run the whole thing I think. I could have done another round or two.  I felt good and got a really good workout.  I am totally fascinated by this....

So, I am going into my last week of this 5K training. That will give me about 3 weeks to practice running the 5K length before the actual 5K so that's good because I don't think next weekend's run will be at all pretty.

Here are 10 things about my running life this week:

1.  My good friend Louse Borden (amazing children's author) met me for dinner and fun in Washington DC this week. I had flown in for an NCTE meeting so we were able to get together for dinner while I was there.  She brought me a birthday present that you see above. It was my first actual running present.  A running shirt that I LOVE (It says, "run happy") I totally love it! And I wore it on my run today for fun. She also bought me two magnet/stickers with funny running jokes on them. I got a gift that real runners might get. A great birthday present:-) Thanks, Louise!

2.  I am so thankful for all of the runners who blog and share their stories. I think all of the blogs I've read have helped me stick with this plan for 16ish weeks.  Another Mother Runner is one of my fave running blogs and I loved the post last week PARTY ON THE MOVE. I love that these women had this kind of party for Sarah. An idea to keep in mind for your running friends!

3. I've been following Dorothy Beal's blog-MILEPOSTS- for a while and she has been quite an inspiration. This week, her Saucony video was released this week and it is a great video. It really helped me get through some runs after watching it.  She is amazing.

4. And if that wasn't inspiration enough, her blog post about her experience, mile by mile, at the Boston Marathon last week certainly was. I followed the marathon a bit online this year. I actually "knew" people who were running and wanted to know how it was going. I heard about the heat and worried about how hard it would make it for everyone.  Such a bummer for so many people. But at the end of the day, I was amazed at the attitudes of so many people.  Dorothy was one of those people. Amazing again.

5. Then, when I was reading Heather's blog (365 DAYS OF AWESOME), I discovered another fascinating race-Ragnar. I had no idea what it was but Heather seemed very excited about it and I researched a bit. Seems it is a hugely long relay--200ish miles for teams of 12 during an overnight run. Lots of my favorite companies (such as Team Sparkle, Nuun, etc.) sponsored people in this relay.  Here's the deal from the way I understand it, the team of 12 needs 2 vans and 12 runners. Food costumes, etc. are also a must.  It sounds like a slumber party with a bit of running.  It was fun to follow this run on Twitter as everyone seemed to have a good time--even with the lows of exhaustion every so often.  A fun excuse to hang out with good friends, I think.

6. When I started running, Colby Sharp recommended that I listen to Choice Literacy podcasts. I laughed and laughed because really, I could only focus on my own breathing. Even weeks after I'd been on my running plan, the idea of listening to podcasts seemed crazy. I even had to stop listening to music to focus on the running, breathing, etc.  But today, on my way to the rec center, I knew I  wanted to listen to something and I decided I was ready for podcasts. So I listened to 3 Choice Literacy podcasts that I hadn't had the chance to listen to: Oral Language and Understanding with Ellin Keene, Vocabulary, Comprehension and the Common Core with Doug Fisher and Making the Most of Small Groups with Jennifer Serravallo. These were PERFECT to listen to today. Now that I don't have to pay attention to the clock because my intervals are longer and now that I have breathing kind of figured out, I am so much more flexible in what I can listen to. Very excited about this!

7.  I was in Washington D.C. this week for an NCTE meeting. I did not have much time but I kept looking around thinking that it was a really good city for running. I couldn't help but see places that would make for a good run. I surprised even myself with these random thoughts. So maybe next time I'm there, I will go for a run.  Even though I didn't have time for a run this trip, I did get a new sense of running while on trips. I used to see exercise as a "have to" when I was out of town--something that got in the way of a trip. But the idea of running in a new city seemed like something almost fun...

8.  I am no longer worried about fitting runs in. I just do.  There are very few excuses that I can justify to myself that work when I am talking 30-45 minutes 3 times a week. I know that is the minimum I need to get into some kind of shape but that amount of time is very doable no matter how busy people are. It seems that all runners are busy people.  And as I get a little better at this, I am a little more flexible in WHEN I can run. At the beginning, it had to be after dinner but not too close to bedtime. Then I could do after school or some weekend mornings. I think I am flexible enough now that I could maybe try a morning before work. My body is getting used to this so I am way more flexible in when I can fit it in.

9. A bit breakthrough this week--I did one of my runs outside in the neighborhood. I was so tired of the 1 mile loop in the park--going around it more than once got on my last nerve. I knew it would only get worse and that if I was going to run longer, I'd need to branch out a bit. And I knew I couldn't go forever without running in the neighborhood. It was a hard run and I am sure I looked like I was in pain during the whole run, but I just ignored the cars and people that were passing and hoped no one recognized me. I am sure someone probably did but I am thankful that they haven't mentioned it. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and it gave me more options for where to run. Only other thing I'd love to try is running in the rain but I don't want to run in the freezing cold rain so I will wait for a perfect rain day for that--no hurry!

10.  Except for Yoga, I haven't done much else besides my 3 days of running.  And even the yoga hasn't been consistent. But one of my main goals in this plan was to give me flexibility in my exercise. I had gotten so out of shape that I had absolutely no options for exercise in terms of classes, etc.  I used to love 80s aerobics and often look at classes offered around here. Once I get to 5K and I try to add more exercise/cross training in, I am excited about the possibilities. I know I am not really ready for many of these classes but I feel ready enough to give them a try.

Party on the blog next week as I celebrate the end of a 16 week running plan. Not the end of running, of course---Just the beginning!

Guest Post from Katherine Sokolowski

Katherine Sokolowski, teacher, reader, blogger (READ, WRITE, REFLECT) and running friend wrote today's guest post. Enjoy!

Several months ago Franki posted something about wanting to be a runner but never actually running. For the life of me, I can’t even remember if it was on her blog or somewhere else. I vaguely feel like it was part of her New Year’s Resolutions. I remember commenting to her that I felt the same way. Well then she had to go and decide that she was going to change. 2012 would not be about wishing you were a runner but about becoming one. Crap, I thought. Now I have to join in.

January and most of February I tried it out. I’d run and then quit. But as my 38^th birthday rolled around at the end of February, it was time to get serious. I hired the trainer that Franki has mentioned, Tonia Blanchet, and she created a program for me. I needed to commit to running three times a week. Could I do it? I had my doubts.

See, I’ve ran before. I have a love-hate relationship with food. I love it but hate how it tends to pile on the pounds. Running has been the quickest way to lose weight in the past. I’ve never been “fast”. My track coach in middle school called me the turtle. No sprinting for me, thank you. But I could usually run for a long distance. Slow and steady was my motto.

In college I came back to running during my senior year for two reasons. One, I wanted to lose weight for my wedding that June. Two, because a 10K my dad had always ran as I was growing up was holding its last race that May. I ran it at my normal pace. So slow that the dentist in town the runs backwards for the last mile of the race wasn’t far behind me. (Although those ten minute miles would be great now!)

So the last time I ran seriously I was twenty-two. I’ve run on and off in the sixteen years since that race, run two 5Ks but really find reasons to stop pretty quickly. When Franki said she was beginning I figured I’d jump in. And jump I did.

Today marks the end of week 7 of my plan. And although I have not lost a pound (Not one measly pound for Pete’s sake! Inches, yes, but not a pound!) I have learned a lot.

Lesson one – I’m not sure all runners love running. I think the difference, for me, between myself as a runner and a non-runner is that I run on my assigned days even when I don’t want to. I’m not going to lie, I haven’t found a Tuesday/Thursday/ or Saturday where I’ve woken up and thought, “Yay! I get to run today!” but I do it anyway. Maybe that is the key.

Lesson two – When choosing to run (or any fitness activity) it is important to focus on becoming a healthier person, not just to lose weight. Thank goodness I had this in my head or I would have stopped after week two.

Lesson three – Franki has said this, but it takes a village. Having her to send a text message to and commiserate with has been so wonderful. Same with my trainer, Tonia, and my local friends. They also hold me accountable.

Lesson four – Putting a treadmill in my basement is a lifesaver. I have no excuses. And watching The Big Bang Theory helps time pass when I’m gasping for air.

Lesson five – Rewards matter. As my husband can testify to, I enjoy buying things. I promised myself a Team Sparkle skirt if I made it to April so I could wear it (and a Babymouse shirt) in my 5K on May 12. So I won’t give up after May, I’ve registered for the Color Run in Indy in July with some friends. Just little things but they keep me plugging at it.

So there are my five lessons. It is harder becoming a runner at 38 than it was at 22. I have just gotten fitted for orthotics that will hopefully fix some shin issues I’ve had. Sad, but I am beyond excited to get them tomorrow. It’s the little things I tell you.

Really, though, my main lesson that I’ve learned is to make the choice every running day to run. No excuses. On that note, I have to hit the treadmill. Traveling yesterday moved my run to today and let me tell you, I am not looking forward to the next 42 minutes. However, I absolutely cannot wait for how I will feel afterward because I know it is amazing. Want to run? Come and join in. 

10 Things Week 15: This is Not Getting Any Easier...

So, I haven't done my third run of the week yet. That is scheduled for tomorrow.  But I thought I'd post today since I had some time to get a post up tonight. I continue to be amazed that I am in week 14 of this running journey and in week 15 of exercising.  But it is not really getting any easier....I guess that's how it is supposed to be.

1. I registered for the COLOR RUN this week!  Very excited about this.  We had tried to figure out how to get to Chicago for the Color Run there but then found out that they had added a run in Columbus. This looks like a fun day and I am hoping a 5K looks more doable by July.  I am understanding why people do these races. Not only does it give you a date to get ready for but it is also a fun social thing.  A group of us signed up and I already know that it will be fun to see everyone, run a bit, get together, etc. The social piece is big for me --another piece of this understanding.

2. I had a big fail run this week. Worst run in the whole 14 weeks of running.  It was on Monday.  My interval or time didn't go up but I was outside and it was just not doable at the end. I was supposed to do 4 sets of Run 7/Walk 1(minutes). I got to the last round at 2 minutes in and just couldn't get any further. I took about a 45 second break, ran for a few more minutes, took a 30 minute break and finished.  I am not sure what happened except that the run was really long and really hard. It was windy and I wasn't going in with much energy.  I realized later I should have tacked on the extra 1:15 in running but I didn't.  I still "counted" the run and was able to do my next run (8min/1min for 3 rounds) on Tuesday.  But I did that one indoor.  These next two weeks look really hard and long. I feel good about where I am but these next two weeks are the final push to getting to 5K and I still have a long ways to go--quickly!  (BTW, my sweet 21 year old runner-daughter said to me when I got home, "Mom, it's windy. I could hear the wind all day. I always have to take breaks and walk when it is windy." Not sure if that's true or not but she did make me feel better:-) In reflecting on this failed run, I realized I did not wear my Lululemon running pants. They were in the laundry so I grabbed another pair.  My family informed me that it was ridiculous to even use that as an excuse but I am not so sure...

3. The track at the indoor rec center where I run is 1/13 of a mile.  I remember those first few weeks of running when I couldn't imagine that I'd ever be able to run around the track once without taking a break.  Now I am going at about a 13 minute mile--so about once around every minute. Which means I go around 8ish times every interval. It was amazing to me when I realized this the other day.  It seems like it has been a long time but in 14 weeks I have gone from 30 seconds (or 1/2 way around the track once) to 8 minutes (8 times around the track).  The numbers of laps, etc. help me see I am making progress.  It is easy to forget where I started if I let myself because I still feel so incompetent at this running thing.

4. It might be time for me to run outside in the neighborhood. I have been running on the indoor track and on a 1 mile running loop outside but with increased time, the loops are getting boring. I all of sudden realize the need to find a 3 mile loop and to not feel like I am running in circles.  I may have to run in my own neighborhood which may be too humiliating at this point.  I am really slow and I am certain that I am not a graceful runner.  And I get really angry and cranky while I am running and I get toward the end of the run. So, I am looking at options for where to run next. I am using Map My Run and really like it to help me figure out where to run/how far I went/etc.

5. So I don't use music but I've been carrying my phone for the time. I have a stopwatch/watch type thing that I can use and now that I don't have to look at the clock every 30 seconds, I feel like I need something to carry my phone. My running friend told me I needed my arms to be free because they were important to running. No idea what she means by that but I trust her. So I am on the lookout for a running/fanny pack type thing or an armband for my next runs.  Not sure which will be the least annoying but I know I don't want to run outside without my phone.

6. I found this 9 RACE DAY TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST 5K on Twitter or a blog this week. Some great advice and I loved one of the last lines, " You only get to run your first 5K once a lifetime."  Hmmm. I hadn't thought about that.  I will be participating in a 5K on campus next week and am not sure if I'll participate or just cheer others on. I know I won't be ready for the full 5K but I might use it as my workout just to get a sense of the length and feel of a 5K event.  I think my run for next weekend is 9min/1 min so maybe I'll do that just to get a sense of where I am in terms of a 5K.


7.  I seem to be qualifying for lots of free health magazines. Who knew that when you register for runs, you often get free magazines with your registration?  So this is my way of coming full circle I think. For years I would read these health magazines and not really use the information.  So I decided to stop reading about health and running and actually start doing something. Now that I am running, I will be getting these magazines again. I am sure it will be a much different reading experience!


8. Most everyone knows that I hired an online trainer/coach for this running journey.  Best decision I've made in years. Anyway, she also has a great blog that I learn from every day. She is a fun and positive person with such a great attitude about fitness and exercise.  This week, I realized why she is such an amazing person to work with.  This week, she put in a video application to be on a team for some race I don't quite understand....Hood to Coast. But I loved the video and can't imagine they wouldn't choose her to be on the team.   I read her post about wanting to do the Ironman (which I only semi-understand).   She talks a little about how slow her open water race time is and said it was possible she will come in dead last. I don't really think that's true but for someone so in shape to be so honest about her training challenges is amazing to me.  So even though she is successful in all she does, she really does understand when I tell her that I am worried about how slow I am. She is always challenging herself so constantly knows the highs and lows of training.    I get the sense, every time I ask her a question, that she really gets it.  I have worked with lots of people over the years and having someone who really understands my struggles is key. I think we all gravitate to different types of people to help us with things like this. As I've said before, I need an entire village but so glad I found Tonia as my main go-to person for all of this. She is AMAZING!  I am getting a little nervous because my 16 week training plan and work with Tonia is coming to an end.  Hoping I can motivate myself for a couple of months and then get some plan to move forward with speed or something.  But I am not sure I am ready to give up the support.  I want to prove to myself that I can do this on my own but I am also worried that maybe I can't....


9. Katie was here this week and mentioned a few times how cute my hair looked. Now I had not really done anything with my hair and she mentioned it several times. Then she said, "Oh, well I guess I am used to seeing you at Yoga. I haven't seen your hair down for a while." Hah! If you could see my hair during yoga--it is dripping with sweat and pulled up in a Pebbles/Flinstones type ponytail on top of my head. Lately, I've added my Sparkly Soul headband in hot pink.  I'm just cracking up that for the last few weeks, that is the only way Katie and other yoga friends have seen me!  No wonder she thought my hair looked good...


10. So I looked back at some numbers from a past blog post.  I started out running 30 seconds every 2.5 minutes so during Week One, I ran a total of 13 minutes. I reflected on this back in Week 8 and decided to do a little math this week too.  The first 8 weeks looked like this:

Week 1            13 minutes

Week 2            17 minutes

Week 3            21 minutes

Week 4            25.5 minutes

Week 5            26 minutes

Week 6            41 minutes

Week 7            48 minutes

Week 8            48 minutes

This week--Week 14--I ran a total of 84 minutes!!  That feels good to see these numbers. It has felt slow but in 14 weeks I have gone from running 13 minutes per week to running 84 minutes per week. Sometimes I do love numbers:-)

10 Things Week 14: And the Team Sparkle Skirts Begin to Arrive!!

Okay, so I just finished Week 14 of my exercise and Week 13 of my 16 week running plan. Really, the fact that I only have 3 weeks left is fascinating to me.  Now, don't get me wrong, the next 3 weeks look excruciating but I have learned that if I follow the plan, I improve:-)

My friends in their new Team Sparkle running skirts!  

1.  This week, our skirts from TEAM SPARKLE began to arrive.  I ordered 5 for several of us who will be running in RACE FOR THE CURE. I delivered Katie's to her when we went to yoga at HARBOR YOGA on Monday night.  She was a good sport and tried it on while we waited for class to start.  I delivered Lynsey's to school the next day and she tried it on right then and there in the library.  And Katherine tweeted out a photo of her running outfit--complete with skirt and Babymouse t-shirt. Such fun!!  The skirts arriving made this 5K thing seem more real.  My mother paid for mine as a treat for sticking with the program.  The skirts are definitely motivators for me and I love my friends for having fun with them too:-)

2.  I ordered my Sparkly Soul headband and it arrived in time for Yoga on Monday.  I love it--it a bright pink color and quite fun.  But I really did not expect it to work.  My hair is a weird length and it is hard to keep off my face and neck during yoga. I do a Pebbles-type ponytail on top of my head with the bangs but the sides and back are always in my way.  Well, this headband stayed in place without moving for the WHOLE hour long hot yoga class.  Just as was promised on the website. Really, it is truly miraculous! I will need another soon, I am sure:-)

3. There is a COLOR RUN coming to Columbus. Wooohooo! We tried to register for the Chicago run but it closed out before we registered. Hoping we get in this one.  Would be such fun! If you have not watched the clips of this run, you have to watch. It looks like way too much fun to miss. And I am thinking we all get different colored Team Sparkle skirts for this one, right?

4. Sara Kajder sent me this GREAT blog post!! If you are a runner and/or a FULL HOUSE fan, you will love this post. Seems that D.J. is all into health and she is still friends with Kimmy.  Kimmy is a runner and shares her story.  I love the Tinkerbell photo!  She has great advice for beginners and it is a post I might have to reread next time I get discouraged.

5.  So, I did my long run on Friday morning. Long, I mean 32 minutes.  But it was 7 run/1 walk for 4 times so I was exhausted at the end. Then I had to drive 3 hours. I realized it was not quite a great idea to do a long run before you have to drive a boring drive. Luckily, I had a large tea and my daughter entertained me the whole way.  But I could have easily napped all afternoon.

6. On Saturday, my daughters and I had a girls' night while my husband was at a hockey game. Our first stop was Cover to Cover where I picked up a great bag full of new books.  Then we went to JoAnn's to get some things I needed to make cake pops.  We had dinner at California Pizza and then went to Lululemon where I tried on some things and bought some new tanks.  Then we went to Jeni's ice cream. I was too full from dinner to have ice cream but the girls did. Really, Cover to Cover, Lulu and Jeni's all in one night--3 of my very favorite place!  A good day:-)  (the only connection this has to my exercise is Lululemon and that it has now become one of my favorite places, right up there with Jeni's and Cover to Cover.)

7.  So, I was doing my long run on Friday. I hated it. I am finding that the first 2 rounds are killer and the last two are doable. As I've said before, I love the minute when I realize I am going to be able to finish the run. It usually happens 1/3 to 1/2 way.  But on this long 32-minute run, it happened at minute 30. I really wasn't sure until then that I could finish.  So it was a bad run.  I ran on the indoor track and there were people walking and running. I was in the midst of misery and was passing a woman who was speed walking. She was really walking faster than I was running or at close to the same speed but I got to the point that I had to get past her. As I was going past, trying not to cry because I was miserable, she said, "I wish I could run like you."  What? I turned my head and I don't think I was very nice because I was in shock. I thought maybe I was on some Candid Camera show. She wished she could run like me? Seriously?  It took me about 2-3 laps to get over the shock and then about 3-4 minutes to reflect on how nice of her it was to say that.  Seriously, this comment got me through the rest of my run.  And I was so shocked by her words that I think I rolled my eyes at her or something.  I am still in shock that anyone would want to run like me but I so appreciate her comment.  It got me through my run and it may get me through many more in the future.

8. I ran two of my 3 runs outside this week. I don't really enjoy it but it saves me time to just go out and run. Going to the rec center to run adds 20-30 minutes to my time needed so running outside is good when it is an option. I am slower outside and I hate seeing people I know but it is quick.  I have run in the wind and in colder than pleasant temperatures for me.  Next challenge is to run in the rain. My friend Clare tells me that this is great but I can't imagine.  My new feeling is that running is pretty miserable while you are actually doing it so rain would just give me something else to focus on instead of my breathing and how miserable I am maybe. We'll see. Hoping to run in the rain at least once before the end of my 16 weeks.

9. I have decided that I need to stick with running for a year.  I think that in order to decide if you like something, you have to give it enough time to go through lots of experiences--good and bad to see the real benefits.  This plan from Tonia (TMB ENDURANCE TRAINING)  has worked out great for me and I know I can't quit once I meet my goal (which I do sometimes.) So I am thinking a year of running. 3 times a week.  As of today, I have run 39 times. I am amazed by that. I now understand why people track minutes and miles and numbers.

10.  I tried Nuun and I like it.  I have a few during the week and an extra one during Hot Yoga on Monday. I think it is smart for me. They only carry Triple Berry and Lemon Lime at our Kroger and I like those but I will probably order some other flavors online.  I've also started using a different water glass at school--one with a build in straw. And I find myself drinking far more water every day because of it.  Drinking more water and using Nuun more consistently is definitely a goal for me this coming week.