Distance: 10.02 miles
Time: 1 hr 49 mins 48 secs
Route: Clyde Fant Parkway Trail
10 in week 10...ironic really. I was going to try and start a little later since it is finally cooling off. By cooling off, I mean it was a lovely 65 degrees instead of 78. But let me tell you, those 13 degrees make a ginormous difference. Any hoo, I received a phone call from a friend that needed a ride to the airport at 8am. Instead of pushing it super close, I decided to just start at 5:30. That way I'd have enough time to drive home, take a shower and not subject her to the nasty running funk.
Let me start off by saying that I have a very turbulent relationship with 10 miles. The first time I ever ran 10 miles, I ended up horribly sick...to the point that I almost went to the ER. The second time I did it, it was much better, but I was still a little leary. Each time I've run it, something funky has happened to where it's just not as fun as I had hoped it would be. 10 miles is an important run. It's the first time you reach double digits and it's really quite long. When I started running them consistently in preparation for NOLA 2 years ago, I could never break 2 hours. The closest I came was 2:02. It always pissed me off. I know that I wasn't supposed to run for time, but damn it, I wanted to break 2 hours! It remained elusive...until today.
It was beautiful this morning. There was a breeze and it was cool. I decided to start at Hamel Park, which is a reverse direction on Clyde Fant. It's closer to my house, so I figured it would get me home fast than if I had started at Sci-Port. There were a lot of people that had the same idea, as the trail was pretty well peppered with people (do I get points for alliteration here?). I had a bit of a rough start. I borrowed Mark's amphipod thing that you can hook to the waist band of your pants and I've decided that I won't be doing that again. Stupid thing kept falling off. Finally, I managed to rig it to stay put and put my iPod and my shot bloks in there. I was very grateful that I decided to wear the new shoes today. I haven't had a chance to break them in this week, so I knew it was a little risky, but it definitely paid off. They felt fabulous!
At 8 miles, I started to get a little tired. I didn't do a long run last week, as Mark ran his REALLY long run in Ohio and we were on the road back to Louisiana. Instead of giving in, I just dug my heels in deeper and kept going. I finished my 10 miles in 1 hour, 49 minutes and 48 seconds. I was so happy to finally break that 2 hour mark! It gives me hope of more things to come.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
San Antonio Half: Week 8
Distance: 9.02
Time: 1 hr 42 mins 7 secs
Route: Clyde Fant Parkway
After 3 weeks of running the same distance, it was time to crank it up again. Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided to crank up the heat as well. It was another hot and humid morning this morning. I was happy though...it was time to switch up the trails! Teague Parkway only goes for 8.6 miles. Clyde Fant, in my opinion, is prettier and a LOT less smelly than Teague. There are more trees, it's closer to the river and as I conveniently forgot to mention to Jenn, there are also more hills.
We started off and it took me awhile to warm up. Usually the first 2 miles sucks, but this time around, it was closer to 3.5 miles to really get warmed up. My legs felt like dead weights most of the run. I've been pretty tired all week, so I think my body has just been working on overdrive. The trip to Ohio will be a quickie, but I think it will be good for me to put things on hold for 5 days. I'll run at the hotels, but I'll be able to rest my brain a little bit. We leave on Wednesday morning and we'll be home on Sunday.
It was a good run. Tiring, but good. It's nice to have this redo. I feel like I'm doing things the right way this time around and I'm really listening to my body. I'm forgiving myself if I don't go as far or if I miss one. I also don't give myself grief if I choose to go longer or add an extra day in. If something hurts, then it's okay to walk it out. I know how to do things the right way now and how to address the different aches and pains that kick in. I'm looking forward to the 10 milers. Sick, I know. But I have a competition going with myself. I haven't been able to break 2 hours for a 10-miler. I kept trying the last time I trained, and I hadn't been able to do it. With the pace we're doing, I think I can finally do it...10 miles in less than 2 hours. It might seems silly and horribly slow compared to others, but man...it's a goal I've had for almost 2 years. I think we're well on our way to doing it. :)
Time: 1 hr 42 mins 7 secs
Route: Clyde Fant Parkway
After 3 weeks of running the same distance, it was time to crank it up again. Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided to crank up the heat as well. It was another hot and humid morning this morning. I was happy though...it was time to switch up the trails! Teague Parkway only goes for 8.6 miles. Clyde Fant, in my opinion, is prettier and a LOT less smelly than Teague. There are more trees, it's closer to the river and as I conveniently forgot to mention to Jenn, there are also more hills.
We started off and it took me awhile to warm up. Usually the first 2 miles sucks, but this time around, it was closer to 3.5 miles to really get warmed up. My legs felt like dead weights most of the run. I've been pretty tired all week, so I think my body has just been working on overdrive. The trip to Ohio will be a quickie, but I think it will be good for me to put things on hold for 5 days. I'll run at the hotels, but I'll be able to rest my brain a little bit. We leave on Wednesday morning and we'll be home on Sunday.
It was a good run. Tiring, but good. It's nice to have this redo. I feel like I'm doing things the right way this time around and I'm really listening to my body. I'm forgiving myself if I don't go as far or if I miss one. I also don't give myself grief if I choose to go longer or add an extra day in. If something hurts, then it's okay to walk it out. I know how to do things the right way now and how to address the different aches and pains that kick in. I'm looking forward to the 10 milers. Sick, I know. But I have a competition going with myself. I haven't been able to break 2 hours for a 10-miler. I kept trying the last time I trained, and I hadn't been able to do it. With the pace we're doing, I think I can finally do it...10 miles in less than 2 hours. It might seems silly and horribly slow compared to others, but man...it's a goal I've had for almost 2 years. I think we're well on our way to doing it. :)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Happiness
Happiness can be super big things and little tiny, seemingly inconsequential things. Happiness can happen when you least expect it, or when you are working hard toward a goal and you finally reach it.
For me, happiness happens a lot. I can be sarcastic on occasion (okay, on a LOT of occasions), but for the most part, I'm a pretty optimistic person. I try to look for the best in any given situation and roll from there. Sometimes it's really hard to find the positive in a bad situation. Those days are the sucky days and are the ones where you just thank the good Lord above that tomorrow will bring something new and you start off with a clean slate. I like being an optimist. Sometimes it pisses people off...for instance, when high five-ing someone at a water station at mile 24 of a marathon, your running buddy that is struggling may not appreciate the positivity so much. I really believe that in every bad situation, there is good.
Today, happiness started off in the form of a run. I went with my friend Lynley. It was her first day starting up and she did great. I was so proud of her! It was hot and sticky, but it felt good. Sometimes I don't mind the hot and sticky messes...it can make you feel like you really worked your ass off.
Happiness also came from meeting an acquaintance for lunch. Her son went to school with Gavin when he went to Southfield. She had previously mentioned last year that she was involved in a non-profit group that helps military families deal with the reunification process of deployments, called Camp Better America (http://www.campbetteramerica.com/). Long story short, we went to lunch and we talked about CBA and I mentioned that Barksdale OSC and ESG (Enlisted Spouses Group) are very interested in helping out and in trying to get some of our families into the camp. I think it went well. The camp is something amazing and is doing something amazing for military families from all walks of life.
Happiness also came unexpectedly from my friend Mary. I always admire her attitude toward life--kind of a balls to the wall mantra and just grab it and go! She is well traveled and definitely lives life to the fullest. She is all kinds of awesome and I always miss her. We've been friends for a long time, with our ups and downs, but mostly ups. She's definitely one of my sisters (I'm proud to say I have 5 sisters that are not marriage related or blood related--I'm a lucky gal). But I've always thought of her as awesome and someone that I kind of looked up to, even though I'm older than her. :) I said something to her in passing, and I guess it resonated with her. I had no clue, but then she mentioned it. It made me happy that I was able to say something relatively profound (even thought I really had no clue) that made someone happy.
My life is very blessed and I am very lucky. Happiness is what you make of it.
For me, happiness happens a lot. I can be sarcastic on occasion (okay, on a LOT of occasions), but for the most part, I'm a pretty optimistic person. I try to look for the best in any given situation and roll from there. Sometimes it's really hard to find the positive in a bad situation. Those days are the sucky days and are the ones where you just thank the good Lord above that tomorrow will bring something new and you start off with a clean slate. I like being an optimist. Sometimes it pisses people off...for instance, when high five-ing someone at a water station at mile 24 of a marathon, your running buddy that is struggling may not appreciate the positivity so much. I really believe that in every bad situation, there is good.
Today, happiness started off in the form of a run. I went with my friend Lynley. It was her first day starting up and she did great. I was so proud of her! It was hot and sticky, but it felt good. Sometimes I don't mind the hot and sticky messes...it can make you feel like you really worked your ass off.
Happiness also came from meeting an acquaintance for lunch. Her son went to school with Gavin when he went to Southfield. She had previously mentioned last year that she was involved in a non-profit group that helps military families deal with the reunification process of deployments, called Camp Better America (http://www.campbetteramerica.com/). Long story short, we went to lunch and we talked about CBA and I mentioned that Barksdale OSC and ESG (Enlisted Spouses Group) are very interested in helping out and in trying to get some of our families into the camp. I think it went well. The camp is something amazing and is doing something amazing for military families from all walks of life.
Happiness also came unexpectedly from my friend Mary. I always admire her attitude toward life--kind of a balls to the wall mantra and just grab it and go! She is well traveled and definitely lives life to the fullest. She is all kinds of awesome and I always miss her. We've been friends for a long time, with our ups and downs, but mostly ups. She's definitely one of my sisters (I'm proud to say I have 5 sisters that are not marriage related or blood related--I'm a lucky gal). But I've always thought of her as awesome and someone that I kind of looked up to, even though I'm older than her. :) I said something to her in passing, and I guess it resonated with her. I had no clue, but then she mentioned it. It made me happy that I was able to say something relatively profound (even thought I really had no clue) that made someone happy.
My life is very blessed and I am very lucky. Happiness is what you make of it.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
San Antonio Half: Week 7
Distance: 8.41 miles
Time: 1 hr 32 mins 38 secs
Route: Teague Parkway
I was a little torn yesterday on which trail to run and how far to go. Jenn has a 10K on tap in San Antonio today, so do I go with 6? Do I go with 9? Decisions, decisions for a seemingly indecisive person. I decided to sleep on it and figure it out when I woke up in the morning. Lauren woke up in the middle of the night, so I took her back to her room. It took me a bit to fall asleep. Mark told me that I could always move my run to Monday morning, but I said no. I wanted to get it done and over with. So instead of hitting the trail at 5:30am, I decided to hit the trail a little after 6. I started in the middle of the trail and ran down to Diamond Jacks. I hit the turn around and then ran back to where I started. I kept going to where I normally park and then turned around for the last stretch.
The weather was absolutely beautiful. The temp on my car gauge read 62 degrees when I started. I was very grateful that I wore the long sleeve shirt and the shorts. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the dawn gave way to a breathtaking sunrise. It actually gave me the chills each time I would look at it. I missed having Jenn running with me, but I just let my mind wander the entire time. Here's the path it took:
Today is my birthday. I'm starting this new year one year older and 21 pounds lighter than the last one. I'm proud to say that I am 32 years young. I never thought that I would ever be where I am...not just geographically, but so very happy and grateful with how my past 32 years have played out. While we aren't the richest people with money, I consider myself incredibly rich in love, family, friends and health. I have been married to the love of my life for almost 10 years. We have two AWESOME kids (that I often don't give enough credit to). I have two amazing parents that raised me to be the person I am today. I have an older brother, that drives me crazy on many occasions, but I will never give up on him. I have my "in-law" family, that I don't even count as "in-laws", because I adore them so much. I have so many incredible friends. Each and every one of you have impacted my life in so many ways that I can't even begin to tell you. You have become a part of my family and I am so very lucky for each of you.
As I ran this morning, I was very grateful and definitely counted myself as a very lucky and very blessed girl. I know that life is a journey and an adventure. I am so glad that you are all along for the ride with me.
Time: 1 hr 32 mins 38 secs
Route: Teague Parkway
I was a little torn yesterday on which trail to run and how far to go. Jenn has a 10K on tap in San Antonio today, so do I go with 6? Do I go with 9? Decisions, decisions for a seemingly indecisive person. I decided to sleep on it and figure it out when I woke up in the morning. Lauren woke up in the middle of the night, so I took her back to her room. It took me a bit to fall asleep. Mark told me that I could always move my run to Monday morning, but I said no. I wanted to get it done and over with. So instead of hitting the trail at 5:30am, I decided to hit the trail a little after 6. I started in the middle of the trail and ran down to Diamond Jacks. I hit the turn around and then ran back to where I started. I kept going to where I normally park and then turned around for the last stretch.
The weather was absolutely beautiful. The temp on my car gauge read 62 degrees when I started. I was very grateful that I wore the long sleeve shirt and the shorts. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the dawn gave way to a breathtaking sunrise. It actually gave me the chills each time I would look at it. I missed having Jenn running with me, but I just let my mind wander the entire time. Here's the path it took:
Today is my birthday. I'm starting this new year one year older and 21 pounds lighter than the last one. I'm proud to say that I am 32 years young. I never thought that I would ever be where I am...not just geographically, but so very happy and grateful with how my past 32 years have played out. While we aren't the richest people with money, I consider myself incredibly rich in love, family, friends and health. I have been married to the love of my life for almost 10 years. We have two AWESOME kids (that I often don't give enough credit to). I have two amazing parents that raised me to be the person I am today. I have an older brother, that drives me crazy on many occasions, but I will never give up on him. I have my "in-law" family, that I don't even count as "in-laws", because I adore them so much. I have so many incredible friends. Each and every one of you have impacted my life in so many ways that I can't even begin to tell you. You have become a part of my family and I am so very lucky for each of you.
As I ran this morning, I was very grateful and definitely counted myself as a very lucky and very blessed girl. I know that life is a journey and an adventure. I am so glad that you are all along for the ride with me.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Gifted?
Gavin has always been his own person. In fact, both of my kids have always been unapologetically themselves. That's one thing that Mark and I have always encouraged--be yourself, no matter what. Stay true to what you believe, and to what you know is right...even if it's not the most popular thing. Of course it's always easier said than done. As a kid, you want to fit in. You want to be part of the cool kids club. Sadly, I was never part of the cool kids club. I'm pretty sure that Mark did though, so there's always hope for Gav and Lauren. I was a part of the nerdy kids club.
When I was Gavin's age, school came easy for me. I loved school (which probably explains my sado-masochism in going back for my Master's degree amidst the rest of my chaotic life), and I love learning new things. I loved feeling the "a-ha" moment. In California, there is a program called GATE, which stands for Gifted And Talented Education. I was tested for the GATE program in first grade and remained there until high school--by which time, honors classes replaced the GATE classes. I never thought of it as being any different. It just reduced my cool factor a little bit.
This afternoon, I received a phone call from Gavin's teacher. Of course, I looked at the caller ID and immediately thought the worst--that he had either gotten sick or something else. His teacher assured me the second I answered that everything was okay. She said that she needed my permission to have him tested. I was a little confused at first. After all, I used to have bad eyesight at his age as well, so maybe his eyes were a little blurry. Then she told me that she wants to have him tested for the gifted program at school and she needed parental permission in order for the school counselor to test him. I gave my permission and chit chatted for a bit and then hung up.
She told me that often times the student may not actually get into the program, but that it doesn't mean that they aren't gifted--it just means that the State of Louisiana makes it really difficult and kind of weeds out the uber gifted/borderline quirky kids. As I sit thinking about this, I'm really proud of Gav...even if he doesn't make it in. He's a really smart kid and a really good kid. I try not to brag too much about my kids, but I am really proud of him. I know that I am really lucky to be his mom. :)
When I was Gavin's age, school came easy for me. I loved school (which probably explains my sado-masochism in going back for my Master's degree amidst the rest of my chaotic life), and I love learning new things. I loved feeling the "a-ha" moment. In California, there is a program called GATE, which stands for Gifted And Talented Education. I was tested for the GATE program in first grade and remained there until high school--by which time, honors classes replaced the GATE classes. I never thought of it as being any different. It just reduced my cool factor a little bit.
This afternoon, I received a phone call from Gavin's teacher. Of course, I looked at the caller ID and immediately thought the worst--that he had either gotten sick or something else. His teacher assured me the second I answered that everything was okay. She said that she needed my permission to have him tested. I was a little confused at first. After all, I used to have bad eyesight at his age as well, so maybe his eyes were a little blurry. Then she told me that she wants to have him tested for the gifted program at school and she needed parental permission in order for the school counselor to test him. I gave my permission and chit chatted for a bit and then hung up.
She told me that often times the student may not actually get into the program, but that it doesn't mean that they aren't gifted--it just means that the State of Louisiana makes it really difficult and kind of weeds out the uber gifted/borderline quirky kids. As I sit thinking about this, I'm really proud of Gav...even if he doesn't make it in. He's a really smart kid and a really good kid. I try not to brag too much about my kids, but I am really proud of him. I know that I am really lucky to be his mom. :)
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