PF Chang's Rock n Roll Half Marathon 1/19/14

So, I "ran" in my fourth half marathon on Sunday. I use quotes because there wasn't too much running actually going on. There's this funny thing when you run long distances called training and it's usually a really good idea to do some of this so-called training prior to running such a long distance. But, I'm such a royal pain in the ass, used every excuse in the book to NOT find time to train/run, and managed to not run more than 2 miles over the past 12 weeks. Awesome, huh?

Ok, let me backtrack just a little. In the past 1 1/2 years or so I've been struggling with running. I get all up in my head and end up walking even when I should be running. I can't figure out why I start walking. I'm not injured. I'm not dying to catch my breath. Nothing is broken or bleeding. So why do I walk? I have no idea. I've even had several anxiety attacks before, during, and even after the races end (even smaller distances like a 5k or Pat's 4.2 mile Run.)

This half marathon was not about time (even though I really wanted to set a new PR) but more about just doing the best I could and actually get through something without freaking out. I did succeed at my goal. As much as I wanted to run more, I ended up with a really tight calf for about 6 miles before it loosened up and then my feet started hurting from improper insoles in my shoes.

Lessons learned:

• Train, ya big dummy!! It works! Bonehead alert #1
• There is no reason to cry or have an anxiety attack. It's just running
• Proper attire/equipment is a key component. Check it all out several weeks before the big race (again, had I trained properly this wouldn't have been an issue.) Bonehead alert #2 (and a total rookie move.)
• I listened to an audio book while I ran. OMG!!! Why didn't I think of this sooner!! Duh. Bonehead alert #3
• Times are important and anyone who says they aren't are lying just a little bit. Did I want to beat my last years' time? Absolutely! Did I honestly think it was possible with my lack of preparation? Not really. I did however beat my time of the very first PF Chang's run I did there 3 years ago. I will accept that as a success and worry about everything else another time. 
• I am never going to be a fast runner. I've accepted it and moved on. So should you. 
• I really like these stupid medals. They're shiny, pretty, bling-y and I've got quite a collection now. 
• I have a friend who is running a race in every state in the nation. I LOVE this plan! Maybe someday, we'll get to run together and/or I'll attempt a feat like this. :)

I'm going to continue to run and, despite all my issue with long distances, I will probably continue to run half marathons, too. I'm going to work on tackling some smaller issues first - including actually running a 5k (no walking, just running) and continue to do so without the anxiety and/or tears. I've got a few things coming up so I'll report back with all my success stories. :)

Thanks to my running buds, Dana and Dennis (and Anngee from afar) for all your kind words and support. Thanks to my kids who always ask how I did and no matter what I do or don't do, are always proud of me. Thanks to my husband for putting up with all those early-to-bed nights, early wake up alarms, and support. It means a lot to me.

Thanks for reading.

~with much love, always


** edit: How could I forget to thank my trainer??? Duh! Thanks to Jenna for her awesome support and pushing me even when I don't want to use the heavier kettle bell. ;) I might whine a lot but I do appreciate it and look forward to some more ass-kicking in 2014. And, keeping me accountable to my list of goals! Thanks, Jenna!

A rare day off...

Yikes. I'm 2 hours into my day off (which isn't really a day off since I have a honey-do list of things I need to get done that seems forever long) and I realize that I really miss this whole stay-at-home mom thing.

I like having a clean kitchen with no dishes in the sink, no dishes drying in high piles all over the counter.

I like starting laundry and being done with all of it before noon rather than trying to get it all done on the weekends or struggling to stay up late on a work night just so I can get that last load into the dryer before going to bed so it doesn't get all smelly.

I like going to the market during the day rather than after work with all the other harried work crowds  who are grabbing something for dinner.

I like taking my time making and eating my breakfast rather than grabbing a bagel and eating in my car or eating a bowl of oatmeal at my desk, shoveling it in so I can keep working.

I like being caught up on all my blogs or actually catching up on news rather than just by the alerts I receive on my phone.

I miss Starbucks visits with a girlfriend now and then. And hiking the McDowell Mountain Preserve. And a walk through the trails in the neighborhood. And working out or running at a normal hour rather than before the rest of the world is even awake (ok, I DO like running at 5 am - no one can see me!)

Sigh. I know I need to be thankful for the great job I have and I absolutely AM but this brief reminder of what my life used to be life stings a little.

Ok, no more "poor me." There are people out there who would do anything for the life I have. I am grateful for all we have and all the hard work we (Brian, mostly) has done to have us living this lifestyle.

Now back to my honey-do list that includes a pile of filing that is about 8 inches high.


~with much love (and gratitude), always

Some things that annoy me...

* People that drive up the wrong side of the row in a parking lot (I touched briefly on this on FB recently.) There's a big ass arrow in almost every row telling you which way to go and if that's not enough indication, look at the cars. See which way they're pointing? BIG CLUE that you're screwing this up. And, I'm not talking about the rows that have cars going in both directions (yes, Safeway, I'm talking to you.) Those are just not right.

* Waking up, feeling good, get ready for work, look great, struttin' your way into work (or the store, or errands or wherever) and BAM. You see yourself in a mirror and think, "wtf WAS I thinking??" Lol!!

* Here's one: People who don't use their turn signal or wait until the verrrrry last second to turn it on. (Yes, most of my annoyances seem to be driving related.) How hard is it to be courteous and turn it on so the people behind you know what's going on? Oh, I know. Most people are so self-absorbed that it doesn't even cross their mind to use it because why on earth would they be concerned with anyone else but themselves and their phone that they are probably using while driving anyway.

* People who 'attempt' to drive while using their cell phones. Oh I see you. And when you slightly veer into my lane because that text message or Facebook post or, even worse, that selfie is soooo important, don't glare at me and flip me off when I honk at you and give you a "WTF?" look. Put. Your. FUCKING. Phone. Away. While. Driving. I want to live and I want my children to live and grow old. 

** On a sad note, my favorite skirt in the world is finally worn out. I have worn it to death. The good news is that I bought it from Nordstrom more than 10 years ago and it has more than paid for itself many times over. I even had it repaired once but alas that only extended its life a little longer. Thank you Nordstrom for your high-quality clothing. However, this means I have to go shopping. Ugh. I loathe shopping for myself. 

~with much love, always