4/9/11 - 14 miles in 155 mins (2 hours 35 minutes)
I had a really fun run today. Which lead to my decision that.. I LOVE RUNNING!
I've created my own little route that is nothing special to anyone else but I've found my own little things I've loved about it. I'll try to name as many things I thought of today as I can remember.
1. I love my playlist of happy songs, er, songs that make me happy. Ask Jonno- I can relate any song to my life in one way or another. Today after having this thought, I listened to the song "You're So Vain, You Probably Think This Song is About You" and laughed that in a funny way I do!
-Other examples: "I am an electric light- if the sun can radiate, I can too!" "Families can be together forever" "The race isn't to be swift, but to endure" "The Best Day" by Taylor Swift is my FAVE!
2. I passed something written in a sidewalk cement that said "I am da master" and I read it, then said it out loud to confirm that, yes, I AM da running master!
3. I LOVE RED ROBINS!!! They are just SO CUTE! Whenever I'm starting to get tired, I look up and see one of these cute birds hopping or tweeting or flying and it instantly brings a smile to my face. With this realization today, I decided I'm going to get a pin or something of a little red robin to wear so I can always look at it to bring me happiness.
4. Deer are cute. Not as cute as red robins, but still cute. I've seen them on my last two long runs- they also make me very happy.
5. This app called "IMapMyRun." It was a free download and it recorded my run with a GPS today and was dead on. I didn't have to waste any energy messing around with it once I started. This allowed me to focus all my energy on just RUNNING. It was nice! Here's my run info:
6. I love my cute running shoes (see below... cute, huh??). I need to get some new ones soon. I got these back in January in the clearance section of DSW for only $40. They have been AWESOME! They are finally coming to their end though. :( I tried Kayano's for $140 and they weighed me down and hurt my legs like crazy. So I'll probably search again this week.
6. This 15 foot tall metal dinosaur. It is in someone's backyard along the trail I run and they decorate it for each holiday (Note all the giant easter eggs surrounding it). Random and lovely.
7. It was snowing today. I did not like this, I did not hate this. It was just fine. It started out light and beautiful and around mile 5 it was SNOWING and I was soaking wet. I kept getting hit in the eye with these giant flakes. Yet, when I tried sticking my tongue out to quench my thirst, I got one or two per 30 seconds. Ha.
8. I should eat pizza, cookies, and candy every night before a big run! I felt so bloated from all the crap last night but felt GREAT with my run! I guess it provided all the energy I needed today. :) Ahhh freedom to eat all the good stuff!!
9. My left knee started hurting around mile six. I've been having IT band pain. :( I took it easy this week and my physical therapist adjusted my hips and reminded me to continue my stretches and strengthening exercises. I also took an NSAID to reduce the inflammation before the run and wished I had one to take halfway through. Next time! I was so happy that I was committed enough to continue even though it wasn't easy. Which leads to my next event...
10. I had my FIRST ICE BATH TODAY:
Jonno bringing in the resources for the tub..
He's been SO NICE and sweet in helping me prepare for this marathon. Every week, he is right there rooting me on and helping me with whatever I need (usually when I first get home, he instantly greets me with food, water, and some sort of icing device!). I love him. More than words, or photos can say.
First getting in...
After soaking for 15 minutes!!
All I can say is WOW. It really did help my knee, hip, and elbow to not hurt as much. Mostly since I was SO NUMB! I think this will be a weekly ritual. I am really trying to take extra care of my body from here on out to keep me healthy for the Big Day!!
11. Here is a cute snowman my mom made in our front yard that I came home to after my run today:
All in all, today has been a good day. I will say though.. I will be happy when this marathon is over simply to have more TIME in my life. A typical day for me:
8- 5:30 - Work dental hygiene
5:30 to 6:00 - drive home in traffic
eat a quick snack and change
7:00 - go to the gym to RUN, sauna, stretch, shower
9:15 - arrive home, drink protein drink
10:00 - watch a tv show/movie
10:30 - get ready for bed, read, MAYBE catch up with Jonno
Before 12:00 - try to be asleep by 12
Next day - do it all over again!
Don't get me wrong, it's been fun, but I'm ready to spend more time with Jonathon. Not feel so tired. And be able to feel like I have time and energy to keep our house clean! :)
