A Marathon...Really?

Team in Training

2008-05-10T18:49:00.001-07:00

Well, I didn't do the run this morning :( My shin splits are to the point where I need to rest for a week and get better before my real TNT training starts. On that note, I'm going to post a link to my website in case any kind hearted strangers want to donate! Thanks in advance!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/or/portland08/aabernathy

Busy, busy!

2008-05-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a few days since I've been on and A LOT has happened. My new job has taken off and I realize it's going to keep me pretty busy. I signed up for Team in Training last night so I'm officially committed to running Porland (and raising some money in the process)! I have my first 5 k tomorrow morning that has me a little nervous (not so much for the race but because my shin splits aren't getting any better, I'm going on a short run today just to see how they are doing). I"m so excited about getinng established here and it's all so exhausting...physically from working out, mentally from learning my new job, and emotionally from being seperated from my husband and step daughter. It's all for the best though and I know it's making me a stronger person, more capable of doing this marathon and being a well rounded person over all. My whole mentality seems a lot more positive and I'm excited each day as opposed to wondering what it's all for. I really feel like we made the right decision and I can't wait till the 17th for my first group run and I can't wait till the 21st to see my husband and get him out here so we can really start our new life! Well, I'm gonna go enjoy the beautiful sunshine and bust out a few miles. I'll post tomorrow after my run! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Support

2008-05-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

So, I made it to my new coast (or old, depending on which way you look at it) and had my first Oregon run today. It went well, pretty hilly but mostly on the downward so it was great. I am having some shin split issues so I'll be icing tonight.

On a personal note, I want to take a minute to write about my wonderful husband who I miss more than anything. He can't come out here for a few more weeks and it's sad without him :( I know, I sound like a total sap but I did want to express in this blog how important support is and, he is, hands down my biggest supporter. He encourages me when I don't want to run, he reminds me why I do it and he is so proud of me. I love him for who he is and how much he loves me, he really is the greatest husband a girl could ask for. I guess whenever I feel like giving up, knowing how proud I make him makes me take that next step.

Why?

2008-05-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

As I lay in bed last night, nursing my sore legs, I began to question myself and my motives...why in the world am I doing this? So, I woke up this morning after thinking about that question (and dreaming about it...I had a wonderful running dream where it was a breeze...) and thought I'd blog real quick and put down my reasons why so, whenever I get discouraged or frustrated or thinking I can't do it, I can look back and remember why I'm doing it and hopefully that will push me through the hard times ('cause we all know there will be hard times!)

1. I have wanted to run a marathon since I was in college; I really didn't have time to devote and train for it then and there is no better time than the present.

2. I want to prove to myself that I can do it...I've "started training" for half marathons more times than I can count and always give up, I want to believe in myself and prove that I can do this!

3. The new leg muscles are definitely a plus :)

4. I think this is the most important but I want to do this because I need a "thing". It is so much more than it sounds but, right now, I'm finding myself in a point in my life where I wake up, attend to my step daughter, go to work, come home, spend time w/the husband eat, watch tv and sleep (now, there is nothing wrong with that life, I LOVE my life and my husband and my step daughter and wouldn't trade that for the world). However, there is no real "April time". We all need that time to do something that we love and devote time to being our real self...and spend a little time each day focusing on ourselves. Whether that be meditating, yoga, reading, knitting, fixing your car or whatever, one needs time to really have some inner reflection, those are the times that you define yourself, that you realize what's valuable in life and that make the rest of life meaningful. To me, that time is running, when I run, I can think about the day, wonder what tomorrow is going to be like, contemplate the meaning of it all...you know! Anyway, I need that time.

5. Finally, I just need something active and somewhat competitive. As I've said, I found that post-high school, working out became a challenge because I was no longer doing organized sports. In college, it was easy because I was in Navy ROTC and also lived in San Diego...staying in shape really wasn't an option :) I guess I always considered (well, still do consider) myself an athlete but then, I moved to VA where the in shape population isn't as staggering as San Diego and I found myself busy and realizing the gym wasn't all that fun. That, plus the first year of marriage syndrome brought me to a place - physically in both a vain and health realated way- that I'm not happy with. Basically, I let myself go a little....now, it's time to get myself back!

6. I'm going to look into Team in Training for this marathon...there is an informational meeting in P-town next week that I'm going to attend. Currently, I work in the non-profit sector (today is my last day) and I'm jumping into the corporate world so I'd really like to be able to give back in some way since I won't be doing so at work....no better way than combining two things I love, right? Team in Training will be motivation in and of itself...

So, that's my why...it's more reasons than I originally thought so now, I really have no excuses!

Learning

2008-04-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

First, I'd like to say thank you to my first readers...it makes me so excited to know people are actually reading! Today, I think I'm going to talk about learning because, as POM mentioned, this whole journey to marathon is really about learning about myself. And, let me tell you...the past few weeks as I've attempted to begin the journey have already taught me a lot.

Numero uno...I'm an instant gratification kind of gal. I KNOW that building mileage takes time, I've read all of the training plans, books, websites, etc...yet, for some reason, I think that I should be able to go out and run forever and be fine. I mean, after all, two years ago I was running five miles with no problem...what the hell is wrong with me? Now, don't get me wrong, deep down, I know my thought process is ridiculous and I know it's going to take the 5 months to build up to the marathon but I DON'T WANNA WAIT. I'm like my 6 year old step daughter when it comes to patience...

Numero dos...I'm a lazy, lazy girl. Now, you'd think being the 'instant gratification' type of girl I'd be out every day trying to build up my mileage but NO. So, not only do I think I can run forever instantly, I think I can do it by only running 2-3 times a week. Who am I kidding? I know that right now, 3-4 times a week is okay. I also know the importance of rest. The problem is these two arguments win over when it's a run day and I'm tired and I just don't want to go...I claim a "rest" day. SO NOT PRODUCTIVE!!!

Numero tres...when I DO get out there and start putting one foot in front of the other, I generally LOVE it! I feel so good about myself and it's such a good stress relief and I'm just a generally happier person when I do it. Well, that is when I do it and it's a good run. That brings us to today...my first not so good run. I take that back, it was actually an awful run. I get started, bust out the first mile (a little slower than usual, about 9 minutes...but, that's fine 'cause I'm trying to keep a consistent pace throughout), everything is going fine but my legs are KILLING me. See, I have a little problem with my feet and Achilles (have torn tendons in my foot and minorly tore my Achilles in college) being SUPER tight and it was terrible. I kept going until I hit my two mile mark and though that if I stopped and stretched, I'd be okay. Well, I stretched, felt better, started going again and made it about 1/2 mile before...BHAM...instant pain (ha, there's my instant gratification...) so I had to walk the rest. I know it's not that big of a deal, I made it 2 1/2 in decent time, it just sucks this is happening now. I need to get to the doctor and get some insoles and keep my stretching going so I don't get hurt. I don't want to damage myself before I even make it to double digits! Tomorrow I'm going to avoid running and focus on stretch and some easy cardio and I'll do an easy run on Friday to see how it goes.

How do you know you're going to make it? I mean, after days like today, I wonder if my body is even capable of running a marathon...when do I gain that confidence? Probably not till after...

YAY!

2008-04-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

So, I finally overcame my 3-mile slump...the slump being that I couldn't get to the 3 mile mark without stopping. But, despite my legs' desperate attempts to stop me...I made it! Not the best time (avg. 10 min. mile which sucks but it's better than walking!) That brings me to 9 miles and it's already Friday. But, that's okay, 3 today and 3 Sunday = 15 for the week! I might even try to do 4 Sunday and see how it goes...look at me pushing myself!

I am tired though and I know I probably shouldn't go today, I'm still in beginning stages and don't want to hurt myself but I know how to listen to my body. I'm not really in the blogging mood today, I need to get my butt working so I must sign off. Until later...

Not quite 15...

2008-04-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

SO...you all waiting in anticipation and, I've let you down :( I did not get in my 15 last week but I'm not beating myself up, I'm positively approaching this week and am well on my way. I have 6 in so far and am doing another 3 today...that means 3 Friday and 3 Saturday will be 15! Next week, I'm putting on my big girl running shorts and busting out a 5 miler (not till next Wednesday just giving you all a heads up to keep myself accountable!)

On a happy note, my big move begins next weekend. I'm so excited...sad to leave my husband and lil monkey (step-daughter) for 2 1/2 weeks but it's time we start our next big adventure! I get to my new home on the 3rd and have my first run the next Saturday. I'm going to do a lil 5 k on the 10th just to wet my feet in the whole real "runners world". Then, I'll be moving right onto a 10k the following month and a few more throughout the summer to get me ready for the big P-town Marathon in October! WOW...I have SOOOOOOOO far to go to get there and I really need to get myself motivated (especially since my super motivated running partner father thinks I can bust it out with a 7:30 pace...haha, we'll see about that one...my personal goal is an 8:30/9 pace which would make me SUPER happy). Any suggestions of what keeps you on track would be great! That and new song downloads are always appreciated.

Can I Stay on Track?

2008-04-13T11:52:00.001-07:00

So, I'm heading out of town today through Wednesday for my final trip with my current job. Eating well is probably not going to be the main priority but I am still determined to get my 15-20 in (this week it will probably be 15). To do so, I'm going to do my best to run 3 miles each day I'm gone (might not happen Wednesday but I'm going to try); hey, I've packed my running gear, I intend to run and I'm going to make it happen! What I won't be able to do is blog so I'm putting it out there in advance that I'm not slacking, I promise! Be back Wednesday!

Welcome Back

2008-04-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

So...I've been a blog slacker and I've probably lost anyone that was reading my blog but I'm back, I promise. Life has been crazy and full of changes, as a very wise songwriter once wrote "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans". I know I should be running a lot more than I have been but I'm getting back there...next week, I WILL run 15-20 miles, not joking!
I have been busy, legitametly, I am planning a cross-country move to Oregon, been traveling for interviews, pondering life choices and trying to figure my life out. I did get a few good runs in the last few weeks and attended a great spin class! The move will be positive for my husband and I on so many levels...we'll have a great support system, I've lined up an AMAZING job that I'm very excited about and, I'll have a very motivating work out buddy (my daddy!) Needless to say, I won't be running the Richmond marathon, but I will be running Portland! I cannot wait. I also have a few 5 and 10k on the plate for the summer as well as a very exciting marathon length relay. I'm definintely looking forward to all of the changes to come and I promise I'll start writing more!

Becoming a Morning Person

2008-01-31T17:11:00.000-08:00

So, I'm clearly an excuse maker so I am trying to create a situation where excuses are no longer viable. See, running after work poses multiple problems and prime excuse making moments. For example...Monday, way too tired after the crazy weekend, Tuesday, no food at the house so had to go grocery shopping, Wednesday, didn't work and had girly sickness so no running, today, again, no food so picked up the child and went out to dinner. SO...in order to get rid of all outside excuses, I'm going to start running in the morning. Now, I am completely aware that this poses a whole new set of excuse making opportunities, however, the excuses will all be personal excuses that I cannot justify. See, the difference is after work, I MUST provide nuritment for the child so I can't go running if we have no food because then she would starve, some days my wonderful husband gets caught up a few minutes at work so I need to pick up said child; can't leave her stranded at the babysitter; some days she needs her hair washed which is a pretty big production. See, evening runs provide a whole set of excuses based on other people. Morning runs pose the following excuse possibilities: 1. I'm tired and don't want to get up 2. I'm lazy and don't want to get up 3. It's cold and I don't want to get up. Common thread: I don't want to get up. Well, that's an April excuse, it involves no one else and I can force myself to make sacrifices (45 minutes of sleep is a big sacrifice but fitting in my skinny jeans is SO worth it). So, how to become that morning person? My problem isn't once I get up, it's putting my foot on the floor...tomorrow will be interesting, I think I'll make my husband bribe me or something. Guess we'll see how it goes; who knows...I may love starting my day off running...ha, that's a funny joke!

Run Training

2008-01-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

So, I finally made it through the weekend from hell and I lived to report about it. On a positive note, the event raised $245,000 for my work (I work in non profit fundraising event planning). However, it left me absolutely exhausted and physically beat. I didn't get too much sleep, I was on my feet and moving stuff (we had a silent auction with 250+ items in it that had to be moved a few times). Needless to say, my back is not my friend today, my right arch is aching and my calves could use a good massage. So, you guessed it, no running for me today BUT, my plege was to run 4 times a week and I still have 5 more days this week (to be honest, I doubt I'll go tomorrow but I think I'm taking Wednesday as a "me" day so that will be a definite running day). I did start a new book "The triathlete's Guide to Run Training". Now, I know I'm not a triathlete, nor am I trying to be (I thought about it for a second then I remembered I HATE swimming so that is what prompted the marathon). Anyway, my dad is a triathlete and highly recommended the book for running fundamentals so I'm reading it and it all makes a lot of sense. I'll keep you all posted on if it really improves my energy expenditure ratio (the whole goal).

Rough Week

2008-01-20T14:41:00.001-08:00

Excuses, excuses, excuses...I swear to you all, I am full of them. I must say, for the record that I promised myself I wouldn't get super serious until after my big event this weekend so, I guess it's somewhat okay that I didn't run this week. HOWEVER, it is not okay that I ate like absolute crap and really just masked my stress with food and wine. It's been nice but I feel like I have a food hang over, I hate how I feel when I eat like crap day after day. Don't get me wrong, every now and then, a trip to Wendy's is totally acceptable (maybe not to Skinny Bitch but I'm human) but the repeated shit I've put in my mouth this week was terrible. I can blame it on many things, work stress, this event looming over my head and some intense family drama but when it comes down to it, no matter what is going on, I have the choice to put the french fry in my face or grab a carrot. That is why this week, despite the craziness I know I"m going to experience, I pledge to eat well and work out at least three times. I know that's not enough but, you have to give me a little break as I'll be working late and have no opportunity to work out Thursday, Friday or Saturday (and I'm not making excuses, that's really reality in my job). And, next week the real fun begins, here are my post January 26th goals:

-Run at least four times a week
-Lift weights at least three (so I may have to...gasp...run and lift on the same days if I want any days off)
-No more fast food, none, zero, zilch for at least four weeks (once I pass the four week goal, it will just be nasty to be and easy not to go back to)
-I'm not putting a weight goal down, per say but I pledge to fit into my skinny jeans by tax day and if I do, I get a new pair of skinny jeans (not actual skinny jeans like you see in fashion magazines, those totally don't work with my thighs but my personal "when april is skinny, these jeans fit" skinny jeans) with my refund money, assuming I get any...and can convince my husband that's a viable use of our new found funds!
-Blog after every run, so at least four times a week, I have to keep my fan base growing!

Gettin' back in the game

2008-01-09T17:34:00.001-08:00

So...you are probably wondering what happened after the big first run on Monday (I say big because it was monumental as it was my first run in a LONG time)! Well, I woke up on Tuesday SORE as poo! My groin hurt, my quads hurt, my calves hurt, I was in pain. I didn't help matters by deciding it was important to wear my favorite boots (side note: they are TOTALLY worth any pain they cause...adorable luggage brown Cole Haan Nike Air boots that I LOVE); this combination left my limping around all day like an injured puppy. Needless to say, I didn't do much of anything yesterday. I know, I know...had I done something, anything, it probably would have helped me out but I was done! Anyway, I did get out today and did the same run, added a tiny bit of distance (like .2 miles but hey, every little bit counts) and I actually feel really good. The run was a bit harder today but that's normal for me; I generally find day one pretty easy then day 2-4 kinda hard and then it gets better. My legs are feeling a little stiff so I went on a little walk with my trusty doggie, Bailey and stretched so hopefully tomorrow won't be too bad. I have to work late tomorrow so won't have time for a run but I'll be back on the streets on Friday (that makes it sound like I'm a hooker, doesn't it?!?)

Change in plans

2008-01-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

First, I want to say hello to the people reading my blog. I can honestly say when I started this, I didn't think a soul would read it and it is quite exciting, and inspiring to know people actually are keeping track of what I do. So, thanks for keeping me honest! It's been a week since I've written so I'm sorry about that; I've been in contemplative mode this week as work has been super stressful. I have a huge gala coming up at the end of the month and it is truly sucking the life out of me. I'm at work early, working late; the days I don't have late meetings, I'm working from home. I know I'm making excuses and I'm trying hard not to but I also need to be realistic. Without the ability to be 100% dedicated this month, I can't push myself to do the Shamrock half by March. So, I'm planning on doing the 8k in March and doing a half in April in Chesapeake. I think that by giving myself those extra few weeks is really preventing injury and burnout. I've done this before (told myself I was training for a marathon) and I always quit. I am not going to quit this time, I'm not going to make excuses. I'm going to do it and I'm going to do it right, I'm going to take my time and listen to my body and train the right way.

On that note, I have a LONG way to go. I went on a little run today; it was my first run in awhile and my first outside run in a LONG time. So, we all know what that means, it was a lot harder than I would have liked. I ran a little less than 2 miles and felt pathetically tired. I have a long way to go and I have a tendency to get really down on myself so any and all encouragement that I can go from huffing and puffing 2 miles to 26.3 in 11 months would be greatly appreciated! I'm trying to get at least 3-4 runs a week through January. Once my big event is over, life will be much easier and I'll be running seriously 5 days a week, that is when the real training begins; I guess right now I'm just trying to get back into it and find that love I've always had for running.

So, here is my new schedule, for what it's worth:
Feb. 24 - Anheuser Busch 5k - Williamsburg, VA
March 16 - Shamrock 8K - Virginia Beach, VA
April 19 - Dismal Swamp Half Marathon - Chesapeake, VA
May 24 - Elizabeth River Run 10K - Portsmouth, VA
Aug 31 - Rock and Roll Half Marathon - Virginia Beach
Nov. 15 - Richmond Marathon - Richmond, VA

I may not do them all, might change up some of the shorter races depending on the bank account. These races are more expensive than I thought and I'm a poor newlywed! Luckily my husband is the most supportive man on the planet and he'll make sacrifices for me :) Well, that's it for now. Planning on the 2 mile run again tomorrow and yoga tomorrow night, hopefully I'll have a great run to write about tomorrow!

That's all for now,
April

I Jinxed Myself

2007-12-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful plan to start my training this weekend. I was going to beat all of the resolution people and get started before the New Year in attempt to make my goal more "real". For some reason, resolutions totally throw me off so I am NOT considering this one, this is a real goal, an attainable goal, something I will do. Anyway, can't start working out when you are sick. This is the second time in a little over a week that I've been up all night vomiting, NOT my idea of a good time! Gotta let myself get better though. I'll be back on once I can run!

Yes, Really!

2007-12-28T17:36:00.000-08:00

So this is it; I have joined the ranks of "bloggers" and think that it officially pushes me into the category of total nerd. However, the fact that my blog was created solely to help me complete my first marathon, thus putting me in the "athlete" category must help tip the scale, right? Either way, here I am...fully accepting my nerd status and all of the teasing I will probably get from writing this blog.
But, that's not the point. The point it that, at the age of 25 I have decided that I have to take control of my life, specifically my health. I pretty much control every aspect of my life, what I can control at least and it's all going very well. Great husband, wonderful step daughter, a job I love, a supportive family; what more can a girl ask for? Well, the fact that I'm about 20 pounds overweight (most will say I'm exaggerating that but they don't see the scale) and simply NOT happy with my current body means I'm not in control of something. So, what does a girl do? Look to her dad, of course! And, lucky for me, my dad is the greatest, such an inspiration. He took it upon himself to train and complete multiple triathlons, the Portland marathon and a few other races this year and has inspired me through it all. He is so amazing and makes it look so easy that I decided even I can do it! So, my journey begins. I cannot promise entertainment unless your idea of entertainment is reading about another's pain and suffering, in that case, you're in the right spot! My plan for now is to train for the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach (March 16), the Rock and Roll Marathon in Virginia Beach (August sometime) and finally the Richmond Marathon on November 15th (two days after my 26th birthday, Happy Birthday to me!). It will be long days, a lot of complaining, and hopefully a few funny tales along the way. I'm sure I'll learn a lot and I'll try to pass on any wisdom I may gather. Keep your fingers crossed for me and I'll keep posting!