Yoga Pants Diary

May 21, 2015

Tips for Running in PAINT

On April 25th, I ran the Graffiti Run in Denver. My friends and I had picked out this race months in advance because we had always wanted to do one.

What is the Graffiti Race?

There are many races like the graffiti run and they are mostly all the same. Everyone wears white and you throw ‘paint’ before you run, while you run, and after. If you are hoping to get in and out of this race and be clean, you SHOULD NOT attend. The paint is more like chalk dust that gets everywhere. It was very fun in the moment, not so fun afterwards.

The Race

My friend, Thomas Elio, and I have have both been training for the Colfax Half Marathon. So when I signed up for this race, so did he. We trash talked about it for weeks of who would win. We also went with my friend Melissa and her hubby. My hubby was demoted to photographer since he injured his foot. He was SUPER disappointed not to run with the rest of us. The race was at Mile High Stadium in Denver through the parking lot. Parking sucked!

When we made it to the starting line, we waited for the usual 10-15 minutes while they sent out waves of runners. I was already feeling kinda yucky: my lungs felt full of chalk, my mouth was dry from it and I felt like I was looking through sand. We had only begun the paint adventure. While you are running the course, you run through ‘color zones’ and earn a new color each time until you make it to the end. In the first color zone, a kid volunteer threw and entire handful of ‘paint’ right at my face and it filled my entire mouth. I was then spitting pink to clear my mouth.

ONCE AGAIN, the miles were not marked. How hard is it? This is the second race I’ve run with NO MARKERS. Thank goodness I was running my Nike+ app and knew how far I was. Thomas and I stayed together for the first mile or so. Then I got caught in a group of people that would not get out of the way. Do they know what a race is? I quickly lost sight of Thomas and knew I’d lost. I tried to just have fun running the distance, seeing the sights, and trying to avoid huge chunks of paint.

When I reached mile 2.5 I knew something was off. I could see the finish line but still had almost a mile to go! But……the race was only actually 2.8 miles, not a 5K. Wait to go Graffiti Run. Major Fail. But I ran the race fairly quickly considering how many people were in the way and still lost to Thomas.

Tips

Cover Your Mouth – While registering for the race, you could purchase a face covering and I thought “Bah! Who cares!” You will care. Trust me! Thomas was nice enough to bring an extra handkerchief and I would have died without it. I inhaled SO much chalk through my mouth and nose that it was hard to run sometimes even with my mouth covered. Seriously, you’ll want to. My boogers and ears were black for two days.

Wear Glasses – Same reasoning as above. You’ll want to keep as much debris out of your eyes as possible. While I never felt like I had to take my contacts out, it was sometimes hard to see.

White Will Dye – Someone warned me about this before the race. ANYTHING a light color or white will get dyed. Including headphone cords. So if you don’t want it dyed, don’t wear it. I wore a yellow sports bra that is now kinda green in some places because it’s all I had. Immediately after this race I bought a cheap-o bra for events like this so I don’t ruin a good bra again. Even parts of my skin where I sweat, like arm pits and toes were dyed for a few days.

Shoes and Pants Ok – I purposely wore my worst pair of shoes and pants that were too big in case they got ruined. However, my black pants were just fine after one wash. Either it didn’t soak in or you just can’t see it. My shoes, which were mostly gray, came out too. I clapped them around afterwards and most of the paint fell right out. Anything that get’s wet WILL DYE. I also brought an extra pair of clothes so I could strip in the parking lot before getting in my friend’s car. THINK THIS THROUGH before you leave the house! They gave us car seat covers at registration, but they turned out to be mostly useless.

Fun! – The race was definitely fun for a one time event. However, it was quite messy and I’m not very good at messy. By the time I’d showered and felt human again, the race took up the whole morning and afternoon. Just remember to plan extra time to clean up afterwards. I would do a race like this in the future, but not anytime soon! I’ll stick with fun that can be cleaned up faster!

May 18, 2015

I’m A (Half) Marathoner!

Yesterday was the big race. It was such a huge experience physically and mentally. I’m not even really sure how to start this post…….let’s just go through the whole day.

Morning Of…….

One of my greatest concerns about the race was the time. The race began at 6:45 AM! I am a night runner and I was greatly concerned about running at a different time. Also, I had to get up super early to get breakfast. During my practice run, I had ‘runners stomach’ from my breakfast. I’d gone out on a limb and tried something new for breakfast. There was a point where I HAD to walk a mile to get to a bathroom. So I had been getting all kinds of advice on what to eat. In the end though, I ate my usual breakfast because I knew what to expect. I didn’t know if a bagel and cream cheese would carry me the whole race, but it did. I didn’t want to change anything the morning of. I got up at 5:15am and walked to our local Starbucks. I got the usual coffee and a bagel. When we got home, I put on my race clothes, and we headed to the race. It all seemed like it happened REALLY quickly. I was lucky enough that the start and finish were in City Park, across the street from my house. I arrived at the race around 6:30 AM to find my “corral”. When you sign up for the race, you have to say how fast you think you’ll run. I did NOT end up in the right corral. More on that later. My friend, Thomas Elio, who was running as well was way ahead of my wave, so we didn’t get to run together.

Can everyone see how nervous I am, or is it just me?

The Just Before

I was feeling really emotional all morning. I was anxious and nervous. I wanted to be excited but I had a hard time. My stomach was in knots and I was kind of dreading the whole thing. I wasn’t experiencing self doubt. I kind of didn’t want it to be over? I knew I could do it. I just didn’t feel at my best and it made me even more nervous. Vicious cycle. When we finally got to the race and found my place in line, I asked my hubby to leave. Even though it would be 15-20 minutes before I started, I just wanted to be alone. In that time I thought about where I have come from and everything I’ve accomplished already. Even though I was worried about being happy with my run, I knew I had accomplished something amazing before I’d even begun. As I approached the start line, my eyes filled with tears thinking about what I was about to do. I know it seems so corny but it still happens. I was once again going to accomplish something I NEVER thought I could do. Then I had to suck up my emotions so I could actually run. So I blasted my Eminem and got to business.

The First Miles

Someone had already warned me that the first three miles would fly by and they really did. You spend so much time trying not to kick the people around you and weave in and out that you don’t even realize how much has passed. I ran through my first two rests because I simply didn’t need them. The pack was traveling so slowly that I hadn’t even broken a sweat yet. After the first few miles everyone starts to drift apart and you can find your stride. Mile 2 was my fastest mile of the whole race. One thing I was also worried about was being able to find my zone. Usually in races I’m so distracted that I have trouble following my timer and can’t find the zone. This didn’t happen. Because the race was so long, nearly everyone was a serious runner and was there to run the best they could.

Middle Miles

The middle miles are always where I lose track of where I am. I know it seems silly to say, but there are points where I actually forget which mile I’m in. I regularly run 4-5 miles. I’m very comfortable with this distance and know how it feels without thinking about it. My body falls into rhythm pretty easily. By the time I got to mile 6, I knew I was running strong. My intervals were good. My body felt good and mentally I felt even better. By the time 6.5 miles hits, which is halfway, I knew I could do it. I completely forgot miles 6-10. I know this seems crazy, especially to those that don’t run. But I just lost track. I don’t remember hearing my time for mile 7 or 8. At this point, I’m just running. The intervals feel shorter (even though they aren’t) and my body is relaxed. I also get to eat during this part of the race, which distracts me from thinking about how much farther I need to go. I ate during mile 7-8 this time which is my usual. I knew I had to eat before I got to the next water station. So I did, just in time to drink again. They had water stations every two miles, which of course I had pre-trained myself for. The water was cold and glorious every time!

The Death Miles

Most runners have a mileage they hate. For me it’s mile 9 to 10. At this point I’ve eaten so i should feel better right? Usually my body feels fine at this point but I’m starting to get bored. Every time I’ve run more than 10 miles, I hate mile 9.. I’m thinking, “Seriously, how much farther?” It didn’t’ happen in the race.

When I got to mile 9, it was the first time I could think about the end. At this point we had turned around in the race and were headed back West down Colfax. This is totally awesome for two reasons. 1) Westward in Colorado always means you’re facing the mountains, which were beautiful that morning. 2) I’m running towards home. There are two high rise condo buildings near my awesome historical 1920s building in City Park. It’s awesome because I can always orientate myself home. Since the race started and ended near my house, it felt like running home. So I ignored the street signs (because of course I know the order to home) and just put my head down and ran. Run. Water. Run. Here’s what my mind goes through those last three miles.

“You run three miles all the time. This isn’t the worst you’ve ever felt. You can do that! At the next mile marker, you only have two miles to go! Two miles left? Sure thing……………..Mile 11! Only two more miles to go! You can run two miles with your eyes closed! So what that you already ran 11. EMINEM…..You’re good. The next mile marker you see means you only have one mile left! One mile? Phissshhhh. That’s nothing. Mile 12. Holy crap. You’re almost done. Only one mile. Less than now. Even less now. LAST MILE!”

Crossing the Finish Line

The last few minutes of the race SUCKED. The finish line feels so close, but it’s still pretty far away. In your head your thinking, “Really? 13.1? It couldn’t be 13….or 12.8? Who decides this anyway?” But then it’s about to happen. I ran the last 200 yards pretty quickly so that it would be over! I remember looking for my husband, who had already preplanned where he would be. And then I crossed the line. And the truth is…..nothing happened. I didn’t change forever. I didn’t find a new inner peace. I didn’t become someone new. I simply finished the race I’d been training to run because the truth is (and I have to admit I stole this from my trainer 😉 ) the real work was in the training; the race is the reward. It was in the training that I became a runner. It was during the training that I could feel my life changing. That’s when I was becoming someone new, not in the single moment when I crossed the line.

After the Race Chaos

Wow. I had no idea. The first thing I did when I crossed was find my husband and hug him. I teared up a little because of what I’d just done. He kissed me and said how proud he was. Then you get your medal. They just had them to you like no big deal. I thought I’d have to bow or scan my badge or be knighted by the queen but…..they just hand them to you. I’ll let this slide because it was a firefighter. Then the free stuff comes. The next thing you know you’re getting three bottles of water and a tote bag. You apparently put the bottles in said tote. Then you get stickers and soda and granola bars and Gatorade and jelly beans and coupons and braclets and frizbees and pretzels and banans and whoa. CAN A GIRL JUST SIT DOWN? You know what the only post-race need they don’t meet IMMEDIATELY after crossing the finish line? A CHAIR. The swag after a race like this is incredible. Too bad I have “runner’s brain’ and can’t process half of what’s going on except that I’m being shuffled down this aisle of free stuff and I’m separated from my hubby who’s the only person I DO want to see? Luckily I made it to the end of the ‘tunnel of swag’ and found not only my hubby but THREE of my other favorite people there to support me. It was an incredible feeling to have everyone there together!

Overall I was ecstatic about how I ran the race. I had lose times that I wanted to get and I hit them all! My official time though my tracker was 2:20:18 which I will take ALL. DAY. LONG! I only rested during my timed rests and never once took an extra one. I ran strong mentally and physically! I couldn’t have been happier!

After a race, don’t forget to thank those around you. Everyone in my life was affected by my running schedule or at minimum my incessant need to talk about running. I hope everyone around me knows how much I appreciate their love and support. I know everyone always thinks I’m the one that’s strong, but it’s only because I have such support that I’m able to succeed at anything.

May 10, 2015June 24, 2015

One Week Countdown

Here I am, one week from the big race. I feel like every single post lately is about running! So today I just wanted to write about how I was feeling in general. No flashy pics. No gimmicks. Just honesty.

I hope there is a time when I look back and realize that running a half marathon was no big deal. But for right now, it seems like a HUGE deal. When I first set this goal, in January, I thought I’d accomplish it by maybe October or so. Then I ran a really strong 5K in January. Then I ran a 7K in March and realized if I just trained, I could probably push myself into running the Colfax Half Marathon. There are two big marathons straight through Denver. One in May and the other in October. Even when I’d signed up and paid the money to run in May, I didn’t know if I could or would do it. I also didn’t know how it would change everyone around me at the same time. I knew it would take a lot of changes and mental work.

One huge change I made was gyms. I haven’t written about this much for the sensitivity of both businesses. However, I think it’s time. At my previous gym, I felt maxed out. I knew I could still choose to push myself hard and do more. I could have run before or after classes but I didn’t really want to. I was happy with how my body looked and didn’t want to lift more. I just wanted to be faster, trimmer, and work on my endurance. There wasn’t a lot of room for that where I was. Since there was only one class offered a day, I would show up for class and then do a little additional work.

Since I had already started boxing training, I was wanting more and more. I had loved boxing class for a long time and found it to be the highlight of my week. Then when I added private sessions, I wanted to box all the time. So, that’s what I do now. I joined a different gym where boxing is 24/7. They have classes all day long. If there’s no class then there’s always someone to work out with. I still get my private sessions a few times a week. I NEVER knew I could work out for three hours until I started at Punch Denver Boxing @ Touch ‘Em Up because I’d never had the chance. So in mid-March I made the switch and although it was a hard one, it was absolutely the best choice. Once my boxing endurance was stretched to two hours, my running endurance stretched to two hours and beyond.

I’m now faster, trimmer and more fit than I was before. My physique is even better than before despite a few injuries I’ve had along the way that required workout adjustments. Boxing is what I needed to become a runner. I think I could have done the marathon while training at my old gym, but I think it would have been A LOT harder to do it on my own. My training team adjusts my workouts based on how much I’ve run or if there’s a race coming up. I couldn’t tailor my classes before.

This post is getting off track…………..

Running has given me a lot of time to work on my mentality. There’s so much time to just think! I have found it’s easier to just stop and think in every area of life now, because I’m a runner. Running and boxing have gone hand in hand with mental work.

This past week, I felt off all week. I didn’t feel confident in the gym; I wasn’t sleeping through the night. It rained EVERY SINGLE DAY for the last two weeks. There’s only a few weeks of school left. Everyone is stressed and crazy. I felt like I’d never make it to Friday. BUT then I ran. On Thursday night it was finally clear for a few hours. Dan and I laced up our shoes and went for our first couple run in over a month. (His foot is healed!) We ran 4 REALLY fast miles. I got my personal best on 1K, 5K and 1 mile. It felt so good to run that I could’ve cried when we were done. That night I slept like a baby and felt less stressed about everything.

I didn’t know how much me running would change everyone around me. Because I run, so does my hubby, my friends and even co-workers. Dan now runs with me and is talking about us running the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in October. Several of my friends have gotten back into running, or realized that they could run further than they thought all because I can. I even started a Friday Fun Run club at my work because I wanted to encourage others to run. I never realized that losing 135 pounds seems unreal to most people. They can’t understand how much that is unless they are morbidly obese too. But everyone knows what it feels like to run a mile. Most people in Denver know how far a 5K is. I never knew running would be such a common thread to talk to people about or influence people to start making better choices.

3 months ago, I never would have been confident about running a half marathon. I still wasn’t confident about running a 5K, but now, I feel awesome. I KNOW that I can cross that finish line. I KNOW that I can push myself to do it. I KNOW that I’ll feel proud to cross that line. I KNOW I’ll earn that medal. I KNOW that I’m a runner and it feels so damn good!

May 7, 2015June 24, 2015

Tips for Running in the Rain

Last Sunday, I got up for my normal Sunday routine: a long run and then whatever my legs can handle! But alas, when I woke up it was pouring rain. When I checked the forecast, it wasn’t going to stop all day long. This kind of all day rain is rare in Denver. Not a cell in my body wanted to run in the rain but I have never run in the rain before. I kept thinking, “What if it rains on race day? I won’t even know how to prepare!” So I knew I had to force myself to run in the rain. It turned out to be awesome and horrible all at the same time.

Tips For Running in the Rain (11.3 miles)

Rubbing

One thing I was really concerned about on my run was whether my shoes would start to rub. At first I tried to avoid as many puddles as possible. By mile 5 my shoes were squishy. By mile 7 I was drenched and cold all over. BUT I did not experience any weird rubbings or marks through the run. I was happy to find that the fabric of my running clothes does keep the moisture from rubbing. I highly recommend a test run of your clothes in the rain, just in case. I really expected my feet and heels to rub, but they did not. Since my shoes are sized properly, I didn’t experience any discomfort in my shoes. The squishing was gross and annoying and my feet were pruned when I got back but no discomfort.

Fair Weather Runners

I was surprised how few people I saw on my run. Depending on the area I’m in, I’ll see between 20 and 50 other runners. On this day I saw two. The quiet was actually really nice. There were less people, dogs and even cars out. I am a fair weather runner for sure too, but I was surprised how many runners the rain kept in doors.

Technology

I was greatly concerned about my phone and headphones on the run. I have insurance on my phone if absolutely necessary but I really didn’t want to spend the remainder of my day at the apple store. Once again I decided to risk it all for the experience of the run. Tip: ziploc your phone. I knew I couldn’t just leave it out in the open. It WAS nearly impossible to get my phone in and out of my arm band in a ziploc. But the ziploc worked and kept my phone dry for all 11 miles. Mine will even work through the bag! My headphones on the other hand did not do so well. I wore a pair that I literally bought for a dollar. They starting crapping out by mile 3. I just so happened to be by a Walgreens so I stopped and bought a new $8 pair because I now make it a point to carry cash on my runs. The headphones sucked before I even began. They were not compatible with my phone or something and kept messing everything up. Eventually I just played the music out loud on my phone for everyone to hear. This made me think twice about my usual music selections. Also, a warning, people WILL sing at your while you pass and think it’s funny. It’s not.

Silence

I’ve always told myself that I simply CAN NOT run without music. I found out this is not true. By mile 8 or 9 I was sick of messing with my technology all together. So I just shut it off. I was still able to run and zone, even though it wasn’t as easy. But when I had to, if I have to, I’ll be able to do it. I just hope I wouldn’t have to do the whole thing in silence!

Sticks vs. Worms

Do you know the saying, “All cats look the same in the dark?” Well, all worms look like sticks in the rain! While running in the rain, it is very difficult to tell the difference between small sticks and worms. One of them is fine to step on and splash, the other is not! I definitely don’t mind my shoes covered in sticks but worm guts are another issue. Towards the end of the run I was avoiding everything that even looked kind of like a stick! Gross!

Soaked

By mile 8, I was completely soaked. It had run through several different degrees of rain at this point and everything was wet. You eventually get to the point where you don’t notice it’s raining anymore. I forgot that I was getting wet but I never forgot that I was wet. But, after I was thoroughly soaked, I had more fun. At this point, it doesn’t matter if you splash in the that puddle. Who cares if that awning just dumped on you? At this point, who cares? The only part of my body that was dry when I got home was my forehead because I wore a hat.

Overall, I’m glad I did the run. Now I have the experience of how to run in the rain and that it isn’t so bad. I’m still hoping it doesn’t rain on race day but if it does, I’ll feel a lot more confident about it!

May 3, 2015

Things I’ve Learned about Being a Runner #4

And so the running continues. Sorry for the lapse in posts! School has been getting more and more busy to end out the year. Between school, boxing and running, I feel so busy all the time! I’m glad that the race is now only two weeks away! I can’t believe it came so quickly.

Last Week: 15 miles (including 11.3 in the rain, and 2.8 in paint!)

This Week: 16.3 miles (including 13.1 all at once!)

Right now is going to be a general post about running. See also my posts about running in PAINT and running 11.3 miles in the rain! I wasn’t quite sure how to do either…..but I made it through both!

What I really want to post about today is running 13.1 miles, all by myself.

Mindset

When I tell people what I did over the weekend, they are shocked how far I can run. I try not to act like it’s no big deal, but it kind of isn’t anymore. Running for me is so mental, that I just set a goal and do it. I don’t always run as fast or long or smooth as I want. I’m never happy with my pace. But if I leave the house to run 13.1 miles. I run 13.1 miles. To date, I have never cut a run short by mileage. I have taken extra walking breaks or stopped to go to the bathroom or facebooked……or whatever to give myself extra recovery time. I have literally stopped and yelled “I HATE PUDDLES!” because I was so frustrated. But I have never cut my mileage short. It’s fulfilling a promise to myself that I can see results in in just a few hours.

Time

Running more than 5-7 miles takes a lot of TIME. By the time I’ve changed, found all my gear, set up my devices and put sunscreen on, it’s been 20 minutes. Plus run time. When I get back, I usually sit down and drink something and space out. I call this my “Stupid TIme.” When I ran 13.1 miles, it took me: 2 hours and 41 minutes. Plus prep, stupid time and a shower, it took four hours to run on Saturday. I have always toyed with the idea of running a full marathon but I officially never want to. If this is how long it takes for a half, there’s no way I can commit to a full.

Everyone Thinks They Are A Runner

Lots and lots of people talk to me about running. I can’t tell you how many people say “I ran a 5K once!” as if it’s traveling to the moon. Now, let me be frank. There was absolutely a time in my life where, having run one 5K, I felt like a badass. And I do think that accomplishing any fitness milestone, even a 5K, should be celebrated. But I’m training for a half marathon, and I don’t even hit my stride until a 5K has passed. I feel like a total running snob now. And……it feels pretty freaking awesome.

The Sidewalk Shuffle

One would think, that since I live in a major city, there are sidewalks everywhere. I assure you. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. There are areas of town that all have sidewalks. But there are weird pockets of town, that you can’t find one anywhere. Is there an app to show you the best course (with sidewalks?) in your city for the distance you want to go? This could be genius. Dibs.

On my last three long runs, I decided to just go for it and see how far the mileage ‘square’ was. My first try was ok. My second was ‘meh’. And my third was terrible. Even though I drive down the street all the time, I never notice if there is a sidewalk. I just assume (and you know what they say!) that since it’s a major driving road, it has sidewalks. False. So false.

13.1 Miles is………well A LOT

Again, since I live in the city, everything is less than 2 miles away. In order to run 13.1 miles, and see a little of the course, I ran 6 miles straight to the East and back, with a lap in the park. 6 miles straight East is FAR. I could not believe how many things I passed that I usually drive to. I just said to Dan today, “Now that I can run 13.1 miles, everything in the city feels like it’s within walking distance.” And. Well. It’s kind of true. We are only 2.5 miles from downtown. Sometimes I wonder why we drive at all?!

I did get pretty bored running 13.1 miles. It was a weird temperature outside. Hot but cold but muggy but normal. After 2 hours…..I wanted to quit. Not because it was too hard or I couldn’t finish. I was just bored and ready to be done. But I used some motivation from my hubby, my friends, and trainers and just did it. Even though I knew I could, I still can’t believe it’s done!

April 24, 2015May 3, 2015

My First Rounds

On Tuesday, April 14th I was heading to my gym, Touch Em Up, like it was any normal day and expecting the normal workout. What I got was SO much more.

As I’m pulling up to the gym, my trainer, Jameson Bostic, calls wondering when I’d arrive. He never calls so I knew something was up. When I arrived, he asked me about getting in the ring with fellow trainee/general badass/model hot, Jesse. My first instinct was to laugh. Was he serious? “She’s just going to work defense so try to get her good. She won’t punch back.” He says. So wait. I have a chance to get in the ring with someone I totally admire and I can only punch her? Yes please!

So we all hop on treadmills to get our blood flowing. One by one he suits us up for the ring. Wow. I really had no idea. Not only are there special gloves for the ring, there’s special padding to wear. You wear something called a cup to protect your sides and organs. Also a helmet that is surprisingly uncomfortable. Oh and this protective gear that you wear only makes you sweat about 17 gallons.

While we are suiting up, the rules changed. Jesse’s coach didn’t see much point in her only working defense. So I actually agreed to take punches. We did agree to no faces however. I simply can’t go to school looking like a thug even for fitness reasons. Also, Jesse had a photo shoot (?!?) the next day. So before I knew it, here I am standing in the ring with a girl who actually does competition fights, whose ready to hit me.

PAUSE. I, Kimberly Galbreath, have never been in a fight. My sister and I just weren’t fighters. We just didn’t really get into physical fights. Through middle school and high school, other than using my mouth, I never got in a fight. Even as an adult, I’ve never had to physically hurt someone. The closest I’ve ever come was shoving a homeless guy trying to get into our building. I’ve never thrown a real punch with the intention of hurting the other person. In some ways, (although very few) I really am just a white Midwestern girl.

So we are all suited up for the ring. And I’m not even nervous. I can’t explain it but somehow I knew I’d be fine. I trust my coaches and know they only have my best interest at heart. This is absolutely key within a relationship with your trainer. Jameson explains the round time (2 minute fight with 30 second rest) and gives me a quick minute of advice and what to throw. And then the bell rings.

When the bell rings, you forget about everything else. This person is about to punch you and it’s your job to punch back and try not to get hit. Well, turns out I’m not very good at either of those things. While I felt confident that I could survive the rounds alive, I knew I wasn’t experienced enough to win. After 5 or 6 rounds, I survived. I was able to get some good throws in but I freeze. Whenever Jesse would get a good combo in, I would just stand and brace the punches instead of using my punches to get her away from me. My footwork is slow so she was able to outpace me for sure. But, even though I definitely lost, I got in the ring and fought several rounds with an amateur Colorado Golden Gloves competitor and it was awesome.

During the rounds, I took several good hits from her. I expected every punch to leave a mark and wake up the next day with bruises everywhere. I took one to the chest and right hip that hit HARD and even one accidental to the face. But, I only ended up with one injury. All the other hits went away within minutes. The injury I got, was because of my own defense and I know in the future I’ll be much better at defending!

I ended up with a cracked rib/bruised rub/tweaked ligament or something. The left side of my chest hurt immediately after getting hit and continued to bother me through the remainder of the rounds. My breathing was shallow and it hurt to take deep breaths. But it didn’t seem so bad. Later that night I even ran 4 miles. By the time I got back from my run, I knew it wasn’t good. My chest bothered me all through the run and when I got back I had to take ibruprofen and ice it. This continued for several days. I asked advice from my coaches and alerted them to what was hurting so they could help adjust my workouts for the rest of the week. They also told me it was best to work through it instead of taking time off.

Now, 5 days out, they were right. Now I know what I can do with an injury. My chest continues to get better even though I haven’t rested a single day since. I’ve even already gotten back in the ring to work offense. However, I’ve grounded myself from any more real sparring. Since my goal and focus right now is the marathon, I can’t risk doing activities at the gym that might risk my training. So, 5 weeks from now, you bet you’ll see me back in the ring!

April 19, 2015

Things I’ve Learned about Being a Runner #3

This week I logged 16 miles! Today I went for my long run of 9 whole miles! I still can’t believe my endurance can carry me that far. Even with an injury this week, (more on that later and my first ROUNDS IN THE RING!) I managed to follow my running schedule and improve my times. On today’s run, I had personal bests across the board! Here’s what I learned about being a runner this week:

Mother Nature sucks – I only like to run outside. If I have to run on a treadmill for over an hour, I’ll kill somebody. This week, mother nature forgot to check my running schedule before sending us several inches of wet slushy snow. My usual running days are Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday and sometimes Saturday. On Thursday, I was planning a ‘quick’ hour at the gym and then 4 miles. BUT instead it snowed all day. I was unable to run so I just put extra time in at the gym. On Friday, it was still raining and snowing. I have started a Friday Fun Run club at work and we had to cancel our run. Around 4 or 5 it FINALLY cleared up so I could put in 3 miles before meeting friends. The weather really messed up my whole plan this week. But still better than running on a treadmill!

Temperature Matters – I’m still following the Jeff Galloway method and in his book he discusses temperature for running. I have to admit I thought this was total crap. I mean the difference between 40 degrees and 90 degrees would obviously change your running. But the difference in just 10? Give me a break. But I think there’s some truth behind it! I’ve been recording my runs in a journal and how they felt along with the temperatures. Galloway claims that when the temp is below 60 degrees, you can run nearly 30 seconds faster per mile. While I haven’t looked into my stats that closely, my times are definitely better when the weather is below 60.

Weird Runners – As much as I hardly see the other runners when I’m out, there are always a few that I can’t help but notice. Today was long sleeve weather but I still saw a guy running in what appeared to be a speedo and carrying the rest of his clothes. And I’m thinking, “Dude. I’m on mile 7 and still wearing all my clothes. Did you lose a bet or something?” There are people that breathe weird. People that run weird. (Pretty sure that you’re boobs shouldn’t be hitting you in the face, pretty sure) All you can hope for, is that you’re not one of them.

Stupid After – I become completely stupid after a long run. Twice now, I’ve met a friend for coffee at the end of my run. Both times, I can’t even order my coffee correctly. My brain has been in the zone for so long that it’s hard for it to crawl back out. It usually lasts about a half hour. Keep this in mind when scheduling things close to a run. I also find that I don’t have the concentration and reaction time to drive for a while afterwards. Maybe I’m the only one, but I’m completely stupid after a run. My body needs carbs and hydration pronto and then I usually feel much better!

Injury – Both the hubby and I suffered an injury this week. Dan has a broken foot from our run last week so he isn’t running at all right now. I’m encouraging him to go for walks to keep his foot moving but I’ve grounded him from running until it heels a little more. I also suffered a non-running injury this week. I have a chest injury that you can read all about later this week. I think it’s a cracked rib or torn something or tweaked ligament. Either way it hurts and has been affecting my breathing all week. The day it happened, I didn’t realize it’s degree of pain and ran anyway. This was not smart. I ran 4 miles and felt like total crap. My time sucked and my chest hurt worse. Each day, I continued to exercise per my trainer’s recommendation but adjusted exercises as much as possible. I would then decide if my body could handle the next day based on if it felt better. Each day I feel better and stronger even while working out. My point here – some injuries can be worked through, some can not. Listen to your body!

April 12, 2015April 19, 2015

Things I’ve Learned about being a Runner #2

Well here I am 5 weeks out from the big race. Each day I get closer to feeling like a real runner and that I’ll be able to not only finish the race, but actually run it. I logged 18 miles on my sore legs this week and made it to boxing four times, with a full time job. I’d say my body and mind are holding up pretty well!

Things I learned this week about running

I see No One – While I am running the course, whatever course that may be, I don’t see hardly anyone. I probably pass nearly 30 people and countless cars when I run. I probably only notice 10% of what is around me. With that being said I ALWAYS notice the hot, fit men with their shirts off! 🙂 The beauty of this point is that I know hardly anyone is noticing me. If they are, it’s about a 5 second interaction and then I’m gone forever. I have yet to notice the same person on more than one of my runs.

Real Runners Walk – I have yet to have a discussion with a distance runner that doesn’t walk a least a little. I always thought people that could run over 5 miles run the entire distance. This is just not true. A lot of runners that I envy have admitted to a run/walk/run method. Every runner plays mind games like, I’ll run to that sign or I’ll run to end of the song. It’s ok to walk! You’ll notice as you are running that your recovery time should get better each time you run. I’m down to needing less than 30 seconds to recover my breathing.

There’s a Million Best Methods – Like with dieting, there are a million ways to get the job done. There are all sorts of running methods to achieve your ideal time and health injury free. There are a million different ways to fuel your body. I think the important lesson here is that you find something that works for you. If you don’t like the method you have chosen, pick something else! It’s ok to switch even mid training season. I’m still doing the Jeff Galloway Run/Walk/Run method and loving it.

I Might Always Be Nervous – To this day, before every workout or run, I still get nervous that I can’t do it. But what’s the worse that could happen? I’m two miles from the house and have to walk home? My body has yet to break down and refuse to go any further. As long as I can keep moving my legs, I’ll always make it back. I don’t know if this nervous feeling will ever go away. It leaves within the first few minutes of working out but I think it will always be there. Maybe it’s my inner fat girl still? Who knows, but I’m ok with this feeling.

I’m Always Disappointed in My Time – I try to consider my time while I run, but not let it change much of what I’m doing. By the time I get through the first mile, I’ve already settled into a speed and stride that is comfortable on that day. There are so many things that can effect your time. People on the course, temperature outside, hydration level and mental fatigue are all going to effect your run. Also, as I increase my distance, I often find it’s hard to pace myself correctly. How far is 10 miles really? If I’m in mile 5 now, how should I feel? The more I run the more my body knows the distance and how fast it can go. I know I’ll get the hang of this but for now, I’ll always be disappointed with my time and thought I could have gone a little faster. Maybe it’s just part of my personality too!

Weird Things Happen on Runs – Each run, something bizarre happens. I have run through an Easter egg hunt. I’ve been cat-called from the street and honked at. Yesterday I saw a full set of silverware on the side of the rode. Today we found a free frosty key tag and saw someone following a runner on a scooter while shouting “Faster!”. It just happens. It’s the beauty of life! Each day I try to take a picture of my run just to remember what I saw that day.

Runner’s Code – I’m really considering starting a Runner’s Code on my course. Sometimes when I pass people I want to put up my hand to high five them; just to say “I’m doing something sucky and so are you! High Five!” But……no one seems to want to do that! I could end up being the total weirdo of City Park, but it would be so nice to have support of fellow runners while you’re out. Who knows, maybe it will catch on?

April 11, 2015

The Need for Speed

This last week, several different situations hit me really hard emotionally. All three things were totally outside my control. My first reaction to each situation was to RUN.

In the past, when I was hit hard by life or dealt a bad hand, I would want to go home. I would want to hole myself up in my house and watch endless hours of crap TV. And of course with watching TV comes eating loads of crap. Crappy situation= Crap TV + Crap food. But this week, I was able to react much differently.

Thursday morning, I got some devastating news about a student. The first thing I wanted to do was run. Later that day, I found out I didn’t get a job position I wanted. Now my feet were practically dancing to get out of there. All day I knew I had boxing class ahead of me and a 4 mile run. So I was able to compartmentalize (well….not totally but much better than in the past) and make my body and mind wait until the appropriate time for an outlet. Not that it was easy but I was really proud of my response.

This is how I know I’m becoming a legit runner. Running now allows me to zone out, be at peace and move! So when life is too noisy, I find the quiet in running. Boxing and Running are now my happy place, instead of in front of a TV, shoveling cheese doodles into my face. I’m now realizing, in the past, to feel like I got control, I would just be more out of control. To deal with a huge amount of stress or grief, I would let my eating get out of control and my laziness. That doesn’t even make any sense! But I thought it made me feel better. I didn’t ever realize that I was just creating a never ending cycle.

Now, my instinct is to better myself by controlling my body and mind and it feels SO much better. After I got back from my run, I got the news that my second hometown had been hit by a tornado, leaving several of my past students homeless. Instead of the news ramping me back up to where I felt out of control, I was able to absorb the news a lot better, make phone calls and really look at the situation objectively. While I was hurting from three sources of devastating news, I was able to keep going and not crawl into a hole like I usually would because I had already had that meditation time.

I feel like this last few of my posts have been total DUH moments. These are all reasons that I’ve heard why other people run. There has been nothing I’ve written lately that I haven’t heard before. But the difference is now I’m actually experiencing it. I hear runners say “the zone”, “I can’t wait to run”, “I love to run” all the time but I never actually believed it was true. I guess it’s just one of those things you have to figure out for yourself.

Today: 5-6 Mile run.

Tomorrow: 7+ Miles, Post: Things I’ve Learned Running #2

April 5, 2015June 24, 2015

Things I’ve Learned About Being A Runner #1

Well I’m one week in to being what I consider an actual runner. I’m running long distances on a schedule now and have found my inner running happiness. Today was “rest” day. Since it was spring break last week, I worked out like a crazy person. Not a day went by without at least an hour of activity, usually much more. So I had prescheduled my rest day for today to rest up to get back in my normal routine for work. But………that didn’t happen. Today I woke up and actually WANTED to run.

Things I’ve Learned About Being A Runner Week One

It’s addicting. I have heard people talk about how running is addictive before of course. There are runners out there that practice it like a religion. But I would always find myself thinking, yeah right. NO ONE actually likes running. But it’s true. Once you go a distance you never thought you could, you just want to do it again. When you break a new barrier or finally find your zone (as I did this week) you just can’t wait to do it again. Running is so measurable that it’s really easy to set goals to motivate yourself.

Over an hour, you must eat. This week I had an appointment with a nutritionist about how to eat to be a runner. I know that running 4-5 miles is no big deal. But I’m going to be running 10+ miles soon. She suggested that after 60 minutes of ANY exercise activity, the body needs 30-60 grams of quick carbs. That was shocking to me. That seemed like a lot. So I went to Boulder Running Company and bought a bunch of those runner’s snacks. She said I could have whatever I wanted and didn’t upset my stomach for the remainder of the run. Did you know they sell JELLY BEANS for running? You know I bought those! So I’ll be trying different snacks to see what I like over my next weeks of training.

Train the same, remain the same. This is something I had been doing but I heard it from several different people this week. Every time I run, I should run how I’m going to run the race. Whether that means water, food, headphones or shoes. Every run should be the same. Right now I’m not carrying water when I run. I’m not sure if I’m going to continue this or not. For today’s run, it was pretty warm and I really could have used water. I don’t want to change anything the day of the race. I know they will have water every 2 miles and gel shots at mile 7. I have to decide whether this is what I want to do or not. I don’t want to be distracted by anything when I run, so anything I find to be a distraction now, I’m trying to fix.

Different Shoes for different distances. When I set out for 6 miles yesterday, I wore my favorite shoes ever. The run before I’d worn my Brooks and they drove me crazy! I’ve decided I simply just don’t like those shoes and will save them for an emergency pair in the back of the closet. So I wore my Nike Flyknit Lunar 2s. I’ve posted about running shoes before here.But I never considered that they couldn’t go long distances. During mile 5, my toes started to hurt. It felt like my toenails were going to rub right off! While it wasn’t so bad that I had to stop, my toes continued to hurt the rest of the day. I was almost in tears thinking that I wouldn’t be able to wear my beloved Nikes in the race. I know it’s stupid. I just love them! So I headed to the running store to figure out what was the deal. After finding a VERY knowledgeable staff member, I told him I didn’t know if it was my socks, shoes or stride that was hurting my toes. He said the most common reason is that your shoes are the wrong size. I was thinking, “Yeah. Right. I’ve been wearing these shoes for a year and a half. Don’t you think I would have noticed that they don’t actually fit?” But since these people know their stuff, I let him humor me anyway. Then he brought out these beauties.

I was currently wearing a 10.5 so he put the exact shoe on that I have at home and looked at my foot and my stride. He automatically said, “This shoe is too small. You need and 11.” I was again thinking there’s no way! I wear a 10 or 9.5 in everything. So I explained how that shoe had never bothered me until today when I ran 6 miles. He then went on to explain that the size was fine, for short distances. He also explained that the farther you run, the more your foot expands. So this explains why they had never bothered me before or until mile 5. So I tried on the 11 in the new edition. I had been dying to see the new Nike Flyknit Lunar 3’s but knew I didn’t have an excuse to buy them. Well now I did! I bought them on the spot because of BRC’s excellent return policy.

Running makes you feel like a superhero. Maybe it’s just me because I’ve envied runners my whole life but during a run and after I finish, I feel like a super hero. You’re passing people eating junk food. You’re passing other people just out for a stroll. You’re passing people out to run errands. And you’re thinking about how much more awesome you are than all of them. And it’s kinda true. The runner’s high lasts for a while and all day I think about how I just did something that I never thought I could do. All day I just want to tell people, “I ran 6 miles today.” Running makes me feel awesome because I can measure it. Sometimes it’s hard for me to measure if I’m getting better at pull ups or tire flips or hula-hooping (yes you read that correctly) but knowing I can go an extra mile or two is exhilarating. So many people will say to you, “I could never run that far.” but the truth is they could, if they just tried.