Get Ready, Set, Go!

Since we are quickly approaching "the marathon"...I wanted to post one last blog for now. This has been an amazing experience. I remember in one of our first training meetings how Mark was going on and on about "stuff". Little did I know at the time that many a "stuff" would follow for me. I'm soooo thankful that I had this experience! This has been a godsend for me. Not many of you know...b/c I'm generally a pretty private person....all the "stuff" I've encountered in recent months. To start....the father of my 2 beautiful children and ex-husband whom I was highschool sweethearts with passed away on Father's Day unexpectedly. Two weeks following his death, my oldest daughter was diagnosed with Juvenille Diabetes. And a week ago, my favorite Uncle died suddenly. So..with the strength of the Lord, family and close friends...I press on. Imagine how I felt on the 18 mile run when I injured my IT band...pretty low and defeated! But, fortunately I'm one of those...you can knock me down...but I'm coming up swinging! After many days, hours, and weeks of PT, ice, stretching , Rx anti-inflammatory's and yes even the dreaded steroid injection....I'm feeling pretty undefeated...and confident going into the marathon. I know that when I cross that finish line, many a mixed emotion I will experience!

Hope to see ya'll continue in training....just can't imagine not getting up on Saturday morning and training for yet another race. I just hope 2008 bears less "stuff"
Best of Luck to ALL!
Christy

Suprise, Suprise!

Yeah....I know it's been a long time since I've blogged.....but despite that, I have continued to train and enjoying reading everyone else's blogs and training on Saturdays with you!
Went to lunch with a couple of co-workers today and low and behold, I ran into Mark, Robin and Matt! What a nice suprise guys. They were meeting with a reporter from the clarion-ledger and they asked me to give my input re: MM. Caught a little off guard, I'm not entirely happy with my response. After some thought.....I'd have to say I wish I had said: My experience with Marathon Makeover is difficult to even put into words, but one word that comes to mind is AMAZING. My reason for setting forth on this challenge is multi-fauceted. I was seeking a new physical challenge, but could also forsee many other benefits that would forever effect all areas of my life. Like most of you, I have experienced my share of trials and tribulations prior to and during MM. However, I completely underestimated the impact this experience would have! I have not only gained an enormous wealth of knowledge about running/training, but have also met some wonderful christian people who share similiar backgrounds, life experiences, current struggles in/outside of training. You cannot put a dollar amount on that.....a priceless experience is what MM is to me! It is an experience that I will carry with me to life's end.
Christy

ooohhhh.....aaahhhh.....eeeee.....

I did indeed get my long run in Monday night-6miles, since I won't be able to make the meeting Saturday :( For some reason, this week's training has been TOUGH. I have been getting cramps and horrible shin splints....just out of nowhere! Never had this problem before. Can anyone explain??? What can I do to prevent?? Please advise.........
Christy

The power of positive thinking!

Wow....just listened to the audio from Saturday's meeting, since I was only able to make the run....
Wish I had heard that talk before the iPod incident!
Mark....you are so right ....I'm not new to this concept....but sometimes you need a reminder!
Thanks a ton for all of your wonderful tips, pep talks, etc....
I'll consider myself reminded of the power of positive thinking.....
Hope everyone has a great training week!
Christy

I think my life flashed before me.......

Nahhhh.....not really. It's so funny how we get into our little routines....and with the slightest change....we're like....ohhhh noooo!! Well, I can be that way from time to time....until I step back and re-evaluate. Well.....half way through our run on Saturday....my iPod DIED. I was devasted. But I made it through....just not as fast as I would have if I'd had music. So, I had to say "self"....get it together.....it's not the end of the world.....take in the fresh air, listen to the nature around you.....enjoy this time to "yourself" away from the hustle/bustle!
Come to find out.....it is my home computer that has died.....not my iPod......thank God! For those of you wondering.....I'm on the computer all day at work, therefore.....I rarely used my home computer....but my iPod......I use almost everyday......so I was so relieved to know that after charging it on my work computer this am.....my iPod came back to life! So....off to train I go....
Mark and Robin.....I love the picture idea......because there are still so many people I can't put faces with names(of course too.....I'm HORRIBLE with names...sorry!)
I'm sorry to say that I won't make the meeting this week:( .......I will be attending a women's conference at church(mind, body, spirit...gotta cover the other bases too).....but I will make up my long run this week......and look forward to meeting others at the following meeting!
Christy

Can I buy stock in body glide and gel band-aids!!!!

First of all.....I'm long overdue thanking Mark and Kim for their advise on re-occuring feet blisters......I was absolutely amazed with the products you recommended! Even with a horrible blister...I was able to train without missing a beat. THANKS. Am I the only one having trouble sleeping? Don't know if it is due to the training, or just my schedule in general....hmmm. Couldn't tell you the last time I had a really good nights sleep! Was enteraining the thought of doing the St Paddys 5k on Saturday....thought it would be a good training experience....and the fee goes to a great cause! Has anyone else planned to do the 5k? I have lots of great recipes to share with ya'll....but I'll have to attach them later b/c I don't have them in front of me right now....sorry. Enjoying reading everyone's bloggs.....and getting to meet and know everyone!
Christy

Back in the game!

Well.....there just aren't enough hours in the day! I'm so behind on blogging, but let's see if I can catch everyone up. After a temporary setback....knee pain.....I am back in the game. I started back slow...and within one-two weeks, I am back where I left off!!! I am loving the "super foods". For those of you interested, Mississippi magazine has an article and some really great recipes showcased in its March/April edition on "super foods" How neat! I thought so anyway....
Since beginning training, I got my first side stitch last night. I followed Mark's advise re: abdominal breathing.....and it worked like a charm. You rock! I have met very few people thus far....sure hope that changes....would like to be able to put faces with names/blogs!
Here's a recipe that I have fallen in love with.....hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

mozzarella, tomato, and basil salad
take about 3 slices or chunks of fresh mozzarella and place on plate.
add 3 slices of tomato(plum tomato on the vine) sprinkle with salt and pepper, then top with basil(fresh or I use the kind that is cut up fresh and jarred in olive oil/water..yummmm, very similiar to jarred chopped garlic)
sprinkle a little olive oil generously over the salad, then add a few drops of balsamic vingar.
can serve with italian bread
enjoy!
see ya saturday
christy