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

Starting Over Again

Happy Valentine's Day!
A week ago yesterday....I put myself out of commision by injuring my left knee. I have rested, iced, taken LOTS of alieve and only xt for a week. My knee is feeling much better! Last night I gave the treadmill a whirl....I started by warming up and stretching, then proceeded at a 2:4 pace for about 23 minutes. Afterwards, I stretched, iced and took more alieve. I'm excited to say that it went well(no severe knee pain during of after)....but I'm discouraged by the amount of time involved(pre/post stretch, ice,etc), and the fact that I felt like I had never run before! I knew when I started back, that I would have to take it slow....but how in a week's time did I lose the ability to run at all??? The audio about stretching and icing was great! Using frozen peas....as funny as that sounds.....works great! Don't know about sitting in ice cold water though?! Tonight, I'm off to the gym for my xt. It will consist of strenth training and the elliptical. How is everyone preparing for the extreme cold temperatures predicted for Saturday?
Christy

"I told you so!"

I must confess.....I have been so excited and gungho about all this.....that I have gone a little overboard! Stubborn me.....ignored good advice AND my body talking to me.....or rather my knees SCREAMING at me.....and just forged ahead full force anyway. Well......now I am forced to join reality......and tend to my injured knee :( .......Mark, thanks for all of your wonderful advise and reassurance! I have learned from my mistakes.....and hope no one else has to experience a temporary setback like me.
christy

Whati is it about Mondays?

Where do I begin? I was amazed at how many people were at the meeting Saturday....WOW!
Don't really know what to think about the training on Saturday either....ya see.....despite being new to running, I'm not new to exercise.....so I talked myself into wogging the the 5k.....yeah! TORTURE....not a problem on the treadmill, but in the hilly streets of Fondren.....whole different story.....wondering if I shouldn't just stick with the group next week? I was a little sore yesterday from the beating, so my xt consisted of pilates! Today......when my alarm clock went off at 5:10.....I proceeded to push the snooze for 1 1/2......so not a morning person!! But I thought not a problem.....the day is not over.....I'll just get my time in at lunch or after work. So......I head out to the track on my lunchbreak......that track is not flat either by the way......and....ugh....sorry if you have to share space with me for the rest of the day.....didn't think my plan through to well did I? But....I think that experience convinced me to learn to be a morning person....I can roll out of bed onto the treadmill in the comfort of my own home...a flat surface(yeah)! Also, my co-workers will appreciate me re-thinking my plan to incoporate my training into my lunch break...hmmm.....Isn't this fun? Oh, and Shelley....love the incentive of a spa day after the marathon....you're right....that is a wonderful incentive!
Christy

Well.....here goes nothing.....

I've always considered myself to be fairly technologically savvy....but this blogging is NEW to me...so, after a week of trying to figure it out.....I think I finally have....
As I mentioned in my profile......I have always been active....but have never been a "runner"! My best friend has encouraged me over the years to mix up my exercise regimen and challenge myself.....so here I am. When I do something.....I go all out......so I thought, if I'm going to do this running thing.....may as well train for a marathon! So, to all you working mothers out there......especially if new to running.....have you run into any obstacles training? There are simply not enough hours in the day! And my body is having quite a time adjusting to this new routine. My knees are screaming! Guess they are not used to the impact. Excited about tomorrow though.....see ya there!
Christy