Just a small thank you I made after a run the other day. It was hot, I was tired, so don't be too harsh on me. But thank you all for your support, it really means a lot!
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Saturday, September 7, 2013
No One Fights Alone!
I don't think I've really touched on the topic yet of what has really driven me to to start running. This is really an extension of the great fitness journey that started just over a year ago. When I started out trying to get into shape, I never had any idea of where it could take me. I had no idea what would be coming my way to help increase that drive to do better. To do more.
About a year ago, I got an email from a friend. It really isn't the kind of e-mail you want to get. It had some not so great news in it. My friend had learned that she had just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.What? Really? Are you kidding me? Now, I know that thyroid cancer isn't the worst thing a person can have, but really? Can't someone who's been fighting for a long time in so many ways get a break?
Just knowing the fight that was ahead and the battles that were already won, just gave me a bit of drive. If someone who as been thru so much has always come out on top, there's no reason why I can't work that much harder. While I might not have the same struggle, I still have my own battle to fight.
I'm really having a hard time writing this. It's actually taken me about 4 days so far. I guess the story of this is, people can do some amazing things when faced with adversity. My friend, even before she had surgery to remove her thyroid planned probably the most epic trip ever. A months trip to the South Pacific and New Zealand. Just the determination that she was GOING to do this was pretty amazing. Travel halfway around the world to parts unknown, right out of recovering from this thing, and living life to it's fullest. We can't live in fear. We have to take each day and live it to it's fullest. We can't be afraid to venture out of our comfort zones and try something new. Go somewhere exciting.
I really wish I was able to put into words what it is I'm trying to say. I guess what it is, is that no matter what it is your fighting for or against, you need to dig that much deeper and you will come out on top. You will win. You will survive. You will become stronger. You are never alone in your fight either. If you have friends, they will be there for you. You may never hear it, or hear it enough, but they are there. Surround yourself with those who care, who love, who support and who would go to the moon and back for you. The more people you have on your side, the more likely you are to succeed. The stronger you will become. You are not alone!
About a year ago, I got an email from a friend. It really isn't the kind of e-mail you want to get. It had some not so great news in it. My friend had learned that she had just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.What? Really? Are you kidding me? Now, I know that thyroid cancer isn't the worst thing a person can have, but really? Can't someone who's been fighting for a long time in so many ways get a break?
Just knowing the fight that was ahead and the battles that were already won, just gave me a bit of drive. If someone who as been thru so much has always come out on top, there's no reason why I can't work that much harder. While I might not have the same struggle, I still have my own battle to fight.
I'm really having a hard time writing this. It's actually taken me about 4 days so far. I guess the story of this is, people can do some amazing things when faced with adversity. My friend, even before she had surgery to remove her thyroid planned probably the most epic trip ever. A months trip to the South Pacific and New Zealand. Just the determination that she was GOING to do this was pretty amazing. Travel halfway around the world to parts unknown, right out of recovering from this thing, and living life to it's fullest. We can't live in fear. We have to take each day and live it to it's fullest. We can't be afraid to venture out of our comfort zones and try something new. Go somewhere exciting.
I really wish I was able to put into words what it is I'm trying to say. I guess what it is, is that no matter what it is your fighting for or against, you need to dig that much deeper and you will come out on top. You will win. You will survive. You will become stronger. You are never alone in your fight either. If you have friends, they will be there for you. You may never hear it, or hear it enough, but they are there. Surround yourself with those who care, who love, who support and who would go to the moon and back for you. The more people you have on your side, the more likely you are to succeed. The stronger you will become. You are not alone!
Run good. Legs hurt.
So I decided to go out again today. Not what I had planned on doing, but I just had this...urge to run. Only 1.5 running, and then the walk back. Just not enough rest for the legs, and not enough water this morning before going out. At least I realized I was becoming fatigued and stopped before I pushed myself too far.
Only a week to go! Getting excited. Looking ahead at next weeks weather, going to be interesting. My schedule has me running on Tuesday. That is supposed to be the hottest day of the week at near 90. By Saturday morning? Low 40's to upper 30's. What? I'm gonna freeze!
Only a week to go! Getting excited. Looking ahead at next weeks weather, going to be interesting. My schedule has me running on Tuesday. That is supposed to be the hottest day of the week at near 90. By Saturday morning? Low 40's to upper 30's. What? I'm gonna freeze!
Friday, September 6, 2013
I came. I saw. I got my butt whooped.
That was a tough one today. Only 2.52 miles in 24 minutes. It was a warm one today for sure. Low 80s when I was out. Took a bit of a different route today, and hit the pavement. Started in my usual spot, but at the 1/2 mile mark, I turned off of the trail an onto the highway. Took that into town, then ran around town. I feel good. My pace was much slower, but, a combination of heat and hills slowed me down. Plus I did have to pause at some crossings too. It was good.
Only 1 more week!!
Only 1 more week!!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
4 more until the big one!
A day late getting this entered, but, better late than never.
Only 4 more runs until the one that counts! I think it's starting to hit what it is I'm about to do. Some people may look at it as no big deal. For me this is. Over the last year, I've really turned my fitness level and health around. I've lost 50 pounds. Look forward to working out. And have picked up a new sport.
So the evening started out with going out to a store that specializes in running to go and find a new pair of running shoes. about an hour and 5 pairs of shoes later, I found a pair that I like. Wasn't sure what to expect going into the store. Thought it might be filled with all sorts of people who are of the "elete" status. But no. It was really good.
Came home, got changed and headed out for a run. A warm evening, around 80. Not the warmest day I've been out on, but still warm. Things were feeling good. Did my stretching. Had my music going and started out. First mile or so felt really good. After my turn at a mile and a half, I had to slow up a bit. Took a few sips of water, walked a bit then picked up the pace. Probably went about another mile or so and needed to slow again. Not that anything hurt, just really worn out. Some more water. Then finished hard to the finish. 2.99 miles total. My RunKeeper was off on where it was counting my miles, so I wasn't sure where I truly was, so I picked a spot that seemed like it would be close to 3 miles. Not too bad.
So the results are 2.99 miles in 25:41. Average pace of 8:35. First mile, I went too hard too soon, 7:46. I honestly didn't think I was going that quick, but the time doesn't lie. Mile 2 was at 9:07, and the third was 8:53. Not too bad all things considered. The new shoes felt great.
Only 4 more runs until the one that counts! I think it's starting to hit what it is I'm about to do. Some people may look at it as no big deal. For me this is. Over the last year, I've really turned my fitness level and health around. I've lost 50 pounds. Look forward to working out. And have picked up a new sport.
So the evening started out with going out to a store that specializes in running to go and find a new pair of running shoes. about an hour and 5 pairs of shoes later, I found a pair that I like. Wasn't sure what to expect going into the store. Thought it might be filled with all sorts of people who are of the "elete" status. But no. It was really good.
Came home, got changed and headed out for a run. A warm evening, around 80. Not the warmest day I've been out on, but still warm. Things were feeling good. Did my stretching. Had my music going and started out. First mile or so felt really good. After my turn at a mile and a half, I had to slow up a bit. Took a few sips of water, walked a bit then picked up the pace. Probably went about another mile or so and needed to slow again. Not that anything hurt, just really worn out. Some more water. Then finished hard to the finish. 2.99 miles total. My RunKeeper was off on where it was counting my miles, so I wasn't sure where I truly was, so I picked a spot that seemed like it would be close to 3 miles. Not too bad.
So the results are 2.99 miles in 25:41. Average pace of 8:35. First mile, I went too hard too soon, 7:46. I honestly didn't think I was going that quick, but the time doesn't lie. Mile 2 was at 9:07, and the third was 8:53. Not too bad all things considered. The new shoes felt great.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Words of enouragement
Thought of something kind of fun today. While I'd love to have my friends, family and random followers cheer me on at the finish, I know they can't all be there. So, I've created an e-mail account where messages of encouragement can be sent. I will not be checking that e-mail until the morning of the race. If you would like to privately share your words of encouragement, please send me an e-mail at runningmunky@gmail.com . I promise I will not read them until the morning of the race. Thank you for all the support
Monday, September 2, 2013
Today was a good day!
Went for a run this morning before getting cleaned up and heading to Milwaukee for more baseball. Felt really good today. 3.04 miles in 25:51 with an 8:31 average pace. First mile 8:36, 2nd mile 8:40, 3rd mile 8:18 and that last little .04 was 7:29. Much more consistant than it has been. The only time I slowed was maybe with 1/4 mile left. I let my mind take over and tell me things I didn't want to hear. Got over it about 20 feet later and picked it up. Sprinted for about the last 50 yards or so. By far no world records broken, but I feel very accomplished today. For once didn't go balls out at the start, tried to pace myself, concentrated on my breathing and finished strong.
Oh! I read about smiling when running and how it can make you feel better. It's true. Try it some time. Just smile then not smile. It was like a small surge of energy each time I smiled. Kind of strange.
Oh! I read about smiling when running and how it can make you feel better. It's true. Try it some time. Just smile then not smile. It was like a small surge of energy each time I smiled. Kind of strange.
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