That Time I Lived in TX.

One year. I lived in Texas for a year. It was brutal.

Wait.


I love Texas...I have no qualms with its 'colorful' language, numerous taco houses, huts, casas, bells...the quirky smiles on lower Greenville, the stereotypical and truly unreal big hair...I enjoyed it all. It was an adventure. 

I remember driving away, the day after Christmas, over 4 years ago. I was in my little coupe, next to my fiance with the trunk fuller than it should have been with my clothes, picture frames, and other things I did not really need.

What I forgot to take with me was the most important thing. Call it maturity, call it being myself, call it bravery.

I was excited, beyond excited to start a new chapter. Then the new chapter started and it sucked. I was scared, and upset and I crawled into a cave. Sadly, I crawled into that cave during what could have been a joyous time in my life. 
But, there is a happy ending to this tale.

***

I have wonderful friends and an amazing family, but I did not turn to them when things got harsh. I had a knack for wrapping myself in old band aids and calling it a day. Gross. 
I shut off from everyone back home and wallowed in high times and very low times, there was no grey area in Texas.

We went on fun excursions and silly trips. We saw movies and ate amazing food. I loved spending time with his family. I met some crazy awesome people at a great job. We were in love and completely immature. We fought in ways I never saw us fighting. We acted out in pain and chose hurtful words. In the midst of happy times there are painful memories that I am okay with fading away.

Let's not forget, this has a happy ending, remember?

I don't feel the need to go into more detail at this point, but Texas treated me well, and I did not return the favor.

***

I moved back home and resumed my classes and got a new job. I mended relationships and accepted my family's comforting words. My (now husband) and I were fine, we really were, but we needed this time to grow.

We matured incredibly. We still act like children at times, but shew whee did we need this. 

I appreciate my family, friendships, and home more than I ever could have before. 

I realize the importance of relationship variety and how not just maintaining, but treasuring these gifts is so necessary.

We learned how to better love one another, and also what needs to come first. We were not walking with the Lord in Texas. Sure, we went to church here and there but our attempts at living our faith were weak and pathetic. 

We can't imagine, now, being in a relationship together without keeping the Lord at our center. We have fostered new and "old" friendships that help keep us aware of this goal...we have family that cares about us and we are extremely thankful.

When I thought back to Texas I would feel overwhelmed with anxiety and grief. It was a dark and sad memory. Now, I understand why I had to have this experience. Why we needed to have this experience. We have so much more respect for each other today.

I remind myself daily, that hardships do not have to be in vain. Use them. We will have more, we will go through seasons, but look what we can accomplish with God's help and guidance. I hate fear with a passion and I...we will no longer let it rule our actions.

***

Woah, Allison, why such a serious post? Because. I am a talker, but this is one thing I have never been able to truly talk about. So, instead of renewing my lease in that cave, I brought it out in the open. A much more positive move, don't you think?


We absolutely love visiting Texas and my husband's family, we genuinely wish we could go more often. I love that Texas is "back" to being the place where we dated, where my shopping issue is at full throttle, and the place where my husband and I have truly happy memories.

xoxo

{Be on the lookout for one of my favorite looks inspired by my fond memories of Texas} 

Refrigerator Meal

I have been eating this dish for weeks now, and I am loving how easy and delicious it is! Jake has gotten on board as well...like, I didn't even have to talk it up, he just ate it and liked it. One of the best parts (aside from the good food noises you will make while eating this) is you can throw so many different things into it.


Caution: I love cabbage. I grew up eating it often and love the smell of it cooking. I know many people who are not as keen to it, and even if I don't understand it, I can live with it.



For this meal you will need:

1-2 bags of plain coleslaw
Lean ground turkey (chicken or sausage would be good too)
1 tablespoon olive oil (2 if you are making this two meals and adding more ingredients)
2 cloves of garlic
Salt and Pepper to taste
++Extras++
Shredded carrots

Maybe not the prettiest meal, but one of the tastiest. 

Broccoli-chopped
Onion-chopped
Zucchini-diced
Sweet potato-diced
Rice
Quinoa

I brown the meat first over medium heat, set aside and then saute the cabbage and vegetables in the oil. I love love the way it tastes the longer it all cooks together, but I am in a rush sometimes too. Therefore, cooking times will vary to your personal preference. Once the cabbage has 'wilted' and the veggies are softened, add the meat back in and let simmer a bit longer. 
At this point, if I am adding another starch, like potatoes, I add it now (after already being precooked). Now, literally just throw it all into a big bowl and enjoy.


{{Jake has, a couple times, put this all onto some tortillas for a twist on tacos. I usually eat mine like a cave woman from a bowl...it is that good}}


Total cook time: about 30 minutes (including prep)
Calories: about 390 cals (for one large serving)



This meal is chocked full of healthy veggies, fats, and protein!





XoXo

Impatient Patience

Silly title? Maybe...but I am a self-declared and well accepted walking and talking oxymoron.

*I break my foot and then fall again on crutches.

*I tell everyone I am learning patience through all of this, and I am pretty much lying to (the inside of) my face.

*I tell myself I can still do upper body and core workouts, with a super positive and happy voice. Then I do them for the first week, and say, ehhh.

C'mon now. 

My situation is not bad. Not even all that stinky. 

*I have read 3 books. 

*I have watched some sweet movies (yes, I totally will take that as a positive right now).

*I am re-teaching myself the discipline of making my lunches and dinners over quick and easy meals.

*My husband and I are forced to communicate in different ways, as I am pretty much home most of the time (aside from work, and the occasional times I am "allowed" to venture out on my hobble foot).

*My dog is ECSTATIC about this new arrangement of me not leaving her.

As hard or difficult I may think a moment is, it is just that: a moment. 

I have decided to conquer a few health goals at the same time. Not the greatest idea, but like I told a friend the other day, "most of my goals were fitness related before, and now they simply cannot revolve around that."

So, I am trying to do as many (girl) push-ups as I possibly can. But, I am also taking the time to check off a few other things on my list. One of those is, again, making wholesome meals, which is not as hard as I had made it out to be in my head. Another is to decrease the amount of medicine in my body. This is a pretty personal one, so if you have any questions concerning this please do not hesitate to message or email me, I am happy to discuss.

When you make changes for/to your body, it is not going to be easy. 9 times out of 10 it is going to feel like a struggle. But, those 9 times out of 10 are also totally worth it. I am proving to my body that it can heal itself. That I can overcome fears and anxieties that once plagued my everyday.

Broken foot? Yeah, it does suck. I really want to go for a run. Do some squats. Rollerblade. Anything at this point. But, is God telling me to "wait, a minute" and pay attention to some other aspects of my life? You bet.

Now, go on a walk/run for me..mail me the burned calories and I'll see you out there in 6 weeks ;)

Be Mine, Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day darlings! 

No matter how you are spending your day I hope it is sweet in many different ways!

PS: eat some chocolate, it'll taste even more delicious than usual.

Stuck On You

© Kenneth J. Miller

You're sucrose, you're glucose,
You're fructose and more,
From your head to your feet...
Which are stuck to the floor.

You're Hershey's, you're Snickers,
You're sweet English Toffee.
If you spit in my cup,
You'll just sweeten my coffee.

I love you so much
That I'm getting frenetic,
But I can't even kiss you,
'cause I'm diabetic.

XoXoXo 

Breakfast Cupcakes: Part II

I hate throwing food away. My mom always taught me to finish my plate. Now that I am spending "my" own money it hurts to toss food that has spoiled, expired, etc. Especially produce; or things that are expensive (i.e. nuts of any kind).

So, on my day off I decided to create something delicious from some elderly bananas in our fridge ;) 
Viola! 

I also had some pecans and raisins in the pantry that needed some overdue TLC.


Add a few shakes of cinnamon and you have:



Stout Banana Muffins
Makes 12-15 muffins

2-3 overly ripe bananas mashed
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup Stevia brown sugar
1/2 cup Fage Total 0% Greek yogurt
1 egg
1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups whole wheat or oat flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp EACH of baking powder and soda
A couple shakes of salt
A couple handfuls of whole or chopped raw pecans.
Handful of raisins. 

Prepare your muffin pan for the deliciousness that is to come.

Preheat oven to 375. 

Mix above listed ingredients, use your muscles. Flex a little whole lot.

Drop batter into muffin pan and bake for 15-17 minutes.

I kept the recipe pretty simple so that you can have fun with toppings (but they are great alone too). For example: chocolate chips, peanut butter, almond butter, Nutella, Biscoff, or just plain butter- which was my husband's weapon of choice.



Enjoy! I have averaged 2.5 daily. Really, Allison?.. should have doubled the recipe.

What's to Come

*Rock 'n' Roll Cleveland Half Marathon race report

*Iced Pumpkin Cookies recipe

*"Fall into Fashion" Mosaic ed.

                             *Training changes for my half marathon on November 30th

*Homemade turkey noodle and veggie soup recipe

                                                             *Fitness Friday!

Check back later today :)

Countdown

Here we are. Within the week of the Rock n' Roll Cleveland Half-Marathon. This will be my second half and my husband's first.

We have decided together to treat this as a fun race only. We have goals, of course, to run the whole way, a very loose time goal, and to FINISH. Jake did not train as long as he really needed to ;) So, I know it will be tough, but I promised him I would not leave him and we would cross the finish line together.

We also joked that he could ride in a wagon and eat donuts while I run. No. I mean, no thank you sweetheart.

I tapered on Monday and did a "quick" 6 miles at just under a 9 min/mile which was very encouraging. My feet felt really light the whole time which was awesome. I am planning on running an easy 4 today and maybe 3 tomorrow, but beyond that I will lighten up my leg workout this week and just do some cross-training in between; I will take Saturday off completely.

I have to be a good wife though, and say how proud I am of Jake. He knew he wouldn't have the adequate time to REALLY train for this race, but he registered anyways as support for me and a challenge to himself. Although he had ups and downs during his running he kept promising he would do the race, and well, he is. I am so thankful that he will be there with me, it is going to be a blast.

The weather is supposed to be rainy, windy, and cold. Haha, but eh, when you're not trying to PR that can be fun weather to run in (I say that now). 

We will keep you updated, send your fastest miles our way! ;) 

Go

  

Get out there, now!..or maybe later if you're working or something...but you get the point, right?

Monday: I was lazy; long run day turned into running 3 miles at 5 p.m. (PS: I had the day off)

Tuesday: Husband was off + feeling lazy...by 11 a.m. I got my butt in gear and did my long run plus the strength workout I was scheduled for (when I got off work).

It was not fun, I was hungry and tired, BUT it was my fault that I had to combine my long run day with leg day...that is what procrastination gets you.

This is just friendly-ish reminder that you will never regret moving, never regret crossing off your goal for the day/week/month/year, and you cannot replace that feeling of accomplishment once it is done.

GO!

Read With Caution

You know when you get into those "thinking funks"...well I have been in one for 3 days now. These can yield some positive results from brainstorming, but they most often, for me, cause more worry than ever needed in  the first place.

....................................................................................................................................

When is it okay to step in? When is it appropriate and respectful to share with a friend your concerns for them?

This is more than difficult.

1. Because I am not perfect and I do not want to come off sounding like I am God's messenger to all.

2. I don't know what's best.

3. Sometimes friends need a listening ear over a concerned word.

4. Saying these things in the most delicate way is hard.

5. How do you know it is the right thing to do?


That last one is a real doozy. But, when a friend is experiencing pain and you know they don't have to, is that when it crosses the line?

I understand that we grow from pain and thicker skin is not a bad thing, but that daunting line between maturing and suffering can be intimidating. 

I have so many blessings; God has granted me with very special and close friends, that I know what I feels like to become defensive in their "honor" and want to take action. There are times we (as friends) took action and it was good, there were times when it did nothing, and there were times we did not step up and it was regretful.

These people mean so much to me and of course it hurts to see them in pain, but is it my duty to fix that? No, of course not. But, there is a way to care for them and remind them of their worth without ruling over them. 


Please share your thoughts on this sensitive circumstance, a personal experience, or a related topic.

Thank you, very much.

When to Keep Moving

As you saw, I was sick over Labor Day weekend. Not too bad, just a nasty sinus infection, but enough to keep me from running.

So, thinking I was all good to go, and feeling a bit plump, I went out for a run on Monday.

I went in the heat of the day, not so smart, and mixed with healing from the congestion I was a running mess.

I walked the first mile (an actual smart decision on my part, I'll take it!) and then began my run.

shutupandrun.net

I was so frustrated because my pace was slow and I kept having to take walking breaks. It is unnerving to have completed a half-marathon at a pace you thought your body was not capable of to then not be able to finish 3 miles without stopping. 

I was feeling angry and prideful and anxious. I kept thinking, how in the world am I going to run 13.1 miles in a month, let alone beat my old PR. Well, I threw that out the window, but for good reason. Yes, I will run/jog those miles to the best of my ability, but Jake and I made a pact to treat this as a fun run. We will run at an easy pace and just enjoy the whole experience, plus it's his first one! I can worry about my time at another race in the fall :)

Anyways...

After such a rough day on Monday, I got back out on Tuesday when the weather was beyond ideal. I was still feeling slower than I thought I should be and so I ran my first mile WAY too fast and was already somewhat fatigued (I had 6 miles set to complete). So, I made myself slow down and not stop. That's right, after those first 2 iffy miles, I was not allowing myself to take any walking breaks, unless for water.

And, that's just what I did. I resumed my normal "longer run" pace of 9:15 and it felt good. It also burned in my chest and I almost took that as needing to stop, but I knew better. I knew I could do this, I knew I had control over my breathing (as loud as it might be), and I knew I would complete my goal. 

I did not stop until I reach 5.5 miles (I had gotten over-zealous and ran the last mile sub-9/min.) so I was a little winded, but I felt good. I finished out 6.2 (10k) miles and kept it at my goal pace. I have not felt proud of pushing myself like that in a long time.

This is one of those moments, when it is good to push through. This is one of those moments when you need to mentally change your attitude and know this is possible.

I will finish that half-marathon, dang it.

For You.

God didn't make you to quit.
Why would He, all powerful, make a mistake?
That's right, he doesn't.
You are magnificent.
You may feel half-full some days, but count those not.
Tally the times your heart beats strong, your head is high, and your love abundant.
God made you for purposes you cannot fathom, some you may never know.
But, someone else will.
Take another deep breath.
It will be alright, it always will be.
You have God in your corner, on your side, above, and all around you.
Fight harder, love even fiercer, and do not be afraid "...you are fearfully and wonderfully made."

What to do When You Don't Want to Run

I feel pudgy.
I ate ate/drank too much.
I didn't eat/drink enough.
My favorite running shorts aren't clean.
The dishes need washed.
I work today.
I don't work today and I want to "relax."
It's cold.
It's raining.
It's hot.
It's dry.
The trail/track is sooo busy this time of day.
My stomach hurts.
My head hurts.
Something on my body hurts, right?
It's too early.
It's too late.
I am tired.

I don't want to run.

blog.kidville.com

Oh, the list. It could go on, no?
Pretty pitiful when I type it out and am able to look at all the excuses I know I've used before to get out of a run or workout.

Now, listen, there are definitely times that running or working out should not happen. If you are sick, injured, etc. then resting is crucial. But, more often than not, many of us tend to turn itty bitty ant hills into gigantic volcanoes in order not to move.

Maybe you are reading this and think, "this girl is LAZY, she just needs to tell herself to get out there, it is for her health, no questions asked." I AGREE. But, I am not perfect. If you are one of these amazingly dedicated people, please come run with me? Kick my butt. 

And, if you are like me, well, this is too common sometimes. To be completely honest, when I graduated and my gym membership ended and it got "too warm" I suffered in my dedication to being physical...And, then I went on to wonder where 10 extra lbs. came from, huh.

So, These past 2 weeks have been my entrance back into a stronger Allison. My husband is running a half-marathon with me, encouragement enough, but on top of that I signed up for a second half in November and got a new and better gym membership along with a trusted gym buddy who is not there to talk (get it?)...

I have my work cut out for me, let me tell you. Those 10 lbs. may have gotten frisky and turned into a few more, so weird right, because I was working out and eating perfectly, ha. ;)

But, not to be a Debbie (downer)...this is a positive post. It is never too late to get back on the bandwagon. I find myself falling into the trap of, if I mess up really bad for a day or two I hate myself. This is not how it needs to go. Even yesterday I beat myself up for eating, officially, 3 desserts in one day. Sure, I ran 7 miles, but that does not mean you need to eat back all those calories...especially with sugar.

I vow I will never cut out treats and "fun food" nor Jake and I's tradition of pizza and movie Monday's. For me, that is not realistic. What is realistic is getting back into caring about my health, inside and out. I know for a fact, that personally, I feel better when I am active and my "relaxing times" feel so much more worth it when I know I am leading a healthier lifestyle.

Plus, it doesn't hurt that I burn more calories so that candy with a side of fro-yo sorta cancels out...right?

Go get em'

MM via Runsforcookies

These posts on Katie's blog always help to get my week off to a great start :)

Enjoy!

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Motivational Monday #29

Today marks the four year anniversary of when I started to lose weight (this final time). I'd attempted to lose weight dozens of times before, and I really thought it would be no different this time. Surprisingly, over the next 16 months, I lost 125 pounds. I also became a runner, which was something I never imagined in my wildest dreams.

It's so strange to think that just four years ago, I was 253 pounds, I'd never run a mile in my life, and I was binge eating several times a week. I was ashamed of who I'd become, and even more ashamed that I couldn't make myself get it together (if not for myself, then for my family).

I feel like I'm a completely different person today, but I know I wouldn't be "me" if I hadn't gone through all that I did. The person I was in 2009 made me who I am today, and I'm very happy with who I am now. I'm not perfect; never will be! But I wouldn't change anything.

August 19, 2009 vs. August 19, 2013

I'll probably write more about this tomorrow. I didn't want to take away from Motivational Monday!

---

Allison's husband, Jake, has always supported her as a runner--going to her races, and cheering her on from the sidelines--but wasn't a runner himself. Allison recently confided in him that she was very nervous about her second half-marathon in October. Her training and eating habits were suffering, and she worried she may not even be able to finish the race if she continued on like that. In order to calm her fears, and offer even more support, Jake decided to run the half-marathon with her in October! He's progressing in his training very well, and even admitted that he kind of enjoys running ;)

---

On Mother's Day, Lindsay's son, Cody, told her that he wanted to run a 5K race. She was thrilled, because she and her husband, Bill, had just completed a half-marathon. The three of them signed up for The Color Run on July 20th, and Cody was very happy to train for the race. Just a week before the race, Lindsay and Bill were in a horrific motorcycle accident (a truck carrying bales of hay had some come loose, and one hit Bill in the face, causing the accident). They both spent time in the hospital, with multiple injuries. Cody, bless his heart, didn't want to run the 5K without them; but Lindsay told him he should go ahead and do it for his daddy (who was still unconscious). He ran the 5K, and had a great time! Lindsay and Bill are both recovering, and she says they can't wait to get back to running so that they can run a race together.

---

Colleen and her husband went on an 11-mile hike. She said there were SO many times they were ready to call it a day, but they kept going, and it was totally worth it!

---

You may remember Dean from when he ran his first 5K in April, and then when he ran his first 10K. He's been in the process of losing weight and training for the Detroit Half-Marathon in October, and I love that he's updating his progress! Anyway, Dean had 10 miles on the schedule, and he was having a great run; so great, that he decided to run an extra 5K and call it a half-marathon! ;)  He's now down 60 pounds, too!

---

After spending three years battling the ups and downs of weight loss, Katie finally reached her goal weight at Weight Watchers! She's very excited (and a little nervous) to finally be at the maintenance phase of her journey. The first pic was from 2010, and the second is a current picture.

---

Laura just ran her first 5K on Saturday! It was the Run or Dye race, and she said it was the perfect pick for a first race, because she had so much fun. She just started the Couch to 5K about 5 weeks ago, and was able to run almost the entire 5K distance during the race!

---

Rhonda (left in photo), and her friend, Margene, just completed the Iron Girl Seattle triathlon! Rhonda set a PR (and a new goal for next year), and Margene took second place in her age division of 70-74!

---

Schellen just completed her first 5K race! She (obviously) did The Color Run, with a combination of running and walking. Six months ago, she was too self-conscious to run in front of people at the gym, let alone in public; but at The Color Run, she ran along with 10,000 other people!

---

Kara had an 18-miler on the schedule for her marathon training, so she ran the Hobble Creek Half-Marathon in 1:56:25 (very close to a PR!), and THEN followed up with five more miles to get in all 18!

Humidity

Shew Whee, is an understatement. Humidity kills when you are lazy and don't get out of the door till 10:30 a.m. for a long run. Oops, that's my fault isn't it...

Well that's my story. Yesterday my husband and I got a surprise and both had the day off. So, we had breakfast together (along with Monroe) and I didn't even think about running till 10. At that point I knew it was humid from taking Monroe outside a couple of times. I rambled on about this idea that "well you know sometimes runners just take off a week and run easy and let their joints rest," but I knew once I got out there I would kick my butt up a few gears. I had only drank two glasses of water and a cup of coffee before leaving to run, which only lasted me 3 miles before I had to stop for water. I had 3 total water stops during my 8 mile run/2 mile walk trek drag. Haha, but really, I did enjoy myself. As weird or gross as it may sound the feeling of being outside drenched in sweat and moving even though your body wants to stop is a fulfilling experience. (Which lasts until you step inside, then it just feels nasty). My pace pleasantly surprised me at 9:17 min/mile. 

One of my favorite parts of the run was during a stretch in some gorgeous woods along the trail. There was no one else in close proximity so I took out my ear buds and just enjoyed the shade. The breeze sounded beautiful coming through the trees and the only other noise were some birds chirping here and there. It calmed me even though I had been running for an hour in some mean heat. These are moments that I can say I run for. I even had the opportunity to spot two dear and one had their little one with them, too sweet. Also, these little periwinkle colored "mini" butterflies kept flying all around me, I have to admit it made me feel pretty magical ;) Never take these moments for granted, these are the moments that not only bring life to a run but prove time and again God's glory and love for beauty. He is full of surprises.

When I finished mile 7 I spotted Jake walking towards me (he said he would meet me on the trail) and he had run some but we walked together for a mile or so. It was hot. So, I did not mind the walk break. We got some water at the next fountain- he sprayed me with the dog fountain, of course, and then we got back on track. Jake kept walking (he is still new to running, so I give him credit for just coming out in this silly weather) and I ran my last mile. I ran about .70 out and ran the last .30 back to him. We then walked the last 2 miles back home, keeping a steady pace. I even embarrassed him and pulled out the power walking arms. 

Despite the heat and me skipping running on Monday (I did yoga instead) it was a really fun run. I always enjoy the solitude the trail brings and it always clears my head. Being an 'Anxious Annie,' any time I can get my mind to settle I take it! I hope you enjoy any activities you have planned, but PLEASE be careful in this kind of heat/humidity and listen to your body's signals.

Why Pacing is Crucial and Mind Over Matter is Not Just a Corny Idea

Long title, right? But, I couldn't center my normally "catchy" cheesy inner-self. Therefore this post will be on exactly the two topics listed above. 

A little background info first. I usually do my long runs on Mondays since that is my day off during the week. This past Monday my lazy bum did not get out of the house until almost lunch time to run. It was already hot and the humidity was awfully angry that day. I hadn't drank enough for a long run and the food I ate wasn't especially helpful for running in heat. I decided to run out on some country roads surrounding our city and hope that would distract me enough to finish the workout I had scheduled. I did the best I could with being respectful to the drivers; getting over as far as possible, hopping into the grass when cars were coming both ways, and just overall being aware of what was happening around me. There was only one vehicle that the driver gestured their hands at me and wouldn't budge- I felt their A/C they were so close ;)

Anyways, my psychological trick of new surroundings as a distraction lasted all of 2 miles. By the time I stumbled through mile 3 I stopped at an old cemetery to walk a bit and cool down. I checked my Garmin, and was angry about my pace. This is probably the only time I will be upset about a faster pace. I had been running 8:30/8:40 min/miles when I should have been going much slower for the conditions and distance I had planned. After my immaturity ceased, as much as it was going to, I trudged along down another country road and into my parents' neighborhood. I admit, I stopped at 5 miles that day and grabbed a ride home from my brother; that is right, I didn't even walk home. This is why those little reminders to eat properly, hydrate more than you planned to, and practice pacing is extremely important. I know I still pushed myself with the heat and wind yelling at me the whole way, but I also did NOT complete my goal for the day. 

PS: (The next day I ate burgers and about a pound of fries...way to wrangle it in Allison. But, they were delicious)

Now, onto the "mind over matter" portion. Since I did not do my long run for the week I wrote down on our calendar that I would make it up on Wednesday. After a sketchy week of running last week and my less than superb run on Monday I set a goal of 8 miles (2 miles less than what was scheduled). Then came Wednesday morning...I could not breathe out of my nose, I was coughing, and I woke up at 5 a.m. just because my body was teasing me. I knew I was still going to go running, but shew whee did I fight it. I got up and washed my face, took some allergy medicine, and ate breakfast. I let myself drink my water slowly and let my food digest before changing into my running clothes. My husband had to be at work at 7 a.m. so it was perfect timing to get myself out the door too. I walked longer than normal to my route so my body wouldn't get pooped right away and it felt good to breathe in as much morning air as I could. 

Courtesy of Jerry Anderson f.b.

I started off at a warm-up pace (9:45 min/mile) for the first mile and then settled into my overall pace of about 9/9:18 min miles. I purposely put on my playlist that included some awesome music, with artists like Brandon Heath, Tenth Avenue North, Jars of Clay, and many others. It was a mix of great mood music, inspiring lyrics, and some higher paced beats. I was smiling! That's right, after not wanting to go and just stay in bed with my tissues, my run was helping my body and mind feel better. I told myself when I began to run I would have a goal of 4 miles. When I got to mile 2-3 I knew I could do better than that for myself. I knew I had to at least complete the 8 miles I had written down; and I did so plus another mile, some walking later on, and rollerblading with Jake that night. I know giving my run over to the Lord made the difference. He gave me the strength I needed to accomplish this goal and enjoy it also. God blessed me with beautiful surroundings and a quiet morning to let go of all insecurities and anxious feelings. I asked for the will to be able to do this run and God not only blessed me with that but also an attitude change. I even texted my "running mentor" afterwards to share the great news. I hope all runners experience this on their own level and are thankful for such a unique gift. 

Therefore, whether you run, walk, bike, stroll, skate, or any other activity- your mind is more powerful than even your body, and that is up to you :)

Cleveland Half Marathon Race Report 5/19

Alright, I know I am pretty darn late in posting about my half-marathon, but I hope "better late than never" works for me in this instance ;)

My FIRST (AHHH!) half-marathon took place on May 19th beginning behind the Cleveland Browns Stadium (Go Brownies!) at 7a.m. -thank goodness because the temp was perfect at that time. I had gone to the expo the night before with my husband to collect my race packet and peek around at the booths. I had a meltdown. Everyone there seemed to be in a group with family or friends. No one was too friendly (participants, not event staff-they were great). Jake was not feeling well either, poor guy, so he was only half present from his allergy fog. Therefore, I let my emotions get the best of me and I felt alone and nervous and no longer excited. I didn't want to look around, didn't want to buy a t-shirt, I just wanted to go home. Childish? Of course, but I am being honest about how I crumbled in a moment of fear. Jake let me spew it out and cry some in the car on the way to my aunt and uncle's house (we stayed there for the weekend). 

I did not pray at first, I admit. It was only later that Jake had prayed and I talked to God some for help with this panic I was experiencing. When we arrived at their house my brother was already there; he came to support me too, very neat. Seeing friendly faces and hearing their encouragement helped immensely and I decided to try harder to push these negative feelings away and enjoy this time with family. We went out for dinner- I loaded up on breakfast foods: veggie omelet, hash browns, a gorgeous and amazing pancake with just butter, and then we had to stop at Malley's Chocolates for my favorite- chocolate covered raisins; the chocolate to raisin ratio is 4:1 haha. I didn't want too eat too much chocolate the night before because sugar seems to really slow me down when I run or workout. Then we headed to Melt so the boys could get their XL fancy grilled cheese sandwiches (FYI: Jake had already eaten 3 pancakes, that's my man!)

fooddigital.com

 
We got back to the house and just relaxed, which helped with my anxiety. We played ping pong, watched some of a movie and I crashed early, before 10p.m. I took half a melatonin, which I have not taken in a long time, just to try and help myself ease into a good sleep. It took me a little while to fall asleep but when I woke up at 4:45a.m. I felt good and the adrenaline kicked in. I ate a small bowl of Original Kashi cereal, loaded up on water (the night before also) and probably went to the bathroom at least 3 times. I wore a brand new thin yellow race tee and my favorite Nike capris with my, still new to me, Brooks Ravennas. My Garmin and Ipod were charged and I was as ready as I could be. I grabbed my GU and GNU bar along with a banana just in case, but the butterflies in my stomach made my appetite pretty scarce. 

The boys dropped me off close to the stadium and I just had to walk a bit. Almost immediately I talked a little with two women running in the race and they were helpful, sweet and encouraging. SHEW! I was smiling inside and out. I went to the restroom again inside the stadium to avoid the lines outside. I met another two girls, sisters, who were also running the half. They were so great and helped ease my nerves, I was feeling better and better. Then, to top it off a women stretching next to me asked which course race I was running and if I was alone. When I answered yes she immediately asked if I wanted to walk to the start line together. She was genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever met. She was a solid runner and this was her first marathon. Her family were all out of town so she was running by herself and her sole fan was her cousin who couldn't run because of an injury. We even got a picture together and chatted till I had to move back to my 8:30min/mile pace compared with her 7:30min/mile. God blessed me so much with some amazing people and it lifted my spirits more than I could have hoped.

Then, it started. Was I intimidated? YES! People were decked out in the latest running gear, but hey, I was going to do my best. I told myself my goal was to not walk and finish under 2:20. The first 5 miles flew by with a >9 minute mile pace...and then the inevitable happened, I had to pee. Dang it. I ran off the to side and waited in line for a restroom,  adding about 3-4 minutes to my overall time. After that I tried to pace with a girl in a super cute neon tank and hope I wouldn't make myself too obvious. The course was beautiful, we ran through downtown, over the two largest bridges, through old neighborhoods, Lakeside shops, and back through downtown near Tower City. The supporters were AMAZING and made the race 10X more exciting. Two of my favorite signs? "You trained longer than Kim Kardashian was married" and "This is the worst parade ever." I giggled. I was so grateful for the volunteers handing out water and powerade and the awesome gospel choir singing at about mile 8. I tried to scarf down some GU at mile 9-10 and only got about half of it before I threw it down...odd to keep throwing trash on the street, but everyone else was doing it! ;) 

Then, there it was, mile marker 12. We started running across the old bridge leading into downtown. You can start to see Tower City, the Stadium, and the Skyline. Halfway through that stretch I saw my brother and Jake cheering me on and I threw my arms up to celebrate best I could, but I know I looked ridiculous. I began to see flags so I thought I would start my final sprint, but alas I had more distance to go than anticipated. My sprint wore me out and I ended up jogging across the finish line. But, it was no less invigorating. 

My final chip time was 2:03 and my Garmin had me at exactly 2:00. I disproved myself! What a neat thing to do, beat your doubts away and prove to yourself you can accomplish what you believed to be impossible. Did I ever think I would run 5 miles? 10 miles? 13.1 miles? Heck no, but I did and it still makes me smile like a dork. I loved watching the other runners come across the finish line and their reactions. The boys met me and between chugging chocolate milk and eating a banana I rambled on and on about great the race was. It went so far beyond my expectations. I actually had fun and enjoyed myself. I pushed my body and beat my goal while being blessed with a day that was filled with awesome people, lots of sweat, good food, and the best feeling of accomplishment. This will not be my last race and I am excited to continue to improve my stamina.

PS: I have already registered for the Rock N' Roll Cleveland Half Marathon in October :)

The weekend ended with a good burger and fries, trips to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, a fruit tart, looking at pretty houses in old West End, and getting to hang out with my husband and brother without an agenda. I encourage you to push past what you think you can do and see what you are made of. You will not only surprise yourself but you will become an encouragement to those around you.