Poster Child

So, there will be no mistaking where I'm from during the marathon. My mom got me texas flag running shorts and texas flag running socks to wear, to go along with the kiss me I'm a Longhorn shirt- how funny is it that I absolutely love it?! And she got me this major gift card to runtex (score!) I'm going to pick up my second new pair of running shoes tomorrow. I just got a pair maybe two weeks ago, and I haven't run in almost a week, so it'll be good to have two new pairs at the same time to alternate between- and with the rotation of the two, neither should exceed their maximum milage until April- which means that I won't have to get new shoes the week before the race and have to worry about breaking them in, or getting blisters, or the fact that I've been on a taper and haven't completed a long run in them; you get the just of it. 78 Days! I'm Stoked! Lindsey

Knee Pain-Melinda

So my 10 miler went great. Felt pretty solid the whole time. The last half mile I felt like I had bricks on my feet and my socks were rubbing my feet hard. But luckily no blisters! Well my knees have been a little sore since the run. I tried to run again today and they just bothered me so I stopped. I was going to just run through it yet I felt like I should stop. So I looked online and it said things about mabey not proper having proper form? Also said it is common in beginners increasing their mileage. It said I should stretch and strengthen my quads. Would love to do that! So I guess Ill chill until the pain subsides and conentrate on strengthening and stretching for a few days. I had a such a feeling of accomplishment after the 10. Only 16 more. WOW!

The Wierdest Thing

So, my ankle has been a little tender, like I said in my last blog, but today I woke up and had this huge bruise all around it. I asked my uncle and he did not have an answer but did comment that he used to get bruises in his quads when a muscle would get too tight and make like a ball (not quite a cramp). Its bizarre either way. Just thought I'd share.-Lindsey

Still Elliptical-ing Around - by Sarah

So, it's been more that 2 weeks now that I have not run. I feel like my hip/leg is feeling better than last week though. I know longer have to walk with a limp and/or my knee locked out, which is definitely an improvement. Also, I am no longer taking advil every day to walk correctly AND today I tested myself by going down the stairs quickly and I can definitely do that with very little pain. Every day I trip at least twice, which usually hurts really bad and I feel like it sets me back, but today I tripped and it hurt, but my hip just FELT stronger and I recovered quickly. I kind of feel like I'm improving by going 2 steps forward and 1 step back. BUT, I can do the elliptical machine like a champ and spin class feels fine too. i have been doing interval training on the elliptical and I get a fantastic cardio workout, so hopefully when I can start running again, I won't feel too out of shape!

Silent Night

This morning I went my eight and then went to 6:30 service and had communion. This routine is proving to be a great way to get over that midweek hump. I made a new running friend through work and he has recommended doing a cold bath after long runs. He goes down to Barton Springs to soak, but he said that an ice bath is just as good for reducing swelling and speeding recovery. I think this is something that I need to do from now on. My sore ankle is starting to feel stronger, and I think that these next two weeks of cutting back on my milage are going to help. This evening I think I'm going to do some pilates to get a good core work out and some much needed stretching. It's such a great time of year to go for an evening run and look at all the Christmas lights! My mom and I used to love to do this when I was in high school and we would sing Christmas carols- I bet we looked like a bunch of dorks but it's a good memory for me. I'll see y'all Sunday! Lindsey

New Coach for Team Lear

Saturday I got new shoes, and Mike had his first Run-Tex experience. Its interesting now that I'm knee deep to see him seeing my world. Of course $100 shoes every two months is not something he comprehends well, but I think after seeing me try on shoes, having someone watch me jog up and down the store in six different pairs, evaluating my step, my stride, my feet, he might get it a little better. He did find out that I have a slight stitch in my step on my right foot (something I've known about) and Coach Lear thinks I should work on that. I made the mistake of asking the guy at the store his opinion on heel inserts, and concluded that I did not need any, but I wouldn't be surprised if they showed up in my stalking. I love Mike for his support, but I'm scared he's going to start trying to coach me,which would be annoying. Last few things- 18 was awesome, my right ankle is a little tender until it gets warmed up, my new shoes are higher in the heels and rubbed a blister yesterday, I'm going to have to get some new socks. I know I saw y'all on Thursday, but it seems like so long ago. I miss y'all! Lindsey

I feel like an old lady...

So since it has been a few days after my 8 miles I have been noticing somethings. My body has been talking to me. Yesterday my back butt area has been cramping up on one side. It probably happened 2 or 3 times yesterday and lasted briefly but it hurt when I went to sit down or get up. I dont know if it was from my 8 miles or using this new free motion butt machine that I have never used before. Also my left back of my upper ankle was pretty tight yesterday. My knee has stopped aching also. And I have a blister from a shoelace rubbing on my foot during my run this has defiantly reminded me that I need to take care of my body after the runs and really prep my body for the runs as well. My body is probably like what the heck are you doing?
Hope you guys have a good Thursday.
-Melinda

2 A Days

Did 8 this morning doing 4 this afternoon! I'm loving running this week. The weather is perfect for me right now. I don't even mind the misty! Hope y'all are loving it like me!
Lindsey

Wow!

Great Job Linds! Thats awesome. Sounds like it was a really rewarding run!You must have a great feeling today. So I just had a great lesson of patience while on the phone for an hour with a customer service person. Huge test of patience! Ill use that tonight on my run. I am going to do 8 miles on a treadmill. I know sounds fun. But I havent run since Thursday so I am ready to put up the miles today after work at 530. Im writing this also as I eat a good bowl of carbs. Hope the carbs and watching a movie on the treadmill help tonight. Love you guys! Thanks for the strengthening encouragment from you both!

I can't feel my legs!

Hey girls! Here's the recap of my eighteen miler today. It was hot, I ran at eight last night and ate dinner at five- needless to say I was thirsty and hungry the whole way. After about 14 1/2 I had to walk run the last 3 1/2 miles. At 12 I stopped at the house and drank some water and changed my soaking wet shirt. When I was finished my second shirt was just as drenched. From the first step out the door I didn't feel it. I even put the wrong playlist on by mistake. At 15 I told myself I was going to finish even if I had to crawl the last 3. I'm freakin'tight- not hurt at all, not even my knees, just stiff all over. I can't wait to try again next week, I know if I plan it right and have carbs for dinner instead of all protein I'll do much better and finish a lot stronger. My mom always used to say that sometimes a hard earned C means more to you than an easy A- I think my hard fought battle with eighteen today means more to me than if I had easily worked through it. Here's to earning it every step of the way! Lindsey

Hippy girl - by sarah

So, since Sunday my hip has been sore. After running through the pain and stepping through the pain, I realize that I am not that champion Ironman Triathlon winner that can ride a bike with a dislocated shoulder that I saw on TV the other night. i realize that my pride in being able to run a certain amount is not worth not being able to walk correctly for the next few days and being called "Waddles" (the same nickname I achieved when pregnant) by my husband! I am sure I will feel better tomorrow and most definitely next week, but it has taken a lot of pride-swallowing to be able to not run and get BEHIND a whole week in my training! I was so excited about running 8 this week and now I still won't know what that's like yet. But, I know God is teaching me to be patient. I always want "it" now. It's so hard for me to just sit and take certain things easy and I am way too competitive with myself. But, I give in now. It doesn't mean I'm giving up on this, but I have learned a lesson in listening to my body instead of my heart (I guess that lesson should only apply to running :-)). So, hopefully I will feel better next week and will continue in my training, but if the pain in my hip comes back, I have come to the conclusion that I don't have to be Super Woman and that I absolutely should NOT be Super Woman at the cost of my health and well-being, for the purpose of being able to be there 100% for my family. :-)

Downer

I am so bummed about your hip, Sarah! Talking to my mom today, she said that my aunt has a similar injury and she went to a chiropractor and does this electic shock therapy on it. I don't know all the details, but I hope a little rest helps, and you don't have to go to any extremes.
My running is really good. I did 6 monday, 4 tuesday, and 8 today. I'm going to take tomorrow off no matter what (I keep telling myself). My knee was a little achy today for the first time in a week, so I've determined that the cold weather has something to do with it.
Check out the quote I posted. It's a modified version of the famous Vince Lombardi speech about religion, family, and the green bay packers. Mike suggested it!
The latkes should be a good carb loaded food for running and I can't wait to have some! See y'all tonight! Lindsey

?

So why was it harder for me to do 3 miles for me yesterday. Man at like 1.5-2miles I wanted to stop so badly but instead I increased the spead on the tread mill thinking I will get into it more. That didnt work. I just kept running and stopped at my 3 miles what I had planned for yesterday. Mabey I was going too fast? Or just an off day? Not a good run.

Question

Do you guys recommend any foods inparticular that are good protein or foods for good fuel. Foods that a runner should consume.
Love you guys!

7 miles-Melinda

So our 7miler that Sarah and I did went great for the most part. We ended up talking the first 35 minutes or so. Which thinking about that means that I guess my cardio shape has improved since I could have a conversation. Around 5 miles it started to feel like I was running 5 miles. Around that time my music switched off of a playlist and started playing slow songs when we were on Brodie running on and off the grass because of little space. So the music thing got annoying. After we were done I felt good but I had immediate cramping which felt like soreness in my hampstrings. Then it went away after I cooled down. About an hour after the run, I went downhill. My energy dropped dramatically. I dont think I drank enough water right away and had the right food fuel. So that was a lesson. The rest of the day I was done, and that night my knees where sore and weak. But the next day I woke up and didn't feel anything anymore. I took the rest of the weekend off. Today I am starting back up again.
Happy Running this week!

New Week

Last week was hard for me. The running wasn't hard or too tiring, I just felt bored and somewhat out of rhythm and my eating was terrible. Last night I was going to do an extra four miles just because, but after I was all dressed and ready to go, I decided to go to bed instead(it was only 7:00). This morning was so much better. I enjoyed myself and I'm really looking forward to this week. I have an eighteen on Saturday! My first one! Keep on Keepin' on-Lindsey

I Am Runner!

Let me start by stating that I think that the idea behind 3 servings of dairy a day is a scam. Or maybe ice cream just isn't a good choice for someone who is semi lactose intolerant. I had a frosty last night and soft serve at Jason's the night before, and this morning I could feel it all over. ICE CREAM IS EVIL! I'm going to have to have more will power I think.
So, I started thinking about how I define myself- I'm a wife, a Christian, a Republican, a roofer, a college baseball fan (Hook 'em!). Then there are all the things I'm not- not the prettiest girl on the block or the girliest, uncoordinated, a horrible dancer, not liberal for sure. As I was pushing through my dairy cramps this morning, trying to convince myself from the first step out the door to take it one mile at a time, I realized something- I'm a runner. I've been running distance on and off since I was fourteen, but I never felt this way before. So as I trudged through my eight miles this morning, ending in a sprint inside to the bathroom (TMI I know), I decided that I want to run again after work today, because, well, I AM RUNNER! and that's what we do. -Lindsey

Quit eating those Bagels! By Sarah

So, today I had the worst run thus far. I decided I would go whenever I put the boys down for a nap, which happens to be right after lunch. I made myself a bagel sandwich using these really really high fiber, low carb-ish, low calorie bagels (150 cal., 18 grams fiber!!!!!). They are great, since I'm doing weight watchers and they are only 2 points and so very filling. But, I have learned twice before that I cannot eat one of them right before I go running. Remember our 6 miler, Melin? I was having stomach cramps the whole time. Today I really thought I was going to have to stop - I didn't, but I felt like I was going to puke the entire run. It was terribly miserable and it took me all the way from lunch to dinner to feel like touching food - and I only went 4 miles! I just kept thinking, "what if I feel like this during the marathon? Am I going to stop then?" No, I say! But, hopefully I will remember next time to not eat one of those bagels before I go running! :-)

7 miler

Hey guys,
Does either of you want to do the 7 miler together mabey Friday or Saturday? Im pretty open those days. What do you think? That clock on the marathon website is so inspiring. Everytime I see it,it just keeps ticking away pumping me up to run.
Just let me know!
Love,
Melinda

So Eager!

It's so strange how just about 4 months ago I was talking about how I would never in a million years do a marathon and how bad it must be for your body, etc, etc. - and now I am just so eager to be running 26 miles! I am just really loving this running thing for the first time in my whole life! I am so grateful to you, Lindsey for inspiring me to begin this new sport and I'm so happy that we are all doing this together! I've taken today off, but will start back in tomorrow for a new week of training. My longest run this week is 7 miles - the furthest yet, and I am really looking forward to it. I am so proud of all of us for taking on this challenge and I just can't wait to cross the finish line as a marathon-finisher with 2 of my closest friends! Love, Sarah

So close, but just as far

We have 115 days left! I'm glad to hear that running is coming easier and easier to both of you. Personally, I need to start doing some cross training(One of those things that I promise myself I'll be better about next week-but this week is full of extra days so I have no excuses). You both are very disciplined about cross training with running so y'all will be my good examples. Happy Thanksgiving! Lindsey

Out the Window

I'm throwing out this weeks training schedule. My diaphragm has been so sore from being sick and I'm letting it affect my running- but it's all in my head. So I've decided to take this week as a down week (except for the 15 miler that I'm amped about completing on Saturday). I'm going to do some shorter runs and let my body get some rest, recoup mentally, rehydrate, refuel (it's all I can do to force down enough calories to get through the day). I'll be ready to get back up in milage for Thanksgiving week and have a lot more time on my hands with the days off work. I have some good sources of inspiration - Sarah with your ferociousness, not getting intimidated by any amount of miles, and Melinda with your tenaciousness, determined to beat your shin splints. Oh and the much awaited sequel to Once a Runner- Again to Carthage- showed up on my door step yesterday. Once a Runner was the book that motivated me to stick with Cross Country when I was in high school. So here's to "The trial of miles; Miles of trials." -Lindsey

Run on Wednesday

Lindsey,
How did you do with your 13 miler this Saturday? Do you wanna do 5 miles on Wednesday at 515pm. Well meet at Sarahs. Sarahs going to make sure Wednesday will work for her yet it might be fun with all three of us. No big deal if not since I know your schedule is different.
Love you guys!

Lost in OKC!! by: Sarah

So, I went to visit my grandparents in Oklahoma City this week for a few days. While I was there, I mapped a run around their area that was a little less than 4.5 miles. I was running in about the back quarter of the run and I guess I missed my turn. I ran and ran and ran and when I finally got to a large intersection i stopped at a gas station to get directions. I figured out where i was and kept running in the same direction, thinking that my turn off was just ahead. I kept on running when i came to another rather large intersection. At this point I knew I was running the wrong way, but I had told my family that I would be back in about 45 minutes or less and that if an hour passed, then they should come look for me. So, it had been about 55 minutes at that point and knowing I was far away from home, I stopped in at a hair cutter store to call the house. But, then i realized that I didn't know my grandparents' home phone by heart and the shop didn't have a personal phone book or long distance to call my mom's cell or information! I went ahead and left the salon and began running back the way I came. Once I had past both large intersection by a half mile or so, I began to get really frustrated, almost in tears because I didn't see the turn anywhere up ahead and I knew that my family must be so worried at this point! Then, all of a sudden I glanced up at the sign of the street I was about to pass - it was my street! I thanked the Lord, knowing that He had a reason for all that extra running. I finally got to the house, just as my grandfather was about to start leaving to look for me (about 1 hour and 10 minutes had passed). To my great relief my mother thought that it had only been 1 hour and she was not worried a bit - she just figured I made a wrong turn and was lost. Because the same exact thing happened to me last Christmas when I visited them and went running! I'm such a ding ding, but I got a great run in. I ended up running just over 6.7 miles total and I felt great the whole time - besides being a bit frustrated I guess! Signed, Sarah

New Perspective

This weekend was awesome! One of the things that I love most about traveling is getting to run new routes. This morning I saw a little bunny and the sun rise in the mountains which helped me forget about the hangover that was slowly setting in. God creates the most amazing scenes for us, and running is such a good way to really take it in. I can't wait for my thirteen miler on Saturday, I know I can do better than I did in Houston. I will probably pass the new edition of runner's world to Sarah later this week, but I think you would really enjoy some of the articles too, Melinda. Peace out-Lindsey

I need to put in more miles!

Hey guys-
Well as I am writing this my legs are sore! I did a leg workout concentrating on my quads and strenthing muscles around my shins. I took your advice Sarah and after my leg workout at the gym, I did 4x(100 feet of lunges and 30 airsquats. I feel it today. Love it! I cant remember the last time my legs were sore so I just crave that for my legs. With my jogging, I need to be doing my puttin in more miles . I have been busy with work and have not made time. Im still running yet probably have been missing out about 3 miles per week. So hopefully I can get some in tonight sometime. I ran 4 miles on Monday and it was a hard run for me. It was in the morning and I had a really bad cramp in my stomach that kicked in the 2.5 mile and I fought through it for a mile and then felt nautious. So it was just a bad run, I dont think I had enough fuel.
Im sure my next blog will be more fun and pumped up!
See you guys tonight!
Love,
Melinda

No Turning Back Now, It's On!

I spent an hour yesterday afternoon rethinking my training schedule, due to my grandpa's stern lecture on the amount of miles I should be getting in per week. But thanks to Sarah's pep talk and the excitement of registering for the marathon I feel renewed. I made some minor changes to my schedule, adding more distance during the week, but not the 45 miles per week my grandpa suggested (Running is a hobby, not my life). I did my first midweek eight this morning and my body is still a little stiff from the weekend, but once I got through mile five, I knew it was going to be an excellent day. Its Halloween,the Longhorns start their orange and white baseball series today, and fall is in the air. God is good all the time! Lindsey

So sore!

Hey guys! I am so stinkin' sore! Yesterday I did a crossfit workout that combined lunges and squats with quarter mile sprints. I sandwiched it in between 2 x 1mile runs at medium pace. It was really fun when I was doing it, but my legs are so sore, I can hardly walk up and down the stairs! Good thing today is my day off! You guys should try it, if you want to get a good leg workout! Love, Sarah

Here is the exact workout:
1 mile run to warm up
4x (100 feet of lunges, immediately followed by 30 air-squats, immediately followed by 1/4 mile fast run, walk about 50 feet back to your starting place of lunges and repeat without rest)
1 mile medium pace run to warm down
STRETCH!!

I'm not dead yet

I almost didn't make it through the first two miles this morning, but once I loosened up some, six did not seem far at all after yesterday's run. My overall pace for the run was a 9:38-better than I thought I'd do time wise, but I did not feel as well at the end as I hoped. I learned a lot though- about race morning, pacing myself, and how much training I have left. Here's the recap of things I learned- 1. You need to make sure you turn your ipod off overnight- because even though it is plugged into the car stereo, the car must be on for it to charge 2. If you pick a random runner to partner yourself with, don't wait until somewhere between mile 7 and 8 to ask him how experienced he is-hoping to qualify for the boston this year is not the person to pace yourself by 3. Be sure to bring a bag to the starting line, just in case they don't have sacks for you to use to check your stuff in 4. Have a definite plan of how you are getting to the race start with a map, just in case your cab driver is clueless 5. A little tip from my faster running friend from Shiner- 18 miles is not 26 miles, you cannot train your body more, but you need to train your head. 8 miles is a lot to push your way through. Try a 22-23 miler before your first marathon. Sorry to so wordy but a little more info about my race. I finished 1110 over all out of 2187 and in my age/gender group 58 out of 160. I'm still stoked for VA! Love ya, Lindsey

We're so blessed

"There are clubs you can't belong to, neighborhoods you can't live in, schools you can't get into, but the roads are always open." Nike
Running is the most accessible sport that I can think of. It really is open to most everyone most all the time- any season, any time of day, any age group. What a blessing that God has afforded us the added luxury of having good gear to run in, a sisterhood to share the journey with, and awesome support from our loving husbands!

Today Is Not Tomorrow Yet

I thought that this might be a cool way for us to share our training schedules along with any cool websites that we find. I think the first order of business should be to add the Sportsfest link so that we can keep accurate record of how many days we have left. You'll have to bear with me, I've never had a blog site before so I'll do my best to make it look okay. I heard a song today with the line that today is not tomorrow yet, and it reminded me of how we are all trying to rush into running more (me included). Just a tidbit to keep in mind.
I love y'all!