Hey, Hey, Hey

I had a fun time this morning running. I ran for 2 and a half hours, starting at 7 and finishing at 9:30. I ran auditorium shores down to the Zilker Loop (which I had never been on before) and then down the greenbelt. i got off course a few times on the way out, running through high grass and crossing some dried up creek beds. The temperature was amazingly moderate on the trail and I can't describe the beautiful scenery or the sunrise. There was no one out there on my trip down the trail, probably because I was in no man's land, but coming back I started to see some biker and hikers and two other trail runners who looked in better shape than me to say the least. I hit town lake for three more miles and finished back at my starting point. My new love of REI led me to discover gummy luna's as an electrolyte snack to take during a work out. the pomegranet were really good, which I ate about thirty minutes before starting my run. I had taken some watermelons out there with me but never got around to eating them. next week I plan on running twenty to forty minutes longer, so maybe then. Well, just wanted to let you know about it.
Oh...my trail shoes...fierce. black and grey...Mike said I look like a renegade in them. Love ya, LJ

New training

Hello girls,

I started off thinking what is my new news going to do to my training. And just kinda stressing over that. Reading up on research of running and working out while pregnant and not really getting a good answer. The lord is really calling me to look to him.
I just feel like I need to keep praying that this little person stays safe and there. Thats whats important. Its kind of a call for me to be selfless. I will let the Lord lead me with my training and workouts.

I ran 4 miles yesterday at a slow pace of 10 minute miles. I felt like I had to work to breath better. That was a different feeling.
There was a time around 2.5 miles where I really wanted to kick it where I felt strong and I had a lot left. Yet it was so hot outside and my heartrate was in the 150s. For some reason I feel kinda scared to work too hard now. Im just going to keep giving it over to the Lord to lead me with this and keep listening. To maybe calm down and enjoy this time......But

Man, Ill be so amped to have crazy run and bike workouts in 2009. I already started looking for races around late summer time frame.

-Melinda

Missed you

For some reason my computer was not letting me log into this page for a while, therefore I have not been posting, but it was nothing personal, I was thinking about y'all! I'm stoked about the shirts, and everyone's training and progress! I think you could totally do the marathon this year, Sarhs, if I didn't encourage you enough the other night, I was sort of distracted. The Austin should be a fun one too!
Oh, and I signed up for the cowtown 50k-Feb 28th. You should check out the medal! If you do all 5 it comes out to be 6" in diameter and is supposed to be completely framable (sp?) That would be awesome! Even if I can't do the 50k every year, all the medals are the same size, so maybe I can alternate between the marathon and 50k to make a complete star! Yesterday I had a moment where I had to decide what I really wanted, when I was pushing through 6miles. It was one of those compromising moments as a runner-I'll tell y'all more about it later, it was sort of embarassing, but I finished my run with a kick and knew then that I was ready to take on more. I know I've said it before that my mom says sometimes you make an A and it doesn't mean as much as earning a C...that was yesterday. 18 can come easier than 3 or 4 some days. Love y'all-LJ

Training update - by Lear Attack

My training has been going pretty well - at least my bike and run training. Swimming is harder for me to fit in for some reason, but I swam the other day at Lifetime with my mom. It was brutal just like it always is. But, it does feel so good afterwards. Yesterday I ran 6 (and saw Lindsey walking her dog!) It was a good run because it sprinkled some at the beginning and it wasn't terribly sunny. I felt good and went fast enough so I was happy with everything - especially afterwards. I was just in the most lethargic mood and a little on the grumpy side before I went. Finally I snapped at Adam and he said, "Will you go run or something?" and I did :-) and then I felt great! Today I did a crazy brick workout at the gym and it was brutal, but I feel great now. Tomorrow I am going to do a bike and a short swim. Melin, you want to bike maybe? I'll call you. Oh-and I'm so excited because I just ordered new running shoes online and they made the shoes I wear in PURPLE!!! My favorite color..."Purple and Black, Lear Attack!!"

Out,
LA

Last few workouts-Melinda

I have had some good training in lately, yet it has been so freakin hot!
I ran 6 miles at town lake the other day with a 8.50 pace. I felt pretty strong. I started off pacing with this guy in front of me, then he started picking it up. I thought maybe I started going slower so I kept up with him and then realized after he stopped he was doing his last sprint at the end. By that time I was defiantly warmed up and tried to keep the pace. It was a good run and I felt like I was flying. My legs] muscles were sore the next day. Loved that. I am taking today off and then tomorrow I want to do a good steady 8 after work. Or I might do the bike ride group with Lifetime. I have been meaning to try that out. Do you guys know how long that trail is around the showing center of Chuys and Costco? Maybe I will run there if I dont ride.
I notice I pray more when I dont have my music with my training. But when I have my music its just easier and time flys. I think I push it also with music.

Im getting excited about the half.

Nudie

Saturday my clothes were falling off they were so heavy with sweat. I had to take my shirt off about mile 14 because my shoulders were starting to hurt some. The problem with that is that my shorts were sagging from the weight of all my sweat so I kept having to pull them up. It was fun, the first half going by really quickly... thinking to myself did I miscount because that didn't feel like eleven. The last mile I was thinking did I miscount because this feels like 25, not 18. It was good though. I even managed to do my P90X legs and back that night, and Sunday I had enough strength left to do Kenpo and Ab Ripper. I put in six this morning, which I needed because my legs were starting to tighten up. I'm pretty excited about doing 18 again next weekend, now that I know I can do it. Hope that y'all saw some great things in Napa. I remember it being a great run, mostly because of the cooler morning, but also just the beauty of it all...if you got to run it, please blog about what y'all saw. Can't wait until we get together this week. Love, LJ
-Oh and I was thinking that at the finish line of Denver when the camera is on me, I should stick my arms out like a plane and "fly in". Don't know if that would be a good pic or not.

I agree

I know what you mean Linds about your head getting in the way. I have to prepare myself for a long workout so my head wont get in the way of telling me Im tired. Yesterday I went to the Velloway and rode 12 miles and went as fast as I could. I was wanting to do a speed workout. I was passing people and I felt pretty strong. Even though I need to get a tune up on the bike...i do not think my left gear really works right now. This one guy was the only one that passed me and then after I passed this girl... you can tell she didn't want me to pass her, we were neck and neck for about 3 miles. It really helped to ride by the other cyclists. Yet is was sooo hot. It was around 5:30-6 and I think this really adds to the workout or makes it harder. The wind was even hot. I should try working out in the morning as well to see the difference. My water on my bike even got really hot.

Lately I have been praying for things when I am really on my last straw in my workouts. Its been on my heart lately to pray for Rebecca my sister with Spinabifida. I just recently realized that spinabifida patients usually only live to about early 20's. So when I feel spent I pray for her healing that it would be a miraculous healing and that his name would be glorified. I thank the Lord that I have the legs to run, since Rebecca can only move in the wheel chair. I feel humbled and appreciative at that moment. It takes away the pain. So my tough times have been really neat, in just praying for someone else.

I have noticed the Lord is really working on me in my workouts. Or maybe when I can really hear him because Im so vulnerable since I have not been riding or running with music.

Love you guys. I ll miss you Linds. I wish you were going!!!
Melinda

intimidated

This week is my first 18miler of my training and I have to admit that I'm feeling somewhat intimidated. I know that I can do 15 because I've done it twice this month already, so I'm planning on concentrating on that and then pushing thru the last 3 whatever it takes (even if I have to walk). Its not the distance that is scaring me, but the heat. It seems like everyone is going to be gone this weekend so I'll have all day saturday to mentally prepare myself, relax, find my happy spot. I know its weird, but my head has to really be into it to do a long run. If I'm to emotional or distracted or if anything happens the day before that I didn't plan for, I'm almost useless. Hopefully one day I'll be strong enough to just do it without so much effort going into it! The numbers are weird with me too...8 is harder than 10, 12 harder than 15, 18 harder than 20...it doesn't make sense, but for some reason it works out that way in my head. If I skip the 18 I'll probably injure myself, but 20 sounds a lot better right now. Have fun in Napa! Love, Lindsey

Couples Tri

So I did the Couples Tri this past weekend as you both know. But, I thought I might as well blog about it since I can and I have the time right now. I know between the both of you I have spilled all of the details, so you don't have to read them if you don't feel like hearing it all again!

Swim: I was really nervous and my adrenaline was pumping like crazy. I tried to scoot to the front right hand side, since all of the turns were to the right. Once the gun went off I sprinted away. My arms to tell the truth felt like bricks - I felt a little stiff in the water, but I tried not to think about it too much. Me and 2 other girls left the bulk of our wave behind. I swam right behind a girl that shot off ahead, but I stayed on her feet for about the first 150 or so. Right next to me was Corey, who beat me at the Danskin and who I used to swim with when I was a kid. Corey and I ended up passing the girl up and we were pretty far out in front of everyone. I felt fast and I felt like I had a lot to give at the end, but my time was slower than I was hoping for. Corey and I were neck and neck again on the swim, with me beating her by a mere 2 seconds.

T1: was super slow - my hair rubberband broke and so a nice lady watching on the side gave me hers. It cost me probably 30 seconds or so. Also, the shorts I chose to wear were difficult to get on since I was still soaking wet.

Bike: I felt really strong on the bike and I was ready for the rolling hills this time (unlike at the Danskin). I got passed by 2 girls during the bike and 5 or 6 men, but I felt like I was going as fast as I could go without completely killing myself before the run. I also drank a ton of my water in my camelbak (which by the way, no other bikers I noticed wear. Maybe it causes too much wind resisitance? I don't care - it's easier for me to drink from that than grab a water bottle).

T2: was really fast (for me) thanks to my handy make-shift camera bag strap that had my race number on it (used in lieu of a sort of pricy "racing belt", which does basically the same thing)

Run: I felt really strong for the first time during a race. I got passed only twice (not by girls :-)) and I ended up re-passing those people during the course of the 5K. I felt great and strong all the way up the big hill and all the way to the end where I picked up speed even and did NOT have to go to the infirmary again!

Overall: My best race yet. i know where I need to improve (transistions for sure :-)) and I can't wait until the Austin Tri in September!

Out,
Lear Attack

LN Blog

Hey guys! Well I signed up for the half marathon in SA TOWN. So that is written in stone. Jessica mentioned doing the hotter than hell 25mile bike. Which I am going to look into doing in August. Yesterday Sarah and I went to that Nike running club. It was a lot of fun. We did a lot of drills and stretching. At one point the lead instructor said you two, pointed to us, said we were totally in sync with our strides. We thought...Go Renegade Racing Team! :) I'm excited about it because it seemes benificial in training smart to prevent injury and it would be a lot of fun to make it a routine to run with you both there. It also helps that it is such a fun vibe running off congress and looking at all the cute clothes from the window and to see the the cute clothes the girls are wearing walking by.
Im amped about making training a routine. Consistency is always something I have had to work on and I am looking forward to working on it and overcoming this. Thank you Lindsey for your inspirational emails. I actually really get excited when I see I have one of your emails in my inbox. And its usually in the am when you send it out which is a good little perk and jumpstart.
Love you guys,
Ninja....lol


Love you guys and soooo amped about

New Gear

So I get home yesterday and on the doorstep there is the packet I have been anticipating from Team Boomer (my charity I'm doing the Denver marathon for). It was much larger than I expected. First I pulled out a long sleeve underarmor shirt with the team boomer logo on the front and website on the back, nice. Then I noticed a hat with the logo (both were navy), really nice. There was also a short sleeved navy under armor shirt to match the long sleeve one and a pair of navy nike running shorts, pretty legit. They also sent me a jillion light blue plastic bracelets and pamphlets to hand out to my supporters. Y'all will be getting one of each next time I see you. I'm pretty stoked.
If you want to checkout the sa half page its at http://renegaderaceteam.blogspot.com I can invite you to the page if you want to post. Love ya, Learjet

Finally I'm writing a blog :-)

Hey there all you racers in internet land (especially Lindsey & Melin)!
Well, I'm finally taking the time to blog my training. Everything is going awesome. I have a triathlon in exactly 1 week and there is going to be some pretty stiff competition, so I am MOTIVATED!! Not only is the race motivating me, but the Olympic Trials are making me wish I was a world-class athlete in real life (not just in my head :-) ). Every time I get in the pool to swim, I feel like I'm Katie Hoff swimming to make another world record, except my times just happen to be in a type of slow-motion time zone on a different planet earth. Either way, i feel strong and good in the water and I'm excited about swimming the race on Sunday.

Biking is also a blast. Melinda and I went on quite an adventure the other day, where we learned not to ride down Slaughter Lane during morning rush hour traffic. We also learned how to change a flat tire, thanks to my tire giving out and Brent kindly rescuing us. Biking is still really hard, but I'm getting better at mentally wrapping my mind around the pain and still working through it.

Today I ran the farthest I've every run...8 miles. It was awesome. I ran on the treadmill at the gym, since the gym has a babysitter, and I really got into it and the music I was listening to. I felt like I could have kept on running, but since my children were in the gym daycare and it was getting to be lunch/nap time, I stopped. Also, during the last mile, my foot developed this sharp pain at the ball of it, so I thought it was a good stopping point anyways. I only have to run a 5K in the race this weekend, but it would be nice to be able to NOT get passed during the last mile and it would be nice to NOT have to go to the nurses station because I'm about to pass out at the end of the race! That's what happened to me at the Danskin - I got passed by 2 people from my age group during the very last mile. The run is definitely my week point, but I hope all the sprint work and brick workouts that I have put in in the last 4 weeks will pay off this next weekend. We'll see! :-)

I got a bike!

So I am soooo excited about riding it and getting used to it.
I have clip shoes also so I am going to practice a little on the spin bike with them before wearing them. I think I might get cage petals for now. I cant wait to ride!
We have dinner plans but I want to get a little ride in aferwards!
Lindsey I am so glad you got to run there and see some cool things. When is the next race you are shooting for?
Love you guys,
Melinda

NYC Baby!

I ran through Brooklyn, over the Brooklyn Bridge, into Manhattan, down Broadway and back! You know how they have those awesome pics at the beginning of every Runners world of a person "out running somewhere" and they are the most awesome looking places to get in a run? This was like that. They should put me in next months issue.

signed up

I'm so excited! I just bought my plane ticket and registered for the Denver Marathon- Oct 18th! My total round trip plane cost only 205.00- you can't drive to dallas and back that cheap these days! I just need to book the hotel and I'm all set.

Hate to say it

I hate to say it, but I think the heat is taking its toll. Either that or I'm making excuses, but I feel exhausted. Tonight I'm going to watch the Augie (UT Baseball coach, winningest coach of all time in any sport) documentary though, and I know I will come away feeling inspired by his pearls of coaching wisdom.
This morning I ran six before work and I was going to do six again tonight, but I might do it in the morning. I think I need to switch off, making everyother week only about running and doing my two spin classes on the odd weeks. Haven't decided for sure yet, it might just get easier as I get used to the temps.
I think I've picked my charity...probably going to join team Boomer (cystic fibrosis foundation). Sounds like a worthy cause. Keep up the hard work ladies, it takes a warrior's spirit to push through these heat, so I know the two of you will have no problems with it! Lindsey

Its hot!-Melinda

So I ran today on my lunch break and did 4 miles.It must have been high 90s outside. It was a good run and I surprisingly did a good time. The last mile I was praying the whole way. I get so challenged and I love thinking I am doing this for the Lord. It actually really makes me speed up and sprint the hills. I also did spin yesterday and gave it my all. I think that may be something I might really like to train for. It is extremely challenging yet easy on the knees for me. Tonight my knees are a little something..... They dont hurt or feel pain but they just feel a little trampled on.

Anyway so this week is a good start of very challenging training. Im really excited about doing a duathaton.
Love you guys!
Meinda

Impact a Hero

This weekend was pretty big for me. First of all, baseball season is ending and its time for Mike to start traveling...Time for me to get serious about training now that I'll have the extra time. Also, I did this run called impact a hero to raise money for wounded soldiers. Just a 5k but I was pretty happy with my time of 26:56- especially considering I put in 8 before the morning before the run and that Houston is freaking humid! The Texans were out and I beat a few of them, including the quarterback! I didn't get a chip timer, not wanting to make the run about anything but fun...but according to the times, I would have been a solid 2nd in my age group. So its an out and back course...I'm about 3/4's of a mile from the finish, which means I'm also at 3/4 miles from the start and on the other side of the road and there are these two soldiers on cruches trucking up the course. It was so emotional, and I must have been the only one who noticed. I started yelling and one of the Texans running beside me looked over and started cheering them on too. That's why I run, that's what God is showing me in all this. -Lindsey

QUOTE

I was just about to exit the blog when I saw the quote, TEST ME Lord and Try me....
I guess my runs are challenging and I really get desperate for the Lord at moments and speak to him. I bet hes trying to teach me. I love that.

Lesson Learned

Well yesterday I decided I was going to go for a run. I set out to do 4 miles, which I have usually been doing 2-3. For a "long weekend run." Well I started out around 445. I headed out of the neighborhood and started running off the access of I35. At almost 2 miles, the heat and sun were really taking everything out of me. I think it was 100 degrees when I was out there. I was thinking I should drank more water a lot more water before the run. I had to do a big hill and ran up and back down to finish the last 2 miles. At 3 miles my mouth got really dry and I felt extremely spent. I walked for a second and then got motivated of thinking I can get water when I get home. I got home and did some research on the comuter and realized I probably had the beginning of heat exhaustion. LOL Im glad I made it home, yet learned I need to be very careful and be prepared when running in this crazy hot weather. But it feels good that I finished it.
Im glad you all are training great. I have been thinking of what would be good to train for. I love running I guess Im just discouraged by 26 miles lately. I love training for something though. I dont know I may be just having a moment.

Love you both,
Melinda

Sarah

I'm so stoked for Sarah! She looked like such a rock star on the bike! It made me want to do a run right now, watching you. I'm still looking to December 6th for the 50K, but this heat (humidity really) is already wearing me down. It'll just take a few weeks to get used to I guess. Just wanted to give Sars some props on her great race...You're a super star-Lindsey

My Hood

I'm loving the new neighborhood. I have a great 5 miler(2.5 each way) a four mile route, and 2ea 3mile paths I can mix and match for anywhere from 6-12 miles. I haven't even begun to explore any of the little side streets yet, but know that this will come soon. I know its early but there are a couple of things I'm really looking forward to in our house- 1 Halloween. I just imagine the neighborhood kids dressed up in their costumes as I'm out jogging around. Also Christmas lights! It can really make a run for me. Holla' Lindsey

Hey

Linds, Sorry to hear hayour motivation s been down. The Lord has you in his hands, I know hes just waiting to pick you back up.

Lets see. My running has been good Im just doing little distances 2 milers, just following the schedule. Im ready to hurt my body with a hard workout.Not hurt as in injury.:) I dont really have hard, challenging workouts lately so I feel the need to feel like I am doing something. It is soo pretty outside and I just love being outdoors. I always struggle about running but when I do I feel so good. That is a battle that Im hoping will go away.
Hope you guys are doing great this week with your training. Next spin you guys do let me know and I ll see if I can join.
Love you guys,
Melinda

discipline dissapointment

So my discipline has been lacking lately- starting with my Bible study life and trickling into everything else. I've been so tired since the move, and I know that once I get some much needed rest I will be back in it,but its no excuse. I feel like I have to choose between study and work outs, and I know that both of them bring me closer to God so its a struggle. I'm pretty dissapointed in myself.-Lindsey

Motivation

Hey guys,
Well I have started up my running training again. Thanks Lindsey so much for putting this together. My runs have felt pretty strong. They seem harder than I remember, I can feel the hit from being off. But I feel great afterwards. I have felt the earge to spring the hills and then recover and and then sprint the last part of my runs. But I do remember to keep it cool to avoid injury. It has been challenging but good. I had my first, not wanting to run this past weekend. I really was just having a relaxing lazy day at home. I watched that clip on that movie, something giants?.... and wow it worked. I had a great 4 miler that day. I am just running 3 times a week and have picked back up on my weights from my week long break. I need to update my playlist on my ipod. Im kinda getting sick of my same songs. One day I went out to run, and felt sluggish and started my music and then a minute in my run the ipod died. I said in my head, "Ok Lord Im listening." I feel like hes trying to teach me something lately, I really need to keep in prayer about this.
Love you guys. Glad to hear your workouts are ninga.
Melinda

Better and Better

I've been just wanting to run more and more lately. Even when I feel at my most exhausted it seems like I can find that extra push to tack on a couple of miles. Today I did six at Town Lake and missed spin. So I just went to the gym and used a spin bike and did my own workout to my playlist. I sweated so much more than usual and felt amazing afterward. I feel my body getting stronger all the time. I hope that everything is going as well for y'all. Its good to start building milage now before the heat sets in too much. I'm so amped for next season!-Lindsey

best one in forever

I felt awesome as I rounded into my eighth mile this morning. I didn't have that four mile push where I usually try and talk myself into bailing out on the longer run and settling at six or anything. I actually saw a bird eating a worm- I've never seen that before (usually their eating seeds). The lake was beautiful, the weather perfect with just the perfect amount of breeze. Phenominal ten miler.

On another note-I'm so proud of you Mel for thinking about taking a stab at marathon training again. Even if you change your mind, I think that running consistently (3 or more times a week) will be so rewarding for you. It's such a good quiet time just to think things through, get out the stress, be in nature. Have a good weekend! Lindsey

Schedule

Hey guys.
I really havent been running the occasional run is what it all adds to.
I need a schedule to start running to. Well first I need to reasses my goals. So maybe I can sit down with you Lindsey and you can help me figure out a plan and running schedule.
I forgot to tell you guys this it happened a while back when I was running but thought it was pretty awesome.
This one day I was running 6 miles and about 3 miles I felt just totally exhausted. I prayed that the Lord give me strength and what I need to finish. I swear he was just pushing me. I remember running up this big hill and I felt like I was going to fall of how fast I was going. It was crazy like he was actually working my body to run. It was awesome.
Prayer really works! Trust in the Lord. Thats a teaching that the Lord is working on me with and I just want to cling to it.
Love,
Melinda

Hmmm...

Running is so good. Nothing feels better than finishing a nice 12 miler, where it was warm enough outside not to be cold, but not to warm to be hot. And your tired and sweaty and exhausted, but you still have energy to finish out the day and don't hurt. Its early, but I can honestly agree with Ice Cube that- "Today was a Good Day"
Renegade for Life! Lindsey

bad food, bad runs

I've decided that poor eating choices have effected my running so I'm trying to cut back on the sweets again. I've also changed up my schedule some for the summer months and plan on trying to get in more distance in the week, but not run very long on my longer runs. I want to do 2 6milers, and a ten during the week and use the weekend to do two twelves. That's the plan, but I'll have to see how my body feels. It will take a while to adapt to the hotter weather, but hopefully but keeping my runs to 2 hours and under it won't affect me too much. Also, I think that if I can do more mid distance runs during the summer months, it will be so much easier when the climate becomes more moderate to increase my distance at a faster pace. I'm still looking to do the Vegas marathon in December and maybe add some halfs in before then. Dallas has the hotter than hell half in august and then maybe the SA rock n roll in november if y'all are still planning on it. We'll see this week though! "running is 90% mental, the rest is all in your head."-Lindsey

round 2

I can't wait for the 2 following things- thursday to get a full day of rest and friday to finally get some good distance in again. I have only had one full day off since the marathon and am utterly exhausted in the best possible way. I want to push myself hard with my six today and then try to spin or swim also so that tomorrow will be that much more enjoyable! Then friday morning get up early, eat a couple of bagels and relax (I love that you get to eat so much before a long run, is that wrong). Then its off to Lady Bird Lake to see the sun rise, the rowers out on the water, and anything else God wants to show me that morning. And as always, I'm so looking forward to having lunch with y'all! A nice salad, followed by something dirty like a piece of cake from Austin Java or some ice cream. See you then! Lindsey

such a wus

I am such a wus about swimming. Its definitely not my calling and I have a mental block about it. Last night I dreamed that I was swimming in open water and actually did okay, but I woke up dreading going to the pool. HELP ME GET MOTIVATED!!! I've been feeling really good on the few runs I've done this week, and am excited about going this afternoon to town lake hopefully. It should be great weather, and its nice to know that I'll be running three days in a row. Really getting my rhythm back! Just wanted to check in- keep up all the progress-Lindsey

Freeze Frame Time

I almost cried crossing the finish line because I was so happy to know that I did not have to run one more step. At mile sixteen, I passed a man with a sign on his back that said "And when Jesus rode into Jerusalum they took Palms branches and went out to meet him, shouting "Hosanna in the highest". And running through this beautiful forest and seeing that, I wished that I could share that moment with everyone, freeze frame time, really.
When everyone says that the last six are hard, its no lie-they are. It was mostly my head- my legs were holding up well enough. I was really thirsty too. The crowd was awesome though. People were lined up for miles to support the runners, and I was glad I picked that course for my first time. I have more green clothes than I know what to do with now, but they will serve as a reminder that "Victory comes to those that trust in the Lord". I can't wait to tell y'all more about it! Also, I think on my birthday that I'll try the 26.2 again instead of the 50K. Not near as exciting, but I want to get comfortable with that distance and then next March 15th do the SA 50K I think.
Thanks so much for all the support through this whole thing! Love, Lindsey

Lost my fire

Im on a down slope with my work outs. I worked out only 2 times last week. My attitude with working out is usually if I can make it to the gym or running awesome if not its not a big deal unless there are the workouts are very sparse. So I need a little spring in my step. So thats that. I cant say enough how proud and excited I am for you Linds. That is just so awesome. I think the day of your marathon I will run a big run and know your running too and pretend I am running with you. That will pump me up.
Love you guys,
Melinda

Sick

So, of course I get a sinus infection the week I'm going to Virginia. Never fear though, I did the unspeakable and went to the doctor today. Now, once the rain slows I need to get in a good six to keep my legs loose. I'm so exicited about the expo and all the cool things I'll get to see. After talking to Sarah the other day, I'm totally pumped for my own personal ultra too. Especially because I found these camo shirts that rock. I'm not going to order them until Monday though, to make sure I still feel good, which I think I will. If I could breathe I would run through the office yelling right now to relieve a little anxiety/excitement. My playlist is 4:49 minutes long and growing. I shouldn't need the whole thing, but I want to be prepared, and I really like every last song on there too. Mike doesn't know it, but he's going to be paying itunes for a very long time!!! (J/K). Please pray that my throat thing goes away before this weekend. Would love to hear from y'all! Lindsey

Self Discipline

So I had a talk with myself the other day. I started thinking about what makes an athlete an athlete. Its not just talent or ability (those things help) but its discipline. God's been talking to me alot about this. I went to Austin Stone last night-which I love! and I realized that I've been living my life as a "fleshy Christian" and discipline is really what I need. Had I not already had the talk with myself I would have to have it again, but it just reinforced that God is trying to make me look more and more like Jesus. As far as running and all the other things I'm doing in my cross training this means finishing the race set out before me and being willing to live with the costs of getting there (not eating cookies and donuts for example). 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God does not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love and self discipline."
Just a little food for thought. Fills me up more than a bowl of ice cream would! Lindsey

Push it to the limit

I finally did it! 20 miles on Saturday- even with an Obama rally taking up the entire Town Lake Trail- (they need some edicate training!) When I was getting back in my car, my grandma drove by so I went over to their house to say hi and my grandpa said to me- 20 is fine, but its the last six that are the hardest. Thanks for bursting my bubble old man! My recovery run on Sunday was a tough four miler and my legs were tight but I think spin got out some of the lactic acid. Oh, and I got pegged in the shin by a hard hit foul ball on Sunday. Mike thought it was so cool, because you could see the imprint of the laces in my skin- my legs are good though, thankfully. Officially, today is supposed to be my rest day, but I'm seriously considering doing spin. Oh, and ask me about my idea for an ultra-it might be lame- I need help knowing for sure though- Lindsey

I love it

So, no one has commented on the quote at the side of the page, which I think is so funny, probably because it sums up to a T how I feel about the marathon.
Today I'm going to spin at 10:30 and if I have time (depending on work) I'll swim at lunch, if not, I'll go between work and Bible study.
I've been really into Propel fitness water lately, but I wonder if its okay to substitute for regular water. I know with gatorade you are supposed to drink 2 times the water, do y'all know? I still down at least 50 ounces of water a day with an additional 32 of propel and about 20 ounces of diet soda. I'm getting extra exercise by running downstairs every half our to the bathroom. Now, if I could just quit eating, maybe I would drop that 5 lbs they say to lose in the last month. 23 days and counting! Lindsey

kicking my butt-literally

Well I discovered a new class at Lifetime that kicked my butt!

It is all about muscle Indurance which I guess I don't have. It was really challenging!
I left pumped and inspired and totally spent! It worked a lot of butt and legs which I was told was key for knee strengthening by a trainer. Along with that new body attack for Cardio endurance and that one push up song is crazy. So I feel like Im training well right now. I feel challenged lately in my workouts which leaves me pretty fulfilled.
love you guys!
Melinda

I'm so screwed

If it snows during the marathon like it did last year, I'll probably die. The weather on Saturday was unbearable for me and I only finished 12 of my 20. I think it was for the best though, because I think I'll do 16-17 this weekend and then a 20 miler the following weekend, and only have one week where I taper down to 6 miles. I'm getting exciting about the possibility that I will definitely finish- if it takes all day. My legs felt awesome yesterday and I did 7 strong in the morning, followed by spin, and then three with sprints last night. You'd think I would be able to sleep with all the exercise, but I've been going a million miles an hour in my head and woke up at 2:22 this morning, and could not fall back asleep. Needless to say I was the first person at work (It's been a long time since that's happened). Hopefully I won't crash before I make it to the pool at lunch! Keep up the good work girls- Lindsey

Knees are Annoying

Hola,

Well I did 5 miles today during lunch break on the treadmill. My shin splints have left. I feel so good cardio wise. I feel really strong in my legs and overall everything except my knees feel like I am pounding on them a little at the end of the run. I try hard to resist going a lot faster. But I stay around a 10 minute pace. The sprinter in me(high school) wants to go but I am hoping I can live that out in time. So I am staying slow now. I am going to ice them tonight and hopefully it will go away in time. I feel the potential. I am also going to get those knee things to wear around the bottom of your knees. I am looking into doing a half marathon in March time frame.
Alright love you guys talk with you soon!

Running Again - by Sarah

So, I have been running at least 4 days a week for about 3 weeks now. Yesterday I ran 3 miles, which is the longest distance so far. I feel really good and strong. Since my runs are so short, I've just been doing them on the treadmill at the gym. I hope I'm not messing anything up? since running out on the ground is a little different. I think I will run 3 miles next week just outside, or maybe just do 1 mile outside and then go to the gym later to finish exercising. There is this supposedly really hard class starting at Gold's this Saturday. It's called Body Attack and they say it's a great workout. I think I will try it. The website says there is a class at 8:30, but that includes a body fitness assessment, which I'm not interested in. I'll bet the class starts at 9 or 9:30. Anyone interested in meeting me there?

Sleepy

Its me again, of course. Today's 18 was fantastic. At fifteen I was thinking that I could go forever, at seventeen I had to pee so bad that I was counting the minutes to the potty. I felt like a real runner because there was no TP and I used my teeth to tear my shirt (TMI,I know). So the way I ran I was done at the water jugs and bathroom but still 2 miles from my car so I walked about a mile and ran the last mile just for fun. I'm so sleepy right now though. I'm trying to make it until 8 so I'll get a good night in and be ready to run 6 and do spin in the morning. I only have 34 days left and one long run- a 20 next week. Mel, its 8 days until the Austin Marathon. I may volunteer so I can be there to hand you some water (I don't know yet, though). Love y'all, Lindsey

No Place Like Home

It was awesome running in St. Thomas, but I can honestly say that I think Town Lake is just as beautiful- in a different way. Austin is the coolest city, and with baseball season just a few weeks away, I have even more reason to love it here. I feel like I have a fairly intense, but accomplishable running schedule for the next six weeks. I'm hoping that I keep up with the sunday spin class and the once a week swim- those really seem to be helping my endurance. It's all about the morning pep talk, and planning your work and working your plan.
Adios- Lindsey

La Pura Vida!

Hey girls! This is my last update before I go on vaca- so I thought that I'd recap my running week. Monday I had to make myself not run (I had done eighteen on saturday which usually makes my Sunday 4 miler painful, but Sunday felt so easy that I wanted to keep going- that's how injuries start though.) Tuesday and Wed the weather was insufferable, but I had my tights on so I had to go six both days- not to mention that I had done my affirmations in the mirror (you are a runner, you love to run). Thursday was so busy, and I had put myself on a strict time schedule to get things accomplished, mapping out my day, hour by hour- I did not have enough time to put in a six like I wanted, but four felt nice and I knew that it would make the six today that much better. I'm taking tomorrow off (I'll be flying to St. Thomas if you didn't hear). Then Sunday, depending on the temp and sidewalk space, I hope to put in anywhere between a 6 and a ten. I love to run new places, keeps it interesting! I'll be thinking of y'all while I'm living the good life next week, wishing that you could have all come along.

By Sarah

I am really feeling great and excited about starting to run again next week. I'm going to just do 1 mile and see how I feel afterwards. If that feels fine, I will do 1 mile again the next day and the next for about a week. Then, I plan on upping to 2 miles and so on. My goals this year are to simply get my muscles strong for running longer distances next year. I will let you all know how the 1 miler feels after I do it on Sunday or Monday.

LOOK at my other post "Running partner back

Oh yeah

Hey also, would you guys be down for doing some kind of adventure race together. We would be an extreme team!!!! I will look into it and see whats coming up. I really want to work with you guys against a bunch of girls. That would be awesome!

That was by Melinda

Running partner back

Hey! Sorry for the lack of feedback. Well I ran 3 yesterday.And no pain through out the run or no pain in my knees at all. I do hear them making a cracking noise from time to time now though? I even sprinted the last half mile and felt great! I did notice a difference in my cardio shape though. Not as good. But Im excited to get back in. In my break of running I didnt do any cardio at all so no reason to complain! My goals now are to complete 13 miles in about a month and a half. I just remember that feeling of completing 10 and just crave that again. I feel like my body is stronger and Im more aware of how to train now. So here I go again on my own, going down the only rode Ive ever known. haha ok That was a song if you didnt catch that. I love laughing at my own jokes.
Love you guys!

I lost my team

I haven't heard much from either of you as far as running lately. I know that Sarah's going to ease back in soon, but how are your legs Melinda? Its making me feel self centered that I keep blogging about myself and no one else has anything to post. Well here's my week so far- 4 on sunday (some speed work), 5 on Tuesday and bike at the gym, 6 today(done) and swim(after work). I want to do 4 tomorrow, 6 Friday, and 18 on Saturday. I've gotten away from the middistance during the week and decided to keep with the shorter runs for time and motivation reasons. Eight is not a happy number for me and I don't know why. I've been running at town lake as much as possible as has all of austin it seems. What a great town we live in! I got hooked on cokes again, and I'm on my third day without caffeine. I need to start eating better considering there are only 2 months left to train (two months of salads won't kill me). Alright- I expect to hear from someone on their progress, or even their lack of.- Lindsey

Completely Conquerable

I feel like I'm finally back in the running game. Saturday I ran for 2 and a half hours- I think about 15 miles. I'm slow, but as long as I ice my ankles afterward, the soreness and the swelling isn't there the next time I run so that's a very good thing. For the first time in almost a month, I feel like the marathon is more than finish able again- which is a relief, because I was really starting to doubt myself. I'm content to walk whenever I need to- need being the key word. I think my self discipline has definitely improved too. Yesterday I was at target and I kept picking things up and putting them in my basket and then I would ask myself if I really needed it and put it back. It's funny how running has trickled into my everyday activities, and is making me stronger on so many levels. I'm looking forward to six this afternoon and to swimming with Sarah again this week. -Lindsey

Slow and Steady

So I know they say that slow and steady wins the race, but today my slow was like molasses. I felt like I was trying to move fast, and I'm going to blame the humidity, but it was hard to run. Six felt like sixteen, but I guess that's the way it goes sometime. Not to mention that I've already had a bagel and a granola bar and I'm still starving. Maybe I should have done a speed workout being as I'm so premenstrual. Just to let y'all know, have no worries about Virginia, my mom booked her flight yesterday to go out there with me- and she's already scoped out all the good shopping in the area! I'm feeling super blessed right now to have y'all, Mike, my mom, and countless other people to support my running hobby. Thanks for always being there- Lindsey

Training - by Sarah

My hip feels really great today! In fact, I was at the grocery store this morning and jogged to get a cart (I had to move fast, since the children were in the car still :-)) and it didn't really hurt a bit. I thought I should put in writing though that I am definitely not doing the marathon in March. After not running for almost 6 weeks now, I don't think it would be healthy for my body to "cram" for a marathon. But, probably in about 2 weeks I will start running again. I want to wait until there is no pain in my hip when I run, and then wait another week or so after that. So, I predict that happening in about 2 or 3 weeks at this point. When I begin running again, I plan on running 3 or 4 days a week and only about 12 or 15 miles a week, with my "long" runs being no more than 4 miles. My plan is to get a pretty good 5K time and an okay 10K time this year. Maybe next year I will train for a half marathon or marathon. Thanks so much Lindsey for making me into a runner from now on! I can't wait to run my first marathon with you guys someday!

Training- Melinda

Well I had my personal training session and it went great. We talked about my knees and running in general. It was really informative and learned that I havent really been doing anything to strengthen my legs for running. ha So that was good. He showed me things to do to help and strengthen my ligaments and joints and to prevent injury. He said even though I felt good running the 10 my body is not used to running and eventually if not stretching and strenthinging these muscles will eventually cause strain on my knees, ankles, hip and feet. So that was really good to learn. I am meeting with him again today to put all of what he taught me into play. So Im excited about that. I have really been struggling to think if I should push myself and do the marathon in March. I dont feel ready but feel like I could do it,but dont know if that would be the smartest and best thing for my body, since my training has been not adequate enough. Ive really just didnt want to let you guys down. But then I had to think but do I have to prove...nothing right. So I am now considering doing the Austin half marathon. I went to my parents house today and thought about running from my house to theirs and got really excited that. So I know have a new passoin for running and am excited to keep working on it. What do you guys think. I really want to continue training and do a marathon with you guys. Its really hard to back out and I dont feel 100% about it. UHH... but I have learned alot about my body and self. Im actually pretty frustrated. I dont want to say yes or no now. Actually I am going to ask the trainer if I can run 13 this week and run from my house to my parents with out injury. I feel determined. I really am pationate about this now!

Normal Life in 2008

I put in six after work yesterday and it felt so good. I think that these short weeks, with the holidays have really put me off schedule with my running, so I'm excited to be back to regular life. I'm excited to start swimming with Sarah. I think it can only strengthen my legs to have the biking and swimming in my routine. I'm puttting in 8 after work today which I'm ready for. I'd love to hear how your personal training session went, Melinda. I hope that your knees hurting is just a matter of working through and not an injury! Keep up all the good work girls! Don't forget that we have lots of years to run together, even if this marathon doesn't happen! Next November there is a Rock N Roll Marathon in SA! They have bands at all the waterstops and a concert afterward with a big name from what I understand. Could be awesome! Love you, Lindsey