Ramblings of a Sleepy Sappy Runner

As Boston is getting closer I've found myself on an emotional roller coaster. From tears of excitement to worries to even total indifference, my feelings have been all over the charts.

I keep thinking of the movie, Groundhog Day.

I wake every morning trying to chase down that perfect day I had. Well, Ive had more than one good day, but I'd like them all to "feel" just right. But as the chips fall as they may, I must accept my limited control over my feelings, and just tell the stupid ones to shut up.

I've been running really well, finally. I've visited Nancy Bowers, a great massage therapist twice now. The experience has been intense. Even though there's candles, dim lights, and soft music, she's still really aggressive about getting my muscles "worked." A few techniques caused me to clinch my fist and bite my tongue. She's also a Boston Marathoner, so I feel very comfortable in her care. And after a few sessions, I felt like a brand new runner again. It's a total gift from God that I've been able to receive her therapy.

The weather has finally taken a turn for the better. A new record was noted this week in Wichita. It got over 60 degrees for the first time since November 28th. The news said that this is the longest recorded streak of such low temperatures. But the sun's been out and I've found that my habit of gloves and stocking cap have been too warm some days. That's such good news.

As we get closer, Judah is getting so excited. He talks about getting ice cream, seeing his friends and cousin, and flying all the time. His teacher showed me his journal from last month, he has more than one entry about Boston.

I plotted my jog course for the day before the marathon this week too. Looks like I'll cross the finish line the day before the race too. My Dad and I signed up for the BAA 5K ( http://baa.org/5k/) this week. I'll comfortably jog the race through a historic course to get my sea legs ready for the big day. Part of me wondered if I'll be sad to cross the line before the 19th, like maybe it'll water down the real deal. Doubt it, plus when am I going to get a chance to do it again?

Seems like things are going pretty smoothly. My body seems to be feeling pretty good. My narrow shoes are working wonders on my foot. I just pray every day for safety and good health. My God has been so faithful, I'm overwhelmed.

MILES:

2/20 16 miles

2/21 3 miles

2/22 6 miles + weights

2/23 10 miles

2/24 45 minute spin class + 5 miles on elliptical

2/25 10 miles

2/26 8 miles + weights

2/27 20 miles

2/28 3 miles

3/1 10 miles

3/2 6 miles + weights

3/3 10 miles

3/4 6 miles

3/5 8 miles + weights

Gotta get to bed.... 22 miler in the morning.

"First Rule of Fight Club....."

You DO NOT talk about Fight Club..... or the possibility that I've injured myself while training for Boston!

So that's what I've done, not talked about the fact that my hamstrings hurt, my groin muscles hurt, and my left foot feels like it's broken. I've talked to the people I need to talk about these issues and that's all the talking I'm going to do.

Slap another band-aid on, because I'm running Boston even if I have to crawl.

I will talk about this though. I got new shoes to fit my narrow foot. So now I have one leg shorter than the other requiring a lift and one foot wider than the other. This is why my bloody toes keep coming up through my left shoe. It's swimming around in there. So hopefully problem solved.

I ran yesterday and felt wonderful comparatively. The aches were so minimal and the foot was 90% better. So that is what I'll talk about.

My prayers have been heard and I know my God loves me. So much that he provides even the silly desires of my heart. Like a desire to run 26.2 miles at one time. God is good, all the time.

I will also talk about my family. They've prayed with me everyday and hoped and believed with me. Together we've all been able to keep it in perspective too. My injuries are minuscule when mirrored against the realities of this world. There are children starving all over the world, illnesses in my own circle, jobless families.... the list could go on forever. When I put it in order, my spirits have remained incredibly high, because I have so much and am truly blessed.

Boston is my gift. I plan to receive that gift with joy, no matter what form it comes in.

So on to more things I like talking about.

Even though the runs have been "ify" and the weather's provided some slippery surfaces, there are some note worthy antidotes.

Two Saturday's ago I met with the group for our miles. In order to get maximum time with all the runners, some of us go early to get in the extra miles we need and then head back in to start with the rest of the group. All this to say, when we were approaching the dead opossum for my 2nd time that morning, I gave warning to the others so they wouldn't be surprised like I had been. After I hollered my, Watch out! Dead opossum!" My friend chimed in, "Yeah, you should of seen her earlier, she yelped. That's the first time I've seen Lacy act like a girl!"

I had to laugh too. I don't spit, I've never let a fart fly on a run, never shot a snot rocket, and I barely ever sweat enough to stink too bad. But when you are accused of "chicking" the guys, I guess there's not room for being too girly out there. But I guess dead opossum brings it out in me.

On Monday after the Super Bowl, snow covered the city. It was soft slushy snow. At 5 AM, it was already well above freezing, it was calm, and actually very nice outside. I met one of my training partners for our 5 am run. Due to said partner's position in our fair city, the plows were sure to be out plowing the streets they know he runs on every morning. Bonus for me. I guess running with Mr. City Manager has it's perks. We ran our normal Monday route. We had some trouble where the snow wasn't cleared. It was deep, over 4 inches in some spots. Due to this we decided to skip the river path on run on the street. Up until this point our run had been pretty quiet. Only one car passed too close and soaked us in slush. As we rounded the curve on the street we noticed a car had done a 180 over the median and was attempting to get back on the road. As we passed we watched as another car came around the curve, fish tail, lose control, go up onto the median, slide into a small tree, and have all the snow from the tree fall on it's roof. I reached for my phone assuming I'd need to call for assistance. Nope! The little Ford Festiva restarted , put it in reverse, and took off down the street. We laughed thinking that was the most drama we would see for the morning. Then we looked up and saw a city bus nearly mimicking the little festiva's every move. As it came too quickly down the street, I jumped in the grass. I hear Mr. Manager drop a bomb, which he spent the rest of the morning apologizing for, and see the bus fishtail right past us. After we did the individual "am I still here?" pat down, we checked on each other and got the heck off the street.

As the adrenaline surge died down, we finished up. Only to hear Mr. Manager tell me with glazed over eyes that he had often joked he'd like to choose the way he'd die. "I always said I'd like to be out running and just get hit by a bus, " he said. As we realized that had just nearly happened, he changed his mind. Who knew running could be so dramatic?

Here's The Numbers:

Saturday 2/6: 18 miles

Sunday 2/7: 3 miles

Monday 2/8: 10 miles

Tuesday: 6 miles and weights

Wednesday: 10 miles

Thursday: 6 miles and weights

Friday: 5 miles and 45 minute spin class

Saturday 2/13: 12 miles

Sunday 2/14: 3 miles

Monday: 10 miles

Tuesday: 6 miles (on indoor track 14 laps=1 mile!) Weights

Wednesday 6 miles

Thursday 2/18: 10 very comfy miles!!!!

Friday:6 miles and weights

Bigger Fish To Fry

There's been so much more than running going on these days. Things to really keep me in check and get my priorities straight.

As a family we were able to help load a few of the 1 million plus meals with Numana Inc. We loaded meals on Sunday 1/24 and saw pictures by Thursday 1/28 of Haitian's carrying these meals to their families. Incredible feeling!

We took Judah to his first hockey game. The new Intrust Bank Arena has opened and the Thunder moved in for their first arena game. While we're not big sports fans (we won the tickets at public television raffle...just to give you an idea what sort of sports fans we are) it was fun to take Judah. And he's still a boy, so fighting, funnel cakes, and face painting were right up his alley!

For me, running has to be lower on my list. While it's high enough, there are still many more important things. In the past I've missed the blessings right in front of me by devoting myself wholly to running. I respect the marathon distance and pray for an incredible dream come t

rue. However, it is just a race after all, and my baby will only be six once.

Running is ...going. I'm getting the miles in, one way or another. The weather

has been making that kind of difficult. Last weekend's long run followed an all city "snow-day." Therefore 16 miles were clip clopped through several inches of snow. But the run was completed and another week of training was marked off.

In the middle of these last two weeks I started feeling a tiny twinge of pain in my right upper leg. In the hamstring/groin area. Two years ago I ignored pains of this nature and found myself with a stress fracture two days before a marathon. So, I called up my PT (who is just too good to me) and he had me lie on his table. His pushed, pulled, stretched, pushed some more, and then we noticed how awkward it all looked to the other patients and closed the curtain.

I was hooked up to a weight machine and had my strength tested. I went back over the two stress fracture tests. Jump on one leg: no pain? OK. Bend over and mimic putting pants on: No Pain? OK.

We set down and discussed an official training plan and my need to stretch my super tight muscles like it's going out of style. I was instructed to follow the guide and stretch my hamstrings at any opportunity I could find. It's an accepted occurrence for my family to find me throwing my leg up on the bathroom counter in mid-sentence or reaching for my toes while on the phone. I have a yoga mat permanently out on the bedroom floor. I took his advice to heart.

We're going to Boston whether I'm hurt or not, but going and not running? (*Holding back tears*) Don't even talk to me about it!

I'm not feeling any worse, but I hate that this little nag is still there. It's amazing how little problems like this can really magnify when you've got so much riding on it. Trying to keep it all in perspective, but still being consumed with fear, I've really been learning to cry out to my God. He heard me too. After being honest with my fears in prayer, my pastor randomly came up to me after service to talk about my running. After I explained how Boston is coming and how my fear of injury was looming, he shocked me with a gift. With tears in my eyes I was "invested" in.

I was given the funds to see a massage therapist. My tear filled eyes and dropped jaw were so thankful for a response from God. Running has been a never-ending faith journey for me.

I'm going to a sports massage therapist tomorrow after my long run. Amazing.

Here's my latest numbers:

Saturday 1/23: 16 miles

Sunday: 3 Miles

Monday: 10 Miles

Tuesday: 6 miles on Elliptical and Weights (PT Appointment)

Wednesday: 10 miles

Thursday: 5 miles and weights

Friday: SNOW DAY! 5 miles (treadmill) and 5 miles on Elliptical

The picture doesn't really capture the snow blowing down. This was after Judah and I trekked to the gym, Marathon training doesn't take snow days!

I had to scrape the windows before we could leave the gym. Judah was mad because I wouldn't let him do it with his hands. He's such a trooper. I love that kid. He's my muse. In so many ways Boston is all about him. I want him to see proof that going after your dreams is worth the trouble. Even inching along at 20 MPH in a snowstorm kind of trouble.

Saturday: 16 miles on the snow 15 degrees

Sunday: 3 miles

Monday: 10 miles

Tuesday: 3 miles to the gym, weights, 3 miles back

Wednesday: 10 miles

Thursday: 3 to the gym, weights, 3 back

Friday: 5 miles and 45 minute spin class

I'm trying to stick to the guide and throw in more cross training. If I can lessen the impact on my bones, I'll be better off. I guess we all have our limits and I will just have to accept, I'm not an ultra marathoner and my body won't let me run more than 50ish miles a week.

And it's all worth it. Whether on foot, on a machine, in the pool, or on a bike that goes nowhere. When the waitress at Tsunami puts the heap of coconut curry in front of me, all the early mornings, aches, cold limbs, and endless heaps of sweaty laundry blissfully disappear!

"It Happens"

I think I read there are 13 weeks until Boston. We booked the flights last night, so there's no turning back now. Plus, my parents are booked as well...it's so exciting to have their unwavering support.

I have such a love/hate relationship with running at times. This week was kind of a struggle to remember why I ever liked it. As I dodged the copious supply of goose poop along the river, I recalled the wise words of Forest Gump, "It Happens...Sometimes."

Life can be so taxing and training doesn't care if you just don't "feel" like it. This week was just full of "it." Once I could wrap my brain around the fact that sometimes, "It" just happens, I was able to break through and get more excited about my training.

Boston is supposed to be fun and I want to really take it all in and enjoy.

Here's a brief run down of the last few days.

Saturday: 13.5 miles

Sunday: 3 miles

Monday: 10 miles

Tuesday: 5 miles + 2.5 elliptical miles + Weights

Wednesday: 11 miles

Thursday: 5 miles to Gym, lift weights, 3 miles home

Friday: 5 miles

One of my favorite runs is my runs through downtown to the YMCA. I go pass one of our best sights. The Keeper of the Plains is a central focal point of the city and even on a dreary day, it's nice to see.

Before I get to the gym, I pass a very active bobcat in the native animal exhibit in the park. Even when it's freezing and snow covered, this thing always pops out as I run by.

And speaking of freezing... it HASN'T been! it's been wonderful how mild the temps have been. Only needing one layer and not having to pull out the big dopey mittens that make it impossible to use my ipod. However, it was still chilly enough to create my embarrassing "snowbeard" this week. I didn't know about this lovely trait until last year. I had finished a race and my Dad pointed out my lovely sweaty facial beard. When it's cold the sweat can kinda freezes to the "Oh so delicate, soft, totally NORMAL" light hair on my face.

Since that race, I've been so conscious to wipe my face often on my sleeves. But, as I got to the gym and noticed it was still showing, I tried to snap a pic. TMI, maybe, but I figured this picture was funny enough. Plus the fact that I was in the bathroom trying to capture this and flinching anytime I heard the door open, was a pretty good image as well.

(Wow what a shot of the nose!)

As, I progress through this season I think one of my biggest weapons is to remember to enjoy it. To be able to be healthy enough to go after this dream is such a huge blessing. And to have a beautiful family to back me up is priceless.

It's Raining Fog!

That was the verdict from the National Weather Service this morning. "Frozen Fog Advisory." After I stalled long enough, I got over a little falling precipitation, in whatever weird form it was in, and hit the road.

I haven't been taking enough time to stretch properly and after three days on the treadmill last week, I was feelin' it. I was feeling much better today after I got going.

Tuesdays are my nice run to the gym while I listen to the NPR quiz show, "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell

Me." I can often imagine what one might think as I blurt out the answers while running through the streets of downtown. Or as I burst in to laughter. Oh well, can't be any worse than when I just can't contain myself and start singing along to the music.

I warmed up and was nearly to the gym when I found myself in Riverside Park and the view was just awesome. I had to stop and take the best shot I could with my phone.

The frozen fog made the park and the river look so beautiful. There were a few other lonely running shoe footprints out on the path too. It feels good to know that some other crazies are out there too.

Besides being sore, training is going just fine this week. The temps are warming and the sun is supposed to come out. That makes such a difference in my attitude towards training. Plus I can only handle so many miles on a the treadmill, I have my limit.

While the miles are creeping up slowly, I think it's time for me to focus more on my diet. I know I've put on a little bit of weight since last year, Christmas helped. I'm frustrated about it yet, I haven't done much about it. I keep hearing Dr. Phil's voice over and over in my head,

"You gotta get real about fat, or you're going to get real fat."

I realize me mentioning anything about weight can seem like a slap in the face to some who really are struggling with a serious weight issue. Thats not my goal. As runners, I think we all get it. We know when we're not at our optimal weight, even if it's just 2-5 pounds, it bothers us. And that's where I'm at. Calling the elephant out and introducing him. I need to lose some

weight, or I want to. Mostly I want to regain control over my eating and not be owned by the midnight munchies who are responsible for slowing down my race times and making my favorite jeans fit just a little less comfortably.

What's my plan? I don't know yet, but I hoping putting it out there into the cyber world, where I think a few people are reading about it, might keep me in check. (Oh and if you're out there, would you tell me? I'm lonely)

I want to be healthy for Boston and I know I can get there, just have to get my mind around it.

Speaking of food, I meant to take a picture of my favorite meal. My reason for running on some days is simply to taste the wonderfulness of Coconut Curry. The

meal that I would gladly count calories all week just to enjoy after a long run. I meant to take a picture but I was too excited and forgot until it was gone.

Here's my happy plate though.

What a ramble! Anywho, here's what I've been up to since Friday.

Saturday: 12 miles on the treadmill

Sunday: 3 miles outside

Monday: 10 at 5AM

Tuesday: 5 to the gym, lift weights, 2.5 home

The Road (err...tread) To Boston Week 1

Well, I think I'm officially 16 weeks out from the Boston Marathon. I should probably check that calendar. Either way, I feel just fine with where I'm at in training. Most plans call for much lower miles at this point, so I'll consult a schedule in a few days.

I figured I'd see if anyone wanted to follow me to Boston. Therefore, I'd post about my training.

So here's this week's "RUN DOWN."

Monday: 5am Outdoor 10 miler

Tuesday: 5 Mile run to YMCA, lift weights, 2.5 mile run home

Wednesday: 5am Outdoor 10 miler (Beat the "Arctic blast")

Thursday: It was 0 degrees and a windchill of -10, I wimped out and ran 10 miles on the treadmill and lifted weights

Friday: 45 minute spin class, 7 miles on treadmill

Tomorrow I am planning on yet another treadmill run, but thankfully the running group I meet with on Saturday's will be present. Long runs can be done on a treadmill and looking at the record lows were having, I'm guessing my road to Boston might look like this for a while.

A Little Bling To Ring In The New Year

YMCA Frosty 5K Overall Results | January 1, 2010

Place First Name Last Name Age Sex Time Race #

1 Thomas O'Connell 19 m 16:00.89 156

2 Dan Lord 20 m 16:05.98 553

3 John Murphy III 16 m 16:41.67 68

4 John Bogart 36 m 17:52.94 191

5 Michael Pope 41 m 18:23.44 393

6 Leonard Ake 41 m 18:40.49 220

7 Bruce Coffman 49 m 18:59.47 400

8 Scott Hill 31 m 19:11.35 345

9 Morgan McRae 16 m 19:12.03 221

10 Brandon Dorion 15 m 19:18.94 180

11 Mark Penerton 29 m 19:31.65 122

12 Scott Wadle 30 m 19:35.44 128

13 Ricardo Alvarez 34 m 19:39.14 401

14 Steve Larson 30 m 19:40.21 573

15 Dale Bing 57 m 19:41.31 407

16 Zachary Hambrick 16 m 19:42.34 397

17 Jerome Albaret 35 m 19:45.96 179

18 Jonathan Goering 34 m 19:48.74 124

19 Charity Lenzi 33 f 19:50.20 215

20 Alan Farrington 46 m 19:52.66 403

21 Scott Riley 43 m 20:00.17 222

22 Molly Milbourn 17 f 20:04.74 82

23 Chris Hickerson 33 m 20:12.71 274

24 Lacy Hansen 28 f 20:13.89 108

25 Lonnie Awtrey 44 m 20:17.95 276

26 April Gochenour 31 f 20:22.50

http://ymcawichita.org/UserFiles/File/pdf/frosty5-overall.pdf

We celebrated New Years Day by bundling up for a nice 3.1 mile jaunt around the Arkansas River. For whatever reason, the Frosty 5K, is never a PR day for me. Never has been. Maybe it's the late hours kept the night before. Maybe it's the holiday treats catching up with me. Or maybe it's the flippin' cold temps? Either way, I ran my race, but was not able to pull off a PR or even match my previous PR. At one point I was 4th female, then 3rd, then 2nd, then even was 1st for a few yards. I lost first place at mile 2 and became 3rd at mile 2.5 and remained 3rd until the finish. I received a gold medal for being the first in my age group, which is always a thrill, but I was a little bummed to lose the lead.

I stood at the finish line in the sub 20 degree weather and waited on so many of my favorite people to finish. Among the finishers were my parents. My Dad walked away with a little bling as well. Kenton ran bandit and I was just happy to have him there enjoying the sport with me.

We enjoyed soups and chili and were off on our way to enjoy the holiday.

New Years marked the end of the holiday season and the the beginning of BOSTON 2010 TRAINING!!!!

It took a day or two before I swallowed the reality that I'M RUNNING BOSTON T-H-I-S YEAR!

I've been hitting it pretty hard these past two weeks and I plan on posting more often as I work my way to a dream come true.

Happy New Year! I hope you all follow me on this journey. I'm going to need all the support I can get! (It's Boston Baby!)