Theresa - I did 4.2 Miles today!!

I did 4.2 miles today! And I think the bigger news is that I ran for 10 minutes straight! I kept hearing my watch beeping for me to transition into walking, but after I hit 3.5 miles, it hurt more to walk than to run, so I just kept going. Just like Forest! The top of my left knee began to tighten at about mile 2 as did the front of my right shin. After mile 3, my hip flexors began to feel a little sore too, but nothing major.

I learned another helpful tactic today…GET LOST! Literally, I am out here in Winter Garden dog sitting for my bro and sister-in-law and don’t know the area well at all. I set out to complete a 3-mile loop that he shared with me, but somehow got turned around. I gave up on trying to figure out the shortcut back and just turned around and did the whole workout again. It was an accidental success! I loved it, because I don’t think I would have tried for 4 miles for a few more days and now I know I can do it!

As I was running today, my iPod kept repeating the song, “I am a friend of God.” I love that song, but by the third time needed a track change. But during the three times I did listen to it, I began to really mediate one of the verses. 

“Who am I that you are mindful of me, that you hear me when I call. Is it true that you are thinking of me, that you love me…oh it’s amazing!”

How often I do not live into this reality. I don’t ask Him, I don’t believe that He is listening or I don’t think He can hear me. But He does. He longs to spend time with me. He loves me. He is wild about me and I think He is pretty darn proud of me right now :0) Now that is amazing!!

Laura - better not be getting sick

Not a whole lot new in the training world this week.  I'm repeating last week's schedule so nothing really exciting or dramatic. 

I will say two things though:

(1)  I finally updated my training plan.  Because I know you've been waiting with bated breath to find out what I'm doing each day.  Enjoy!  It's generic, since the milage changes each week.  And in case you were wondering, both the yoga (P90X yoga) and tempo runs kick my butt an equal amount.  The regular runs are almost a relief!



Not Me.  Not even close.



(2)  I better not be getting sick (Ryan!).  Feeling tired and groggy this afternoon, and with a husband who has been hacking away all week and living off of Nyquil...I have a sneaking suspicion I know the cause.  Grrrrrr.  I fear that should I go down for a few days and not be able to train, I would lose some (a lot) of my motivation.  Hopefully neither happens.



Cheers!



That's it for now.  Think warm, non-sick thoughts for me.

-Laura

Theresa - Day 9...Imaginary race with a stranger for 3 miles!

I can't believe it...I did 3 miles tonight! That was my plan as I left my house, "I'm going to try and do three today." Well I left "try" at mile 2 and was feeling great! My couch to 5K iPhone app ended just into the start of mile 3. My mojo slowed down a bit as I frantically fumbled with my earphones, iPhone and arm strap to get more music pumping in my ears as fast as possible! This new found energy and excitement was not going to flee...I would not let it. 

As my foot crossed the 3 mile ending point, I took a deep breathe and smiled...REALLY big! 

(I probably looked like a crazy person, but if anyone knew the celebration that was going on in my noggin, they would have understood. I ran 3 miles people!)

While I type this entry I can't help but ponder what made this run so different. Here is my list of why:

• I had my amazing experience with Laura on Saturday.
• I had to work at a health fair all day out at Disney. As I drove there this morning, passing all the Disney exits, I envisioned that it was the morning of the race. I got so excited and began daydreaming about what that day is going to be like and how unbelievably overwhelmed with emotion I will be.
• I thought about my run all day at work as I sat at the health fair surrounded by insurance companies, emergency clinics and health food stores. 
• I wanted to achieve my goal of completing 3 miles.
• As I was running, I was very aware of my posture, my breathing and my steps. I felt very relaxed and my body responded well to that felling. 
• A girl who was about my size was speed walking in front of me. We alternated taking the lead, as I was doing my walk/run intervals. She would take the lead, then it was my little mission to catch up to her. Then she would pass me as I did my 1-minute walk and so on. It was amazing because I forgot I was running and was just trying to stay in the race with a stranger who didn't know we were in a race. 
• And lastly…I truly believed I could do it!

So, as I sign off of this entry tonight, I have a new found excitement for this training, a confidence that I can do this and a humbled spirit that I am able to do this.

13.1…it can be done!

Theresa - Inspired. Encouraged. Humbled.

What a weekend! I had the best of intentions to run on Friday after work, but had an incredible opportunity to go to a dinner party instead. I went to bed early and arose at 6am on Saturday to enjoy a beautiful day. It was the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. I got to join on with Team Laurapalooza. Laura Rhodes Goldstein has become a huge part of my life. We met about 2.5 years ago through my Promise Chair Affair event. The first night we met, I knew we would be life-long friends. She has an incredible outlook on life and makes a point to include laughter in everything she does. Laura has been fighting Stage IV Breast Cancer since April 2007. She is kicking cancer's booty!

As we all rallied at the walk, taking team photos, adorning our necks with more pink (if that was even possible) and laughed about funny memories and even funnier people in crazy outfits. Laura gathered us all to have a heart to heart and share her gratitude about all of us being there to support her. A wheelchair loomed in the background of where Laura stood. Tears began to flow as she asked us a very humble question… “You guys know how much I love the pictures. I need the pictures. The pictures keep me going being able to look at me smiling and living alongside all of you…but if you could PLEASE not take any pictures of me in the wheelchair. I don’t want to look back on this day and the memories be of me sitting in a wheelchair.” We all agreed and began to make our way to the Start line.

Laura started out in the wheelchair, being pushed by her incredible husband, Richard. About half way through I offered to take over for him and he agreed. So there we were…Laura and I wheeling our way down Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I saw tears beginning to run down her cheeks. She was trying so hard to be strong and enjoy this walk as the crisp breeze blew her hair…her natural grown hair. She is beautiful. I couldn’t help but think about her precious body that has been radiated, cut, poked, squeezed and examined. Why has this walk been so hard for her? Why has God given her so much to carry? I have to rest in knowing that God does not pick weak people. And Laura is FAR from weak!

Here I sit, perfectly healthy, able to go, do, run and jump and yet I complain. I find reasons to not exercise or make excuses like, “I’m tired, I’m sore, I will tomorrow.” It makes me sick when I don’t take full advantage of the life, the health and the abilities that God has given me.   

SO…Laura Rhodes Goldstein, Thank YOU. Thank YOU for blessing me with your friendship. Thank YOU for allowing me to walk alongside of you on this often bumpy road. And Thank YOU for the beautiful realization that life is short and damn it…we’ve got to start living it!  

I leave you with a quote from Laura herself…

“But there are still women dying all the time of stage IV breast cancer. So will I or won't I? Who the hell knows? I just take one day at a time and enjoy the shit out of my life and those around me. Isn't that what we are all supposed to do? I just love my life and can't worry about when it's going to happen. I continue to meet stage IV survivors that are 5 years out, 10 years out and every once in awhile you hear about many more than 10 years out. If I'm going to think I might die like other women in 1 or 2 years, it would be so unfair not to stretch the fantasy to include the possibility of being like the women who are 10 years out. So I try to keep my mind in the place of possibilities. And in the present.”

Laura - Week 3

Not a ton of new stuff to report from Chicago.  I went on a long run on Saturday - gorgeous fall day, 70 and sunny!  Beemer was not as good of a partner as last time.  He tired out with a good two miles left and I was dragging him by the end.  He also ran himself right into a light pole while watching a squirrel, resulting in an audible thunk and a headache, I'm sure.  And he pooped twice - I only had one bag (oops), so the second one got covered with leaves...shhhh.  Hopefully nobody finds that surprise while they're raking. 

Other than that, I'm noticing some things.  Good things (I'm sure the bad will come later).  I am no longer as noticeably sore the next day, even after my long runs.  I've gotten faster - which isn't saying a whole lot, but still.  Perhaps most shockingly...I don't hate it.  I wouldn't say I'm jumping out of bed each morning - lets be honest there isn't much in this world that would make me jump out of bed - but I don't dread it.  It's become part of my routine.  I really hope this lasts!

One more nice day of weather in Chicago - almost 80 today! - and then back to the reality of 40s...30s for the AM runs.  Ugh.

Laura - Day 12 Kicked my BUTT

I did my first tempo run today for about 3 miles.  Wow.  I wasn't even this winded and drained on my last long run.  I ran 21 blocks in my neighborhood, alternating between a slow jog and a fast - almost sprint paced - run on each block.  Jog a block, run a block.  For 21 blocks.  It was Not.  Fun.  But at least it was over relatively quickly.

What made it extra not fun was that I feel like I'm starting to get sick.  The last thing I wanted to do this morning was peel myself out of my cozy bed and layer up to run in the 40 degree dawn.  But I did it.  It sucked, but I did it.

Tomorrow or Sunday, depending on weather, will be a long run.  I'm going to shoot for a bit more than last week but don't want to push it.

Tonight - the couch and my sweatpants are calling my name.

An example of positive self-talk/affirmation..."I am a runner. I love running. I love my shoes. I love my cousins. I love my aunts. I can do anything!"

A little inspiration from Forrest Gump

Laura - signed up for a race!

I've been wanting to get back to Madison for weeks.  I love Madison in the fall and miss Steph, Sarah and Erin a lot.  So, why not combine a Madison trip, the gals, running, and...BEER!  They come together in the "1/6th barrel" 4.4 mi Tyranena Beer Run on 11/6.

BEER RUN

Madison + The Girls + Running + Beer + Lasagna = a mighty fine way to spend a Saturday

Can't wait!  Also, from a training perspective, I'm looking forward to have a realistic race time to work with as I continue to train.

Theresa - Training Day 1...Done!

WoO HoO!! I did it...I started! I just did a 2 mile interval run/walk. I ran for 2 minutes and walked for 1. I finished my first mile in 14 minutes. I was kind of surprised and a little disappointed. I thought I was at least at a 13 minute mile. But hey, its Day 1 right? I felt pretty good the whole way, except for the last 10 minutes. I started to feel some pain in my right shin and my right glute. I came home and immediately stretched.

The new shoes and socks were amazing!! Thank you Track Shack and those who suggested I go to a specialty running store.

Thank you God for the ability to walk and run. Thank you for giving me the motivation to start this difficult journey. And thank you for all of the amazing people in my life that have been so supportive already. When I hit the road its just you and me :0)

Theresa - Day 1...Prep

I just brought home my new custom fit running shoes! They are Brooks, Defyance 3, size 9.5. I couldn't believe how much bigger my running shoe is than normal shoes, but the salesman said that for comfort and room for swelling, 9.5 was my size.

I also got quite an education on socks too. Did you know that you are not suppose to wear cotton anything? I had no idea. All these years I thought "cotton breathes."Well now I am in the know and purchased two pairs of DryNami, Air-conditioning fabric system socks. 

So...Tonight is the night. First run. My goal is two miles. 

13.1...it can be done!!

Laura - Day 8...Ouch

Ouch.  Still a bit sore from my long run on Saturday.  I am sure it was a factor of running late (7pm) and having much more energy and altertness than my usual 6am, but it was a great run!  I brought Beemer along which I don't usually do when I'm strapped for time in the AM and, save for a few stops to sniff and poop, he was a good companion.  I set out to do 4ish miles, but ended up doing over 5.5 and could have kept going, energy-wise.  But I could already feel achy-ness in my knees and I knew that that point no matter how much I stretched, I'd be sore the next day (or next two days as it turns out).  And at that point, I was dragging Beemer. 

I still managed to get in 3.5 or so this morning, but it was slow going for awhile.

A few observations -- there are not nearly as many streetlamps in our neighborhood as I thought.  It was DARK.  Next time I run at night I'm going to try to map a more well-lit route.  And you can fend off a neighbors escaped dog who starts chasing you (Beemer) by yelling at it like a lunatic on the side of the street.  Lastly, I need to keep an eye on my knees.  The quad soreness is fine, but the knee soreness worries me a bit.

I have a cross train/strength day tomorrow.  I think I'm going to replace "cross train" with "stretch"

Until next time...  Laura

The Daydreaming began long, long ago...

Theresa, Day...(haven't started yet)

So, I haven't started running yet. I can't run for more than a few minutes at this point, so I find myself walking more than running. I had trained with a Galloway training program at one point and did a run/walk routine (run 2 minutes, walk 1 minute). I think I am going to try this for the next week or so and see if I can do straight running next week.

Being unemployed is throwing quite a curve ball in this process for some reason. I am feeling overwhelmed without being able to buy new shoes, new clothes or even one of those convenient little iPods that clip on your shirt. For the first time I am not able to smother this new hobby with material things. I am having to really focus on my dedication, desire to complete this unbelievable goal and the fact that the fancier the gear is does not mean I will be a better runner.

I decided to commit to this goal for many reasons. Here is my list that I am sure I will be adding to as we go along:

• I am sick of being a person who TALKS about doing big things but never completes them
• I want to lose 30lbs
• I am excited about the training/althete mentality as opposed to just going to the gym
• I want to cross a finish line
• I really want to love running
• Ultimate goals: complete a marathon and a triathalon

The excitement about my cousin doing this with me is motivating enough, let alone the fact that Laura will be flying down here for the race. I welcome that as accountability, support and encouragement for us to really do this!!

Please pray for discipline, sacrifice and the motivation to keep going.

13.1....it can be done!

Laura, Day 4 - liking it so far...

Laura here.  First of all, a bit about why I'm doing this.  I've secretly wanted to be a runner since college.  All of my roommates were runners.  But I never stuck with it long enough to build up any sort of endurance, or I would go out with the roommates and try (and fail) to keep up.  Result:  I hated it!  Especially since I've been fairly athletic my whole life...I hated that I wasn't naturally "good" at running.  So I quit trying.  Great attitude.

Fast forward to a month ago when I turned 29.  I had the realization that was fast leaving the irresponsible, selfish years of my twenties behind, and fast approaching the responsible, life changing years of my 30s.  Kinda scary.  So I set out to tackle a "30 Before 30" list -- a list of things that I have always wanted to do, always put off doing, always been scared to do, always seemed like too much of a challenge.  In short, I want to have the most kick-a** year of my 20s ever.  I want to push myself above and beyond, and do things I might not have the ability to do in a few years - or ever again.   (Read more here:  RegoRocks30 ) 

At the top of the list:  Run a (Half) Marathon

Thank you Disney Princess Half Marathon and thank you Theresa for kicking my butt into gear on this :)  So excited that we can train together long-distance!

Since Monday, I have been alternating between running in the neighborhood, around 2.5 miles and going to the gym in the morning.  And now that I have two of each under my belt, I've gotta say I like the running at home mornings a lot more than the cross-training-gym mornings.  We'll see if that lasts through the Chicago winter!

Actual training plan soon.  And the fun part - shopping for new gear!
-Laura

"I'm so excited, I'm so excited. I'm so...SCARED!" ~Jessie Spano

The decision has been made. The training book has been purchased. The reality setting in that my life is about to drastically change...happening.

You think you know, but you have no idea...

This is the diary of

Theresa Rose Ferreri