Lessons Learned

I can not believe I haven't ran in over a month. I have to say when I visited the doctor and he told me to take a ten day break I really thought that's all it would be. He sent me to physical therapy and that's when the bad news really hit me. I know I sound very dramatic but when I was told by the PT that I could not run until he released me my heart sank.

I was making such good progress on my running. I was up to 6 miles for crying out loud. I mean it doesn't sound like a lot but when you work so hard to get to this point only to be told you have to sit out, well it really sucks.

I went to physical therapy three times a week. I did everything I was suppose to do. But I also developed a bad attitude toward this knee problem. I was mad. I was sad. I was just not going to do a thing if I couldn't run. I know, very wrong attitude to have.

Well, as my knee(s) improved I decided I would take the advice of all the professionals screaming at me. I read books, I talked to my doctor, the PT, other marathon runner and they all told me the same exact thing. That I needed to slow my progression and train for at least six months. I guess if I had listened to them in the beginning my knees would be fine. But nooooo, I had to follow this crazy schedule of progressing too quickly.

To add to my awesome month, I joined the Powder Puff Football team here at work. That part is really great! But on the first day of practice we were running sprints and I guess I was dehydrated because you know, I didn't drink enough water and on top of that it was really hot because I got heat exhaustion. Fun. Had to spend the rest of the afternoon with IVs pumping fluids in my body. This was the second day of me going to run and begin training again.

LESSON 1: DRINK WATER, it's important to hydrate your body is in the Texas heat. I always have known this but I guess my brain was resting along with my body that whole time off.

LESSON 2: DON'T OVER DO IT. I know I need to learn to just be patient with my training.

LESSON 3: STOP WORRYING. I do worry about my knee's a lot now.

So, I am going out to run today and like the doctor says, start slow. I don't like it but I guess it's better than not being able to run at all.

Now, I have to find a new race to do. It looks more like I'll be doing a race closer to April at this rate. Oh well.. I'll get it back. That motivation, that desire, that right attitude that will help me cross the finish line.

Wish me luck...Again!

bev

GOOD NEWS!

I had my first visit with the PT today and she is very optimistic about me running!! You have no idea how happy I am today! I still can't start training again, which means I loose out on training time but the fact that I can train is music to my ears!

I have to start slowly and not progress so quickly. Which means it's going to be a few weeks until I am able to run 6 miles again. That part sucks, but I shouldn't complain. I am so excited!!!

I can only run one or two miles for now but it's better than nothing. I can't start until next week but I'll be ready. I've sort of been drowning my sorrows with bad food and a bad attitude. Poor Peter. He'll be happy to hear this too! ;)

Week Four: Bad News

Went to the doctor yesterday...

The good news, I am not dying. Not that I thought I was or anything but it's always good news. The bad news is that I can't run or do any activity that puts pressure on my knee for 10 days. I also will have to go to physical therapy for my knee and the doctor doesn't want me running until 30 days to see if there's improvement.

How the hell does this happen? I am really bummed out about it and feeling sort of down. It wasn't what I wanted to hear. I don't even know what to do. I went this weekend to look for shoes and almost bought some too. I almost dropped $100 on shoes that I don't even need anymore.

Another reason I didn't buy shoes: Luke's Locker people are rude. I guess I didn't look like a runner and they decided not to take me seriously when I went to get my stride analyzed. The dude didn't even acknowledge Peter either. So as much as I loved the shoes I wasn't going to give money to that place. No thank you Luke's Locker, I will find them someplace else.

Ok, I am not giving up. Maybe with PT my knee will get better and I can train again. Maybe it's just really inflamed and I'll be good. I am trying to be positive.

A part of me just wants to ignore what the Doc said but I don't know. I am so confused.

I am so disappointed and sad but I guess I just need to be thankful for other things, like having legs, legs, I can't run on. Ok, let me try that again. I am thankful for being able to have the ability to run if I needed to?

My life is good. I have a crazy adorable family. The best husband ever who even ran with me on Sunday. He ran the whole 6 miles with me! Now that's love! He does the laundry when I sleep, buys me bags of ice and makes me hot tea, gives me massages whenever I ask for one and he is the best dad in the world. Plus, he makes dinner every night because A. he's an amazing cook and B. he knows how much I don't like to cook and finally C. he actually wants to be able to actually eat the food.

I love him.

Then there's my two awesome daughters. Lauren, she's smart, funny, deep, and super sweet. Sometimes she scares us when she says or dreams of things that haven't happened yet but it makes us laugh the world too.

Then my Little Reagy Roo...Man that girl knows what she wants. She was just born that way. She is so smart and cleaver and feisty as all hell. She's little but I am scared of her...And to make it even harder, she's so cute. Ugh.

I am thankful for my life. Even if I can't run.

Right now...

Ten days from now I will be this happy again!

I am doing this though. I am going to rest the 10 days but that's it.

~bev

Week 3:Breaking Up

I didn't want things to end this way but I am breaking up with my cute little Nike Moto's. Normally I don't even buy Nike shoes but last year (yes we've been together that long) I was looking for some good running shoes for Iron Girl and a runner I know introduced me to these. She said she thought I would like them. I was sceptical. Well to my surprise as soon as I saw them and tried them on I knew I liked them. Then when I actually went for a run, oh my, I fell in love. It felt so good... But like all shoes as time passed I noticed them not being as supportive as they once were. I mean it was only a matter of time, I knew when I bought them that they wouldn't last forever. At least I can say I got the best of them.

Now it's time to say good-buy...

Nike Moto's, you treated me good for the past 18 months. You were there when I trained for Iron Girl 2008, my park runs, my hard concrete runs and even stuck with me during those boring hamster wheel runs you know I dread. But you just use to treat me so much better back in the begining. I appreciate all you put up with from me but I have kept you around way longer than I should have. You just haven't been supportive lately and it's really hurting me. But if you want... I can still put you on every now and then for just lifting weights or going to the grocery store. It's all I can give to you at this time. It just isn't good for me to take you on runs anymore. You're just not enough for me and I think I am back in the market for some new shoes who will support me and be there during these hard time I am going to go through. Heck, I might even look online for some new ones. I suppose your going to judge me now but I don't care. I just know you can't be there the way I need and deserve you to be. And if I have to look online for some that will, then I don't care what you think. I'll always have have a special place in my heart for you.

Okay, now let the fun begin! I am going shoe shopping! I know that looks isn't all that matters but I want some cute running shoes that will feel good during my runs and not hurt me. After all, I think that I deserve that much. If you know of any good running shoes please introduce me! I am ready!

I am sad to leave my Moto's but I am sort of excited to buy new shoes, I mean I am a girl and it's a fun and exciting time!

I ran five miles on Saturday, GREAT!

I was in pain the rest of the day, SCARED.

I know there is going to be pain but I am going to the doctor this week. My knee swelled up and I haven't ran since. My sweet hubby even went to the store for bags of ice and forced me to put my legs in the tub with them for 15 minutes. I guess sweet isn't the word.

To his defence, it did help but now I am just scared to hurt it. I wrapped it last night and it does feel better today but I think I'll get it checked anyway.

Last week: ONLY 14 MILES :/

I was suppose to run 3 on Sunday.

Week 3: Knee Pain

About five years ago I was playing soccer in Albuquerque and twisted my knee. The end.

I wish that was the end. It hurts me every time I run. Last year when I was training for Iron Girl I had to go to physical therapy for my knee because of that and although it helped I still have to put direct ice packs on it every night and wear a knee brace anytime I run or play sports.

The knees have been hurting.

But thank you Cho Pat knee brace

Other than that my training is going well. It's been so hot outside that I sorta just complain about that during my runs. But it's ok, I am the only who has to hear it.

Today, I was lucky enough to have my sweet and sexy husband run with me! So poor him, he had to endure my complaining. He's use to it though.

I went for my "long" run on Saturday which is short to "runners" but I ran my 5 miles! The first mile was painful on my knee. But after that I felt really good! The second and third and most of the fourth mile was good. Not until the last mile did I want to quit. I know, what a wuss I am. I stopped and thought, and I argued with myself. I do that a lot. Then I heard the negative voices in my head, the ones that doubt me and the ones that try to make me scared. Then I was off to finish my fifth and last mile! It was hard, not gonna lie. I think by the very end I was barely moving.

Then on Sunday I was hurting too bad to go on my EZ run. So instead I did it on Monday. I did my 2 miles but with more concentration on speed.

Today I did a brutal 3 miles. The heat nearly killed me.

Goal for the week:

Monday: 2 Miles

Tuesday: 3 Miles

Wednesday: 2 Miles

Thursday: 4 miles

Friday: REST

Saturday: LONG RUN - 6 miles.

Hopefully I get in 17 miles this week!!!!

WISH ME LUCK!

~bev

Day 11: Doubts

I decided to head over to Barnes and Noble to try and get some running smarts. I found this book "The Complete 26- week Training Program :Marathon and Half Marathon -The Beginner's Guide by Marnie Caron." Look, I could have done worse and got Running for Dummies but I didn't because, well, hopefully I am not that clueless.

I have started to doubt my confidence though. Here's a quote from the book "Sports medicine experts strongly suggest that people complete at least a 10k race and be running regularly for at least 6 to 12 months before considering a half marathon..."

Ok, I have not been running regularly for 12 months, have not done a 10k AND I am wanting to complete a FULL marathon. Does this make me crazy? On the other hand, I know real life people who used the 20 week training guide I am using and finished a full who were near or around my same running level. Peter keeps telling me that if I am faithful to my training and do everything I am suppose to do that I will be fine.

Peter always has faith in me. He believes in me when I don't believe in myself. He always has! So basically his theory is biased.

Anyway, I will post more on this book that says it's going to help prepare me for the pain, anguish, tears, blisters, and yes, even "doubt."

Monday: 2 Miles
Tuesday: 3 Miles
Wednesday: REST
Thursday: 3 miles ( I didn't quit do 3, I was so late to work)
Friday Cross Training (maybe lap swim?)
Saturday: 5 miles
Sunday: 3 EZ miles
TOTAL: 16 miles/wk

~bev

Week 2: Venting

I really hate treadmill runs. I get so bored. I end up focusing on my time, then my calories, then other people...then I try to cover all that stuff with a towel but then I get bored so I get the towel only to be disappointed that I've only been running 12 minutes. Not good. It's just annoying to think of those things. When I run outdoors I just enjoy it, even the pain is a little addicting. I like to just be in my thoughts. No i-pod, no chatting, no people watching, no changing my speed with a button.



I got up again at 4 yesterday morning and went to the gym. I jumped on this hamster wheel and did my 3 miles. I told you I whine a lot.



THEN...my luck I get on the treadmill right in front of the TV that's showing Fox News. Seriously? Worst of all was the fact that I had to read Bill O'Reilly spouting off on how women take things so personally. He was referring to Sarah Palin stepping down and assuming it's because women are more sensitive and that she couldn't handle people taking jabs at her children. Ok, I am not a Sarah Palin fan but what a jerk. Anyway, that was my morning run.



I know I need to suck it up and deal with it though because those days are going to happen where I have to run on a machine and watch funny people on TV.



But I do have ONE positive thing to say today. On Monday 2 miles have never been so easy aside from the heat. Really. I felt like I had only ran 50 yards. It was weird. I now know that I love my early morning runs and will avoid late night runs as much as possible.



I am definitely a morning person. That's all I kept thinking during that miserable night run. That was enough to motivate me to wake up at 4 am every chance I get.



Monday: 2 Miles

Tuesday: 3 Miles

Wednesday: REST

The Plan

Thursday: 3 miles

Friday Cross Training (maybe lap swim?)

Saturday: 5 miles

Sunday: 3 EZ miles

TOTAL: 16 miles/wk

~bev

Day 8

Anyone who knows me, knows that in my eyes no guy can compare to my husband. He's the hottest thing I've ever seen...

BUT, I can always appreciate other nice looking things :)
I saw this and I think I need to buy this issue of GQ Mag!

Lauren and Reagan love the movie's HSM and Hairspray and they have such a crush on Zac Efron. Peter thinks it's kinda funny, but mostly not.

I would tell Reagan that he was my boyfriend and she would get so mad. Reagan refers to him by his character names...so Link was my boyfriend, or Troy Bolton was my boyfriend until Lauren reminded me that "what's a lady like you having boyfriends in High School?" :/

Ok, so he's not REALLY in high school but needless to say we broke up.


Back to running...

Friday was my rest day. I think I have a love hate relationship with my "rest" day. I love it because a.) I don't have to get up early which means I can stay up later b.) My knees are telling me I need to rest, and c.) I have more time to do other things I love.


On the other hand, when I have my rest day I get anxious. I feel like I need to go run anyway. I feel like I am missing something. Not because I've been running for so long (i haven't) but because I think of the race and I think I won't be ready, which makes me nervous. Also, as much as I hate getting up early, I actually don't. It feels so good to get my day started earlier and get my run over with. I feel accomplished on early morning run days.

Friday: Rest :)



Saturday: I ran a 5k but I had to through in another mile because that's what on my schedule. I ran 4 Miles.



Sunday: Rest: Only because I was suppose to rest on Monday but ran 3 miles. So my schedule's a little off but after today I will be back on.



Weekly Total miles: 15 Miles
Pretty soon I'll be running 15 miles in one day! Can't wait!! :/



Monday: Day 8: I didn't do an early run this morning because I hate running on a treadmill. It's just not the same. It's still dark outside when I can go and frankly, I don't want to get murdered at a dark park at 4:30 in the morning. So I am going to run for my lunch break. Today is only 2 miles.

~bev

Day 4

"You're running on guts. On fumes. Your muscles twitch. You throw up. You're delirious. But you keep running because there's no way out of this hell you're in, because there's no way you're not crossing the finish line. It's a misery that non-runners don't understand." -Martine Costello

As sadistic as it sounds, I hope to fully appreciate and understand this quote when I am done with this.

Q&A's - Truth be told, these are real questions I've been getting asked lately. I've decided to answer them here. It is nice that people want to know...

Q: Why are you wanting to run a marathon, why not just do a 5K or half marathon?
A: Well, I do 5k's and it's fun but I want more of a challenge. And as for a half marathon I am afraid if I did do one I'd never want to do a full one after that. It's all or nothing with me.

Q: How do you find time to run?
A: As I stress (and complain) about every day on my blog I get up at 4 am to go run. You too can enjoy the benefits of running or any other form of healthy heart behavior. You just won't get that much sleep. Tempting, I know.

Q: Have you ever run a marathon before?
A: Really?

Q: Aren't you worried about your health, it messes up your knees?
A: I think I'll choose to be unhealthy because of running and exercising versus unhealthy sedentary slothfulness.

Q: Why are you blogging about all this running stuff?
A: When you put something out there, you are now accountable for it. If training for a marathon was my own little kept secret I could easily back out of it at anytime(which is what I fear) but instead I have people asking me "hey, did you run today?" or my favorite "have your ever run a marathon before?" No, but seriously if I tell the world about my goal, then I am more likely to follow through. Hey - whatever motivates you to move your hiney, I say go for it. For me, it's blogging, for you it might be wanting to loose weight, seeing an ex lover, going to your class reunion, getting married, online video dating...go for it.

Q: I've heard people pass out at marathons because it's too hard, aren't you scared?
A: Yellz ya I am scared but I am also scared of getting food poisoning, that's not gonna stop me from eating. I know the risks and yes it's scary to think about not being ready but that's why i am training. I am not trying to qualify for Boston or anything. My only goal is to cross the finish line.

Q: What do you want to accomplish by running a marathon?
A: Running a marathon.

Q: Why did you name your blog Smelly Sneakers?
A: Okay, it's gross sounding, I get that, but if I am training the way I am suppose to be, then my sneakers better darn well be smelly by race day.

Q: Are those your shoes on the blog?
A: Yes, they are mine! But they aren't smelly yet. Peter might let you all know when that happens...

I just don't know what to say, I think for the most part people are very supportive and I am so thankful for that but sometimes others can try to discourage you. If you are like me, those doubts people have about me only push me harder. If I am dying and wanting to just give up on a run I think of that. All of a sudden I have the energy.

I don't care what people think. If only me and Peter read this blog it's enough for me. I think of this as a journal. I like to write down my thoughts and feelings. That's just always been me. I am an open person and that's just who I am. People who don't blog don't really don't quiet understand me putting all this out there, but I have so many talented blogging friends who understand it. So, if you are here reading this judging me, don't worry about reading it then. If you like it AWESOME! Help me do something amazing...and when it's you out there trying to accomplish the stupidest thing you've always wanted to do I promise I will be there cheering you on too! :)

Thursday: I ran 3 miles today. 2 miles were great and then the sun came out on mile 3 and I was hating life. See how unconditioned I am? If I can do this, seriously, ANYONE can. I think I told Constance that today and it's the truth. But I am not giving up!

~bev

Week One: Day 3

The hardest thing besides getting up at 4 am, has to be without a doubt cutting back on my only addiction. Coffee. I am trying to drink Green Tea instead. And although I really like Green Tea I miss my coffee. I look forward to my coffee every morning. They say coffee helps to wake you up because of the caffeine but for me, just thinking about drinking my coffee makes me want to get out of bed and actually go and drink it. THAT get's me up. Now, I put my little tea bag in my "coffee" mug and it just doesn't make me excited. I think this will be the one thing I might not be able to change. Coffee isn't bad when it's your only vice, right?

In a related development I hear reading Facebook is another good way to start your day if you're having trouble waking up. For example, if say maybe you sleep with your pretty little pink blackberry next to your bed and you see you have messages...I mean, I hear it helps if you try to read them as you wake up. I hear it's suppose to help force your eyes open too. They say it's hard at first and you might have to only open one squinty eye while the other sleeps but I think I'll give it a try.

Wednesday: Ran 1.5 miles in the morning and 2 miles for lunch.


Lauren woke up again! So she went to Lifetime Fitness with me and kicked the soccer ball around the field while I ran. That's why I had to squeeze in another run for lunch. I love her.


Peter came with me to run for lunch but don't feel sorry for him. He was fine. Me, not so much. Apparently you get really hot and dizzy if you run in 100 degree weather. Who'd a thought?

So far my runs are still very hard and I am sure I will struggle with it for a long time. Maybe forever...But it's ok, I am ready for the challenges. My body is hurting but it's nothing I can't handle. It's the mental challenges I am most in fear of.
And my body hurting.

I have my training schedule in place and Saturdays' will be my "long" run days. I am only on my first week so this Saturday I only have to run 4 miles. But like on week 7, I will be running 10 miles. Did you hear me? I said 10 miles in one day. Anyone want to join me?


Something else I discovered, if you don't have runners legs, (which I don't) meaning if your thighs are touching when you run, they WILL chafe. I love this stuff. Still not sure how to use it on my feet though.

Peace

~bev

Week One: Day Two

That 4 am alarm is not my friend -yet. But hopefully I'll start to fall in love soon. It hasn't been as hard as you would think actually but today my body was hurting. Everyone says that it gets better as your body adjusts and gets in shape. Well see...

I did two runs yesterday, I wonder if that's why? hum.

I am still not sure what race to do. I really wanted to do the Rock'N'Roll Marathon in San Antonio. I remember hearing about the one in San Diego from friends who knew friends who were doing it. This one in SA is on November 15th which means I would have exactly 130 days to train. Is this long enough? It doesn't sound like it is...

My very talented friend Fur Face Boy - says he's going to do this with me but I am not 100% sure yet. I haven't heard from him in a few days but I think he really wants to. He's way ahead of me because he's done three half marathons in the past. He wants to do the White Rock Lake Marathon here in Dallas which is on December 13th. hummm... This gives me 28 more days of training!!So, if he decides to do this crazy thing I'll probably do that one instead. If I am on my own (hint hint) I guess I will do the one in San Antonio. Any takers? Come on....

I haven't started logging my distance with time, only distance. Hopefully by next week I'll know what pace I run at. I am so ignorant to these things. Nothin I can't learn from the internets though. I also need to invest in a polar heart rate monitor.

Monday: 3 miles
I felt good for my morning run. I only did one mile. My afternoon run was a lot harder because of the heat but I managed to get in 2 more miles. My knee is hurting.
Tuesday: 2 miles
I think I was sore from yesterday because it took me a lot longer to warm up and get that running in the mud feeling to go away. My knee hurts still but I iced it as soon as I got home this morning and it feels much better!

~bev

Week One: Day One

I made sure to get to bed very early last night since I am not use to getting up at 4 am. I can't even say it was at the crack of dawn because it was still pitch black outside. There was no hint of dawn anywhere. I got up and laid my running clothes out right next to my bed. I guess in hopes that it will just crawl right onto my body when I finally put my feet on the floor but it didn't happen. I would wait to dress until my eyes were at least open. I did manage to get in the bathroom and brush my teeth without falling over. I was swaying back and forth though.

Finally, after doing all my good hygiene duties, my eyes were 3/4 open now so I got dressed and was about to put my shoes on when all of a sudden I heard a little voice. "can I come too?" I know it wasn't my self conscious speaking because it wouldn't be asking to go run at 4'o clock in the morning, it would be telling me to get back in that cozy bed. I turn around and see that it's my eight year old daughter Lauren.

As to not discourage her from wanting to exercise I tell her she can come along but she has to be tough and can't whine about running. I do that enough for everyone. She runs to her room and gets dressed to exercise. We go into the kitchen and I make "Dirt On a Path" something she dubbed this morning all by herself. I know you don't know what this is because she just made it up this morning. It's bananas sliced long ways with peanut butter on it. So next time you are about to take your eight year old out at 4:30 in the morning for a run I can guarantee they too will want to eat Dirt On a Path too! Yum :)

We walk into the garage all ready and pumped to go for a nice outside run when I open the garage door only to find that it is pouring rain. My heart sunk just a little. BUT, I wasn't going to let this rain stuff ruin my first day of training. So we jumped into the car and headed to Lifetime Fitness. This is the coolest gym ever! It has an indoor soccer field which is where I ran this morning. Played a little soccer with Lauren during rest and then me and her timed each other on sprints. It was a lot of fun! It was better than just going to the park to run! See, you just never know where training for a marathon will take you.

~bev