I am a half-marathoner!

Yesterday, October 19, 2014, I became a half marathoner. After months of training, weeks of worrying, hours of doubt and anxiety, I crossed the start line AND the finish line.

In late 2013, I decided I wanted to do a half marathon and in January 2014, I signed up for the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon. I struggled with training, quit a plan, stopped running almost completely, and than somehow finished a second plan and made it to the starting line.

On Saturday, October 18th, I headed downtown (Detroit) with my fiance to head to the Expo and pick up my packet. The minute I walked into the Expo, everything started feeling real. I wouldn't call it nerves, but I wouldn't NOT call it nerves either. It was a strange mix of excitement, nerves, anxiety, and everything else you could possibly feel.

After the expo, we went to our hotel and relaxed for awhile before going and getting something to eat. I decided on a hamburger and fries for dinner, because it never usually upsets my stomach (more on that later!)

I ended up falling asleep super early, around 8:30, which was great, because I worried I would be to nervous to sleep. Before sleep, I made sure I had everything I needed for the morning laid out and ready to go.

Morning of, I woke up at around 4:30, a half hour before my alarm was going to go off. I laid in bed for a bit than got up and started getting ready. I was strangely calm, the nerves seemed to go away, I knew there was NOTHING I could do at this point to further myself or get myself more ready, at this point, it was what it was. I had some breakfast, got dressed slowly, and put on more Body Glide than I think I have used my entire training time, and got ready to leave the room, but not before some selfies...

Our hotel was about a mile away from the starting line so my boyfriend and I headed down there, and it.was.cold!!! Starting time temps were around 33º, far colder than I had originally thought. Thank goodness for my fiance, who suggested, at the last minute before we left the house, to grab another long sleeve shirt. I ended up keeping that shirt, the jacket in the photo, and a tank on for nearly half the race, the long sleep shirt came off around mile 5 or 6.

Getting corraled up was such a exciting experience. There was so much excitement and the energy was awesome! My fiance gave me a big hug and looked me right in the eyes before getting behind the fence and told me I was going to do great. That was when the water works started. I was finally here. Finally going to do this. There was not more preparing, there was no more training, it was here.

One of the main reasons I wanted to do THIS race is that it has some special aspects to it, including an international half/full marathon, meaning you get to run both in the US and Canada, crossing the Ambassador Bridge and than coming back through the Tunnel, which is UNDERWATER. This race has international border crossing AND an underwater mile, how cool is that?! 

There is no feeling quite like running up a HUGE freaking hill, that leads you to the Ambassador Bridge, knowing that so few people ever get that experience. There isn't anything like looking out and seeing Canada and the US from the bridge, as the sun is rising. It took my breath away, and I'm fairly certain that wasn't JUST because of the HUGE freaking hill........did I mention the hill? Holy hell, the hill!

The first 5 miles of my race, which are usually my most difficult, were my easiest this time. The energy of the crowd got me going. But as time went on, I wasn't as much a part of the crowd, since I was further back, and I started to lag a bit. My worst mile was mile 8-9ish, which was the underwater mile. I walked the majority of it, was starting to have a lot of pain, and the worst thing happened.......I had to poop. As I was half way through the tunnel, the pain in my belly couldn't be ignored, so as soon as I got out of the tunnel, I bolted to the porta-potty. The LAST thing I wanted to do during my race was poop, but it happened. and it couldn't be stopped. But I did my business, pulled up my big girl panties (literally) and got back on the road! But after that stop, I slowed down a lot. I was still in a bit of pain in my stomach and I was just plain getting tired.

The last 3 miles seemed to go by pretty quick, but I had to continually remind myself not to stop MOVING. Over and over again I had to keep saying "Keep moving, keep moving, don't stop, keep moving, keep moving, if you keep moving, you will be there sooner, keep moving"

And than suddenly, the final stretch was within sight, I could SEE the finish line. There it was. Throughout my race, my fiance, best friends and parents let me know they were standing on the right side, near corral C, to look for them. As I got closer, the water works started again. I couldn't wait to see there faces, it'd been over 3 hours since I saw my fiance. And than suddenly, a neon green and neon yellow sign popped up, that said "GO ABBY" and there, behind the signs, were the most important faces I could see. And I started crying, tears streaming, paired with the biggest smile I could muster. I ran by them and onto the finish. I was running so fast, I was so happy to be done, I was so proud of what I had accomplished. I crossed that line, and got that medal, and wanted to collapse! 

So it's over. After months and months of training, it's over. And I've never had such a feeling of pride. This is something that not EVERYONE has the guts to do, it's something that not everyone CAN do. and I both had the guts did it. The time didn't matter, it didn't matter I walked a lot, it didn't matter that I was in the second to slowest corral. It all didn't matter. What mattered was I finished, I accomplished what I set out to to do.

Now, I will continue repeating to myself that someday I will want to run again. That the pain will go away. 

Out of my Element

For the past 10 days, I have been dog-sitting at my boyfriend's parents house. And to say it threw off my game is a bit of an understatement...let me explain

Things related to their house that threw me off my game...

1) They live on a dirt road, that is not grated, so there are tons of holes and places for me to severely injure myself. This alone scared me out of running most days.
2) Their house is surrounded by main roads and factories, so the options for running were few and far between
3) There neighborhood is not the "nicest" so being out after dark wasn't an option for me

Things not related to their house that threw me off my game.....

1) Felt a cold coming on, the stuffy nose, the cough, the exhaustion, it was all there, just waiting to strike
2) Another type infection threatening, and I'll leave it at that
3) Lack of good sleep due to not being in my own bed

So, I'm here to admit, that with only 5 weeks left until my half, I ran a grand total of 1.5 miles last week...........ouch. I walked a 5k yesterday with a friend and we kept a good pace but actual running......1.5 miles.

But I'm not stressing. Because it's over, it's done with, and that off week certainly isn't going to make or break me. In fact, it may have even helped, allowing extra rest time and recovery of sore muscles. I'm here to tell you that "falling off" doesn't mean you failed. It means you lived, that shit happened. So are you going to sit around and beat yourself up over it for days? Or make a change. I personally plan to make a change.

Today, I am back at it. I usually run Tues/Thurs/Sun but this week I'll be running Mon/Wed/Sun, due to a hair appointment tomorrow (yup, I change my schedule for hair appointments!). 5 Monday, 5 Wednesday, 10 Sunday! Here we go!

Who's running with me in spirit this week?

It's The Final Countdown!

(Don't pretend you didn't sing my title.....cause I know you did.)

Yes, the final countdown. I have less than 35 days until my very first half marathon. And although I have a little over a month, I am already thinking of what it will feel like to cross that finish line, to finally be a half marathoner, to have proven to myself (and others) that a morbidly obese person can do a half marathon.

As I eagerly count down the miles (75.1) until the big day, I also, as odd as it sounds, am trying to cherish them. I want to cherish the time before the big day, cherish those good (and bad!) runs, cherish the rest days. Why? Because this experience has taught me so much about myself.

I Don't Give Up - My training started way back in January, and I had planned to do two full plans before the big day. But I completely and utterly burned myself out from January to March. I was only averaging about 25 miles a month those three months, but I was on a treadmill, I was indoors, I wasn't eating enough, and it was hard. My last long run was in March, 10 miles, on a treadmill. I watched Grease all the way through and still had time left. It was sooo mentally draining. From April to July, I averaged 14 miles a month........14 miles. I could have quit completely, ate the run cost and moved along. But I didn't. Instead, I put on my big girl panties, found a 12 week training program, and got to work. I had a half marathon to do, I wasn't going to settle for anything less. Last month I ran 40.6 miles, which is only 15.6 less than I had ran April through July. I got back on that horse in a big bad way.

My Heart Is Stronger Than My Head - I struggle with negative thoughts, doubt, & lack of self confidence. About every other run I do, my doubts start, I tell myself I probably won't be able to do it, I'll probably exceed the time limit, I'll probably pass out half way through. But, than, my heart takes over, and my next run I get out there and believe in myself. In my heart I know I was meant to do this. Sometimes I just have to remember to tell my head that.

I Am Stronger Than I Thought -
This quote sums up my experience. Before I started this, I could have never believed I could run 7 miles in a row, or 8, or even 4. The old me "couldn't" run, "couldn't" stick with a training plan, "couldn't" run more than 30 seconds at a time, or more than a quarter mile. But the new me can. I can run for more than 30 seconds, I can run more than a quarter mile, I can run 7 miles in a row, and I can turn my dreams into a plans.

Week 4 Is No More

I know - the lame titles will end soon, I promise (or do I??)

So I'm officially 4 weeks into my training program and I am feeling pretty good. This week was a little bit of an all over week, no lie, but I got the bulk of things done. This is also the week that I decided to switch a few things up to work better with my needs, so you might see a few changes in the upcoming weeks.

Monday - Stretch and Strength - I didn't do any strength but I spent time stretching. This is one of my changes, my Monday will not be Roll and Rest days, foam rolling and resting. My body will thank me for it.
Tuesday - I skipped my run. That's right, just, skipped it. Why? Cause a friend I hadn't seen in a while could hang out, and I wanted too. And because...life, it happens.
Wednesday - Cross Training Day - Couldn't really decide what I wanted to do, so I broke out the good ol' Hip Hop Abs dvd and did one of the workouts. It wasn't much, but it was something
Thursday - I rested instead of ran, because, life happened again.
Friday - Instead of resting, I ran (see, it evens out!)
Saturday - Cross training day, but that didn't really happen. I could pretend I swam but really, I laid in the pool drinking an Angry Orchard.
Sunday - 5 Mile Run - Did all 5 miles, in the heat and humidity. Wishing this humidity would break!

So overall, it was an "easier" week for me, but that's okay. I'm not upset about it. I am doing what I can, doing what I want, and living life.

And for the first time in a long time, I have the confidence that I will succeed in my half marathon. I'm scared and nervous, but dammit I know I can do it, and that in of itself is pretty amazing.

Another Week Bites the Dust

I am officially three weeks down on my 1/2 marathon training schedule! Let's review shall we?

Monday - Stretch and Strength - I took Monday to relax a bit, I did a little stretching but over all, I'd call it a rest day.
Tuesday - 3.5 Mile Run - My legs felt like concrete but I was able to get through all 3.5 miles before it started to down pour!
Wednesday - 2 Mile Run or Cross Train - I was soo tired on Wednesday, achy, sore, exhausted. I planned to rest but the guilt hit me hard (you can read more about it here) and I went for a walk.
Thursday - 3.5 Mile Run - My body couldn't take it anymore, I needed a full on rest day. So I skipped my 3.5 miles, took a 40 minute epsom salt bath and rested instead. I regret nothing!
Friday - Rest Day - Yes, I took two in a row!
Saturday - 40 Minute Cross-Training - Woke up tired but decided to hit the pavement, with my bike! 40 minute cross-training - got in almost 6 miles.
Sunday - 5 mile run - It was slow and humid, but because of my rest, I didn't feel any pain in my knees. Success overall!

This week will be the same, program wise, but I hope to have more energy and less pain so I can complete my days.


PS - I have some super exciting things coming up, so please follow my blog! Think giveaways!

Buh-Bye Week 2!

Week two is over....here is how it went...

Monday - Stretch and Strength - Spent 20 minutes doing some stretching. My body was tired, so I allowed it rest. It felt good to get specified time JUST for stretching.
Tuesday - 3 Mile Run - It ended up being a 2.45 mile run, due to weather. Some thunder and lightening started, so I headed back. Overall a good run though, no shin pain and not to much fatigue.
Wednesday - 2 Mile Run or Cross - Cross training again, a 2 mile walk. I have no guilt about choosing walking as my cross training. It's a legitimate way to cross train and I think it's ignored by a lot of people.
Thursday - 3 Mile Run - One of the most comfortable runs I've had in a long while, I even had negative splits! Felt good to run and not feel too fatigued.
Friday - Rest Day - which actually turned into peeling wallpaper day, so I consider it another cross-training day
Saturday - 30 Minute Cross - Used this day as a wallpaper peeling day. With the up and down of getting on a step ladder, and the scrapping with a putty knife, I can feel it pretty good in my triceps. Cross training/home updating success!
Sunday - 4 Mile Run - By far one of the best runs I've had so far this training program. Went smoothly, no pain, times weren't bad and I enjoyed it. Listened to a podcast, which is my new jam. If you've never tried running to a podcast before, I'd suggest it just for a try. I never thought I'd like it but come to find out, it's almost better than music sometimes for me!

So, I'm two weeks down. Somehow, even though I've been busy busy, I'm feeling pretty good. I've been sleeping great, eating when I need too, and making sure I take down time for myself. Looking forward to what this week brings!

Week One Done

Week 1 of 12 is over. Here is how it went...

Monday - Stretch and Strength - Took it slow, did a short (15 minute) arm workout and some crunches. Nothing to crazy or drastic
Tuesday - 3 Mile Run - Pace was slow, but I got it done. Having not run much in the past few months, I was happy to have no pain and minimal soreness after
Wednesday - 2 Mile Run or Cross - Took a 2 mile walk with my friend as my cross training. Was lovely to have a walking buddy.
Thursday - 3 Mile Run - Pace wasn't much better than Tuesday, but I got it done.
Friday - Rest Day. Oh glorious rest day!
Saturday - 30 Minute Cross-Training - Used my cross training day to my advantage and removed wallpaper from my future kitchen. Lots of squatting, stretching, reaching, and sweating. I'd call it a successful cross day!
Sunday - 4 Mile Run - So tired, hard run. Walked a lot, but didn't quit. 4 miles in just over an hour, which is just a little more than my average pace.

Overall, success. Now, onto week 2!

My Journey to a Half

A half marathon, 13.1 miles, 69217.5 feet. 

My journey started nearly a year ago when I decided I was going to do a triathlon. The thought popped into my head one day and BOOM, I was going to do it. I started running, biking and swimming. I started working on transitions between biking and running, and started to plan out where I could practice open swims.

and than, something happened. I fell in <3 with running. Forget the damn biking and swimming, I wanted to RUN! And just like that, the dream of a triathlon went by the wayside, and a new dream emerged, one that, even to me, was insane. I wanted to run a half marathon. Up until that point (around August/September 2013) my furthest distance was a 5k. But, screw it, I was going to do it! 

I signed up for my very first 10k, which took place in November 2013. I decided when that was over, my half training would begin. I knew what half I wanted to do, and I was ready. 

My 10k went as good as could be expected and now I was ready to train. I picked a Jeff Galloway training program and got to work. My goal was to complete the plan twice, as my half wasn't until October of 2014. And off I went, 3 miles, than 4 miles, than 5 miles, 6,7,8 miles. I was on a role, I ran outdoors in the cold and snow and when it got too icy, I headed indoors to the gym. Than the day came, March 8th to be exact, I ran 10 miles. 10 whole freaking miles. I was a champ! If I could do this, I could do anything.

And than.......I hit a wall. After my 10 mile run, my knee started acting up, so I started to slow it down. Than, before I knew it, I fell off my plan completely. I was still running but by no means keeping up with my program. 

Which brings me to now...since March I have done the Fight for Air Climb, a 10k in May, a 10k in June, and a 5k in July. But, I have been sticking to no sort of plan. I got lazy. Really lazy. But, I haven't given up.

This previous Sunday marked 12 weeks until my half. Only 12 weeks before I cross that finish line and become a half marathoner. *Cue slight freak out*

But not to worry, I have a new training program and LOTS of support from friends and family. This half marathon will be my bitch! I'm two days down and ready to prove that I can do this, if for no one else, myself. I have it in me, I know I do.