Slacking... Time to get my mojo back!

I have been very inconsistent with my running since pulling out of the Marine Corps Marathon last year. I was unemployed and injured (hamstring) and honestly... not very motivated. I couldn't justify going to the Marine Corps Marathon (financially) and really didn't think my hamstring would hold up for 26+ miles so I scratched it. Just took a peek at my training on dailymile and wow have I been slacking! I am now employed full-time again so it's time to get back to a routine. I always feel better when I am running regularly so it's time to pick some races and start working towards some goals. I didn't get in to MCM this year. They switched to a lottery and my name wasn't chosen. While I am disappointed about that, it might be for the best. I am way behind on bills and it will take me some time to get caught up financially so maybe I will consider KC Marathon in the fall. For now I think I will just look at spring races and see where my motivation takes me.... Here's what I am thinking for Spring Races:

5K - 4/5/14

Will be volunteering only. 4/12/14

Half-Marathon - 5/10/14

8K - 5/26/14

Half-Marathon - 6/7/14

Once the spring races are complete I will evaluate where I am at and think about a fall marathon. Ok, I will likely think about a fall marathon before the spring races are done but depending on how my body feels at that point will determine if I actually do a fall marathon!

Happy Training Y'all!  

Marathon Training, Finally!

I have finally started running again with some regularity. Certainly not in marathon shape but have began my training plan for MCM in the fall. Following Hal Higdons' Intermediate 1 plan. Have missed a few runs but considering I wasn't running at all a few weeks ago I am happy with the runs I have put in since starting the plan. Looking forward to the fall but also to the journey to the start line. After all, it's the journey that makes the race so rewarding! Happy training!!!

October 27, 2013

Motivation???

Well I haven't really done much running this year.  Can't seem to find my motivation.  Skipped the Polar Bear Plunge (actually forgot about it and did 4.5 miles that day instead).  Way off schedule regarding my marathon training plan for Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in April but I am not ready to quit on it yet.  I think if I can get a long run of 10 or so miles in this weekend I can find my mojo again and play catch up so to speak enough that I could safely complete the marathon.  This weekend will be the determining factor though. 

On a positive note, I recieved my email from Marine Corps Marathon today regarding how to register for the MCM 2013.  I deferred last year due to my unusually stressful year.  I think it was a good decision and it gives me the opportunity to participate this year without having to pay the full registration fee again (I paid a deferrment fee).  I am not officially re-registered yet because I can't actually do that until Feb 27 but I am excited about running again!  That email was the spark I needed!!!  Can't wait to get out there and run this weekend and get back to a regular routine! 

October 27, 2013

Interested in running the Marine Corps Marathon?  Registration for Active Duty starts Feb 23, 2013.  Registration for the public opens March 27, 2013.  It sold out in 2 hours and 41 minutes last year so be ready at your computer if you want to run it in 2013.   http://www.marinemarathon.com/

New Year, New Motivation?

I ended 2012 with little motivation to run or really do anything.  It was a difficult year for me personally and I really struggled to maintain any form of normalcy in my life.  It's a new year now though and time to start thinking positive and acting on that positive attitude!  Started working on my training plan for 2013.  So far here are the races I am planning on doing:

Polar Bear Strut 5K

 

 

 

Run for Mercy 5K

 

 

2013 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon

 

  

2013 Marine Corps Marathon

I'm sure there will be more scattered in between the marathons.  Might actually do the Rock the Parkway Half Marathon a few weeks prior to the Oklahoma City Marathon as a way to gage my fitness and stay motivated.  Saw a challenge on Daily Mile where you choose to run 13 races in a year.  That might be a good way to stay motivated!  Haven't found 13 races to sign up for yet though... still thinking on that! 

Volunteering at the KC Marathon

Had a blast volunteering at the KC Marathon October 20!

Worked as a course monitor which involved keeping traffic off the course so participants had a safe race. We worked at the intersections KCPD didn't have officers to work at. Generally officers will work the busier intersections and volunteers will monitor the less busy intersections. Officers did check in with us periodically and we knew if we had a problem there was help a short distance away.

I was assigned the intersection at 17th and Main. For the most part people were cooperative. During one point in the race I had to cross the street and cut through a large group of runners to keep a guy from plowing on to Main Street. He was a jerk but once I explained to him how he could get around the race and to his destination he calmed down. It was a hair raising moment for a minute though as he had edged his way on to Main Street just a bit. I got him turned around before it became an issue though.

After my intersection was clear and we were released by KCPD, I headed to the finish line to cheer for some friends. Walked down to the corner right before the finish. There were no volunteers there so a race official asked if I would help direct marathon runners to the right so they went in to the correct chute. I didn't mind helping out since it still gave me an opportunity to see and cheer for friends. When the kids run started I ended doing some crowd control so the kids and their parents didn't run in to the marathon runners. Not sure why they had the kids run parallel to the marathon course but it wasn't the brightest idea. The kids got out of their lane and in the marathoners way too many times. Runners in the marathon were not happy and I can't say I blame them. Could have caused some injuries. Note to race organizers - if the kids run is going to run parallel to the marathon course have a barrier or many volunteers there so the kids can't cut in front of the marathon runners. Other than the kids run, I thought the race was pretty well run.

Got to say there's nothing quite like a thousand or more "thank yous" on a Saturday morning! The runners were great! Especially when I was dealing with the jerk who edged on to Main Street. Got quite a few thank yous and claps for getting him turned around.

I have to admit, I volunteered for purely selfish reasons... to get my motivation back to run! It worked! Got a nice easy 3 miles in yesterday and heading out soon for another easy run. Not sure I'll run any more races this year but I will likely volunteer at one or 2 more before winter takes over.

Blues n Brews 10 Miler

Completed the Blues n Brews 10 Miler on Sunday September 30, 2012.  I hadn't run much since deciding to defer the MCM to next year and my body complained!  My time was slow.... it was a beautiful day for a run though!  My favorite part?  Running in to friend Anna Thomas-Rios after the race!  Always nice to run in to friends. 

I have been slacking with my training.  Work has been very stressful.  Not good considering the year I have had.  I always enjoy running in the fall so I hope to find my mojo soon and get back in to a routine!  Thinking about doing the OKC marathon in April.  That should get me motivated to start training again!  Happy running! 

Deferring the MCM until 2013

After much thought and contemplation, I have decided to defer my registration for the Marine Corps Marathon to 2013. It's been a challenging year for me and I just haven't been putting in the miles necessary to complete the marathon this year. Though I am disappointed, by deferring my registration I am guaranteed a spot in next years race and I have already added it to my calendar. Running has always been a big part of my life and still is but for now it's going to just be for fun and stress relief without the stress of training for a marathon.