I was asked to be an ambassador for the Glass City Marathon. I was scared & honored. I found out that my "responsibilities" would be to talk/post about my training & running. That's easy & nothing I don't do, already... I was supposed to talk about the Glass City event- which I do. I always talk about my upcoming races- again, not a difficult task to ask of me. -I will need to work at the expo; but, I'm going to be there, anyways- again, not a problem... BUT THEN (!!!) I was ...told I would get to give away two free registrations to the race! I was SO excited to do this!!! To a runner, that's like bestowing a million dollars with butterflies, rainbows & glitter to another runner!!! SIGN ME UP! -I knew if the girls drew names, it would get them involved & remove any doubt of "partiality" if I drew a name of a friend. I was just... HAPPY! I was happy all day thinking about running with Jim & giving a gift of running to someone else! The girls came with us & recorded our finish. We spent the day hanging out at home & had dinner, together. --It's been a REALLY great day! There are perfect days... then there are days when perfection stands still...

 

I have a race, tomorrow. I am becoming more comfortable at races. My runs are becoming stronger, therefore, I have more confidence in my abilities & am able to overcome my fears to come to races. I have to talk myself out of a "terror" at EVERY race, still. The fight or flight instinct is still incredibly strong in me. -Having a calmer mindset definitely helps in a better pace time. I often have to "trick" my mind to "just run-don't race". It takes the pressure off & I end up pushing it a bit more after the first warm up mile.

 

Tomorrow is different. Jim wants to run. We have always done our own thing at shortie races. I've done the longer races, solo. -I feel a need to run with him, now. He is putting in longer training runs & this will be his longest race, ever. He has done 5Ks in the past. Tomorrow is 4.8 miles & we are signed up for a 10K, together, this Spring. We HAVE DONE a 10K in training, together, but not many.  This is an epic event for him. None of his school buddies are running, still. He is +50. Taking up running at 50 is a bigger fish than taking up running at 15! I want to see his face & share the experience. I don't want to be a competitor, tomorrow. Tomorrow I will be on Team Speer. I know it sounds cheesy... My family has come to some of my races. At the beginning I went & competed solo then drove home. Those were lonely days. 

 

 

Eventually, (sometimes dragging them out of town) they came. Sometimes they were at the finish line. At some shorter races, I was able to get them to participate. (Color Runs & Disney races are quite the enticement!) My last crippling marathon affected Jim. He was there at the finish & when I saw him, I just cried. I hugged him & cried. I was doing everything I could to reach him at the finish line. Nothing else mattered but seeing him there. Then... there he was. -I was a salty, sweaty, cold, bawling mess... & he just hugged me.

 

 

I took some time to heal & Jim started running with me. Our miles were low & slow... but it was good to have company. Lucy has been a loyal companion but nothing beats a friend being with you. Jim's frequency increased. His pace has quickened & his mileage has increased. I may have a few years advancement on him, but I have no doubt that he will be beating me, soon. (I say that fondly & looking forward to the competition.) Until that day arrives... there is tomorrow. A milestone that BOTH of us will achieve, together. Tomorrow, we bloom, together...

Here it is! Let me know that you want to be part of Toledo's Glass City event and you could win a free entry! Let me know if you want a 5K, 1/2 marathon or marathon registration... I have two race entries to give away FOR FREE to a local, fast course & a Boston qualifying race.  I will have my girls each pull a name from those that request a free entry. Hope it's YOU!

 

When I first tried running, it was difficult. I had no training, no high school or college experience on a track or cross country team. I had no knowledge of shoes, fabrics, supplements or distances. I walk-ran as I could down country roads then at the local metro-parks.

I saw slow progress. Eventually, my husband bought me a Garmin watch. I felt I hadn't "earned" it. At the time I had finally reached three miles & was regularly logging weekly miles with my stop watch. That gift was a pivotal moment, however. I may have "only" been going three miles... but I could see my weaknesses & strengths. I saw a strong start & a progressively slower pace. I saw miniscule improvements in distances that were impossible to track with a stop watch. I was able to see that I was slower at one trail than another because of elevation changes. I saw my times s-l-o-w-l-y getting faster or my mileage slowly getting longer. I decided I had to make the commitment to run a race, a 1/2 marathon. Why? There were many that were faster than me. There were many that "looked" like a runner. I didn't. I felt that the only way I could prove to others (mostly to myself) that I was a "real runner" was to have my name "on the books" & a medal in my hand.

Someone had planted a seed in my mind that "real runners" ran 9 minute miles or faster. At the time I was doing 10 minute miles. I didn't "FEEL" like a real runner... so I had to "prove" it by going "far" not "fast". I signed up for my first 1/2 marathon, locally, in Toledo.

I had a fateful day with a large, innocent puppy that forever changed my biomechanics.  I woke up the next morning & couldn't feel my legs. The lower half of my body was "asleep". The strange tingling sensation when your leg or arm falls asleep... no matter how hard you try to move, your muscles won't respond... I was in a full blown panic! This was one month before my first 1/2 marathon. I tried desperately to regain momentum but I "knew" I wouldn't be able to participate in Toledo's event. I couldn't walk, let alone run. I was in constant pain & aches... & continually hurting in other areas farther down the connective "chain". I came to understand... YEARS later... that my left leg had come out of socket at the hip and my Sacrum had displaced at the joints where it connected at my back/hips. I continued "running" as I could for four years in a constantly crippled, injured state. I felt pathetic & a poor excuse for a "runner". I continued training "solo" because my training was so erratic. Eventually... after feeling I was at the end of my rope, I turned to a chiropractor. I found some relief... but eventually left to a more aggressive treatment from another doctor. It was here, that I found pain free relief. Yoga has helped in conjunction with medical treatment.

I am currently finding my fastest race times. I am wiser about running shoes, fabrics & race distances. I am familiar with races, local runners, better eating habits & sports nutrition. Experience is an unforgiving teacher.

I shared my race times as I improved with the friend that planted the "definition" of a "runner" in my mind. He had originally said 9 minute miles were "real running times". When I shared my 9 minute race paces... He said in the same tone as he stated years prior: "You know, they say real running is 8 minutes per mile or faster..."

So... I FEEL more like a runner than I did years, ago. I've had moments of feeling like a "real runner". I am finally hitting 8 minute miles in shorter races. -Does that make me a "real runner"? I don't meet all of the standards some have laid out for a definition of a "real runner". (I have a slight idea that the pace time may shift again when I express my improved race times to my friend.) I run... I try... I sweat... I improve... I worry... I try again... With my Garmin, I see improvements in the right direction. My Garmin doesn't show the improvements of my smile, now with my husband running at my side. I am less fearful to toe the line because "I saw my numbers" of my last race. I want to push it faster at my next race... I need to prove it to the injured, untrained beginner that still lingers in my mind. I outrace the ghosts of people's voices that told me & laughed at me when I shared my goals of running. I'm still trying to prove myself... mostly... trying to prove it TO myself... You can overcome just about anything...

The Glass City races are on the 2015 calendar

http://glasscitymarathon.org/


Date: Saturday, April 25, 2015- The fun begins on Saturday with an expo and family friendly activities.

Findley Davies Kid’s Marathon
The biggest kids run around, the Findley Davies Kid’s Marathon includes runs for kids ages 2-12.

Location: TBD (UT Campus)
• Start Time
• 11:30am — Meet the UT Football Players, with Agility Angels Dog Show to Follow
• 12:00pm — 1/4 Mile Run, with 1/2 Mile and 1 Mile Run to Follow
• Suggested Age Groups
• Ages 2-3 — 1/4 mile
• Ages 4-12 — 1/2 or 1 mile

Date: Sunday, April 26, 2015 
• Marathon, Half Marathon, & relay team start -- 7am
• 5K start – 7:15 am

• Marathon Course is supported from 7 am – 1 pm

• Post Race Party in parking lot 10

The Overall Glass City Marathon Field Limited to a total of  9,000 Participants

Marathon: 2,000 Runners

5 Person Marathon Relay: 300 Teams/1,500 Runners

Half Marathon: 3,500 Runners

5K: 2,000 Runners/Walkers

Which race should you do? I personally, will be participating in the Owens Corning 1/2 marathon. I found that not having access to a treadmill, regularly, over the winter, makes long runs difficult in NW Ohio. I will save my 20-mile-long-run-legs for summer miles & a Fall marathon. :)

How should I train?
There are many online training plans. There are books & magazines with many options to choose. I, personally, have had much success using Hal Higdon's free online training schedules. I have tried numerous plans that all exacerbated an old injury. Hal Higdon's plans have yielded results, personally, & I am looking forward to including speed work, this year.
http://www.halhigdon.com/

A local perk is having free, weekly, group runs at the local running stores. Many find these doubly productive as training and for socializing. Dave's Running Shop is sponsoring supervised, weekly training starting in January. There is a free informational meeting on January 3rd at the Maumee Indoor Theater at 9AM for Q & A. The training program is not free...

What are all the races distances?
A 5K is equivalent to 3.1 miles.
A half marathon is equivalent to 13.1 miles.
A marathon is 26.2 miles.
A marathon RELAY consists of a TEAM of runners each participating in a portion of the race course.
Leg 1 – 5.1 Miles
Leg 2 – 6.1 Miles
Leg 3 – 4.4 Miles
Leg 4 – 5.3 Miles
Leg 5 – 5.3 Miles
This sounds like a party to me! :)

Depending on your goals and foundation, any of these distances are eventually attainable. I started as a "walker" & weight lifter.

Speaking of where I "started", check out this energetic Ambassador Sarah Speer.

 

My race, last night, went well. I averaged 8:45 minute miles. I wish I was faster... but I am happy that I am making progress. Two years ago, I did my first 10K at 9:15-9:30 minute miles.  I would train at 10:30 to 11:00 minute miles. -SO...in any given race, sub-10 minute miles were celebrated! Now I'm doing 9 minute & sub-9 minute miles. I've even hit sub-8 minute miles on shorter 5K races, but not without feeling nauseous & having to emergency stop & heave... -Comparing apples to apples, I see improvement. This was the first race I've done (comfortably-without heaving) with NO KT Tape at my knee, Achilles, heel, or foot... all effects from a displaced hip now in the proper place!!! I felt no discomfort or "twinges" to alarm me to slow down. Today, I feel tightness in my Achilles but it is only because I am tuned into previous injuries. I am PLEASED with the improvement in performance- FINALLY!

I've kept my mileage low after Detroit's marathon to facilitate healing... but I'm now running daily! This was UNHEARD of a few months ago! Yoga is working miracles! I am looking forward to making advancement in those classes as well and may include a 3rd day of weekly yoga to counteract tight muscles as my mileage increases.

I was SO nervous thinking about this race (ANY race) that I was making myself sick to my gut. I think the elusive "PR" is what keeps runners coming back to races despite physical or emotional distress. The elusive improvement in any run: time, comfort, feeling of strength, ease of a race, coming ahead of a fellow runner... can be motivation to do better "next time". -While I don't think of competing against any one person in my running club, I must admit there is satisfaction seeing ones that I would finish "behind" (OFTEN)... now finishing behind me. There are still plenty finishing WAY ahead of me... but my personal improvement is all I can focus on...

What do I hope to achieve? I just want to see what I am capable of. For years I was limited due to religious fears, social fears & physical impairment. Now, I realize I am not breaking any moral laws with running. I am easing my social awkwardness/fears as well as calming emotional insecurities with running. My physical imbalances are being corrected. I want to see what this old girl can do. My mom asked me at the beginning: "WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?" My answer now is: "I just want to see if I can..."

 

The butterflies never leave... It doesn't matter if I'm doing a 5K or a marathon... My stomach is always nervous at the thought of a race! Tonight, I have a 9K at 10:11 PM on 12-13-14. -Brain child in our running group & a series of races (10K on 10-10-10; 11K on 11-11-11; 12K at 12:12 AM on 12-12-12).

I was suspecting hubby would run, too. If he was participating, I would run with him. If he wasn't participating, I would try to RACE. He was considering running & just told me "no". Now, my butterflies are in full force! Why? There is no "person" coming that I am "gunning" for... It's the whole idea of "performance", I guess. "Those crossing the finish line ahead of me will judge my performance." Honestly, I can say, working a finish line is probably one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. To watch each person's face is amazing. Some are "in the zone/competing". Some are playful & supportive crossing the line with family & friends. Others are in pain, exerting themselves & using every ounce of "anything" left in them. Some hear my congratulations & respond... others do not. It reminds me that we are all exerting ourselves & FEEL different things at different times.

Today's race will be "different". It will be my first race with NO KT Tape, no serious pain or discomfort. I DID work all day, however. I have no plan on pace except Kamikaze as long as I can without vomiting... Going "hard" is exciting & terrifying at the same time. I have NO CLUE what my potential is, presently, & in the future. It's a new game & I wanna' see if I have wings...

This is my Moose, Lucy. :) She is such a sweetie-pie! She is actually my daughter's companion but has become my running buddy on my cold winter runs. I was never a dog person but she has converted me. She ran 7 miles, right next to me, today, with a wind chill of 11*. I REALLY wanted to climb back into bed but her persistence & desire to be out cannot be hidden. She follows me around the house so hopefully... -She can be more of a handicap at times between all of her sniff-pee-poo breaks... but she has this innocence & joyfulness-of-the-run that reminds me to just enjoy the moment. Today, we saw deer, woodpeckers, a fellow runner, chipmunks & squirrels. Yesterday, we saw an owl! We love our trail running, even when it's cold & blustery. There is something wonderful when you can connect to nature. It keeps me grounded emotionally & gives me a bigger picture of where I fit into the scheme of things. In other words, I'm a SMALL piece of the puzzle- stay humble! YET- I am PART of the puzzle... I am not "nothing". (Double negative makes a positive yet I am still cringing.) There is self worth when you are accepted by an animal, nature, your body moving similarly through the woods alongside deer... I need to get a Pocahontas outfit!!! ;)

I FEEL amazing! This will be my strongest running year, ever. I ran with no KT tape on my knee, no ibuprofen, NO PAIN. **JIGGY DANCE OF JOY** Yoga, new doctor, Gatorade Prefuel, discovered a new GU flavor (!!!) & now introducing NUNN to help with my potassium, sodium deficiency. If I can conquer the muscle cramping, my main bio-puzzle-pieces will all be in place. Looking forward to a FABULOUS, almost newbie, running year!!! Looking forward to new possibilities! Even getting geared up to get my "swim on", again!

I usually run... then write. Today, I'm having a hard time getting out the door. "It's cold. It's gray. I have a doctor's appointment, later. I'm bad; I ate like a slob, this weekend. I'd be going solo. What's the point? I'm not making a living out of this..."


These thoughts always go through my mind. Most days I dismiss them, easily. Today, I want to climb back into bed & cry. Hormonal? Maybe... As a bit of a perfectionist, when I perform less than expected I get really bummed. My "list" is always an endless amount of things that needs to be done. I will never finish the list. I tell myself that my family doesn't notice some of my "to do/done" items, anyways.


I know a run will make me feel better... but what if it doesn't, today? My mind is playing tricks on me. Is it better to sit here & just pout? My mommy duties call to me. Laundry, dishes & a perfect floor or yard will never exist, here. I've got a Better Homes & Garden picture in my mind... a photo shopped physique of ideal. Old voices of "can't" are loud in my mind... so I don't. I turn to past inspirational quotes & pictures. It's what I have told others. It's what I knew I would need for myself. I know this mindset is temporary... but the planner in me wants life all organized & on index cards. Today, my cards are disarrayed & I can't get it organized. -What would I tell my girls? How would I comfort them?


-Love-empathy-mercy-



Mercy is not just holding back punishment... It is at times "undeserved kindness". I don't feel I deserve kindness, today. Why is self-love, kindness or praise contingent on results, size, performance...? I don't believe it's always a bad thing to expect more of yourself... Today, I remind myself that I need to be merciful...


Today, I pick mercy...

Short 3 miler, yesterday, before yoga. --I am officially hooked. I will forever be a Yogi!--

I knew I FELT relief; but, I received a medical confirmation! I had a monthly tune up with the new doctor. "Whatever you're doing, keep doing it because your leg lengths are even."

For the 1st time in 5 long years (!!!) my legs & hips were straight!!! I've been going to the doctor once a month... the old doctor- up to 3 times a week (!!!) looking for relief! I told him I was doing yoga. "How long?" Me: "Two weeks- 5 classes total." Two weeks! ...Two weeks to help all the discomfort I've been having. Two weeks to loosen 5 years of shortening muscles, cramping, bone moving tightness... "It looks like you found what works for you. Don't overdo it..." I WISH I could do yoga every day! I don't have the time... He still moved my SI joint at each hip & moved my lower vertebrae. I feel sore but amazing! Yoga can't come soon enough...

John Bingham was one of the runners I related to when I first took up the challenge of trying to run at the age of 40. I was not thin... not 14... not trained...

I bought my first running magazine & fell in love with the candor & humor tied in with the article "Penguin Chronicles" by John Bingham. I eventually read his book. He always finished his non-praising articles with: "Waddle on, Friends." -It struck me because I walk like a duck! His past was sedentary & artistic, like mine. (He was into music. I was into art.) He was non-athletic & trying to figure it out as he went. He tried running "late in life", like me... He wasn't fast, which most new runners can relate to... He had more in the "negative column" than I did. He was extremely overweight. I was chubby. He was a smoker. I wasn't. If he could beat the odds & run... maybe there was hope for me! I tried, quietly...

Soon after I subscribed to Runner's World magazine, John Bingham parted & started writing for Competitor Magazine. I didn't keep up with his articles & eventually my pace surpassed his... but I couldn't help but remember that his candor inspired me to try. It was that honesty that motivated me to share my bad experiences as well as my good experiences so candidly with others.

I am sad that he will not be writing the Penguin Chronicles, anymore, but I am happy that he is healthy & still being candid. If there is one thing that running has taught me: "you'll suck at the beginning... but if you stick with it, you'll get better... & maybe... even find a passion for it..."

John Bingham was a passionate runner. He inspired myself & others to get on the road. We couldn't be any more at a disadvantage than he was at his start! I am grateful that I discovered that all runners "start somewhere" & progress. His candor will be missed (& looked for in any upcoming books)!

His final article:
http://running.competitor.com/2014/12/inside-the-magazine/penguin-chronicles-goodbye-farewell-amen_119059

Let's talk...

 

I cannot believe it took me so long to try it! I grew up thinking it was all about religion, meditation, spiritual transcendence & chanting... -My muscles became so "tight" after long runs & marathons, however, I was at my wits end! I decided, recently, to try a "watered down" American version of Yoga. My plan was: I would sit at the back of the class & try to observe/participate. If I got the heebie-jeebies for ANY reason, I would leave. -Pleasantly grateful: it was not the dark or mysterious "religion" I had envisioned when I was younger. It was a group of mostly ladies with a very Caucasian instructor teaching stretches. I was a tight rubber band ready to snap at the beginning! Slowly, I stretched & felt a world of relief! Now, I am learning some position names as well as where to put my feet, hands & if I should bend my knees... -These are, ironically, all the stretches (and more) that I learned at physical therapy! I can balance pretty well for most of the poses. This comes in handy for trail running.

Today, I decided to try a different instructor. I had a difficult time understanding her. I was on my back & she was telling us to "fold your legs." I am usually NOT relaxed (yet) as I am intently watching WHAT I'm supposed to be doing. "Fold your legs" really meant bend your knees. At another point: I had a strap that I was supposed to be using around my foot to get a good stretch. I am flexible enough that I was getting a good stretch without the strap; but, I did as I was told. I was getting all TANGLED in the long thing, holding it with the wrong hand & TOTALLY not comfortable... then I realized she said right hand when she meant left. -NO WONDER I LOOK LIKE A TANGLED DORK!- I adjusted & thought: "This is sooo much better!" ;)

I decided I will go back to my blonde haired instructor who understands I want to stretch & strengthen more than relax. I have a mission to get healthier this year. Part of it will involve yoga!

 

 

I asked for a sash... I got a badge. ;) My bio goes live, soon. I received my beginning list of responsibilities (which are SUPER easy for this constantly running & posting chick). I need to brush up on race details and speak "officially". The correct name of the events are: "Medical Mutual Glass City Marathon" & "The Owens Corning Half Marathon". I USED to just say "Glass City". -NO MORE!- *whisking hand* -I also need to be familiar with the charities. Time to brush up on that! I know some of the charities. I support some of the charities... I am unfamiliar with others.

Let's get this going!

So... I was eating some chips & dip, last night... feeling gross... but continuously eating...

Me: "I feel sick eating this crap."
Hannah (my daughter): "Why don't you go running?"
Me: "I will tomorrow. I didn't get to this weekend."
-silence-
Hannah: "Maybe I could run with you, sometime..."
Me: "Hannah... I would LOVE that!" I told her how I always dreamed about us doing a Disney race, crossing the finish line, holding hands with matching Tinkerbell wings..."
-silence, a giggle, then an explanation from her how she would want to be the sarcastic, purple winged fairy, instead...
H: "I'd need new running shoes... & a place to sprint at the end..."
I told her how awesome the scenery is at Oak Openings. We planned starting slow & low mileage... -I told her how dad couldn't run a mile when we started & we went his pace at first. "You'd be really great, Babe..."

She may not start this week... but the idea is in her head. I mulled it in my mind for a long time before I did anything about it... I can't force her. That would take all the joy out of it. I run because I like it... even when I DON'T like it... I do. :) Trail running is as much about adventure & the sights along the way as it is the exertion. I would love nothing more than to have my whole family tromping through the woods on a 5 miler... or more... :)

So... we will look for running shoes, this week. -SUPER excited!- Planning a shoe fitting after school. I can't wait.

I'm a member of our local running club, Toledo Roadrunners Club. Every month we receive a newsletter. It's a small magazine, really. Included are race stats, stories, profiles or experiences from local people in the group. Also included are fliers for upcoming races. -I swore I would NEVER pay to run... & now, here I am, pouring over numerous, multi-colored papers advertising races in different locations, different charities and different post race goodies. I am comparing dates, prices, distances, etc. -Decisions, decisions... :) -At one time, I physically couldn't run two days in a row. Now I have to fit work around race schedules all in one weekend. -Life is improving. My muscular imbalances are being addressed. While still early with the new doctor & YOGA, I feel SOOOO much relief. I am so grateful I toughed it out past the "suck" of running. I reflect on all of the tears & my stubbornness that helped me past the pain of injury. -I am optimistic of advancement, this year. I believe I will surpass anything I have ever done in the past. -One new experience this year, will be to represent the Glass City Marathon as an ambassador. -Being asked to be an Ambassador may not seem like a big deal to some... but to me... it means someone has recognized a passion. Passion doesn't always mean you're the most talented person in the field. It may simply mean you are enjoying yourself and are having way too much fun to quit... & you BLAB about it, all of the time. :) I've been pretty stubborn along the way. Too stubborn to quit...

I know I annoyed my mom as a kid. I tell people that a strong minded young girl isn't a bad thing. If you can CHANNEL that strength... she can help others, lead or inspire... or surprise HERSELF. I am surprised how much passion I have for my family: my girls & husband & for running. I used to be passionate about art... & somewhere along the way... I became a jock. -That's not a bad thing. I am REALLY enjoying it! I am surprised how much tenacity I have to protect my family & my running. I am surprised how much I encourage others to try! I find running mirrors passion OF living. It reminds me passion can still be experienced! Passionate that your muscles & legs are strong and fleeting. Passionate for the mechanics & expansion of your lungs... Passion for the strength & loyalty of your heart... Passion that your brain anticipates, reasons, distorts & embellishes... Passion to see the sights along the route... Passion to be alone... Passion to share with others...

I am grateful to be alive. I am grateful to have my family. I am grateful we are healthy... I am grateful to celebrate my life with a run. "CHEERS!"

Well-- I started my new blog. I feel kind of self-centered about it. On fb, I'm one person of many sharing experiences. On a blog, I feel like I'm in the limelight (even if no one ever reads it)... & I HATE the limelight. I was always the one that liked artistically making the stage... NOT BEING ON THE STAGE! It's the reason I usually don't join group runs. It's the reason I had such a hard time participating in races. It's the reason I couldn't playfully dress up in a tutu for a fun run race. The idea that I would be scrutinized, not accepted or not perform as I had hoped was debilitating at times.

I've received a lot of positive feedback, however, since I started posting my failures & achievements... my crash & burn stories & my age group award accomplishments. -Sharing the good, the bad & the ugly of running shows that even a "late bloomer" can have some success & advancement. En route, a person come out of their shell a bit, too. It has ALWAYS been a goal of mine: to find people & encourage them to "try".

Culturally & racially: a female is expected to become a matriarch... but at the expense sometimes of her own preferences. I felt I was being selfish doing anything for myself & not just for my husband & kids. There needs to be a balance... but if you've been SO far leaning to the right or left... how do you emotionally bring yourself into the equation, fairly? How can you benefit yourself, too? -My posts have been to "stir" people that didn't think they "could"...

"What if I 'can('t)...?'" -How do you know what you are capable of, if you're too afraid to try? I was immobilized. I had to be "pushed" by a fellow runner & mom. She planted a seed of "can" that I had secretly coveted for a long time... but didn't believe I could cultivate. So I cultivated it in the woods. I knew I "wasn't" a gifted runner but there was something about being in the woods that was beyond running. It was calming...

So... I will work out a few glitches... but I am starting a blog in hopes that I can encourage other introverts to step out of their own head... put down our fears for awhile... tip toe out of your comfort zone... go for a run (or any dream you've secretly wanted to try). Your comfort zone will expand. You may fall on your face... but as any introvert reflects... no one REALLY saw me in the woods... I'll try, again...

"It’s been said that at 20, we worry about what others think of us and at 40, we don’t care what others think of us. As someone who has passed 60, my friends and I now realize that nobody was thinking about us to begin with. They were running their own run while we were busy trying to run theirs."

http://blog.rockmyrun.com/2014/11/28/whos-run-is-it/

Cold 5 miler with the hubby & Lucy, our dog. I wanted to go 6 or 7... he wanted less miles at a faster pace. *ok, then* He kicked my hiney! In my defense: I had the pee-pee-poo-poo "handicap", Lucy. Then I would have to catch up to Jim. --This is going to be a great investment & arrangement... I'm pushing his distance. He's pushing my pace. Could I be any more in love?!?!?! **sigh**

Maybe all you need is a gentle reminder of what not to do if you want to be successful:

http://runhaven.com/2014/10/02/5-things-successful-runners-never/

It's official! I've been asked to be an ambassador for the Glass City marathon! I asked what that would entail. I'm supposed to "share information about my training, running stories & talk about the Glass City Marathon." Me: "So basically do what I'm doing, now...?" I'll be offering race registrations & sharing information as it becomes available. For now, I have to work on a bio that will be on the marathon webpage. Pretty cool! The green light to talk about running... <3