blessed

I received an email today from Coach Lea Ann telling me that my fundraising is DONE! Someone annonymously donated $101.14 - which gives me the exact amount needed to run next Sunday. So, in an effort to thank someone who wishes to remain annonymous - THANK YOU! It's such a relief to know I do not have to write that check out myself! Now...7 days and just a few hours away from race start! :o)

Slacker

It's been almost 3 months since my last post. Apparently I'm a slacker blogger and somewhat of a slacker runner this year. Last year I followed the rules line by line because it was the unknown, however now that I know I can run a half marathon I've somehow relaxed a bit. I haven't been super at getting in my maintenence runs (ok so I've only done a handful of them all season) and I've even missed some saturday runs. My first half marathon of the season is only one month away and there are no more travel plans for the summer so I have no reason to miss anymore runs.

On a fundraising note - I have some of the best family and friends ever - I've already raised about $650 and only have $100 left to reach my goal! In these tough economic times it amazes me that people are still willing to donate. I've also been a slacker on thank you notes - I promise they are coming!!

I recently bought new running sneakers so I'm in the process of breaking them in on my short runs (which I'm now forcing myself to do) so that they'll be ready for the 14 miler in 2 1/2 weeks. This saturday is the 2nd 12 miler - desperately hoping the humidity is lower by Saturday!!

The schedule for the rest of the running season:
This Satuday - 12 miles
8/15 - 7 miler (I think)
8/22 - the BIG RUN - 14 miles (I missed this run and celebration last year for my Adams family reunion - I am SO looking forward to it this year)
8/29 - 6 or 7 miler
9/4 - I leave for Virginia Beach, VA to spend Labor Day weekend getting ready to RUN!
9/6 - VA Beach Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon - My personal goal is finishing in 2:45 (last year's time was 3:09)
9/13 - 6 mile run on my own
9/20 - Philly Distance Run - my 2nd half of the year! I can't wait to do this on my own - I'm excited to run something different but am slightly intimidated that there will be hills - especially since I run in FLAT Easton!

After my 2nd half I plan on being lazy for a bit them getting back into a serious routine at the Y - lifting and doing cardio that does not involve running for a while!

I am SO SO SO thankful for NO injuries and relatively little pain after long runs. I love being able to encourage our newer runners. It's so nice knowing that I can do this!!

Timed Run

Today I did a "make up" 3 mile timed run since I missed last week. I ran the entire 3 miles, only walking for 30 seconds - 3 times - in about 35 minutes. I felt great at the end and had even better news when I was placed in Marian and Indra's pace group That was where I was hoping to end up. So...that means I'm training at a 13 minute mile (that was where I started last year before I dropped back to a 13:30) and running a 4:1 run walk ratio (which is 1 minute longer run ratio than last year). If I run the 1/2 marathon at that pace I'll come in around 2 hours 49 mins. I'm hoping to be able to finish quicker than that - under 2:40 is my goal. That should not be too far off of a goal based on where I'll be training. I have to say that I am SO excited to be starting this again. I don't feel quite as prepared as I was last year regarding gear etc but running wise I feel great. This week I need to get some new socks and sports beans. I have to dig out my water belt and make my meat sauce for Friday night dinners. It'll be tough to get back in the boring friday night routine - no going out late or eating out - pasta w/ home made meat sauce and early bed time will make for good Saturday runs. Feeling great so far...can't wait to see some fundraising money come in and have my fundraising Cookie Lee party in 2 weeks. :o)

slacker

Not only have I been a slacker with updating I've been a bit of a slacker runner. So let's rewind to this past Saturday's 1 mile run. 1 mile huh? Yea - I know it was suppose to be a 12 mile run but we only did 1. We all gathered at the park at 6 (full marathoners and a few 1/2 marathoners.) Halfers didn't have to show until 6:30 since we were suppose to let our full marathon buddies complete 4 miles before we joined them. Since N and I were moving that day we had permission to start earlier at 6 and stop at the 12 mile marker. Around 6:10 we watched the dark clouds roll in and saw flashes of lightening. My memory reminded me that Amy said we would run in rain but not un thunder storms yet here we were getting the talk about taking cover in the storm. The word was that it was a quick moving storm and we should be just fine. Amy gave us the out that if we didn't feel safe we could wait the storm out or bag the run. Waiting it out wasn't an option since I started early for a reason - we figured what's a little storm so we headed out. After running for about one minute we saw runners heading the wrong direction - to Susan's porch so we followed and took cover for about 10 minutes as the storm progressed. It seemed to slow and Lea Ann came by saying it had moved off the other direction and we would probably be ok to start. We did start and completed the first mile before a rain really began and the lightening got stronger. Just as we were about to turn the corner a truck with a few marathoners in it came by with the car keys and said the run has been canceled. We RAN to the cars - drenched in rain and not sweat! We sat for a bit as the storm got worse and decided we were going to the bagel bakery and wait for word on how we were going to complete the 12 miler. The bagel bakery wasn't set to open for another 45 minutes so we stood in the parking lot for a while since the rain had subsided. We got word that we could return and run 6 miles and do the rest on Sunday or we could do the 12 on our own. I was already out of the running mindset so we decided to bag the run and try to do it on our own later. Fast forward a bit - move went well and smooth. We have some awesome friends who moved so much in our truck and their cars. I am so thankful! Huge thanks to Mom and Dad Barth, my Dad, Lea Ann & Family, Brett & Tyler, Donna & Becky.
Sunday - no running - no phone or internet so we headed to the perk to get grad projects done (Now I am done until September!!!!!) Then we had a Clay Bakers fundraising party for Nicole - good turnout and she raised over $100!
Monday - N, T & I ran 4 miles - T had already run 6 that morning and we punked out on the last 2 and decided to go to Plaza and get margaritas instead. YUM!
Tuesday - NO running since N got back from work WAY late - we hung pictures and now half the living room is done! :)
Wednesday - no running but we finished the other apt spackling and digging up our plants to move them here. I had to wait in the house all day for verizon to show up to fix our phone line since we still don't have phone or internet. The window they could show up was from 8-7 - 8-7....are you kidding me? At 5 when they still hadn't showed Nicole called - they basically scheduled us for Friday and said I did not have to be here since the problem was outside...apparently the online scheduling isn't real? they never had any intentions of coming Wednesday eventhough I got confirmation of the appointment. I can't wait to write a nasty letter to verizon - so far I've been without phone for a week - no internet (although i did discover that someone around here has their internet unlocked so that's how I'm updating you now).
Today - Ran 4 miles this morning and will do another 4 this afternoon with Nicole. That will in essence be an eight mile run so that makes me feel a bit better about not ever getting in the 12. Tonight is more unpacking upstairs and finishing things downstairs.
Saturday is our 6 mile recovery run (not sure what I am recovering from since I didn't run the 12 but ok!) Then I have to run the 14 on my own since I'll be in NH for that run. Bummer.

Ok..off to shower and run errands. :)

Catsup

Let's recap and catch up.
This past Saturday 7/26 - 6 mile recovery run began at 6:20 - the weather was wonderful. It was warm but the humidity was low with a nice breeze. The six miles went by without pain or trouble. Our group finished in 1:18 - 3 minutes faster than pace time which was not viewed highly. The key this coming Saturday's 12 miles will be to take it SLOW. I am planning on running behind M since she paces herself perfectly! I am going to finish the 12 without walking the last few miles!!!
This week - Today was my first maintenance run of the week. With moving and a crazy schedule it's been hard to figure out time to run without putting it off. So N and I decided we would do 3 shorter maintenance runs in the AM before she leaves for work so that it does not hang over our heads to do in the evening. This morning we did a 28 min. run - it was super humid to the point of misting. We had a good run though, worked out some of the stiffness in the first few run cycles.
What's next:
Tonight - Moving more boxes to the new place - hang curtains - move boxes to the shed out back - possibly put the finishing touches on the fish stand we painted on Saturday.
Wednesday - Run in the AM - grad work - packing - moving boxes when N gets home.
Thursday - Run in the AM - go to new place to set up Internet and hopefully finish grad work for the semester- back home to pack and move more stuff including TV!
Friday - Go to new place EARLY and wait for Direct TV to show up - unpack boxes while waiting - Home to move final things - relax and get ready to run in the am.
Saturday - Up way too early - run 12 miles - get bagels and shower - pick up rental truck at 12 - pack it at 1230 - run to get pizza while people unload - eat pizza - organize apt and unpack. Clean old apt and return truck. RELAX!!!
Sunday - Unpack and clean old apt if necessary - RELAX before Nicole's fundraising party at Clay Bakers from 6-9 - COME PAINT PEOPLE!

I am looking forward to Monday when I am done with classes for the summer, done with packing and can relax in the new place and make it more like home!

Survival

I woke up this morning and did not feel like an 85 year old! :) The soreness is mostly gone and the blisters are healing well. N wanted to sleep in this morning so instead of running I finished my book, since I couldn't sleep. One more day to get blisters to heal will help and we'll run Wed and Thurs mornings. I can't believe how bad I felt after the 11 miles, I can't imagine how I'll feel after I add on some more.
On an exciting note: Nicole, Tracey and I are registering for the Marine Corp 10K. It's on October 26th and starts just after the Marine Corp Marathon. We'll even be able to jump into the Marathon course and finish with your marathon training buddies. We can't cross their finish line but we can help them along. I'm SO excited. So once this 1/2 marathon is over I'll continue to do some longer runs (4-8 miles) to keep in shape for the 10K. I'm just excited to cheer on the full marathoner and be able to get close enough to run with them at the end. :)

For everyone who lives around Easton - Nicole is hosting a fundraising night at Clay Bakers. They will be donating 20% of all sales to Nicole's Rocks fund. August 3rd from 6-9, come paint and help raise money for ROCKS. If you want to reserve a spot to paint just call or email Nicole the time you'll be there. You don't have to reserve but then seating will be first come first serve. Let's pack the house!!!

And the winner is....

Glenda! Glenda bought some last minute tickets and was the gran prize winner of a week at The Pelican in Avon, NC. Together we made almost $1,000 selling the tickets. So each of us will get almost $250! That puts me over my $1,000 requirement to race and closer to my new goal of $1,310.

Thanks this week to ALL who bought raffle tickets and my Aunt Nancy, my latest supporter!

I am being good tonight - ate on points - drank plenty of water - ate my pasta - and have a evening planned at home which will include going to bed at a decent time. Hopefully all that will help me be prepared for tomorrow's 4 miler. No update after the run tomorrow - a bunch of us are headed to Ripken Stadium to watch St. Michaels HS baseball play in the state tournament. A day of fun in the sun!

tight tonight

So today I ran. That's about all I have to say about that experience. I was tight - a bit sore - and the running just wasn't all that enjoyable. But...I did it. I backed off and only did six 4:1 run/walk cycles and walked a bit before and after. It still falls under what I need to do during the week but I'm feeling the effects of my laziness. I need to move more on work nights - whether it's cross training, cleaning, or doing laundry - I need to be more productive and less sedentary when I get home from work. I'm sure that will help. With that said - I'm off to clean a bit - launder a bit - and then work on lesson plans for next week.
Next Up: Fundraising info tomorrow on my mail in donors this week - final amount of fundraising from beach house raffle - and announcement of the beach house winner.
Saturday is the 4 miler - first increase in mileage - first week in pace groups - first time someone tells me to slow down my pace. :)

3 miler

I'm getting pretty comfortable at this 3 mile thing. :) Too bad I can't do 3 miles again on a Saturday ever again. Ha. Today was our 3 mile timed run so that our coaches could put us in pace groups. I made group I - which is a 12 min mile (a far cry from where I started in training). That puts me at a 3 min run, 1 min. walk ratio for the entire 1/2 marathon. I'm not sure who else is in my group yet. A few of my favorite running buddies are in the group right ahead of me doing a 4:1 - which is what I've been running. The run felt good today - was the first time I ran with my Ipod in ages. It helped tremendously since we were to run on our own, which I haven't done in ages either. I still love my sneakers! No aches or pains - although my right hip area was tight before we ran. I really need to do those stretches and strengthening exercises I ripped out of running world. They had an article about "hip popping/clicking" - which is my only running issue. It hasn't caused a problem when running like it used to last year but I almost constantly now have a small popping anytime I walk. It's just a matter of strengthening that muscle so I need to do that so it doesn't cause problems as we increase miles.
On a fundraising note: I am at 87% of my goal! WOOHOO!!! My supporters this week - who of course are rocking my world are: Frank & Ellie, Steph & Chris and Kristy (not sure if I mentioned her $130 donating from the jewelry party before). I know I have 3 more definite checks on their way plus the money we split from the beach house raffle puts me WELL above my goal. So... I am going to increase my goal from $1,000 to $1,310 ($100 per mile). I'm constantly amazed at the generosity of my friends and family. You guys ROCK for ROCKS!

P.S. - The VA Beach 1/2 marathon shirts just went on sale - I've been waiting for them to list these since I decided to join - I am SO going to order one today! :)

2nd Saturday of Obligation

Last night's high of raising $130 quickly turned into this morning's slump of tiredness. There was very little of me that wanted to run this morning. Again my stomach was bugging me (could have been all the spinach & herb dip or cookies from the party). After Nicole and I both whined to each other about not wanting to get up and go - we both did get up and get ready to run. It was chilly and did end up raining on us. I had decided on the car ride there that I would just run the 2 miles necessary and call it a day. That didn't happen. I quickly ended up with my normal group and ran 3.2 miles around town. We did about a 13 minute mile and it wasn't bad at all. At about mile 1.5 my stomach decided to remind me of my poor eating choices the night before. As it rumbled I listened, slowed down, and prayed I wouldn't have to stop. Without letting anyone know what was going on inside my body I kept running and my running buddy Jen kept talking to me. Without realizing it, the rumbling went away and we finished strong. After chatting and stretching for a few minutes Nicole and I headed to the Bagel Bakery for breakfast! The 3 mile timed run is next week - I'll have my pace group and then the following week we'll increase in miles. Overall things are still going well. I need to focus more this week on keeping a training schedule, including cross training, and eating well the night before. Some week it will all fall into place I'm sure.

On a side note: I was insistent on eating well today so before I headed to PA, I bought a 20oz. G2 and a 23oz water for the ride. I decided to skip my usual wawa stop and just stop at the PA rest stop. That proved to be a VERY poor choice. When I began to merge onto 95N I realized I had to go to the bathroom - like...very soon. That wouldn't have been a problem normally because the PA rest stop would be coming within 20 mins or so. However, some genius decided to close 2 of the 4 northbound lanes on 95 this weekend due to construction. So...It took me over 35 minutes to travel about 5 miles. All the while shifting in my seat as I got more and more uncomfortable. At this point my G2 was 3/4 gone and my water was 1/2 gone. Who could blame me...I was thirsty! I decided to get off whatever exit was first - bad choice! I traveled into downtown Wilmington - where there are NO places to head to the bathroom. When I felt as though I was going to burst or cry from frustration of not knowing where I was and desperately having to pee...I stopped at a convienence store/gas station/pizza shop. I walked in and asked if they had a bathroom. I must have looked desperate because I was ushered to the back kitchen where the door to the bathroom had tips on what to do if being burglarized. After waiting for a worker to finish using the bathroom I finally had my chance. THANK GOD! The traffic and bathroom adventure extended my trip by an hour. A little annoyed but overall relieved I finished my trip and my drinks and arrived in PA safely! Words of Wisdom - DON'T drink all that and skip the normal bathroom stop in an effort to save time.

Cookie Lee

Just a quick note tonight since I should be in bed!
I had my Cookie Lee Fundraising Party tonight - and raised $130. Thanks to all the wonderful people that bought jewelry!!!! I also got TONS of free and reduced priced jewelry too which was an awesome benefit. Adding the $130 from tonight's party with the wonderful donations from Christine and Dad (again) I am now at 75% of my goal. With the money coming in from the beach house raffle tickets and the 2 checks I know are also heading my way soon I will be so close to reaching my $1000 goal well in advance.

Now..to focus more on training...off to bed. 6am will come mighty quick! After the run I'm home to pack and head to PA for Mother's Day. I also have to finish my curriculum unit by Sunday night...so I will be busy busy busy! Hopefully I'll find time to update you all about my run tomorrow.

:)

Unmotivated

So...first week of official training and in comes the lack of motivation. Lots has happened this week that I've chosen to use as excuses. I did run today - down to the ball field to see some students play and then ran back. I was sore and tired but I pushed myself. I could have done better had today not been the first day I ran since Saturday morning. With everything going on I won't run again till Saturday morning. I need to get myself more in gear next week!



On a fundraising note: I am already at 60% of my goal. My Cookie Lee fundraising party is Friday and we're still selling raffle tickets for a beach house. I know for sure I have 2 more checks on their way. I am feeling really confident about the raising of the funds!

there are no words

I honestly can't think of much to say - which is a rare occasion for me. I received a $250 donation for my 1/2 marathon today from Lisa Beamer! It truly just brings tears to my eyes. For those of you who don't know who that is let me explain. Lisa and her husband Todd were my youth leaders in high school. They also taught my Sunday school class at Princeton Alliance Church. I babysat their little boys and just absolutely adored the whole Beamer family. Todd was a passenger on Flight 93 that crashed in PA on September 11th. He meant so much to me and I never had the chance to tell him that. Lisa and I have kept in touch through Christmas cards each year and her and her kids' pictures are on my fridge. They hold such a special place in my heart. She and Todd have always been more than generous to me, supporting my many mission trips, but never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd receive such a large gift. So Lisa, if you are reading this - Thank you - you've not only supported my cause but shown me once again the type of person you are - always thinking of and caring for others. I hope to one day bless others as you have blessed me throughout my life!
So I will not wait until Friday to honor my extra special donor - Lisa - THANKS!!!!

Training Day 1

LOVE IT! Let me say it again - I LOVED this morning. But let's back up a bit. Amy said to eat healthy the day before - hydrate well - get enough sleep - and get up about an hour before the run and move around. Hm...didn't so a lot of that. Let's start with yesterday - Debbie bought her girls donuts - I ate a few mini frosted donuts...then went to Rams Head in Annapolis for dinner. It was the first day in 3 weeks I've eaten off points. I had a bacon cheeseburger, french fries and a glass of beer...oh and peanut butter pie. Whoops! I paid for it this morning a bit in the bathroom, which I assumed. I was a little worried that I would also pay for it on the run but my stomach eventually settled down and I was just fine. Having so many people running together was encouraging. I was also encouraging to set the pace for a group of 3 milers and feel good about the pace. I have come a long way in just a few months. It makes me excited to see how much farther along I'll be come race day.
We ran today at a 4:1 ratio for 3 miles - which took about 38 minutes. I felt so good when we were done, I totally could have kept running. That fact alone made me feel tons better about this training. I don't have to increase milage for another 2 weeks so I'll be more comfortable at the 3 mile by then and definitely be ready to increase milage. I'm also loving being awake and alert so early on a Saturday. I have the whole day ahead of me - running done, breakfast done, shower done and normally I've only just woken up by now.
On a fundraising note: I'm now are 33% of my goal! :) My newest supporters are: Becky, Mary, & Debbie! Love them! Cards are on the way...gotta make some more today. Off to the outlets with Nicole then home to be productive!!! Many smiles today from the happy runner. I promise next Friday I'll eat healthier (at my fundraising Cookie Lee party.....anyone wanna come???).

On my own...

This weekend I am home alone. Normally I catch up on school work, clean, and sit in front of the TV. I hadn't exercised since our group run on Wednesday and I knew I had to run today. And...I did. I am normally not that self motivated but when you have new running clothes and a new running watch why not run?
I just got back from doing a 4:1 ratio (4 minutes of running and 1 of walking) for 30 minutes - walked about 5 mins prior and about 6 after. I did have to take two minute walk breaks twice. I wanted to stop so bad after 25 min of running. It's all such a head game so I talked myself into it and finished out what I had intended to run. My body felt tired but good -no aches or pains. My knees have been really good lately and my hip is still sore a little but I think that is improving. At least it doesn't pop - I must be strengthening those muscles! Hopefully I can motivate myself to run again tomorrow since I won't be able to run or do pilates :( on Monday.
Monday Debbie, Nicole, Donna and I will be heading to Fleet Feet in Annapolis to get fitted for running sneakers. I'm excited to actually get real sneakers and to retire the ones I've been using now for a while.
Training officially starts next Saturday so I treasured sleeping in this morning until 10. I won't be able to do that again until September!!! Well...off to shower and run some errands. I have 2 bags of clothes to drop off at good will - they are just too big for me...oh shucks..I might just have to buy some new clothes to replace them. :)
On a fundraising note:
As of this week I've pulled in almost 25% of my goal! Thanks goes out to this week's supporters : Ellen and Fred (waiting to see what he sent but he told me a check is on the way so I'll give him credit this weekend!)
Thank you cards will be coming to those folks soon - on tonight's agenda is making cards with my abundance of Stampin Up goodies!

Amy's mean!

Amy made us run too much today. Ha. I only say that because I promised her I would post it. Actually it was a great run. I felt good, after a little while, and we ran at a good pace for me. We did about 2 1/2 miles averaging between a 14 & 15 min mile. The 3:1 ratio felt really good today and I think I might actually try the 4:1 during my other runs this week to see if that can become as comfortable. We went off the track and ran on the road for our time today- loved it. I was nice not to just run in circles - different scenery!

My realization that this weekend is my last one to sleep in on a Saturday was a scary one. I am going to sleep until I just can't stand it anymore on Saturday. Starting next weekend I'll be up by at least 6am every Saturday until September for our training runs. This is really starting - I'm excited but it still doesn't seem real.

On a fundraising note: Debbie is raffling off her beach house for any offseason week through April of 2009 in the Outer Banks, NC. If interested in buying a ticket let me know - $15/1 $25/2 or $50/5. All proceeds will be split among 4 runners who are selling for our marathon goal of $1000. To see her house click below:
http://www.surforsound.com/properties/property/601

Off to find something else to eat - I earned 3 WW points for running today and I still have 9.5 regular points left for the day. I should not eat that many points of ice cream so I'll have to put some thought into my snack (snacks) for this evening. I was good and did have some G2 after running. It's not often I'm willing to give up points in a drink but it's good for me.

And the money arrives

When we started having marathon meetings, the coaches said that the fundraising would be the easiest part of the process. Well - after sending some emails I already have raised $198. I sent 40 letters today and I'm sure that will only continue the fundraising efforts. I can't wait to have Kristy demo a Cookie Lee party where some proceeds will go to my fundraising. This week Debbie and I are also going to make raffle tickets for a week at her beach house to raise funds to be split among the teachers running. Already being at 20% of my goal and having not even really begun the training is awesome!
A huge thanks to this weekend's supporters:
Pia, Phil, Julie & Bob, Mom & Dad, Nicole, and finally my first financial supporter- Dr. Salmon!!!!!!

Today was pilates after school. I absolutely love it even though it is TOUGH! I am strengthening muscles I didn't even know I had. I intend to continue with Pilates even after training is over. It is obvious why people who do it are in such awesome shape and I want to be one of them. Tomorrow I hope to run and Wednesday is our group training run - this week we move off the track and hit the road. :)

So far - injury free and still extremely motivated!

Cookie Lee

The wonderful Kristy Gancasz is going to help me raise money for my 1/2 marathon by helping me host a Cookie Lee jewelry party. I love their stuff - she is wonderful - and I'll raise money while hanging with friends and buying jewelry...ok sign me up! May 9th - Friday night - my place...come on over. If you are interested email or see me! Help me reach my goal by buying fun jewelry for yourself or others!

By the way - I got my first check donation today from Dr. Salmon - the Superintendent of my school system. THANKS!!!!

Pre-training runs

In preparation for the 1/2 marathon training, a group of us have been running weekly to get ourselves up to 3 miles using the couch to 5K program. It is a wonderful (and tough) program that I had used last fall when I ran 2 5Ks. I had not run since I played field hockey my sophomore year in high school and had no desire to start. Although it's been difficult the running bug bit me. I still can't believe I've committed to run 13.1 miles in only 4 and 1/2 months. I finally motivated myself this week to get back on Weight Watchers and exercise. So far I've eaten on points all week and ran twice, since Monday. I hope I can keep this motivation throughout the training - in regards to eating and running. I'm sore but I feel good. The running also gives me exercise points on WW and now I get to eat 3 more points worth of food tonight...BIG BONUS! I'm not always this gung ho and motivated so I'm sure I'll need some encouragement along the way!

If you haven't seen it yet - I have a fundraising page

www.active.com/donate/marathonrocks/carolanne

If you feel led to donate a dollar or two to help me reach my $1000 fundraising goal for the 1/2 marathon please stop by!

Feel free to comment - send the blog to others - and please keep checking in on the progress...I'm sure things will only get more interesting