My First Run in a New City

So I've been in Tirana for about 7 weeks now, which would put my last run at exactly 7 weeks ago.

The last run was a rough one. It was 2 days before I left the states. I went about 3 miles and my arch in my ankle was searing with pain, so when I say 3 miles I mean walking/running. Only about a mile of it was ran. I just couldn't pin point my emotions, and my mind was pacing back and forth between 2 worlds. At the time, I didn't think it would take me this long to get back into it. I mean Albania is full of mountains and beautiful sights, which means people must run all the time right? Wrong. Since living here I have seen 1 person out on an actual run in actual clothes. One. Singular. I did a double take and almost followed him just to be sure he wasn't running to catch a bus or something.

Tonight I went for my first run in Tirana. I've posted some info below.

Total time: 15:58 (pretty good considering it has been 7 weeks.)
# of stops while running: 1 (below average)
# of songs listened to: 4 (one was repeated a second time.)
# of people who laughed at me: 4 (above average)
# of stares: I'd say in the hundreds. About 75% of the people I passed stared at me.
# of man-holes I almost fell into: 2
# of time I almost got hit by a car: 1
# of times I almost tripped: 2
# of face wide smiles: 5
# of amazing views: 1 (mountains. I'll take a picture one of these times.)

I couldn't repeat the path ever again. The roads are far too curvy. I attempted to take the same path home and ended up 2 blocks away from where I started on the main road. Not the best experience of my life, but one I will probably try again.

In the words of Ryan Adams (which I listened to) "I didn't travel far, but my feet were moving."

Set myself up for failure

I have failed yet again. So I did start training after I wrote my last entry, but I only made it through the first week. A few short 1-2 mile runs and then one 3 miler. Half way through the 3-miler I was in so much pain I sat down and broke down weeping. I really set myself up for failure on this one, because there was no way my ankle was healed. So I took another 5 weeks off, and did a ton of walking during this time. Since then I've been starting back on my running, but I'm taking it easy. I've still been doing a lot of walking, and have been adding in a mile of running to a 3 mile walk. I've also tried a couple of 2 or 3 milers, and I've been doing okay at them. It's hard to get back into it after such a long time off, and I have to take a lot of walking breaks.
The main problem I'm having now is that I don't really have time for a half marathon. I have enough time to train and all that, but I'm moving. To another country. And I leave the cities in 6 weeks. Insane. Not to fret, hopefully I'll be able to find a fun marathon to race in Europe.

Why I've been gone.

Runs have been few, and bad recently. About 5 weeks ago I went out for a run on a slightly cloudy day and took my iPod with me. About .5 miles from home it began to rain. I sprinted the rest of the way to protect my dear iPod and my ankle has been hurting since. I gave it about 2 weeks to heal and tried a short 1.5 miler, and was in serious pain. I've given it another 3 weeks, and in the meantime have been spending a lot of time walking. I haven't tested it out yet (other than the walking which is great), but I'm hoping I'll be able to begin running again because I created an 8 week half marathon training program, and the half-marathon I want to run is 8 weeks from Wednesday. I haven't officially signed up yet because I want to see how the first 2 weeks go.

Hopefully you will be hearing more about my training soon. I've been dying to get back out in the beautiful weather....unfortunately this week looks rainy.

Break Down

I had a great/rough run today. Those are the best. I'm not sure if it was the fact that I chugged down too many vodkas last night, or the McDonalds I had on my way home from the bar, but my stomach wasn't feeling too hot, but the music was great. So I kept on running, and suddenly I just broke down. To the following song:

So what did I do? I ran to the nearest park (thankfully 2 blocks away), gasping for air and fell down on the swing. And I sobbed for 2 minutes. And then I got up. And I ran home feeling so very much better. Who knows why I had a mental breakdown, but I did. Sometimes I think they are just required to happen so I can release my pent up angry/stress every once in awhile. But I love it when it happens when I run because I have a great way of recovering from the break down.

winter running

So I've been running outside a bit recently and really enjoying it. Okay....that's a lie. I've been sort of enjoying it. It's too cold for my liking, but still nice. It takes me awhile to get my body warmed up. The benefit of the cold is that I don't have time for walking. I have to keep moving.

The funny part is that it's not even cold. today it was 33 degrees when I went out. I enjoyed the 2nd mile of my 3 miler. the first I was frozen and the last I was too warm. It's hard to decide what to wear because you want to shed layers, but can't. It's also hard to go and listen to music because my earbuds get stiff. And I can't run alone without music. that would be an awful experience.

I want to get out there more, and it's not too hard when it's sunny out, but when there are patches of ice I get nervous. and when the sky is gray it makes me sad. But I've just been sad in general recently. Life has been tough this year, and I have to say that running has been a very serious portion of my sanity. So I'd like to thank the belly I received freshman year that convinced me to start with the simple 1 milers. And I'd like to thank all the many people who have given me advice and gotten me up to those 3-4 mile average runs, and one wonderful 7.5 miler. I'll get to that half marathon soon.

trying to enjoy the miles

Wow. It's been awhile since I've written and I have a really good excuse. Life has been utterly crazy. Running has been pushed to the wayside, and therefore I have essentially nothing to blog about. But I've been going through a decently rough time recently, and while trying to work through it I came up with this quote. "It's not about finishing the race, it's about each and every mile it takes you to get there."So I'm trying to remember (as I count down until the days I'm done with Grad school and student teaching) that I need to enjoy the miles.

postpone

So heres what has happened in the last month. the Friday after I ran that 7.5 miles I got seriously ill. Could not move and just slept for 32 hours straight. I had a cold for the whole next week that was pretty bad. I tried to run on Thursday and Friday figuring if I could pick up a 3 mile, 4 mile, and a 5 mile on Sunday I would be able to do the following long runs over the course of 5 weeks: 5 miles, 7 miles, 9 miles, 11 miles, 6 miles, and then 13.1 miles. Unfortunately I was so sore on Saturday that I didn't think I'd be able to do 5 miles on Sunday. Then, on Sunday, I accidentally skipped a step on our stairs and twisted my ankle. I had to take another week off of running, thus ruining my chance to complete my training and not overwork myself. It has been so hard to find the time to even run 2-3 miles on a week day that I really just think that training right now is not going to work. I think I may have convinced a few girls in the Elementary Ed program to run one with me next spring/summer. So heres to hoping.....

It's not hard to fall, when you float like a cannonball

Long run today did not go so well. I'm just too exhausted. I got 8 hours of sleep last night, but it's just not enough to catch up for the whole week, and I need more hours in my day to get everything done. Seriously. Anyway I ran over what I used to call the "bridge of death" and back. The bridge wasn't that difficult. Unfortunately my foot fell asleep a few times and during the last mile I seriously felt like I was going to pass out. But I completed the 7.5 miles. I might take an extra rest day this week, just because I have something going on every single night this week.

There is too much going on in my life, and I don't want to give any of it up, but if something ends up going it's probably going to have to be running. I wouldn't give it up completely, but I might have to cut back.

Under Ten!

I ran 4 miles yesterday and I finally got my mile time under 10 minutes! This may not seem like a big deal to a lot of people, but this is really good for me, considering it was a 4 mile run.

One super annoying thing happened though (so I had to take a short 2 min break in the middle of the run.) My right foot fell asleep. I was wearing my new shoes, so I wonder if they just need to get worn in? I stopped to adjust my sock, massage the foot for a minute and loosen the laces in the shoe. I was then able to run my last 1.2 miles home. I hope this problem doesn't consist. I also hope I can keep up with training, because my schedule is going to be absolutely insane. This week I've been getting done with student teaching early and starting late. Since most of our week has been getting to know you activities and going over rules and routines there hasn't been too much to prepare for teaching, so I've been getting done at about 3:30 or 4 instead of 5. Hopefully I can keep up as I get to some of my longer weekday runs. Tonight is my first speed work training. I know you don't need a track to do speed work, but I found one that is about a mile from my house, so I might do a run there as a warm up and then a jog home as a cool down. We'll see how much time I have. The Packers are playing tonight, so I really want to watch their game. Go Pack Go!

Runners High!

My first long run was splendid. I've been logging my runs on mapyourrun.com. I planned a route from my house, over stone arch, to a playground, and back. Unfortunately this route was closed because there was a half marathon going on (the one I was originally supposed to do.) This, however was super motivating. I ran to Marshall street and back, and really wanted to keep going (runners high), but didn't want to injure myself, so I stopped. Turned out I had ran 5.5 miles. Woohoo!

The rest of the week was insanely stressful. I didn't run at all again until Friday and this run was not good. My feet are so sore (from standing all day) and full of blisters (from new shoes) plus my new shoes aren't worn in yet. I only did 30 minutes of running and was completely exhausted. We will see how the rest of training goes. I'm not sure I'll be able to keep up with the schedule.

The Real Beginning!

Holy mother of Jesus it's been a long time since my last post. Today was week one of training and for the most part it went well. Here is the official schedule.

I was super stressed on Thursday and was only able to get through 32 minutes of running. Also I hiked 5 miles for work on Wednesday, so I only did a short hill training session. Today I did 41 minutes and it was a morning run that went fairly well. This week may be rough with starting school and moving, but we'll see how it all goes.

Today I maxed out my credit card for the first time ever on these suckers.

A highly necessary purchase. These are size 9 Asics GT2160's. They are the same model of the ones I have now, except that they are the female 2011 version instead of the male 2010 version. I also had to get some more professional short sleeve shirts (no AC in the school I'm working in) and underwear. Total I spent $170 today....yikes. Good thing I get paid on Friday. Unfortunately, rent is due on Thursday....

10 Ways You Know You are a Serious Runner

1. You are  excited about spending all the money you've saved up this summer on a new pair of running shoes. Seriously. Not that I wouldn't like to be buying dressy shoes for student teaching next year, but i'll live with the ones I have. I'd much rather have new running shoes.

2. You start to understand the importance of a good sports bra. The $10 ones are okay for when you are running 3 miles a few times a week, but anything over 4 and you need more support. I now have invested in 2 decent bras. Totally worth the $50.

3. You devour the latest Runner's World Magazine. My dad has now sent back 4 issues with me, and the other ones I browsed through, looking at pictures, and reading a few interesting articles, but this one is getting analyzed in depth. You'll never guess which article I just finished? It was about the benefits of running hills!

4. You understand the benefits of rest days. When I was only running 2 miles a day rest days weren't really needed. Now I can feel myself dragging along if I run 4 days in a row without some cross training or rest.

5. Music matters less and less. I used to have to stop 10 times to switch music. Now I'll be 2 or 3 minutes into a song before I realize I don't really like it. And by then what's the point of taking a break? I still like picking out slower paced songs for longer runs and faster ones for short runs. I have to make sure I don't tire out too easily.

6. The reason you do laundry is because you are out of running clothes. Usually I run out of clean bras or shorts. This was a first. All I had left in my running drawer was long sleeve shirts, leggings, and paper thin bras. It was sad.

7. You have to run to the store just to pick up your favorite recovery food. Out of Bananas and Frozen Yogurt? How am I going to make Peanut Butter Banana Shakes?!?! (This is why I'm not losing any weight.)

8. You limit your drinks at night because "I have to run 6 miles tomorrow." I've used this excuse about 10 times and never have I ever run 6 miles. But I will....in 3 weeks when I start training!

9. You plan out meals based on how far/when your next run is.

10. You start dating your running buddy. Haha....just had to add this one for the pure laughter. I know my running buddy/boyfriend will get out of it. But seriously...who has time for a relationship and running? Why not combine the two? Plus, running is a great way to get to know each other. And if a guy likes you sweaty, in gross running clothes, and with your hair in a pony, then chances are he'll love you all dressed up and cute ;-P

On Getting Through the Hard Miles

I had an epiphany the other night as I was trying to fall asleep, and it was something I desperately wanted to blog about, but I can't for the life of me remember exactly what it was. I have some sort of idea, although this seems dumb in comparison to what I thought of in bed, which seemed legendary, but I guess I'll blog about it anyway.

Life is similar to running in so many ways. In running, you reach rough days, and days with miles that are easier to get through. There are miles where you feel fantastic and have fun. These miles fly past you. Then there are the miles where you have to focus on your goals, and the final prize. You have to center your balance and breathing, focusing on each and every step.

In life there are days that go by quickly, un realized and unimportant. Then there are the easy and fun days, the ones that keep you living. And then, of course, there are those hard days. The days that cause you to focus on your balance and breathing.

The thing is that if it wasn't for these rough runs, there would be no improvement to running. They say that with no pain comes no gain. This isn't true. We can gain from days and runs with no pain, but those days would seem so meaningless if it wasn't for the days and runs where we have to exert everything within us.

So sometimes I have force myself to go onto the next mile, until I get to the mile that reminds me why I love running so much. And so, I will simply force myself to work through the hard days until I get to the 1 day that makes me realize how truly great life is.

The Monster Dash

So we have officially decided on the Monster Dash, which will take place on October 29th. The only thing that now remains to figure out costume ideas. Since the race takes place the weekend of Halloween everyone dresses up in costumes to run the races, and their is a costume competition. Therefore, me and John are looking for creative couple costume ideas that are easy to run in. If you think of any let me know. So far our best ideas are as follows
1) Fried Chicken and Waffles. problems- not sure how to go about finding costumes, and we aren't sure if people would get it.
2) Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. problems- not sure I could run in antlers
3) Ketchup and Mustard. This seems too easy to me.

Anyway, training will start in about 2 weeks, I found a great 10 week training program. So I'll post again when I get a schedule all written up. So excited!!!

Redemption comes in many shapes, with many kinds of pain

So, I have officially created a training schedule and found a half marathon to run the last weekend in August. The plan was that if I could keep up with the training for the next 2 weeks, when I'm working extra and have class, then I would be able to complete it all and I'd sign up for the race. Given the circumstances of extreme weather I have not been able to keep up. I've skipped a few run, and made some runs shorter than they should have been.

Today I completed my 6 mile run, or my 5.85 mile run. It did not go well at all. I was so warm, plus the antibiotics I'm on right now many me nauseous, and cause my skin to burn easily. I forgot to put on sunscreen, so 30 minutes into the run I looked at my shoulders and realized they were already pink. Plus I hate running in the heat. If that isn't enough reason to not run a half marathon in August, John (my running partner who was going to run it with me) hurt his knee a few weeks ago and needs some serious recovery time. So we discussed it last night and decided to postpone it to late September or October.

I'm currently looking at the Maranatha's Road Race on September 17th or the Monster Dash on October 29th. If we do the first one then my training program that I started this week would be pretty accurate. If we do the October one then I can pos-pone training for 3-4 weeks, and just keep doing an average of 20 miles a week. I'll keep you posted!

One Mile at a Time

Sorry It's taken me so long to write again. It's been truly insane! Needless to say my running has taken a back seat to my work, school, and small social life. Sleep deprivation is not a good way to run. I try and get out at least 3-4 times a weeks, and most of these are around 4 milers.

John is currently trying to convince me to run a half marathon in the end of August and if life wasn't going to be so crazy in the next few weeks I totally would. 3 weeks left and I'll be done with class, but in those 3 weeks I will potentially be working more hours. The family I work for has adopted 6 children already and the mom and dad leave for China on Friday to adopt 2 more! I'm super excited for them, but it means a lot of work on the part of many PCA's while they are gone. As John puts it I just have to get through one mile at a time. But I still haven't gotten to do an entire 6 miles (trust me I've planned to do a few times, but it just never works out.)

I'm still woking on my pacing which means going slower, but much farther. I've also been trying to work on decreasing my heel striking these last few weeks, as I'm sure it's probably one of the reason my ankle was so bad for awhile. In good news: I went home in June and while I was there my chiropractor took a look at my ankle and did some adjustments and it hasn't hurt since!

Guess that's all for now folks. Sorry if this seemed quick and undeveloped. Just had to get it all out quick. Now back to homework.

I Heart Hills

I've been doing a lot more running recently thanks to my awesome running buddy. The best part is that where I used to be running 2 or 3 miles almost everyday on my own, I'm now running 4-5! incredible! The best part about these runs in definitely the hills. haha....

So, I hate hills. I always feel like I'm going to die when I get to the top of them. So John, being the nice guy that he is, tries to speak words of encouragement to me as I force myself to the top. First he spoke utter nonsense about becoming one with the hill and focusing my energy and breathing. This didn't help. Then, one day he told me that I just had to convince myself that I love hills. And....well, I'm trying my best.

Anyway after getting my topic proposal back, and severely critiqued at class last night, and thereby having a serious mental breakdown after arriving at home, I thought about what a great motivation this would be for all of us in life. Why not tell yourself, "I love hills. I love the obstacles that stand in my way."  Really, that's all these rough patches are. They are just hills, and once you get to the top of them you will feel like you have accomplished something truly great. So this is how I want to try to approach life from now. With an "I love hills!" attitude.

Improvements and Failures

I'm super happy because I'm finally starting to feel the benefits of all my hard work. Recently I've been able to run further distances. I used to feel like 2 miles was long, but since I've been working on pacing myself I've been going further distances. Thursday I went hiking at Minnehaha Falls with the kids all day and thought I'd be way to tired to do my long run. I set out to do 3 miles and ended up doing 4.5. And if it wouldn't have been for the mountain of homework waiting for me I might have gone further. Friday I did about 4.5 miles again. So happy :)

Minnehaha Falls was a blast, and I think I might try to get a group there to do some trail running. I've been running with some guys who are training for a half marathon in the end of July. I go on there 3 and 4 mile days with them, and while they've tried to convince me to do 6 miles with them I refuse. It'd be nice to take a group to the Falls, because there are portions of it that would be dangerous to run, but also very fun.

In other news, I accidentally ate meat on Friday. Just a small piece of ham on pizza, but I've decided I'm going to start re aquatinting my body with it. At work I just eat whatever they provide for me for lunch, and it hasn't been super difficult yet, but I know it will get harder as time goes on. I'm still going to eat mostly vegetarian, but I want to get back to the point where I can eat meat, if I want to, without getting sick. I had a tiny bit of beef last night, and my stomach is killing me today (although this could also be from the insane amount of alcohol I drank last night.)

New Schedule

My summer schedule is about to get a bit more crazy. Tomorrow I start, not only my full time summer job, but also my writing intensive summer school class. This is going to make it a bit more difficult to work out. Monday and Wednesday will consist of work all day and class all night, so working out is probably out on those days. So here is the schedule.

Monday- exercise as much as possible at work with kids. They either walk to class and ride bus home or bike to and from class. Try to run or walk a mile in the morning (if i'm not too exhausted.)
Tuesday- 3-4 mile run
Wednesday- Same as Monday
Thursday- Run 5 miles
Friday- run 3-4 miles
Saturday- Run 3 miles
Sunday- Run 4-5 miles

The "Running Club"

There are so many things to be gained from becoming a runner. I know I discussed my top ten reasons in a previous post, but there is one main thing I forgot to mention.

If there is one thing you can count on as a runner it is that at the end of every bad run, and at the top of every rough hill there will be someone to encourage you that you are better than you think you are, and that you can run faster, harder, and farther.

There is such a thing as a "running club." Some people you may meet with to run often, others, every once in awhile, and there are some people you merely chat with about types of shoes, trails you enjoy, or races you hope to someday enter. They come in various shapes and sizes, with very different experience, all with one common interested: Long Distance Running. But once you are in this club you will be hard pressed to find a way of escaping it.