8 Miles!

Every stinkin' muscle and bone in my body is aching. It took me two hours this morning, but low and behold, I completed the 8 mile route for our training today! It was a doosey. The first 2 miles were horrendous with all the muscles trying to warm up. Miles 3-7 weren't that bad; 4 and 5 were kind of enjoyable actually. I had a good pace, the wind was blowing through my hair and I was smiling. Mile 8 however brought the feeling of death. I honestly didn't think I could make it as I had absolutely nothing left in me. Time to bring out the Goo from now on! When I got home, I ate some protein and collapsed. I took a cat nap...until 3:30! But that's ok, I needed the sleep. I'm excited because now that I have done the 8, I know I can do it again next week and be ready to jump to 12 miles the week after that!! Holy cow, did I say 12?

Visit my website!

My marathon training is moving right along! I had a setback while I was sick last week, but am getting right back in there. I will join my team for the 8 mile run/walk this Saturday morning!

I am also getting in full swing with my fundraising and hope to have my letters out by the end of this week, which will contain more details about the cause, the little boy that I am running in honor of, and an opportunity to send me a name that I can add to my honoree list. If you have family members or friends who would like to donate to this awesome cause, email me their address or pass along the below website. Every little bit counts and all donations are tax deductable.

I am really excited about this opportunity that I have and am just committing my fundraising goals to the Lord and will be doing everything I can to raise the funds to continue fighting these blood diseases. I will be posting the story of little Hayden soon!

Visit me here: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sac/rnr09/lgarcia04q

cough cough cough

I just want to say that it was so good to be completely back in the real world today. Finally. After being layed up since last Wednesday night, I no longer sound like a hacking, 75 year old, wrinkled woman who has smoked since she was 10.

mmm... fresh air...

Have you ever had one of those days where you look back and go, "man, that was such a great day!" Yesterday was just one of those days for us. Even this morning, Frank and I were still talking about how nice of a day it was. Frank had worked 2 graveyard shifts in a row and has been exhausted from them. He left work early on Saturday night and got home around 3am, as he was so tired, he couldn't make it any longer. We were planning to get up and go to church, but needless to say, he was out cold. Around 11am he woke up and felt so much better, so we decided to take a walk. We went out to a levy around one of the channels of the Delta and walked all the way around, about 6 miles total! It was so peaceful. It was cold, the wind was blowing, birds were flying, a few boats passed along the sparking water, the clouds were puffy... it was so refreshing. We just walked along talking and laughing for the hour and a half it took us. When we were done we went for a swim at the gym which topped it all off. It just became one of those days that meant alot to us and we can't wait to do it again.

Run, run as fast as you can! You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!

Last night, I shocked my socks off! Not literally with electricity, but in that I ran/walked 4 miles at my team training!! 4 miles! Unheard of in my book. I think I'm likin' this whole running thing. Let's see if I still like it when I have another 4 miles in front of me on Saturday at 7am.

And we're off!

So, as all 4 of you who read my blog know, I started my training for the Marathon I am running at the end of May. I am SO EXCITED!!!

I'm thinking of creating another blog specifically for me to track my training and update everyone on the likes of what I am doing - a link I can post on my fundrasing website for those who want to donate. Not sure yet, still thinking... for now I will post here.

Day 1 - Our first official training day was last Wednesday night. I went out to the parking lot of Panera over on Trinity. I was pretty nervous. I drove up a few minutes early and there stood my coaches with a Team In Training table (banner included) and about 3 other people. Needless to say, I sat in my car a few minutes trying to decide if I was actually going to take this plunge! I did. So glad. I went to the table and signed in, said hello to everyone and then stood there. In the cold. 6pm. Wednesday night. What the hec was I doing! A few more joined us and they gave the intro. These people don't waste a single minute! From there we headed off down the road for a 2.5 mile jog! So there I am running along (yes, running!) so proud of myself and thinking, wow, this is kinda weird. I got a little tired after a bit and slowed to a walk, along with a few other gals. We finally got to the school (our destination) and I was relieved... only for a few seconds, until we had to turn around and go all the way back. duh! as if I thought a van might pull up and take me back. rrriiight. We started back and then the pain hit. dang! I was wearing worn out shoes and they were killing the tops of my feet; I really thought I would die. No joke. I laughed a little when I saw the lights of Panera cuz I knew I was almost home. Thank you God. Back at the parking lot, ready to die, pee, and sleep, my coach says, "ok, sprints across the lot, GO!" And off I went, pain and all. It was a delightful evening of pain, sweat, and more pain, but I survived and couldn't wait to go again.

Day 2 - You know when you're driving and out of nowhere you see people running - some in clumps, some on there own - and you think to yourself, "What are they doing?! And why are they all running, and where are they going!" Hi, that's me now! I am one of those people! I went to Fleet Feet (great store) this morning and got fitted for shoes so I could be a professional and then off we went again! We ran from Lincoln Center, down Ben Holt, down Alexandria, around Lincoln High, then all the way back. About 3 miles. Yes, I was dying again but no my feet didn't hurt! The shoes worked! I am a pro now! It was not one bit enjoyable or easy, but it felt so great.

I train with my team (about 12 or so people) every Wednesday night and Saturday morning. I have to follow the workout plan they gave us on the other days so that I can increase my endurance. It's so motivating having people doing it right with you, encouraging you, and knowing you have no choice but to make it up and back.

So, if you ever see me running down the street in my new shoes and cool running clothes, honk and ask me if I want a ride home. I just might.

I almost passed out.

So, in my previous blog I stated that my back room is an explosive mess. Has always been and will always be... so I thought. Boy, was I ever in shock and awe when I got home last night from my training... I was gone from 5:30 to 7:15 (that's not that long!) and in that time my incredible husband got home from work and completely tore the room apart. I walked in the door and knew something was up, as I saw a few things by the door. Little did I know what was in store! He had gone through paper piles and organized them, thrown away garbage, found storage for all the stuff, hung our white board, put out pictures in frames, cleaned the desk, vacuumed the floor, and even placed a candle on the desk. The room looks fantastic and is more organized than I could have ever thought!!! I have such a wonderful husband.