Be one with the rain.

 Every single runner I run into (ahahaha) says, "oh did you hear about this 5k race? Its a good one!" or.. "Im doing this next weekend" (insert massive talk up here so your dying to do it without knowing what the race is actually for.) Its hard to smile and stick to my guns; absolutely no more 5k's, 10k's or any other kind of k's until after my half. Zilch, nada, NONE. It's so hard. I think I'm going to have to stay off the race calendar from now until the 24th. It just might be the only way. Sigh.. oh the hardships of being a race addict.

 Today being wednesday was my meet up with the other running group. I pissed and moaned, throwing it back and forth on whether or not to actually go all day. One second, I was dead set against it; my muscles ache badly (so sorry thighs.. but I'm sure you understand..) and the sky looks oh so threatening. I do not run in the rain. Its hard to see when you wear glasses - and unless I really from the depths of my soul need a run, I do not enjoy it.  Then I talked myself into just getting dressed, a little trick I learned from Runners World magazine. (I owe you!) When I looked in the mirror and thought, I don't want to go because in these comfy (not willing to change) work out clothes, I don't look athletic. WHAT?!? Even for me, thats the stupidest excuse I have ever used to date. So off to run I went. And I hated every mile, every second, every stride of it. It was the kind of run where your iPod might be saying that your keeping a good, strong pace but you just feel like you're not moving. I even thought to myself at one point that an elderly person could out run me. (Even now, I wouldn't be surprised.) The rain was one of those miserable drizzles and all I could think about was the fact that my shoes would be getting wet. At one point, I simply wanted to lay down in the middle of some random persons yard and quit. But you know what? When I was done, I felt great and accomplished. I would force myself to do that exact run over again in a heart beat.  I truly believe that there is something to be learned from each and every run. I think the less than perfect ones keep you humble.

 The best part of my run, and to make my splendid day even more splendidy-er The Woman got me a new pair of running shoes for our three year anniversary! Holy excitement!... She loves me. Yes, its a few days early but with the half so close we can't waste absolutely any time breaking them in. I went to a real place to get them - they measured my feet (and it was then determined that I had been buying my shoes half a size too small ALL this time. Way to go.) and they let me try em' out on their treadmill. Oh what a nice nice treadmill. I keep secretly fantasizing about getting take more than a three minute run on that baby. Any who... I think that my shin pain could be partly attributed to poor support in my old shoes so we went with the most support they had to offer. I still got to stay within the Nike family! - thank god because there wouldn't be enough time in the world to grieve and then get over that loss. I took them out for the four and a half mile run from hell tonight and absolutely loved them. Great sneaker - so far, I couldn't be happier.

These are the rest of my babies.. One is old, burnt out and retired. Another is brand new but I only use them for short distances. One I learned isn't even a pair of running shoes (umm wtf Nike??). And the other is my favorite racing shoes yet they screw me over each and every time by eating away at my ankles.  Regardless of there imperfections, quirks and other what-have-yous... I love them all. (Not exactly equally, but there is love none the less.) The best part about coming home from a crappy run? Having my two cats willing to cuddle up to my stinky, over run, rained on self. Sometime the only thing that separates me from being the crazy cat lady is a pair (or five) of running shoes... and other times, the only thing that separates me from being the crazy running lady are my cats. <3

Hit the trails running.

 The feeling of fall excites me, I can step out side - at any time of the day and be struck with the motivation to run. No more sizzling heat, or relying on caffein for a jolt (but who I am kidding, I'll still suck coffee down like its my job anyways!) It's like having an entirely new world - a new play groud, and it's all yours.  Even "bad" runs are less crappy in the fall. So your legs hurt, your stomach might crawl up your throat, you're burnt out, your shoes are burnt out, bugs are flying down your throat and into your belly - but it hardly matters. You're not not being smothered by the sun - and thus, it is a good run (yes, bug guts and all. Mom says its a good source of protein. yum.) When the air changes like this, I always have the burning desire to do so as well. I could use a good change but for now, Im excited and content with watching my miles wrack up. I hope being a slave to the sun will pay off in the cooler months like every one says. I'll be mighty cranky if it doesn't. You've ben warned.

 I keep taking myself further and further away from home when I run - it's my (sometimes) cruel way of making sure the miles are getting in. I know that no matter what, I have to get myself back home - and if I run it, I'll get there faster. See the sick connection? Anywho, sick or not, I love pushing my limits and I feel like the fall months really allow me to do that.  These pictures are some of the GORGEOUS views from Monday's 7 mile outing. I find having pretty things to look at is great motivation/ distraction. You want to push yourself to and around the upcoming corner just to be able to see what might come next. Even if you've run that route before, it's never the same twice. A quick (or not because sometimes I just ramble) side note; running alone really makes you appreciate the volunteers from your races. Not only do they provide you with water so you don't dehydrate and die, but they protect you from traffic so you don't get run over. Even if I don't take the water cups from them (I have had bad experiences with it going up my nose. Not a good time.) I thank them. Without them, we would be dehydrated road kill. I wonder how many other runners realize that.

Yesterday I went out with my boys (the running club) and did over six glorious miles of trails. To say that I am in love with trail running would be a complete insult to how I really feel. I like racing (and placing) a whole lot, but long distance and trail running? That's where my heart really is.  Having them at the same time? Euphoric. It reminded me of camping as a little kid , running through the woods - those were some good times. And to relive something like them as an adult screams "I'm one big kid!" My shoes were a mess, as were my legs by the end but I could care less. I remember my parents would say (at camp, none the less) that being messy was the sign of a good day. Yeah well, I had a great day. It has become my mission of the fall the find more trails and run them until my legs fall off. I can hardly wait.



A lot has been going on in my world outside of running - like today for instance, I had an interview with that company I so badly wanted to work for and... got the job! My new title is "Coach Heather" and I will be teaching nutrition and fitness to younger kids. The irony in this situation? Before I left long island every one would ask me what I was planning to do for work.. and I would say (almost as if I was dreaming to be an astronaut or something) that I wanted to teach fitness to little kids or coach. In return, I would get blank stares. Maybe even once or twice I heard crickets in the back ground. Where they chirping or laughing? The world may never know. But any who, I actually got everything I asked for.  I am already in love with the job but there needs to be more than that; I need/want to be good at it. These kids deserve the best, my best. I want this to be everything I have hoped for and then some. Just like everything else I suppose, only time will tell. Im excited... and terrified, but I'm hoping only one will shine through.

Blood, sweat and tears.. of joy

Three days have passed since my 5k race, and here I sit, still in awe with the out come. I definitely feel like I have some sort of running guardian Angels. Here are the stats :

WNY Running Hall of Fame:

 First place in age group. (1/14) 

22/121 in gender. 

124/292 over all. 

Time: 24:49

Pace: 7:59 per mile. 

I owe my mother and my adrenaline for my victory, but mostly my mom. The day of my race, just hours before heading out the door, a little package arrived in the mail. To heather, love mom - and besides love, it included a mini tube of a little something called bio freeze. AMAZING stuff. ( I honesty hate that I didn't know about this stuff sooner!) With that little miracle, I felt as if I could run forever - okay, maybe not forever, but defiantly the required 3.1 miles. Goodbye pain!

Im in LOVE with this photo. I feel like a ghost.

This race was straight up insane. I don't know any other way of putting it. I decided not to toe the start line, mostly out of fear. Last thing I wanted was not to be able to work up enough speed and as a result get trampled by 300 other un injured (or so I assume) runners.  So I stood a couple rows back and a little off to the side (later, as in now, I slightly regret this decision because it caused me to lose about 20 - 30 seconds worth of time. I am not a fan of the buffalo race scoring system) Anyway - waiting for gun time felt like an eternity. And ETERNITY I tell ya'. And trust me when I say, my heart was racing WAY before my legs. I always get nervous before a race, but never anything quite like this. So bad. Were talking shaky knees and everything - they say never to try anything new on race day and having the jitters that bad was definitely new.  I started off just a little slower than usual, trying to use any pain as a pace gauge and when I hardly found any - I ran that race as if my freaking life depended on it. And to me, it did.  When Im in a race, I'm in it - completely. People always ask me what the course was and I can never tell them. I could be running in the land of make believe and I wouldn't know the difference. Its all a blur to me, much like my self int this picture. I always find some sort of hidden "Oomph" when I know the finish line is lingering somewhere in the near future. I have no idea how I do it, but I do. I heard the woman cheering on the side lines - but I didn't dare look at her even though I so badly wanted to - when I'm going that fast, Im always so scared of tripping and busting my face.  I wish I could run the entire race like that, but I almost guarantee that I would throw up. I always want to when I cross the finish. My body HATES the sudden stop, but thank god, Ive been able to keep that under control (knock on wood) thus far.  That's one of my biggest fears for my half marathon; throwing up at the finish. I suppose if I had to choose between not finishing or finishing but puking - I'll take the puking. No questions asked. I wish I could apologies in advance.  Maybe I'll send a letter.

When I actually crossed that finish line and realized that I finished only 45 seconds slower than my PR, I was ecstatic. Were talking so happy that I actually fought off tears of joy. I admit that it doesn't take much to make me cry, but to be brought to tears out of my own  accomplishment? That never happens. I can't even properly describe how good it felt. Not only was this race up to my standards - even really injured, but having it be over was like a weight lifted off my guts. Being so relived however allowed my to actually feel how torn up the skin on my ankle was. I knew it hurt, and it was probably a little bloody - but holy crap. (again, thank you adrenaline for letting me not be too bothered by it while racing.) Im not saying I didn't feel it, somewhere near the mile and a half mark  it hurt like absolute hell - but something in me had ignited and wasn't about to be stopped by a little blister. Despite my precautionary measures, it was indeed my NYC 5 mile run all over again. I hate when racing fears come true mid race. It takes a little extra effort to really stay focused. (never mind the fact that it was almost 90 degrees out..) Yes, it was the same pair of shoes as the 5 miler blister, but to their defense, I train in them ALL the time. They only act up like this sometimes, but usually that sometimes is indeed during a race. Three days later, it looks ten times worse than in the picture. I don't even know how that's possible, but it is.  Trust me, I am anything but impressed by the dried pool of blood that now resides in my sneaker. yuck. Any who - some of my Front Runner running buddies were there; we've become a great support team for each other and I loved having them to be part of my accomplishments and being able to be part of theirs. They were so proud of my first place; as was the woman (proud and shocked, may I add) - the whole thing just felt incredible.

This was the award they gave out for placing in an age division - it's not the trophy or medal that I'm used to, but I do love it - a lot. The quality is amazing (even though it is adidas and Im a Nike girl!) and it has the name and date of the race on it. Definitely a unique prize. (The real prize for me was having such a good race despite my - what I thought would be - limitations. Goes to show you what a little determination, love from mom and the support of a girlfriend will do.) When they called my name not only did they barely butcher my last name, but I walked proud (and barefoot...ouch) to collect my award because I knew that I really deserved this one. My age group is difficult enough and that in itself led me to believe that I wouldn't place. Perhaps this victory felt the sweetest because it was the most unexpected. Whatever it is, I'm very grateful. Any who, I'm not really much of a bag person, but I've been filling it with any un necessary what -have- you I have laying around just because I want to wear it everywhere. At least continuous use won't result in being stinky like if it were the tshirt I was so bummed about not getting.  (Side note, and in my defense, I really do have arm muscles - they are in the front of my poor little arm and they  just don't have enough strength to shine through here. I've worked really hard for them and it kills me to post this picture and not have them show! Admittedly so, I have been slacking on the weight training. I can't wait to get back in the gym for that reason alone. I do have weights at home, but theres something about the gym that is much more motivating.)

When the after race festivities died down, The Woman wanted to take me out to celebrate so we wandered ( I did something that resembled something more like hobbling) around looking for a new place to have dinner. It meant the world to me that she not only took the time out of her studying to watch a run we both thought was going to be a little... slow, but she continued to take time away from her studies to spend an evening out with me/for me. She really is something. The whole night was nice, but nothing feels greater than when she is proud of me. Being out for dinner was ridiculously exciting- as if I wasn't excited enough, it was like getting a surprise date! I love dates of ay variety, but the unplanned ones are always my favorite. Any who, dinner was DELICIOUS - we went to this little greek place in the village where they offered these unique pizzas (amongst other traditional greek food, but I'm not much of the traditional type). I can't wait to go back... It was the perfect ending to a great run. And because I placed in the 1st annual, I'm already looking forward to next year and having to opportunity to "defend" my spot. Trust me, the insanity never quite ends. Life would be so boring if it did.  ;)  

It's about that time....

 Seven hours until go time... but who's counting? After hardly sleeping AT ALL last night, I have woken to be surprisingly calm. The calm before the storm? hmmm.  I may not be able to give this race my over all best, but I am determined to give it my current best. There really isn't another way to look at it. To be honest, I was scared that people who didn't know I was hurt would look at my time, what ever it may end up being, and be like... ummm some runner you are. (I know, I know, Im supposed to think "who cares?") That's  scary and hard for me because I always give my best and usually have something awesome to show for and be proud of. I think that no matter what happens today, I will still be proud and The woman will be too, That's enough for me.  Every race can't be your best, your smoothest, your most comfortable, a new PR - today, Im trading in skill for dedication and determination, and Im simply going to run like I still deserve to be there. In fact, I do deserve to be there. I've put in one hell of a season so far and it's not even close to being over. So I'm picking myself up, brushing off the dust of me, my sneakers and my pride and I'm going to finish that race - with a positive attitude - like it is my one and only job . My goal today is to simply not give up, yes even if that means finishing last.  Shocking, I know. Maybe sleep deprivation is finally getting to me. Maybe running in the back of the pack will give me a new perspective. (I have to at least hope.)  My former PR is lucky that I can't stomp all over it today... that doesn't mean that I won't. Im not going to let this stupid injury suck the life and fun out of something that I love so much.

 I'm treating today as if it were any other normal race - plenty of water, down time and carbs. I will spend the usual amount of time (if not more) making sure both my body and mind are prepared and content. I keep telling myself, out loud at times, that it will be okay. I know this isn't the olympics; but it's my personality to treat every single race, run and everything in-between like it is that important. I take my running seriously, but today - I have to not take myself so serious. There is no shame in trying and falling a little short - the important thing is that you try. I'm going to try try try until my head... or leg falls off. Pain or not, Im looking forward to a run. Bring on the challenge.

A picture is worth 1,000 words.

<----This is
how I spent much of my day. Hung up with a ziplock bag FULL of ice cubes and 3m painter tape to keep it in place. (Note to self; buy saran wrap.) At least the tape was pretty. I ended up in this bad of shape because I insisted that I was fine and dandy enough to go out for a run yesterday.  Way to go. To say the least, I am ridiculously unimpressed.





Instead of running today, I  did a bit of light house work, like the good "house girlfriend" that I am  and  then lounged around (stressing) and making  this : Isn't he cute? See, there is another side of me - I do have hobbies/ "talents" instead of just running all the time. If I keep the mind and the hands busy, then it takes longer for the legs to realize that they are sitting still.  I have a few more projects in mind for tomorrow to keep me busy until race time. If this were under different circumstances, I'd be having a blast. I love craft days! (I just happen to love running more.)

Considering that I had huge goals for this race, not running it actually crossed my mind. But then I thought, what it the more honorable thing to do? Withdraw because you're afraid of a bad time or run it because it's about finishing what you started. I may have mentioned a time or two that I don't start things unless I have every single intention of finishing them. I think it takes a bigger person, a bigger athlete to own your limitations then to sit on the side lines out of fear. Pain or not, I can run 3.1 miles. I have taught myself to be stronger than that. So off to packet pickup I went. To the left is what they gave us - Im excited to put iced coffee in that mug thingy (but again, where is the t shirt??) The lady that handed this stuff out was really nice; She told me that Im going to do great. For the sake of sleeping tonight, I'm choosing to believe her.
After the woman and I went to a  little coffee place across the street just to get out of the house. You see those bars behind the elephant and coffee? They are about the only thing (oh yeah, that and ridiculous pain) that kept me from hopelessly chasing after every single runner that passed me. There must have been 25+ of them. By that point, I had enough of the outside word and its cruel jokes.
I was in dire need of a little pick me up.

<---- new running clothes always make me happy, so off to target we went. (the t-shirt to be fair is new, but not new new.. I've had it for a month or two. Thank you forever 21 and your three dollar shirts. They are some of my favorite things to race/run in) The shorts were my little fix of joy. I figured if I was going to have to run slow as hell, I may as well look cute and feel cute while doing it. How can some one not get even a little excited about debuting new run gear? If Im not thrilled about the race, this definitely fills the void. Man oh man, am I excited! Not only are the bright shorts AWESOME by themselves, they will help the woman be able to find me in the massive crowd of runners. ( I think they are estimating 4,000 plus. No that is not a typo.) Im pretty consistent with finishing times, but we have no idea what to expect tomorrow  so she won't know when to start looking for me. Something tells me that these will help.

Elroy says, "Don't worry mom, I'll run for you"