I Heart Running

I'm uber thankful for running. In fact, I heart it.

It has done so much for me. When all else caves in, it's always there...a constant, lifting my spirits, helping to release stress, and help me feel like I've accomplished something worthwhile. So much has caved in recently, and frankly, I really don't know where I'd be if not for this crazy wonderful sport called running.

It has, and continues to transform me, mentally and physically. Like I've said before, it is my constant in a sea of change. When I run, I do more than just sweat physically. I get a mental cleansing as well. It's truly good for my soul.

Somedays its all I want to do! Yesterday I ran in the morning and I ran in the late afternoon. Part of that is because I want to get faster and leaner, but part of that is because I just want that incredible feeling that comes with a great run. The incredible sensation of putting on my skirt, tank, hot pink shoes, cranking up the iPod with my favorite new trance tunes, and hitting the pavement...sunshine on my face. It's the complete package. It's euphoric.

What else can I say? I just heart running...

I'm Addicted...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shJs9EJcQnI&list=PL1F4E95376E0B35C4&context=C425fb2fADvjVQa1PpcFOMHDGnkUFwWoXa5wCIiqPO-u0EmlA0C9M%3D

I Would Run to You!

I love this cute new ad by Nike...it combines several of my most favorite things:

• Running
• Love
• Pink Nike Free Run shoes (the only kind I run in!)
• Music (mushy lovey music)   

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iozZTJB2XOw

There Are So Many Reasons...

Race for Autism 5K

What a fun time this morning with the family!

This is the third year I have done the Race for Autism 5K at Balboa Park. Our friends have a team, and it's great fun to join with them each year for such a wonderful cause.

In 2009, I was just in the infancy stage of my fitness journey. It was my very first 5K, which I walked with my daughter. I was so scared and nervous. I look back on that and marvel and how much I have changed. It's a fantastic lesson: never limit yourself! You never know what you are capable of!

I ran this morning with my very lively 10 year old son. He is a sweetheart and very protective of me...especially with diabetes. He felt uber responsible for me, and kept asking about what he should do if I would go low while we were running. I kept reassuring him that I had glucose tabs, and that all would be well. I really like that he cares about his mommy! By the way...I was fine...no lows!

He is getting faster and taller, and at some points of the race as he swooshed past me, I could hardly believe that was my boy. He is turning into a young man before my eyes. I was so proud of him and how he pushed himself and tried his hardest. He said he can't wait to do our next one.

My husband ran with our nearly 14 year old daughter.  They finished before us, and thoroughly enjoyed the race together. All of us have HRM's (heart rate monitors), and it was really helpful. I've been using one for a while now, and the kids are getting used to theirs and seeing the importance of them.

It was a super fun morning, and I can't wait for my next race!

Attempt the Ascent

Hello, Shiny Medal! I Did it!

I can now officially say I finished my very first Half-Marathon.

Thirteen point one freaking miles...done!

And you know, the extremely wonderful thing is that it wasn't as hard as I anticipated. Yes, ohmyword YES, it was a challenge. It was painful at times, it was tiring at times, the hills were insanely mean, BUT I overcame it all and completed it.

Here is my proof:

My beautiful shiny medal! Man, did I work hard for this.

My blood sugars were the hardest thing on marathon day. I woke up with a perfect number, had my normal breakfast, then, right before we were assembling in our wave group, I tested. Boom. Super high. I was fully pissed off and quickly bolused enough insulin to bring it down. Then, it was our turn to start, and I just ran.

I kept fully hydrated, and took water at each water stop. I tested again a few miles later, and my blood sugar had come down. I was feeling better.

It was clear to me that all my training fully prepared me to run the half marathon. I actually found running the 13.1 miles easier than my 12.5 training run. I think it may be because of all the Adrenaline. I absorbed all the energy from the other runners, and the charged atmosphere really fired me up. I love being around people, and this was all about that...on a grand scale! The name of my blog was absolutely apropos for marathon day! I was seriously running on insulin and adrenaline.

So, did I cry? I did start to tear up around mile 12 (maybe it was the Whitney Houston song that came on my iPod? I dunno...)...but, these tears were the kind that happen when you are overjoyed inside. And I was. I accomplished something very hard. I did something that took dedication, training, mental toughness, and physical endurance.

While running, I thought a lot about various things...so many things! One quote in particular kept rolling over in my brain:

       "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."

I kept thinking about that, and it helped propel me onward. This half-marathon was challenging me in ways I didn't imagine I'd be challenged, and it was changing me in a wonderful way. Conquering this has shown me that there are no limits.

When Mark told me we were on mile 13, I was ready to burst. Could it really be that my legs had just carried me 13.1 miles?

We made our way to the tunnel going into PETCO Park, then ran in and crossed the finish line.

What a proud moment.

I did it. I really did. And if I can do it, you can too.