Pounding It Out Again

So, after two weeks off, I am back at it. Saturday, July 1, I got my first official running injury. What was it? Plantar Fasciitis. So, what does it feel like? Like you've crushed your foot with a sledge hammer. That definitely qualifies as one of the things I never EVER want to do again. I was on a 5.5 mile run, and the last .5 nearly killed me. Well, I think I have whined enough. I took two weeks off--two weeks of no exercise whatsoever--and got back at it Saturday.

IT WAS AWESOME!!!

I did a 5 mile run, and I had some slow sections but also some fast sections. I actually had the breeze in my daughter's hair (she is my training buddy and rides in her stroller in front), and she was giggling as we ran. Yes, it may have been a downhill bit, but I am taking anything I can get here!

This morning, I took a cycling class and actually got there at 5:45. Tomorrow, I am going to do some yoga and maybe take a quick run. I love being able to run, and my foot injury reminded me just how fortunate I am to be able to run.

Get up and run!

For those of you who have actually accomplished this feat, you know that dragging your booty out of bed and running is AWESOME after the run is completed. You feel relaxed and you have a sense of accomplishment all day because you got up and ran.

So, I used to do this on a regular basis. 5:45, I'd hit the gym, the road, whatever. Now...

I got up and ran this morning. Two measly miles, but it's something. When I began this training, I imagined that the physical fitness aspect of it would drag me through. (I'll be the first to admit I am a bit of an endorphine junkie.) However, that doesn't really work right now. Instead, it's the thought of our heroes that drags me out of the warm bed and to the gym.

I kiss my daughter goodbye as a leave for the run, and I think of the seven-year-old boy with Leukemia or the little girl who still smiles even though she's six and dealing with remission and chemo. If 20 minutes, and a heck of a lot of will power, can help these kids, then I'm your girl.

Other recent runs
Saturday, June 16: 5K Run for Dad
Time was less than great, but it was my first continuous 5K in months. Also, the first continuous 5K for my training partner, Jen Huddleston.

Tuesday, June 19: 4 miles at the house

Saturday, June 23: 6 miles at the house
Killer run!!! for those of you who haven't been to my house, we have particularly wicked hills nearby. At one point, I was pushing Elizabeth's stroller up a 45-degree hill and I swear my body was almost perpendicular to the hill. I made it home and was thrilled. Of course, the next day...

Sunday, June 24: 3 miles
My husband decided he wanted to run. The day after I logged the most miles in two years! So, of course, we ran. He did push the stroller though. :)

Hello from the sweaty palms of a runner

Have you ever noticed that when you run, and I mean really run, you sweat from everywhere? Maybe it's just me, but when I get back from a fast run on a hot day, I'm just soaked. Well, it's from these sweaty hands that I now send you greetings and share with you why I have decided to add another, and very important, activity to my busy life.

As most of you know who know me, I have a beautiful one-year-old, a demanding job and a loving husband. The combination of the three leave me sleep-deprived, with little time to myself. But, I am willing to sacrifice this time for the Team in Training program because my work with this will allow other mommies to be overworked, underpaid, but delighted with every moment because they got to keep their children.

What do I mean? Let me tell you something I have learned since I had my daughter. The pleasure in life, in every aspect of it, is magnified when you have a child, and so is the pain if it is related to that child. When she got her first round of shots, I cried and was sick to my stomach. When I learned that leukemia is the LEADING DISEASE KILLER of children...I had to do something. I can't even imagine the pain of those mommies who have to watch their children waste away, dying needlessly in their innocence. We can do something together that can give all those mommies another chance to cuddle their children as they go to bed at night.

I have begun training for the Dallas Half marathon, and I am out there four days a week to do my part for these mommies and their beautiful, innocent children. All you have to do is contribute to the Team in Training and support me as I run.

Oh, don't worry--you'll hear from me regularly and have plenty of chances to contribute. I look forward to sharing my victories and my pains with you as I train, but all of this will pale in comparison to accomplishing my fund raising goal of raising $1,800. Help me out! And, by helping me, you're helping end leukemia and lymphoma and creating more nights of reading "Harold and the Purple Crayon."

How can you say no to that?