I'm not going to lie...running has sucked lately. It has been totally rotten and blah and less than fun. I've been doing everything I planned on doing during my "interim." I'm not on a schedule, I'm leisurely picking the amount of miles I feel like running and I have no pressure. Also, the weather! The weather has been unseasonably mild and absolutely amazing. So what gives? I started to evaluate my runs since the half marathon, when I felt like things started to unravel. Guess what I figured out? Pacing is the culprit.

When I first started running, which feels like eons ago, I was running around a 10:30/11 minute mile. I ran my first 5k in August of 2010 in 32:49 and almost died. These days I can run a 5k in about 26 minutes averaging an 8:30 minute mile, if I really push it. This isn't to brag about my "speed," but to show the huge leap I have made in just a short amount of time. I have never done speed work, I just naturally increased my speed over time and distance. Marathon training helped build my endurance so that when I run shorter miles I can essentially "burst" through them because I don't have to pace myself.

So what's my point? My point is that lately I have been KILLING myself to run at the faster pace, because I know I can. However, what I've found is that I'm sore, grumpy and overall unsatisfied by the run when I finish. Sure, I can brag that I hauled ass and PR'd, but who cares? I haven't even been wearing my watch for most of my runs because I am really trying to go out for fun and not time and distance. Though, let's be honest here, with or without our watches we know if we're pushing ourselves or going slower than our natural pace.

This weekend I ran 2 times. Once on Saturday and once on Sunday. Saturday's run was a hilly 4 miler that I ran around an average of a 9 minute mile. I was miserable the entire time and mentally unfocused and unhappy. When I got home I started to second guess myself about running in general, and especially training for another marathon. I was feeling an all time running low to say the least. Sunday I forced myself out of the house into the beautiful weather. I decided I needed to try things a little bit differently and go back to the beginning.

I took Sunday's run nice and slow. I headed towards a 6 mile loop that is insanely hilly and figured I could bail out at mile 4 and head home if I wasn't feeling it. I kept a close eye on my watch, without being too crazy and kept myself around a 9:45/10 minute per mile pace. This was faster than the "beginning" but closer to my training pace. I felt so comfortable and trotted along really enjoying the scenery. I conquered hills with absolute ease and took breaks when I wanted, not because I NEEDED to or HAD to (lest I pass out). I took the run one mile at a time and didn't worry about pushing myself and "beating the clock." It was so reminiscent of my training runs, and when I reached mile 4 I felt too good to stop. I continued on, and up 2 more huge hills, to finish out my loop. If it weren't for fear of injury and overuse, I would have done 10 miles because I was feeling that great.

When I got home I was smiling from ear to ear. I felt rejuvenated, happy and refreshed. I made a comment to my husband that those 6 miles were the best feeling miles I have ran in a long time. If all it takes is slowing down a bit for me to feel that amazing after a run, I'll do it. I'm learning that pace isn't just about time, it's about endurance, strength and most important, emotion. Pacing yourself one way or another can determine the entire outcome of a run. You may finish, you may even finish first, but it doesn't always mean you had a truly enjoyable run. For me, an enjoyable run will always beat the time on the clock.

Run Hard,
Run Strong,
Run for You,
Holly

If I ran a mile for everything I am thankful for this year, I could run to California and back. There are specific years in my life that will always stand out as times I was specifically blessed. The year 2000, when I met my best friend who would later become my husband in 2004. The year 2004 is also when I graduated from college. The year 2007 when I gave birth to my amazing little boy. The year 2010 when my daughter made our family complete. Those years, plus many more, have had such events that undoubtedly made me feel like the most blessed person in the world. 

This year, 2011, hasn't had anything I would consider as monumental as past events. I turned 30 in April. While that was a milestone birthday, I didn't necessarily feel blessed so much as "Holy crap I'm getting OLD." Yes, I completed my first marathon in June, and while that's no small feat, it didn't change my life, flip it upside down and turn me into a new person, like becoming a mom did. 

Although running a marathon didn't change me as a person (aside from getting me in shape and in smaller pants), it taught me a valuable lesson. Running, and having the ability to run, has taught me how incredibly blessed I am, and how thankful I should be. Each and every step I take when I'm out running is a blessing. For me, running is simple - I don't have to think about it. I don't bat an eye at the thought of running 6 or more miles on a given day. I know there are people who wish they had that simple pleasure. People who once ran but now can't. People who have never even laced up a running shoe. Those people make me feel so incredibly thankful this year.

I obviously can't go out and run a mile for everything and everyone I am thankful for this year. However, before I go celebrate Thanksgiving with my family Thursday, I will take the time to dedicate a few miles to the people who inspire me to get out there and run. The people who encourage me to keep going when I want to quit. The people who wish they could spend a few hours a week with the wind in their hair and the road under their feet. The people whom I've never even met but who have touched my life in a way they will never know. For them, I am so very blessed and so incredibly thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Take the time to think about why you're thankful this holiday season and share it with others!

Run Hard,
Run Strong,
Run for You,
Holly

_   "Anybody can do just about anything with himself that he really wants to and makes his mind to do. We are capable of greater than we realize."
- Norman Vincent Peale, author

On June 1, 2010 I became a runner. Prior to that date I would run occasionally, because I wanted to lose the last few pounds I still had since having my daughter. My run on June 1st was different; I was in training now. Running had a concrete purpose because I was signed up to run my first 5k. I had the plan, the running buddy, and the treadmill downstairs, which meant I had to complete the race. Those first few training runs were amazing. Every step I took which made that run the “longest I had ever run” felt surreal. It was hard, but worth every ounce of pain. 

Since that race, I have completed five half-marathons, a few 5ks, one 10k, and even a triathlon (which I thought was by far the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.) However, it was not until this past Saturday, November 12th that I did something that I never even thought I would want to do in my lifetime - I ran my first marathon! 26.2 miles of pure excitement, pain at times, and making memories that will last forever! 

I ran with my best friend. We talked about everything we could think of. We ran all over Richmond. We ran through neighborhoods that made us want to move, over bridges with some sort of construction machines our sons would have loved to see, and over the finish line actually sprinting! We paused at every mile marker to get a picture taken by my friend's wonderful husband and our “coach.” We just took in the entire experience and embraced what were doing. 26.2 miles was hard. At mile 21 my legs started cramping. I was able to run to the finish line by drinking Power Aide at every mile marker. However, I never “hit the wall.” I never felt like I could not finish and actually I finished strong!  We wanted to finish in under five hours, even if that meant 4:59:59 was on the race clock. I haven't even looked at my official time yet, but my Garmin said 4:53.

Will I run another marathon? Yes, I will. However, I am not planning the next one at this time. I often compared training for the marathon to being pregnant, and that the race was when I would have my baby. The four plus months of training, arranging baby sitters so I could do incredibly long training runs, all while trying to be a good mom and wife was difficult. Crossing the finish line made all of those challenges worth it, and the next time I do run another marathon I want to feel the same way. I don't want to rush into picking one for next year just because I am still experiencing the runner's high. In my opinion a marathon is too big to just do it and really enjoy it, but something that a runner at my experience level needs to really think about before signing up. With that said I know some runners out there that have said I will never run a marathon…I was one of them and now I can say I am a marathoner! If you are thinking about running a marathon you can do it! I am living proof! 

Written by: Elizabeth Smithson

Do you ever wish you could leave a piece of your body at home when you leave for a run? Maybe a nagging knee, an aching back, or an upset stomach. Your whole body feels great, except this 1 part and you know, no matter how hard you try to push the pain, annoyance or discomfort away, it's going to be there and it's going to make the run TERRIBLE.

The other day I was eager to get out and run. The weather has been fantastic and I know my days are numbered for how long I can get away with running in shorts. I set out to do a quick 2 or 3 miles and decided on a route I haven't taken in awhile. As I was making way through the neighborhood I was getting warmed up and felt great. I was definitely geared up for a successful run. However, something happened once I reached the main road. My brain decided to join the run and it wasn't very happy.

See, my brain started to tell me all of these evil things about my body. It told me that my right ankle was popping out of the socket every time I touched down on the road. It told me that my left foot had a twinge and that my bone was probably breaking again. It told me that I had stomach cramps, and maybe I shouldn't have eaten such a big lunch. It told me that I couldn't breathe, because I had a cold last week. It just kept going and going and going and everything that it said I BELIEVED.

My own brain ruined my run. It made something that should have been so easy, so cathartic, into something that I absolutely hated. I wanted to just sit down on the side of the road a mile away from house and cry. My brain made me second guess why I even run, and how in the world did I manage to run TWENTY SIX (point 2) miles just a mere 5 months ago? Despite the misery I was feeling, I made my legs continue on the run. I tried to push the evil thoughts out of my brain and think about how great I was feeling, but nothing I did or even said (yes, I talked to myself) could get my brain on board with the run.

When I got home I was beyond annoyed. If only I could have left my brain at home, my run would have been great. All of the conditions were in my favor for a great run, but I couldn't escape the nagging, annoying thoughts that I couldn't accomplish what I had set out to do. It's amazing how much the brain can overcome what you're trying to achieve. When these types of runs happen, I try to remember that a bad run does not define the type of runner that I am. I can overcome a bad run. I can and will have another run where everything is in tune and in sync. As Dr. Seuss says, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your (running) shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose." There are definitely days when it would be easier to leave my brain at home; running with only the feet in my shoes. To be able to avoid the reminder that I am not always feeling my best, despite my best efforts, would be amazing. But with out my brain, will I know if I can succeed? I need my brain on the good runs to say, "Yes! You will indeed! (98 3/4 percent guaranteed)."

Run Hard,
Run Strong,
Run for You,
Holly

How do you find the balance in life? This is a question I'm not sure I'll ever be able to answer. Each and every single one of my days has a different story. I can't predict what any day is going to look like, and if I try, boy do I find that I get smacked in the face by the unexpected. Each day I just do my best to make time for my kids, my husband, my home and myself. However, that's a lot easier to type than it is to execute.

This morning, I was awoken by my son, Zachary. He came into my room and with a raspy voice and said, "Mommy, I have a headache." I had already barely slept last night because I was keeping an ear out for him. He has been coming down with something and has had a nasty, barking cough. If your child has ever had this cough, you know exactly what I'm talking about. So, at 6:30 this morning I am on auto-pilot. I will have to get him to the pediatrician and he definitely will not be going to school. Our normal routine was skewed and the sun hadn't even come up yet.

After a quick shower, and getting through to the doctor, I got everyone ready to go. Before leaving the house I checked my email, and found a reminder that I'm supposed to catch-up with a friend tonight. Then I turned the corner and saw the 10 loads of laundry in the mud room that I had planned on tackling while Zachary was in school. Also, what's for dinner, who is going to write my blog for tomorrow, scrub the toilets before the health department shuts me down, unload the dishwasher, hide the Halloween candy lest I eat it all, and perhaps, RUN A FEW MILES FOR ME????? It's 8 am and I'm already over my head in tasks that I can't figure out how to balance.

Thankfully, Zachary only has a virus and has been enjoying the comforts of our couch. I have managed to climb over Mt. Laundry and get a few loads shoved into the washer, scrub the offending toilet, get a meal in the crockpot (not in that order though, that would be gross), unloaded and loaded the dishwasher, and I'm half way through this here blog and it's only 2:15! Winning! I did not, however, find a good hiding place for the candy. It's a good thing, as it is fueling me to be awesome this afternoon.

So, balance. Have I found it? I still don't know! I could skip running this evening and enjoy dinner with my family before going to catch-up with my friend. But then, I find I'm lacking an important part of the equation; me time. If I don't do things for myself, who will? I mean, yes, my husband does plenty for me, and the kids give me hugs and awesome messes to clean up to keep me feeling needed. I do need to make my bed with the sheets that are still not washed on the mudroom floor, so that's something for me, I suppose. It's not enough though. If I don't get to put on my running clothes, clear my head and get a little sweaty, I will go to bed feeling lopsided; metaphorically speaking. (Well, unless the 10 tons of candy makes it's way to one ass cheek and not the other).

No matter how exhausted I may be, and how much of myself I give to other people throughout the day, I will always try to achieve balance. The best thing about being a runner is, no matter how many miles long my list may be, I can always run my way to the top of it.

Run Hard,
Run Strong,
Run for You,
Holly