{we run like girls}

Kickball Team Summer 2011

2011-06-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

We are playing kickball "socially" again this summer.

Carraba's Relay- Sole Sisters

2011-06-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

I ran in the Carraba's relay with three of my friends in San Antonio. The Sole Sisters.
*Check out the adorable shirts we made! Courtesy of Jessica's craftiness and Courtney's brain.

The race took place in McAllister park and was mostly trail running. The relay began at 8 am sharp and it was warm. I started off the first leg of the relay.

The morning started off feeling nice. However, once I was in the midst of the trails and running through the shrubs the heat intensified about 10 degrees. At least it felt like it. I was sweating profusely and felt like I was going to have a heat stroke. Well, just quite hot. I saw deer on the trail though and kept thinking that I needed to hurry for my team!

Here is my hand off with Jessica and her taking off on the 2nd leg! I was so happy to see her!

Go Jessica!

The hand off and start for the 3rd leg--Courtney!

The hand off to Katie from Courtney! Almost the end of our race! Go Katie!

Katie bringing in the last leg. It was warm by 10:00 am and she did awesome!

The race. We actually received 8th place overall in Women's Teams.

Then we had lunch served by Carraba's to finish up our day.What a morning, the relay was a blast and I am continually shown what amazing friends I have here in SA and running ones at that!

The Love of the Game

2011-02-23T16:02:00.000-08:00

I love playing the game of soccer. I don’t watch it as much on TV but playing gets me all kind of fired up. For a long time, this sport consumed much of my young life. Now, it still consumes part of it.

I recently joined an outdoor team with the Hargesheimer’s and we play on Sunday afternoon’s. It reminds me of my youth for two reasons. One, I grew up playing soccer in the metroplex and we would get up early and drive to Dallas on Sunday's. Reason two, well, there are children playing! Truly, there are teenagers playing on opposing teams and high school kids on mine! I realize how much I love soccer to be playing at my age.

My parents have gone to the last couple of games to watch. I still get nervous and hope to play well when they are present. The first game I assisted in a goal that Julia scored and we ended up tying the game! M was there for that too. The second game I tried so hard to score, although I am defense minded. I made a lot of runs but never got the ball in the goal. Considering we were winning 10-0 I felt like defense didn’t really need me much. We have a lengthy season left that I look forward to playing!

I can swallow that my glories days on the soccer field are over. I will never forget my Dad telling me to “remember your last game; you are going to miss this.” At the time, I didn’t appreciate or understand those words. Now, as I grasp onto every moment that rushes by, I comprehend what those words stood for and stepping onto the field now is as close as I can get to the soccer days in my past.

I definitely don’t have the same speed as Laura Berg, the same skills, or the same touch on the ball but I do still play for the love of the game.

I still stand the same. I've always put my hands on my hips playing!

Birds of a Feather Run Together

2011-02-23T14:03:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to run in more races with the San Antonio Road Runners and Julia and I ran this one together. The race actually combined our finish times, hence the name Birds of a Feather. We stuck together and ran the entire 3.2 miles side by side and finished in 24:40 thus 49:20. I think we had a slow start because I felt like we ran faster than that.

The starting line….

Here we are on the course at Brackenridge….

We actually finished 2nd in our division! I had to meet my group for class so left right after the race but here is Julia to represent!

The LollyGaggers

*I was told I might get to be an honorary lollygagger and get a shirt in light blue or stripes, something to be a part of this running group.

Adjusting....

2011-01-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

It is day 8, I think, on Paleo Diet/Paleo Eating Lifestyle. I am adjusting but it is still a struggle. I'm not 100% on board yet. During the CrossFit workout last week I was quite dizzy but this could have been my absence for a long period of time. And I ran out of my energy in my soccer game. However, that could have been the 80 degree weather and two forty minute halves. Still, I'm curious if it is the lack of baked potatoes, rice, beans, dairy, etc.

On the bright side, I actually love coffee with coconut milk instead of half and half. I use a little cinnamon (not absolute this is paleo) and honey. This isn't the same as my favorite latte or a cappuccino. However, it gets me through the morning.

My big cheats this week consisted of:
1 glass of red wine
1 Grands Cinnamon Roll (after the soccer game- I was starving!)

There was a real coca cola in our fridge and I had the hardest time resisting but I did. This is an accomplishment for me considering I had at least one diet coke a day.

Here are some of the meals we had this weekend.

1. breakfast: eggs, bacon, berries.

2. Pork Loin, spinach, sauteed mushroom and onions.

3. Shrimp Salad with avocado, cucumber, purple onion, and tomato. I used olive oil, garlic, and a bit of vinegar for the dressing. Vinegar is not part of Paleo.

Please note, I always use olive oil when cooking or sauteing. Also, I have avocados on hand as a staple. For lunch or a snack I enjoy tuna fish or sandwich meat with avocado. I don't miss the starch as much as I miss the sugar. I feel like I actually eat more but I am eating healthier. I haven't lost weight but I feel tighter. I'm looking forward to my birthday and eating whatever I want for a cheat day!

We will see how I do week two.

PALEO

2011-01-28T23:06:00.000-08:00

There are no words for this new diet, lifestyle, grief I am going through. I have been a grouch going through food withdraw.

Let me start at the beginning. Last Sunday, I truly began eating Paleo. What is Paleo you might ask? Well, it known as the cave man diet. In simplicity, if you can pick it or kill it in the backyard it is Paleo; basically.

Here is a YouTube Video that sums it up.

How did this all surface? Well, I tried out CrossFit a few months ago. It is a love/hate relationship if I ever knew one. Geesh. I dread going, during the workout I am thinking "why did I volunteer for this", and by the end of it I feel like a champion. It does not make sense to me at all why I get up and go and I'm addicted again. I don't plan on being an Olympic athlete but I enjoy exercising and this is an intense workout.

Recently, the CrossFit I attend rolled out the "Paleo Challenge". My sister had gone through this rigorous decision of just eating meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. And keeping in mind that the intake levels will support exercise but not body fat. She felt better and, as a nutrition major and PA, I trust her opinion. I thought I would give this a whirl. And I plan on it for six weeks. After that, I might totally diss the thing or I might just stick with it having an occasional "cheat".

Let me just talk about what I miss....

1. half and half in my coffee. I NEVER thought I would give this up and somehow agave nectar and a touch of cinnamon has grown on me.
2. Diet Coke- The cravings have not gone away.
3. Sugar- I love cookies, cadbury mini eggs, peanut butter M&M's, and brownies. Sweet tooth.
4. Red Wine- This will be my weekly cheat. I'm already convinced of it.
5. Bread- I do miss bread but not like I thought I would. I don't miss the taste but the feeling that I would get of being "full" after eating a basket of it.

Anyway, I am still on the fence. I don't know if this is sustainable in the long term for me but I do know that it's important to eat healthy. As an employee of the largest retailer of natural and organic foods, I believe it is very important to take care of our bodies and health by watching what we put in them.

I am going to start posting entries on some of the meals I cook and what I've been eating. It truly isn't that different, it just cuts out the starches and sugar mostly.

Until the next update, hopefully I won't be so grumpy next post!

Mission 10 Miler

2011-01-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

The weekend of December 12th, I ran the Mission relay (5 Miles each) with the San Antonio Road Runners. The course was through Mission County Park and along the scenic San Antonio River.

I ran the relay with my soccer buddy Gabriel Montoya.Julia and I started the first leg of the race and Bert and Gabriel ran the second.

Laura and Julia running over a rickety bridge!

The best part of the day was the Frito pie and tamales at the finish line. Only in Texas. It was freezing and I was starving!

What a fun time with friends and food! I love getting my run over with early and it helps when you have people to suffer with. And "loose" stray dogs, that was definitely the best laugh of the day.

San Antonio Sports and Social Club Championship

2010-08-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

Last night the soccer MAHNCKE PANHCKE won the San Antonio Sports and Social Club Championship in Soccer for 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This may sound trivial, and to some might be, but I can't convey in words the excitement felt during the two games we played.

I am going to try.

The first game we played was at 7:30 pm and the team had beat us during the season. Going into the game, I was hoping to lose and go to the happy hour afterwards. Once you I stepped onto the field, competition and human nature kicked in. I never really want to lose even if I'm not 100% geared up to begin.

Our team coach, Bert, scored in the first few moments of the game. This truly gave us an advantage over the other team mentally. The first team we played, for lack of better terms, were w.h.i.n.y. One of their better players kept complaining about the girls clipping his ankles. I get annoyed when people complain, just play the game. Anyway, our second goal was scored by Mitch and there was a lot of assists in getting the ball up the field. We won 2-0.

As the sweeper, I get mouthy and bossy with the view of everyone on the field and the opponents jerseys being marked tight. But I am very loyal to my team and there was an instance where it appeared a fight would break out! It sounds, and is, trashy but instincts kick in and auto pilot and you just back up your team mates no matter.

The second game was at 9:30. We had an hour break to recover. I tended to Landry, who again cried the entire first game, who I swear can see me on the field and yells at me to come off (clearly from the picture she was not happy).

The championship game was tough. The other team was not only extremely fast, but played men's soccer meaning fast, aggressive, and competitive. There was no slack cut and their girls were awesome. This team had actually tied us the week before but were undefeated besides that. I anticipated and dreaded playing them again.

The other team scored first and it was in the first half . They were just really good and played crazy and heated. They were very mouthy and one guy got thrown out because he literally, I think, was psycho. Late in the second half we scored and tied up the match. At this point, I realized how much I wanted to win. I know second is great. But when you are that close to experience the feeling of first, why settle for second?!

Matthew was the goalie in the second half. When M is goalie I am the most nervous. As the sweeper, the last line of defense, if it gets past me it is just him. I would hate for it to be my fault that they scored. There was one instant where a guy got past me and took an amazing shot that Matthew saved. My heart just swelled with pride . I had to get back and clear it out of the box fast. I was not going to let them score on Matthew.

We had two five minute overtimes. The first team to score would have had the "golden goal "and won the championship. These five minute halves flew. However, no one scored. We went into a shoot out. At this time it was about 10:40 pm. and I did not have anything left. I was tired and spent.

Our players to take the PK's were Kelly, Julia, Romeo, Katie, and Bert. We won the shoot out. It was the most anxious and intense moment I've had in some time. Especially in the arena of competition! How I miss those soccer days and what they have meant to me. When Bert scored the last goal we had to get in to win, everyone jumped, yelled, and ran to greet him. I kept holding onto Julia and praying "please let Bert make this goal for her!" What a game and what a rush.

Here are a couple of articles on our team. One from last week and the other from last night:

http://sanantoniossc.com/tracker_soccer/index.php?opt=viewpage&type=ann&id=0000010

http://sanantoniossc.com/tracker_soccer

B.R.U.I.S.E.

2010-07-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have a lovely marking from our soccer game last week. Yes, it is almost a week and it is still very vivid and apparent.
During the game, some jerk, played a little too rough, in my opinion, against a girl and kleated me in the leg and locked arms. I was in a foul mood the rest of the game. There is just no fun in cheap soccer.

The bruise is actually looking better. It took a couple of days to really come up and is starting to fade. Still spotty and ugly though.

San Antonio Road Runners Women's 5k

2010-07-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

This morning I ran in my first 5k since the San Antonio Marathon in 2008. It was a lot of fun to be in a race again, putting on a number, and hitting the pavement. The race was in familiar territory through my neighborhood. The weather was humid and I finished in 26 minutes almost even. I am about a minute off of my pre Landry time. I picked up running more quickly after Laney but that is likely from exercising the entire first pregnancy.

I ran with, or behind, my friend Julia. She is the fastest person I know and got second place in her age group! I finally found someone though that I can train for races with, a marathon, and we both love soccer. AND we both have a Laney! Her Leni is 5 months old like Landry but the first one that we met since our first born.

The race was fun. I look forward to doing more and getting back in my running groove.

Manchke Panke Soccer

2010-07-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

We are already halfway through our season. Thus far, our record is 3-0.

It has been quite an experience playing soccer at 30. I step onto the field and I am back in high school. I get entirely too competitive and mouthy. Still, I've had a lot of fun and look forward to all of the sports we participate in with the San Antonio Sports and Social Club.

Back in the Groove

2010-06-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

The hiatus that I have taken has set back this blog and my physcial wellness. However, we are back in full run again mode.

Let's see, a quick recap, I had Landry on February 17th, 2010. Prior to that, well pregnancy was quite taxing this go around and I didn't feel like exercising. I've slowly seeped back into it and my mile time proves it. These past few months have involved juggling two children, attending master's courses, working a full time job, commuting to Austin, and attempting exercise. Clearly, it falls last on the list but I am managing to squeeze it in.

A few things that I am have done to get back into some sort of groove:
I played kickball with the San Antonio Social Club and am about to start soccer every Tuesday.
I have begun to run again and am currently up to five miles a day, for two days in a row. Prior to this it was 3 miles a day for the last couple of weeks.
I began a boot camp on Mondays and Tuesdays in Austin called Resurgence.
The "Zoo Run" every Wednesday night at Brackenridge park. It's a two mile run where all kinds of people show up and it's a good time with some friends.

I am trying to lose the rest of the baby weight and get back to the Laura that loves to run. It has taken a little longer this time, but I think I may have found her. Now I just need to save up and invest in a double BOB.

"Courage is not the absence of fear. But the judgement that something else is more important."

2008-09-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

I don’t really know what to say. I’ve been talking a lot about this weekend, so writing it is grueling.

The marathon I had been training for was cancelled. Saying those words doesn’t paint a full picture. The marathon was cancelled at mile 10 due to horrific weather and flash flooding in St. Charles, Missouri from Hurricane Ike. I had to beat hurricane Ike to Missouri and still it followed us there. Literally, the perfect storm.

The down pour started in the wee hours of the morning in St. Charles. I was up and getting ready to run at 4:45 am. I wasn’t too nervous; just ready. As we left the hotel and entered the parking garage we realized the weather was going to be terrible. Still, I knew that was a possibility and embraced the rain. The terror was when I saw the parking lots flooded. I realized then I was more afraid of the rain than the marathon. But little by little runners were getting out of there cars and huddling together. I was encouraged knowing I wouldn’t be suffering alone.

I had on a trash bag on my torso and plastic bags on my feet. It didn’t matter but mentally I felt better. I turned to Matthew and I said “I’m going”. And he said “ok” and started taking his sweat shirt off. Matthew had on a t shirt and shorts. And he jumped out of the car with me. Fox hole. I will choose him again and again because as hard as things are, there is no one else in the world I’d do this life with. And when the push came to shove, he wouldn’t let me go it alone.

We stood in the rain for an hour just getting soaked. I kept thinking, is this normal? Do people do this? There was talk that the race might not go on. And we just kept waiting shaking and not knowing. At 7:10 am the gun went off and the race began. I was elated. I didn’t care that I had to squint to see and the rain felt like tiny ice pellets burning my arms and legs. I just ran and so did everyone else. And it felt good and I felt strong and brave. The wind was loud enough for me to barely even hear my iPod and then it shorted out at mile six. I knew it would, I just didn’t know when. And I kept thinking; finally, I am doing the marathon. It wasn’t how I trained or imagined but I was doing it. I kept picturing the finish and trying not to cry. I never even realized how far along we were; I hit the zone and talked to other runners and the race just went by. I felt perfect; but the conditions were not.

I remember the heart break something like this. At mile ten other runners came toward telling us the finish line was ahead, they were calling the race. I thought they were joking. I was in total shock. The course had flooded and we had to stop. My first thought was, I don’t want to and I can keep going. In fact, a couple of people discussed it. But the bridge over the river and water, I knew we couldn’t. I wouldn’t have even known where I was.

Why we started a race that wasn’t finished will probably never settle well in my stomach. But holding onto yesterday won’t push me into my dreams of tomorrow. And I learned something about myself. I learned that even in the worst conditions and worst case scenario weather; I wanted to finish a marathon. I didn’t care if it was going to be harder or that I was 100% wet. I just wanted to cross the finish line after 26.2 miles.

Yesterday, I was devastated. Today, I am sad. But I’m not moping. I have a new plan and am trying to gear myself up mentally again for round 3 marathon training.

Waco, Texas October 26th. What irony. But God has a sense of humor and I am going to beat the hell out this next one.

One week from today!

2008-09-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! I am pumped and nervous about the marathon I will run next weekend, Sunday the 14th of September. I just can't believe that this time next weekend I will be able to call myself a marathoner! I know that seems silly to some people but it's been a goal of mine for a long time and I'm ready to check it off the list! I hope it's my first of many. I really just want to finish without passing out. I keep reading marathon stories, checking the weather, my running outfit, making lists, and trying to mentally prepare myself. Oh and if anyone has song suggestions for my IPOD.

Matthew and I were looking at the list of registrants tonight and the majority are from Missouri. I mean, go figure, since the race is in Missouri! Me and my self imposed rules. But I'm kind of nervous being one of the few from Texas! Kind of crazy.

I need to go to bed. Everything says to get adequate sleep the week before the marathon because the night befor you won't. And the tiny detail that I'll be up at 4:45 am on race day. Yuck.

Until then....

I am committed!

2008-07-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

I just registered for the marathon I am doing in Missouri on the 14th of September! Ahhhhhh! I am committed and ecstatic! I am excited because it is two months from today and I've been trying to do a marathon since my senior year in college. Even though I tried to run 14 yesterday at 9 am and it was too hot for me to finish (I swapped with next weekends run) I still feel ready! HA! I feel ready because come race day I will know that I put in the time and effort to do something I have always yearned to do. I just can't express my excitement, anxiousness, eagerness, and all of these other emotions into one valid thought. I always think about running the marathon and I picture the finish line and tears streaming down my face. And then Matthew, Laney, and my Momma waiting for me to finish and greeting me. The rest of the race scares me to much to imagine and I'd rather just get to the end. I think I will do what I read about another woman doing. She ran the first 8 miles and then pretended like she had just warmed up to do the rest. I think half of the battle is mental and this might be a good approach for me. Anyway- keep counting down!

I think I can....

2008-07-07T09:40:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I ran 20 miles. And it was hard. But it wasn't as hard as I remember. Remind you, I was pregnant and it was an actual mapped out course last time I trained for this. And I started off entirely too fast. Maybe it is mind over matter and I am stronger mentally but yesterday's run rocked.

During the run I kept thinking : I can do this. The cool breeze in the morning, the course I was running, the music, everything just meshed. Except, I will say, I had lots of chaffing that came after the fact. And I did get to the point where my body felt like I had just played in a soccer tournament (that is the only way I know how to describe the sore I get after a super long run); but that is to be expected and welcomed. I am just not afraid of the word anymore and the 26.2 miles that go with it. I know it will be hard. I wouldn't be doing if it wasn't. But I am so excited to run a marathon. I don't have the dreaded feeling of doubt I did before with my training and progression. I am ready to conquer and finish.

Motivation?

2008-06-20T09:40:00.001-07:00

Motivate me. Someone, please. I have a little less than three months until the marathon in St. Charles, Missouri. It is so dang hot this summer, seriously. Is everyone doing okay for the San Antonio training? I STILL have our books. I need addresses, so email me!

Linz- I will see you soon to give you yours.

I ran 16 miles last Friday. Actually, I know in my heart it was closer to 14 miles but it was at 3:30 pm. This was for Father's Day; typically I do long runs on Saturday or Sundays now if I put off the run. Tomorrow morning I am going to try for 18. I am going to have to get up in the wee hours to handle this heat wave.

Running and doing what I can to best prepare. I just want to get excited again. I'm back to dreading going running though with the 100 degree days.

I just want to finish.

Runner's World Article

2008-05-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

This is a decent article on long runs from Runner's World and the appropriate approach to them. I have had a couple and think this is a helpful reminder, especially before we really get into the throws of them.

Making Your Long Runs Count
Long runs are key to any training program. Here's how to make them count.
By Ed Eyestone
Question: I never race more than 5-K. Why should I do long runs?Answer: Long runs are for every runner, not just marathoners. The runners I coach in college run a weekly 13- to 15-mile long run even though some seldom race over a mile. The long run increases aerobic base, improves running economy, and boosts confidence. -- E.E. Shortly after college when I decided to race my first marathon, a friend asked why I'd moved up to the marathon when I'd enjoyed success at the 10,000 meters. "You must enjoy long runs," he said."Not really," I replied. "I hate to tell you this," he said, "but the marathon is a long run."Over the years I've learned that whether you're a recreational runner or a hard-core marathoner, the long run is the backbone of any successful training program.Like any extended aerobic exercise, the long run delivers the predictable physiological benefits: increased max VO2 and blood volume, maximum stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each beat), and new capillaries and red blood cells. Just as important, the long run teaches your body to spare glycogen and rely more on fat as a fuel source. Translation: You delay glycogen depletion during a long race, so you delay bonking. And let's not forget the mental angle: To prepare for the psychological challenge of racing for hours, you have to train for hours. How long? "Long" is a relative term. One person's long run is another's easy 8-miler. Most experts agree that 20 to 30 percent of your weekly mileage should be devoted to the long run, depending on your overall mileage. For example, an elite runner logging 100 miles per week might do a 20-mile long run (20 percent of weekly mileage), whereas someone running 40 miles per week might do a 12-mile long run (30 percent of weekly mileage). Unless you're an ultra-marathoner, I recommend keeping your long runs to 3 hours or less. Any training benefit beyond 3 hours is just not worth the added fatigue and risk of injury. How fast? If it feels too hard, it probably is. Tempo runs and interval workouts are for building lactate threshold. Long runs are not. They should be carried out at a comfortable, conversational pace. (Remember that even a "comfortable" pace will feel challenging in the last few miles.) For faster runners that means 1 to 1? minutes per mile slower than your 10-K race pace. For slower runners, 30 seconds to 1 minute per mile slower than 10-K pace. How often? Weekly long runs are fine, provided you:
1. Follow your long run with a recovery day of very easy running, cross-training, or rest.
2. Start your long run well hydrated and consume sports drinks and gels en route. This is excellent practice for the marathon and will keep you from getting overly fatigued.
3. Limit your long run to 1:45 or less (unless you're training for a marathon--see number 5, below).
4. Consume 3 to 4 grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight daily to make sure carbo stores stay loaded.
5. Alternate long runs with very long runs when training for a marathon. For example: 2 hours one week, 2:45 the following week, then back down to 2 hours the week after that.
6. Run with someone of comparable ability. Otherwise your long run may turn into a tempo run or a Sunday stroll.
7. Ease back into training if you've missed a long run due to illness or injury. Going long as soon as you feel better can overtax an already battered immune system. Instead, do half or three-quarters of your scheduled long-run distance, then resume your normal schedule the following week.

Motivational video

2008-05-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Girls if you get a chance to watch this, it got me geared up from the movie Little Giants.

Anything is possible if we do our best!

Books are here!

2008-05-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

I received the books that I ordered for us a few days ago. I need to put them in the mail for everyone, please email me your addresses- Lindsay you sent me yours already.
I've read through it a little and it seems very doable running 4x's a week (including the long runs). In fact, there was a study done comparing running 4x's a week vs. 6x's a week and it didn't show a difference in race time/shape...something like that but that was an eye opener for me!

It is an inspiring and interesting book.

Bottome line: Anyone can do a marathon. You just have to want to commit.

Love yal!

Ten down. Sixteen.two to go

2008-05-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

I ran the projected 10 miles (it might have been closer to 9.5) this past Saturday and let's just say "I did it". It was hot and I was drenched in sweat by the time I was done. Typically, this is one of my favorite feelings but it was just plain hard. And I wouldn't say it was the physical stretch but the mental one. Putting my mind there was the struggle. Lindsay and I talked about wrapping our brains around running for 5+ hours or however long 26.2 takes. And this is my current struggle- I know what it feels like to run for 2:45:43 and it felt rough. I remember crossing the finish line and thinking that it was the hardest thing I've ever done. Even after labor, I still feel that way. My 20 mile race was not my best- keep in mind I was pregnant- but the mental part is grueling. And since I know the feeling that lie ahead I am skeptical about getting to the 20 mile run. Still, I plan on getting there. These long runs- dang. I wish we were all in the same place to run together.
" On days when I can't run, I don't feel myself, and whoever the self is I feel, I don't like nearly as much as the other."
True that.

Inspiration

2008-05-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

Since I have my first real long run tomorrow I have been searching for some inspiring words. I don't usually get nervous unless it is a race setting but I'm eager to see how I fair. I'm actually really pumped about getting up and going.

I found an old training journal that I used when training for my first marathon that has lots of inspiring words.

Motivational quotes:

"If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don't spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it."

"The hardest step for a runner to take is the first one out the door." -Ron Clarke

"Long distance running is particularly good training in perseverance." -Mao Tse Tung

"I'm not going to run this again."- Grete Waitz after winning her 1st NY marathon- she won 8 more!

"Running is a big question mark that's there every single day. It asks you: 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" -Peter Maher

"The long run is what puts the tiger in the cat." Bill Squires

I hope these motivate all of you in your runs too!

Log Your Run-Part II

2008-05-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

Hey! If you look over to the right you will see "Lindsay's Log". On the website (Log Your Run) I found a beginner's marathon training program for 28 weeks. This little weekly calendar tells me what I should be running everyday. It starts out really easy so I may do more than it says, but I love seeing what I should run everyday. The website also allows me to log how far I went and how long it took me and then tells me my min/miles. I entered data on April 19 when I did a 10K so you can see what it looks like w/ data. Anyways...I think it is a useful tool. You don't have to put it on the blog like mine, but it might help keep you accountable!!! This week is super easy, only 1.5 miles. Again, this training is for BEGINNERS! But it makes me feel good b/c I usually run that at LEAST everyday!

:) Linz

Log Your Run

2008-05-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hey girls! This is a website that I used when I was in Africa to log my runs. I liked using it and it calculates all your mileage plus so much more! Have a look around the website (you might have to sign up-but it's free). I found it easy to use and it did what I wanted. I'm sure there are many more free websites like this one but I'll probably use this one to log my runs!

Go Here: Log your run.com

Happy Running:)
Linz

2008-05-07T20:43:00.001-07:00

The 20 Strictly Running Commandments.

1. Don't be a whiner. Nobody likes a whiner, not even other whiners.
2. Don't make running your life, make it part of your life.
3. When doing group runs, start on time no matter who is missing.
4. Don't compare yourself to other runners.
5. When standing in starting lines,remind yourself how fortunate you are to be there.
6. The faster you are the less you should talk about your times.
7. Don't always run alone.
8. Don't always run with people.
9. The best runs sometimes come on the days you didn't feel like running.
10. Be modest after a race, especially if you have reason to brag.
11. All runners are equal; some are just faster than others.
12. There are no short cuts to run excellence.
13. There is nothing boring about running, there are,however,boring people who run.
14. Look at hills as opportunities to pass people.
15. Don't try to out run dogs.
16. With out goals, training has no purpose.
17. Go for broke, but prepare to be broken.
18. Unless you make your living as a runner, don't take running too seriously.
19. Runners who never fail are runners who never tried anything great.
20. Running is simple. Don't make it complicated.

The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer

2008-05-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

I ordered this book for us and I should receive them in the next week or so. I will mail them to you, please send me your addresses. It will take us through the weeks of training, what to expect, etc. The schedule is a little different but modification is the key. We all know our own bodies and what we can handle and when. As long as we do the long runs in preparation for the marathon I feel we should be okay. And we have adequate time until November.

Here is a clip from the book:

This is marathon running for real people-people with jobs, families, and other obligations outside of running. This program has proven successful for men and women of all ages. Now let it work for you.

Sole Sisters

2008-05-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

by Jennifer Lin & Susan Warner

"Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running is a gripping collection of stories that captures the inspirational heart of the women's running boom. Authors Jennifer Lin and Susan Warner have interviewed women of all ages from all walks of life and all parts of the country. All of their subjects have one thing in common: Running has transformed them. There are both heartrending stories of grief and survival and lighthearted tales of friendship."

Some of the stories included:

*Sisters who competed in a 5K race to honor a sister who survived breast cancer.

*A 9/11 widow who ran her first marathon to honor the memory of her husband.

*A 65-year-old woman who overcame obesity and alcoholism to finish the Ironman triathlon.

"Sole Sisters is not just for women who run. It appeals to all women who know what it means to have the support of others who share their trials and triumphs. Sometimes touching, sometimes funny, and always inspiring, Sole Sisters has the makings of a runaway hit."

I found this book & thought it might be a great motivational book. Let me know what you think. I know Laura is getting a book for us too...but I think this one is mostly inspirational stories about women & why they run. We could all read it if you want....look at the reviews for yourself:

Sole Sisters article...

and another Sole Sisters article

here is a link that lets you read some of the book online for free:

Sole Sisters preview

A link where you can buy Sole Sisters

SAN ANTONIO, HERE WE COME!

2008-05-05T09:35:00.001-07:00

Here is the link to the info about the race we are training for (if you have not looked it up already!) I have not registered yet, but we have some time. The marathon is a bit more expensive so start saving a little at a time ($95 until the end of August then it bumps up to $110) It will be worth it though!

San Antonio Rock & Roll Marathon 2008!

1/2 Marathons

2008-05-05T08:31:00.000-07:00

I really want to run a 1/2 marathon before our full one in November. SO...I would LOVE it if some of you wanted to join me! Here are a few I found that I think will go with our training schedule! I am probably going to do the one in Waco so if you want to join me you will have a free place to stay & it will be a scenic route & cooler weather! I think the one in August is too soon for me but could work, and the 20K is not exactly a 1/2 marathon. Let me know your thoughts! (Click on the race title to go to the website for more info!)

The Hottest Half is in Dallas on Sunday, August 24 (White Rock Lake)

The Lost Dog 20K is in Dallas on Sunday, October 5 (White Rock Lake)

The Miracle Match 1/2 Marathon is in Waco on Sunday, October 26

Training Schedule

2008-05-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

Laura is training for a marathon in Sept. so she is using this 18 week schedule which is right for her.

The rest of us are running on Nov.16 in 28 weeks! We have @2 months to build up to this schedule! I will put together a 9 week schedule for us to run by before we use this 18 week schedule!!! You can officially start training next week using the 9 week schedule then we will hit this 18 week one! So use this week to get into the routine of running 5x a week, get some comfy running clothes & shoes, and even music if you like! I'll post the other schedule by the end of the week! (Laura your input would be great on the extended schedule for us!)

Training Schedule

2008-05-01T13:37:00.001-07:00

Hey friends, I just updated the Excel spreadsheet I did for training. The dates correspond with the first marathon I want to do September 14, 2008. I just wanted to give yal an idea of how I'm logging runs. Lindsay has something cool too that she does on face book Stacy. I will email you both the log.

Here is the sample I pulled from the internet to go by: http://www.marathontraining.com/marathon/m_sch_2.html

There are lots of schedules out there but this one I found to be a little more aggressive. I figure the more training the more prepared we will be come November. Lindsay do you know how to make a count down deal?

I'm bossy.

2008-04-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

HEY GIRLS....I just set this blog up for us! DO you like it??? I wanted all of us to be able to post so hopefully you got the email!!! I can't believe we are going to do this....!

welcome!

2008-04-29T20:36:00.001-07:00

this blog is for us girls who are training for a marathon. hope it is inspiring.