The Time Is Here

I can't believe that the marathon is this weekend.  I finally got all my stuff at work done - well what had to be done.  I still have some things to do.  I am so excited.  My sweet new students and friends gave me great "do well" gifts.  So funny, I didn't even know them when I started training back in May.  My teammates at school gave me a goodie bad with gatorade, starbucks  gift card, chocolate, power bars liquid, sweet card and cards from my students.  Two mom came up and got the kids to sign a precious scrapbookish decorated sheet wishing me the best.  One mom gave me a care package with a book, sports jelly beans and chocolate. One of my students made homemade cards me me last night.  I am so blessed.

Tonight I have to put new songs on my iPod, wash clothes, maybe pack, and get ready for my marathon vacation.  Whether I hit 4:10 or not it has been a great journey.

Chicago here I come,
TVW 

Follow Me in Chicago

If you want to follow me as I run Chicago, go to the web site and sign on to follow me.
Having a hard time running while working 12 hour days. Need to go run an hour tonight and I don't want to.

TVW

Dreaming Realistic Dreams

Two weeks from tomorrow I am running in the Chicago Marathon!  When I signed up back in April, it seemed so far away.  I had big dreams of qualifying for Boston.  Even if I hadn't gotten my job, qualifying would have been a long shot.  But now, with only running 2 or 3 days a week, sleeping 5 or 6 hours per night, eating crazy food and at crazy times. I think it might be impossible.  BUT I'm excited about running Chicago.  Just because I had a dream/goal of qualifying for Boston 2 years ago doesn't mean it was ever a real possibility.

It seems I get big ideas in my head - like when I was 21 and working for PriceWaterhouse and thought I could be a partner in a big accounting firm.  Never gonna happen.  Or what about when I started teaching and I thought I'd be this knock-socks-off-teacher to change my school.  Didn't happen.  

Now goals are good, don't get me wrong. And dreaming big is good, I'm a believer in aiming high.  But realism has to come in somewhere.  I didn't/don't have the mental capacity or personality to become an accounting big shot.  I'm not detail oriented enough nor do I have the training to be a phenomenal  teacher.  I can be a good teacher though, and I can run a good marathon.  And that is what I'm going to do.  I may not qualify for Boston, but I'm going to run a good race, enjoy myself and that is a great accomplishment for me.  I'm going to love and encourage my students and help them conquer 4th grade, and that is good enough for me.  

As far as the accounting goes, I can't even do my kids's taxes.  I should have changed my major as soon as I realized I didn't even enjoy the classes past Principles of Accounting.  I only enjoyed one day in my 2 years at PriceWaterhouse.  But it took me 20 years to change professions, and I still renew my CPA every year.  Some dreams are just hard to let go.

Dreaming of Chicago,

TVW

4 Hours to Think

What do you do when you are running for 4 hours?  The first hour I had people around me somewhat, and since it was dark, I had to concentrate on where I was going.  But after about mile 8 it was all sunshine and concrete.  I waited until about mile 7 to tun on my iPod, so music was a novelty for a few miles.  Plus songs remind me of times or people and that is good entertainment for a while.  If I have a song on my playlist that reminds me of you, you might just get my prayers for the duration of the song and beyond.

Last week I heard on old Newsboys song -" Breakfast".  For some reason it reminded me of my nephew. He liked it because it was a Christian song with the word "Hell" in it  - he was in middle school. Anyway right now  he isn't crazy about his job, so I spent a portion of a mile praying for him and his future.  My friend Kristin teaches dance, and she taught a dance at camp to our little girl campers to the song  "That's What MakesYou Beautiful. " Every time it comes on, I pray for her working at Disney World - away from home for the first time.  Even the Dobie Brothers "Listen to the Music" reminded me of my brother-in-law who has loved the Dobie Brothers since college. He is helping coach a high school volleyball team right now, so I prayed for him in his new part time profession.  "Daydream Believer" brings sweet memories of  Christmas when my sister Susan sang lead as my son Benjamin and I sang back up with the Monkees in our den.  They get prayers too.  Taylor Swift's "Best Day" reminds me of my daughter Jessica and a time we went to Dallas to watch a movie after she experienced being left out in elementary school. Praying for her in Boston.  Gotta get a song for Jim! 

Today I was also planning activities for my school class and my Bible study class.  My plate is so full right now, 4 hours to run, think, pray, and create is a luxury.  No grading, no cleaning, no cooking, just me and the outside.  It clears the mind. 

My watch did quit at mile 19.7 so i don't know my exact time or my splits.  If it does that during the marathon, I'm at a loss of what pace.  But I did 22 miles, and for that I can smile and relax.

Three weeks until Chicago,
TVW

Half Marathon at Boston Qualifying Pace

Today's race was unbelievable in 5 remarkable ways.

1. The weather was cool - in the 70's
2. My husband sacrificed his club bike ride to take and support me for the second race in less than 2 weeks - Team Weaver working over time
3. The course was beautiful - much was on trails through a park - my favorite.
4. I ran despite the lack of sleep and training in the last 3 weeks since I was hired.
5.  I was able to run at my marathon pace.I finished in 2:03:08!!!!!!!!!!!

I still cannot believe I was able to keep that pace for 13.1 mile.  My goal was 9:30  per mile, and when I looked at the times, each mile was just a little under - 9:26, 9:23. 9:24.  It was fairly consistent. One mile - 11 - was over 10 minutes.  I remember that subtle climb beside the highway and running into the wind.  And one mile - 12 - was considerable faster - 9:15.  I don't remember much about that mile. What really made the difference was I stuck to the plan.  All those . 04 and .03 seconds less that 9:30 worked to to bring my pace to 9:28 despite the 10 minute mile.

I had two hours to think about all this training and wondering  if it would pay off.  I have actually been working toward qualifying for Boston for a year and a half.  Things I realized about my self:

1. I like to dream big and start things, but I'm not good at follow through and ending well.
2. I think about quitting the closer I get to the end, and the harder it gets.
3. I am very task oriented and independent.  GIve me a goal and I will head toward it.  That is why I like running, I don't have to pass the ball to anyone or depend on someone to play defense for me.  I just have to run my pace.
4. I have  gotten better at this since I' ve gotten older.  How can I ever forget the college P.E /weight management class I dropped two weeks from the end of the semester because I was getting a B for not following the food plan. I've come a long way.

And finally, here are some observations of and lessons learned from goals

1. Goals are achieved one step at a time  and over time.
2. Some goals may not be achievable especially if you just pick them because they sound impressive.
3. Goals can be adjusted to be reasonable.

Can I qualify for Boston in a month at the Chicago Marathon?  Can I run this pace for 26.2 miles with more sleep and better training for the next 4 weeks? If I do qualify, how will I get off work in the middle of state testing? 

All I really know about goals and my race today is that is that my goals are only good and attainable if they are in God's will and by His power.  That is what happened today.  I asked my Father, the God of the universe, to help me keep that 9:30 pace.  He said , "Sure." Thank you Father. 

It's Gonna Cost You

My new job began at the tail end of my marathon training.  I mentioned the marathon to my principal as I was taking the job, and she passed it off as no big deal.  What is the big deal is finding time to continue my training during the week, and shortening the planned  extended trip due to work.  Tonight I found out just how much that change is gonna cost me - $484.  That is how much our nonrefundable tickets cost to change.  Now we will return on Tuesday instead of Thursday.  

However, I will make more than that in a week of work, I think, so the net change is much in the positive.  Jim is okay with not extending the vacation -that way he will have a few more days around the Christmas holidays.  So really it was not that big of a deal.

But, I so dreaded making the call and the change.  I think it stems back to a time I purchased theatre tickets -in London- for the same time we had booked a train ride - to Paris.  Ever since I get a little nervous making reservations.  

Check off one to do for the marathon trip.  

31 days away,
TVW

20 Miles - Physical and Mental Test

Today the schedule called for 20 miles and the forecast called for hot.  It was dark for the first 8 miles and no one at my pace was running 20 miles. 

But I was ready for 20 miles - as ready as you can be.  I bought new songs and made a new playlist on my ipod with all upbeat songs.  I ate a big lunch,small dinner on Friday, and pre run breakfast at 3 am Saturday .  I had 3 gu's , a bag of chomps, and my water bottle.

The first ten miles were good. Not great, not fast, but good.  Around mile 15 it got hard.  The sun was warming up the road, and there were less runners on the course.  I missed part of the route and had to improvise.  

But I just kept going.  I kept running even when it was so hard and I wanted to quit and walk, I kept running.  Even when I got back to the start and still needed 3 tenths of a mile to make it 20 , I kept running.  Even when everything hurt -feet legs, hips, back. There was not a dry area of my clothes, and I just kept running.  

That was the key.  I just kept running and praying, and did not stop.  Eventually my watch read 20 MILES.  That's when I stopped.  Run done. Mind stronger, body exhausted.

Running and Working

It is amazing the difference a full time job makes.  I can barely get home in the evenings before I have to be in bed.  Running is hard to fit in, especially with 95 degree weather.  Last week I ran only Sunday before and after I was hired.  Saturday was a 12 mile run and actually I think my legs enjoyed the rest.  I ran another 9 miles in a race on Monday.  My average pace was 9.33 ALMOST my 9.30 I have to run to qualify for Boston.  

But Chicago is less than 40 days away and right now I'm working 12 hour days.  I get up at 5 a.m. and am in bed by 10.  How have all my friends been doing this for years? Tonight my husband cooked dinner for me and I suddenly understand why he rarely offered to do the dishes after he had worked all day and I had not.

My perspective is so different. I have such admiration for people who work full time and do anything else.  I also have admiration for me 13 years ago when I started a new profession - full time, moved and had two children in elementary school.  How did I do it?  

All I know is that I'm too tired to even finish this post.

Catching some ZZZZZZZZ's
TVW

Running in the Dark

Today I really noticed how tough it is to run in the dark.  Usually I run with several people, and we have lights on our caps to light the way.  As the sun creeps up, we can see better, and even the moon lights our path.  

But today, I forgot my water bottle.  When I headed back to get it, a friend offered one of hers.  What a blessing.  It saved me 4 miles.  But by the time I got the water bottle, my pace group was way ahead.  I ran through the park by myself.  Where the trees covered the path, I could only see by my headlight.  If I looked out too far, there was not enough light to see.  I had to keep my head down and eyes focused j on the path a step or two in  front of my feet.

 I knew the path because I had run it many times, but I had not memorized it.  I didn't remember when it veered left or right, went up or down.  I had to keep my eyes right on the path. The light showed me where to take my next step.  

Since I was running alone, I had much time to reflect on this thought.  It is similar to my work situation right now.  I have 35 weeks of 4th grade ahead of me to learn about  and turn around and teach.  My students are tested in 3 area - reading, math and writing, all of which I must teach them.  As of now, I don't have a plan and it is  overwhelming.  But, if I will just look at what I need to do this week, I can plan that.  If each day I just prepare for that day, I can do that.  It is when I look too far in the future that the task looks enormous.  One week plan and one day preparation are doable.  I have to quit looking out to the path ahead, and just look for the next step.

I was reminded of a Bible verse, Psalm 119:105  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.  The Message version puts it this way: "By your words I can see where I'm going .  They throw a beam of light on my dark path."  My path looks dark far out, but I made it through this week one step at a time.  I will do the same next week, and the next.

 All along the way, God has guided me and sent help.  Today I  ran my 12 miles with no training runs during this week.  A kind friend gave me a water bottle, and another waited  and ran  6 miles with me.  It all worked together to make  a successful week. Chicago is 40 days away - which is overwhelming.  I have so much to do between now and then.  I haven't gotten the days off work yet, and then there is planning for a substitute.  But right now I'll just plan next week, run my miles, and not look too far ahead.   

Keeping my eyes on the light,
TVW   

Running Conflicts

I started my full time job on Monday.  It is not your ordinary 8 hour a day job.  It takes me at 2 hours to prepare for 5 hours of teaching.  Every night after work I head to Target, WalMart, Teacher's Tool, and Mardels.  Tonight I just went to the grocery store.  Wth all this, I have not run since my18 miles on Sunday.  

I am hoping that I can run Chicago.  I have to ask off, and I have to keep up my running.  Things are getting complicated.  But this weekend I hope to catch up.  I have a race on Monday.  Things were easier when running was my full time job.

Running on Empty ,
TVW

Team Weaver

Team Weaver was out in full force today.  Starting at 5:30 a.m. we left the house - I on my feet and my husband JIm  on his bike. We rode/ ran 2 miles until a water break - Jim carrying the water.  We continued for another 4 miles back and forth on a wide, well lit parkway.  I then headed out on another 3 mile out/ 3 mile back trek of the  planned run when I suddenly realized I need gatorade.  For some reason my nutritionists wanted me to just drink water.  But with 82 degree weather headed to 92 degrees, I need electrolytes.  Jim headed back to QT for gatorade and had it and ice cold water for me at mile 12. 

With 6 miles to go, I was dying, but I'm pretty sure this is where the mental toughness practice comes in.  I headed back down the parkway, Jim give me a thumbs up  each time he passed on his bike.  Finally I was at the park trails for my last 4 miles.  It was tough, and I was spent.  When I crossed the 4 mile mark on the trail, I still had .3 to go.  JIm was there with cold water and gatorade trying to figure out what I was doing.  When the watch finally read 18 MILES - I stopped.  Best thing to have cold water and gatorade hand delivered.  He also had the car with a towel to transport my tired 54 year old body back home.

After a quick shower, it was off to Snooty Pig for The Breakfast of Perseverance- me for running 18 miles and Jim for supporting me for 4 hours on Sunday morning.

Hurting all over, but a full heart,
TVW

Training and Working

For the past 8 years, I have either not worked, or worked part time.  If my job comes through, I will for the first time be working full time and training for a marathon.  This is going to be a shock for me- both the working 8 + hours a day,  and fitting in my run.

I'm a teacher, and for my marathon training time I have been working as a substitute.  I never worked more than 4 days a week, and I could work my running around my teaching.

But if all works out for my new job, I will be working full time while continuing to train for the Chicago marathon which is 50 days away.  I already have a conflict with my 18 mile run scheduled for today.  I have a 7:30 a.m. meeting so I had to switch my Saturday and Sunday running schedules.  This morning I have to run at 6 a.m. , in the dark, to get my run in while it is still cooler than 90 degrees.

Tomorrow I have to run 18 miles by myself.  Monday, I will have to run early again, and Tuesday (hopefully my first day) I'm not sure how I will do it.  I'm going to have to either run early in the dark, run late in the heat, or run bored to death on the treadmill.  I guess I am going to have to get tough and join the real world. I've had it easy for the past year training, but now I'm not going to have the luxury of a convenient run.  It will get easier when the temperatures drop. Afternoon and evening running will be an option. But for now, it is squeeze the runs in before work.  I'm impressed with all the people who have been doing this all along. 

Running by the moonlight,
TVW

Night Running

Thursday I found myself too nervous to run. I woke up at 5 a.m. without the help of an alarm. I had a job interview scheduled at 1:15 p.m.  But I kept putting off my run.  I didn't want to use my energy running -  I had an interview to worry about. So at 8: 30 p.m.,  6 hours after the interview I finally went for my run.  Summer weather has returned to Texas and even with the sun down, it was still in the high 90's.

My husband rode his bike on the same road while I ran - the idea was that he was near by for my protection.  Fifty minutes seemed like 2 hours.  It was hot, and it was humid, and it was after 8:30.  Finally with the help of 17 good songs, I finished.  As for my husband, he beat me home.  When he couldn't find me on the road,  he headed home.  So much for protection.

This Saturday I'm scheduled for an 18 mile run.  But, because of my job possibility, I have a meeting Saturday morning.  My husband has redeemed himself because he has agreed to be my support team on Sunday, when I  will run 18 miles by myself starting at 5:30 a.m. 

Motivation Returns with Cooler Weather

Running had become a drag.  Everyday for two weeks I've had to mentally drag myself out of bed and out the door.  At first I blamed it on my year and half pursuit of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. I was just burned out.  Then I decided it was because I had not run a race since April. My motivation needed a competitive boost.  But on Thursday, the temperature  unexpectedly dropped.  90 degree mornings are typical for Texas in August. Thursday morning's temperature was in the 70's. Ah - it was the hot humid conditions that had zapped my running zeal.  With the cooler temperatures, suddenly my mood changed. The fun was back - the joy, the excitement, running miles unaware- it all came back. Cooler temperatures reminded me why I like to run.  It was a preview of fall running  only weeks away.  I could relax, my hope renewed for a 4:10 Chicago Marathon - the time needed to qualify for Boston. 

Saturday was even better.  At our 5:00 am start, the temperature was in the 60's- is this really Texas?  Add to that two conversational running buddies and the first half of my run flew by.  They were running 18 miles, and I only 10, so I turned back  at mile 5 to run the last half solo.  It was still cool.  No hills on the schedule. Eve, my nutritionists was the guest speaker after the run.  I even heard a short clinic on the best socks to buy. Wonderful Saturday!

Chicago Marathon, I'm back on schedule,
TVW

Fantastic Buy on Sweat Rag

I finally remembered during the week that I need a - what do I call it  - wash rag, wash cloth,-  actually it is my sweat rag.  Pure and simple that is what it is used for and so that is what I will call it.  Cloth sounds too dignified and I do not wash with it.  So the official name is SWEAT RAG.  

I found the perfect ones at Walmart. 

Not too thick - that makes it hard to tuck in my running shorts. 
Not too big - I dropped my make shift rag twice last Saturday which I made by tearing a  hand towel in half. 
Not too expensive - 18 for $4. With my accounting training I can calculate  in my head  the price to to be less than 25 cents each (22 cents to be exact).   
Not too special - with 18 I can drop a few, lend a few to fellow runners, and not get too upset if my dog eats one or two.


They are perfect and I may go buy another pack in case they are a back to school special.

Perfect timing to try out on my 9 mile run tomorrow,
TVW

Welcome Cross Country Season

Today I ran smack dab into the Keller High School Cross Country Team.  I'll bet there were 20 of them- guys and girls.  They had just started, I think, because they were all in a clump.  It doesn't take long for them to spread out.  It is always the same - 3-4 boys without shirts in front, followed by 3-4 thin girls.  After that is a larger mixed group of girls and guys, then there are the straggles.  I love to see them out early running while it is still summer.  They are rare among their peers.

I have a theory: Cross country runners are smart.  It was true at my kids' school and I'll bet is is true everywhere.  What it takes to be a good runner is that same that it takes to be a good student.

Discipline - These kids have to run early and long - even when it is hot. You can't cheat on weekly mileage or it will ruin your races.    Same with studying - those kids have to study long and hard even when everyone else is out having fun.

No crowd needed - Runners have to run many hours and miles by themselves, when no one knows or is around.  Same with good students. - they spend much time by themselves studying and pursuing knowledge/good grades.

Tactical - Runners continually check their watches, and their pace. They have a plan pace per mile and when to accelerate to run their best race.  It takes brains to calculate and keep up all that while running.  Similarly  good students constantly know their grade average and what grade they need to keep their grade point and class rank.

Not on TV - Only once every 4 years do we watch runners on tv.  Same with cross country - maybe the district or state meets attract attention, but most  of their races are run during the school day. No one is there but their parents and coaches. You don't even have to pay to watch their events.  Same with good students - no one watches them take big tests.  No spectators at ACT, SAT, or AP Tests - where they shine.  Exception is the Spelling Bee on ESPN.  

It is a lifelong pursuit - Runners don't have to quit when they get 30.  They can continue their sport their whole life.  Good students are life long learners no matter what field they enter.  

Another thing I love about Cross Country - there are no cuts.  Everyone can be on the team.  Everyone can win their race, not by coming in first, but by improving their own time.

What is not to love about this sport?
TVW

Tools for Long Term Healthy Eating

It is ironic that I would attempt to write about long term and healthy eating.  I can write better about backsliding and repeat offender.  But one thing I do have in my favor, I keep on keeping on.  The fact that I have not gotten much more than 20 pounds over my wedding day weight except for pregnancy is a little admirable.  So, here are the tools that when I use them do work to keep me from eating everything in sight for 6 months.

1. Write it Down/Calories Count  It is kind of like money, even if you don't keep track of it, it still counts.  So, keeping track of what I'm eating even when I blow it helps me not keep blowing it.  I use Lose IT .com and it makes it really easy.  

2. Drink water not diet drinks.  I don't know what it is, but  diet drinks don't taste good with healthy food, and water does not fit in well with junk food. I do drink coffee, tea, and Crystal Light and they don't seem to have craving for junk food effect that diet drinks have. I'm just saying.

3.  Weigh.  I don't like to do this because no matter what happens, my reaction is not good. If my weight is down, I like to eat the rest of the day for a reward.  If my weight is up, I eat all day because I'm depressed about it.  But I have noticed that not knowing is the worse.  So, I suggest weighing once a month.  Plus when your clothes get tight there is not denying that something is up.  Clothes you've had for years don't suddenly begin to shrink.

4.  Quit making food the highlight of my life.  This is huge.  I always think of fun as entertainment with a fun factor.  Most healthy foods aren't fun.  So, I give myself coffee after dinner and consider that fun.  I get other things to do distract myself like a good book or go to Target, or google famous people.  When food is the focal point of my life - and with all the restaurants, and cooking shows it is hard not to get consumed with food - especially when you aren't working full time - it is hard not to eat all the time.  So, I work to distract myself.

I have a few other tools, like buying fruit already cut up, and Chick-fil-a when I'm about to go wild eating.  But these 4 are the basics.

Last Time: Discipline

The big area of my life that still lacks discipline: eating.  Now I can lose weight with the best of you.  Give me a diet and a motivation goal and I can do it.

First time I lost weight was in middle school - we called it junior high.  I had stopped growing but kept eating like I still needed fuel to extend my legs and arms.  I don't remember what I lost, but I do remember weighing 110 at my goal.  I haven't seen that number on the scale in years.

In college - freshman year I went on a 5 day fast - so stupid and freshmany of me.  I remember weighing 114 at the end.  That was the last time I saw that number.

When I fell in love with my disciplined man, I lost weight without even trying - that is how I knew I was in love.  I weighed 118 at my wedding.  That number is long gone too.

Between my two babies, I lost a ton of weight to go back to my college 10 year reunion.  I was  Ms. Weight Watchers - even attaining lifetime status -  weighing 120.  Do you notice these numbers keep going up - little by little.  

Since then it has been a merry-go-round .  I'm either on a diet heading for a goal, or I'm eating everything I want to with no caution until my clothes get tight, then I'm back to Weight Watchers or something similar.  It seems I think that once I lose the weight I can go back to my old habits and it will magically stay off. Round and round I go (and grow).

This summer, I lost 8.5 pounds in 2 months with the help of a sports nutritionists. (Notice I'm not giving specific weight numbers anymore).  She was so impressed with my efforts, and so was I .  Since I left her office a month ago, I haven't stopped celebrating.  Now I have not gained back much - honesty I'm too scared to get on the scales, but my clothes still fit.  But I go back to her one week from today.  So of course, my accountability/goal motivation kicks in and I'm back to being good or "on the plan".

But here is what I'm trying to learn and implement at my ripe old age of 54.  I've got to make a real change.  It's time. I've been at this for 40 years. I've got to learn how  continue to use the tools I used to lose weight to keep it off.  

This post is at its max - so tomorrow permanent weight loss tools tomorrow.
TVW

Where Did I Get Discipline Part 2

We were talking about the D word - and  actually, there are probably two sources for my slowly acquired, still in process, personal discipline. 

Now remember, I have been praying for years for discipline.  I read The Disciplined Life  several times, starting in my teens.  But knowledge about discipline does not make one disciplined.  No, I think what has helped me the most is this:  witnessing others' undisciplined lives. Observing the result of a life time of undisciplined living has taken me past desire for discipline to implementation - that and hormones that disturb my sleep.

I saw that just a little over eating or over spending is not a big deal in your 20's and 30's.  It is easy to fix those in the short term with Jenny Craig and credit cards. But when those habits continue and  creep into your 40's and beyond, the snowball effect gets huge.  All the sudden you can't lose weight easily or get a higher paying job and there is no quick fix. Plus years of bad habits take a long time to break.  

So when faced with a choice to be disciplined or not, I just thought about what the undisciplined decision would look like multiplied by a thousand in ten years, and it was much easier to get up and run, not buy the dress, clean out the drawer, do the hard thing now.

And my second source of discipline I must attribute to the movie What About Bob and the writer/blogger  FlyLady(.www.flylady.net/‎ )

I realized from Bob that change begins with baby steps. Discipline is not one big leap from 3 snoozes to getting up early for the rest of my life - it is just the baby steps of getting up and putting my feet on the floor when the alarm rings today.  I didn't run a marathon in January of 2011, I just laced up my shoes and started running a few steps for one day. The next day I did it again. Baby steps, in almost any area, are doable.

From Fly Lady, I realized discipline does not have to be done perfectly to work. I always started with these big plans to get up early, run, have a quiet time, etc. Sometimes I only got so far as making the plan before I quit- it overwhelmed me.  But now I have grace in my plan which allows for  imperfect results..  For example,  I may get up early 4 of 7 days a week and I'll accept that.  I don't have to quit because I didn't make it all 7.  And with running, I may walk some - that does not ruin it.  What I did run works and I can think of  the walking as a cool down. if I miss a day on my schedule, I don't have to start all over - i just pick up and keep going.

Tomorrow - I will tell you about the area of my life where discipline still eludes me.

Baby steps,
TVW

Where Did I Get This Discipline

This what it looked like outside the running store when I arrived at 5:00 this morning.  Yes, that is 5:00 a.m.  I then proceeded to run for 2 hours and 52 minutes.  If I wasn't there myself, I wouldn't believe.

I am not really a disciplined person.  I'm okay for the short term - like I could always cram for exams and stay on a diet for a week.  But this type of discipline has sneaked up on me. How did I get from a 3 time alarm snoozer to this?  

First I must admit that I married discipline.  His name is Jim and he was the answer to my years of prayers asking God for discipline.

  Once I married him, my finances and my profession found discipline almost immediately.  I married in May, and by November I had traded my pop corn stand business ,which barely broke even, for an accounting job that had the highest salary I'd had to date.  When I got married, I had a $300 balance on my credit card which I thought was very reasonable but my husband was appalled.  Years later he would continue to refer to the debt he inherited, not mentioning his much larger college loans I inherited, but I regress.

This was marital discipline, and I am very thankful for it, but I was still very undisciplined in my own personal habits.  Late night was a family ritual when I was growing up, and I enjoyed being a night owl.  I was energized at night and got all kinds of things done after 10:00 pm, but it did make getting up for work the next morning very difficult - thus the 3 snooze alarm.

But somewhere in the last 28 years, I have acquired my own personal discipline.  Maybe working and having a boss aided in this, as well as having 2 children who depended on me for their food, safety and sleep. Although, I must admit they are both night owls.  I trained them well.

So responsibility helped, but it had to be more than that.  I mean all kinds of adults have jobs and that discipline does not translate to training for marathons.  Where did I get this abnormal sense of discipline that gets me up at ungodly hours on the weekends and keeps me to a running schedule for which I get no money or grade.

This post has gone on way to long, so I will solve the mystery next post.

Trying the disciplined life,
TVW

Conquering Hills

Today was my hill work out.  I've been doing hills for over a year now. My plan says to run up a hill for 40 seconds, jog down and repeat various number of  times.  Last year I never got the hang of it.  Probably because I did not run them with much frequency.  Anyway I look at hills, they are not fun.

But this year, I've noticed something - I don't dread them so much, and I think maybe they have gotten easier.  Today I had the option of repeating the hill 8 times - and I did all 8.  Surprisingly it really wasn't that hard.

How can that be?  The hill has not changed, so it must be me.  I must have gotten stronger over the last 12 weeks.  When I wasn't looking or complaining, just doing what I was told, strength snuck in.  

Wonder if that works with other things in life? 
hang up my clothes after I wear them                                      . . .40 seconds
load the dishes in the dish washer after I eat on them               . . .40 seconds
clean my trash out of the car when I get out                              . . .40 seconds
fold/put up my clothes after I wash them                                  . . .1 minute and 40 seconds

How much emotional energy do I waste dreading and putting things off.  Just  a few seconds of extra effort  - done  on a regular basis - and see the benefits sneak in.

Love downhills,
TVW

Must Have Tools

Every sport has its equipment and these tools are my running equipment.  I can't leave home without them.  Let me explain about each one.

Hat - I have never bought a hat before this year. Since February,  I have bought 3 and want another one. I started wearing a hat to protect my ( slightly) colored  hair from bleaching out, but it does so much more.  It shades my eyes, keeps sweat out of my eyes, and makes it so I don't have to worry what my hair looks like before, during and after a run.   I like the neon green so my husband can find me in a race. I also have a pink and a blue one.  I want a white one, but how many NIKE hats do I need?

Garmin watch - This watch with a GPS is the best thing ever.  Never again to I have to get in my car and drive a route to know the mileage.  This watch tracks mileage, pace, calories, and time.  At $100,  is the bottom line Garmin, but has all I need, and it is very much worth the price. I don't think they sell this great green color any more.  A friend recognized me running on the road by my bright green watch!

Roo Sports bag - great bag that attaches with magnets.  It can hold a small phone, and/ or GU and chomps .  It has a  secret zip pouch for money.  I got this at an expo, and I think that is the only way it is sold.

Water bottle - This bottle clips on my shorts, is not too heavy and very convenient.  Some of my friends have a belt that carries several water bottles.  I would feel like a pack mule wearing that. I'm a minimalist so this fits me perfectly.   Remember to wash after every run - trust me.

Chomps and GU - I use a combination of these fuel foods on my long runs.  Some times I will use them to bribe myself on shorter runs, if it is a really tough day.  GU comes in so many flavors, but I stick with vanilla and chocolate. Chops - I get the red ones.

IPOD - Can't leave home without his.  I listen to music and podcasts and some radio dramas.  I've had it for years, it is probably a style they don't  make any more.  I've seen ones half this size, but as long as it works I'll keep using it.

Headphones - I have already broken these headphones since I took the picture.  Last year I bought $30 headphones, but I broke them.  I just keep get cheap ones so it's not much to replace.  I am in search of  the perfect headphones that are durable but not  too expensive.

Head band - I started using this with my hat and it helps keep my hair off my neck and forehead.

Wash cloth - see yesterday's post.

Before races and long runs, I make a check list so I won't forget any of my must have tools. It can ruin a race and severely dampen my mood on a practice run. 

Tooling along,

TVW

Running with a Rag

My day started like this:

(Yes that is the moon in the top left, or maybe it is a street light. Any way it was dark.)

and 12 miles later it was this:

Not too bad for a Saturday in July August. Can it already be August?  Summer flies by. ( I have already seen school supplies front and center at Walmart for weeks.) It is crazy to say, but my 12 miles went by kinda fast today.  Since most of my running buddies had to run 16, my 12 was actually manageable.  Plus, today I added a great tool - the washcloth - or since they are so old when you use them to run with - the rag.  

I have been thinking about running with a rag for forever, but I always forgot about it the morning of my runs.  My running group sets out ice cold wash rags along the route, but not until after 10 miles or so.  At about mile 2  I need them.

It was so helpful to have one with me.  I obviously used it to mop my sweaty face, and at the water stops, I got it cold and wet and it had an amazing cooling effect.  It stayed cool for a few miles.  It's somewhat like when you were a kid and had a fever and your mom put a cold washcloth on your head - it just makes you feel better all over.

This week, I'm heading to Walmart or Target, past the school supplies I love but don't need,(I get a little teary eyed at school supplies since my 21 and 23 year old kids don't need or  invite me to go back to school shopping with them anymore) and head  straight to the cheap inexpensive washcloths.  I think I need a bundle of these cooling tools.

Oh, and my pace today?  Thanks for asking.  10:29 - right on plan even in hot humid August.

Its hot and going to get hotter,

TVW

Free Friday

Fridays I'm free from running and I love it.  I don't have to get up and talk myself into running, and most Fridays, I don't have to wash and fix my hair.  I don't have to feel guilty until I finally go run -- I'm free.  Today to celebrate my freedom, I ate out breakfast with Monica, and lunch with Sharon- which lasted 2 hours!!  Sharon was celebrating freedom from the one hour lunch break.  I ate a Hershey chocolate bar, and I'm planning on pizza for dinner.  Friday's are not supposed to be nutritionally free, but today, because it is 102 degrees in Ft. Worth, Texas at 4:18 p.m. I am claiming freedom in many areas.

Tomorrow, it will be very hot at 5:00 am when I start my group workout.  12 miles at 10 1/2 minute miles will be probably 8:00 am finish and hopefully it won't be 90 degrees by then. Our wonderful coach Paul will probably have ice cold wash cloths for the over 12 mile runners, which won't help me at all.  But tomorrow I'm going to take my own cloth, and try to use it to cool off at the water stops. 

Sweating way too much for a 54 year old,

TVW

Boston by Way of Chicago and Maybe Dallas

In two and 1/2 months, or 73 days, I will be running in the Chicago Marathon.  It is my first marathon outside of Texas.  It is HUGE - 45,000 runners.  It was even difficult to register for this marathon.

You see, in April, I was all set to register for the marathon.  Registration started at noon, central time. Last year it sold out in 6 days, so I figured after I got off work at 3:00 was plenty of time to register.  But for this year, it was not.  So many people tried to register that the computer or server or something blew up.  Some who did get through got charged several times.  Those of us who did not get through before the blow up had to wait 3 days to  find out what to do next.

We found out that Chicago would have a lottery drawing for the spaces left. I registered for the lottery to win a place in the race.  It was another week until I got the message - I WAS IN.  And just so I knew I was blessed, I know two people, one being my husband, who did not get in by way of the lottery.

After several days, I started thinking about getting a hotel room near the race start.  I had to go through the Chicago Marathon group, and by the time I tried, there were only small rooms left.  I did book one, for October 12 and 13.  Currently I am trying to locate that information.  April was a long time ago.

Now, to qualify for Boston, I have to run this race at a pace I have never run , for any length of time, in my life. Plus I am running in a race with thousands of others in an unfamiliar city.  WHAT WAS I THINKING?  I've been working on this Boston qualifying for 19 months now.  This puts not a small amount of pressure on this race in October.  

What happens if I don't run a perfect race in Chicago?  What if I run slower than 4 hours and 10 minutes?   Well today a solution came in the mail/ email that is.  Today is the last day to register early for the Dallas Marathon that takes place in December.  So, as a backup, I'm going to plan to run the Dallas Marathon. 


 If I don't make my time at Chicago, I can stay in shape for 2 more months and try again in Dallas.  I would qualify for the 2015 Boston, not the 2014, but hey - qualifying for Boston is fantastic  no matter what year it happens.  

Mental Toughness

When I ran the Dallas Marathon in December 2012, I hit a wall at mile 20 and I just stopped.  I did start walking again, but I was spent.  It was not so much a physical wall, although I was exhausted and dead on my feet.  I had been there before.  But mentally I was out of it.  My mental muscles were not strong enough to endure the 26.2 miles.  

After the race, I took a look back at my prep and realized I had not properly trained my mind.  I had not run some  training days when I did not feel like it.  On one of my long 20+ miles, I had taken a short cut.  The night before the race I did not eat properly, and did not get in bed early.  For some reason, I had not developed mental toughness during my 12 months of marathon training.

Starting in 2013, I knew my mental training had to keep up with the physical training.  I trained through the spring with a running group that was much faster than I.  Coming in last every time helped with my mental toughness.  I just kept on training, reminding myself no one else was running my -54 year old aiming for Boston- race.

 I am training myself not to quit early.  I run all the way through to the end- not even .1 mile short.  Mental toughness happens at the end.  Everyone can start.  Anyone can train on cool, fair weather  days.  But it is the mentally tough who get out of bed early, set out on the road with a plan, run through heat and humidity, and most importantly . . . finish.    

4 Blessings on a Saturday in July

At camp all last week, my running was okay, but my sleep and eating left much to be desired.  When the alarm went off at 4:15 am Saturday morning, I did not think I had the energy to run 14 miles with my running group.  I went back to bed.  

Woke up at 8 am, and planned to run my 14 miles early Sunday.  Then I stepped outside.  Ft Worth, Texas, July 27 - IT WAS 72 DEGREES.  UNBELIEVABLE!!! Blessing #1.  I knew I could not pass up this great weather.  I got ready to run my 14 miles by myself.

I parked my car at  a QT, told the attendant not to let it get towed, and headed down a hilly parkway.  For 9 miles I ran - out 4.5 and back 4.5.  Every 2 miles, there was a water fountain. Blessing #2.  Back at the QT, I had water and gatorade and headed in another direction for my last 5 miles. 

 At mile 11, I ran by a park, with no water fountain.  I was out of water, when a  woman with her two daughters walked toward me.  I asked about water, and  they told me there was no water fountain at the park. But there was water  in the building where they were headed, right next to the park .  They let me in with their access card, and it was cold water from a water cooler. Blessing #3.

I finished my run, and looked at the temperature in my car 82 degrees at noon in Texas in July.  Blessing #4.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
TVW

Some Days/ Weeks, I Don't Like Running

I know this may be shocking, but more days than not, I don't like running.  I like the idea of running,  I like the way it burns calories so I can eat more, and I like what I've accomplished after I run, but many days the entire run is drudgery.

This week, for example has been tough.  Tuesday was hills.  This means I run 15 minutes to warm up, 40 second uphill incline -  6 times, and then 15 minutes cool down.  The only part I even remotely enjoyed was running downhill, but even that got hard after the third time.

Today was speed running - which is relative because for me it is only sub 9 minute miles.  Please quit laughing, I am 54. So, 20 minute warm up, 20 minute speed run, and 20 minutes cool down.  No part of that sounds fun!

So here is what I do. 

1. I put on my running clothes.  That is the first step because if I am at least dressed to run, I'm more likely to actually run.
2. I set an arbitrary time to run - and it is very adjustable. Today it was 7, then 8
3. Eventually I head out the door - with a charged ipod which helps a lot.

Then - and these are my big secret weapons:

     4. I break everything down into small pieces.  

     5.  I bribe myself.

Maybe 4 and 5 need explanation.  

Today I broke the 20 minutes warm up into two sections of 10: just run 10 minutes to the park.  Then run 10 more minutes to the Gym.  I broke my 20 minute speed run into 4 sets of 5 minutes. Every 5 minutes I would stop, stretch, and even go get water halfway through. Even on those 5 minutes, I would tell myself, " just 3 more minutes until a break" kind of breaking it down even smaller.  Tuesdays with the hills, I kept doing fractions in my head - 'You are 1/6 done" after one hill, "You are 1/3 done" after 2 hills, etc.  It also took my mind off running since I'm not that good at fractions.

The secret here is that 60 minutes of running overwhelmed me, but 5- to 10 minute bites I could handle. 6 hills did not seem overwhelming, but I just flat did not want to do them. Using this secret weapon, I got through both workouts still in good mental and physical condition.

About the bribing - I am always thinking about what I am going to eat after I run, while I'm running. Today my reward is Chick-fil-A and maybe some chocolate!  Sometimes I even take bribes  with me - jelly beans or energy chews.  I'll reward myself every mile or 10 minutes or less if needed with those little candies.  

     
                                                        Three of my favorite rewards

                 

I am not saying this is break through behavioral science - I'm just saying it works for me.

Taking small steps,

TVW

Changing Where I Hang Out

This used to be my favorite place to go.  I would go several times a week.  It has a great table outside, in the shade that was a perfect place to work or read.  And, very importantly, you could get unlimited refills on tea.  Problem was that everything on the menu was pretty much high calorie.  Even when I did extensive research on the nutrition site ( while I was waiting in line to order), nothing that I liked was low calorie.  Plus, it was always hard to resist the chips and salsa.

Almost 2 months ago I went to a sports nutritionists and she changed what I eat.  She  teaches athletes (or wanna be athletes) how to fuel their bodies, (or not gain weight while training for a marathon)

I found a  healthy satisfying meal I could get here. 

-a side salad, fat free honey mustard dressing, and 6 nuggets. I go here at least 3 times per week.

And recently,  I went here.  

I can get anything in a bowl, all the veggies I like, guacamole, and salsa.  No rice or beans. Note about the guac - it costs $2, so it may not be worth it.  Also, share the chips with someone.  They are slightly lime flavored and if you can limit yourself to 5 or 6 it is good.  The whole bag is over 500 calories, so be careful and count out a few and give the rest away.

You already know about what I get here.

Now, none of these places have a great outside table in the shade, but they do have free refills.

I miss you Rosa. I may have to go by and just get your unlimited refill tea.

TVW

Treadmill or Road Running?

Would you rather run your miles on this

or on this?

The benefit of the treadmill is CONTROL.  You can control the pace, the hills, , the temperature, the wind, and  the tv station you watch.  If you get tired, you don't have to run back anywhere, you just push stop and hop off.  

The benefits of the road are many.  Variety, beauty, freeing, you have to run back so you can't quit early just to name a few.

Today, I ran 4 miles looking at this

And  15 minutes at a fast pace looking this

I needed to run on the treadmill to make sure I keep a fast pace, but it seemed like forever.  I had to divide it into two  7 1/2 minutes segments and take a break in between.  I think the hardest thing for me on the treadmill, besides being bored by the view, is that I never can truly relax and let my mind go to other things.  I have to stay conscious of my pace so I don't fall off - George Jetson style.

I so much enjoyed my 45 minutes outside even though it was at least 85 degrees, humid, and there were a few small  hills.  The time flew by because I was writing this blog in my head, solving the world's problems, and remembering my fun trip to San Antonio earlier this week.

I started thinking about life and the treadmill.  I kinda had this treadmill life planned for my kids - controlled by me.  I chose the Christian intensity level that included  Christian High School, then a Christian college, get a degree and a safe job, marry a Christian, and live close enough to visit  Mom and Dad on holidays and birthdays.  Add in a pace of good behavior and excellent grades, and I had the perfect  life workout planned for them. 

But, somewhere between 17 and 22 years of age, both my kids got off my treadmill and went to their road.  It was fun and exciting for them, but very uncomfortable for me.  I didn't know where it was headed, and I still don't. They might encounter steep hills, difficult weather, and danger out there.  And most of all, which is the most painful to admit, I have absolutely no control over the time, place or the pace.

They are both enjoying the journey, of their chosen paths, and actually, I do understand why they got off ( and maybe resented ) my treadmill life for them. I am trying to get comfortable with the idea that they are not training for my life, but they are living theirs.  

Warning to Kids: Watch out for those hills and traffic. And call your mom!!

TVW