And in Running News...

Well, it’s official. I am doing the Houston half marathon in January! I might have broken a sweat when I received the e-mail but I am excited to hopefully check an item off my bucket list!

I’m currently debating how to train for it. Any advice, fellow runners?

At first I thought I’d join a group and start next week (they’re training for a half in November)… but I also don’t want to get burned out. (Literally speaking these days with this BRUTAL heat!) So I actually may just do the Hal Higdon program starting in October. If I do that, I’ll continue to run/cross train 5-6 times a week in the meantime. I think that could work for me.

I'd love YOUR thoughts!

The High is Back

Tonight I feel elated. For a wonderful reason, too. I ran today. It had been over 7 months since I've gone for a run (due to my knee injury).

Fast forward through physical therapy, lots of rest and a 16+ weight gain because of lack of exercise, today I laced up my running shoes that I hadn't worn since mid-March and scrambled to find my favorite shorts, socks and sports bra.

Once at the river trail, I did intervals, with a lovely companion who kept time, and we went about 2.5 miles. The shoes felt amazing on my feet, (probably because I have been wearing my old sneakers for the past few months. I only save my running pair for its sole purpose.), the breeze made me feel alive and it just felt really good to be out there again.

Granted, I had to stop at one point to lay on the trail to do crunches (blasted side cramp) and my knee would send small twinges reminding me it's not pain free... but still.

I survived.
I never complained once.
I pushed it at the end.

Then I came home, iced my knee, took some ibuprofen and have felt that wonderful runner's high all night (and a knee twinge.. or two.)

I can't wait to try it again tomorrow.

Austin Recap

Note: I wrote this post on my blogger ap and I didn't want the pictures to be this big!

I went to Austin a few weeks ago... the purpose of the trip was to run my first 10K but I didin't get to because of my knee injury. Even so, I still had a great time with my best friend, Renata, and my dear friend, Jenni!

Me and my bib... but I didn't run. :)

Spider House in Austin

Supporting Renata at the Cap 10K!

On our way to 6th Street after the race

My first stuffed avocado.... delicious! GREAT TRIP!

I'm not allowed to run

Or use the elliptical. Or do anything that causes pain to my knee. A few weeks ago, I hurt my knee and then after running a 5K, occasional pain turned into constant pain. Constant pain prevented me from running 1 mile, which led to a doctor visit, which led to x-rays and now physical therapy a couple times a week.

I'm actually very lucky because it's not a horrible injury. I don't need surgery. It'll heal with time, rest and strength training. Also, from learning to run in a different way with the help of my physical therapist. How I run doesn't help my knee. Blame the many years of ballet!

I have to tell you guys... I really miss cardio. But I am looking at the silver lining. After this is over, I am going to be a better runner. I am never going to take it for granted again. I have to admit I feel envy inside when I see a runner. I also admit that I worry about losing my muscle and gaining back the weight I have lost. But I will power through because if you focus on the negatives, they are going to outweigh the positives... and bring you down.

You can count on me running again soon. After all, my new year's resolution is to run a 15K in October. I'm sticking to my PT workouts and going to the gym to do abs and arms... anything I can do to feel like I'm staying in shape. Until then, no running posts for a while. Maybe just swimming posts... I want to find a new gym with a pool!

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First Race of Season!

I kicked off race season this past Saturday with a St. Patrick’s themed-5K. I’m down for that because that means I get to wear some fun green!



This race is sentimental to me because last year it was my first 5K. I was super proud of two of my friends for running it this year because it was their first 5K!



As for how I did, I felt pretty strong but then I cramped going down a hill. What’s up with that? Any advice is appreciated. But I beat my time from last year and hey, that makes me happy.

I’m dealing with a knee issue right now (this is new territory to me) so sadly I made myself take yesterday and now today off. Any tips on how to “heal” a knee? It feels like there’s a bruise on the inside. I don’t know if that’s even possible.

Less than 2 weeks until my first 10K! The clock is ticking!

Shoe Woo

Have I mentioned to you how much I love shoes? But I love a good deal on shoes even more! I've purchased a few pairs since November... some fun and some practical! Here's what's up in my shoe world:


I got these in NYC at Shoe Woo. I saw them and it was heavenly lights were shining down upon them. I had to try them... and they fit perfectly! Nevermind that I don't have many places to wear them... ;)


A few months ago, I posted how it's difficult for us big calved girls to find boots. Well, I finally found two pairs of boots that fit my calves. I go with the slouchy style and they fit really well! I got the top pair on eBay of all places and the bottom at DSW.




Got these puppies for 70 percent off at Dillards! Love them!


I thought these were super fun for summer! Only $10 at Famous Footwear!


Another fun pair for summer that I got at Famous Footwear on sale!


It was time for new running shoes so I got these babies last week at a local store, Fleet Feet. I haven't gotten in a good run with them yet but can't wait!

What are your favorite pair of shoes that you purchased recently?

Runner's View

The view on my run/walk tonight...



It kept me going!



Hi folks. It's been a while. I have nothing but excuses but you don't need to hear those. I hope you have all been doing well. How are things? Hope we can talk again soon... ;)

Happy New Year!

I’ve really done a horrible job at updating good ol’ bloggidy lately… I mean, I only updated it three times in December? Yeah, that's unacceptable.

I’d like to say that I will make a resolution this new year to update this more but if I'm honest I don’t think that will work. Instead I have another resolution in mind. I am going to run a 15K! Last year my resolution was to run a 5K and I checked that one off the list by mid-March. The 15K will take longer because it is not until October, but hey, that’s OK! I plan to run my first 10K in March but I’m not counting that as a resolution because I already bought my plane ticket and am registered. The 15K is a new goal that I will see happens. I’m secretly hoping that I will do so well with it that I’ll be able to run a half marathon in November. Call me hopefully optimistic! ;)

But, seriously now, I will try to be better about this blogging business. I have some posts in mind... like I want to post abut my latest trips, and Christmas, and one about shoes! Oh, how I love shoes. I’ll get there. I promise… (I’m promising this to myself!) Maybe you all can hold me to it?

Now I want to know, what are your resolutions?

Route 66 Bliss

Today was a very important day for me. I ran my longest race to date at the Route 66 Marathon relay. But the distance wasn't the most important part about the race - it was why I was doing it. I want to share with you why today was so special.

At my last job, I worked with a wonderful man named Randy. He had a sunny personality, greeting everyone with a big smile and slap on the back or a "Hidey ho!" Everyone had something nice to say about him.

Randy was a marathon runner. Earlier this year when I started running, he would always encourage me and ask how it was going. I felt silly feeling proud of the 1 mile I ran compared to the 26+ that he could run, but he always treated it like a great accomplishment.

Running marathons wasn't Randy's biggest fight. He passed away on Sept. 27, 2010, from melanoma. After he was diagnosed and started treatment, we watched the weight fall off of him. Even though you could see in his body the arduous fight he was going through, you'd never know it when you spoke with him. He was so inspiring, so encouraging, so strong; still always smiling, still asking about you when you wanted to talk about him.


D.C. trip with co-workers

When Randy lost his battle to melanoma, I was asked to participate in the marathon relay in honor of him. I accepted in a heartbeat, although the distance (more than I had ever run) daunted me. But I had to do it for Randy, for everything he went through. Today during the race, I started to feel tired and I took the time to take a short walking break and talk to Randy. I asked him to run with me because I needed a piece of his massive strength. After I had the talk, I started running again and I hit my stride - I felt great. It was the best race I've done and I surprised myself with my time.

Randy kept me going today.


That one was for you, Randy. I miss you.

Another Runner's High

It's been over a week since my last post....oops! Time just flew this past week. I had to finish my final project for my photography class so exercising and life (and blogging) was put on the backburner while I finished my project.

I ran a 5K this morning and felt absolutely fantastic. No cramps, no pain, no discomfort = awesome. I realize that I run my best when I am lost in conversation or in my thoughts. If I'm not thinking about how far I still have to go or about the pain somewhere in my body, I feel like I can just keep going and going. I think about life, work, what groceries I need to buy, anything really, and it works.

Today my friend Julie and I just chatted about our weekend plans and who knows what else while keeping a good pace. Before we knew it, we were on the final stretch feeling strong and racing across the finish line. Gotta love that runner's high!

I sported my new shirt - Team Grundy. My old job made these shirts in memory of a friend and co-worker who recently passed away. He was a marathon runner and such an inspiration. In November, I am part of a marathon relay in honor of him.



I ate this before the race this morning.



I got a free one at an expo yesterday. It tasted pretty good. High calorie though but I know that's OK before a long run. Maybe I'll pick up another before my upcoming relay race.

What's everyone's fun plans for this weekend/Halloween?!

32 Days Until... and Sweaty Bands.

I usually don’t win things. Giveaways, contests, anything. I’m just not that lucky. Well, that is until recently…

Holly at Rust Belt Runner did a recent giveaway for Sweaty Bands – cute workout headbands. And I won! I got two of them in the mail last week and tried them out on my runs this weekend. I really like them. Comfortable, stayed on my head (which I was worried about) and kept the sweat out of my eyes. Oh, and they’re cute! Thanks again, Holly!


One of the Sweaty Bands!

Speaking of runs, I am in the midst of training for a marathon relay. This newbie runner is a little nervous about my 5.2 miles. I know I can do it because I ran 5.4 for the first time this past Friday. I also know I’ll be able to keep on going because I’ll be inspired by all the marathoners around me (I mean, wow!). I’m mostly nervous about my time. I don't want to let my teammates down!

I have been running or at the gym every day, getting ready and trying to increase my endurance. I’m really seeing and feeling the results, but boy, am I tired.

32 days until the relay! Think I can shave off 25 minutes from my time by then? Yeah, not likely. ;)

Two questions on this post! What is something you are “training” for? And athletes, how do you increase your endurance?

A Runner's High

I’ve been a work out-a-holic lately. Instead of just running, I’m also going to the gym to lift weights. I want to increase my strength and endurance. It’s also increased my hunger. I am hungry all.the.time.

I realized that I never posted how Race for the Cure went. You might remember when I wrote about the disappointing 5K I had a few weeks ago. I went into Race for the Cure with a whole different attitude… I mean, how can you not? That race is so inspiring and the turnout was incredible.


Not my race but our crowd looked like this - amazing!

I ran with a friend who was running her first 5K. She did great! And I was relaxed and enjoyed it. I think I probably ran a little more than a 5K if you count all the weaving I had to do around people. I used Sarah’s (A Girl in the Sunshine) advice, which was to view the 5K as a game and see how many people I could pass. That really worked! It gave me something else to focus on. Thanks for the advice, Sarah!

My next run is an all-women’s 5K in mid-October. Can’t wait!

If you can’t tell my current outlook on running is… content.

What’s making you feel content these days?

Woeful Runner

I wish I could say I rocked my 5K this past weekend.

I didn’t.

Saturday was difficult, hot and sticky. Did I mention hot?

I feel too proud to blame it on being sick the Sunday-Wednesday before the race. But I do think that and the heat did factor in. My running partner was a champ though!

On a personal level, it was the worst 5K I’ve had in regards to time. Slower than my first one! And right after I finished, I felt so nauseated, which is unusual.

Do any of you ever feel like you have a mental hindrance when it comes to competing or exercising? I do. When I run the distance on my own, I CAN rock it (majority of the time.) But when I run a 5K race, I start thinking that it’s so long and I’m never going to finish. I set myself up for failure. I think it’s the pressure.

How do you overcome your mental blocks?

I’m smiling here but only because the run was over with.



Time to put this race in the history books and focus on Saturday’s!

Tales from a New Runner

I have my fourth 5K tonight.

I started running earlier this year through a Couch to 5K program. Before that, I could barely run down the block without having to stop and gasp for breath.

Even with completing the program, I'll admit that I'm not a natural runner. It's difficult for me but I'm seeing progress. I finally ran 3.4 miles consistently in 30 minutes! This was a battle and I was so proud of my friend Julie and I for accomplishing that together. On our next run, we did it again but a little faster! Then a few days later, I ran by myself and was barely able to run 2 miles without stopping. Go figure, huh? I would describe it as a run-by-run battle.

My goal is to one day run a 10K. I'll get there.

But as for tonight....

My shoes are ready.



My outfit is, too. I'm also going to don this shirt at the Race for the Cure 5K next week (fifth 5K)!



And so am I. (I never look happy when running. Hmm...)



I was sick earlier this week so I'm crossing my fingers for tonight. I want to do my best. That's all that matters!