My journey to becoming a half marathon runner

Two years ago if you had asked me if I wanted to run a half marathon I would have laughed in your face!  I was nearing 30, had a 3 year old that kept me busy, worked full time and I was a smoker.  Most things that took cardiovascular endurance made me short of breath.  There was NO way I could have run 1 mile let alone 13.1!  After I quit smoking a year and a half ago I gained 30 pounds.  I figured that a little weight gain wouldn't matter in the long run since I would be adding years back to my life.  Boy was I wrong.  I lost all of my self worth, self confidence and my figure.  I just let myself go and then I let myself go further.  Those 30 pounds changed me.  And not for the better.

Then I joined Weight Watchers and started losing the weight!  It was an amazing feeling.  I was starting to feel worthy again, to feel like I mattered.  I was planning a wedding during all of this too and the stress was mounting.  I started talking to a friend of mine at work who was a runner and I decided to start the Couch to 5k program.  Her advice was pivotal in my journey.  She told me that even on the days that the program feels easy, don't skip a day.  At first that seemed silly to me!  If I can do it, then why should I do it again?  Right?  WRONG!  Taking your time during a training program is very important for injury prevention.  I should have listened.  I jumped in too fast and ended up with the world's WORST shin splints.  Part of that is because I was wearing improper shoes.  So with that in mind I went shopping.......at a reputable running store near me.  They fit me for my shoes and sent me on my way.  From then on I was ready to go.  I graduated from Couch to 5k with honors!  I knew that I was a slow runner (average around 11:30 min/mile) but I was running 5k without stopping.  I felt great!  That's when I decided that I would run a 10k that fall.  The Poulsbo Marathon offered a 10k option and I was interested. 

So we all know that I did not run the 10k that weekend.  So how did I go from wanting to run a 10k to a half?  Vanity!  Ha!  Upon further research I found out that the 10k finishers receive a ribbon but the half marathon runner.....they receive a MEDAL!  And I wanted one!  So began my training. 

I am a computer nerd.  That being said I did a lot of research before choosing a training plan.  It is important to note that you should not begin a half marathon training plan until you can run at least 3 miles without stopping.  When I finally chose a plan I put it on my calendar so that I wouldn't weasel my way out of it!  The plan indicated that I would run 4 times a week.  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Weekday runs averaged in mileage between 2-5 miles with the long run on the weekend.  I slowly built my long runs, never increasing by more that 1-2 miles with each passing week. 

At this point I should note that I had a great running partner.  She introduced me to the Galloway method of running, intervals.  We started out running 2/1 intervals but I felt guilty holding her back.  So we stuck with 3/1 intervals mostly, occasionally throwing in 3/:30 or 4/1.  This helped shave time off my mile time.  She is faster than me and was always encouraging me to go faster, keep up and not complain.  And she kept me accountable.  We only live about 1.5 miles away from each other so it was easy to meet up.  She stuck with me through all of my aches, pains and blisters.  Oh the BLISTERS!  They were (and still are) the bane of my existence.  I am an overpronator. Which means I run on the inside of my feet.  So of course my blisters were all on my arch.  I had great shoes but at that point I had already put hundreds of miles on them.  So for a few weeks I just powered through the blisters and dealt with them.

About two weeks prior to the race I broke down and bought a new pair of shoes.  This allowed me time to break them in with some short runs.  I was excited when the package arrived (I bought them online this time.  Same shoes, different color).  I was like a kid on Christmas!  I shoved those shoes on my feet and out the door I went!  It was great!  No blisters!  I ran my last long run of 11 miles in those shoes and no new blisters!

Then I entered the taper zone.  Typically this is the saviour of the training.  This is the time your body need to rest and recover before the race.  It is crucial.  Unfortunately I took it a bit too far.  I did not run the 7 miles I should have the weekend prior and I think I only ran 2 times the week leading up to the race.

But race day arrived and I was ready.  I had confidence in my training and I had my husband and kids there to root me on.  By the end of the race I had learned exactly what I was capable.  Both physically and emotionally.  But that is a story for another day!

In closing, I have gone from an overweight smoker to a non-smoking half marathon finisher in less than two years!  I am so proud!  I am currently training for my second half marathon on New Year's Eve and I'll let you know how it goes!

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Training (or lack there of)

Instead of crazy Black Friday shopping last week I decided to sign up for my second half marathon.  They were having their own Black Friday sale and were offering $20 off registration!  PERFECT!  Except for one small issue.....since my last half, I have done very little training to speak of.  My longest run was 4 miles on the treadmill.  Ugh!  This race is going to HURT.  I am hoping to run about 9 miles this weekend so that I can begin ramping up my mileage.  So folks, wish me luck!  The race is on New Year's Eve morning and it'll be COLD.  I'll keep you all posted on my training (hopefully there will be some).

Red Kisses,

Krissy

Thanksgiving!!!

As with most Americans, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  Of course I love the togetherness of it and the family time that comes along with the day but mostly I LOVE THE FOOD!!!  In an effort to offset my food intake, I will be running a 5k Turkey Trot.  Anyone else going to be out there running????  A 5k is the perfect distance for the morning of a holiday.  It doesn't take too long, and you can get home, shower, get pretty and head out to family and friends.  So I wish you all well on your Day of Thanks!!  But remember, that 1 day of bad eating will not completely ruin your efforts thus far.  Just eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full.
And remember......

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious,
May your pies take the prize
And May your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs!
-Unknown

Happy Holidays!

Red Kisses!!

Krissy

Today I don't feel like doing anything.....

Yes, that's right, Bruno Mars was the composer of the soundtrack that is my day today.  I sat around all morning (after sleeping in of course).  Worked on a knit blanket I'm making for my nephew, watched some DVR recordings, ate breakfast, ate lunch, etc.  Pretty lame and immensely boring.  All I wanted today was to sit around in my pj's and eat junk food.  And honestly I almost gave in and ate a candy bar but I reminded myself of my goals and candy certainly wasn't going to get there.  So....after my lunch of Progresso Light New England Clam Chowder (only 100 calories or 2 Weight Watchers points per serving) I forced myself on the treadmill.  I set up my iPad, turned on Netflix and watched a rerun of Gossip Girl.  Yes, I am too old to be watching that but I find it very easy to turn my brain off while I'm watching and it makes the run go by faster.....don't judge me! All in all it was a decent run, for the treadmill.  I wish I had been able to do it outside but Husband is at work and Daughter was here with me. 

So that brings me to my question.  Where do you draw your inspiration from?  What is that one thing that encourages you to lace up those sneakers and get out (up) there?  For me it is the goal of cutting my mile time speed and weight loss will help with that.  I constantly remind myself that I am doing this for ME and to teach my daughter that fitness is fun.  I love that she is interested in running and doing push ups with me and sit ups with me.  Feel free to post your comments so that we all may draw inspiration from one another!

Red kisses,

Krissy 

                                             my inspiration

Red Lips?

Running is hard, being a mom is hard, doing both???  Extremely hard!  I love being a mom, I have 4 children, 1 biological and 3 step children!  Life can be hectic and it is often difficult to find time in my day to run or do any other fitness-related activity.  Often times I just don't feel like doing it but when I put on my running gear and spread on some red lipstick I feel like I can take on the world!!!  There is nothing in this world I can't conquer without a pair of running shoes, a sports bra and red lips!  Who's with me?  I recently completed a bucket list item by running my first ever half marathon.  It was exhilarating, it was empowering, it was ROUGH!  Don't get me wrong, I am glad I did it and I will continue doing them.  But.....during my 12 week training plan I had more blisters than I thought humanly possible on one woman's feet!  Gross??  Totally!  But a reality for distance runners!  Before my daughter was born I used to run 5ks and I loved it.  I was satisfied with that being my little niche in the world.  After becoming a mommy (and gaining about 40 pounds) I felt down about myself, thinking day after day that I would never lose the weight.  I joined Weight Watchers and lost 22 pounds!  With that weight loss I felt my self esteem and self worth coming back!  It was awesome.  It was then that the idea of running a half marathon started percolating.  I knew there was a half marathon in the town next to mine coming up later in the year and decided I would go for broke.  I threw all caution to the wind and signed up.  That was it!  I was paid up, signed, sealed, delivered.  I was freaked out!  I immediately started researching training plans.  I had a mere 12 weeks to train and during that time I was getting married and going on my honeymoon.  I was NOT going to run while in Cabo!  As the weeks got closer my Saturday runs got longer.  Until I reached the 11 mile mark and began tapering.  The race was hard!  Many hills that I did not anticipate or train for.  In the end I finished in 3:00:24.  I had hope to finish sooner but that's ok.  I finished.  I did something that most people will never do.  I was addicted instantly.  I am signed up for a virtual half marathon that is sponsored by my running group Mom Run This Town.  It's called Winter Runderland.  We will be running that in January.  However, I am hoping to run my second half marathon on New Year's Eve morning.  I have several more half marathons lined up for the next year and hope some of you can join me! 

Remember, fitness should be fun!  Otherwise we won't do it!  So put on your running gear and your red lips and get out there.  It might be hard at first but you'll look great doing it!

Red kisses,

Krissy