Almost a Half Marathon!

Posted by Mark
I ran to downtown Ashland and back today.  I clocked it in my car and it is a little over 12 mi.round trip.  By my calculations that is just 1 mi short of a half marathon!  It wasn't an easy run but I did it and its the farthest I've ever done in one session.  It's disheartening to think though that it's only half of what I have to do in just 69 more days.  I have my work cut out for me!

My New Favorite Number

Posted by Steph

I DID IT!!!!!

Two Numbers

Posted by Stacy

Nirvana

posted by Stacy

Yesterday I really really did NOT want to put on my shoes.  I even told Mark I was just tired of pounding the pavement every day because I just don't like it all.  I hate it in fact.  I resent having to work so hard to keep healthy.  BUT I gave my blue bracelet a snap! and put on my shoes anyway.

The wind was whipping sooo hard that it almost blew our BBQ off the porch, and the thing is bolted down!  So I opted for the treadmill.  I spent the first two laps cussing and swearing that if I could just do another two more I just might quit after I'd reached a measly mile.  The next two laps were no better, and I resentfully dabbled in more cussing.

Then something interesting happened.  As I began to get warmed up I slipped out of my jacket and I started to feel okay about the whole thing.  Then suddenly, like a switch had been flipped on, everything began to clear up.  My mind, my aches, my knee, the sox that didn't feel right; everything.  I just went blank and seemed like there was no space or time.  Total oblivion.  Nirvana.

I pushed my jacket over the top of all the lights and gauges of my treadmill and just enjoyed the moment.  I thought, I'll just run till the pain and hatred comes back.  So I just ran.  It was AMAZING.  I have never run more than 5 miles before and by mile 4 I was still suspended in time so I started thinking I just might pass up 5 make 6 miles!  I did and kept on going.

I set a new PR for distance: 7 miles.  The funny thing is, I could have kept going.  7 miles may not be a record setting milestone for anyone but me...but this is ME were talking about here!  And considering the fact that I hate running AND the fact that I'm a self-proclaimed athletic wimp (unless the sport involves something gas powered), I'm pretty giddy about my achievement.

I realize that every run won't be like yesterday but I'm totally happy to finally experience a little of what so many runners out there claim to achieve from time to time.  A little NIRVANAAAAA.

Inspiration for new PR!

Posted by Steph
I've been trying to run every day while here in Oregon for two big reasons. 

• ONE  to keep fit and maintain the momentum I've worked so hard to get going.  Not to mention, with all the classic fried Shumway food going on around here, running is the only way I'm gonna stay in my jeans!  
• TWO  I've been running to motivate my sister to get back on the jogging wagon.  She's been a little lot lax and it's time she got re-committed.  Especially if we're gonna do a half marathon in the spring.

Meanwhile, I've been enjoying the chance to jog with my sister.  We haven't run together since the Clinton 5K back in July.  At that time she was going strong and I was just getting started.  I'm happy to say I've worked really hard to get better and better and I have become a stronger runner!  My sister has trouble keeping up with me!  That's a long way from the Clinton 5K. 

Yesterday, on Christmas afternoon, Stace and I went out for a run.  We decided to run into town  and  I decided I was going to run all the way to town and BACK hoping to clock 6 full miles.  And I did it!  I felt really good and I had enough energy to pass their driveway on my return and keep going, setting a new Personal Record!!  Give me a "Woot Woot!"

Here's the inspiration that motivated me to keep going...Hope it inspires you too!



Stace even decided once we parted ways in town, that she felt good enough to keep running too.  So she made a big detour and jogged up the steep golf course road and made a wide loop before arrving at her stopping point.  When she drove back to the house she saw me passing the driveway so she got out and ran with me again.  She made 5 miles!  Not bad for being of the running wagon since the summer. Give her a "Woot Woot!"