2 Weeks Till DC!

I can't believe that in just two weeks (a little less now) that I will be in Washington, DC and completing a half marathon!

Yesterday, Team DC had our Bon Voyage Party at our coaches house. We enjoyed food, talk about our upcoming trip and receive all our information for Race Weekend!

It's exciting and scary that it's so close!

Our Team In Training Singlets that we will wear along with the thousands of other Team In Training ladies from all over the country! My teammate Jessica, this is her FOURTH event with TNT, says she likes to try and guess the different chapters by the symbol on their jersey as she runs. I might have to take her up on that as I may get a little bored out there.

My good friend, training companion, and coworker Megan and I both earned Top Fundraising Awards!

I raised $3,700 and she raised $3,500!!

 

I missed "Peak Week" in training last week, as I started to battle an awful cold. I knew I didn't need it sticking around, so I took a sick day from work, slept 14 hours, popped DayQuil/NightQuil and I was 100% the  next day.

I'll have to remember that next time I get a cold when I think I just fight it for three weeks.

 

I still wasn't feeling 100% when I woke up last Saturday for our long run, so I chose to sleep instead, especially because I had to work 10-5 that day. The last thing I wanted was run 10 miles at 6:30 am and then be on my feet at the gym for 6 hours.

 

But the training won't run itself. So, I'm trying my best to get a run in every day this week. I'm following the We Run DC app and their training schedule:

 

Monday: 4 mi

Tuesday: 9 mi

Wednesday: Workout 45--I have to work that night, so this may be my rest day

Thursday: 5 mi

Friday: 4 mi

Saturday: 8 mi

Sunday: Rest

 

I have to work Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays evenings (which suck) so I have to work in the run sometime either before or after. I didn't work until 5 today, so I got my 4 miles in. Such a cool 80 degrees at 4pm, made for a humid and sunny run. But I ran through very nice neighborhoods, so I was able to stay in the shade.

I tell you, the wildlife in Florida is amazing. As I'm running lizards dart in every direction. It's like they see you coming and choose that's the best time to run across the sidewalk. I figure, their loss if I run over them. Also, squirels are at every corner.

When I ran the Riverside Dash, it followed along the St. John River, which is about the width of the Missouri; birds were EVERYWHERE!

 

I swear I feel like I lost my motivation. I just can't find it. I don't know what's going on while I run, I'll be thinking motivation and then my body will just stop. Seriously, it's like I didn't even make it stop, it just does.

I'm still looking for that "runner's high"

 

We'll see how that 9 miler goes tomorrow...I don't make any promises.

 

 

What Comes After a 15k...

Three weeks from now I will have completed my first Half Marathon! 

It's crazy how fast it is approaching! I'm not 100% ready yet, but I'm so close. Since I struggle with running on my own, I decided to sign up for as many organized races as I could to help with my training. Like any sport or performance, practice and training are different than the real thing. Races are still a mental battle, but it's not only a battle with myself, but with the others around me.

This morning I completed the EA Sports Riverside Dash 15K in Sanford, FL. It was an easy and straight course that went right along the beautiful St. John River.

Source: Google Images via internet

I didn't do too bad, until mile 6. I got a wicked side ache that kept from doing any running at all. It came out of no where and I haven't gotten any side aches in my training so far. I tried all the old tricks: breathing through my nose, putting my hands above my head, drinking water, etc. But nothing worked. 

It killed for the next mile and half and totally slowed me down. It felt like I was being stabbed in the side, where I couldn't even run. It turned into a dull stabbing pain the last three miles.

I cannot let this happen to me during the half marathon. 

Does anyone have any tips on how to get rid of them?

 Team In Training does Riverside Dash!

In one month I've finished a 5k, a 10k, and now a 15k! What's next?

Half Marathon!

Source: Google Images via Internet

I am still fundraising for 4 more days! Let's see those numbers go up!
Kate's Fundraising Page

Fundraising & Running Update

Longest Miles: 10.79

Money Raised: $3,700.36

Percentage to Complete: 116%

Amount to raise to ROCKSTAR STATUS: $499.36

Days till Race: 20

TNT Update 4.5

When does a runner in training stop hate running?

Where is this "runner's high" I've been hearing about?

Really, I want to know, because it doesn't seem to get any easier.

I ran the 10k and it wasn't easy, but I felt pretty good while I did ran and had energy through it all.

The following weekend we were scheduled to complete 12 miles…ya right. I settled for 8, but ended up doing 10.79. It was SO hard. I barely ran and the last 3 miles I thought I wasn't going to finish. I wanted to collapse. The worse part about running is that you have to finish, unfortunately your car won't come pick you up.

I'm running at 15k in the morning, God help me.

I also learned a hard lesson in hydration. 

I'm awful at remembering to drink water during the day and it caught up with me Thursday afternoon. Brandon and I signed up to run a 5k fun run for Tijuana Flats Restaurant charity Just in Queso and Special Olympics.

There is reason we have our long runs at the crack of dawn, because Florida gets VERY hot in the afternoons. We seemed to go from "winter" right into summer and at 6:45 pm it was 80 degrees and sunny.

I got through the first 2 miles and then started seeing spots…not good. I stopped for a little bit and started up again when I wasn't seeing the spots, but I wasn't feeling good anymore.

Mouth was feeling dry and my hands started getting tingly. I just wanted to finish and realized I need to change my thoughts on water.

As far as my fundraising goes, I still can't believe all the support I've gotten. Running does get a little easier knowing there are so many people who have "my back"

I am still fundraising till April 11th, let's keep it going!!!

100 donations of $10! 

Kate's Fundraising Page

Fundraising & Running Update

Miles: 10.79

Money Raised: $3,700.36

Percentage to Complete: 116%

Amount to raise to ROCKSTAR STATUS: $500.64

Days till Race: 21

TNT Update 3.2

Two months to go to my half marathon and the training is getting tougher and the runs have to start getting longer.

I took a "break" this week. For no particular reason besides a combination of being lazy and busy.

I only get two afternoons off a week and work at the Y at 5 on Mondays/Wednesday/Fridays. Monday  and Wednesday, I had to run errands after work before the Y work and Tuesday I had to get projects done, and Thursday I had to stay late for a work event.

So, I took the week off and I paid for it at my race on Saturday.

My friend Meg and I signed up for the local Irish 5K, Fiddler's Green 5K and it was bright and early Saturday morning.

The race was fun with lots of runners dressed up St. Pat's themed, but the course was a little challenging. It went through neighborhoods, uneven ground at times, and a few hills. We were lucky to get to the very front of the group, but when the whistle blew to start running I was QUICKLY passed by all the experienced runners and I started the my race a little faster than I would have prefered as I was going with the crowd.

I ran my first mile at a 10:08 pace, which is almost a minute faster than my previous records. It was about there that I quit and started my staggered training, which I have decided is the best way for me to complete the half marathon. From there I was able to keep a pace of an 11:30 mile and finished the 5k under 34 minutes, which was another PR for me.

I knew I could do better, but mentally I could not get myself to keep pushing. That is my biggest block; thinking too much.

It was like the angel and devil on my shoulders as I ran. The angel side was trying to give my body the mental pushes to keep going "don't let that kid pass you, get to the stop sign, that old lady is going faster, you did 7 miles last week, that man is running and pushing a stroller...."

The devil side said screw you, I don't care

And most of the time, the devil side won. I know I could have PR'd a lot better than I did, but mentally I didn't want to.

I didn't get the rush of adrenaline until I could see the finish line and saw the timer at 33 minutes. I knew I had to be under 34 so I started to sprint and finished strong.

Of course, it being an Irish race, we were rewarded after with a large beer and a shot of Whiskey.

Honestly, every race should end with a beer at 9am.

I didn't take too much time to rest and met my friends at 10 to go to an amusement park all day. The weather was beautiful and it was a great day. But my choice of flip flops after a race was not smart.
I strained the tendon below my right knee and my shin splints started to come in full force! I iced my knee Saturday night and Sunday while I was at work and it feels much better. But those pesky shin splints have made their presence known.

I kept saying, it's not a matter of if I get shin splints, but when.
I got them every year during track in high school. It's due to my flat feet. I have professionally made inserts in my shoes, but they still hurt. It's a sharp, full leg pain, and it's a pain in my ass. 

I'm trying out KT tape to see what all the fuss is about. It's supposed to give support and injury prevention. I've been wearing them all day yesterday and today and it doesn't feel much different.
I think I'll try to re-tape them tonight.

I'm only 40 days away from my final funds for my race and I've got 42% to go. Be prepared friends for me to go fundraising crazy!

Kate's Fundraising Page

 Fundraising & Running Update

Miles: 7.4

Money Raised: $1,865.36

Percentage to Complete: 58%

Amount left to go:  $1,334.64

Days till Race: 55

TNT Update 2.22

I officially completed over HALF of a HALF MARATHON! 

For my Saturday long run I went for another mile since my PR last week and go for the whole 7 miles!

At 7am, when it starts to rain on the run and a strained muscle at mile 4, I am definitely looking more beast than beauty. I try to find something to capture on each run. This week, it started to rain around mile 5. We were winding down by this time and running through nice neighborhoods and talking about the different styles of houses. I noticed a patch of clovers and couldn't help but capture one of the them. No 4-leaf ones, but I love the vibrant green, the rain drops, the luckiness, & that St. Pat's is right around the corner!

I seem to have good days and tough days on my run. Again, when my alarm went off at 6:15, I kept thinking of how I could get out of it and what excuse I could give to not go. But that's not gonna work. I got dressed and headed to Meg's house. We were both in the same boat this morning. 

Our TNT group was training at a park 45 minutes away. It's hard enough for me to get up early on a Saturday, but even worse to get up even earlier and drive to something I don't want to do in the first place. So, on those days, my friend Megan and I run at the local parks.

We were thinking of our options for our run…we could do an easy 3-4 miles and be done, or we could beat our distance PR and complete 7. After some thinking we decided to bite the bullet and go big. The half marathon isn't getting any smaller.

It was a rough loop. It was through neighborhoods and along busy streets. The sidewalks were uneven, there were hills, it seemed to never end, and it rained at the end.

Last week at my 6.5 miler, I really pushed myself and that resulted in an ice bath. I still had some pain in my groin muscle and around mile 3.5 it was really starting to hurt and slow me down. 

Although it wasn't my best, there were good feelings afterwards knowing that I have officially ran over half of a half marathon. We were only 5 miles away from the whole thing.

CROSS TRAINING

 I've been trying to bring different types of cross training in my workouts and turn this half marathon into a full body workout. It is much more than training to run, but being active in everything. I have found that Groupon is the best place to find new exercises to experiment.

Trampoline Park

My new favorite activity has been Aerial Yoga. It has been great for stretching, strengthening, and core workout. And I feel pretty sweet doing it.

I took a lesson from Nike Women, "earn your selfie" and I'm trying!

I am obsessed with my Nike Studio Wraps. They were a special edition from the Nike Women's run in San Francisco last fall.

 Baldwin Park is my local running hole. It is a beautiful spot very close to where I live and work. It is a stunning place to run; very calm, easy run, and it's about 2.5 miles around.

And my FAVORITE after work out meal:

It is the BEST! I make sure to add a workout blast and a shot of leafy greens. It is perfect post workout!

 Fundraising & Running Update

Miles: 7.4

Money Raised: $1,815.36

Percentage to Complete: 57%

Amount left to go:  $1,384.64

Days till Race: 64

My Fundraising Page 

TNT Update 2.16

Many big things have happened with my training and fundraising for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC!

First: I have reached 56% of my fundraising goal! Wahoo to all my family and friends who have supported me in my training and fundraising for LLS. I still have a ways to go, but I feel so great knowing I have reached over the 50% and keeps me motivated to train.

Second: I have really started taking my training more seriously. I've picked up the slack during the week and really pushed myself on my long runs. I PR'd on my average mile time (2 minutes better) PR'd on my 5k (2 minutes faster), and completed 6.5 miles last Saturday--the longest I have ever gone in my ENTIRE LIFE! 

I was definitely hurting after that one. It required an ice bath afterwards. Took me back to my LHS Track & Field Days.

Third: I signed & turned in my TNT recommitment paperwork. This means that I have fully committed to the race & my fundraising commitment. This requires me to give a credit card that will be charged any left over amounts from my fundraising commitment. So whatever is left come April 11th, will be my responsibility. And that is why is it so important for me to get support and donations for my training.

Fourth: I OFFICIALLY registered for the Nike Women's Race. When you fill out your recommitment paperwork, you are now able to register for the race. 

Fifth: I purchased my airplane tickets to DC! I found a really great deal for $117 each way, I had to take advantage of it. 

So it is OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL. DC Half Marathon or BUST!

Fundraising & Running Update

Miles: 6.5

Money Raised: $1,790.36

Percentage to Complete: 56%

Amount left to go:  $1,410.64

Days till Race: 69

I've made my commitment. Can you help me reach my goals? Please support me and make a donation today:

Kate's Fundraising Page

Perspective

My motto for my fundraising and training for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has been

I'm the lucky one

I want more people to be the lucky one

Not only have I personally not been affected by cancer of any form, I haven't had any family or close friends affected as well.

Every four minutes, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer and every 10 minutes someone loses their battle.

When you look at it like that, I need to count my blessings every 4 minutes for the life I have.

I believe we are on this planet to make a difference, whether that's through our jobs, life choices, or even random acts of kindness. You can make a difference in someone life every day if you try.

But I'm not only lucky because I haven't been touched my cancer, I am lucky for so many reasons, and this morning was an EYE-OPENER to why I am doing what I am doing.

I did not want to get up and train today, I just wanted to sleep. But my friend was counting on me to be at the park so I had to go (another reasons why TNT is great, if I was by myself I totally would have stayed in bed!)

While I was waiting I decided to watch a youtube video that had been shared several times on Facebook...this one:

If you've already seen it, you know.

I was sobbing, straight up sobbing.

I thought to myself…why, why, why did I chose to watch that video today. Especially with all the FB warnings that it was a tear jerker and I am the biggest baby there is.

 I am lucky that I never have to say goodbye to a love one and worry about them every day while they are fighting for our freedom. 

My running buddy is getting ready to send off her husband to Navy Seal Basic Training in May.

I used the families as motivation.

And off I ran.

As we were warming up, we saw a large crowd of people gathering in the park. Many had matching tee-shirts and booths were set up, but we couldn't see what the occasion was.

We started the run around the lake, and I soon realized why all those people were there.

It was a community walk for Prevention of Suicide.

Out of the Darkness.

There were signs posted around the lake with quotes and statistics about suicide. 

Talk about another slap at counting my blessings.

I have never been affected by suicide, and seeing all those people out there supporting it was another reminder of why I am doing what I am doing.

I used the signs as motivation. 

I was struggling with running and felt out of shape. My being sick lasted for two weeks, so I hadn't trained since the 5k two weeks ago.

I staggered my miles and followed the signs as distance markers.

As I was coming around the back side of the lake I saw the walk begin. 

Not to run up stream I left the path and made it to the road, but I couldn't help but look at the participants and think of their reason for being there.

I saw one couple holding hands and walking. They were both wearing sunglasses, but I could tell they were crying.

I used them as motivation.

I had been been feeling discouraged and frustrated about my fundraising lately and stressing at raising the money. 

I deserve a slap for that one.

What I am fundraising for is not for me, but for the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. And that is to find a cure for blood cancers and to improve the lives of those affected by it through financial and educational support.

Please make a difference in the lives of someone today.

Use your donation as motivation to count your blessings and share them with the world.

Kate's TNT Fundraising Page

Fastest 5k

Two weeks ago Brandon & I did a 5K at Universal Studios called the Dick Batchelor Run for the Children. I heard about the race from my new job. The fourth graders had created a team called "Park Maitland Smiles" and I like the opportunity to get involved with my new work outside of the school and it was perfect for on track training. Plus, Dick Batchelor run raises vital funds for the programs at the Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, part of the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children--which is Brandon's Hospital. It was a great event for both of us! 

Florida has experienced a tiny bit of the polar vortex. The weather hasn't been the greatest for the last few weeks and it was cold that morning. Plus, four days into teaching 90 kindergarteners and 50 pre-kindergarteners, I got sick for the first time in a year. It was one of the never ending common colds. Starts at the nose, moves to the throat, and ends in the chest. I had planned on training the week before so I could run the whole 3.1 miles, but I just couldn't feeling so awful. 

The morning of the race my cold had moved into my chest, but I still had a goal of doing as much as I could, instead of running the whole 3.1, I decided to make a goal of under 40 minutes. That puts it at a 13 minute mile. 

I did better than I thought. I ran 2 miles and I started feeling like I was breathing through a tube. For the next half mile I staggered my running. I would walk for 20 seconds and then run. Running through Universal Studios made setting goals easy. I would walk the 20 seconds and make the goal to run through a "World." Such as making it through The Simpson's World, walk 20 seconds to the next and run through Dr. Seuss World. 

Once I hit the marker at .5 away I knew I wanted to finish strong.

I made it to the last .1 mile and picked up the pace. I kept thinking that this is how I want to finish the half marathon, and then I saw the clock reaching 40 minutes. I crossed the finish line at 38 minutes. My fastest 5k ever!

I may not feel like I've had a lot of progress, but when I did that. I knew things were improving. But also going through my head through the run was that 3.1 miles is NOTHING compared to a half marathon. So onward I go!

The great news is I have reached the 50% mark for my fundraising! I still have a ways to go, but it's amazing the support I've received from my family and friends!

Keep it coming guys! I can't run my race without you!

Fundraising & Running Update

Miles: 5

Money Raised: $1,600.36

Percentage to Complete: 50%

Amount left to go:  $1,599.64

Days till Race: 85

TNT Update 1.4.14

It's been rather chilly/cold in Florida lately {I know, I know, nothing compared to the Midwest, but cold is cold no matter where you live}. So, my Saturday morning group training required some layers.

My InSport Silver Running tights hold sentimental value for me and I've had them since I was 13 years old {what, why?}.

When I entered middle school in 6th grade, I couldn't wait until I was in 7th grade and was able to join the track team. I had watched all my babysitters, older girls in the neighborhood, popular girls in high school, etc. run track and I couldn't wait to be a part of the team. Along with joining the team, it was the cool thing to own a pair of silver running tights and wear them to practice and to the meets. So of course I had to have some too. I held onto them through high school, but they didn't get worn very often and since I'm not a big runner--have I mentioned that enough?--they are still in good shape. For some reason I've never been able to allow myself to get rid of them and I think it's because of the feeling I get when I see them. I'm reminded of my old town, Pella, IA, where I grew up and how important I felt in them. It was the first time I was a part of a real team and those are memories I like to have. Plus, who else has running tights they've had since they were 13?

And here I am running a part of a team. How fitting.

I had a tougher go with this mornings run for a few reasons. I have been slacking on my weekly training {see last post for excuses} and in the beginning of training I could get away with it when we were running 1 & 2 mile group runs, but now we are up to 5 miles and I can't fake it anymore.

Thursday after work I decided to go to the gym and get some running and cross training in. It was raining and dark outside so I headed to the gym. This evening, I had literally NO excuse not to go and it was the first time I had ever been to the YMCA not to work but to WORK OUT since I started working there in September. I was on the treadmill for a 2.5 miles with a 5 minute warm up and cool down for 30 minutes total. So all in all, I ran a solid 20 minutes at an 8.5 mile pace, and for me that's pretty good.

I've stated from the beginning I'm not a runner. I'm not here to show off the millions of miles I run or lie about it. If I ran 20 minutes without stopping, whether you already do that every day or not, I'm proud of it. 

I'm here for all the non-runners, and those starting from the bottom. 

We can do half-marathons too.

But my lack of training did keep me from doing well on this morning's run. I ended up walking most of it, partially because my legs felt weaker faster and because of the cold.

I have grown up with the cold, but I still hate it. I hate it for the normal reasons everyone else does, but I also hate it because I have Raynaud's Syndrome (also called Disease or Phenomenon)

Now what is Raynaud's Syndrome?

According to my friend Wiki: It is a hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system causing extreme vasoconstriction of the peripheral blood vessels, leading to tissue hypoxia. Chronic, recurrent cases of Raynaud phenomenon can result in atrophy of the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and muscle. 

In English, basically, the blood vessels in my fingers and toes constrict in the cold causes a lack of blood flow, which leads to white/numb fingers.

I didn't realize I had it until high school, which is normal because it peaks at age 15-25, but it made sense how when I was younger I always seemed to get a lot colder and more quickly than my friends and my hands were AWAYS cold, no matter how many layers of gloves I wore.

I didn't even notice it until I was at track practice sophomore year of high school in March and a teammate pointed out how white my fingers were and what was wrong with me.

I turned to hear in surprise and said "what, your fingers don't look like this?" 

I asked my mom about it when I got home-"oh ya, it's raynaud's syndrome, I have it too"

The gene is passed on through the mother {sorry future daughter}.

There isn't a treatment for it, it's just something you learn to live around. Like I can't spend too much time in the frozen food section of the grocery store, or I always have to remember to have gloves.

Basically they go numb very quickly and then take double the amount of time to get blood flow back. It's mildly painful and I tend to loose all control of them if they have been cold for awhile (like unbuttoning your pants after a day at Mardi Gras in St. Louis in February to try to use the porta-potty & have to call on the boyfriend for assistance). Sometimes it hurts so bad it makes me feel sick, but that is in rare instances. Like last year during the KC snow storm I took our dog out to the dog park to get some exercise. I layered up, but it's never enough. After about 20 minutes I just couldn't stand it anymore and made the trek back to our apartment. I could barely hold the leash my hands hurt so bad. Once I got into the apartment, I started feeling nauseous because my body was warming up, but my fingers and toes weren't catching up. I had to get out of as many layers as I could while needing to lay on the carpet until I felt better.

It stunk and I learned my lesson, just don't do that again.

Long story short, I don't enjoy the cold and it does cause a problem when I have to be outside. My body may be warmed up, but my fingers will always be behind.

My goal this week is to squeeze in more training and gym time because besides the fact that I want to run the whole 13.1 miles, I also want to finish in under 2.5 hours. Like I said, I can't fake it anymore.

Fundraising & Running Update

Miles: 5

Money Raised: $1,145.36

Percentage to Complete: 36%

Amount left to go:  $2,054.64

Days till Race: 113

Visit my fundraising page to help get one step closer to finding a cure, every dollar counts!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/nikewhlf14/kalexanjdj

TNT Update 1.1.14

6:55 AM and my drive to Saturday morning group training. 

I've been slacking on my training as the busy holidays have interfered, and I've been making excuses. I said at the beginning of my 1/2 marathon training that running isn't my thing, and I'm hoping it will eventually be my thing.  

I missed last week's group run because I was in St. Louis. I had plans to train {I packed workout clothes & tennis shoes, does that count..ok no} and I had planned on putting in some miles on Sunday when we got back to FL, but the traffic issues we had on the way made our driving last longer and we didn't get in until Sunday afternoon. 

I did put in some mileage walking around Disney World's Magic Kingdom that night and Brandon and I did run across the park to make it to Space Mountain after the parade ended. 

I'm counting that as my cross training :)

My main goal has been getting a head start on my fundraising...

And here I am on New Years Day fundraising for a cause.

In the past, I had spent my New Years Day nursing a hangover, but this year was different. I woke up early, showered and headed to the Citrus Bowl to sell spirit beads to fans for LLS.

I set off from tailgate to tailgate wearing a pretty sweet fanny pack and a bag full of beads. Honestly, I felt like an idiot. I'm not one for "soliciting" and it being my first time, I wasn't sure what to expect. I kept thinking I should've taken a few shots before heading out to calm the nerves.

It was rainy and cold {uncommon for Florida} and so much for showering and makeup helping my cause; Mother Nature had other plans.

It was discouraging when I was ignored or denied and I almost considered packing it in and leaving after an hour, but as cheesy as it sounds, I had to keep remembering that cancer can't be ignored and the annoyance and embarrassment I was feeling walking around is NOTHING compared to the fight people face with cancer every day.

Then I headed into a jackpot tailgate. It probably helped that most had been tailgating for awhile and drinks made people more generous…with donations and their beverages.

After purchasing beads, several friendly fans offered me drinks. I had been walking around in the rain, I needed a drink and I enjoyed having nice conversations with fans.

In the end it was worth it. I earned $121.35 towards my fundraising in just an hour and half. And if it hadn't started raining harder I would have kept going.

Fundraising & Running Update

Miles: 3

Money Raised: $1,120.36

Percentage to Complete: 35%

Amount left to go:  $2,079.65

Days till Race: 115