Motivation Monday - Running and Exercise... It's Good For You!

I have to admit something... It isn't a big secret or anything... but I'm not a huge fan of my body. Well, to more exact my mid-section (mostly). It was just yesterday I was going through the photos taken of me at my last three races: The Austin Half Marathon, the Rhythm and Blues Quarter Marathon, and the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon.

Instead of seeing the fit, strong runner that I know I am, I see how that my stomach still isn't toned yet. That my long legs look nothing like they really are. That, if it wasn't for my chest, I would look like a dude  because I really look like my dad, in the fact.

I feel self-conscious when a lean runner passes me while I run. Or when I'm not running and I'm just walking down the street, or during an interval, and when I'm surrounded by trimmer people. But you know what... It doesn't mater.

After three years of a weight-loss plateau, I lost 10-15 pounds last fall due to eating healthier and my continuous training and some other things. My running has improved. I feel healthier, more confident than before, and know I look better ever since I became a runner over two years ago.

So. I shouldn't worry. 

It takes work, dedication, and time to get to a goal. I just have to be patient and know that I am awesome. 

And you should do the same! 

Just last week my bestie Jennie told me how proud of me she is. She's seen me grow from an overweight self-conscious college girl to a more confident runner girl who has seven half marathons under her belt and marathon at the end of year. She makes me cry because I'm finally realizing how awesome I was before everything but especially now.  

Oh, and P.S.  ... 

Image found here and here. 

OMaD - Week 13 Recap

Half marathon at the beginning of a week. Walks and a run through out the rest. Lots of burpees. But at least I think I'm getting back to my pre-holidays-and-relationship-drama weight! Whoo hoo!

March 22 - 28 

Day 75: 13.31 miles - 00 official burpees - Ran the Dallas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. It was good race. Long day. Quite sore. I spent the rest of the afternoon lounging with my best friend Jennie, some pizza, chocolate, and a movie.  Nice! Oh! and we created my Wall of Awesomeness!

Day 76:  2.5 miles - 00 official burpees - nice walk with my mom today. Walking out the soreness from the half marathon.

Day 77: 1 mile - 00 official burpees - Late night walk, again. But at least it wasn't cold!

Day 78: 3.13 mile - 25 official burpees - Here's to running a 5k at 10:30pm with strong winds and cloud-to-cloud lightening off in the distance! I got to finally wear my awesome new purple Saucony tank top too. I also wore for the first time my new Fitletic belt... and it did ride up with wear. Hmmm... need to work on that.

Day 79: 1 mile - 36 official burpees - I will never ever be able to catch up on the burpee challenge, but I least I know that I'm still trying unlike some of the ones in my group. Hee hee.

Day 80: 1 mile -37 official burpees - I almost didn't do the burps, but I was about to have an major emotional moment, which meant I needed to have a bigger workout other than a mile walk.

Day 81: 0 mile - 28 official burpees - spent the evening celebrating a birthday. Hope the burpees burned off the cake I had! Spent the evening in shorts and a tank top and a puppy dog (he's still a puppy!) as a toe rest.

Total Miles this week:  21.94 Miles and 126 Burpees

Total Miles Thus Far: 152.06 miles

Life's Little Thing - Storm Clouds

The other night we had a chance of a big, hail-producing storm... that never came. But the clouds were amazing! One thing I love about spring time - the storms

I actually ran a 5k this night (at the unusual hour of 10:30!) before any rain came. Plus, I had a feeling I would wake up late in the morning before work, which I predicted correctly. There was a blustery wind (perfect for a Winds-day!) and cloud-to-cloud lightning far off in the distance. It was cool.

This picture was taken earlier in the evening, obviously. Stop and look at it! It's beautiful!

Did you like watching clouds and storms when you were little or still do as an adult? 

2015 Dallas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Recap

I ran the Dallas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon with my two running buddies H and S they past weekend. I have to say that it was fun and turned out way better than I was expecting! I think the best part was that with my running buddies again. I'm not sure I would've been able to do it without them!

HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO (aka Packet Pickup)

The expo was really nice. I got approval to take a two hour lunch to drive downtown to Friday afternoon to pickup my packet. I understand their reasons, but I wish someone could've gotten my packet for me! Anyway, the organization for the packets was great and once I got my bib, shirt, bag I was off to shop as quickly as I could! I ended up buying a Fitletic Ultimate Running Belt 1 like my RB's cause it can hold my phone, cards and eventually one or two small bottles (extra add-ons) during my 5k - 10k runs. The best part of the belt... it doesn't bounce or jiggle! I haven't run with it yet, but I'll let you know how it goes soon! 

Ooooh, new belt!

RACE DAY 

The morning of the race my buddies and I caught the DART train at the ungodly hour of 5:30am - in the rain. Oy! We got to the Convention Center at 6am and found the start line. I got a banana and some water. Visited the clean potties (yay! for being the first one to use it!). It was chilly, but it stopped raining and you could hear the race crews saying that there weren't be any more (yes!). Thankfully the weather was just right for my "go-to" outfit... my bleach shirt, compressions, and hat.

I often wonder if I need to broaden my shirt choice, but I like this one! 

We didn't gear check until until 7:30am cause we didn't want to give up our warm jackets until we really had to. Gear Check was pretty awesome. There were 13 or so UPS trucks lined up an you found one that had the letters that your last named fitted within. Once the race started the trucks moved to the finish line at the American Airlines Center. While we hung out near gear check I visited the bathroom two more times and stood near a generator for a portable street light to stay warm.

While waiting in Corral13 I got to meet up with my running friend and former co-worker Jane from back home! She also got to meet my current running buddies/coworkers too! Back in February we quickly hugged each other after we finished the Austin Half Marathon, but that was it. This time we got to take a picture of each other and talk and start the race together. She was extremely excited that I told her was I doing the Dallas Marathon in December, and had offered any help needed for training. I didn't see her after that, but we talked on Facebook afterwards. Out of 10,000 people we managed to find each other. This was awesome!!!

The start was really nice. Instead of just counting down just once at the very beginning with Corral 1 the MCs started each corral with a countdown. Not only did this help with spacing, but it also helped make it feel like the race really started when you cross the line, especially after you had to wait about 15-20 minutes before it you could cross the start. Does that make sense?

Just like we planned H and I ran the race together. We were doing 2 mile intervals to get our bodies use to the idea of doing this (we plan on doing this for our marathon training later this year). We also planned to stay in front of the 02:45 pace group so that we knew we would finish before that - looking for that PR time. What sucked though was I needed to pee the moment we started running. My bladder was hyper that morning possibly due to over-hydration but especially since it was lady's time (ugh!). All the port-a-potties had big lines - the downside of such a big race. I held it until around Mile 4 or so then I got in the shortest line I saw. Just as I was stepping into the loo the 02:45 pace group ran past! Ack!

Let's turn it up to 11, Spinal Tap friends!

We had to run faster to catch up to the pace group, and I think that's what burned me a bit later on in the race. We did eventually pass the group, which was an great. I felt good up until Mile 9, which was then things were getting hard for my legs.Granted there was a mountain of a hill around this time too. Mile 10 - with a 5k left to go - and I was dragging. H was doing great and she kept me going, which I was very thankful for. When we got Mile 12 - at the last hill - we walked our last interval. After going up it was all downhill. I love finishing a race going down!  We basically sprinted to the finish line. I was so done! I beat H by a SECOND! Mwahaha!

Finishing time: 02:38:09! A new Personal Record!

The course was actually really nice. Good scenery. We ran through Dealey Plaza. Ran over the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. I loved going down the roundy-roundy ramp (technical term in use here) after the bridge. There were just enough hills to make it challenging, especially at the end. There were a good amount of water stations and good amount of port-a-potties. What I also found extremely cool was there were running medics. These jersey wearing runners ran the race and would ask how everyone was doing. If you were having any sort of issue they would help you. This is way better than getting to a water station and waiting for a medic or waiting till you get to a medic station. I got to say... that was pretty cool!

Post-Race food in the finishing chute included little packets of craisens, Lay's potato chips, bananas, bottled water, bottled Gatorade, and cartons of chocolate milk. I took it all, and consumed it all!

H and I got our medals engraved for $20. Then got our bags from the UPS folks.

I have an idea for big races...I hope someone sees this.... Please, please have a spot for runners to change clothes that does not involve a toilet!

 I don't typically shy away from changing my shirts and such with people around, but I really wanted to change my bra (If I had remembered to pack it - doh!) and to a dry pair of Runderpants. I didn't end up doing that cause the port-a-potty was my only choice of changing room. Just changed my top layers instead. Not entirely fun, but it was manageable.

Instead of waiting to get Tex-Mex when we got yummies at the Samson's Gourmet Hot Dog tent. I just got a 9" dog with cheddar cheese, ketchup and mustard. The bun was amazing!I ate it in under 10 minutes!

YUM!!!

After momentarily getting lost finding the DART station I could finally text the family how it went an how achy I was (I will mention here that the station needed more seats!!!). The ride home was long, involving a transfer, not entirely the comfiest, but it was so much nicer than trying to drive through the traffic.

The race was great. It would have gotten my complete "Awesome Stamp of Approval" if my legs hadn't tired out toward the end. I would definitely do it again. Right now they're offering a low-cost registration fee for next year. I think I just might do that!

Oh, and did I mention that I ran the entire race without a single earbud stuck in my ear? That's a first! 

Did you run a race recently? What was it and how'd you do?!

 Images found here and here.

The Apartment Girl's Medal Rack

Ever since I started the Four Seasons Half Marathon challenge I wanted a rack to display my medals. It took some time but I finally got a set up that I can live with. I call it my Wall of Awesomeness.

My Wall of Awesomeness!

For years I've drooled over ones like this one....

Let's all take a moment and droooool over this beautiful rack from Allied Medal Hangers

And I've come close to buying them at race expos. But what stops me? My home.

I'm a renter. Yep. This girl, like many others, doesn't own the cozy spot that I call home. Now, don't get me wrong... this isn't a bad thing! There are a  lot of perks to living in an apartment, but it certainly has its downsides. One of them being the walls. How did I get over that? Command Strips. Lots of Command Strips! I started out handing my medals on a couple Command Hooks, but after awhile this wasn't going to cut it.

So the afternoon after my Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon my bestie Jennie and I construction my Wall of Awesomeness - aka my new medal rack.

All it took was a package of Command Hooks, a lightweight curtain rod from Target, and a few poster Command Strips. It took some arm exercises in holding the rod up with a level on the iPhone and using a pencil, but we got it all straight and level - something that amazed Jennie. Something that's great is the fact that the rod is extendable, which means more room for more medals! I was also kept my mom's motivation sign from my Austin Half Marathon (the first half marathon that she ever saw me in).

So there you have it.  The apartment girl's medal rack. Dude's can copy this idea too.

How do you display your bibs and medals? 

Image found here.

OMaD - Week 12 Recap

Another taper week before a half marathon! Aaaaaah!

March 15 - 21  

Day 68: 9.03 miles - 00 official burpees - Ran completely around White Rock Lake this morning. 2 Mile intervals (trying to get into that interval rhythm that  I'm thinking of doing for the Dallas Marathon). Today was the day for reminders that cyclists and cars don't pay attention to or care for runners. Did a lot of Midnight Cowboy and anteater moments today.

Day 69:  2 miles - 16 official burpees - I got walk around with my bestie Jennie today.

Day 70: 1 mile - 00 official burpees - A mile before jumping into bed after a busy day at work.

Day 71: 1 mile - 28 official burpees - Squeezed in a mile and burpees just before midnight. I added 10 more burpees in a desperate attempt to catch up on the days that I missed. I don't know if I'll catch up! Got 67 to do! Ack! 

Day 72: 1 mile - 29 official burpees - Only 57 more burpees to catch up on! Eeeek!

Day 73: 0 miles -20 official burpees - Today was long and the evening was extremely rough. I managed to get my packet for the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon during an approved 2hr-lunch with only an apple and peanut butter to keep me going. Then I had dinner with the family that involved homemade pizza and gobs of mini Snickers and a diet soda when drama became to happen. At least I managed to do the minimum required amount of burpees.

Day 74: 0 mile - 00 official burpees - Busy day at work and a dinner with friends afterwards. Then it was the nice before the race prep-work. Whew!

Total Miles this week:  14.03 Miles and 93 Burpees

Total Miles Thus Far: 130.12 miles

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2015 Rhythm and Blues Quarter Marathon Recap

It was dark.  It was early. It was chilly. It was drizzling rain. Oh, and it was Daylight Savings Time.

My work-related running group and I drove out to Irving at an ungodly hour to participate in the inaugural Dallas Rhythm and Blues races. Three walkers did the 5K and three (myself included) did the Quarter Marathon.

The temp for the morning was going to be in the mid-high 40s, but rainy. Trying to decide on what to wear on days like this SUCKS because of the rain jacket. I ended up wearing a couple of layers. I started with my uber attractive Academy camping rain jacket (which is bigger on me since I've trimmed up from last year! Whoo hoo!), but at about Mile 2.5 or so I had to take it off cause it stopped raining and I had warmed up too much. I also took off my sock sleeves.

Cause I had to work later that day (booo!) I drove myself and my phone GPS loved getting me lost showing me alternative dark side roads that eventually took me to the race area. Because the race is new I'll give them a little leeway, but there was nothing on the website and no signs directing traffic to the place you could park. I just happened to see the parking garage and a line of cars, and so I turned around and joined in. My RBs and I also didn't know where the Start Line and race village (aka the potties) were, and had to ask the computer techs for the chip timing. We walked clear around the building next to the garage to find it all.

There was a good amount of port-a-potties, but there were no hand sanitizer in sight. The had gear check in a tiny little tent, food tents (more on that later) and a couple of food trucks.

The 5k started first then the Quarter Marathon. The course was nice, and familiar. Around Mile 1 - Mile 5 was part of a the 2014 Texas Half Marathon. It was flat in some areas, but basically the entire course would be considered rolling hills. 

They could've posted icons to mark where there was going
to water stations too.

I managed to catch up with the fastest Running Buddy at Mile 1 and we stayed together the rest of the race. It was awesome! We caught up on work news since we work at different locations, and some personal stuff. It's days like this I really miss being with the rest of the group! I felt pretty awesome too, but RB told me that she needed my "running juice." Apparently, I tend to have more stamina and mojo during races than during training runs (she used my last two half marathons for examples).

Water stations were good, but the Gatorade was thick to me and I could barely keep own a sip of the lemon lime stuff. I prefer blue Powerade. If it wasn't for the rain there would have been bands throughout the course, hence the Rhythm and Blues name. I didn't mind as much because I was busy talking to RB and I had my music in one ear.

At the finish line RB and I were shouting at telling each other to that we should finish together, and we practically did. I stepped it up a notch and finished first, but she was right behind me. There were two race photographers at the Finish Line and yet there were no pictures of me finishing. What?!

There was a plethora of yummies to pick up after the race, which was good because the half marathoners would need it. They had bananas and apples. Snack backs of little cookies (Yay! Nutter Butters!!!!), mini Clif bars, chocolate milk and water. You could also get one free cup of beer (I don't do that thing) but my RB couldn't figure out where.

There were medals for all three distances and they were different from each other. The Quarter Marathon medal has a spinning guitar! How cool! Due to all the winter weather that hit many states, the shipment of medal ribbons for Dallas didn't come in in time so right now I have a Houston ribbon. But the race organizers are sending everyone new ribbons for free. Sweet!

A day or two after the race we got our race photos. I looked pretty good, which gives me hope that I'm finally going to be able to have awesome race photos (I still wish I had some finishing photos, but they're not even in the Lost & Found section).

I think I would do this race again, but as long as it isn't in Irving. Whenever I'm in Irving for a sporting event it rains! I also think that with each year this race will get better in the organization realm of things.

My finish time was 01:10:41, which is a PR for a 10K!

Had a lovely group brunch at a former coworker's house then I swabbed myself down even more, pulled the worse part of my hair back (I totally forgot to bring my spray shampoo!), slapped on some eye liner and mascara, pulled on a dress and boots and I was out the door to get to work. Oy!

Let's just say that the moment I got to work I knew the two cups of coffee weren't going to hold me. I begged friends and family to stop by and bring some caffeine, but none could come. Work went well, but the moment I got home at 6:30pm I was in PJs and 2 hours later I was asleep... for the next 12 hours. No Joke.

What. A. Day.

But it was fun.

Images found here.

2015 Hot Chocolate Run Recap

This is a short little recap about the 2015 Hot Chocolate Run, sweets.

I had a good time, which was something I really needed after the week I had (long, painful story). Plus, I was still coming off of the cold I developed earlier that week, and I was worried about how I was going to do. As usual I always wanted to better my time from the year before. Granted the year before the race was two days after I had suffered a 24hr stomach flu and had to walk the entire course before I could only eat half the chocolate yumminess. So far the last two Februaries in a row have been crappy. Really crappy. This has to change! Gotta!

Anyway! My mom and I drove down to Fair Park under the cover of darkness and walked from one end of the park to the other to stand around in the Automotive Building. It was cold, but not too cold. Once I met up with my best-friend-for-life Jennie and one of her friends I gear checked our stuff right before heading out to the corrals.Well, actually to the port-a-potties.. then the corrals. I have to say the The Hot Chocolate Run ALWAYS has enough potties, which I LOVE!


Whenever I sign up for this race I always enter my true estimated 5k pace, but I always end up in one of the last few corrals to start the race with Mom and Jennie. I know that I'll never win my age group, so it doesn't matter when I start. One of the main reasons why I do this race is it's always with my favorite people, and because it was a nostalgic - The Hot Chocolate Run was the first-ever 5k race I ever did.

I ran the entire course, but my Garmin stats show I stopped once for a second near the beginning (I don't remember that). I averaged a 10:56 pace and I looked pretty steady throughout the course, which was nice. I didn't break any PRs, but that was ok. I didn't want to accidentally over do it the weekend before the Austin Half Marathon.

After the finish I had to change my clothes - desperately! I got my gear, but I wasn't about to stand in line for the indoor bathroom, which I know would be questionable at this point in time. Instead I stepped behind the curtain that the race organizers put up alone the long halls of the building. There was a perfect, dark space in between the curtains and the wall for me to the changed. Granted if someone stepped in further down from where I was they would have seen a show, but oh well. I just changed my shirt and pulled on another pair of pant - so it wasn't anything too scandalous (not that I cared). When I stepped out a woman was surprised that I decided to change there instead of in the bathroom. I told her that after doing X amount of half marathons and such I know when to pick my battles.

The entrance to my awesome impromptu changing room!

With my new dry layers of clothes we got our chocolate goodness. It was WONDERFUL!

On the drive home, I was thankful for seat warmers!

I can't wait to do it again next year. I'm seriously considering the 15k because of the medal, but a friend/running buddy wasn't a fan of the course. Hmmmm. Decisions! I would've done it this year, but I didn't want to burn out or do something stupid before the Austin Half Marathon. We'll see what I do next year, but at least I know I'll be there! I also can't wait to see what awesome goody bag they'll have too. I LOVE the race jacket I got this year.

Images found here and here.

OMaD - Week 11 Recap

The week the weather got better, but this week was... exhausting! And I need to catch up on my burpees! Ack!

March 8 - 14  

Day 61:  6.55 miles - 8 official burpees - Ran the inaugural Dallas Rhythm and Blues Quarter Marathon. In the chilly rain. With my old running buddies. Despite the rain, it was a really good run and race. I managed to catch up and stay with the fastest RB in the group and we got to chat. When we got to the finish we were shouting at telling each other to finished together, but I crossed the line first (but no pictures of that! WTF?!). I have to mention that every time I run a race in Irving it rains or worse so maybe I should stay away from Irving. We all had a lovely breakfast afterwards hosted by a classy-retired-coworker-turned-5k walker (coffee, coffee cakes, muffins, bacon, clementines and baked eggs!) . Then I sped off to work (it's my turn to share the load). The moment I sat down at work I knew that I was screwed by Daylight Savings! I begged family and friends to deliver coffee (cause the two cups at breakfast wasn't enough!), but no one could come. Gah! Thankfully things happened at work that kept me awake.

Day 62:  0 miles - 0 official burpees - I feel asleep at 8:30pm the night before, after work, and didn't get out of bed until 9:30am today. Just in time to get the kitty to the vet then for me to run a couple of errands. Despite a big cup of coffee - I was exhausted. Oh! and did I mentioned it RAINED all day today too? Screw you DLS and screw you weather!

Day 63: 1 mile - 10 official burpees -

Day 64: 0 mile - 0 official burpees - I worked a 12hr day today (well, 11 if don't count the lunch break) - literally. The moment I got home the couch held me captive - I couldn't do anything tonight.

Day 65: 3.16 miles - 0 official burpees - I ran at the park near home - a place I typically run through, but hadn't for a while. I hated my run today. It sucked. I started out too fast but I couldn't get myself to slow down. Avg. a 10:330 mile. Might've also been due to improper fueling the night before or the fact that I worked 9am-9pm yesterday too? Eh, who knows. Today I was doubting my upcoming Half. And. no. burpees.

Day 66: 1 mile - 0 official burpees - I walked a half mile to my take-out dinner and another half home. After two days of perfect fruit, veggies, soup, sweet potato and hummus meals... I had Chipotle! Yum!

Day 67: 1 mile - 14 official burpees - It's Pi Day! On top of eating out twice, but with relatively good semi-healthy choices in meals, I ate half a Sara Lee mini apple pie. If it wasn't for the fact that I'm technically going for one last long run before my half on the 22nd, I would've pigged out! Yum!

Total Miles this week:  12.71 Miles and 32 Burpees

Total Miles Thus Far: 116.09 miles

OMaD - Week 10 Recap

The week of roller coaster temperatures! Spring. Winter. Sunshine. Snow and ice! Gah!

March 1 - 7  

Day 54:  2 miles - My first time ever experience on a treadmill. It was interesting! It was also Day 1 for the March 31 Day Burpee Challenge! Here's tip! Don't do a burpee with just socks on and a cat playing with your legs!

Day 55:  3.1 miles - 2 official burpees - I felt so fit today.

Day 56: 1 mile - 3 official burpees - Walked the family dogs.

Day 57: 0 mile - 4 official burpees - Nope. It rained. all. day. long. And it lead to ice and snow over night.

Day 58: 3.3 miles - 5 official burpees (10 total) - Way too cold to run outside and there are still some ice patches... So second time on a treadmill! Still learning how to do this cause it'll be handy when I have to train late at night due to work.

Day 59: 0 miles - 6 official burpees - Nothing. Too tired from work.

Day 60: 0 miles - 7 official burpees - Night before race day! (Yes, I wore the same socks as yesterday!) 

Total Miles this week:  8.4 Miles and 28 Burpees

Total Miles Thus Far: 103.38 miles

OMaD - Week 9 Recap

This week is WINTER week for DFW. Blah!

February 22 - 28  

Day 47:  3.1 miles - managed to squeeze in a 5k before the cold rain started and before the impending winter weather took hold of DFW!

Day 48: 1 mile - We got ice today, but it was my day off.  I totally got a bad case of cabin fever after doing endless amount of chores and stuff. Even Netflix wasn't helping! So! I went up and down countless stairwells and a couple of halls of the apartment building. So. Many. Stairs!

Day 49: 0 miles - I had to go to work today... and it was still below-freezing all day. I was tired. Nope. Doing nothing. Sorry.

Day 50: 1 mile - It snowed today, but it was gone by the time I got off of work. Time for a walk!

Day 51: 1 mile - Took everything in me to get out of bed today it was that cold. My brain was nagging at me to do a 5k, but everything else said no. 1 mile is good enough. Better than a 0.

Day 52: 0 miles - It snowed close to 3 inches today while at work and freezing drizzle on the way home... nothing tonight.

Day 53: 0 miles - Bunch of ice patches, nearly lost breakfast sliding driving to work. Nope. Not going to do anything.

Total Miles this week:  6.1 Miles

Total Miles Thus Far: 94.98 miles

Motivation Monday - It's Who I Am

I never thought that running would become such a big part of my life. It has. I made friends out of coworkers, and I have inspired other friends. Running has given me confidence that I desperately needed and still need. 

The weeks after finishing the Austin Half Marathon I felt lost. The weather was keeping me from running a lot (not to mention that I was a bit lazy too), and I had not thought about my next race would be after Austin. Seriously, I knew that there were some summer races and fall races to lead up to the Dallas Marathon. But I seriously had not considered any more spring races. Maybe it was a half marathon version of the Post Marathon Syndrome. 

I know that some runners don't need a race to feel complete and to keep them going. But I honestly need that motivation - that pressure of being prepared for a race - that excitement of achieving "greatness." 

All that being said, I've signed up for a new distance race - a quarter marathon. And I'm seriously considering another half marathon that will be here in a few weeks.

I'm feeling better - almost back to normal again. A runner with a plan. 

Image found here.

Bettering Yourself... And Another Race Registered

So, I signed up for another race last night (in addition to the quarter marathon that's coming up next weekend). It's the Dallas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. And... I'm kind of regretting it.  

This race has been on my radar for since last year, but I really hadn't considered it as a 2015 race since my sights were focused on the Austin Half Marathon (and other races later this year). I knew some running friends were going to do the RnR, and I felt left out and competitive. So. I registered. 

Maybe it's the wet, freezing weather right now on top of some other personal worries. But right now I don't want to do it.

I'm worried about the weather.

I'm worried that I spent too much money on registration when there are several other things that I need to pay for.

I'm worried about how I'm going compare myself to my running friends.

One friend is faster than me for sure (even though I'm catching up) and equally as competitive as me - if not more. I was snarky the day of the Austin Half Marathon and challenged her to a FitBit most-steps in a day challenge. Up until the very last minute she was determined to beat me by thousands and thousands of steps... and she did. I felt like crap after that because I didn't win.

I know each race is my own race. Each run is my own run. It doesn't matter how I did/finished compare to someone else. I'm trying to beat myself - that is all. But some days I can't help but compare myself to others. It's like I'm trying to prove myself... but I know that no one will take notice. It won't change them. Won't make them like me more. So, why worry? Why try to prove anything to anyone?

What it should be is me proving me to myself.

That I am strong. 

That I can do this.

That I do not care about what others think (unless it's good and supportive awe of my accomplishments). 

I'm going to run the Dallas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon since I paid for it, and there is no backing out. Well, at least with any sense of getting my money's worth. I'm going to run this race with my friends, and I'm going to enjoy every last thing of this race to get my money's worth.

Maybe my thoughts and feelings will change when I get closer to March 22. I certainly hope so. Who knows. Maybe I'll actually enjoy it. Maybe something amazing will happen and make it worth it.

I'll keep you posted.

Image found here.