SALVATION!!

Please allow me to introduce you to my newest running companion... the healer of my shin splints... my holy grail of half-marathon success... my running salvation... my new Saucony Progrid Triumph 6 shoes!!! Yes.... applause is welcome... go right ahead.

The fine gentlemen at Luke's Locker recommended that I purchase these and said they would serve me well. I have complete faith in them.

Does anyone have an opinion on Saucony Shoes in general? I have never owned a pair before.

My workout schedule for this week:

Monday: 3 miles

Tuesday: 2.5 miles / P90X Ab-Ripper

Wednesday: Upper Body/P90X Ab-Ripper

Thursday: 3 miles

Friday: Upper Body/P90X Ab-Ripper

Saturday: 4 miles

Sunday: Rest

Next week, according to my training schedule, I am going to increase my mileage by at least 1-2 miles. We'll see how that goes.

Marvelous Miles to you all!!

Taggin'

I was tagged by my good blogging buddy Kristen over at Will Run For Wine, and I am FINALLY able to respond with my post! Yay! I gotta tell you... I didn't think this would be so much fun, but I have had a blast! Okay, here goes....

1.) Who is the hottest movie star?

Okay.... the undisputed hottest movie star in the world is, of course, Brad Pitt. Bottom Line. No doubt about it. Hands down. The jury is in... Brad is the hottest. Period.

But everybody knows that, and I want to be a little different and make note of some new (or not so new) comers that I believe deserve some attention. Call them the Runner's Up, if you will.

I am seriously crushing on Bradley Cooper lately... I don't know... something about his humor/attitude/sexiness in The Hangover really turned me on to him. You can't deny it: This guy is adorable!

Yes, the next person is a girl and no, I am not gay nor am I bisexual, but I can spot a hot chick from a mile away. So, though she is female, she still falls in the "hot" category. Rachel McAdams is the new Julia Roberts. I am a huge fan because she is an AMAZING actress. She plays in all my favorite movies. And yes.... she is smokin' hot. So I had to stick her in here as well. She deserves it. 2.) Apart from your house and car, what is the most expensive item you have ever purchased?

I bought a pair of Ostrich boots for my boyfriend last Christmas. Crazy expensive. Stupid expensive. I could have got a pair of Louboutin's!! Geeesh!

3.) What is your most treasured memory?

I have a little sister, Kara, that passed away 8 years ago in a car accident. We were 13 months apart. Any memory that I have with her throughout our 16 years together is a treasure that I want to remember for the rest of my life. My greatest fear is forgetting.

4.) What is the best gift you ever received as a child?

I have the two greatest parents anyone could ever ask for. I never once questioned their love for me and knew they would die for me in a second. They are my heroes. Growing up in a home filled with so much love, I have learned, is a blessing and a gift. There are so many children out there who have to live without. I was definitely not one of them. My parent's love for me was the greatest gift they could have ever given.

Here is a picture of my mom and I in Mexico.

And here is a picture of my dad and me with my little sister, Maci at my graduation party.

5.) What is the biggest mistake you ever made?

Hmmm... I have made quite a few mistakes in my life. "Make wise decisions" was a phrase my mom used often growing up that went in one ear and out the other with me several times throughout the years! But had it not been for those mistakes I would not be the person I am today. I learned from it all. I don't regret any of it.

Though if I had to pick something... maybe I would have gone to class more. The, maybe, it wouldn't have taken me so long to graduate!!

6.) Four words to describe yourself.

Funny, Sweet, Loyal, Talented

7.) What was the highlight and lowlight of your 2008?

Highlight: There are a few.... any time that I was able to spend with my little sister Maci, my Dad and stepmom, Alison in Oklahoma was a highlight! I try to see them as often as I can. Another would be finishing my first 10K. That was a great feeling. Graduating from College would be another highlight. It took FOREVER but I finally did it!

Lowlight: I went through a horrible horrible break up. Ugghhh. Not fun.

8.) What is your favorite film?

The Notebook. Although, the Time Traveler's Wife brought out some SERIOUS emotions lately. Wheeeewww! That may be a close second.

9.) Tell me one thing I don't know about you.

I have seen every Golden Girls episode ever made. Even the pilot. I have seen them so many times that I can even quote most of the episodes at one point or another. Love those crazy girls!

10.) If you were a comic book/strip cartoon character, who would you be?

No question: Wonder Woman. She got her own hit TV show, fun theme song and she looked like Lynda Carter. Come on.... which one of us would not kill to look like Lynda Carter in her glory days?

So now I am going to tag 4 awesome bloggers and I choose...... drum roll, please.......

Running Journal

Shut Up and Run

I Have Run

Runners Rambles

Marvelous Miles to you all!!!

New Week... New Start

Yesterday I went to an Astros game in Houston, so while there I FINALLY was able to run by Luke's Locker.... YEAH!!! I was fitted for shoes and found that I have a neutral foot and that I have good running form (whatever). I tried on several pairs of shoes and could not make up my mind as to which ones to get. Plus they were closing, so I decided that the pressure was too great for my eternally indecisive self and I need to go back when I have lots more time to shop. I am also a big fan of research, so now that I know what type of foot I have I want to find out everything there is to know about neutral shoes. I fell in love with Luke's Locker and I decided that I need clothes, fuel, maybe a new running watch, etc. Soooo.... I'm hitting it up on Saturday to make my purchases. SO STOKED!

Questions:

How do you feel about Saucony Running Shoes v. Mizunos?

How do you feel about the new Nike Lunarglides?

What type of foot do you have and what is your favorite running shoe?

So today was my short run. My plan was to wake up at 5am and hit the road but I could not make it out of bed when the alarm went off so I vowed to run when I got off work today. Thank God we had a slight cool front come through so the temp was in low 90's around 6pm. Not too bad. My friend Diana wanted me to come over to her house tonight and watch The Uninvited with her so I decided to just pack up and head to her house early and get my run on in her hood. About 15 minutes before my run I popped some Ibuprofen and a Vanilla Bean Gu (I was exhausted after work, but running was non-negotiable.... so you gotta do what you gotta do!) Not a bad run in the beginning but soon my calfs began to burn and my shins began to ache and I was cursing myself for not making up my damn mind at Luke's Locker. Why do I need to make a whole other trip up there this coming weekend? Do I REALLY need all that extra stuff? (YES!) But after I finished I stretched and felt much better.
I can certainly tell that my muscles are strengthening because my run was over about an hour ago and my calfs are still burning. I can't wait until my legs are rock hard, defined, and sexy... I just love sexy legs. Are any of you proud of your legs? If you are... I thoroughly recommend you post a picture of just your legs... show those babies off!!
On another note... Saturday night I went to the movie theatre with my friends Amy and Brent to see The Time Traveler's Wife. Oh. My. Gosh.
Okay... the movie is over. Credits are rolling. Lights are coming up. And I am having to tell myself silently, "Katie, get a hold of yourself. Stop this! You have got to quit crying. The theatre is pretty much empty with the exception of the two people you came here with who are waiting for you (awkwardly) to stop your cry-fest!" Wow.
It is an amazing movie and I loved every second of it.... but word to the wise, bring some tissue. You will cry.

So here is my Running Schedule for the week of 8/24 - 8/30:

Monday - 2 miles

Tuesday - 3 miles/Core Workout

Wednesday - 30 min. Elliptical/Upper Body Workout/Core Workout

Thursday - 2 miles

Friday - Upper Body Workout/Core Workout

Saturday - 4 miles/ Core Workout

Sunday - Rest

Hopefully I can stick to it and get it all in. We shall see....

Marvelous miles to all of you!

While I'm Waiting

As I have told you before, I am a big fan of music. All kinds. I'm very eclectic when it comes to music. I'm also big on lyrics. Listening to them and taking them in. Many times applying them to my current or past circumstances. On my way to work in the mornings, I like to listen to "The Message" on XM Radio. It is my time to gather myself for the day and the lyrics to most of the songs on The Message usually have a very hopeful and positive tone. So it helps me to start my work days off fresh and welcoming. This morning, I heard a song that I have heard many times before. But this morning, it was as if I had heard it for the first time. The lyrics sang a whole new song to me, and I was a bit overwhelmed. The song is "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller. The song is about living your life bold and confident, completely oblivious to what is before you, but simply being hopeful and secure in what the Lord has coming your way. As I look back on my life, no other time do I feel I can relate to these words than right now. In SO many ways and on SO many levels.

Allow me to share them with you...

1. Of course, there is my current situation... I am training for a half marathon and suffering from shin splints. (I'm sure you're like... ENOUGH ABOUT THE SHIN SPLINTS ALREADY!!) I have no idea if I am doing the right thing by continuing to train, but I don't care. I am doing it anyway. It is painful and it is not easy... but I am just going to continue to work on it and wait for what the Lord has in store for me. Will I be able to run the whole way? Will I be able to finish in a decent time frame? Will my legs fall off in training because I am pushing myself too much? I don't know... I'm just going to wait and see.

2. If nothing else, I know my training has given me a sense of self that I have never had before. I am proud of myself for my accomplishments and the accomplishments that I know will be soon to come. I know that this race is only the beginning because I am not about to let this feeling that running gives me die. What is in store for me? Where can this sense of pride take me? I don't know... I'm just going to wait and see.

3. My life is general is currently sitting in transition mode. I have traveled far and wide, graduated from college, I have a wonderful job that I love. I have a beautiful apartment and I am completely self-sufficient. But what next? I know there is a whole other chapter of my life that is HUGE and I have no idea what is in it. It's hard to be patient... but I have no choice, so I am. Hopefully patient. (Is that an oxymoron?) Where am i going? I don't know. I know that running will help me to get there because of how it has helped me to believe in myself. I know that no one else is in control of my life but God. I will go where he wants me... not where anyone else thinks I should go. So..... we'll just wait and see.

In the meantime, you guys should download the song I am referring to. The lyrics are below but you really need to listen to the song to get the full effect. Maybe it speaks to you as well....

"While I'm Waiting" - John Waller

I'm Waiting.

I'm waiting on you Lord.

And I am hopeful.

I'm waiting on you Lord.

Though it is painful,

but patiently, I will wait.

I will move ahead bold and confident.

Taking every step in obedience.

While I'm waiting, I will serve you.

While I'm waiting, I will worship.

While I'm waiting, I will not faint.

I'll be running the race, even while I wait.

I'm waiting.

I'm waiting on you Lord.

And I am peaceful.

I'm waiting on you Lord,

though it's not easy.

But faithfully, I will wait.

Marvelous Miles to you all!

VENT SESSION

Disclaimer: If you have a problem with Debbie Downer, discontinue reading at this point.

I have been M.I.A. for a while because, honestly, I have nothing positive to blog about when it comes to my running career lately. I try to be one of those if-you-can't-say-anything-nice-yadayadayada girls and so therefore I have been keeping to myself lately. But I can't take it anymore and quite frankly, I miss my blog and all my blogging friends. So I have decided to fill you in on the saga of my running life lately.

Shin Splints SUCK. Can I just say that? They suck. I am so trying to break up with them... but they wont leave me alone.

Because of them, my training is W A Y behind schedule. My days of taking obnoxious amounts of Ibuprofen have officially began as well as my days of icing my shins after every run. Also, my mileage increase is pretty much non-existent. I have 13 weeks to go from 4 miles to 13.... or at least 11. (I believe adrenaline can probably carry me through the last two miles the day of the race.) All because of shin splints.

I know this is so common. Many runners fall prey to the dreaded shin splints at some point in their life. I just happened to be attacked in mid training for my first half marathon... when time is money! Ughh! But I am one of those people that believes in expressing themselves and letting it all out when one is upset. So I'm just going to whine for a minute and then I'll get over it.

Anyways, I know what I need to do about it. (Thanks to much needed help from my blogger buddies... hugshugskisskiss) I need to be professionally fitted, first and foremost, for shoes at a place besides Foot Locker and Champs in the mall. Unfortunately, I live in Beaumont, Texas, USA. A professional running store where people can actually fit my foot and know what they're talking about is non-existent. The closest place would be Luke's Locker in Houston (I believe). Which is an hour away. So I have to wait until I have time to drive up there for a visit.... which, as the Marketing and Public Relations rep for 2 major hospitals in Southeast Texas, is kind of hard to do. Yesterday, for instance, I was at work at 7am and didn't get off until 9pm. I don't do that everyday... but my job is pretty demanding, nonetheless. So as soon as I figure out a time (maybe this weekend) when I can head up there I will be on a fresh start to healthy shins!


My run this morning was pretty pleasant. LOVE morning runs. I woke at 5am, got dressed, ate a banana, took my dog out, swallowed some meds and hit the road. I've been hearing all kinds of stories about female runners being abducted/raped lately, so I have been trying to run in familiar neighborhoods where lots of people live as opposed to parks or trails or tracks that are more secluded. I ran 3 miles in my grandparents neighborhood and felt great afterwards. After 3/4 a mile into the run my shins were fine. Afterwards I stretched and drank a large glass of chocolate milk because a friend of mine told me that was a great re-fueler after a run. Is this true??

See... I feel so much better. Thanks for letting me get it all out. My rebound mechanism is in full swing today :) Good to know...

Magnificent Miles to you all!

Widget

Louie G Rocks My World!!!

Before I discuss my run last night... I want to talk a bit about my little brother. Well... scratch that... let me give you a little back story regarding my family first. I come from an extremely musically inclined group of people. There is not a soul in my bloodline that can not carry a tune (though some would like to say they cant... but they can) and not 1 person in my immediate family that doesn't rock the guitar among other various instruments. (That is... besides myself, and I prefer to take advantage of/focus on my natural abilities: my pipes. I tried to play the guitar for a while, but that -unlike the other members of my herd - does not fall into the "natural" category. But let me make something clear: I have some impeccable pipes.... I'm just sayin'.) Growing up, some of my fondest and frequent memories take place somewhere sitting around listening to someone (usually my dad) jamming on an acoustic and others singing harmonies for hours on end. My family has got it goin' on.

Okay... so fast forward... My little brother, Luke, AKA: Louie G, has inherited the music gene and ran with it. He is a guitar playing genius as well as an incredible singer and song writer. Because of these abilities, he has been noticed by some very influential people. He has been signed by a prominent record label in the contemporary Christian music industry. His Producer is my cousin, Zachary, who is a complete genius when it comes to writing, mixing and producing all types of music. His Executive Producer, Troy, was influential in DC Talk, Audio Adrenaline, Rachel Lampa, & Blue Tree's music careers. They are looking to go in a secular direction and have decided to use Luke as their muse. YEAAAH!! My BEAUTIFUL, adorable, preppy, church going, 18 year old little brother has a side of him that is part Justin Timberlake part Lil Wayne part Jack Johnson/John Mayer part AWESOME! Though he has a very broad & eclectic range of music abilities and genre interests, the music he will be putting out is Hip Hop.

So why do you care? And what does this have to do with running? I am BIG on running with my IPod and I love upbeat music, especially something with rhythm and bass. Luke's first single is now on ITunes and I want to encourage all of you to look him up (Louie G) and download his song, "She's So On" Featuring Chalie Boy. Check out the Widget above to get a glimpse of him. Such a little hottie.

As for my run last night... bit of a downer. I met Carmen & Misti at the hike & bike trail and we were to embark on a 4 mile run. I was immediately introduced to the fact that my pace is WAY slower than Misti's and Carmen's. Which I don't feel so bad about... Misti has been running 6-7 miles every day of the week for years now. I have not. To even try to hang with her is ludicrous. I am no superwoman... regardless of what I would tell people otherwise. And Carmen did have a head start when it came to training for this thing, plus I am not sure how tall she is but I will venture to say she is every bit of 6'.... maybe....The girl has legs for days. I am 5'4" with short legs. So I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say that I was a little overwhelmed which I think affected my performance. Plus I had just started (sorry gentlemen) which probably affected my performance. Oh yea, and I ran 3 miles the day before and yesterday was supposed to be a short day, which MIGHT have affected my performance. Am I just making excuses? Maybe. But I was so tired at 2.5 that I stopped at 3 miles and started stretching. Misti completed her 4.5 shortly after - girl is fast! Then... guess what: the burning sensation that was in my shins at that point did not go away. I'm thinking one dreaded and horrific thought: SHIN SPLINTS!

Question: What the hell do I do now?!

As I am typing this (and not working) I am consistently raising my foot high and lowering it, trying to strengthen them as we speak. Freak mode began last night... panic mode is sure to ensue soon. HELP!!

I have a short run (alone) (2 miles) scheduled for tonight... I'll let you know how it goes. In the mean time:

• Hit up ITunes and buy Louie G's song


• Have a great day and enjoy your miles!

I Love Running

Now I feel like a dork. Remember me freaking out because my foot/leg was going numb during my run on Sunday? Well it had a lot to do with the fact that my shoes were tied too tight............ yea.... laugh it up! You've got jokes, I'm sure.

But I really have to laugh at myself as well every time I think about it. Hmm, my foot is going numb. I wonder why. Could it be a circulation problem?? Ummmmmmmm... duh!! YA THINK?! It's these little things that truly exemplify the "newness" of my running career. It's a good thing that pro runners sometimes comment on my posts to set me straight. Thank you for that! You are my heroes!

I woke up this morning at 5am and went for a 3 mile run before work that absolutely felt awesome. I love morning runs. They really set your whole day off right. I have had an awesome day today and I completely attribute it to my run this morning. I can only believe that my night is going to be even better.

I love running. Have I told you that already? Because I do. I actually believe I am starting to crave it. I have heard stories told of a hunger runners have. They must do it everyday. They HAVE to do it every day. I have a friend that is like this.... Misti. I have introduced her to you before, but let me introduce you again.

She is the black haired beauty with the tie-dye on. She is OCD about her running. Up until this point, when asked the multiple choice question 'What do you think about Misty's love of running?" a.) She's full of S#&@ b.) She's psychotic c.) All of the above. My answer would be a definite "C." But now... I am all aboard the crazy-running-obsessed-train. If it weren't for the fact that I am freaked out about avoiding injury before my half-marathon in November, I would run tonight as well as in the morning even though I have a long run scheduled tomorrow night with my running girls. So this is my formal apology, Misti, for ever doubting your sanity. Please forgive me. I'm right there with you sister, and hope someday to be able to run as far as you and look as hot as you in a bikini because of it.

Which brings me to my next little FYI for you, due to my current obsession, I have purchased and am reading two books on training for a marathon. (Yes, I am reading two books at the same time.... I am proving I am not only a dork but a nerd/geek as well!) Most people have coaches that help them train for marathons, I choose to read books. I am going to Self-Help my way to marathon success! The first book is the book I originally set out to purchase. The Non-Runners Marathon Guide. This book was written by two college professors who taught several classes filled with hundreds of non-runners (much like myself) to successfully complete a marathon. The book details all the proof and consists of the complete training process.

I bought the second book, The Non-Runners Marathon Guide For Women, because #1. I am a non-runner who happens to be of the female sex who is, indeed, training for a marathon. #2. The author is completely hilarious and details the good the bad and the ugly of marathon training. Sweat, Chaffing, long lost knee-caps, hatred for happy runners, and all! I'm surprised I haven't come across a story chronicling yeast infections yet... who knows... it may come later. I'm only on Chapter 3. I love her and will be taking little quotes out of the book and sharing them with you from here on out. Get ready.

Until Next time... magnificent miles to you all!

Faith Restored....

I have not yet mentioned the fact that I have been a little scared... okay... HORRIFIED that I may have jumped in over my head with this half marathon decision. Lately, I have not been able to run over 3 miles and it has been frustrating me severely. Especially since my sisters in running are running well over 3 miles. In fact, Carmen ran 5 miles on Saturday. GO CARMEN!!! (I'm so proud of her!!) I was afraid that maybe I was trying to push myself too hard by trying to complete this half by November 15th. (Which is a day less than 14 weeks away today.)

But last night I restored my faith in myself and this half marathon decision by running 3.5 miles entirely! I felt so relieved, elated, accomplished, hopeful, happy, confident... I was almost overwhelmed.

When I completed that 3.5 miles, you would have thought I completed a marathon!! I felt so amazing and proud. And that made me realize something else about this marathon training.... one day I will start at a finish line and run 13.1 miles and complete that race and feel so great. But in the mean time, I am going to be winning many other (mental) races all along the way. Every time I am able to go a little farther than before it is going to make me feel like I have crossed a finish line! And every time I am going to feel those same emotions. What more could one ask for?!

But okay... on another note... Some new worries have manifested throughout the past couple of running weeks. This has been occurring almost every time I run lately, but last night it was extremely apparent because I ran so much farther instead of stopping when it began.

Last night, around the 2.25 mile, my right foot began to go numb. By the end of my 3.5 mile run, my whole right foot and leg all the way up to my knee was completely numb. It literally felt like I was lugging around a block at the end of my leg. I could not feel it at all. This has begun to worry me. I know many people talk about pain while training for a long run... and one must push through it in order to succeed. But what about numbness? I'm thinking of all the different things I should try....

• new shoes?


• looser clothing?


• More stretching?


• an MRI?

I have no clue.... Any suggestions?

In the mean time, I am going to continue running. This week I have a run scheduled with all of my sisters in running on Wednesday evening... I am so looking forward to it! Hopefully by Saturday I will be AT LEAST up to 4 miles! We shall see...

I will leave you with a couple of my favorite running quotes:

"It is not just about running, it's about all that comes with it: goal setting, empowerment, a belief in ones' self, being true to ones' self." - Julie Berg

"... The whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the real competition is against the voice inside you that wants to quit." -George Sheehan

Runner's Blog Anonymous: Newest Members

Before I started my very own blog I secretly and continuously stalked many other runner's blogs. For a long time I never commented or followed. I just watched from a distance. After a while things got much more intense. I couldn't resist. The temptation was too great. I had to be a part of this runner's blog world. When one becomes a part of this world, they gain an unlimited amount of insight into the world of running. Very helpful things I learned such as tips, advice, awesome gear to use in the future, good running shoes, etc. I have learned the importance of fuel and hydration and that water, a lot of the time, just isn't enough. I had never heard of Gu in my life... now I know it is a very valuable resource. Lots of tips on nutrition and recipes for runners... The list goes on and on.

Anyways, even though I have started my own blog, I still stalk many blogs to this day... I have not been cured of this addiction. I am not in denial, which I suspect is the first step to recovery. But, so far, I do not see a light at the end of my tunnel.

Hello. My name is Katie, and I'm a runner's blog stalker.

But I hear this ailment is common among runners and bloggers today. So I join a big group.

So I am here to share with you two of the most awesome resources I have come across, so far...

1. Garmin Watches.

These things are a MUST for hard-core runners....... like me. (Okay.... well, like I will be someday!) They not only track your pace, time, distance and heart rate - some have GPS systems that can tell you where you are going, where to go next, track your progress, compare your pace to past performances, get feedback on your runs, and even help you train for a triathlon or a multi-sport workout! These things are brilliant. They freak me out. If I had one, I would be constantly looking over my shoulder for "Big Brother." How do they know?!

Unfortunately, I can't afford one right now. Like all other high-tech must-haves, they are freaking expensive! So I am taking donations... if you are interested in contributing, email me. (Kidding!!) (not really.)

2. Mapmyrun.com

This sight is amazing. It will give you a map of wherever you choose, and you can type in the area where you want to run, the distance that you want to run, and BAM!... there are hundreds of routes to choose from created by other runners in your city. This is going to be very valuable for me since I prefer to run outside. (I know, I'm glutton for punishment in this Southeast Texas sauna that I live in.) The treadmill just gets too boring for me. So does the track, for that matter... finding different places to run will help me to keep variety in my life. I've been told I have a restless spirit. (I think that is a nice way of saying I am flaky as hell!) I am sure this applies to my running preferences as well.

OR - you can find the area where you want to run, and map out your own route. It calculates the distance, elevation... then you can save these routes to your profile and later enter info such as your pace, etc. and it will tell you your calories burned! Again... who comes up with this stuff?!

Tonight I went for a 3 mile run in a neighborhood I have never ran in before. It is a pretty affluent neighborhood in Beaumont and I loved looking at all the giant houses. (I'm big on looking at beautiful houses.) There is something about running in a new place that makes the time go by quicker. Thank you Runners Rambles for introducing me to this site!

I am going to continue to post on useful fixes I find from other runner's blogs. I welcome any tips, suggestions, advice that anyone might have to help my training become more successful. In the meantime, those closest to me need not plan an intervention just yet. I'm having way too much fun!

P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Things) Running Club

I want to introduce you to my old and new found running buddies. You need to be familiar with them because I will surely be referring to these hotties on a regular basis. Because of this, I better give you a back story...

A group of girls and I regularly attend a "Girl's Night" which we have coined the "PYT" group in honor of the now deceased King of Pop. For those of you who don't know what this stands for, you are not alone. I didn't either. Word of advice: Don't admit it. You will be the object of laughter and fun, much like I was. (Listen to the song, he spells it out for you.) It stands for Pretty Young Things. We, pretty young things, are a very eclectic group of girls consisting of married and unmarried women with or without kids who are in search of a much needed good time away from home with an excessive amount of estrogen and wine.

So at the last session, I... being the ever co-dependant pretty young thing that I am... make it my goal to recruit running buddies to join in my marathon quest. And on Saturday, August 1st, 2009: I succeeded!!

Allow me to introduce to you....

Misti!

My dearest and longest friend in the Running Club, is a true runner. She runs about 6 miles a day and has done so for years. She actually won't be running the San Antonio R&R because she will be out of the country. Not only is she an avid runner, she is an avid traveler as well. She and her precious husband go on about 3 or 4 vacations a year. (They make me sick with envy.) I guess you can do this when you don't have any kids. Their travels will hopefully be cut short in the next couple of years when she gets knocked up. She will be running with us for moral support and will be helping us train in our process.

Here is a picture from Saturday night, we celebrated both of our birthdays during our PYT Party. Why the place was holding out on the cheese cake, I will never know!

Here we are at a wedding a couple years back. I just love her guts.

Carmen!
She is the beautiful brunette in the picture below. My newest friend in the running club. Oh how I love Carmen. She is a mother of 4. (Yes... I said 4.) God. Love. Her. She, perhaps, cherishes our PYT Parties a little more than the rest of us. Carmen is kicking my tail right now because she is not only breezing through 4 miles, but she, sometimes, is able to go to the gym twice a day! Oh, the perks of being a stay at home mom. (Though, with 4 kids, that may be a short list!)

I also want to introduce you to, Kristen. She is the gorgeous blondie in the picture below. (She has not officially joined my running recruitment, but I am working on her.) I have to introduce you to her simply because she is one of the funniest women I have ever met. She recently told us that she will be joining in our running quest, but she has chosen to take the path less traveled by, by skipping.

And last but certainly not least, Ashley!

Isn't she gorgeous?! She is, perhaps, my hero of the running club. Ashley has already completed a full marathon years ago. Someday I will show you the tattoo that she got after she completed it. It's awesome. We have been running together off and on for over a year. Like Carmen, she is leaving me in the dust because she is close to 4 miles right now. (I, unfortunately, am still at a little over 3 miles, by the way.) Ashley has officially decided to continue training after we complete our half, and join me in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in April 2010. Iloveheriloveheriloveher!




So there you have it. My sisters in running. We will, together, share and endure hours of sweat, dirt, pain, tears, and excessive amounts of ibuprofen. I am looking forward to every bit of it because soon we will all be svelte, rock hard beauties with blisters and joint problems. I can't wait!

Independent Woman

To say that I had fallen off the running "band-wagon" would be an understatement. My last race was a 10K in November of 2008. Since then, I have hardly committed any time to running... or taking much care of myself (gaining 30 pounds in my running-hiatus)... or those important relationships with the people who love me the most (my family), for that matter. What have I been so distracted with, you ask? Well... trying to keep my head above water in this new out-on-my-own life that I have had since I graduated college 2 years ago could have something to do with it. My job as a Marketing and Public Relations Representative at a major hospital in Southeast Texas might be another guess. But my ever-failing 5 year long relationship with the love of my life (thus far) was the kicker. Breaking up over and over because your relationship should have been over a year ago can take up a lot of your attention. Especially when you are planning weddings and futures together in the process. But needless to say... that relationship has run it's course, and along with it... a huge wake up call has arisen.

I had no control over my life what-so-ever. Period. I had given in to emotions and circumstances and settling and a MAN. I had placed a much higher priority on these things than myself. Enough was enough. I had to sit down on my rock bottom floor, and ask myself... "Why are you not good enough? Why do you not believe in yourself?"

And in answering these questions... realizations came to my mind such as:
"You ARE good enough! You are smart, witty and strong. You are very deserving of the very best and can do anything you set your mind to!"
And in this epiphany, I asked myself... what do I love? What can change my life? What can I do for myself that is only for me? What is it that I can control and depend on no one for? What will restore my empowerment? What will take me places that I have never been? What will bring me fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment that I can be proud of for the rest of my life? What can bring me peace and beauty in my life inside and out? What can make me a stronger person? What is my passion?

And the answer came to me clearly.... Running.

So this is my story.... from here on out. The story of how I gained control of my life. How I became empowered and gripped tight of a strong belief in myself. How I became a strong independent woman who loved herself and relied on no one. The story of how I threw myself back into shape and lost 30+ pounds by running and living a healthy lifestyle. The story detailing the process of my training for the San Antonio Rock&Roll Marathon on November 15, 2009. And then on to my training process for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on April 25th, 2010. It will detail my ups and downs, pains and gains, friendships, loves, and life. Your more than welcome to come along for the miles. I hope you enjoy.