What I've Learned from Running Half Marathons

I finished this race today.  I didn't finish as fast as I wanted to, but I did beat my February time by 16 minutes. My first 3 miles was my best pace ever (37 minutes---see note about starting too fast below), at 6 miles I was still at a good pace 1:17.  I even did well through mile eight.  At this point, we ran out to the pier where the wind was BRUTAL.  By mile 9 my feet were KILLING me and I had to go to the bathroom.  Just after mile 10, we ran through Tropicana field (where the Tampa Bay Rays play--around the perimeter of the field).  I was thankful for the SOFT astroturf and was able to RUN it out in there.  Mile 11 was just OK.  The last 3/4 of a mile, I was able to RUN. IT. IN.  This is huge for me as it meant I did have something to give.  Now to just pace it out a little better this February.  Below are the things I've learned from running half marathons(so far).

Well, I don't know if I really have all that much wisdom since I've only officially run two now.  But I have DEFINITELY learned (and keep learning) every time my feet hit the pavement.  Here, in no particular order, are some of the lessons I now have under my belt:

1.  You have to "run your own race".  My son (the Coach) has said this to me again and again.  It's HARD, though.  I WANT to be as fast as some of my friends.  I HATE seeing people pass me that I think I should be able to beat.  I have to remember: that's THEIR race and not mine.  (Still, I often set my sights on a runner or two or three that I want to beat in the end...and I can't lie, I find that motivating---just keeping it real).

2.  Today, while having a particularly hard time with my foot, I saw a sign that said, "Remember your 'why'." That's important for me.  I have to remember WHY I run.  I run because it's something that I never thought possible for me.  I run because it makes me FEEL good (most of the time).  I run because it's a way to clear my head.  I run for those who can't run...YET!  I run because it's helped me have a healthier body.  (For the record, while that foot was throbbing its way through mile 11, I saw a sign that said, "Your feet hurt because you're kicking butt!"  (I liked it.)

3.  If you're a SLOW runner (like me), it's not fair to yourself to minimize your runs.  Ever. I would not post my 13.1 sticker on my car after I finished Disney Princess in February 2012.  My time was much slower than I wanted.  I stopped and took pics along the way.  I convinced myself I wasn't worthy of putting that sticker on the car because I "wasn't a 'real' runner".  But, again, the Coach comes through and says, "The first time you run, you're a runner."  My 13.1 sticker will be on the car this week.

4.  Keeping track of your progress is motivating and a reminder of the growth you've had.  I'm thinking this is such a lesson for anything we're learning.  It's good to look back and see where you've been.  I am serious when I say I could not run SIX FEET when I started. Any record keeping helps with perspective.  It's good to know the steps you have to take to move forward too.  Data can be a very good thing.

5.  When you've gotta' "go" you've gotta' "go".  I learned, the hard way, that your body functions differently when you run.  Soooo...although I'd like to avoid the porta-potty at the races, I know that taking the time to take care of your body's needs is what really helps you move forward. And when you're in the middle ages, you have to listen to it...waiting is...well...not pretty.

6.  Running with people is a good thing.  I don't mean actually side-by-side running, because I really prefer to run with myself/alone.  It's one of the only times my world is totally silent.  And I love it!  I have these ladies that I've come to call friends who keep me motivated more than they may know.  Many are already serious runners.  They all have hearts the size of Kansas and can encourage ANYONE to keep moving.  I love having "running friends" who understand the maladies that often accompany this sport (from shoe issues, to toenail issues, to bathrooming). I love the encouragement and love they give.  (As an added bonus today, I got to meet my blogging friend, Linda from 2nd cup of coffee!  She came down from Indiana to run this race and it was definitely one of the highlights for me.)

7.  Starting too fast can be KILLER!  I tend to do this.  I know there's a scientific reason for it.  But isn't it true with everything?  If you come out of the starting block too fast, you lose momentum and have trouble really sticking with it till the end.  I'm trying to learn pacing in MANY areas of my life...running reminds me it's worth learning.

8.  Pushing your way through something hard is VERY REWARDING!  Sure I love the medal.  I love the celebration at the end.  I love cheering for others coming across the finish line.  But realizing that you can stick with something and get through it just feels good.

There you have it, the top 8 things I've learned in the last 18 months.  I'm sure there are more lessons, but right now I need to go put up my throbbing foot!  

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow I'm running my second half marathon.  Well, I still have trouble saying "I'm a runner." I will be run/walking for sure.  Here's what I know, though.  I COULD NOT have done this 18 months ago when I started the Couch to 5K plan.  I COULD NOT have really done it last November either...although I was well into my training for Disney Princess by then.

Training for these things is a LEARNING and GROWING process in so many ways.  Not only is there the physical growth and strength that is required.  There's also an incredible mental/emotional experience that comes into play.  I play more head games with myself.  It's amazing.  Some days I feel like I could conquer the world and others I feel as though it's conquering me!  Still, I'm growing.  I am running farther and faster than I ever have before.  And I plan to continue to press on!

Costume Update

And the winner is...as I stated earlier

Cleopatra!  I'm telling you each year I stress more and more about what to do for a costume.  And although I was able to collect all the pieces, I had a minor wig crisis when I pulled it all together last night.  The bangs actually hit somewhere on my nose...so I had to give Cleo a haircut.

One of the highlights for me was driving TO the party when I drove up next to a couple from our last church that I haven't seen in over a year.  Rolled my window down and assured them it was ME.  We had a great laugh and I was reminded not to be in "De-NILE"!  I need to make a mental note to call them this week.  I honestly almost cried as they drove away thinking of how much I miss seeing these two people.

Anyway, the party was a lot of fun.  We danced.  We laughed.  We had good food and drinks.

Now I need to start thinking of what to wear NEXT year!

And also in the costume department...check out my DS 3 at the Florida State football game yesterday.  He's the guy in the garnet body suit in the front.  He is an uber fan when it comes to football and his school.  I love that about him.  In fact, I think he dreams of being one of the "glitter guys" someday...this is just a step on the path to reaching that goal, I'm sure.

What's a "glitter guy"?  You might ask.  Well...let me show you because he's friends with them already and has his pic with them at one of the recent games.  What do you think?

A reminder...

Got this photo from my DS 2 yesterday:



So thankful he's OK.  When DH showed me, he said, "We could have lost him."  This is his driver's side window that was hit by the bumper of a car in front of him.  He said the bumper flew off and into the air about 30 feet then came straight down on his windshield.  So thankful all we had to do is replace a windshield!

Life is short, isn't it??

Halloween Shopping

Halloween Shopping... Took Mom and LG shopping for my Halloween Costume today.  Probably going to be Cleopatra this year.  I figured that could be fun AND not too hot.  I love love love our annual Halloween Party at school (for the adults) and really stress over what to wear each year.  Here are some of my previous costumes:

Last year I went as a ladybug after I lost 50 pounds.  Kind of fun to try something different.



Two years ago went with some work colleagues as "girls from the institute"...long explanation that probably shouldn't be written out anywhere on the Internet :-)  But a FUN costume!! This was not a hot costume, because the arms are just "stuffed and tied" around us.  So our arms were free to move underneath.    :

Three years ago, I was totally uninspired and went as a scarecrow.  It was HOT HOT HOT!  That's when I swore I'd never wear long sleeves again.

Four years ago, I was a pirate's wench.  I've actually used this costume twice in recent years.

And, Five years ago I was a prisoner.  No pics on this computer of that year.  So, I'm thinking Cleopatra is a good addition to my repertoire, right?  Pics to come!

Where, oh where??

Where have I been?  It's been forever since I've blogged--which is pretty much what I said on my last post over a year ago.  Life has been happening.  It's been a roller coaster.  And blogging took a backseat.

When I find myself asking "What has been going on?"  I realize what a gift my blog was (and is).  I need to write.  I need to record what's happening in my ever-changing family.  I need to record the happenings of our lives.

So, by way of catching up, here is a little snippet:
DH is still traveling some and working from home most of the other time.  He is also taking on the responsibility of taking care of my Mom who moved in with us in July.  She's got Alzheimer's/Dementia and needs help.  Can I just say that HE'S AMAZING!  I love the way he is taking such an important role in this season of our lives.

DS 1: The Soldier---is now living in Washington D.C. and working full time for the Army National Guard there.  Sadly he told me recently he didn't think he'd ever live in Florida again.  Seems like he is a bit like his mother and likes the change of seasons and scenery!  I'm happy for him as he pursues the next steps on his journey.  And I'm proud of the work he's doing to serve our country in our Nation's Capitol.

DS 2:  The Coach/Missionary---is living about an hour south of us and working for an organization called Beautiful Feet.  He is helping organize trips around the world to put shoes on those who need them.  He graduated this past year with a degree in Exercise Science and is also coaching and training.  I can't wait to see what happens next for him.  I am fairly certain that his is a world that will never be dull.

DS 3:  Our Pilot/Student---is a freshman at the Florida State University.  He is majoring in Business and also figuring out what he wants to do with his life.  He, too, is very mission oriented and may end up traveling more and more.  He finished his private pilot's license this year and loves taking people for rides in the plane.

DS 4:  The Fisherman/Musician---is now 14 years old and in the 8th grade.  He is really working on his guitar playing and even helping lead worship at the church youth group on occasion.  Fishing is still his number one choice of things to do when he has free time.  We'll see how he's able to incorporate his passions into what he does eventually.  I'm proud of the young man he's becoming.

DD:  The Dancer/Actress---is now 11.  She loves to dance, gab with her friends, and generally explore the world of music and arts.  It's been fun watching her grow and seeing how God uses her interests to help others.  She just took her first "paid job" of helping out a Lego Club at our school weekly.  She loves working with younger kids and helping them learn new things.  Hmmm...she may just be a teacher in the making!

And me?  Well, I spent last year teaching Kindergarten which was an amazing journey!  I loved being full time in the classroom again working with one class and one set of parents.  I really thought I'd do it again this year.  But a job opened up that I have been wanting to try a long time.  My title is Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA).  At my school, there is no Assistant Principal, so the TOSA functions in that role with the exception of teacher evaluation.  I'm finishing up my degree in administration, so this is a good place for me at this time.

I'm still running.  Training for another half marathon in 31 days.  This has been an amazing thing for me to do. I've learned so much about perseverance, disappointment, and hard work!  I will also be running the Disney Princess Half Marathon again (see my previous post).

That's the update from my neck of the woods...well it's a short update.  There's so much more I could (and should) write.  But I've learned that writing is not so different than training for a half marathon.  You have to do it in little chunks/steps.  I took a step tonight and hopefully, soon I'll take another.

I hope to do some blog hopping soon and see if any of my blogging friends are still active.  Shoot, hopefully I'll also find some new ones while surfing around out there.