Secret Entry

The content of this entry will be revealed on Monday, April 16th or soon after the running of the Boston Marathon.

GRATITUDE

A few weeks ago I was asked to fill in for a Girls on the Run coach at one of our sites. I hadn't coached since last spring at Swanson. I was both anxious and excited to be back. Being passionate about the mission and messages of GOTR makes it easy to get back into the groove.

These girls were amazing! A unique bunch, like always, there were all types of personalities, energy levels and feelings towards running. The lesson for the day was Gratitude--which I noted at the time as being so fitting for me to sub in light of my campaign.

I started thinking about all the things I was grateful for: in my life, my relationships, my career, etc.. And it's a long list. In light of this SoleMates effort though I decided to do the activity like the girls--think of something for each letter of gratitude--and run a lap after each letter. They come up with some funny stuff! Ice cream, underwear, traffic lights! You never know where their little minds go, and some of them can be challenging.

This is an attempt I came up with on my run the other day. Yes, this is what I think about some days.

Goals--that is what started this challenge and continued to motivate me along the way.
Relatives--oh man they have heard about the ups and downs and still put up with me (sort of!).
Alumnae--These women make my world a better place.
Team--they become alumnae, 'Nuf said... And the concept of team never gets old for me.
Insight--why I love training, it helps me learn more about myself.
Training partners--while infrequent, they are always enjoyed and provide a great pick me up.
Underwear--hey! Why can't I use this one too!? I think we're better off for it!
Donors--I'm continually surprised and inspired by the willingness to give to my cause.
Enthusiasm--it makes anything easier--and more fun!

Ok, this does not do my list justice... But it's an attempt.

What are you thankful for?

Boom shakalaka

One week!!!

I had some awesome training runs in the past week. I'm taking that as a sign that it is all coming together.

Thursday was 3xmile at tempo interval pace. Ended up doing 6:35s roughly and felt good. More than anything gave the lungs a workout. Just great.

Proudest of my Saturday run. By design it was shorter--for the taper--but was a fast finish run. I have been unsuccessful at most of my fast finish run attempts (I have my theories) so I really wanted to do this one well and feel confident.

Well, Friday I finally got a much needed massage, which probably helped Saturday's run as well. The idea for the 10-12 miler was to mimic the course as much as possible and do the last 4-6 building to goal pace and just beyond--really fatiguing the legs.

So I picked what many people would consider an awful course to run. Down Cleveland to SMC and back. Basically 5 each way. I like it because I don't have to think and it's a down hill at the start and a series of upgrades in the last few miles.

Started out faster than I was supposed to but was even trying to control the pace--it just felt ghat good! Rolled through the first five like nothing. Then it was time to change gears.

First time it's been easy for me all training. I think at least partially, if not mostly, because it wasn't a dramatic jump in pace. Anyway, the last five were great. It's exactly where I want my mind to be next Monday. Nothing was too big. Climbed the hill at Castle Point faster than race pace and felt good. Last mile came in at 6:50. Of course then I wanted to be done--but mission accomplished! Bada bing! Bada boom!

I'm ready to tear up Heartbreak hill. Bring it!

Choices...and finding the "right" answer

Yesterday one of my athletes came in to talk to me. After a few minutes, she shared how distraught she felt over a recent decision--which required choosing between some family time and school work. Visibly upset, I tried to empathize with her. The only solace I could offer though is the decision has been made, and now you just need to move forward with that choice.

After talking with her I headed out for my workout and thought a lot about what she was going through. Being comfortable with the decisions you make is easier said than done. As you get older, there are more decisions to make. The choices carry a little more weight.

I've actually been thinking about this a lot recently. This past weekend after my long run I felt a little down. I started reflecting on my training--the past 13 weeks and beyond. My conclusion: I could have done more. I could have cross-trained more to be fitter. I could have lifted more to be stronger. I could have done more hills to be more prepared for the race course. These were all decisions that I had along the way but as I sulked, I had to be ok with my choices. And after my 10 minutes of pouting, I did feel ok about my choices.

Why don't I train more? Harder? Longer? I'll tell you. Somewhere along the way to becoming who I am today, I decided that I wanted a 'balanced' life. For me that means being able to spend time with my family and friends, working my odd hours, and being involved in the community---while maintaining a good relationship with exercise and running specifically. So while my day is often arranged best as possible around my running (nutrition, sleep, weather make for scheduling better running times), it is not the end all.

In fact, why I was so bummed on Saturday after my run was because my training partner was sharing how much time and effort she had put into her training and it made mine feel sub-par. It's hard to remind yourself that everyone is different and has different capacities and abilities. It worked for her---but for my training time to increase it would probably mean I was sacrificing somewhere else in my life.

The hard lesson is finding what is "right" for you. There is no right or wrong. For the people that make running their life---I'm jealous, in a way. I tell myself that if I were able to give that time and devotion to training, I could be even better than I am today. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening. Largely, because I do work hard now and know that my other responsibilities and interests take up so much time that something else would have to give to actually be successful. So it works for some and I need to live with my choices.

I don't regret the choices I've made. I have phenomenal friends and family and I couldn't imagine not spending time with them. I have a team that I love to work with and wish I could be with more often. It's just hard to imagine that I haven't tapped all my potential because of my choices---not because I'm unable.

And... well life is funny... your choices will always change. You will graduate from college and not have to worry about picking studying over something else. There will be phases where some things need to come to the forefront and others need to sit on the back burner.

Ultimately though.... isn't it pretty damn good to have choices?? I'd say so.

Blogging on blogs...

A few weeks ago I was interviewed by a Notre Dame student who is an assistant coach for Girls on the Run this spring. She is currently writing a blog for the Michiana Runners Association--and is doing a great job!

Here is here handiwork: http://michianarunners.blogspot.com/

Thanks Kat! Keep blogging!

My new crack

Right now I am totally 100% obsessed with Lululemon. The addiction is pretty bad. I pretty much stalk the site every night, fawning over the beautiful threads.

This is what (some) runners do. And why not? If you're going to be spending hours upon hours training, you should definitely be comfortable... AND feel great about what you are wearing!

Seeing as I spend roughly 85% of my time in athletic apparel, I feel like the new addiction is fairly healthy. I mean, at least it's useful, right? And so cute!!

How did it start? My mother in law, Becky. Yep, Becky, it's all your fault!! :)
At Christmas she bought me a beautiful black running jacket with sweet detailing. The hood had a ponytail holder. There were thumb holes and hand covers--amazing! It was warm and comfy for my first long runs in training. After that, it all went down hill.... and now I'm on the site all the time. This does not mean I'm buying things all the time--just oogling them!

However, I did purchase the Pace Setter Skirt (birthday money!) and absolutely LOVE it!! I'm pretty sure it is the most comfortable skirt I've run in--and I've gone through a few. The shorts stay in place. Just good stuff. Highly recommend if you are looking for a great running  skirt! Isn't it cute?!? No, those are NOT my legs. I WISH!

It's not cheap---so a lot of looking but I thought I would share... in case anyone else needed to have a fun little obsession for a while. I just love that there are more companies like Lululemon, creating great garmets for running and working out :)

Lululemon has been showcased recently because of their business success.

Check out the recent article in the Wall Street Journal. Shop today at: http://www.lululemon.com/!

for my dad

I've thought about and re-written several starts to a blog today. In the end, what I needed was to post this video. My mind has been all over the place and I needed to feel inspired.

I can't watch this video without crying, for so many reasons. I hope you all enjoy the video. Be inspired....

Dad, thank you for always picking me up. I love you.