My First Marathon: What it taught me

In January, ten runners from Kennebec Valley Coaching embarked on a journey to complete a marathon. For most of us, this was to be our first full marathon. I was just coming off major surgery in December, so in many ways my training was starting from scratch. We ran as a group through the winter with the Winter Warriors group, then we transitioned into the Mystery Run group (which could have been named "The Hill Running Group). On June 23rd, all ten of us completed the Inaugural Bay of Fundy International Marathon in Lubec, Maine (yep... that's right, we're INTERNATIONAL marathoners)! The course was very challenging and hilly and we CRUSHED it! I could bore you with a mile-by-mile recap of the race, instead I'll give you the highlights:

Pre-race stretching class courtesy of Fab at Absolute Balance Massage Therapy (yes, we travel with our own massage therapist). Folks were sitting on their porches with their morning coffee at 6am to send the early starters off with cheers (I opted for the early start not knowing how long it might take me), FRIENDLY border patrol agents, amazing scenery along the entire route (lupines everywhere, rocky coastline, quaint harbors and fishing villages), BEST CROWD SUPPORT EVER (the boys at the half way waving US and Canadian flags, the girls cheerleading at the church, SANTA!, the house with a ZILLION signs of encouragement, the family offering chocolate chip cookies at mile 18ish, the huge crowd at the finish),the smelly dead fish just before the mile 12 marker (which was sponsored by Family Fisheries) totally made me laugh,  the folks driving along the route ringing cowbells and waving and beeping, the other runners cheering each other on, the photographers (I actually have several REALLY good race photos), the volunteers (water stops every 2 miles was PERFECT), the police on both sides of the border, the race organizers. Post-race massages (thanks to Fab) and stretching courtesy of Jared Lawson of Kennebec Valley Chiropractic (yep... we brought our own chiropractor too). 

It may sound melodramatic, but training for, and completing, the marathon has changed my life. The lessons I've learned along the way extend far beyond running and fitness. Here are some of those lessons:

1. Slow and steady really DOES win the race (or in my case, FINISH). I ran my marathon in 5:45:35, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I ran my own race, at my pace, and I truly enjoyed every step of every hilly mile.
2. I am capable of so much more than I'd ever imagined. I started running in September of 2010 hoping to finish a 5K. Each time I attained a goal I set a new goal. I never imagined I'd be running a full marathon in less than 3 years.
3. Don't judge a book by its cover. Fit doesn't always look the way you think it does. Marathoners often masquerade as "ordinary" folks. Sure, there are runners out there with the long legs, sinewy muscles, and 10% body fat. But there are many more with soft squishy bits, things that giggle a bit when you run, and enough body fat to keep the chill away.
4. For the first time ever I see myself as an athlete. I've struggled with my body image and self-confidence since I was tweenager. We stopped for lunch on the way home. As I walked down the street looking for a sandwich shop I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a store window; I had to take a second look. For quite possibly the first time ever I liked what I saw; I saw myself as fit, and healthy, and happy. I saw an athlete.
5. Over the past few months I've noticed less negative self-talk. I've all but abandoned my bathroom scale. When I think about my body, I think about what it CAN do, not about a number on a scale, not about the flaws. Are they really flaws?
6. Anything is possible with persistence, patience, and support. Never quit, shit happens, and when it does you just have to roll with in (not in it)! Just because you put something on a list, or set a deadline, doesn't mean that is when it will happen, it will happen when it's MEANT to be, enjoy the journey. It takes a village to raise a marathoner. My village includes my husband Andy who always encouraged and pushed me to do my training (even when I didn't want to), my running family at KVC (coach Amy, Lynn O, Lynn F, Pat, Kim, Karen, Brenda, Amber, Aimee, Trisha, Ellen, Beth... just to name a few), my parents (they've always said I can do anything I want... and meant it!), and my friends.

Summer's Just Around the Corner

My oh my, where does the time go?  It's been 6 weeks since my last post and so much has happened. As summer approaches, I see my calendar getting more and more full by the day. The semester is over and I managed to pull out another "A", so my straight "A" streak lives on (at least for now). This fall will be my last semester and likely on of my hardest (yikes)! I've also started volunteering at the Kennebec Valley Humane Society. Surprisingly, I've managed NOT to adopt every dog there (Andy would have a fit). I've only managed to get there a couple times thus far, but look forward to my time spent volunteering. Another volunteer opportunity has kept me very busy as well. I've joined the Board of Directors for Kennebec Local Food Initiative as a co-president. We are a (hard) working BoD working to increase access to locally grown and produced foods and strengthen the local food economy. And if that wasn't enough, I've also been coaching a Couch to 5K group through KVC (the running studio I belong to). All this, AND I'm in the final stages of marathon training.

To be specific, I have 17 days of training left (before my taper begins). I had a minor meltdown last week. Frozen with fear and anxiety, I'd found myself unable to get my midweek runs complete. I was still able to squeeze out my long runs but I knew if I didn't get a swift kick in the butt the wheels were about to fall off the bus. Luckily, my coach, Amy Lawson, gave me the kick in the butt (with a dose of inspired words) to turn things around. I've started doing my midweek runs on my lunch hour at work, and I must say, I really like it. It's so nice to get out of the office and distress mid-day. So far I've only been doing 3 mile runs (which gives me plenty of time to de-stink, change, and warm up my lunch). However, I think I may try to squeeze in 4 miles here and there (it'll be tight time-wise, but doable). I have 2 long runs left, an 18 miler (scheduled for this Sunday) and a 20 miler. While running that kind of mileage is rather overwhelming I know I can do it if I take it slow and steady.

Even as I fantasize about finishing my first marathon, I'm already thinking about "what's next". The answer: Triathlon. I am registering for my first sprint triathlon to take place August 3rd. That will give me approximately 5 weeks to train. Beyond that I am planning on a super fun Color Me Rad 5K in late August, possibly a 10K in September, a marathon relay in October, and a destination half-marathon (Runner's World Half Marathon Festival in Bethlehem PA) in October. There may be a sprinkling of trail 5Ks at Bond Brook in there as well.

What are your plans for the summer?

Fear and Running

Yesterday I did something I haven't done since my last half marathon in July, I ran double digit mileage. There are lots of reasons why it's taken me 8 months to get my mileage back up:

• I was focusing on trail running in the late summer,
• I was focusing on speed in the fall,
• I had major surgery over the winter,
• I was sick for the last couple weeks.

But the main reason it's taken me this long to get my mileage back up is fear. This is nothing new, I experienced this same issue when I was training for my first half marathon last spring. However, I figured it was a one and done kind of thing and I'd gotten over it. As it turns out, that is incorrect.

I am now training for a marathon and I'll be honest, it's kind of freaking me out. The thought of me completing a marathon is a bit surreal. I'm not a natural runner, I don't have a runner's physique, I'm overweight, I'm 40. But to be honest, I felt very much the same way last spring and I ended up completing 3 half marathons over the spring/summer.

I am not sure where the fear comes from. I suspect part of it has to do with achieving a goal and knowing I must now aim higher. It's that "aim higher" piece that generates the fear. Eventually, I'll fail. And I have a very real fear of failure.

But what would it really mean if I were to fail to meet a goal? Is is finite? Would that mean the end of running for me? It's doubtful. Sure, I'd sit and feel sorry for myself for a bit. My inner-critic would have a field day and punish me for even thinking I could do it in the first place. But I'd eventually tell the critic to back off. I'd pick myself up, review what could have gone wrong, beat myself up a bit for not training enough, or fueling properly, or listening to my body (or whatever it is that caused me to fail).

I think there is such thing as a healthy dose of fear. It helps to keep me on track and take things seriously. But when there is too much fear, it can hinder your progress. Finding a balance is difficult for me. Distance running is very much a mental game and keeping the fear at a healthy level is going to be key for my success.

Do you experience fear about your goals? How do you address it and make sure it doesn't hold you back?

Hibernation

Well looking back on my blog I see I've been neglecting it terribly! I could blame it on school, but honestly, school didn't start until late August and my last post (prior to yesterday) was in June. I'm just going to chalk it up to, "I've been super busy"!

Since June, I've run a 3rd half marathon, gone camping twice, ran a race up a fricken moutain, joined the local YMCA and started swimming and taking a class or 2 per week as cross training for my running routine, successfully completed my 2nd to last semester of school, celebrated my 1st wedding anniversary, and had a total hysterectomy. So yeah... I guess I have been busy.

The last half marathon I ran was the Old Port Half Marathon in July. I wasn't particularly prepared for it, having just completed my 2nd half with a PR time a month prior. However, this was one I'd been waiting to do for a long time. I had originally signed up for it last year but was injured and missed it. The race organizer was nice enough to defer my registration to this year. I finished the race, however, it was by far my worst time even though I felt like I paced it better than my previous race. I just wasn't prepared, I didn't have enough recovery time and prep time between the two races. No regrets. Earned a very cool medal!

On Labor Day weekend I went camping (just me, myself, and I) at Cobscook Bay campground in Eastport. I chose Eastport because it is the eastern-most town in the continental US and I've never been to that part of Maine before. I really enjoyed myself even if I didn't see any exciting wildlife. The town of Lubec was having it's Annual Pirate Raid festival which was an unexpected pleasure. I really like this area of Maine. Another reason I chose this area is because I've chosen my first full marathon. I will be running the Bay of Fundy Marathon, June 23, 2013. The marathon course is from Lubec into Canada (Campobello Island) and back. That's right folks! My first marathon will be an INTERNATIONAL RACE!! I wanted to check out the terrain. Totally doable!

I completed the Mountain Raid race up Sunday River.... nuff said.

School has been challenging this semester. I took 2 classes,  Municipal Administration and Administrative Law. All I have left for these classes are my finals. I'm looking forward to only taking 1 class next semester!

I am also trying to balance out my exercise routine to increase consistency and decrease injury. So I joined the local YMCA. I really enjoy swimming and I've rediscovered my love of step aerobics. I also try to join one boot camp/strength class per week. We have a beautiful new facility here. I'm really enjoying it!

So my husband and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary the day after Thanksgiving. It was a low key affair, a nice dinner at the Senator Inn. I wore a dress, he wore a tie (both are rarities)! Here's to "happily ever after".

And last but certainly not least, I had a total hysterectomy last Thursday. It's partially due to the recovery time that I found time to sit and update this blog. The surgery went very well and I expect to be back to work next Monday. I will admit, 6 days of bed rest has left me stir crazy! I can't wait to get back to my old routines. There is a possibility I may be able to start running again before the full 6 week recovery period... I really hope so! Marathon training will begin in earnest mid-January (after I return from my trip to Florida to visit my parents)! I'm hoping to be able to get some walk/jog time in prior to that time.

I've been knitting up a storm lately! It started with awesome 80s legwarmers, then moved on to socks (I've finished 2 1/2 pairs already). I also wrote my first knitting pattern ever! It's available via this blog or as a free download on Ravelry.

Well that about wraps it up. I have a killer Admin Law final to complete and my Muni Admin final is next week so lots of studying to do!!

I hope not to neglect my blog like this ever again :D

Run Tip: Don't Run After Eating Dinner

It was 6:30 pm and I'd already come up with a zillion reasons why I couldn't or wouldn't get my scheduled run in for the day. I was anxiously awaiting the delivery of my new bike, I just ate dinner, it was going to get dark soon, etc. In an effort not to feel like a total slug I decided to head to the Rail Trail to take a nice walk.

Of course, when I got to the Rail Trail I couldn't help but run. The first mile was rough, I felt my dinner sit like a rock in my gut. Taco casserole was probably NOT the best choice. As I completed mile 1 I felt my dinner starting to rebel so I took a quick walk break. The rebellion quickly retreated and I decided to continue on at a slightly scaled back pace.

Over the next mile I had to take 3 more quick walk breaks as the rebellion threatened, only this time it was threatening to evacuate via tow routes (you can probably guess what the two options were).

I plodded along, paying close attention to my gut instincts (pun TOTALLY intended) and completed my 3 miles. I've decided I will count this as my easy 3-miler for the week.

Sugarloaf Recap

Better late than never, right? It's hard to believe just a week ago I was up at Sugarloaf with my KVC girls running the 15K... in 86 degree weather! To say the weekend was fabulous is an understatement and fails to show the event in its proper light.

Karen, Aimee, Tara, Lynn, Amy

I'll start with the team... Team KVC- Amy Lawson (aka Coach), Lynn Ouellette, Aimee Ellis, Karen Longfellow, Heather Perrault, and myself. We were fortunate enough to score a sweet condo for the weekend AND a team Chef and Caretaker!! Heather is new to KVC (and will no doubt be running this next year with us) so even though she wasn't running she volunteered to cook for us! And OH BOY did she cook. When we arrived at the condo (she'd arrived earlier) the whole place smelled delicious! Chicken Marsala, a HUGE salad, guacamole and chips, and CUPCAKES (for after the race... because at KVC we really DO run for cake)!
 
We went to pick up our packets early so we'd have the rest of the night to relax and encourage each other. Packet pick up was rather uneventful (if you don't include the atrociousness of this year's tech tees (mens-cut in baby puke tan with a moose on the front). I've never been to Sugarloaf without snow on the ground, it's quite beautiful.

The night was spent eating and laughing. There was a lot of discussion about what shoes to wear, what time to wake up, what to eat for breakfast, and a book called Fifty Shades of Grey (need I say more)? To say it had the feel of a teenage girls slumber party should conjure up the proper image.

After deciding where everyone would sleep for the night (and a LOT more laughing) we finally settled down. I'll be honest, I didn't sleep more than an hour or two. I don't sleep well in general, and I sleep even worse in strange places. I can still rest though, even if I'm not really sleeping. And I'm happy to report, there were no snorers:)

We woke up early, 5:15, on race day morning. Bagels and peanut butter were eaten, water was consumed (but not too much) and a LOT of trips to the bathroom. We either have very small bladders or we all get nervous pees before a big race! After much debate, I decided to wear my new (just out of the box) Nike Vomero 6 over my Nike Vomero 5. This isn't as crazy as it sounds, since I'd already retired an identical pair of Vomero 6s earlier this winter. I also decided to go "tech naked" (i.e. no Garmin or watch) as I did at Race the Runways. Instead, I lent my Garmin (aka "Miles", 'cuz I really do name EVERYTHING) to Amy.

We arrived at the start in plenty of time to work out some nervous energy, and yes... another trip (or two) to the porta-potty. We checked out the competition and decided that if you wear brightly colored shoes you MUST be fast. My shoes are mostly white, with a little yellow, this appears to support our hypothesis. To the race organizers credit, the race started on time (much to the disappointment of the 20+ people still standing in line for the porta-potty).

This was my first time racing this distance, even though it's not my furthest. I remembered from my half marathon experience that starting out slower than you think you should will benefit you in the end. Thus, I set out at a comfortable pace. I was a little tempted to step it up as I saw wave after wave of people pass me, but then I just reminded myself that we lined up in the first half of the crowd, and let's face it, I'm not fast. So I let them pass and focused on how I was feeling to gauge my pace. I thought of my teammates and silently wished them a good race. We all had our own goals and definitions of success for this race. For some it was a time, for others a pace, and others were running the furthest they'd ever run. I knew we would all be successful, we'd all been training diligently, we were prepared.

I have to admit, I like racing the longer distances and I like going tech naked. I find myself really responding to my body's cues and by the end of the race I feel like I put everything I had out there.

Once I got to the first water station at mile 2 I'd loosened up enough to really feel like I was racing. This is one of the reasons I like the longer distances, because often times it takes me a mile or two to really start enjoying a run. I'm not a big water drinker when I race (which is something I'll have to address before the marathon and the half marathons this summer), so I ran through all the water stops without taking any water except the last one. I grabbed a cup and rinsed out my mouth which was quite parched by mile 8.
As the lumber store sign became visible up ahead (aka the turn off for the finish line) I began to get excited. The last mile was a bear as the temperature hit the 80s and the sun beat down on me without any shade. I was tempted a couple times to take a walk break, but resisted remembering how I started to fall apart after taking a walk break at Race the Runways. As I approached the turn off to the finish Amy was there, with a BAND, cheering me on. Conch shells, cow bells, and bongo drums! That was enough to lift me up and release what little energy I had left to pick up the pace and cross the finish line. My official time was 1:42:24, my goal was 1:45. My average pace was exactly 11:00 which I was thrilled with (my pace at the 10 mile mark at RTR was 11:16).

The rest of the afternoon was spent cheering on our teammates and eating cupcakes. Amy won 3rd place for her age group (way to go Coach)! We stuck around for a reason. Deborah, an online client of Amy's, was running the marathon, it was her 13th marathon. She's run Sugarloaf last year in about 6:15, she finished in about 5:45, a full 30 minutes better than last year! I also was looking for my cousin, Tony. He was running the marathon too, his first! I didn't find him on race day, but looked him up and saw he finished in 4:24, not too shabby:)

We stopped for ice cream on our way home, still beaming from the triumph of the race and the fun of the weekend. When I got home I showed my husband the cool medal I'd earned ('cuz I run for cake AND MEDALS) and gave him the baby puke tan race tee. I can't wait for the rest of the races this season and for Sugarloaf next year! I bet we'll have 20 runners!

I'm sure I sound like a broken record, but I feel so lucky to be a part of Kennebec Valley Coaching. Not only have I made great new friends, but I'm continually pushing the envelope and doing things I never would have imaged... AND HAVING FUN!!! If you want to join us (and you KNOW you do) click here.

Sugarloaf Weekend is Here!

This weekend, May 19 & 20th, is the Sugarloaf Marathon & 15K. I will be running the 15K with my girls from KVC. We'll be staying overnight in a condo together. This should be an awesome weekend. I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures and shenanigans to share when I get back:) Wish us luck!!

Check out the Sugarloaf Marathon & 15K!

Thirteen point One

I started running in September of 2010 with a Couch to 5K program through my employer. To say I got hooked on running is an understatement. I've run 11 races since then (mostly 5Ks, a couple 4-4.5 milers). For the last year (plus) I've been training toward running a half marathon, and today I completed it! It was originally scheduled for last July; however, an IT Band injury prevented me from completing that race.
I run and train with an amazing bunch of people from Kennebec Valley Coaching (under the watchful eye of our Coach Amy Lawson). Joining this group has been a game changer. I've made new friends that share a passion for running but don't take themselves too seriously as to not have a blast while doing it. We had 10+ runners at today's race. Most ran the 5K, for a couple of them it was their first 5K, and several more set PRs. We support each other and run together, get each other out of our heads when we start to obsess, and most of all cheer each other on and celebrate successes together.

A quick recap of my race. I've been nervous (read "terrified") for days now. I know in my head that I've done the training and am physically ready for this distance, but as distance runners will tell you... running is 90% mental. Last night I worked off some nervous energy by helping Amy out with the new C25K group (all 70 of them!!!). It was a great idea too, it allowed me to loosen up my legs and have fun (not to mention it was a great reminder of where I was not too long ago). I started a mini carb load the day before and capped off the evening with a nice pasta dinner. My gear bag was packed (and checked and repacked several times), I had my clothes laid out, and my Garmin charged. On race day morning I woke refreshed, banana toast and almond milk for breakfast and some Nuun electrolyte in my water. I was still a bundle of nerves once I arrived. It was such a relief to see all my KVC pals when I got to our table though! Lots of chitter chatter and support and jokes to help ease our nerves.

Once the race started (late) I set out at a comfortable pace (I had decided to go tech-naked... no Garmin or anything). I wanted to just run and complete it, not obsess over pace and time. I would pace myself by listening to my body. I tend to be a super consistent runner (pace-wise), I pretty much start and end at the same pace (except the very end, I always like to push it as much as I can and empty the tank at the very end). I noticed at about mile 7 I was starting to get a blister on the arch of my left foot. I'd brought other shoes but opted for these ones because they were newer and I'd "retired" the ones I'd run my 11 mile training runs in. In retrospect, I should have worn those ones, I had them in my gear bag. I was happy to see a friendly face at about mile 9.5. My fellow KVCer Sue was there to cheer me one and see how I was feeling. That kind of support put a little extra pep in my step. At mile 10 I was pleasantly surprised to see my time (1:53:10). I was right on pace to meet my goal time of sub 2:30. Unfortunately, mile 11 came and I hit a wall. The wind became very strong and remained so for the remainder of the race. Those last 2.1 miles were BRUTAL for me. I had to take a couple short walk breaks which is really unusual for me. The race is at an old Naval Air Station so the last mile literally goes down a runway. The wind was so intense I felt like I was going backwards! With about .75 miles to go, another friendly face was there to greet me, Karen! She paced me until I only had .1 to go. The last .2 miles I was able to really pick up my pace and finish strong with my coach Amy running along side me and my KVC buddies cheering me on. I was so excited to see that finish line and get that medal. I was actually a bit overcome by the whole thing.

I never would have imagined I'd run a half marathon (and love it)! Running is a funny sport; anyone can do it and your successes are unique to you. I am registered for a 15K and 2 more half marathons this summer. My ultimate goal is to complete a marathon and I'm eying the Maine Marathon at the end of Sept. Completing my first half marathon was a huge confidence builder and brings me one step closer to my dream.

If you have ever even considered running (even just a little) I highly suggest you do it. The C25K program is free on Coolrunning.com and is a great way to ease into the sport. If you are in the Greater Augusta area then come check out Kennebec Valley Coaching, we're a fun bunch and we run with all levels and abilities!

The Power of a Group

Last year I ran by myself almost exclusively. Which didn't bother me since it provides me with some much needed down time and decompression time. But I must say that since I've been running with my buddies at Kennebec Valley Coaching I've been so much more consistent and I push myself so much more, which all adds up to becoming a stronger runner.

It's kind of hard to tell but my hair is a solid block of ice and I have frost/ice on my face.

Take this morning's run for instance. It was -10 at 8 am this morning and I'm sitting in my car waiting for my friends Trisha, Lynn, and Karen to show up for our long run. We'd planned an 8 miler. Trisha ended up being the only one who made it (Lynn and Karen were with us in spirit though:) and we went along our way. Now, if I had just made a pact with myself to run 8 miles this morning I would have looked at the temperature and said &$^# it and gone back to bed. But there is something special about persevering together in such adverse conditions. Did I mention it snowed yesterday so that there was about 1-1.5 inches of fresh fluffy snow covering the trail? We took our time and had plenty of oomph at the end to really push the last 1/2 mile. But if Trisha hadn't been there waiting for me, I would not have thought I would be able to do it. I would have quit.

I find the same this is true with my strength training. I don't particularly like to strength train, but I know that it is important and necessary for me to become a stronger runner, so I begrudgingly do it. If I do it on my own, I KNOW I don't push myself. As soon as the abs start to burn, or the legs start to shake I quit. But not when I workout with the group. I do boot camp and Winter Warriors classes at KVC and I push myself every minute of every workout. I don't think it's a matter of me being super competitive or anything like that, it's the energy from the amazing people in that class that help me see my potential. They encourage me when I need it most and help me push through barriers I thought were impenetrable.

The power of the group is nothing to be scoffed at. The group lifts you up when you feel defeated, it cheers you on when you feel on top of the world, it sees in you the things you can't see yourself, and it's there to support you however you may need it. I'm so incredibly blessed to have found a motivator and coach like Amy Lawson, and a group of amazing running buddies (Trisha, Lynn O, Lynn F, Beth, Aimee, Brenda, Sue, Karen, and the rest of the group at KVC).

Meet Milly

I did it. I bought a treadmill. I'm so excited I could pee. Seriously, this is major news. Anyone who knows me knows of my hatred of treadmills (aka Dreadmills). Oddly, I've still pined for one for years assuming it'd be different at my house (vs. the stinky gym). And you know what... I WAS RIGHT!

Meet Milly (short for Millicent). Yes, I named her. She is a NordicTrack T5.7 and she was one sale:) She arrived stuffed in a box, waiting to break free! All said and done, the transformation from this...

to this...

wasn't too bad. The only BIG hang-up I experienced was during the very first step. I merely had to remove a screw from the rail, discard said screw, and secure the ground wire with a ground screw. I snapped the head off the screw. No joke. Popped the head right off it. I tried pushing it through with a screwdriver and a hammer but that didn't work. So I drove down to the local hardware store and bought a power drill. Yep, that's right, I now own power tools (look out)! With power drill in hand, I returned to the scene of the crime and attempted to drill the screw out. That didn't work. So I drilled a new hole right next to the offending screw. Sadly, the grounding screw is some crazy ass size only used in the Antarctic so NONE of the drill bits matched it. Never fear I said to myself. I'll just substitute a different screw that fits the new hole I drilled. I googled this idea first to make sure it'd be OK. After securing the ground wire (it only took 1.5 hours to complete step one) I was ready to tackle the rest of the "some assembly required". Which went relatively quickly. In all, I spent almost 4 hours 'creating' Milly. But she's so worth it!

Just look at her beautiful face. I put her in the guestroom, because quite honestly, no-one ever comes to see us. We've been in this house 2 years and we've had guests twice and one 'crash for the nighter'. I will need to make some adjustments to the room. I need to move the TV so I can see it better and I may have to do some rearranging (heck I may take the bed out all together and get one of those Aerobeds). One thing that is a must... a fan!!! Holy Nut does it get hot in there!

I ran my maiden mile (well, more like 1.5) and then tried out one of the pre-set programs. Central Park Walk. It sounded lovely, not sure what makes it a Central Park walk (other than I was watching When Harry Met Sally). Basically it was a 1.8 mile walk with inclines ranging form 0-4.5 at a speed of 3.5.

I'm excited to do my first 'real' run tomorrow morning. I still plan on running outside as much as possible, but Milly will surely help me keep my running goals this year when the weather and/or daylight don't cooperate:)

The wall in front of me is also super blank... what should I put there to motivate me to run like the wind?

Happy New Year!

I am ushering in the New Year by cooking up a storm today! Started with wholesome vegan whole wheat chocolate-coconut pancakes (using unsweetened chocolate and coconut, there is plenty of sugar in the syrup). Then making spicy black bean soup, roasted chickpeas (for snacking), a nice big salad for the week, and HOMEMADE SEITAN!! So much cheaper, and better, to make your own, and it keeps well in the fridge for a couple weeks. Woo Hoo!!

Vegan Chocolate Coconut Pancakes (single serving)

1/2 cup unbleached white whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon Ener-G egg replacer mixed with 1 tablespoon warm water

1/2 unsweetened milk alternative (I used unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup unsweetened (or semi-sweet) dark chocolate chips (vegan)

1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Mix dry ingredients until combined. Add wet ingredients and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips and coconut. You may need to add additional milk (by the tablespoon) to get batter to desired thickness. Heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat and add 1/2 the batter. Cook until bubbles form on top and flip. Cook until set. Repeat with remaining batter. Top with vegan butter spread (optional) and pure maple syrup (or other toppings of your choice).

I don't like to say I am making a "resolution", I prefer to call them goals. I have several for 2012. One of those goals is to post to this blog at least once a month. I also have running-related goals; I will run a race a month in 2012, I will complete a half marathon in 2012, I will run 4 days a week in 2012, I will increase my weekly mileage to 20-25 miles per week. I continue to lose weight by exercising and eating a healthy diet.

The race a month goal is hardest in the winter. There are only a handful of races in January and February. I am already planning on running The Thaw (4.5 miler) on January 14th. February's race is still undetermined. I also have 3 half marathons I am considering. The soonest is April 7th, Race the Runways, and I am already registered for the Second Annual Old Port Half Marathon (I was actually registered for it last year, but was sidelined with an injury so they graciously deferred my registration). Developing a 4-day 20-25 mile a week habit will take some time... perhaps the entire year. But it's a very worthy goal and one I'm willing to be patient to develop.

There are certain times of the year when I can't help but be optimistic and full of hope for the future and New Year's is one of them (I tend to get this way in the fall and spring as well). The coming year is filled with possibilities and opportunies to increase happiness, joyfulness, knowledge, and health.

What are you doing to celebrate a new year?