10 things running has done for me.

One of my running, blogging buddies Allie did this and I thought that it was a great idea. I think it may bring some joy back to running for me, which right now I am lacking. Inspiration is desperately needed out there. So, here it goes.....

1. It gave me a way to shed those final baby pounds.
2. For a long while it was a great escape. It allowed me to be alone with my thoughts. The simple rhythm of pounding the pavement provided a sense of calm in a world of chaos.
3. It gave me something that my daughter can be proud of. Not that there are not other things, but for some reason my three year old thinks that the fact that I run is something that is pretty darn cool.
4. It forces me to move. Movement is necessary for life and with this ridiculous, lofty goal that I have taken on I am forced to move. Whether I want to or not, I have to move. Otherwise I will kill myself at my next marathon.
5. It taught me that there are so many definitions of the best. Even my worst marathon time is one of the best things I have ever done. Best for me is different than you. That is ok. We are all winners when we are out there running. For this competitive gal, that is a true life lesson.
6. It makes me a little more forgiving of the things that are left from having a baby. My body is capable of so much more than I was back then. It may never look the same, but I am stronger and more able than ever.
7. Running gives me a buzz. A nice, healthy, legal buzz.
8. It makes my skin look better. I have struggled with my skin my entire life, so this is a big deal.
9. It has let me see some paths and parts of the country that otherwise I would have never crossed. My love affair with SF is so deep and strong because of running. Who knew that Fresno is actually pretty and that Redding, CA is one seriously breathtaking place of God's country?
10. It reignites my spirit. It gives me self knowledge, inspiration, physical and emotional health.

I just need to remember each of these right now. I am in a really bad slump. I hope I come out of it.

The slosshy's.

When running long distances, you have to consume a certain amount of water and a certain amount of gu. One of the problems that I come across is that when I am on long distances that my pace amounts in a large amount of gu: Caffeine, sugar and electrolytes and water in my stomach. My last few long runs have left me feeling less than stellar. I have so much of this in my stomach that I feel like I am going to throw up.

Does this happen to anyone else? How can you fix it?

Probiotics.

Probiotics have been linked to the maintaining a long term health weight. This makes me happy. I think probiotics are amazing and I certainly feel healthier when I take them. If they can help me stay at a normal weight, then that is even better.

How many of you take probiotics? What brand? Pill form or liquid? What do you think that they do for you?

Loathing it.

Do you ever have days when pounding the pavement is the most horrific thing. Today I thought that I was going to have to stop every step of the way. I don't like that. I didn't really feel better afterwards. I did not really feel anything other than I wish I had stayed in my warm bed. That does not happen.

Maybe I should do some shorter, warmer runs before heading out for more training.

Does this ever happen to you?

Redding pics.

The marathon that makes me want to stop running.

The basics:

• slowest marathon EVER.
• three miles completely uphill. with no breaks.
• twenty mile an hour winds.
• forty six degrees
• steady, heavy rain.

More details to follow. Needless to say, this was not my favorite. However I do have another 26.2 knot in my belt. That makes me smile. But really, that is it.

a little perspective, and also in honor of MLK day:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968) American civil rights leader Nobel Peace Prize winner

Redding.

Redding is Sunday. I am prepared. My foot feels good. My joints are flowing nicely. I feel like this is going to be a good course that I am really going to enjoy. My darling family is following me to the fantastic city of Redding, CA to carbo load and cheer for me. For that, I am forever grateful. I must say, that having a "real" time goal is really freaking me out.

Helpful tips?