ThermoBurst + Cool Temps = AWESOME 7 Miler

Wow! What a morning! The team & I decided to change our venue and meet at Shelby Farms for our 7 miler. It was downright cold at 7:30am! There was only 3 of us who braved the temps and the distance but we were so glad we did. There's something about cooler weather that just breathes new life into my running. A good friend of mine also introduced me to an energy supplement, ThermoBurst, which really helped too! I was energized from start to finish and even ran to my car afterwards! My usual, pre-run, Grande, No Fat, No Foam Latte was never able to do this! I felt so good that at one point, when my Garmin beeped to tell me it was time for a walk break, I actually uttered an, "oh crap" out loud. Now, I have been known to utter many "oh craps" when my Garmin beeps but those are ALWAYS when it beeps to tell me to RUN not WALK! I was so surprised by this -- when I looked at my Garmin, I was doing a 9:50 pace. I don't know how long I ran at this pace (probably not very long) but I was impressed that not only was I running that fast but I didn't want to stop!

It's runs like today that remind me why I love it so much. The weather was perfect, the scenery with the changing of the leaves was gorgeous and the lungs and the legs were completely in sync -- AWESOME! There's just nothing more that I can say other than...

Gotta run!
Lisa :)

Technology is awesome!

Sitting in the car rider line IthoghtI would try blogging from my BB. And I didn't even need my 11 year old to help!

Running on the River

Today was our 4th group training -- 5 miles. I have to say I was more than anxious about how this would go. After last week's 5k and the lousy weather we've had lately, I really didn't know what was in store. The weather held up nicely and we only experienced a few sprinkles about half way thru but they were a welcome relief as the temps weren't quite as cool as I had hoped for. I mapped out a route that was a "bit" more challenging than our usual, flat laps around the St Jude campus. We ran the Auction Street bridge over to Mud Island, did 3 miles on the trail parallel to the river (it was gorgeous, even on a cloudy day!) Then back over the bridge and back to campus. My 1st run up the bridge was tough. Here lately, I don't find my rhythm until after the 1st 2 miles. But, on the way back over, I ran the entire uphill and coasted (not walked) down the other side. I finished slow but strong. This was just the success I needed after last weekend which taught me that you must respect the miles. Whether they be short or long, if you're not prepared, it's gonna be ugly. The 5 miler today taught me that even though I have a lot of work to do, I CAN DO IT! Whew!!!

The rest of the team did awesome! Only 6 of our 18 members made it out today but what we lacked in numbers, we made up in enthusiasm. Everyone left feeling proud and accomplished -- the bridge was a killer. We felt like we climbed Everest! On an early, humid morning a speed bump would have been enough. I was very proud of them too! Whether I have a right to or not, I feel like a mother hen when it comes to my team. Their successes are my successes and their failures are my failures. Fortunately, there have been no failures -- this is a great group and they are more than willing to put the work into their training. It's exciting!

I had hoped that Mark would have been able to join us today. One of the greatest feelings in this whole process is that I will running this half marathon with my husband. But, unfortunately Ian came home from school yesterday with a cough and a fever. We suspect it's the flu -- we will be taking him to the Dr. shortly to find out for certain.

Hopefully, next week's report will be just as encouraging. I will no longer underestimate 3 miles so anything can happen. Stay tuned but for now...

Gotta run!
Lisa :-)

1st Group Training Session

Our 1st group training session was held Saturday at 8am on the St. Jude campus. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! There were scattered T-showers in the forecast but it was sunny and slightly cool at the start. We were scheduled for 2 miles -- 2 laps around the campus. Of our 15 members, 8 showed up -- a great turnout considering this is a holiday weekend.



Training went well and everyone had a good walk or run. What an inspiration to run at the very place we are raising money for. It has really helped my running to not only have a longer distance to be training for but a cause and a purpose behind it. Who knows, my marathon days may not be over after all.



I'm really looking forward to more group walks/runs and helping the kids at St. Jude. But for now...



Gotta run...

Lisa :)

www.mystjudeheroes.org/rundream

Kicking the Habit

Well, after reading another article on the dangers of tanning beds and hearing a very moving speech by a woman who lost her daughter to melanoma, I decided to make a change. I cancelled my monthly unlimited tanning package and am now on the road to a paler, more healthy ME! Considering I have frequented the tanning salon and poolside religiously for most of my life, this was a very difficult thing for me to do. I have not seen the true color of my skin for more than 20 years (except briefly while I was pregnant with Ian that is) As the color begins to fade, I am faced every day with a new "spot" that I never noticed before. Have all those years finally caught up with me? Needless to say, I have an appointment with a dermatologist on the 31st of this month. I originally had a few places I wanted him to check. But every day, I find another one -- I think I'll be asking for a full body scan! The good news is that this has breathed new life into my running. I have either run or walked every nite this week and I am looking forward to a 3 mile jog in the park with my son as soon as the sun goes down. I don't know if there is a correlation to my decision and my renewed love for running, I just know I have been waiting to get this part of my life back for a long time.

I don't know what the outcome of my trip to the dermatologist will be. And although I'm not scared, I am quite concerned. Until then, I will learn to love the new, paler me as I make my way back to becoming the strong, fit runner I used to be. Until then...

Gotta run...with sunscreen...
Lisa

Calling All Heroes!!!

Our team, Running Down a Dream, has officially been formed! Here's what you need to do: Go to www.memphismarathon.com and register online for the race of your choice (5K, Half Marathon (13.1 miles) or Marathon (26.2)) You will be asked if you would like to be a St Jude Hero - select "YES!" You will then be asked if you would like to join a team or would you like to sign up as an individual. Please select "Join a Team" and enter in our team name, Running Down a Dream. You will receive email confirmation within 24-48 hrs that will also contain instructions on how to access your individual fundraising page as well as access to our team page.

After everyone has had the chance to join, Christopher Beck with ALSAC has graciously offered to host a mini kick off meeting for our team! You will not want to miss this opportunity to meet Christopher and get some valuable information about how to conduct your fundraising campaign.

I am in the process of developing a website or some other form of communication (perhaps this Blog or Facebook or Twitter - I'm open to suggestions) to keep the team up to date with group training, fundraising tips and any other information that needs to be mass communicated. I'll send out more info as it becomes available. Remember, training for the Half officially begins the week of August 30th with our 1st group training session on Sat, Sept 5th. If you have an idea where to meet for that 1st session, we will be doing 2 miles so if you know of a good 2 mile route, please let me know. We'll determine the time when the date draws closer.

If you have any questions, need training schedules or have any other concerns, please let me know. And if you have friends, family members or co-workers who would like to join our team, please let them know they are more than welcome!

I am SO excited to begin our journey of getting in shape & raising lots of money for the kids at St Jude. Now that's what I call a win-win.

Gotta run...

Lisa

New Additions

After a 2 month hiatus, I decided it was time to try to catch everyone up. I say "everyone" lightly as I feel relatively sure that everyone most likely encompasses only a handful of people. I most likely have lost any followers due to my lengthy silence. Oh well, blogging is therapeutic and I am in serious need of therapy.

2 weeks ago, I received a call from Guardian Angel Pet Rescue that 2 Yorkies were on the "chopping block" and would be euthanized if a foster home wasn't found fast! Well, Mark & I love Yorkies so we agreed to take them in. Aren't they precious?

Baby Bear & Honey Bun

Well, it seems that they like it here, we love having them and Bandit & Teddy like them -- I'm feeling that fostering them will lead to something much more permanent. That will bring our dog total to 3 Yorkies and 1 Bandit -- 4 DOGS!!!!! That's just one dog shy of being white trash! What are we thinking?!?!? Obviously thinking is something we are NOT doing.

Now, to catch everyone up on my return to running or should I say my "desire" to return to running. The actual return has yet to take place. I can't seem to get back into it and it is very upsetting. When I do attempt to run or walk, it's great but the aftermath is brutal. For instance, this morning I did a very easy 4 miles in the park. Mostly walked and peppered in some running or rather some very slow jogging. I felt great! I met a girl in the park and we got to talking and the time just flew by. I had intended on a 30 minute workout but it turned into a 4 miler. I stretched afterward and used the Stick but now, an hour or so later, I can't put weight on my left leg. My knee cannot straighten out fully and my leg feels like my bones are made of rubber. This is not a new occurrance either. After every workout, no matter the distance or the intensity, the aftermath is the same -- I can barely walk. I move around like a 100 yr old who just had both hips replaced. Is my body telling me something that I refuse to hear? After all, I'm inclined to throw caution to the wind and do what feels right for the moment with utter disregard for consequences. (see above re: I NOW HAVE 4 DOGS!!!!!)

I realize this isn't much of a "catching up" post but in fairness, my life lately hasn't been much more than trying to get my endurance back and rearranging my house to accommodate dog crates. So for now...

Gotta run & I LOVE YORKIES...

Lisa