You've got this!

Before starting the No Boundaries Program, the phrase "You've got this" never really had any meaning to me.  I rarely said it and when I was cheering on a friend or the hubby, I usually would say "Great Job, Keep it up, Looking strong".  Those were my go-to encouraging words to help offer support and to remind that person that I was there and proud of them for what they were doing.  

After the life changing event of becoming a runner, "You've got this" has now become so recognizable. I hear it way more often... or maybe I'm just more in tune when I hear it being used. I realize there is much more meaning behind it.  Maybe that's why it sticks out to me more often?!  I like hearing this phrase at a race especially when spectators say "You've got this" when their loved one passes by.  I know how hearing that can provide that added boost when it may feel like you can't go on any longer.  I see these three words used all the time, not just in sports, but in academics, in relationships and when there are challenges in life to overcome.

Last night these three words were present over and over and over in my brain... sometimes they even slipped out through breaths in a faint whisper when I needed my ears to actually hear them with sound.  I took on 3.45 miles in a pretty technical course at one of the prettiest parks in Rochester. Lucien Morin is known for it's single track of ups, downs, more ups, more downs and pretty scenic sights. Mother Nature blessed us with a pretty calm evening.(...although I would have liked a breeze during some of the pretty humid inclines.) I was afraid of injury, hated the feeling of being alone at times all while knowing I was proving something to myself.  At that point, no one else mattered. It didn't matter who was supporting or not supporting me... It was all on me to complete this task!  It was the first time meeting Lucien Morin.  I have heard stories about the terrain and was intimidated and excited all at the same time.  

My husband took on a pretty huge challenge this past Saturday and seeing him complete it was pretty spectacular. Up and down a mountain, twice, to claim 26.2 status for the second time.  Watching him do this, inspired me to try to catch a glimpse of what he see's on his runs and races. It was the fuel in my fire.  I didn't know if I was even ready for this feat, but I needed to try.  I needed to see where I was, how I matched up... to no one by myself. Lately I have been feeling the need to start gauging what I can do and am capable of and couldn't think of a better way to do it.

Last night showed me that sometimes you have to be your biggest supporter to get the job done, or at least put yourself out there to see what you can truly do. Last night I was there among friends, but I was alone in my thoughts.... feeding off that repetitive phrase I kept saying over and over: 

You've got this!

When crossing that finish line, un-injured with such a fight in my heart I realized that "I did (effectively) get that"... or however the English language would like me to phrase it. And that's what moves  me today... even more than I thought it could.

My biggest problem is that I get all fired up after events like these and the excited emotions that follow that finish line.  I hope to stay in this light for a while and to keep pushing myself to higher challenges.  The goal is to not get bogged down with excuses that say I can't.  Because... I've got this. 

(And you do too... so go get out there and show yourself your ability!)

Thanks for reading!

Segahunda: My Relay Experience

I woke up yesterday ready! I was beyond excited to be part of a team that would collectively run 26.3 miles. We were in the trails of Letchworth State Park and the course elevation was insane.  Combined with roots, 90 degree weather and the humidity level, this sure was going to be a very interesting day! The buzz of this race started for me last year, when James took on the challenge of running this as a marathon. I'll never forget the feeling of him crossing that finish line and supporting him at each checkpoint.  The buzz in the air was amazing and I was stoked to actually be running it this time around.

Ralph started us out strong. He conquered that leg and everything that was thrown at him.  He came out of the woods with a smile on his face and set the tone for the rest of the day.  I'm so glad he was on our team. He knows the entire race route, and was key in helping us strategically place our runner order.  We had a conversation about the Segahunda race last fall, and it was that conversation that fueled my desire to do this relay race! I was honored to have Ralph be part of our team.

James ran the second leg. It was the longest in distance and would secure the chance that our team had enough time to finish the race before cut-off. James is two weeks away from his second trail marathon. He's in great shape.  He was actually supposed to run 12 miles yesterday (per his training plan) but he said "If I run a hard 9, it will be equivalent to the 12 in distance I need".  I'm sure he was eating those words during the 90 degree heat we endured yesterday!

After James, it was Pina's turn to carry the torch. I knew prior to the start that nerves were getting the best of her. 

She was a little shaky when we saw her at her first checkpoint, 2 miles in.  

After a quick pep-talk from the team (including a reminder of the flower in her hair, and the goal to go follow a guy with nice calves), she seemed way more confident to go back out in the woods.  We saw her again a little later and boy did she look AWESOME. A quick water break and piece of watermelon was all she needed and she went back in for the final part of her leg. And then, It was my turn!

As runner 4, I had the coolest job of crossing our timing bib through the finish line. I wasn't as nervous as I could have been. I previewed this course a few weeks ago. Even though I saw it in a different way, it held away many of the butterflies that would have been in my stomach.  Because I ran this route backwards during the preview, I had less elevation gain, not to mention there was no humidity and it wasn't the hottest day of the year.

As I stood there, waiting to see Pina float out from the wilderness I had so many things racing inside my mind. Did I drink enough water beforehand?  Did I eat enough? Did I have to pee again or was it just nerves? Were we going to see Pina smiling and strong or did a snake swallow her up whole and she'd be gone forever? Crazy-scared-excitement flew through my body and the moment I was waiting for all day was about to happen.  A light rain fell over us as clouds covered up that exhausting sun we'd been enduring all day.  It was a brief break for everyone I think... which felt calming and exactly what I needed.  Soon Pina flew out of the woods and I was off.

My leg started off downhill... and not to long into it, I noticed the "nervous pee feeling" was actually real. I went off the course for a few seconds, took care of that issue, and continued on. Rocks filled the center of this slope and it seemed easier to run on the side.  Watching others pass me up and down was pretty inspiring.  I was running right beside people doing the full marathon.  People ... who had been out there all day... experiencing these conditions and weather.

"Great Job" ..."You can do this"... filled the silence as runners passed by.   It was an awesome feeling watching the encouragement everyone had for one another. I was humbled when they returned those encouraging words back to me! Me... a runner that only had a small fraction of distance ahead... when they had been running 22+ miles already.  

When parts of my leg got tough, I looked around and took in the beautiful scenery. I tried to ignore the heat and the fact it took way longer to acclimate to it. I walked when I needed to and pushed myself to run more than I may have wanted to at times.  As I fought off the bugs and the negative thoughts, I reminded myself that this is one of the reasons why running is so crazy cool and I'm living through it right now.  

As a runner, you can only control so much.  You can follow a training plan. Run the distance you need to.  Eat right.  Get comfortable on whatever terrain is needed..etc... BUT, there is one thing you can't control. The environment. Whatever elements you are faced with on race day... are the elements you run in!

As I approached the gravel road up the hill, I tapped into the words Ralph told me right before I took off.  "Walk a few steps before, catch your breath and then run to the finish". And I did just that.  I saw that gravel road coming up to the end of the greenway.  I took one last breath and started the trek up the road.  Seeing my kids, James, Ralph, Pina and the rest of the friends in this awesome running community, felt AMAZING! I turned the corner and sprinted to the finish line. 

I couldn't have asked to on a better team! What a great day!

             

   

  

Learning the Trails: Day 1

There was something very familiar about last night as I walked into a room filled with people, all there with one common goal.  The goal to learn how to run trails safely and successfully. It took me back to that first day of No Boundaries where I had this idea of running and the goal was to prove that I probably wasn't a runner... but to just give it one last shot to see what would happen if I tried.

You've read about my attempts at trail running throughout the past year, so when this class was announced by Medved Running and Walking Outfitters, I was quite intrigued. The fear I have of injuring myself yet again, and frustration of not being a strong runner on the trails made taking this course an easy decision.

Tripping over roots and rocks? Struggling on hills? Lost your shoe in the mud? This might be the class for you.
Learning The Trails will cover:
-Why run trails? 
-Choosing a trail and trail safety
-Necessary gear
-Rocks, Roots, Logs, Mud, and other obstacles.  -Hills. Climbing and descending
-Trail running with groups and races
-Trail etiquette.  This FREE course is designed to improve your trail running and help keep you safe.

Based on that description, it was like this class was written for me, and for others that face the same obstacles when running on the trails! Since I have that Segahunda 4-mile relay route/race lurking in the midst, why not take advantage of getting some valuable knowledge and feeling way more prepared than ever? I need to fit trail training into my routine and make it an active part to be successful for Segahunda. Plus, it just happens to be on Monday nights where nothing really conflicts on the family calendar. Oh, AND it's FREE! The stars have aligned!

When I walked into Medved last night, I recognized a bunch of friends... friends that I've already shared some miles with... Friends that I've shared races with; conversations with; No Boundaries training with... (heck, even friends who I've poured pints for after the Thursday night Borough Runs.) It was a very positive feeling and added to my excitement to starting this 10 week course.  I need all the help I can get on trails, and from what I learned last night, this instructor is on a mission to teach what he knows.... and from the sounds of it, he knows a lot!

So, let this training adventure begin!  

In true fashion, I will document my struggles and triumphs here for your reading pleasure if you choose to follow. 

Let's do this!!!

In like a Lion...

They say the month of March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. In my case, 2016 has been just that. What moves me today?? Seeing the glimpse of that metaphoric lamb after 2 and a half months hearing that lion roar!

Since the end of January, I have been nursing that darn left foot of mine back to health. For some reason, my left foot has proven to be my Achilles heel during my entire running journey. This time around, the most relaxing place you could ever take me for a night away ended up being my demise. It's only my luck that I would fall and injure myself at a beautiful five-star spa resort's steam room. I have now learned my lesson and will probably tread lightly if I ever go in one again. So, needless to say it's been a long few months of recovery and frustration. However, I've been able to move on from this and am slowly getting back into the game.

Over the past two weeks I've been getting back into an exercise routine and running short intervals. I've been at the gym taking group classes and logging some miles on the treadmill and at group workouts with the girls. Everything has been coming along nice, with the help of remaining patient as I check in with my body to see how it feels at the end of the day.  Last night I had the best run of the year. Aside from the winter warrior relay right before I got injured, last night proved so much to me. It's been a while since I was able to go out as a Borough Runner and participate in a Thursday night workout. The weather was a bit misty, but boy was the temperature freakin' awesome! It was just me and my iPod and the goal to run 3 miles without stopping. I was a bit tired and a bit sad I didn't have a buddy to run with, however after the first half mile I was already into the groove and enjoyed my own little "break away" from the outside world.

Everything about last night was perfect. I really enjoyed running in the rain (like I usually do) and combined with warmer temps we've been having lately, it was exactly what I needed. I wore a new jacket that James gave me for Christmas. It's water and wind resistant with "breathing holes" and it worked wonderfully. During the run, my breathing was so spot-on that I didn't think about it once during the three mile trek around the city of Rochester.  As I approached Culver Road and had about a half a mile left, I was so surprised.  I never expected that I would have felt that good at that point in the route. It made me consider going a little farther, but I knew I had to remain patient in my training and keep to the designated 3 miles I had set out for. 

As I approached the brewery, Pitbull and Christina Aguilera's 'Feel this Moment' filled my airwaves and was the best song I could have ended that run with. People who run get it... that feeling of empowerment and confidence. Now I could walk into Lost Borough and when people asked "how was your run" I could happily say "it was amazing" and they would understand!! What a release... especially since it had been weeks of  not having those feelings.  It was easy to be depressed and once again feel like I had lost everything after putting so much training in to where I was when crossing the finish line at the Winter Warrior Relay.

I have been petrified about the upcoming Seneca 7 race at the end of April. There was no way I wanted to give up my spot, and was hoping for some sign that I was on the mend and heading in the right direction. I'm pretty sure I got that sign last night, but will NOT let this make feel like I'm smooth sailing now.  A month after Seneca 7 is the Segahunda relay, so loosing focus is not an option.  In fact, just a sign that the focus has room to even improve.

Finishing

Watching runners cross that finish line will never get old. Whether they are friends or complete strangers, it produces the same emotions for me.  The work, determination and training (or lack there of) that goes into that exact moment cannot be accurately measured.  However, the feeling and expression on a person's face says it all.... precisely... but only if you're looking.

This past weekend was yet another chance to witness true greatness. Winter Warriors stepped up to the challenge. They relayed or ran the full 13.1 miles. They were blessed with very moderate temps for a January afternoon in Rochester, NY. We really couldn't have asked for a better day.  As the race was about begin, the excitement level was high. Team Ice Hole was ready to send out Pina to start our journey!  I followed as runner #2, Ralph as #3 and Moogle crossed that finish line and completed the race for us all as Runner #4.  It was such a great time!

When it was my turn to run leg #2, I plugged into my race music and just tried to forget the past few (not so great) training runs. It's been more frustrating that I'd care to admit getting back into the game. On top of my low confidence level, I was battling a cold that started a few days before. "Here and Now".  "Here and Now"... I kept repeating to myself. (Thanks Peg.) I tapped into that mind erasing technique that I've done in the past and it really helped getting me into a groove for the upcoming 3.3 miles.  I began flooding myself with all the positive words I could find, along with the casual lip-syncing of lyrics when a favorite part of a song came on. 

I then told myself that I would be so mad if I stopped to walk. "NO WALKING ALLOWED"  "YOU DON'T NEED TO... You can slow down if you need to catch your breath, but DON'T YOU DARE WALK".   

And sure, I know walking is not the worst thing in the world for a runner to do, but it also was a test I gave myself. Something that I needed to prove to myself that I could do. And I did just that. I ran the entire time, the whole 3.3 miles. Handing that bib over to Ralph when I stopped for the first time in 42 minutes felt like I just won the race... and the confidence is still here, today, as I type up this recap.

Our entire team kicked butt.. we really did.  I was so impressed and proud of Pina, Ralph and Moogle.  Everyone did great!!!  Not only did we cheer for each other but so many other friends we have grown to know, love and help support on their race journeys!

Leading up to the race, my husband James was quite nervous. He wasn't confident in his training and really didn't know how this race would end for him.  Luckily, he's found an amazing friend that's been with him during some pretty tough times.  I'm beyond thankful for Rich. They've been through a lot and have logged hundreds of miles together over the past 5 years?! Maybe more! So, in true Richard fashion, he helped James get through a painful 13.1 miles... and I was lucky enough to see his face as he crossed that finish line. I'm so proud of them both!!

Gina was out there, proving to herself that she could overcome any obstacle and still stay on top.  Her determination of getting through 13.1 miles, while recovering from injury was truly epic. Each time she lapped by, all of us gave her a warm welcome. As she approached the finish line after her 3rd lap, she needed a specific time to make the cut off.  If she couldn't get to it in time, she would have had to stop racing. BUT SHE DID IT.  She beat that clock and was able to go onto her last loop. Pina, Ralph and I checked in with her as she passed us.  We walked with her, making sure she didn't need anything. We picked up her spirits, filling her with as much positive encouragement as we could. 

Before we knew it, we had walked a significant distance with her, and just continued on. Pina and I told her random stories to help avoid her mind taking over. She got through those last 3.3 miles and walked away from the race with more than just a pretty medal... the glory of finishing the task of finishing what she started.  I was honored to be there and was so incredibly proud of her. We all stayed till the last runner got to that finish line. In all the races I've competed in, I've never stayed to cheer on the last athlete. I was missing so much!!!   What an incredible moment to share with some pretty awesome people. 

On the way home, I was filled with emotion. Good happy tears rolled down my cheek and it made me realize how grateful and thankful I am to have this...  The bond of running and the people that go with it.  Before that cold February day in 2014, I was missing so much, and didn't even know it. Running changes EVERYTHING.

The First of 2016

And so it's here... the dawn (or a few days later) of the new year is upon us! I closed 2015, in sneakers and fleece lined tights, alongside Pina on a brisk 3 mile run around one of our favorite towns. I closed 2014 the same way, however I remember we started earlier in the morning, and the falling snow was somewhat blinding. We drugged down the canal path with the help of our headlamps, wishing for it to end as soon as possible.  

This NYE run was different.  We ran "our route" through a town that we've grown accustomed to. During this past year we've been able to explore all the hidden hills that Spencerport holds, right off Main street.  Pina and I have learned where we need to go if we need to add extra miles, even if it's a quick loop or two around the school track. We've stumbled upon the cutest little track of homes that could be mistaken for the set of "The Truman Show" and have yet another year of random conversations. I couldn't think of a better person to share so many miles with.

Not only did Pina stand beside me, but I was able to grow closer to a few girls who were right there with me along the way... while they achieved their own personal goals as well.  I hope they know how inspiring each and everyone of them are. #carrie #moogle #gina #pippa 

Towards the end of 2015, I held myself back. I got hurt a few times and truly became a bit scared, especially in the trail scene. I let my insecurities, and let's face it, my day to day schedule come in between me and my running.  The past few runs this week have shown to prove this, along with a touch of distance I have felt with these friends I've experienced so much with.

So, as I sit here, looking at the Pittsburgh Half Marathon Training Plan, along with my daily fitness activity calendar, I am beyond stoked!   I'm more excited than when I had my first half marathon to conquer, more determined to make this year even better! There are some of the same races on the calendar such as Seneca 7... (we are chafing the dream, again!) and new ones including the upcoming Winter Warrior Relay.  This time I won't spectate Pittsburgh (#gameon), but run alongside so many amazing athletes and friends for 13.1 miles. The icing on top is the Segahunda Relay, and the goal is to kick it's butt and then continue to keep to a schedule.  Yes, I may need another race to keep me accountable.  At this point, I have nothing scheduled, but am excited to see what I can fill it with.  I plan to grow confidence (and ankle joint strength) in my trail running.  

I know this is going to be a challenge, but it's all part of the climb.  This song "The Climb" always seems to snap me back into focus... and hearing it over the past few months has been helpful.  Again, the emotions the song lyrics are able to evoke, excited me.  And now, I'm ready.

I absolutely hate how cliche it is to have all these hopes and dreams at the start of the year.... I really do.  But, who cares. All I know is that I'm ready. Today, was my first run of 2016.  And like I said before, I sure felt the lack of endurance I know I once had, along with other things I need to work on. Getting acclimated with the colder temps, working on speed and pace is just a start.  However, 5 miles with Melinda happened. And now I'm able to cross that off my schedule, hope that I got a smidgen stronger, and look forward to the many more miles I'll log in 2016.

Happy New Year!!