13.1

Thirteen can be an unlucky number for some. There are no 13th floors in some skyscrapers. Horror movies are named for the 13th. And, there is even an official term for many people who fear the number thirteen :: Triskaidekaphobia.

But right now, thirteen is a sweet number. Yesterday, I ran 13 miles for St. Jude. It was my 3rd time and maybe my last...we'll see, I said that last time too. The race is so special to me and I love being a small part of fundraising for St. Jude.

I really love running but for some reason long distances never get easy, at least not to me. On long runs, I get in my head about not being fast enough, not training enough...just not being enough.

This year I really wanted Matt to run with me. He has run several half marathons, and I decided, on my own, this would be the coolest way to celebrate our wedding anniversary this year. I told you 13 was a sweet number, and on 12.4.2017 we will have been married 13 years.

So, I had this vision of us running in together-- 13 miles for 13 years. Too cute right?!

Unfortunately, I didn't listen to what Matt wanted, which was not to run 13 miles. You see he doesn't love long distance running. But, he signed up anyway because he loves me, even though I ignored him.

In the end, he didn't train and he really didn't want to get hurt or be miserable by making himself run.

What he did instead was grab his bike and followed me all around Memphis to cheer me on. He took my sleeves when it got hot, gave me GU packs when I was depleted, supplied fresh headphones when batteries died and told me I looked strong when I felt very, very weak. He was there for 13.

Yesterday, I was given a great anniversary gift. I was shown for 13 miles I am enough for him and he is enough for me. We can do what we love individually and magically it can be for each other.

I don't have to write a perfect day in my head, because we already have all the imperfections that we love about each other, that make us our own version of perfect. Making it thirteen years is about showing up... when you're sad, hurt, angry, lonely or glad...you're still there. Some days are like mile 12,  you feel done, you haven't trained for this and you want to retreat, but then you look up and he's there with water and says...you look good, and you make it to 13.

Happy Anniversary love. Thank you for showing up, and for bringing headphones.

Diary of a Bad Runner:: Week 2

Week 1 went well, not great but well. I got in 3 runs and a cross train.

My first run goal was 3 miles at 11 min pace. Well, I did the 3 miles but at
11:33 pace. No biggie.

Since I started blogging this journey to the half marathon, I also looked up an official training program to get me there. If you are currently training I highly recommend the Gipis app. I put in all my info and my current running level and it created a customized program tailored to my abilities.

According to that plan I needed to slow down. It seems counter intuitive, I was so focused on getting over the 4 mile hump, and improving my pace. But this program is all about endurance and stamina. So the next two runs I was assigned to 1.82 miles at a 13:44 pace. So slow! I couldn't do it.

On Saturday I hit the Green Line and did 2 miles in 20 minutes! I was so very proud. (Thanks Melissa Wheatley, it did help to get outside!) Unfortunately, Sunday when I went back out, I was so sore, my shins were killing me and my ankles were not happy at all. Turns out I should have tried it the right way and built up slowly. I did my 1.82 on Sunday at 11:44. It was pretty hilarious because the app talks to you while you run and she kept saying "Slower!" and "Slow down" but I couldn't do it! Not because I'm so fast, but because my music had a 10-11 min paced downbeat, I can't run off beat!

So this week's goals are 3 runs at 2.5 miles around a 13 min pace. And Matt and I are doing Zoom through the Zoo on Thursday night, which is a 4 mile race. I am hoping for around 45 mins to be my finishing time.

Are you training? How are you handling the heat? 

Diary of a Bad Runner:: Week 1

Well, I am officially signed up to run my first half marathon on December 7th.

It's not just any race, it's the St. Jude Marathon series, one of the most noble causes I can think of. Helping sick children get better while simultaneously not asking families to worry about paying a dime, kinda awesome, eh?

Before I start this post, here's my quick plea for support. My goal is $500. I have already raised $210! Please consider heading over to my page and donating $5 to a beautiful cause. The money all goes to St. Jude (of course) and it has really encouraged me to train harder when people publicly and financially support me.

Ok, on with the diary.

I am the very worst at running. Like the worst. Sometimes I start panting in the first mile. Truth. Even after years of couch to 5k programs and dedicated "training." After multiple charity races and even a summer spent at Shelby Farms with running coaches. I suck. But I love running. I do. I feel powerful when I am plodding along and gasping for breath. I love being outside and playing mind games with myself to get to the next intersection. I like how I feel after making it 3 miles without passing out.

So how is the very worst runner, who is stuck at the moment at 3.25 miles per run, going to get to 13.1? With you of course. There is something to be said for accountability. No, I'm not going to be posting every run on Facebook and twitter. Although, I know why we all do that, because you should be proud if you got up and ran when you really just wanted to lay down and watch the new "Nashville" (so good, right?!?)

But no, I'm going to be honestly reporting my journey here periodically. And I'm looking for some feed back. Not unearned praise, but maybe your tips and tricks. And maybe someone else who thinks they are the worst runner ever can feel encouraged. Cause that's why I'm trying it this year, because so many of you said--hey, you're not so bad, you can do this.

Training week 1:

Today:: I will run 3 miles on the treadmill at the Kroc. The goal will be 11 minute miles. I have been stuck at 11:32 for awhile so I would love to get it down to the minute.

**Here's a pro tip for those who are slow runners like me. Embrace it. I ran Saturday and kept running out of breath and energy, only made it 2.5 miles. When I checked my splits I was running 9:30 miles. That's why I had zero stamina. I am just a slow pace runner. But I'd much rather run 4 miles in 50 minutes steady, than 2 miles in 18 mins and have to stop. Anyone disagree? What should I be pushing for if my body seems comfy at 11:07 (5.4) on the treadmill?

Wednesday:: I'm going to cross train, either elliptical or bike and then weights.

Thursday:: Going for 3 more miles, treadmill, but maybe back at the 11:32 pace to take it easy.

Saturday or Sunday my first "long run" will be 4 miles long. Preferably outside and prolly real slow, my goal will be 12 min miles.

So that's the plan. Keep me honest. And let me know if you've been here before. What helped you get over the humps the most? 

P.S. Favorite song on the run this week : "All I do is Win"