If you know me, you know I greatly dislike feet. I don't like touching other peoples feet, the smell of feet, or even looking at other peoples toenails. Yuck, just yuck. I try to keep my feet pretty, happy, clean, and lovable. Running has made that task... well... difficult.
The tips of my toes got calluses about 3 months into training for my 1/2. I can deal with that.
My baby toes and toenails got a little janky shortly after the 1/2, and have gotten ickier with every mile. Ok, just requires a little more love and attention to keep them pretty. I can deal with that.
Yesterday, I found the deal-breaker that made me feel nothing but sadness and sympathy for my poor feet. 3 of my toes are bruised under the nail. They are tender to touch, a yucky bruise color under the nail, and just not happy. My poor feet.
I immediately painted my toenails because I couldn't stand the sight of it. I want to be a runner, but I refuse to have runners feet. I want pretty feet. Help!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Thank you, friends!
I am completely humbled by the response to my St Jude Hero fundraising. I sent out an email last week announcing my fundraising, and have already had a tremendous response. $250 in 5 days!!! It is unbelievable. I feel so thankful and grateful for having people in my life that support my efforts. It truly is a humbling experience!
Thank you!
(And for those of you that still havent donated- it's payday, so you have no excuse to avoid me now... haha! Kidding! Kinda?)
My Hero Website.
Thank you!
(And for those of you that still havent donated- it's payday, so you have no excuse to avoid me now... haha! Kidding! Kinda?)
My Hero Website.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Urban running, brunch, and new shoes!
Running in Memphis is always an interesting experience. I feel safe, for the most part- mostly because I am smart about where and when I run. I don't go tromping through the ghetto at 9pm. But it is a very urban area, and it is not really built to be a runner-friendly city. Don't get me wrong- there are tons of parks and sidewalks that are great for exercise. But when when you are going on a 13 mile excursion, you run out of options.
Saturday was our practice run of the St Jude course. Ashley, Paige and I merged in with Charles, LaDell, and Bruce for the back half of the course. This was the first time that I left my comfort zone and ventured away from my usual riverfront loop. Thus the name of this entry- URBAN RUNNING! Boy, was it. We ran a 13 mile loop around the city. Running on roads is tough on the hips/knees/ankles because the road is curved to allow for water drainage. Oh, then there was the 3 mile stretch where there was no sidewalk at all... you had 2 choices: run on a 1 foot wide section of rocky, dusty, root-laden misery, or hop on the road and play chicken with the heavy traffic barreling towards at 50 mph you with no fear. It was an adventure, that's for sure. And the whole near death experience of nearly getting run over every 5 seconds took my mind off any other running pains. Also, tree coverage was sparse, and therefore the sun was taunting, pointing, and laughing at me as I baked in its rays. The last 3 miles were literally equivalent to a "cook an egg on the sidewalk" experiment. So, yea, urban running is a challenge.
Despite these challenges, the run was a great learning experience and, in retrospect, went well. I finished 13.1 miles in 2:06, a 9:44 pace- not bad. It is wild to think that I just, ya know, ran a half marathon... for fun. How's that for a sense of accomplishment? My water belt was fantastic- it stayed in place, didn't rub at all, and I was so thankful for having hydration at my fingertips. I am very happy with my purchase! I was pretty sore after the run... ok very sore. Do you ever get to a point in long-distance running that you aren't insanely sore for 48 hours after? I hope so. Anyway, the run was a success, and I am glad I got to hang out with these running friends! Thanks to Bruce for stashing some Gatorade at mile 7- what a life saver that was.
Oh, duh, best part of the run? Brunch at The Arcade with everyone afterwards!
I was not embarrassed to order a tremendous amount of food. Nor was I embarrassed to lick my plate clean.
Thanks for a great run, my friends!
I have been needing to get new shoes for a few weeks now. My shoes are getting ready to bite the dust, and I want a nice overlap where I can break in new ones before the old ones are to the point of no return. So I have been shopping around, trying on, comparing prices, and trying to figure out what I want. I tried on a few different brands, but came back to Brooks. They just fit my foot better than other brands. So yesterday I went over to Fleet Feet and tried on their new Ghost 4. When I was fitted in December last year, they suggested I get a narrow. But now that I am running longer distances, the guy suggested I stick with a regular width. It is better have the room for expansion and swelling on a 20 mile run than to be restricted. Also, this may cut down on the jankiness (good word, yea?) of my baby toes. I went for a jog up and down the sidewalk and realized just how shot my old shoes are. It was like running on little fluffy clouds. I was sold. Done. New shoes purchased.
I am excited to get running in these new bad boys. It blows my mind that I actually wore out a pair of running shoes. Never thought I would ever see such a day.
Something amazing happened this morning. I walked out of my apartment and it was the most spectacular temperature possible. The first thought that ran through my mind was, "Oh man, I should have gotten up early to go for a run!" I hope this beautiful weather is here to stay for a bit!
Saturday was our practice run of the St Jude course. Ashley, Paige and I merged in with Charles, LaDell, and Bruce for the back half of the course. This was the first time that I left my comfort zone and ventured away from my usual riverfront loop. Thus the name of this entry- URBAN RUNNING! Boy, was it. We ran a 13 mile loop around the city. Running on roads is tough on the hips/knees/ankles because the road is curved to allow for water drainage. Oh, then there was the 3 mile stretch where there was no sidewalk at all... you had 2 choices: run on a 1 foot wide section of rocky, dusty, root-laden misery, or hop on the road and play chicken with the heavy traffic barreling towards at 50 mph you with no fear. It was an adventure, that's for sure. And the whole near death experience of nearly getting run over every 5 seconds took my mind off any other running pains. Also, tree coverage was sparse, and therefore the sun was taunting, pointing, and laughing at me as I baked in its rays. The last 3 miles were literally equivalent to a "cook an egg on the sidewalk" experiment. So, yea, urban running is a challenge.
Despite these challenges, the run was a great learning experience and, in retrospect, went well. I finished 13.1 miles in 2:06, a 9:44 pace- not bad. It is wild to think that I just, ya know, ran a half marathon... for fun. How's that for a sense of accomplishment? My water belt was fantastic- it stayed in place, didn't rub at all, and I was so thankful for having hydration at my fingertips. I am very happy with my purchase! I was pretty sore after the run... ok very sore. Do you ever get to a point in long-distance running that you aren't insanely sore for 48 hours after? I hope so. Anyway, the run was a success, and I am glad I got to hang out with these running friends! Thanks to Bruce for stashing some Gatorade at mile 7- what a life saver that was.
Oh, duh, best part of the run? Brunch at The Arcade with everyone afterwards!
I was not embarrassed to order a tremendous amount of food. Nor was I embarrassed to lick my plate clean.
Thanks for a great run, my friends!
I have been needing to get new shoes for a few weeks now. My shoes are getting ready to bite the dust, and I want a nice overlap where I can break in new ones before the old ones are to the point of no return. So I have been shopping around, trying on, comparing prices, and trying to figure out what I want. I tried on a few different brands, but came back to Brooks. They just fit my foot better than other brands. So yesterday I went over to Fleet Feet and tried on their new Ghost 4. When I was fitted in December last year, they suggested I get a narrow. But now that I am running longer distances, the guy suggested I stick with a regular width. It is better have the room for expansion and swelling on a 20 mile run than to be restricted. Also, this may cut down on the jankiness (good word, yea?) of my baby toes. I went for a jog up and down the sidewalk and realized just how shot my old shoes are. It was like running on little fluffy clouds. I was sold. Done. New shoes purchased.
I am excited to get running in these new bad boys. It blows my mind that I actually wore out a pair of running shoes. Never thought I would ever see such a day.
Something amazing happened this morning. I walked out of my apartment and it was the most spectacular temperature possible. The first thought that ran through my mind was, "Oh man, I should have gotten up early to go for a run!" I hope this beautiful weather is here to stay for a bit!
Friday, August 26, 2011
I am a St Jude HERO!
Yes, I am running this marathon very much for myself. Personal growth, self-discovery, overcoming a challenge, etc.
But, I am also a St. Jude HERO. I will be raising money to support the patients of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! As a St. Jude Hero, I have committed to crossing the finish line of my race while raising vital funds to support the work of St. Jude. Help me raise money for the kids of St. Jude!
Please visit my web site to learn more about my goals and to make donations!
Thank you all for your continued support and love throughout this process. I couldnt do it without you guys!
But, I am also a St. Jude HERO. I will be raising money to support the patients of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! As a St. Jude Hero, I have committed to crossing the finish line of my race while raising vital funds to support the work of St. Jude. Help me raise money for the kids of St. Jude!
Please visit my web site to learn more about my goals and to make donations!
Thank you all for your continued support and love throughout this process. I couldnt do it without you guys!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Accessories are a must!
Just because you are running doesnt mean you cant accessorize! Ok, so maybe a water belt isnt exactly a fashionable, trendy accessory...
I was long overdue to purchase a good water belt. The bottle I got to go on my Amphipod belt was a disaster, and I have had every intention of getting a better one since then, and just never did. But, with my pending 13 mile run this Saturday, plus the dehydration disaster of last weeks run, I felt it was necessary to get one. Yesterday on my lunch break, I went over to Breakaway Running and tried on everything they had. After 30 minutes of ho-humming and discussion with the sales associate, I made a decision. I got a Nathan 2 bottle belt. Each bottle holds 10oz. I went with the 2 bottle belt for a few reasons: 1) The 1 bottle belts hit my back in a weird place and felt funny. 2) The 4 bottle belts sat awkwardly on my hips and rubbed a bit. 3) I like the idea of 2 bottles- 1 for electrolytes, 1 for water.
I gave the belt a try yesterday on my 6 miler, just so I could get used to the fit and novelty of it. It was extremely awkward at first, and I couldnt find a good place for it to rest. If I set it at my low waist and hips, it would ride up immediately. If I set it at my natural waist, the bottles would hit my elbows as I ran and it would move around a with each stride. After about 10 minutes of adjusting and trial and error, I found a comfortable spot. It didnt feel like that much extra weight, really. And it kinda made me feel like a real, professional, badass runner. I'd say it was a successful purchase!
Saturday I am meeting up with a group of 5 other people to do a practice run through the St. Jude marathon course. Since I will only be doing 13 miles of it, I am going to meet the others at the half way point and run the last 13 with them. Should be a good time!
Oh, BTW....
I was long overdue to purchase a good water belt. The bottle I got to go on my Amphipod belt was a disaster, and I have had every intention of getting a better one since then, and just never did. But, with my pending 13 mile run this Saturday, plus the dehydration disaster of last weeks run, I felt it was necessary to get one. Yesterday on my lunch break, I went over to Breakaway Running and tried on everything they had. After 30 minutes of ho-humming and discussion with the sales associate, I made a decision. I got a Nathan 2 bottle belt. Each bottle holds 10oz. I went with the 2 bottle belt for a few reasons: 1) The 1 bottle belts hit my back in a weird place and felt funny. 2) The 4 bottle belts sat awkwardly on my hips and rubbed a bit. 3) I like the idea of 2 bottles- 1 for electrolytes, 1 for water.
I gave the belt a try yesterday on my 6 miler, just so I could get used to the fit and novelty of it. It was extremely awkward at first, and I couldnt find a good place for it to rest. If I set it at my low waist and hips, it would ride up immediately. If I set it at my natural waist, the bottles would hit my elbows as I ran and it would move around a with each stride. After about 10 minutes of adjusting and trial and error, I found a comfortable spot. It didnt feel like that much extra weight, really. And it kinda made me feel like a real, professional, badass runner. I'd say it was a successful purchase!
Saturday I am meeting up with a group of 5 other people to do a practice run through the St. Jude marathon course. Since I will only be doing 13 miles of it, I am going to meet the others at the half way point and run the last 13 with them. Should be a good time!
Oh, BTW....
100 DAYS UNTIL THE MARATHON =D
Monday, August 22, 2011
12 miles, oh my!
Ashley and I set out early Saturday morning for yet another amazing run. It was a bit hotter this week, but we were thankful for the random cool breeze that kept us moving.
We started off the run by passing a prostitution bust- only in Memphis, right? We figured it could only get worse (or better?) from that point forward!
I was feeling fine until about mile 9. Then my body simply said, "Well, Amy, this has been nice and all, but I am ready to be done now, ok? Ok, thanks." My knees hurt, my hips hurt, I was exhausted, I was dying of thirst, and I was just overall not a happy camper. Now I know why all of the above happened, so spare your lectures. I didnt stretch enough. I didnt take any ibuprofen before the run. And, worst of all, I didnt bring any water on the run. Poor decisions all around. I know. Stop wagging your finger at me. Lessons learned.
Despite my string of poor decisions, I finished the run with a smile on my face. That was officially the longest distance I have run other than my 1/2 marathon- and man, let me tell you, that feels great! I run 13 next week, and from that point forward, each long run will be a tremendous milestone for me, as it will be the furthest distance I have ever run. I am looking forward to that little does of motivation each week- not that my motivation now is lacking, but it is always good to have more than enough to go around on those especially rough days!
I NEED TO GET A WATER BELT! AHHHHHHH!
We started off the run by passing a prostitution bust- only in Memphis, right? We figured it could only get worse (or better?) from that point forward!
I was feeling fine until about mile 9. Then my body simply said, "Well, Amy, this has been nice and all, but I am ready to be done now, ok? Ok, thanks." My knees hurt, my hips hurt, I was exhausted, I was dying of thirst, and I was just overall not a happy camper. Now I know why all of the above happened, so spare your lectures. I didnt stretch enough. I didnt take any ibuprofen before the run. And, worst of all, I didnt bring any water on the run. Poor decisions all around. I know. Stop wagging your finger at me. Lessons learned.
Despite my string of poor decisions, I finished the run with a smile on my face. That was officially the longest distance I have run other than my 1/2 marathon- and man, let me tell you, that feels great! I run 13 next week, and from that point forward, each long run will be a tremendous milestone for me, as it will be the furthest distance I have ever run. I am looking forward to that little does of motivation each week- not that my motivation now is lacking, but it is always good to have more than enough to go around on those especially rough days!
I NEED TO GET A WATER BELT! AHHHHHHH!
Monday, August 15, 2011
11 miles, aint no thang.
Saturday morning I woke up to the most amazing thing ever... ready for this... drum roll please.... 75 degree weather! It was glorious.
I was joined on my 11 mile run by my friends Ashley and Paige. Ashley has done the St Jude's full marathon once before and was a huge inspiration in my decision to go for this insane goal. Paige is one of Ashley's friends from school, and she is training for her first 1/2 marathon- the Shelby Farms Green Line 1/2 on Oct 2nd (which Ashley, Maureen, and myself will be running as well!). I was slightly worried about running with 2 others for my long Saturday run; I am a big solo-runner and I really enjoy my "me time" on these mornings. But wow, let me tell you, these women are amazing. We got a great pace going and motivated one another to keep moving. I look forward to running with them again!
Next week will be 12 miles. That will mark the beginning of uncharted training territory for me- I have never run above 11.5 miles on my own (other than the 1/2 marathon, obviously). Let's hope for another cool morning!
I was joined on my 11 mile run by my friends Ashley and Paige. Ashley has done the St Jude's full marathon once before and was a huge inspiration in my decision to go for this insane goal. Paige is one of Ashley's friends from school, and she is training for her first 1/2 marathon- the Shelby Farms Green Line 1/2 on Oct 2nd (which Ashley, Maureen, and myself will be running as well!). I was slightly worried about running with 2 others for my long Saturday run; I am a big solo-runner and I really enjoy my "me time" on these mornings. But wow, let me tell you, these women are amazing. We got a great pace going and motivated one another to keep moving. I look forward to running with them again!
Next week will be 12 miles. That will mark the beginning of uncharted training territory for me- I have never run above 11.5 miles on my own (other than the 1/2 marathon, obviously). Let's hope for another cool morning!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Yes, I am still alive...
Well hey there, it's been a while! Since my move 3 weeks ago, things have been CRAZY!
I am on my way to being settled in my new apartment. Still some things to unpack, some things to pack up for storage, and other "get settled" things to address. Fiona is loving the new place, new windows, and now things to explore. My bedroom window gets amazing afternoon sun that she loves to sunbathe in daily.
I went home for Nora's 2nd birthday. I cant believe she is already 2! We had an awesome weekend, and she had a blast celebrating! She has such a beautiful personality; she just lights up the room with happiness! She talks constantly. Always moving. I just adore her!
I am on my way to being settled in my new apartment. Still some things to unpack, some things to pack up for storage, and other "get settled" things to address. Fiona is loving the new place, new windows, and now things to explore. My bedroom window gets amazing afternoon sun that she loves to sunbathe in daily.
Such a tough life.
I went home for Nora's 2nd birthday. I cant believe she is already 2! We had an awesome weekend, and she had a blast celebrating! She has such a beautiful personality; she just lights up the room with happiness! She talks constantly. Always moving. I just adore her!
Party time!
My new job is keeping me flat-out. I trained my replacement the past 2 weeks, then officially started my new position yesterday. I am scared and anxious... lacking self confidence... but I know I can do this. It is going to be a slow start, but I just need to dig down deep and find the confidence I know I possess. Learning a new job is always stressful, but I think this experience will be much more challenging than any past jobs for several reasons: 1) I dont really have any 1 person to "train" me, 2) since it is a new position, there is no set protocol or outline to guide me, 3) this work needed to be addressed a year ago, so there is much to be done ASAP, and 4) this is the most responsibility I have ever had with any position- the highest level I have ever worked at. Nonetheless, I am trying to remain optimistic and open to this amazing opportunity I have been given.
NOW, lets talk running...
I am doing well sticking to my marathon training schedule. It is still dangerously hot out, but between going to the indoor track with Maureen, short runs on the treadmill, and waking up at 5am, I have managed to avoid any excessive sweaty miserable runs. I ran 10 miles this past weekend and it went really well. My knees hurt a good bit during and right after the run, but no lingering aching. I didnt bring any water- which was probably a stupid move on my part- but I have not had time to buy a new/better running water bottle. I run 11 this coming weekend so I really need to get over to the running store to figure out something better to keep me hydrated for this run.
A coworker of mine, Kristen, made a Hero team for the St. Jude race to raise money. I am pretty sure I will join her team and become a Hero- in which case I will probably pester you all for donations! I think it is a wonderful addition to running this race. Not only will I personally benefit from such an accomplishment, but I can give back to a wonderful, deserving program. I will keep you posted!
Maureen signed up for the Shelby Farms 1/2 Marathon with me! I am so excited she will be doing another race, and even more excited to be training together! Several other friends have signed up for local races and I am so happy to be sharing these experiences with each of them!
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