Days 12 and 13 - Whose Idea Was This ?!?!

OK. After the last two days of "attempting" to train, all I can think is "Whose idea was this marathon training anyway?!?" I am not giving up, but I am getting frustrated. Usually I can do just about anything I put my mind to, but am having trouble this week.

Sunday morning, day 12 of training, and I - Tina the one who sleeps all day on Saturdays - sets her alarm for 6:45 to get up and run and I actually get up and moving before the alarm goes off! (Hubby was very proud of me and actually stunned I do believe.) Anyhoo, I got up, put my proper running gear on (are you aware you are not supposed to exercise in Cotton!?! - don't ask why - you just don't!), laced up my tennies, and against my better judgement, took Juliet (our golden retriever) out to try and walk/run 2 miles this morning. Needless to say, I circled the block one time and immediately threw Juliet back in the house. She had no "wanting" to get up early and run around the block. She thought it was stupid and continued to lay down on the pavement, try to run the opposite direction, etc. the entire time I was trying to make my way around the block. I am sure the neighbors didn't appreciate my yelling all the way around the block at 7:00 a.m. But I got her back home, and I didn't give up, I went right back out there.

Did you know lots of people are actually up and moving before 7:00 a.m. on a weekend for no apparent reason?!@! I was shocked! Anyhoo, my training did not do so well today. I did manage to finish 1.6 miles however the last .4 miles I was in severe pain. I noticed my right leg was actually twisting as I was attempting to run causing pain in my shin area and it seemed I had no control over the twisting action. So, with tears in my eyes, I managed to walk that last .4 miles and get to the couch where I remained for an hour. :( After an hour I felt fine. Managed the rest of my day of grocery shopping, laundry and regular ole Sunday stuff. After dinner tonight I even managed to walk with hubby for another 1.2 miles for a total of 2.8 miles today.

Monday, Day 13 of training actually fell on Memorial Day. I was not about to get up early on a Monday that I did not have to work so I slept in, and made up tremendously for yesterday's missing sleep. I won't say what time I finally rolled out of bed, but let's just suffice it to say that the sun was already up high and the temperature was almost at his peak high for the day. Needless to say, I was not about to attempt to run at this point. So, I tried to clean house today, etc. Then, got the call that dad was having some chest pain and was at the emergency room. Went over there to figure out what was going on and luckily it was not actually his chest, but pains caused from some gall stones. They gave him some pain meds and sent him on his way. He has to return to a surgeon later this week for a consult and most likely schedule a time to remove his gall bladder. Never a dull moment around here I tell you!

After a long day, I did cook dinner and then immediately went to see if I could manage a run and hoping like heck my leg would not hurt today. That hope was short lived when I got clear on the other side of the block and ended up in tears again after only attempting to run for 2 minutes. I managed to hobble back home for a total "walk" of .6 miles. By the time I got home, I could not even put pressure on my foot. I will be the first to tell you I do not tolerate pain very well, but this was hurting. All I could think is "How am I supposed to run 13 miles when I can't even run for 2 minutes?!?" I assume I am just doing something wrong and once I can get with my coach/trainer or a doctor, perhaps I can correct my issue and get on with training. One can only hope. I am not giving up at this point!!

Day 11 - Meet Charlie

OOPS - I posted Day 11's update mistakenly on my other blog! For today's update you will have to click here since I can't figure out how to easily move the link to this blog and I dont have time to retype the whole thing! Sorry!! (For those looking for "marathon update" for today - dont even bother clicking - no training done on Day 11. However, if you are family and just want to be amused on our families daily life, feel free to click on over, and meet the new addition to our family!

Day 10 - Moms Birthday Celebration

Well, after yesterday's fiasco of trying to run/walk wearing sweatpants in 90 degree weather, I made a point to go shopping on my lunch hour today and pick up some running shorts and another shirt. So, hopefully this weekend's run in the heat will go much smoother. :)

Tonight the family headed out to take mom out for her belated birthday dinner. We went to Firewater Grille and it was very yummy! Convinced mom and Jeffrey to try fried calamari and they both liked it. Kids finished the night off with root beer floats and then we all headed home with full bellies.

Got home after dinner and me and Jeff decided to take a leisurely walk. Ended up walking 2.4 miles with no running. Think it ended up taking about 45 minutes. At least I didn't just come home and lay my big butt on the bed though and veg in front of the TV.

Hitting the hay and getting ready for a busy weekend....dog grooming, card making, laundry, graduation party, home repairs, and of course training! Hope everyone has an enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend!

Tina

Day 9 - Who thought of this idea???

Well, day 9 of Training for TNT half-marathon and I'm thinking "Whose great idea was this?!" Training to run in the dead heat of summer, and summer really isn't even here yet. No worries - I'm still plugging away but today was a bit slow for me. Only fit in a .6 walk/run today. :( But, hey, at least I got out there and did something - right?!

I got home from work and figured I best get my walk/run in before I try to tackle laundry, cooking, etc. so I laced up my tennies, grabbed Romeo's leash and the two of us headed out for what I thought was a 1 mile run. Needless to say - running in sweatpants in 92 degree weather was not the thing to do. (Note to self: go buy some proper running wear this weekend!) Romeo, with his all black fur, was totally agreeing with me since he was heavily panting and telling me "MOM, it's HOT out here!" halfway around the block! So, needless to say we did a .6 mile walk in 10 minutes and ran about 2 minutes worth. Better some than nothing I guess!

Tomorrow the family is taking mom out for her birthday dinner so I most likely wont get a run/walk in tomorrow so I guess I have to pick up the pace for the long holiday weekend. Hope I can find a great deal on some running shorts because I think it is going to be a hot weekend!

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend everyone!

Tina

Day 8 - Trying out the new shoes!

Got my shoes today and headed out for my first run in them! Aren't they cute?!? Jeffrey had a ballgame tonight so I figured I'd let them drive up and I'd meet them there eventually. Once again, it was 1.8 miles and I made it in 30 minutes, 1 minute less than last week I believe. Not sure how that worked, since I actually ran 10 minutes of the 30 minutes when last week I only ran 4 minutes. My walking must be slowing down since I am increasing my running time perhaps....who knows. I am more interested in increasing the time frame that I can run and not my actual time of reaching my goal, so I guess I did accomplish that. I have only been able to run 3-4 minutes during each "run" this week so tonight being able to run for 10 minutes at 1 minute intervals was a huge accomplishment for me. I'm happy with it.

In addition to my training today, I was able to secure Sticky Fingers for a "Helping Hands" night. It is scheduled for Thursday, June 24 and anyone that goes to Sticky Fingers in Summerville on that day and tells them they are there in support of the Leukemia Society, I will get 10% of the total sale! So.....put on your calendars to plan on eating at Sticky Fingers that day - - lunch or dinner!!! That even works for take out so you can simply grab some grub on the way home and eat in the convenience of your own home and still support the cause. I'll be reminding everyone when the date gets closer!

Thanks for all your support!
Tina

Day 7 - First 5K!!!

Well.....technically I didn't run a 5K today, however in my mind I am telling myself I did!

A 5K is a total of 3.1 miles and I did walk/run 3.13 miles today. However, it was not at one time. Today was the official "one week point" of my training. Been training for 7 days straight. Woo Hoo!! Not sure I can tell a big difference in my training yet, but hoping that will improve shortly.

I had a Training Session with my TNT group tonight at a local bicycle/running shop where we learned about proper gear including shoes, clothing, and other runner information. Running is not a cheap sport - don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Following the meeting, me and Kim headed out to do some training. We ended up completing 1.93 miles with a little running here and there. Since two women gab a lot while they are walking/running, I could not keep track of the actual time I spent running versus walking but I am pretty sure I ran longer intervals that I have been doing this past week. Then, when I got home I ended up taking a quick walk with the hubby and did another 1.2 miles so technically I completed 3.13 miles today which equals a 5K!!

Heading out this evening to buy "the" running shoes. I am using positive thinking that those shoes are going to make a world of difference and I'll be able to pick up pace with running and having no leg pain to allow me to go further. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Oh - on another note - lost 2 lbs this week - bonus!! Happy Birthday Mom!

Tina

Day 6 - Fundraising Day

No physical training was done today, Day 6 of my adventure. I spent a ton of time though working on my fundraising efforts. Got my fundraising letters ready to go. I secured a golf course for an upcoming Golf Tournament on July 11 to raise money for the Leukemia Society. Working on a dinner at Sticky Fingers whereby the restaurant will donate a percentage of their sales to the Leukemia Society. So, overall, got a lot accomplished today. Day 7 we have another TNT Meeting to learn about proper shoes, clothing, etc. to prepare us for the big race day event and then we are off for our very first "group run". Hope I can keep up! Wish me luck. I'll update you later how that goes!

Thanks to everyone for all your support!
Tina

Day 5 - Shoe Fitting Day

Enjoyed a peacful morning sleeping in and then had a nice brunch with my hubby. Afterwards we headed over to Mt. Pleasant to get me properly fitted for some running shoes. I settled on the Ascis Nimbus 11 as my shoe of choice - same shoe I chose yesterday but today was told that was actually a proper fit. :) Found out I have an extremely high arch so I am required to get some insoles to prevent injury. Surprise, Surprise, just more money to spend.

Had a relaxing afternoon with a nice nap and then hubby grilled dinner. By the time we finished that it was almost 10:00. I had not been feeling all to well today so I didn't try to run at all, but we did manage to go for a 1.8 mile walk after dinner and we completed that in 32 minutes. Not bad with no running but a pretty quick walking pace.

This week the goal is to get my 110 fundraising letters sent out along with securing the golf course for an upcoming golf tournament for a fundraiser.

Have a great week!

Day 4 - Busy Day.

Happy early Birthday Mom! Today was my monthly Stamp Camp where I teach local ladies how to make various greeting cards and notecards. Since my mom's birthday is coming up this Tuesday the ladies all brought handmade cards for her and we had pizza and ice cream cake and had a wonderful time.

After class I headed out to the local sports stores trying to find some appropriate running gear. Did you know that stuff is expensive??? Well, it is. However, some of it I can't do without if I am going to be able to run safely for long distance, so I guess I'll start saving up to buy a few things. Found the most comfy shoes today so I'll defintely be going back to get those soon!

Anyhoo - when I got back from shopping I figured I might as well get my training in for today. That was kind of a mistake since it was 4:30 and still pretty warm outside, but I managed pretty well. I actually ended up doing the exact same walk/run I did on Thursday and managed to get in 1.2 miles in exactly 21 minutes ago with running yet again for about 3 1/2 minutes. Calves still burning but the burn does not seem to last as long so I guess that is good news. Going to maintain 1.2 to 1.8 miles all week and simply try to increase the amount of time I can manage to run.

That's it for tonight. Getting ready to snuggle down and hopefully fit in a movie before I crash for the evening.

Thanks for checking in on me!

Day 3 - Look What I Got Today!

That's right - my new Dri-Fit training jersey! You know how much I love getting free stuff!! I had a meeting today with a representative of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and because of my hardwork putting together my fundraising plan, I was given this shirt today! Earned it two weeks ahead of schedule! Go me!!!!

Anyhoo - after putting together my fundraising plan and making tons of phone calls to implement those plans, I was mentally exhausted by this afternoon. By the time I got home, did laundry, cleaned up the house for my card class I am giving tomorrow, and took the family out to dinner, it was 10:30 p.m. So - -I am sad to report I didn't get to walk or run today. :( However, since I did collect a few donations today and worked hard on my fundraising plan, I feel I didn't let the LLS down too bad so I'm hitting the hay to get some rest so I can put in a good effort tomorrow on my training! Goal tomorrow is 2 miles and increase my actual running time. Wish me luck!

Days 1 and 2 of Training

Day 1 - 5/19/10

Well, yesterday I "officially" started my training for the half-marathon coming up on October 2. That sounds like a long ways a way when I say it, but when I realize I will have to run/walk 13 miles at that point, all at one time and in less than 4 hours, well.....it seems like it is right around the corner!

Last night the boys headed to the ballfield for game night while I was home doing whatever it is I always do when I am home. After a few minutes I realized the field was 1.8 miles away so I might as well start somewhere and head to the field. So, I laced up my tennies and headed out at 8:06 p.m. I was thinking I would walk for just a few minutes and then perhaps run for 30 seconds/walk for 30 seconds, run for 3o seconds/walk for 30 seconds, etc., etc., until I reached my destination. Well, needless to say that did not happen.

I walked for 2 minutes, ran for 30 seconds, walked for 2 minutes, ran for 30 seconds and then I had to look at the back of my legs because I literally thought my calves were on fire! Luckily, I did not see any flames. Whew! I actually reached my destination in 32 minutes (my goal was 30 minutes since the ultimate goal is to eventually be able to run 4 miles in an hour). Out of that 32 minutes, I ran a total of about 4 minutes. So..... I felt that was decent for my first attempt at running since 9th grade PE class and I still lived to tell about it with my calves in tact.

Day 2 - 5/20/10

Today after work I met a friend of mine for dinner. These plans were made months ago, long before I knew I would be training for a marathon on a daily basis (LOL - I still laugh at the thought of me doing this)....anyhoo, I went to dinner and enjoyed myself catching up with my friend. Didn't get home until about 9:00 and was tired. However, being the trooper I am (after all, this is only day 2 of training - I can't already be quitting - right?) I laced up my tennies and off I went. I only ended up doing 1.2 miles tonight, however I did that in 21 minutes and ran 3 1/2 minutes total....so I am thinking that is a slight improvement to last night......... and my calves only burned about half the time of last night too! Woo Hoo.

Let the training begin!

As you may or may not have heard yet, I'm training to participate in a half-marathon as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. If you know me at all, I know what you are thinking .......... "What has Tina gone and done now?"…. "That girl only knows how to run to the bathroom or to run to catch a great sale at the grocery store!"…… "Has she lost her mind?"

Well - I may have lost my mind, but at least it is for a good cause. Yes, I could have easily backed out when I learned a half marathon was actually 13 miles long! (I have never walked more than 3 or 4 miles at any given time – and never ran more than a mile and that was 20 years ago!) And sure, I could have snuck out the back of the meeting when they explained I had to collect $2,500.00 in donations all by my little ole’ self. And I certainly felt like running and hiding under a rock when they told me I would have to be in downtown Charleston every Saturday morning by 5:45 a.m. to run anywhere from 4 to 13 miles over the next five months!!! (This one almost sent me over the edge since Saturday is my day for beauty sleep!)

However, then I realized……..those patients that are suffering with Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers…..they do not have a choice to run from the problems they have to endure on a daily basis, so why should I be able to run away?

So, if you would like to make a donation to my cause and help me obtain my required donation amount of $2,500.00 it would be greatly appreciated! Hopefully I can get my fundraising achieved within the next 30 days so I can divert all my attention to figuring out how to go from running 20 feet to the bathroom to running 13 miles to the finish line!! So please, if you feel this is a great cause as I do, please don’t delay and send in your donation now! We will all appreciate it!

There are two ways you can make a donation to my cause. You can mail me your check made payable to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (or simply LLS) to: Tina Rucker, 206 Jasmine Drive, Summerville, SC 29483. Or, feel free to go to my personal fundraising website where you can make a quick, secure, online payment.

Also – if you have a family member or loved one that has or is suffering from a blood cancer, I would be honored to write their name on my race day jersey and run in their honor! Simply make sure and put a note in with your donation of their name and even a little story about them if you would like and I will be sure to bring them along with me on my journey!

The individuals who are battling blood cancers are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

Stay tuned here for daily updates on my training efforts!

Tina's New Adventure

This blog started out as just a place for me to write my daily happenings, thoughts, etc. and somehow evolved into more of a business blog promoting my Stampin' Up! business. Well - I was never really good at keeping up with it for a business perspective so I am going back to my old self and using this for a personal blog.

I just recently signed up to train to run a half-marathon in order to help raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society so I am going to use this blog to maintain more or less a diary of how I am doing with my marathon training along with still fitting in my every day life.

I hope you will come along with me on my adventure. It is more than likely going to be a very long, interesting and probably embarrassing ride along the way.

Stay Tuned!