Dream Big

I Have Moved

2007-10-08T13:28:00.001-07:00

I'm not dreaming anymore. I'm doing. Come check me out at littleonerunner.blogspot.com

:o)

I promise to update more frequently!

xo

Ew. Ick. Yuck.

2007-07-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

I rode my bike at dusk tonight.

I ate two bugs.

I have a mosquito bite between my eyes.

I am working out earlier from now on.

Running is a drug.

2007-07-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

And I am so addicted to it. The 14-mile long run on Saturday was my favorite training run so far. And I said that about the 10-mile last weekend too. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I've been more strict about my training lately... so instead of my runs feeling like hell, they feel pretty good. It makes me feel so... proud.

I have been having some knee discomfort, so it looks like I will be heading to Athletico or something of the sort. I honestly think it's because of how tight my hamstrings are. Stretching my hammies always seems to help.

Quick little 20 minute run today to get back in the game after Saturday. I'm always amazed that it's harder to do the short runs on Monday than it is to do the long ones on Saturday.

What the heck is a track workout?

2007-07-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

I have yet to make it to a TNT Wednesday night track workout. And all my training says to do on Wednesdays is "track workout." Sometimes there is a little more information, like "timed 5k" next week. But in general, I have no clue what a track workout is. At 22 years old, I have just entered my athlete phase of life. This is it for me. There are no basketball or softball drills to recall, and I can't re-create that time when my track coach made me run sprints.

To date, I've kind of just avoided my Wednesday workouts and cross-trained or something. But starting Monday, I have decided to commit 100% to this training and really see what I can do. So today, I made up my own track workout. And I'm tired.

I normally run/walk at a 7:1 ratio. I have just recently worked myself up from 6:1, so 7:1 is still a little challenge for me. (I'm hoping to be up to 8:1 or 9:1 by the Chicago Marathon.) I thought about changing my ratio to push harder, but instead opted for go.as.fast.as.i.can.manage.while.in.the.run.part. And I'm pretty certain it worked. I know damn well that I am spent. I did 8 cycles of my 7:1 ratio for a total of 32 minutes, and I really pushed myself the whole time. I walked faster than normal, and when I ran, I ran. Then, for the last 7 minutes running, I ran even faster until I reached a sprint for the full last two minutes. I'm not sure if it's a track workout, but what I do know, is I am ready for my rest day tomorrow.

I'm back!

2007-07-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

Even though it hasn't been documented here... I have, in fact, been running. A lot. I love training with TNT, and I'm starting to really feel like a runner... okay, a run/walker. Here are some of the things I have learned so far in training for my first marathon:

1. Run/walking makes me way happier than running.
2. I can run 12 miles. Who knew?
3. Being part of TEAM is incredible.
4. There are people who walk faster than I can run.
5. It's okay that there are people who walk faster than I can run.
6. It makes me deliriously happy to have dirty running shoes. In fact, it makes me feel like a badass.
7. People are incredibly generous.
8. I might just be addicted to running.

I had an incredible 10 mile run on the Lakefront this morning. Incredible. I met new people, found people who actually ran close to my pace, and due to a conversation with a new friend... I have found myself contemplating my second marathon (Dublin?) before I have even finished my first.

Super day.

I'm a slacker.

2007-04-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in way too long.

Extended race report is still in my brain.

But student teaching and job searching have taken over my brain.

I'll post it soon.

I promise.

:o(

Shamrock Shuffle

2007-03-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

I just wrote a long post about the Shuffle. Then my computer froze. Crap.

Long story short: 1:04:15... Jon's time: 1:04:14.

Short story long to come later.

My running shoes are too clean

2007-03-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

Since I got bitten by the running bug, it has been really cold outside. Which means... most of my running to this point has been on a treadmill. Last week and this week, there have been days where I can lace up my shoes and go outside.

Today as I was lacing up my shoes, I had this thought: my running shoes are still white. And that makes me sad. I want to be a badass with dirty running shoes.

I need to start running through mud puddles.

Easy 2 miles in beautiful weather today. I loved every minute.

It's Official... I am NOT Allowed to Slack Anymore... Much...

2007-03-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

See those links to the right? Where it says "Upcoming Runs"?

I am now officially registered and paid for every single one.

Nothing like sending in the cash to get my butt in gear...

:o)

I Love This Weather

2007-03-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

I ran outside today! With my speedy roommate -- the athlete one. And we ran and ran until we didn't want to run anymore. Far and wide 'round the hills of Dubuque. For about 45 - 50 minutes. I have no idea how far we ran.

I just know that it felt amazing to run outside on this beautiful day...

:o)

I'm a bad updater with some good news...

2007-03-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

I think I talked my best friend into running the marathon with me!

I LOVE her!

Shame on me.

2007-02-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

Bad weather here makes me so unmotivated to run. Life lately has been snow days, lesson plans, and job applications. I barely make time to relax, let alone run.

But yesterday I forced myself. There was really nothing going on in the afternoon so I forced myself to pull on my bright green running shorts and get my butt out there. (Well, in there, on the treadmill, that is... because Iowa hates me and wants to keep me indoors.)

And for the first 2 miles I remembered why I started this running thing in the first place. My mind was clear, I was happy to be back moving, and I just felt good. Really good.

The last mile is another story. But I'm not thinking about that right now.

I'm thinking about how good the first two felt and getting ready to lace up my running shoes today.

I'm glad to be back out there.

Feeling Stronger

2007-02-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

I was a bit under the weather last week... okay, a lot under the weather. I have a colon disease that flared up and, well, I'll spare all of you the details. Suffice it to say I ran about 1 day last week. I picked back up today, and man did it feel good. I did 2 miles, as per my schedule ala Jayhawk. And I loved every bit of those 21 minutes and 23 seconds.

Loved them.

Aaaaand... today I wore my TNT Training shirt for the first time! Check out those snazzy self-portraits. I am psyched.
P.S. If you want to donate... the link's on the right. :o)

I really can't stay...

2007-02-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

That's what I told the race coordinators when I went to pick up my packet on Sunday morning. I was shocked at the number of people actually running in that weather. It was ridiculously cold. So cold that the schools have had 2 hour delays both Monday and Tuesday this week. So I'm feeling pretty good about my decision to opt out.

Since Friday, I haven't really had a good workout. I have been feeling an indescribable kind of sick, where I don't know exactly what's wrong, but I know I feel "icky." I also know that yesterday I slept from 4:00 until this morning at 7:30, waking only to eat a little soup at 9.

Hopefully I will be feeling less icky and out running around again soon!

Baby it's cold outside...

2007-02-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

So, tomorrow I am scheduled for the Iowa Games 5k. The weather in Dubuque tomorrow should look like this:
10am: Flurries, -4°F, Windchill: -21°F

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm thinking it would be INSANE to run in weather like this. My dad said he will pay for me to be in a different race (even a more expensive one) if I opt out. He thinks it's just way too dangerous. I can't say I disagree, but I feel like I should follow through.

What to do... what to do...

Running is a Mind Game

2007-01-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

Since I have started running, I've gotten really good at convinving myself of things. Lots of things. Things like... "Yes, you really can run [2.5, 1, 1.7, .2] miles without collapsing. Just do it." And, "Yes, you ran x miles today. You are totally justified in eating all that ice cream." :o)

Saturday's breaking in the new shoes run: 3 miles. 34:31

Today's easy 2 miles: 21:03

Wow. Easy 2 miles. I never thought I would put those words in the same sentence. :o)

These Kicks are Fast as Lightening!

2007-01-27T15:59:00.000-08:00

With an impromptu trip home this weekend, I ended up getting my birthday present from my parents a week early, as opposed to the week after my birthday. Brand new running shoes! I got fitted at Fleet Feet, and the guy who helped me was super helpful and knowledgable. The process was more detailed than I thought it would be. I ended up running with a New Balance on one foot and a Saucony on the other to try to decide which I liked better. While running, I called out, "Which shoe is on my right foot?"

Well... Apparently the shoe that my feet are meant to run in is the Saucony Grid Omni 5. I am in love with my new shoes and so excited to try them out -- I really feel like a runner now!

*hide* I skipped the training today. I was busy getting the shoes. 3 miles either tonight and tomorrow. Woot!

I'm Officially In

2007-01-24T15:52:00.000-08:00

I am on my way out the door to go fax some very important information -- my registration for...

THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

TEAM IN TRAINING!

It's official. I'm going to get the early bird schedule from the Chicago team, but run with the Iowa Chapter (and just do Chicago's mileage) until I get home from school in May. Then I will pick up with the Chicago Chapter to train for the marathon. I'm really in. I'm doing it.

Other exciting news... on Feburary 10, my family is going downtown to do a joint celebration for my birthday and my brother's birthday. On the way, we're stopping at Fleet Feet to get my parents' birthday present to me... MY VERY FIRST PAIR OF CUSTOM-FITTED RUNNING SHOES!

I am a happy girl today.

Update: It's 10:06 pm and I have officially faxed in all the information and signed my life away. I'm doing it.

Today's workout: Stairclimber -- 25 min -- 75 flights

My First Long Run

2007-01-20T15:16:00.000-08:00

Woohoo! Long run day! In my world, a long run is 2.5 miles... but you have to start somewhere, right? :o)

2.5 miles -- 28:40.

Not bad for a little one like me :o)

And I had a blast.

I'll learn to get by with little victories....

2007-01-19T04:59:00.000-08:00

Another treadmill run yesterday. By the time I got my butt in gear to run, it was far too late to be running around outside by myself. The treadmill wasn't as bad this time, though. 2 miles came and went pretty quickly, and I ran at a much faster pace than normal.

And, for the first time ever, *drumroll please* I didn't need to take any walking breaks! Usually after mile 1 I have to take a break to stretch and walk. Yesterday I just kept on running. I was so proud of myself! My pace is still slow, but I'm hanging in there and gaining endurance. I actually know what it feels like to be "in the zone" now. My first mile was gloriously "in the zone."

And I'll be awful sometimes, weakened to my knees/but I'll learn to get by on little victories
-Matt Nathanson

Jayhawk Love

2007-01-16T19:12:00.000-08:00

My love for Barb, aka Running Jayhawk is now deserving of an entire post. A few days ago, I asked her for some help coming up with a running plan. I had a plan, but really, I just made it up, and I wasn't sure if I was doing it right. So I asked for some guidance. Armed with the knowledge of my current comfort level and my next two race goals, Barb e-mailed me an entire running plan that will get me through to the Shamrock Shuffle. Not only that, I now have the template for a calendar to house my running schedule for all of 2007, complete with inspirational running quotes along the way. Quote for January: "Good things come slow -- especially in distance running." - Bill Dellinger, Oregon Coach

I won't lie, I cried when I sat down and looked at my calendar. It is so nice to feel so encouraged and supported. People I have known my entire life aren't sending this much support and love my way. So to Barb, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To everyone else, send Barb love. She deserves it.

Today's workout: Cross-train. 25 minutes on stairclimber; 50 flights climbed. 20 minutes of outrage that the idiot who didn't know how to use the eliptical wouldn't get off the damn thing.

More Running & Student Teaching!

2007-01-15T20:01:00.000-08:00

Another 2 mile run to Paul Street today. I loved it. I am so confident with my 2 miles now -- I like the feeling of accomplishment at being able to do something I couldn't do when I started the running gig. I can just run 2 miles because I want to. Who knew? I'm excited to up the mileage and further impress myself!

And it's a short post for me tonight because I'm off to bed. Tomorrow is my FIRST DAY of STUDENT TEACHING! I know it will just be a lot of observing tomorrow, but I can't wait to get in the classroom. Hopefully I can actually sleep tonight... :o)

A Day in the Life of Lauren: Runner Style!

2007-01-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

3:30 am: Wake up to loud annoying music from downstairs. Lie awake annoyed and stare at the ceiling until 4:00 am.
4:00 am: Go back to sleep.
6:00 am: Alarm goes off. Hit snooze. Several times.
6:30 am: Get out of bed and chat with roommate.
6:43 am: Shower.
7:25 am: Leave to go take the evil education licensure test.
7:45 am: Begin evil test.
9:17 am: Leave test, happy it is over, and walk back to apartment thinking about going running.
9:30 am: Climb in bed and watch 2 episodes of Gilmore Girls.
11:30 am: Write letters.
12:15 pm: Leave to go shopping for running gear!
12:30 pm: Snag these lovelies from Target on clearance (socks from Famous Footwear):

3:30 pm: Get home and look up a 2 mile route on America's Running Routes

3:32 pm: Write down the name of my turnaround point: Paul Street -- just in case I forget.

3:33 pm: Get suited up for a run in the snow and head out!

The run was absolutely wonderful. I loved running outside in the snow -- what a rush! And it is so much easier to push myself when I run outside. I came back entirely amazed by technical running gear and its ability to keep my skin dry. Who knew you could actually be warm running outside in January?

The rest of my day has been far too uneventful to give a play-by-play. I'm relaxing in my apartment, enjoying one last lazy night before school starts again. The most complex thing I have done is start to back up my iTunes music on data CDs. Ahhh... relaxation.

Happy 22nd Birthday to Me?

2007-01-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

I am about to register for a 5k, the Iowa Games Road Race, on the morning of my 22nd birthday. 10am to be exact. So does this mean I'm in love with running... or totally lame? With running in the morning, there will be no such thing as partying to bring in the next year of my life. Ah well. Maybe running will bring in a healthier 22?

2 miles on the schedule today, but I think a nap may be in order first. I woke up at 6am today to take my certification test for teaching. Hmm... but I was planning to go on a hunt for clearance running gear. Nap or running gear? I'll get to it all eventually...

You Can't Play Mindgames on a Treadmill

2007-01-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

Because Dubuque was rainier than rainy yesterday, I wound up inside, doing my 2 miles on a treadmill. Which started out okay, because none of the athletic teams were in the PAC, so I didn't have to start out by being mortified.

But then on the treadmill... I realized that part of what keeps me running is mind games. Since I was just inside, running on a machine, I couldn't play games like...

just keep running till the mailbox, come on, the mailbox...
alright made it to the mailbox, how about that car now, come on car...
okay, just to the corner, come on now, corner, yeah!
just to the driveway... ugh my legs feel like jelly... well if i keep going it will be done faster...

On a treadmill, there are no mailboxes, cars, or corners. That makes me sad. But I still did it! 2 miles. Woot!

And the best part: I have a training schedule. I made it myself, so I don't know how amazing it is. BUT it says that today is a rest day. Hoorah!

And I'm rambling illogically. Happy Friday everyone. :o)

This is cross training... right?

2007-01-10T18:43:00.000-08:00

I moved back into school today for my last semester of college! I'm so ready to be done, but at the same time sad about leaving. It was a really hectic day, and I'm dissappointed that I didn't get a chance to run. But I figure that loading a car, driving 3 hours, unloading the car (5 trips back and forth), cleaning, and cooking dinner... must be some form of cross training.

...right?

If You're Coming Here Anyway & Surprising Encouragement

2007-01-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

So, I see that Barb is the sweetest motivator in the world. And just in case some of you tried and true runners come my way... I have some questions for you...

1. What do you wear to run? So far it's just sweats for me... but what should I get when I upgrade to running gear?
2. What do you do on cross-training days?
3. What is your favorite song to run to? I'm working on making a killer running playlist.
4. What keeps you motivated?
5. And for the Chicagoans... where'd you get your shoes? My birthday is quickly approaching, and getting fitted for shoes is #1 on my birthday list!

I am so clueless, but so excited to be good at something. I am finding that running really is mostly mental, and I actually can push myself if I try. And thanks to wonderful people like Barb, I am starting to think that my goal of running the Chicago Marathon on 10.7.07 is actually attainable. Any advice is welcome from veteran runners out there!

And now for some exciting personal news... I was very nervous to tell my parents about my plans to run a marathon. My dad has run five, and I know they don't see me as a "runner" or even someone who will stick to the training. I was surprised when they didn't laugh out loud when I broke the news that I was planning on running. Last night, my mom was questioning about whether or not it was a good idea, and Dad said, "If she works at it, and trains properly, of course she can do it."

I haven't smiled so big in a long time. And then with Barb's post today... wow. I'm feeling inspired and excited to get up and run tomorrow!

Crack of Dawn

2007-01-07T14:13:00.001-08:00

This morning I got up at 7:30 for an early morning run. It was fantastic. The weather was great -- cool and crisp -- and I set out to run 2 miles. I thought this might be difficult, because my Tuesday night run of 1 mile kicked my butt. Today just happened to be one of the easy days. I was happy and calm, and there was almost nobody else out this morning. It really was a great run.

But the best part: I was able to push myself for the first time. Usually, I just give in. I walk when I want to walk, run when I feel like running. Towards the end of my run this morning, I really wanted to walk. But I just kept telling myself, "If you walk, everyone else is right. If you walk, you can't push yourself. If you walk now, how are you going to do a marathon?" I knew my body was capable of running the rest, and I DID IT! I was beaming when I ran into my driveway at the end of the run.

Super, super day. :o)

Getting Back in Gear

2007-01-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

I was a bad, bad runner girl while I was home from school for break. And by that, I mean I am heading back to school on Wednesday and I have run a total of one time. I am hopeful that with a more "set in stone" schedule next semester, I will put running into that fixed schedule and make it a part of my daily routine.

Even though I have been a slacker as far as running is concerned, some good things did happen this break:
1. On New Year's Day, I told my family that my resolution is to run the Chicago Marathon. They didn't laugh like I thought they would. The response was, "You're going to have to train a lot." Duh. But it feels good that they know. And hopefully, that, like this blog, will be yet another way to hold myself accountable.
2. I signed up for the Shamrock Shuffle in March. This will force me to run, run, run in order to get in shape and get the best time I can for the race.
3. I got an iPod Shuffle for Christmas, which is fabulous. I love the little clip -- it will be great for working out with!

So here's to starting a new year off on the right foot... :)

Maybe for my birthday in February I will ask to get fitted for new running shoes!

A little dissappointed... till I thought about it...

2006-11-27T22:35:00.000-08:00

I ran the Turkey Trot in Edison Park on Thanksgiving -- a 5k. Not too shabby for a total beginner like myself. I was really dissapointed in myself at first, the amount of pain I felt, my time... but then I realized that I finished the run in 40 mins. A couple years ago, without training, I did it in 46 - 50 min... I don't even remember my exact old time. But even if I only shaved off 6 min, that's 2 min every mile!

And I think that's pretty damn good. :)

And I'm feelin' good...

2006-11-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

I just ran 1.5 miles... I know, I know, no big deal to a seasoned runner. But it was good for me. And the big news: it felt great! I didn't want to slow down, I didn't even want to stop at 1.5! I did stop, because I didn't want to overdo it and hurt tomorrow. It was so amazing to finally feel good, like I am building endurance.

I am really loving this. :o)

I Like Dad's Pace.

2006-11-01T22:03:00.000-08:00

I am no longer allowed to set the pace. Ran a 7:00 - 8:00 min mile on Monday with Mary, and she said if I continue to run like that, she will no longer run with me. I ran with Dad and Jon at home tonight, and Dad set the pace.

So much better.

I Actually Like This

2006-10-30T14:21:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of "Week 1" in my running program. I just can't stop running or cross-training. Since the start, I have taken only one "rest" day, in what is supposed to be a three day a week program. I think I'm getting addicted! I have decided to run a 5k instead of a 2 mile run on Thanksgiving. Hopefully I can get there fast enough!

1 mile today.

Working Out When I Don't Have To?

2006-10-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

For some reason today, I really wanted to run. Too bad it was my off day. Dad said I should cross-train instead. Much to my surprise, I did! I biked for 25 minutes, 5.75 miles. I really think I could get into this whole running thing.

Day One: I Feel Great!

2006-10-25T15:57:00.000-07:00

Last night, I found a "Couch to 5k" program online, and my roommate altered it into a "Couch to S-No-W Fun" plan for me. It will sound easy to any seasoned runner, but over the next two months I am going to slowly build up to the S-No-W Fun 5 mile run.

Today started simple -- a 1/2 mile run and 1/4 mile walk. I actually walked 1/2 mile, because I ran and then walked back. It feels really good to get started. I wanted to run more, but Jon told me if I hit it too hard, I would tire out too quickly. He's probably right.

My roommate Liz and I, ready to embark on my first run!

Crazy Idea + Lots of Encouragement

2006-10-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, I watched my future brother-in-law finish the Chicago Marathon in 3:51:03. Standing along the sidelines cheering, I was inspired. It's not as though this was my first marathon experience. I've seen my dad run 4 Chicago Marathons with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. But Dad always seemed like a runner to me. When I met Nick, he was lots of wonderful things, but a runner was not one of them. Watching him finish made me think... Maybe I can do that.

And so, I'm going to. Somehow, I've suckered Jon into thinking it's a good idea too. So with him by my side to encourage and support me, on October 7, 2007, I'm going to run 26.2 miles. And here I will document the journey. I just have to have it in writing so I hold myself accountable!