A new lust for the run/ Vitamin D rules

Evenin' y'all.

Almost two weeks ago, I ran my first half-marathon and I think I'm finally coming off that high and through the recovery week.  That's a good thing, though!  I moved from the mindset that I might not finish to I totally did it. From there it evolved into 'holy shit, my legs are broken' to I'm SO ready to do that again.

AND that's exactly where I'm at.  In the couple of weeks prior to the half I like I'd hit a wall with running.  I just wasn't motivated even though I knew I had a big race coming up and it seems like all my runs after my vacation were a chore...and they HURT.  The thing is, I really think this was all in my head.  I was scared about failing myself on the half that I kind of just accepted that I would, and from the mind throughout my body the shitty mentality radiated.  I can't believe I let my fear get the best of me.

Lo and behold, I finished.  I finished WAY faster then I expected, too.  At the finish line, my physical effort went inward and almost instantly changed my way of thinking.  It was, I CAN DO THIS.  I've done it. 

I'm more psyched about doing my second half (Disney Princess Half in FL) then ever.  I finally got around to booking my tickets and hotel for myself and my friend Mel.  I don't know if I'll PR--but I don't care, honestly.  I just know I can do it, and I'm psyched to do it again.

The recovery?  I was surprised how sore I was for the next few days.  I felt like I couldn't walk correctly.  The worst thing--trying to sit on the can. It's at the height that just makes the quads engage, and it hurt so bad the first couple days I had to just kind of fall on the toilet to sit down without a ton of pain.  Getting up was a whole 'nother story.  But, it must be like having a kid (at least so I've heard).  The pain is great, but you're quick to forget it in favor of doing it all over again.  Totally where my head is at right now.    Finally went for a run 4 days after the half (almost 4 miles), then 5+ miles the next day, and then 3+ the following Sunday.  Rest, rest and then back to the grind on Wednesday--

That being said, do you know what kind of run I did mid-week!? My first long run since the half yesterday--10 miles!  How about them apples, eh?  That half (and the bling that came along with it!) really renewed my lust for running, and I find myself really jonesin' for it again.  I'm so glad I broke through that wall. 

Really makes me feel like I could train for a full marathon!  But, I really have to see where I'm at after this half, and then the 10 miler in April. 

The other hang-up?

The thing is we really want to have a kiddo soon, and I just would hate to get halfway through marathon training and then have to bail due to a bun in the oven.  Thoughts on this?  I've been tossing this back and forth for a while now.   I know there are women that run marathons full-on preggers, but if this was my first marathon, I just don't know how that would fly with the ever increasing mileage of training.  Hmm...I honestly am at a loss here.


Anyways, this is just a whole load of ramblings that I felt like getting down somewhere...

Oh! I started my new job!  Listen to this....it's exactly what I needed.  Seriously, I have not felt so welcome to a new position in....well, ever.  Everyone is so helpful and supportive--and there's zero drama.  It's so nice to be in an environment like this.  Yes, it's still a job.  But I don't dread going into work, and for the first time in a while I've been able to talk and laugh with co-workers.  Plus, almost everyone is pretty active--there's a fellow runner whose been running for a while--marathons, halfs, everything! (very cool), an avid swimmer, yogis, rock climbers, cross-fitters--what a solid group, and hard to lose focus with all these hardcore chicks :)  Quality of life has definitely ALREADY increased in the past week and a half I've been there. 

Here in Austin, life is pretty good, lately--but a serious heads up, winter-time no matter where you are can really take a toll on your health.  Make sure you're taking Vitamin D!  With the lack of sun in a lot of regions this time of year, your Vitamin D can take a hit.  I very much think it's worth getting a lab test done for.  My husband and I both recently had ours--Trev's was at 18.  Mine was 30.  Optimal is 30-100.  And we're in TEXAS.  AND I'M CONSTANTLY RUNNING OUTSIDE IN THE SUN and I'm borderline. 

The keyboard is a great substitute pillow.

Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?  Chronic fatigue, weakness, muscle cramping, and bone pain. 

MY HAMMY!

I'm not trying to sell you all anything, I just genuinely think this is something a lot of folks "poo-poo" without really realizing the toll it can take on your body.  If you're dragging along, go get this checked out--it might be as easy as getting more sun, eating foods containing high levels of Vitamin D, or even popping a   natural supplement. 

The sun will return, my friends!

The wonderful thing about Vitamin D is that it occurs in nature--so pharmaceutical companies can't come in, repackage it and sell it to you for an astronomical price (which is awesome.).  That same reason is why so many people don't know about this great vitamin and it's benefits.  If someone can't make money off of it, advertising will be nil.  I wrote an entire paper on this a few years ago, and what research is finding on what Vitamin D can very possibly prevent: Cancers, MS, tooth decay, osteoporosis, clogged arteries, Alziemher's, diabetes, heart disease, yada, yada, yada.

Anyways, that's my educated brain fart for today--Vitamin D! Woo!  Questions? Go ahead and send 'em over.  Again, I'm no doctor, but I've certainly done the research. :)


That all being said, this was a complete clusterfuck of a post and I apologize.  Just wanted to mentally vomit words to a page.


Goodnight friends, and as always--

Go Fork Yourselves,

Krissy :)

Rough runs to an AMAZING 13.1

Folks---I am officially a half-marathoner.

No fucking joke--I DID IT. 


Last we spoke I had just returned from the UK, and was heading back into my last lap of the 3M Half Marathon training.  I swear to you, each and every single run leading up to the half was AWFUL.  I was THISCLOSE to saying, 'screw it, I'm not doing it.'   I had done an 8 miler last Saturday--and I can easily say it was the worst run ever.  I haven't felt that terrible running...ever.  Shin splints bilaterally, side stitches (again, bilateral!) that would not quit, and overall just feeling spent. I didn't run for THREE days after that one--I was pretty much scared I couldn't run anymore.  I know how silly that sounds. 

Also, had a crazy running dream that I was in the wrong gear and got totally lost on the course--I woke up and panicked and realized it was only Wednesday...

I did a few shorter runs earlier this week, with my last on Thursday morning before I went to pick up my parents from the airport.  So happy to see them!  Last time I saw them was in July, and this is the first time they'd been down to awesome Austin. 

We did so much with them here, South Congress with lunch at Hopdoddy *drool*, Curra's *drool again*, Esther's Follies (totally key), 1886 Café for late tea and desserts *drool*, Alamo drafthouse *drool*...then to the expo on Saturday for packet pickup...I was already suffering from butterfly indigestion.

I pretty much paced around the house that night sort of freaking out, everyone telling me to chill, and then eating a massive bowl of pasta.

We all went to bed and I set my watch and phone alarm for 4:30AM--and surprisingly passed out.

~4:45...planning parking....

4:30 came along, and I got up, stumbled to all my gear I left out for myself the day before and munched on a Stinger waffle.  Everyone got up fairly quickly, and we were off around 5:30.  I was expected heavier traffic, but to my surprise--there was none!  So, I was there early--dropped my 'dry gear' bag off, scouted out the port-o-potty scene, and then rushed back to my car with my hubby and folks BECAUSE IT WAS FREEZING OUT.  Austin is not usually in the 30s--but it was yesterday morning...

Eventually, I had to force my ass out of the car--hugs and kiss to the fam, and then kind of walked in circles and stretched around where the starting line was.  6:45 was the scheduled start time..but I kept checking my watch, and we were starting late...I was so ready to roll and get warm!

And then, the crowd of runners lurched ahead little by little and we were off.  I made sure to start off a bit slower while my body eased into the cold running.  I put my music on and got in the zone.  So much so that I missed the Mile 1 marker, and was surprised when Mile 2 came up.  I was like "Hot damn!"

Mile 3 came and went pretty easily, and at that point I told myself "You so got this."

From there, I cruised through Miles 4, 5, 6, 7 (well here I slowed to text my fam where I was at after halfway), 8, and 9--I couldn't believe how quickly they went by!

Around 9 and 10 the course hit a few little hills, and I definitely felt a little foot cramping coming on, so I slowed a bit so they might release a bit.  Made sure to get a big glass of Gatorade at Mile 11, I figured electrolytes were getting down and needed a double dose of the stuff here, that and a ShotBlok (which was totally half-frozen from being in my water bottle bag--I though I was going to lose a tooth!).  Alright, near the end of mile 11 came more hillage, and then at 12 the hill kept going. 

I called the hill an asshole, and then chugged up the side of it.  Then one big drop, and then another steeper hill.  Jerk.  But a good challenge right near the end.  Around what I thought was 12.5, I popped out my ear buds and could hear the announcer in the distance.  I was feeling the soreness setting into my quads, but I was like---You ran 12+ miles..you can make it a little more. 

There was one last bend right before the finish line--and my family was all there at the corner, yelling and screaming--oh, man, I can't even tell you how awesome that was.  There are no words, but suddenly I kicked the legs into high gear and soared past the finish line.

It is runs like these that remind me how much I fucking love running!

Hubs and me at the finish :) <3

picking up clothes--so ready for warm stuff!

2 of 3 moms present ;) My mom, me, and my stepmom--All the way from NH!

Bling-bling, bitches!

 I was so spent, and it was so windy, I grabbed my dry gear and got to a handicapped port-o-potty to change.  Have you ever been naked in a port-o-potty? Something I didn't think I'd ever do.

Once I got out from that little endeavor, they wanted to take me out to eat.  All I wanted to do was go home and chill--and that's what we did.  I passed out after I took a bath for about an hour...what a treat.

The other thing I didn't expect?  The wave of stomach aches I got once I was in the car.  Does anyone else get that?  It was so weird--I felt like I couldn't eat and go to the bathroom (TMI, sorry) like 4 times.  It was totally out of whack for a while after the race.


Oh, my time?  I was expecting myself to get somewhere between 2:45-3:00 for my first.  Nay.

2:25:30

Totally for realsies--I was a bit shocked--I had no idea I could do that.  Or any of this!  It was only a little more then 5 years ago that I was 90 pounds heavier then I am today, in an awful place in my life--zero faith in myself.  I have to thank my family(every single last one of them) for all their encouragement and support, and honest to god, all my Twitter and DailyMile folks--your words of wisdom, helpful tips, and ever inspiring comments have given me confidence in myself that I didn't know I was able to attain--Thank you so much.

Well, well, Krissy--well done *pats self on back*

Now, if you'll all excuse me, I'm going to go to my room and polish that medal. 

...again.


:)


Go Fork Yourselves!

Krissy

I'm back for a while now, I promise/ Here's to 2013

I am back, my forkers. ;)

I will sit down and finish my posts about my two AMAZING vacations: 1) Our honeymoon 2) Christmas in the UK.  I've never had the chance to do so much in the past few weeks--it was all so incredible and I experienced so many new cultures/foods/vague things/ect.  Again--tons of photos, all of which are currently on my hubby's computer so I'll get him to either zip or Shutterfly those bad boys to me so I can finish those posts.  A break from the focus on running, but I did so many different activities between the Caribbean and the UK, it was a nice and needed change.

But onto the cliche' New Year's post!  I know everyone does it, and I think it's important to reflect on the old and see where we want to go in the future.  For me, when I write it down, it becomes "fact" sort-to-speak.  It's in black and white and I can go back to it to remind myself and refocus when I get lost along the way.  Know what I mean?

2012 sure had it's stressors...and fantastic answers right back at them.

• In the beginning of the year we'd just gotten back from my folks house in New England and was struggling with and extra 10 pounds I'd gained since moving to Texas.  In July we bought our house and I took up running, took that off and then some and unexpectedly found a new love and some serious fucking empowerment.
• Deciding to look for, save for, and find a house we loved and wanted to buy.  Once we found one we loved, we couldn't let go--this was a house we could picture living in, bringing children into, and the bank didn't make it easy for us.   Constantly waiting to hear on pre-approval and final approval--then waiting on the folks selling the house to get back to us on the offer, coming back with ridiculous counter offers and never finishing repairs we asked for--but nonetheless, we're here and love it.  Now, if I could just keep it clean...
• Trying to finish my degree throughout all this--which FINALLY HAPPENED in June! Job to show for it...ahhhh....pending...but I have faith I'll get there.
• The job situation.  I was at one practice that went through a major overhaul in February--new physicians came on and it became a small circle of hell.  Then I received a phone call to join a practice that a doctor I used to work for started up.  Thinking it was a great opportunity, I took it.  I have to say, easily one of the worst decision I've ever made.  I didn't know hell until this job.  I was used, abused, and never given an commendation for the achievements made in the office.  Finally, I spoke my mind last week, went on vacation despite their attempts to sabotage it.  They fired me...VIA TEXT.  And never actually said the words "fired" but simply told me to come turn in my keys and get my things.  The following day, I received a voicemail while I was in an interview (Yes, already, because I'm awesome) from the office manager that fired me explaining that they really needed help and 'wanted to make a deal' so I could come back and train someone until they could find someone else/I found something else.  She asked that 'we be adults about the situation,' and 'it could be mutually beneficial.' Right, so that's why you TEXTED me to tell me you didn't want me there.  Something tells me it was impulsive and the doctors told her to ask me back.  Here's the thing--I may need a job, but I will never sacrifice who I am, everything I have said, and all my abilities to go back to a job that would drop me and all my hard work at the drop of a hat.  So, to be adults, just like they'd been to me---take your job and GO FUCK YOURSELF.  

Couldn't have said it better, dude.

Well, that went on a little longer then expected--sorry 'bout that.

Anyways, onto the awesomeness of 2012--which reiterates some of the above!

• Celebrating out 1st year wedding anniversary :)
• Buying our house and vowing not to move...like, ever.
• Running! 397 miles since mid-July.  1st and 2nd in my age division in two 5ks, and finishing a ridiculously hilly 5 miler.  Also, registering for two half-marys for 2013.
• Reconnecting with my friend Melody--thick and thin, bad and good--I know she will always be there.
• Yearly family reunion in NH--pure bliss!
• Our belated honeymoon to the Caribbean
• Christmas vacation with a ton of family in England

And I'm sure others that I'm missing, but far more good then bad--and things always seem to turn out for the best.  I'm not tied down to any organized religion, but I always have faith that things will work themselves out as long as you give it your all.

So--onto 2013's resolutions/goals...




2013 Resolutions/Goals

• Work on my confidence and comparing myself to others
• Incorporate more strength training in my workouts
• Write more--blogging and short stories
• Getting in more water
• Keep better communication with friends and extended family
• Dress better--I've got to get something more then t-shirts!
• Remember to stretch more
• Cleaner eating--avoiding sugar substitutes, and chemical ridden "low/non-fat foods"
• Concentrate more on being content at work then how much money I make

• Continue running even after the half-marathons
• New job
• Get the horses out of the kitchen and paint the orange room (There are these tiled horses from the last folks in our kitchen in the backsplash--and one bedroom is PUMPKIN orange.)
• Grow my hair back out ( I miss crimping it up!)
• Most importantly and most exciting--GET PREGNANT :)

Total mind blow!

 

What about you guys--what did your list, if any, include?  Any similarities??

That all said, Happy New Year, ya'll!  I wish everyone the best this year. Keep on keepin' on and as always....



Go Fork Yourselves,

Krissy