3 miler from you know where

I don't quite understand how a 3 mile run can be so hard?  Last night Wenzyl and I hit the pavement at about 2030 for a quick  run.  The weather was cool, but there was a lot of moisture in the air, which made for muggy conditions.  I felt heavy, hot, and my muscles seemed to be tight?  I started to get frustrated.  I know taking 4 days off probably didn't help, along with the muggy weather; but still... I'm in shape, I shouldn't be feeling like this?  I should have just ran a 6 miler, I'm sure I would've felt a lot better?  I know if may sound crazy, but I'd rather do a 6 miler over a 3 miler any day?  Does anyone else feel the same?

Today, I'm planning on getting in a 6 miler and nothing less.  Mileage is starting to decrease with the race approaching.  I'm planning on doing a 22 miler this weekend, which will be my last long run before the big day. 

This week I'm going to focus on drinking as much water as possible... and doing so until race day. 

Happy Running!

Me Mamia

Mom and I celebrating my RN pinning!

So I got a call from my mom the other day.  "Cory, I'm going to start running, I got my running shoes, I just have to do it... I know you love it, and well, Lenora she ran her first Marathon when she was 56, I can do this!  I'll just start out slow, run telephone pole to telephone pole (They live in the country), then walk one telephone pole, then run.  Holland (my brothers fiance) is going to do this with me.  I know I'm going to hate it... but it was hard for you in the beginning, and look at you now"!  This conversation made me very happy!  I love the idea of my Mom running!  Actually, I love the idea of anyone running... but my Mom?  She is going on her second week of running and has told me that she, "hates it"... but does it.  This is normal I tell her. It takes time for your body to become "one" (basically)

My hope is that one day my Mom and I will be able to run a 5k race together!  Maybe down the road we'll get my whole family to jump on board!  Heck maybe we could just have our own little 5k race out in the country!

Dodging Pollen

Today Wenzyl and I headed out for a run on the trail.  I decided to take my IPOD with me to enjoy some new music that Zack got for me.  It was nice to just zone out to some new tunes, and not think about anything.  I found myself focusing on the pollen that was floating cautiously through the air.  It made the miles fly by.  I found myself looking for the little nuggets of fluffiness in the distance, so I would be able to follow its path as long as possible.  A few clusters would roll off my body as I ran by, one of which stuck to my wicker.  The simple things, perfect.

The Marathon is approaching, I'm ready for the race.  I'm excited for the big day and the celebrations following.  I'm going to take a little break from running (as I normally do after the marathon).  My plan is to cross train with biking, walking, hiking and swimming.  I'm excited to change it up a little bit... I'm sure my quads will be thanking me.  I usually take a good month off from running and then I keep a 2-3 times a week schedule.  I'm thinking about possibly doing the Whistlestop Half Marathon this fall, we'll see. 

Happy Running!

 

Evening 14 miler



We're just so cool with our water belts!  Admit it! 

 My dear friend Carey came home for a visit from Seattle, and we just HAD to get in a run together.  So what do we decide to do?  Only what would be expected of the "C&C" combo... heading out for a 14 miler at 1900.  No worries, we have night vision!  Carey and I had an AMAZING run!  The first three miles were tough, we felt heavy and didn't have much energy... as the miles pressed on, our speed picked up.  Chatting the whole time, makes the miles fly by... which they did.  I'm so blessed to have such an amazing friend like Carey.  It was so refreshing to laugh with her again, to share memories, and make more of them, while running on the trail.  This girl is nothing short of amazing!  She will be running the Rock and Roll Marathon in Seattle this summer.  I'm so excited for her (and for her running partner Lisa).  To think,  Carey and I met 3 years ago, and it took me over 6 months to convince her to run with me.  Look at her now!  She's running 14 milers just for the "heck's" (inside joke ;0)) of it!  We enjoyed our runners high as we crossed the "finish line"... thanking Jesus the whole time!   Thanks for the amazing run Carey! 
Love you tons,

Happy Running! 

20 miler with the boys

Gearing up

Abe, cutting his toenails before the long run

Will, striking a pose

Abe, Will and I ventured out onto the trail at about 0900 this past Sunday.  The weather was beautiful; the sun was shining, the birds were singing, there was a nice cool breeze.  Truly it was a perfect day.  Earlier in the morning I planted water in two different spots along the trail (mile 4 and mile 9) It was perfect, I was able to fill up my water belt and the boys had enough to drink as well.  It was nice having two running partners by my side this time around.  It allows for more distraction and conversation.  We finished our run with pizza and beer on the front porch and a little cat nap.  It was a perfect end to all of our hard work.   

Running with two beasts

Tonight I ran with two beasts, one that was black and one that was white...  It was a hot run 84 degrees, the pores are clean.  Looking forward to cooler runs ahead!

Will and I enjoying a cold beer after a 6 miler

Around the corner

Grandma's marathon is around the corner, 39 days and counting!  Every year I get excited for this day.  Actually, I get excited for the whole weekend of events.  Friday, is when we head to Duluth to pick up race packets.  I know this doesn't sound like a fun thing to do, but it is.  It's an opportunity to look around at all of the other runners and feel the energy being created in the room due to excitement.  Thinking about the past 4 months, and how hard all of the bodies in the room have worked to get to this point, is something that I love to think about.  I gaze at peoples shoes, what card they are holding for their race packet (full or half), ages, conversations, shorts and tank tops on the racks, running gear, snacks, beans, gels, free stuff... the list goes on.  Just knowing that everyone in the room will be partaking in the same event, an event that's world class, an event that changes people and allows for hope, an event that I am so proud to be a part of, is enchanting. 

To think that this is going to be my 2nd full marathon, is ludicrous... being I never thought I'd even be able to finish a half marathon!  Starting out, I thought 1 mile was ridiculous!  It's amazing to think of how far I've come, to think of how my body has learned to run.  I'll never forget Miss Lindsay Leno telling me, "If you can do the half, you can do the full... TRUST ME"  She was right, and I now find myself telling others the same thing!  Accomplishing a full , (or even a half for that matter) has allowed me to realize that ANYTHING is possible if you put your mind to it.  It takes motivation, God, and good lungs!

The count down is on, and I can't wait!  I'm praying for cool weather.  In the past Grandma's seems to fall on the hottest day of the year, which if you're anything like me; is not a good thing.  The heat and I don't mix when I'm not running, let alone when I'm running.  I've pushed through half marathons in 80 degree muggy days, doing a full in this is frightening.  Sixty degrees with no humidity and light cool mist would be perfect!  The prayers have begun!

Happy Running!  

Park Point/Boardwalk 16 Miler







I love Duluth, I miss Duluth.  Lake Superior and its vastness encompasses what I feel to be a perfect setting for any adventure or passing of time.  When you put running and Lake Superior in the same sentence, this is better then cheesecake! 





Park Point, Duluth



Lake Superior

 Abe and I ran all of Park point, down to the end by the airport, maneuvered our way through the trails, onto the beach, and back, only to continue, over the lift bridge and to the boardwalk to add on an extra 4 miles.  The weather was absolutely perfect, I'm not sure on the exact temperature, but I was wearing shorts, a tank, and a light wicker.  It was perfect.

 I brought my water belt which supplied my cells with 20 ounces of water for the first 12 miles, then we made a quick pit stop at Abe's parents house (which is on the point) to fill up our water jugs, and scarf down a few dates with organic peanut butter, before pumping out the last 6 miles.  We peeled a banana and ate it on the go as we made our way to the lift bridge. 

By far this was the best run to date.  Not only was the weather perfect, but I felt amazing, and I know Abe did as well.  We kept a good 10 minute mile pace, which was perfect.  We had some good laughs, good conversations, and a nice walk on the beach to cool down. 

The Board Walk

The highlight of this run?  When we were making our way back to Abe's parents house from the board walk, Abe decided to jump on a random  kids skateboard.  Here he is, in his Grandma's Training T-shirt, balancing his 15 mile run down body on a skateboard that's moving ever so quickly on the pavement.  It was surreal and oh so fun to watch!   

I can tell that my body is getting stronger.  I remember after running a half marathon, being so sore, I had a hard time walking down stairs.  After our 16 miler, I wasn't even sore!  This is a good thing!  No injuries as of yet, my sciatica is intact and not flaring up.  Life is good!

Happy Running!

16 minus 10

I didn't get in my long run yesterday, unfortunately my running partner Abe, was feeling a little under the weather.  So we're going to postpone it for now.  My hope is to get in a long one this weekend.  Instead, Wenzyl and I ventured out in 30 degree weather, to enjoy a 6 mile run on the trails around the Forest History Center.  It was an amazing run.  The sound of the trees creaking as the wind blew, water running over rocks and the occasional critter running through the woods. It was chilly, but the air was crisp and had the smell of spring.  I noticed little buds forming on the trees, waiting to bloom, and hoping for warmer days ahead.  We came upon two quarter horses that live at the Center, I saw them through the woods, luckily I leashed Wenzyl before we came upon them.  She was a little spooked, probably because she's never seen a horse before.

 I enjoyed exploring new territory, trying to keep track of direction on the trail that was winding in and out of Red Pines, over creeks and wooden bridges.  I focused on the sounds coming from my feet, as I ran through the non-paved trail.  Crunching branches that had been covered all winter, pine needles and dirt were music to my ears.  It was refreshing to be off of pavement.  There's something that happens when you run through new areas, it's as if you can just keep going with no regard to time or energy.  Maybe it's because you don't know what's around the bend?  Time flies by and before you know it, 6 miles has passed.  I appreciate my surroundings more when they're new.  I feel like my senses are more keen and my eyes take in every little detail.  I'm excited to go back for more this afternoon!

Happy Running!