One More Recap!!!

I just had to share a couple pictures. 

The first and third are one's I purchased through the race photo company. 

(which I just got a couple week's ago)

Working my butt off to get to were I am now has never felt so good. 

I've never been so proud of myself for accomplishing something so big. 

And on such a special day to me and my hubbs. 

Running the streets of Savannah is a day I'll remember forever. 

I'm so glad that this handsome fella was able to be there to watch me cross the finish line. Although he was enjoying a nice yummy breakfast while I crossed the start line, having him there at the end made it all worth it. Sweet Sweet Victory!!! 

1% of American's actually run a Marathon and I'm apart of that 1%, such a wonderful moment.

I can't wait to take on my next running adventure. I've already signed up for a Half Marathon in March in my area. Its actually the one I ran this past March which was my first one. My goal is to improve my finish time all while helping a dear friend of mine train for her first Half Marathon. 

My First 26.2!!

The morning started off EARLY 4:30am EARLY to be exact. I rolls over and told the hubbs I wanted to sleep in and didn't wanna run. Mainly because I was tired and it was so freaking early. I knew I couldn't do that I had to run, not only would I be letting others down if I didn't but most important I'd be letting myself down. I some how managed to pull myself out of bed and got ready. I knew once I got up and moving I would be fine. We left the hotel about 5:45am to make it down to the start line by about 6am. I wanted to make sure I was early enough to find my spot in the corral and not be rushed. The hubbs dropped me off with two of his buddies he works with that were also running the Full. I hung out with them for the morning while the hubbs went and got breakfast at Waffle House and then back to the hotel for a nap. About 6:40am we turned in our bag with our jackets and I made my way just about to the front of the start line to fine Kelly and say hello to her before the race started. We were in completely different corral numbers based on our finish time. We weren't sure if we'd see each other pre-race just because of the amount of people and craziness that was going to be going on. It def. gave me that extra little bit of boost that I needed getting a good luck hug from her. 7am rolled around and corral 1 started, then corral 2, 3, 4, 5, and finally corral 19 which was me. At 7:24am I crossed the start line to my very first Marathon, I literally had tears in my eyes with excitement that I was actually doing this. I couldn't believe it, I had been training for this day for the last 5 months and it was finally here. I started off running the first half mile with a Pacer, I did this with my first half marathon and I really enjoyed it. That however didn't last long, I left her and the rest of the group shortly after we started. Her pace plan was good for her and others if you trained the way she ran but I didn't. She ran 0.40 miles and then she would walk 0.10 miles and then run 0.40 miles and walk 0.10 miles ect. They planned to do this the entire race. To me that was just did not make sense for me to stick with them. I trained to run the entire race and I knew I could, there was no reason I couldn't. Leaving and getting ahead of them I was guaranteed to come in under my goal time, with the idea that nothing happened and I was able to stick with it. The race was the Savannah Rock n Roll Marathon Series, it was the 3rd year that city had hosted the race. The Bands SUCKED big time, the course wasn't bad at all it was 98% flat which was a huge plus for me because I trained in one of the most hilliest cities in South Carolina. I'm strong on hills and can push through to the top no problem but 26.2 miles of flat is gravy in most cases. Around mile 16 my right knee started giving me a lot of trouble. I had the same pain 2 weeks prior to race weekend but it had gone away. I was literally almost in tears running through that stretch of the race. I texted Kelly as I was running and told her I was hurting, she asked what and were and I told her. She asked me what mile I was at and I told her. She reminded me I just had 10 miles to go and to pouch through. She told me to stop at the next Medic Station to see if they could do anything and I did. It was a quick 45 second stop for Tylenol and some biofreeze spray and I was back on my way. The porta potties that were just around the corner were completely empty so I stopped for a quick potty break that literally lasted 15 seconds and I was back on the road. I some how broke off one of the ear buds to my head phones but I was doing good. I was pretty sure that pace group was still behind me because I didn't see them ahead of me at all and I was only out of sight for literally 15 seconds. I pushed along and managed to keep going, thinking of how proud I was of myself for getting this far. Only 1% of the population can say that they've ran a Marathon and I was going to be in that 1%. Around mile 18 or 19 the pace group caught up with me but I was still going strong and doing good. I stuck with them through mile 22 or so doing their run 0.40 walk 0.10 run 0.40 walk 0.10 but it eventually got to be to much and I just continued to run ahead as I did before. At one point the pace group passed me, I was still running but my pace had slowed down a bit. I knew if I was going to finish the race I needed to keep my head in the game and not worry about trying to stick up with them. I had / still had a goal finish time that I was going for but at this point I just wanted to finish. I swore I'd never do this again. I had planned to run a marathon before I was 30, it was on my 30 b4 30 list. As I was running a sweet girl started talking to me and clicked right away, we continued to talk a little exchanging conversations. At one point as we were heading back on the home stretch I was having a hard time and though I wasn't going to be able to make it. She asked if I was ok and I told her yes I just was ready to be done. She encouraged me and kept me going, gave me some great advice and told me she was sticking with me till the end that we were going to finish together. At about mile 22 I asked her, her name Ali it was. I'll never forget her, we talked, laughed even struggled a bit but we sucked it up and pushed on. I told her about my Mamaw being in the hospital, she told me about how she came to run the Sav. RnR. It was also her first full marathon, and she said probably her last. lol. At mile 24 I texted Kelly and told her I had "2 freaking miles left". I pushed in and dug deep and gave it all I had to get to the finish line. Ali and I still going strong together, we passed about 6 or  7 photographer on those last couple of miles and totally cheesed it up. Just pass the 26 mile marker I heard Kelly yelling my name as she was running towards me along the side. We had tears in our eyes, I yelled back at her, I was SOOO EXCITED to see her. She ran along my side, I introduced her to Ali and she told us we were almost there. I asked her if she had seen the hubbs if he was at the finish and she said yes he was there waiting. I couldn't wait for him to see me complete my first marathon. Literally right around the corner she said. We entered the finished lane and I told Ali to come on…..we sprinted to the finish line, I don't know how I still had any energy in me but I pulled it out and did it. I didn't know it till after the fact but Kelly was running along the right side videoing as I crossed the finish line. It was one of the proudest moments of my life, I had just ran a Marathon, 26.2 freaking miles and I did it proudly. My goal finish time was 5 hours and 30 minutes, I came in just 8 minutes and  34 seconds over my goal time. A bit disappointed in myself because I though if I wouldn't have walked those 2 half mile stretches at one point I could have made it right at 5 hours and 30 minutes. I crossed the finish line was handed my metal and a bottle of water. I felt like I was going to throw up right there I stopped looking all around me to find a place were there wasn't any people were I could throw up. This man on the side lines yelled and said keep moving, I wanted to tell him to shut the heck up but I didn't. I gathered myself and looked up just as I did I saw the hubbs walking down to were I was. I gave him the biggest sweatiest hug ever, almost in tears I was so happy. I did it I finished and he was there to see me do it and it was our 6 Year Wedding Anniversary what a better way to spend the day!!! Kelly came around and gave me the biggest hug ever. She and her friend Cynthia had ran the half so they finished a while ago and had already gone back to their hotel showered and changed. Lucky Dogs. Kelly had a Monogrammed pullover made for me for a Marathon Finishers gift. It was so cute, I love it. She tied it around my waste and we of course had to take a few pictures documenting one of the best days ever. The four of us headed out to lunch downtown before we headed on back to Cola. Not that I just ran 26.2 miles but I had to walk half a mile to a place for us to eat. I guess it was better than walking back to the car, and driving around some were right. I'll never forget my First Marathon experience, I said towards the end of the race to Ali I was never going to do this again and she said that same thing but now after the experience and recovering and seeing that I am bigger and strong than I let me mind know, I know I really could do it again and I just may. Running is my therapy and I couldn't imagine not doing it. Although half marathons seem so much more manageable running a full is something not many people can say they've ever done. I have to thank my new sweet friend Ali for helping me and getting to the finish line with me. I know she needed me just as much as I needed her, we exchanged numbers and bf's at the end and plan to run another race together at some point. Here are a few of the pictures from my big day. I still haven't decided which ones I'm going to purchase from the ones the race people took but once I do and get them I'll be sure to share. But until them I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Sweet 16!!!

This morning I was set out to run my longest run to date ever. I've mentioned before how I've started running with a running group on Saturday mornings. This has got to have been the best decision ever, running with them that is. I've gotten in some extra long runs that I may not have been able to other wise. Its helped me do a good amount of the training on my own because K isn't able to train with me as much because of her job change. I've also found a few new area's to run in with longer straight stretches and that's so much nicer than the constant turn here, turn here then turn here. Its worked out great and because we were scheduled to run 8 miles today and I needed to run a total of 16 miles. YIKES!!!! K suggested that I park at her house and run the 3.5 almost 4 miles from her house to the school were we meet up and then the 8 miles with them and then 4 miles back to make a total of 16 miles. Ok doesn't sound to bad right.....except for the fact that it means I had to get up a hour earlier than I normally do because I had to meet the group at 7:30. I figure if I started at 6:30 I could get more than the 4 miles in and have less to do on the back end on my way home. It still sounded way to freaking early but you know what I sucked it up and did it. I was a little ok ALOT nervous about running so early in the morning before the sun came up by myself. I tend to freak myself out way to much but you can't help it with all the crazy people in the world now days. I got out of the neighborhood as quickly as I could and on to the main streets (which aren't super busy that early in the morning so that's a bonus) just rounding the 2nd to last long stretch before the school the sun started to come out a little and it was getting brighter out. I started seeing more people out running and it made me feel at ease a little more. I met up with the running group and we headed out right then on our route. I was able to stay up to pace with two other runners and we chatted the whole time at a good pace which helped the time and mileage go by pretty quickly. Once we finally made it back to the school I simply looped around and knew I was on the home stretch back to my car only 4 miles to go and I was good. I ended up having to take a gu pack at mile 12 and a quick sip of water from a water station another running group had set up. (I don't run with water) I was golden for my trip back. I made it all the way with only having two short red light stops. The last mile I was struggling a bit as it was up hill a good amount of the way, my knees were hurting and I wanted to trough in the towel but I sucked it up and did it. I avoided going by my car till I was right at 16.00 miles because I didn't want to be tempted to stop. Although I'm a very determined and strong willed person I wouldn't have given in early still it was tempting. I was so proud of myself and relived that it was over and I had just run my longest run ever, but the disappointing part about it was there was no one to celebrate it with. See the hubbs was home asleep at CQ (24 hour duty) so I dare not call him, K was gone and wasn't getting back to me, I called my brother but he was asleep. My excitement was short lived as I headed home to get cleaned up and then out to the commissary for my month grocery shopping trip. But I'm proud to say I ran 16 that's SIXTEEN miles straight for the very first time ever and I felt great 85% of the time. That's something to be proud about and talk about right!?!?!?!? This next Saturday coming up is my 18 mile run, just adding on those miles, 2 at a time from here on out. I've got exactly 5 weeks to go and that means CRUNCH time. My goal is to get to at least 23-24 miles before my marathon, I'm not going to try and make it all the way to 26, as I want my marathon to be my first 26.2 miles. After Saturday's run I feel as though I CAN run the entire race. Prior over the last 3 weeks or so I've had a game plan to run 6 miles walk .5 miles, run 6 miles walk .5 miles etc, that sounds do able right?!?! But I "think" I can possibly run the whole 26.2, I've said all along I just want to finish strong and proudly but I would be lying if I said I didn't have a goal time to complete the race in because I do. We will see, I still have just over a month of training left and I'm talking full advantage of it!!!

I know you are all probably so board and over my running post, and I'm sorry. I've always wanted to keep track and be able to look back on my life (our life as a couple) and this has been a huge part of my life over the last few years and it will continue to do so as long as I can run. I promise though we have some exciting things coming up our way over the next couple months and I plan to fill you in on all of that as well. I'm still contemplating taking the rest of November off from running after my race but I probably won't. I don't know we will see how I feel. Thank you to each and everyone of you for sticking around and supporting me and following along as I train through the pain, the good and the bad..... for my first half marathon (which was this past March) and now for my first full marathon. 

Your support and encouraging words mean more to me than you will ever know. 

Picking up the Pace

"last Saturday's 5 mile run"

Last Saturday I ran 5 miles with the Trenholm Road Runners group I joined. Sunday (the day after) I woke up bright and early to get in a long run in with Kelly. I was a little sore from the day before but felt good and knew I needed to get in the miles. We did a good 8 mile run and I was really feeling it the last mile. I had to pee like a race horse but refused to stop because I knew I wouldn't want to finish. My legs started to get shaking and my stomach was starting to hurt. There was just a couple blocks left to get back to Kelly's house and I was pushing it with my last bit of steam. I'm pretty sure I could of passed out in her drive way the second I hit her house. I completely forgot about having to use the restroom. It was a much needed run together but after the fact I was a bit butt hurt with myself at how much I slacked on that last mile but in my defense I ran 5 the day before. 

"last Sunday's 8 mile run"

This morning was another long run, although I didn't go into it with that in mind. I almost didn't even make it to meet with the Trenholm Road Runners. I though I left the house on time but after I got in the car and headed off post I had 10 minutes to get to our meeting place. Thankfully I made it just in time, how ever once we set off on our run I wasn't feeling it for the first half mile. I felt rushed getting there and then my hair was falling down and bouncing on my head. Seriously it was so annoying. I didn't want to stop and fix it because I'd fall behind the group. I did my best to put it back up in a bun while running and it seemed to work. My head was back in the game and I was on my way. I kept going back and forth on weather I wanted to add miles on at the end or not. I figured I'd see how I felt when I was done.

 On my way to the meet this morning I had a new supplement drink mix a friend from Texas sent me. Have you ever heard of Advocare? I had before but had never used any of their products till now. The mix I used this morning was called "Spark", it has 45 calories and is sugar free. It helps enhance mental energy and focus, it also provides support for long-lasting energy. I am not one to use "extra" supplements or powder mixes or pills to help with running or working out. I watch my diet and eat in moderation and make healthier choices. However L sent it to me knowing I'm training for a Marathon. She has had several other runners use the same products and they've had great results. I figured the worst that would happen would be I wouldn't notice a difference, I have a horrible run because it didn't set well with my stomach OR it actually would help and makes a difference. 

Once we got just before mile 5 almost to our finishing point I was still on the fence on weather or not I was going to continue and add miles on. It wasn't till the group made the last right turn almost into the parking lot were we where parked was it that I decided to stay straight and go on. I was filling good, weather that be from the "Spark" or not I don't know. I figured I'd get in a extra mile or maybe two. I followed the road and kept going, figured it would loop around to were I was parked eventually. And that it did. I was at 6.69 miles at that point 3 more and I would be at 10 miles. I decided to circle around again and make it a even 10 miles but that wasn't a big enough circle, I had to loop around another time and a half. I was doing good all the way up until about mile 9.2, I hit a wall and wanted to be done. I kept going I was determined to make it a even 10 miles. I kept telling myself that I had less than a mile to go "LESS THAN A MILE TIFFANY", you can do this. I knew not matter how much I was hurting in the moment I would be hating myself for quitting early. Its all a mental game for me, I let things get in my head while training for my half in the spring and I'm not letting that happen this time. 

"today's 10 mile run"

I'm proud to say I completed a unexpected 10 mile run this morning and couldn't be happier. 

I have just over 2 month of training time left before my big race. I have a plan in my head as far as training and its been going well. As long as I continue with it I think I will be ready come November 9th. I also have a plan on how I'm going to run the Marathon and hopefully it will all work out. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a goal finish time but I know the most important thing is to just finish. No matter what after wards I know I'm going to be so excited to say I've officially ran and finished my first marathon. That's a lot more than most people can say. 

After my run this morning I had plans to make my way over to Fleet Feet to look in to getting new kicks. I wasn't excited about it so much because I love love my current shoes. We've shared many many miles together almost 300 miles to be exact. Most running shoes have a life time of 300-500 miles, minimalist shoes are on the lower end of that mile count. And that's what I run in, not having a arch in either of my ankles having a fully supported shoe just doesn't work well for me. I am currently running in the original Brooks Pure Flow but they no longer make them. The new version has me worried with the mixed reviews and I'm not 100% sold on them. I am a firm believe in Fleet Feet and what they offer, their service is amazing and they offer a Military discount so you can't beat that. I went in told them what was going on, my training and what I'm working towards. I tired on the new Pure Flow 2 and also the Pure Cadence 2 went for a quick jog outside the store in both to test them out and ultimately walked out with the Brooks Pure Cadence 2. They were both very similar but the Pure Cadence 2 had a bit more cushion then the Pure Flow 2 and I don't know any one that would ever complain about that. I'll probably take them for a short run on Monday morning to see how I like them. Thankfully with Fleet Feet even after a good month if I don't like them or I'm not 100% happy I can take them back and exchange them for something else. I'm really hoping they work out though because I don't want to have to get used to another new shoe. And if they do and I grow to love them just as much as I did my other ones I may just go ahead and buy a 2nd pair to have on hand for when these go. 

Work and Running consumed most of my life right now which really isn't all that bad since the husband picked up a new cycle last week. His Battalion Graduates on Halloween and he will only have two weeks off before picking up again. I'm not complaining though because I need these next two months to fully focus on my training. I wont feel guilty doing so and leaving him at home because he'll be at work. Thankfully he will be on cycle break for the race which just so happens to be the same day as our anniversary. I'm looking forward to a little Marathon / Anniversary get away in Savannah, Georgia. 

1st Platoon Titans 

 

Weekly Review....

Its kinda become a routine around this here blog of mine since we don't have much going on right now.

*Monday~                  During my lunch break from work I decided to get my run out of the way for the day. I headed to The RiverFront Park down town in the Vista area to work on some interval training. I'm trying to slowly but surly get a little faster on my runs. I'm not trying to do this so I can finish the Marathon at a faster time but simply to make myself stronger and to eventually run at a faster pace all the way around. It was a HOT summer day but I pushed through and was so proud of myself. 

                                  This is the 2nd to last week for this cycle that we are in. The SIT in training Graduate NEXT Thursday. Come.On.Cycle.Break. So that means this week is Vic. Forge week. This is were the SIT stay out in the field all week Mon-Fri. and put everything to the text that they have learned over the last 9 weeks. This also means that the hubbs has to stay out there as well, he might get to come home one night but we aren't holding our breath. He needed a few things from home so I made the 20 minute drive out to the range after dinner tonight and was so happy to see him when he pulled up.

*Wednesday~      I headed back out to the RiverFront Park on my lunch to get another run in because I had Spin class later that evening after work. A co-worker went with me and it made the run go by much quicker. She is slowly getting into running and working out more so it was nice to talk to her about it and help encourage her along. It was hot of course but thankfully not nearly as bad as Monday. That evening after work I headed up to Jamie Scott Fitness were my girl Kelly was teaching Spin class. I absolutely fell in love with spin last spring but after a brutal run day adding that in I was feeling it that night. I always try to push myself as much as I can because I figure if I don't I'm simply wasting my time and money paying for the class. So no matter how hard it hurt I gave it my all. I know I'm only helping myself and when my Marathon Day gets here I'll be so happy I put forth the extra work. 

*Thursday~              It was another run day this time after work with Kelly and sweet little Luc. We waited a little later in the evening to go hoping it wouldn't be as hot. Boy were we wrong, it might have been a degree's or two cooler but not much. Never the less it was a good run and we made it through. Since we are planing to do a long-ish run on Sunday we kept it short today, not to over work ourselves to much. The hubbs was able to come home tonight after some back and forth with some of the other Drill SGT. I was so happy because he was able to get ready for the board he was selected to go to on Friday. (side note: he didn't make it- it was for drill sgt of the month, he said some new guy got it..lame) We cooked dinner together (picture fail, but it was good) I picked up the house while he study and we called it a early night. 

*Friday~                   It was so nice being able to wake up to him Friday morning before we both went off to work. That doesn't happen very ofter for us because he has to be in so early. Getting ready and being able to spend some time together made for a great way to start my Friday. Even though he as to work this weekend it put a smile on my face to have that time with him. That evening when I got home I finished up dinner (Hello Crock Pot) and got it in the oven. We double teamed it and cleaned the back yard and mowed, followed by the ever so lovely laundry. I tried to get some of my normal weekendly duties done tonight so I wouldn't have to worry with it as much this weekend. 

                                  No plans as of yet for the weekend, other than cleaning up the house and getting somethings organized. I might make a trip to the local Soda City Market (no its not a soda as in coke market, that's just the name) on Saturday to take a walk around but we shall see. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!!! 

I'll leave you with this one last picture I borrowed from a fellow runner......

I believe I can do it and I will do it....come on November 9th.....its just gonna be me, some tunes and the streets. 

        

Wishing Time Would Slow Down

1) Mid-afternoon Interval run on my lunch break during work. Working on my speed, trying to get faster!!! It was hella hot out but come 5pm when I was able to go straight home, I was so glad I got it done and out of the way for the day. 

2) Feeling a little exhausted after a good long run after work last week, so I decided to lay out on the back porch with the pups. Progress is perfection and I'm working towards it. 

3) This week is Vic Forge, so the hubbs is out in the field all week. He needed a few things from home and of course I'll never say no to taking anything to him. Especially if it means seeing him pull up lookin like a stud muffin. 

4) I officially have become addicted to monogrammed EVERYTHING, Kelly got me a new Camelbak and had my initials monogrammed on it. It was a good luck in training for your first Full Marathon gift. I absolutely LOVE it. 

5) The hubbs has been working some long crazy hours here lately. That's what happens towards the end of each cycle but for some reason this cycle has been extra draining. He went to bed right after dinner one night the week before last and I was completely heart broken because we hadn't had much time together at all. I woke up to this sweet note on top of the crock pot. Seriously he melts my heart. 

6) I'm really trying to add in as much cross training as I can in preparation's for my First Full Marathon. With that being said I've decided to go back to the pool on post at least once a week and swim laps. I used to be really good about going but as you all know life gets in the way and I just found my going less and less. Almost down to the 3 month mark so its serious crunch time. 

Baby it's HOT outside....

Hot or Cold, Rain or Shine I've got my booty out there on the streets hitting the pavement almost every other day. I've got exactly 5 months before my first full marathon (that I still haven't signed up for, don't worry I will get there lol) I've been working on my time a lot here lately. Doing a Full Marathon has given me a lot of motivation to kick my butt in high speed and push myself even more than I ever have.

I absolutely LOVE running there's not denying that but running in the horrible heat we are having right now is killer. I'm doing my best to push through it no matter what. I'm sure here soon I'm going to have to wait and go later in the evening's or even worse get up super early before work and go running. YIKES!!!!! For now though I will muster through the heat and Keep Calm and Keep On. 

This evening while doing some catching up on line and sorting through pictures I happen to glance down at my computer screen and see this lovely advertisement below. Is this a sign that I need to get my butt in gear and sign up already or what. The date is the only thing holding me back, I know I'll do it I just need to gather and pull myself together on what else is taking place on that day. 

This evening I did a little speed training, went for a bit of a shorter distance but picked up my pace quite a bit and felt great about it. I just need to work on keep that pace during longer distances. One step at a time though. I didn't get were I am over night so I certainly wont do that with this either. But in due time I'll be there!!!