I ran into 2009!!

It was freezing and windy!!! I completed the Fairfax Four Miler tonite on New Year's Eve. Temp was around 20F, but windchill made it feel like teens. Wind gusts were reported up to 50 miles/hr. And when I got home and checked the event website for the Results, here's what I found (besides that the results weren't ready yet):

** RACE DAY ALERT!! **

Due to safety concerns with high winds and downed power lines, we have to re-route the course. We will have the event.... however, it will be uncertified course.

It was originally one big four-mile loop, but now it was changed to 4 one-mile loops, which included a few hills to run up. I remember running up the hills about 3 times and having the wind blow against my face... fun!! :-) Running at nite time was awesome tho!! That was one of the motivations for doing the run... race at nite! After the first mile, I warmed up and forgot how cold it was (except for when I was running up the hills against the wind)... rumor is that there were 1,800 registered runners in the Fairfax Four tonite. It was a lot of fun... and I got an awesome zip-up Nike sweatshirt when I finished. I think I'm going to be happy with my finish time... my friend said he thinks he saw the time when I crossed, so I might have improved my time. Just like with the Jingle All The Way 10K, I wanted to have fun and do something different for New Year's Eve. :-)

Oh and I tried new socks... Balega Socks... from Potomac Running Store... they felt awesome! Now, I know why everyone highly recommends them. :-)

Here's one more picture... me right after the race in front of Pacer's Running Store (sponsor):

I'm really glad I ended 2008 running and it's awesome I will be completing my first Half Marathon in January to start 2009. I feel great and am thankful for friends' & family's support to make all this happen for me and to be able to cross the finish line in Miami on Jan 25... most importantly, getting closer to finding the cure for Crohn's & Colitis. Thank you & Happy New Year 2009!!! I hope everyone has a safe & fun time celebrating the new year!!

Week 13 Summary - most miles!!

This is a short, quick post to keep record of reaching the most miles (22) I have run in one week time so far... and it all started with the Jingle All The Way 10K!!

•  Dec 14: Jingle All The Way 10K was awesome!
  
•  Dec 15: Ran 4 miles to Lincoln
  
•  Dec 17: Ran 4 miles to Lincoln
•  Dec 18: Ran 50 mins all over downtown DC
•  Dec 20: Ran > 9 miles @ Burke Lake Park

I believe my previous post back in October, was right about banking miles help you in future.  It's great to be able to see my progress since I started in September.  Thanks to everyone for your support and help!  Miami is only 3 weeks away, and I'm only $600 away from the required minimum to run!!

I was so happy and proud when I saw an advertisement for Team Challenge - ING Direct Miami Half Marathon in CCFA Take Charge monthly newsletter.  It emphasized the importance of who is behind Team Challenge.  For the past 40 years, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) has paved the way to find a cure for Crohn's and Colitis.  CCFA created the first dedicated research program to change the course of treatments and search for a cure.  The future has never been brighter and new breakthroughs our on the horizon.  

Thank you for supporting me with DC Team Challenge so we can get to the finish line and find a cure!

Pushing myself to 10 miles today!! A great run with Kate

I still have the cold and I ran 6 miles yesterday.... but what's 10 more? lol I met Kate today for a run in Rock Creek Park. She was great to plan out the run - 5 miles to DC-Maryland Border and back, so that gave us our 10 mile goal for today. I didn't pay attention to the time, since I was more concerned w/ being able to go the distance.... but we kept our same pace and even pushed ourselves when we saw the DC-MD Border sign. We're great support for each other!! :-)

Here's a quick picture of us when we reached the DC-MD Border (one entrance to park):

I was smart and brought a few tissues today... that helped so I could give myself some relief w/ this cold. Kate & I both noticed around the 6 mile mark

that we were thirsty and our mouths were getting dry... so this probably had something to do with hitting the so called Wall so early today. We helped each other by staying positive and motivating each other to the finish.

We went to Potomac Running Store afterwards and bought some PowerBar Gel Blasts and Clif Shot Bloks. A couple other DC Team Challenge teammates had these in previous long runs, so it was great they let us try a couple (Thanks Lynn!) and we knew we liked them. The Blasts and Blocks are perfect to help w/ electrolyte intake during these long endurance runs.

Potomac Running Store is great and our Running Coach for DC Team Challenge is a manager there. They just opened a Cleveland Park store right off the Metro - perfect after a run at Rock Creek Park. :-)

This weekend, I made up for my rest during the week because of the holiday. It was great to test myself and see what I could do after a long rest and having the cold. I'll keep providing updates this week w/ my lunchtime runs w/ Jeremy. And Kate is going to try to meet up with us, since she works in DC, too. Jeremy will have two girls chasing him! lol

I have great news, too!! Kate surpassed the goal of $3,600 and has a new goal of $4000, which she is doing awesome to already being close to that! I'm just shy of the $3,000 mark, so getting close to the $3,600 minimum required to run in Miami. Kate & I hit the 10 mile mark today, so I know I'm right behind her with my fundraising.

All donations - no matter the size helps! Thanks for all my friends & family (Virtual Runners) who have contributed and supported me in this great cause.

I hope everyone had a great holiday and looking fwd to a great New Year! 2009 is going to start off great finishing in Miami!

I have a cold and it's warm outside today??!?!?

It didn't feel like December at all today... felt more like an early Spring or Autumn day.  It was unseasonably warm.  A new friend from an Area Running Meetup Group emailed me about running around Old Town Alexandria.  At first I wasn't sure b/c not running all week with the Christmas holiday and being home in NJ - I know excuses, excuses!  But when I arrived back to DC Metro area last nite, I realized I was getting a cold. :-(

Anyway waking up this morning, I emailed my friend Kate as planned to see about meeting up for a run, but she had said tomorrow was better for her - so that worked for me!  We're meeting at a new place tomorrow that neither of us have run... I'll tell you how it goes!

Well, today I got that email from a friend, and I told him my running plans with a friend changed for today, so I'd be interested in meeting today for a run.  We ran  6 miles!  and it was a fun run starting at Eisenhower Metro Station and along the avenue to a run/bike trail to the Alexandria Library and around a park area.  I surprised myself and kept to my running and not worrying about my time or speed - I couldn't find my watch before I left to meet him anyway, lol.

How do I feel after running w/ a cold?  Great!  Much better than I did when I left to meet him and much better after the first mile or so I ran.... I feel like my head is clearer and I'm breathing better... so having a cold isn't a good excuse to not run anymore.... or at least I'll be more apt to give it a try next time, too.. in hopes to feel better again. :-)

The best place for my longest run so far...

I did it!! Well almost... I've been wondering when I would hit the 10 mile mark, but I came super close today.  DC Team Challenge met up at Burke Lake Park, VA and we ran around the lake twice.  It's not a small lake... between 4.5 and 4.7 miles once around... and has a great run/walk/bike trail.... so we ran somwhere between 9 and 9.5 miles.  For the most part it's gravel & dirt paths, with the occasional paved bit near parking areas.  The trail is very scenic by the lake with some great clearings where you can look over to the other side of the lake.  I noticed some geese and squirrels running around this morning.  The sun was not shining much today (hopefully that means it was in Denmark!), so it was an overcast, grey sky with  chill in the air, but not wind... so it was good weather for a long run.

The Burke Lake Park was an excellent location for my longest run of more than 9 miles... I believe how the goal distance of the day was split in half around the lake, it was very motivating.  Because as soon as you ran around the lake once, you knew you could do it again... or maybe it was I just kept going and then before you know it you're about 1/4 away around the lake, so you might as well keep going.  And just like Jeremy told me during our lunchtime run, if you continue running, you'll get back faster! lol Such great common sense advice... but it really works when you're out there running.  Plus I remember that training quote from a previous post saying every mile you run, adds to your bank (of endurance).... so 13.1 miles really has been getting closer with every run I complete.

I've noticed during the chilly months, as we approached December and with the occasional below 30 or low 40s, my body warmed up after the first mile and after 3 miles I was breathing regularly with the cold air not bothering me so much.  I still have to figure out the best way to handle a runny nose in the cold weather.... I hate to keep sniffling and can't wait to get a tissue when I finish running.... but maybe this won't be a problem to worry about in Miami in the 60/70F weather... I can't wait!! It's amazing how your body adapts to the climate and change in temperature, while at the same time allowing itself to build an endurance to longer runs.  I believe running gives me a new appreciation for my body and more of what I'm capable of doing.... so that's awesome!

Today's run was fun... I met up with Kate and we always motivate and cheer each other on.  We comfortably ran at the same pace and are definitely looking forward to Miami to cross that Finish Line together!!  The first lap around the lake wasn't too bad... I remember seeing the 3.5 mile marker and thinking how fast that went.  When I saw the 3.5 mile marker for a second time, I was really proud of us!! We were doing it!!  Our Team Coaches were awesome and had a table set up with quick water and snacks for us at around the 4+ mile marker... The DC Team Challenge is really a great experience and an awesome bunch of people who are trying to hit the $3,600 minimum goal to run, but we all have the same goal to run across that 13.1 mile Finish Line & Find a Cure!!!

Christmas is this week, but I'm going to try my best to keep up 

with my training and not let myself slack off.  I commented to a friend tonite though, about how I relaxed during the Thanksgiving holiday week and it didn't hurt me the following week.  Actually I believe it may have been a great rest for my body.... the only thing is the disappointment I get from not seeing the miles up during that week - so I guess running really can be a mental game after all. :-)

I'm looking forward to my next long run... I'll keep you posted on my training for the upcoming week and how I'm progressing towards that 10 mile mark!!  13.1 miles isn't that far anymore and neither is Miami!!!! Jan 25th will be here before we know it!!

I don't think I could map out today's run!

Today was fun to run w/ Jeremy @ lunchtime.  When we started I commented that I was bored with running to Lincoln Memorial this week... imagine that! bored of running to Lincoln, and ever since I moved to DC Metro I always wanted to run to and around any of the Memorials.

Jeremy did a great job running anywhere and everywhere!  We started out as usual from our office bldg - a block from the Capitol Bldg & the Mall - and ran on the opposite side of Independence Avenue than we normally run.  Then Jeremy made a left turn at the light and we ran towards the Potomac River by L'Enfant Plaza.  We ran down towards the river in the direction of the Tidal Basin where I remember sneaking through to get to the Cherry Blossoms in the spring time during the festival.  If you visit DC, that's the time to come - April - when the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom.  They're beautiful!!  Plus by April, the millions of people expected for Obama's Inaugural Event in January, will have been long gone!  It's going to be crazy in DC... and I'll be running around them all - ha ha!

There's also a Chesapeake Seafood place that sells fresh fish year round... always lots of tourists there and it's within walking distance of the Tidal Basin.  I have yet to get anything from there... then we headed back to the Washington Monument and across the National Mall towards Chinatown, The National Archives, FBI Hoover Building (a friend of mine who's an agent took me to lunch there, it was awesome!), by the National Building Museum... mentioning these federal buildings reminds me of when I awarded & administered the security guard contracts for these buildings.  Minus the FBI Building of course!!  Oh and that reminds me, we did run by the huge, gigantic Ronald Reagan Building... that was the best security guard contract I had while working @ Federal Protective Services HQ.  We ran by so many important places... then again it's DC... National Air & Space Museum, Old Smithsonian Castle, Dept of Agriculture....

I think I've gone off target with this post and need to concentrate more on how my running went today.  We ran for 50 mins, so that would mean about 4-5 miles.  I'm taking tomorrow off with running and relaxing my legs to get them ready for a long run with Kate on Saturday morning along with DC Team Challenge.  Kate is a lot of fun to run with... so I'm glad she mentioned setting a distance goal for us to run together on Saturday morning.  I'll continue to keep you posted how the running goes.... This is one of the best challenges I have committed to and so glad friends & family are supporting me and the great cause for CCFA - Thank you!!

Change really does make a difference!

I'm not referring to Obama's campaign slogan... I saved 2 Jack Daniel's bottles with change and that turned into $269.35!!  I couldn't wait to get home and enter the amount into my fundraiser page and to top it all off with some help from friends' donations today... 

I hit the 75% mark!!  Thanks EVERYONE that helped me reach 75% !!!

The last few days have been great for me - Running my first 10K, saving over $200 with spare change, and hitting the 75% mark!!  I'm almost there.... thanks for everyone's support and cheers!  It's a lot of fun when you know friends & family care about something that means so much to you.  Colitis isn't the most fun disease to have, but it's given me the opportunity to help raise awareness to people, raise money for a great organization CCFA, and truly feel great running with others who suffer the same disease as me or know someone who does.  Turning something negative into positive is what it's all about! :-)

Crossing the finish line in Miami is all about finding a cure for a really horrible disease that so many children and people shouldn't have to live with.  I probably should have done it earlier, but here's a link to CCFA that provides information about the diseases - Crohn's and Colitis.

8am, 30F degrees, & Jingle Bells on all our shoes

It was a great run... It was my first 10K run!!  I'm so excited how I great I felt before, during and after.  There was about 10 of us from the Team Challenge that met to run the Jingle All The Way 10K today.

I was surprised when I learned there were over 4,000 runners in the race and was even more surprised when we all lined up at the Start Line with no problems.  Of  course it was a mob of people all gathered... this was the best way to start - all of us huddled together, blocking the wind and chill from each other.  Everyone was wearing their jingle bells on their shoes... so it was great to hear us all start to run.  

Every kilometer was marked, which proved to be very motivating.  And as you can see from the course map on the left, we ran so far and then circled back to return to the Start Line, which was now the FINISH LINE.  I found this to be great for my first run.  We ran along the Potomac River, which was pretty with the sun shining, but also was chilly by the water.  It was an even, flat course, with a minor hill to cross a small bridge... but nothing like Jeremy & I run during lunchtime like over the 14th St Bridge or behind Thomas Jefferson Memorial.  So I was ready - Thanks, Jeremy! lol

I ran with my friend, Kate, during the race.... funny how I planned to run with Elizabeth, but with so many people there it just didn't work out.  Anyway, the object of the race was to just have fun and enjoy the experience!! Thanks to Sherry for my 1st Race Great Advice... I jogged some before the race, so my body was ready to go and I also made sure I had fun - thanks Nichole!  And it looks like my next visit to DK, might include a race - so that will be exicting... maybe I'll get Kelli & Mads to run, too. :-)

I felt more than prepared for this race - so thanks to Team Challenge Coaches for great training and Jeremy for all my lunchtime runs.  I didn't break any records, unless there's record for happiness! haha Kate & I crossed the finish line at the same exact time and it's a funny time, too.  We completed the 10K in under 70 mins exactly... 69:59!!  Now, I have my first race time recorded to keep improving.  I remember crossing the 5K line at 37 mins, so I would say I had a good consistent, evenly paced first run.  I'm still learning about things I should pay attention to so I can improve my runs, but I can't do anything wrong if I'm having fun!! :-)

I'm really looking forward to Miami... the warmth, the extra distance (so should be double the fun - ha ha!), and the great cause we're supporting - Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.  I'm still trying my best to reach the fundraising goal and with only $1,000 left; I believe we'll achieve it.... don't forget every donation helps!!

Here's something that one of our coaches shared with us that puts the remaining $1,000 left in perspective and what an impact everyone can have with a small donation ...

If 100 people donated $10 that would be 1,000 bucks for a great cause!! $1,000 can send one child with Crohn's or Colitis to Camp Oasis who may otherwise not be able to go!

 Thanks to all my friends and family supporting me with this great & important cause!!

Jingle All The Way... this Sunday!!

Yesterday was kind of like a preview run for me.  Jeremy had mentioned running over the bridge behind the Thomas Jefferson Memorial with another friend and it was a 6 mile run.  So I told him I'd like to try that one day.... and it was yesterday!  In the rain!!  At least it wasn't cold yesterday, like today, and it wasn't raining hard... it was just misty.

I didn't feel as great as I thought I would, but realized where I didn't prepare myself for the run.  The previous two nights I didn't get a good nite sleep and common sense would tell you that would have a negative impact on one's performance.  But the important thing is that I didn't let that be an excuse to not run... Jeremy wouldn't accept that excuse anyway.  And I remember our Team Challenge Running Coach had us fill out a pre-training questionnaire.  The last question was, "What is your usual excuse for not running?"  I answered, "Tired."  After our answer was, "You are not allowed to use this as a reason not to run anymore."  So I ran the 6 miles over the bridge.

I remember riding my bike to work the first day and actually crossed this same bridge, but then realized the 14th Street Bridge brought me closer to work.  So it was neat to run over the bridge, I first rode my bike over.

I'm really looking forward to the 10K run this weekend on Sunday.  It's the Jingle All The Way 10K and we're given bells to tie to our sneakers during the race... I can't wait!! lol

Run for My Lunch.... literally!!

This week I'v been running for my lunch... well I know I've been doing it for the past few months, but for some reason it stood out today.  It's almost a habit now - I have to run @ lunchtime!  It's a lot of fun and definitely is a good stress reliever.

So in a few days, I'll be competing in my first 10K run.  I'm really excited about that b/c lots of us from Team Challenge will be participating and it will be a good preview for the Miami Half Marathon!!! Miami is only a couple months away - I'm so happy with all the support I've received and for CCFA.  Thank you!!

I'll mention one specific run Jeremy & I completed this week... actually it was Monday!  I mentioned about always wanting to run in DC since I moved here a couple years... but I always wanted to run around the Tidal Basin.  (click "Tidal Basin" to see an ariel view of it... and you can see the Capitol Bldg, where we start our run every lunchtime, in the top center of pic.) 

I missed the Team Challenge run around the Tidal Basin at the beginning of our training bc my niece and sister visited me (remember I did lots of walking that week... and according to Nicole, that still counts!!), so when Jeremy headed for the Jefferson Memorial I was really happy.  We not only ran to the Jefferson Memorial, but passed it and then to the Lincoln Memorial, by the Washington Monument and down the Mall to the Capitol Building... back to our office bdg.  It was a great run!!  I've rode my bike around the Tidal Basin, but now I've ran there, too!! :-)  Jeremy suggested it was a 6 mile run according to what we've run before... but when I did a quick check on run.com website, it came to be about 5.5 miles.... so it was probably 6 miles since Jeremy says I'm not perfect recreating our running routes - I just follow him! :-)

I'm really looking forward to my 10k run... I'll definitely let you know how it goes... I'm not worried about my timing so much as just running the entire course and feeling good at the end.  I'll continue to update you on my running progress... and if you don't see a post, check on the right for my daily running.  

Thanks again for all your support!! Go DC Team Challenge!!! We're going to find a cure for colitis & crohn's!!!

And the Winner is...

Congrats, Paul C!  You won't see Paul's name on the scrolling page for donations, he elected to be anonymous - so much for that, ha ha!! Since I have access to the list of donations,  I believe it was only fair to include his name in the contest.  So when I got home tonite (after dinner), I generated a list.... you might be able to see some of the list in the drawing footage.  

So for every $5 donation, you received 1 ticket in the drawing.  My other sister, Morgan, told me to remove Anna's name from the contest... but that wouldn't be fair... she deserves a chance to win, too, even tho she's my sister.  That's why I recorded the drawing so everyone could see it was done fairly.  Everyone that donated, was entered into the contest... even my favorite Allstate Agent, Debbie Briscoe!  Allstate Insurance is great btw :-)

Thank you for everyone's participation and support.  This was a lot of fun!! 

Let me know if anyone has any other ideas that would make the last couple months of fundraising more fun.... and I'll keep running!!!

Paul C., email me b4 the end of the week to claim your prize! :-)

The Drawing is tonite for Amazon $50 Gift Certificate

Happy December 1st!!
I'll do the drawing tonite when I get home from work... so contest ends tonite @ 8pm. This gives me plenty of time to get home and eat dinner.... umm set up the camera and draw the lucky winner!!

Good Luck to everyone who donated & entered to win. Thanks for everyone's support for my run and Colitis. This contest is ending, but my fundraising continues.... watch for more contests!

I'm so close to the minimum required to run... We have over 60%!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hope everyone has a great holiday!  I'm home in NJ for the week and trying to follow some sort of running schedule.

I'm thankful to be healthy and able to run and for all my family & friends who support me.... Thank you!!!

Happy Hour Success & Running Update

I'll start with letting everyone know how the Happy Hour went for Chris & I on this past Thurs, Nov 20.  It was a big success for us!!  I believe we both needed that to help w/ our fundraising.  Both of our fundraising seemed to plateaued from all the support we were receiving from our friends & family.... so I was trying to look at the Happy Hour as a way for Chris & I to celebrate all of our hard work so far - running and organizing an event together.

It started out slow... Happy Hour began @ 5pm, but as many know lots of ppl are just leaving work at 5pm.  After the first two ppl arrived (Thanks, Jill for being Numero Uno!), it picked up as time went on.  Crystal City Sports Pub provided great drink specials and Half-off Appetizers... plus we had great door prizes from Victoria Secret, Gotta Run, Starbucks, and some cool labeled wines.

So how did we do?  We raised about $900 total!!!  Thanks to everyone that came out and supported Chris & I with running ING Half Marathon for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).

So now the running updates....

This past wkend I didn't feel that great, so I didn't want to push myself with the running, but at the same time I was starting to disappoint myself if I didn't get out there and run soon!  Jeremy was off this week... so I didn't have his motivation, but I got out and ran 3 miles on Friday!!  It was so cold & windy!!  But I didn't run alone... and no I didn't replace Jeremy for skipping out all week (Hope his moving to his new home went well btw), but it's pretty nice how I met a friend on Friday.

I had just started my run around the National Mall to the Washington Monument... and I hear, "Rachel, Rachel."  It was my friend, Lisa..... she was like an angel to be there I told her.  We ran together and toughed out the cold winter weather.  We're going to keep in touch and maybe meet up again, since we both don't work too far from the National Mall.

Now for today's DC Team Challenge run meetup.... I woke around 6am and enjoyed my stuffed egg sandwich for breakfast.  I made sure I had on as much blue & orange + my Team Challenge tshirt for the Team Challenge Spirit contest for this meetup.  I'll mention it now though... next time, I'm not running in a heavy sweatshirt.  I don't believe I'm finding excuses for feeling sluggish today, but it really did feel heavy... and I might be tempted to leave my gloves home next time, too.  But all the running I'm doing each time, helps me get ready for Miami!!

We ran about 7 miles today.... which I felt pretty good about.  I know I can run 6 miles comfortably, so it looks like I'm breaking through to 7 now!!!  And Elizabeth & Lynn were great to run with today... I really liked how we looked out for each other this run.  Also, Lynn let us try something new half way through our run... she shared Starburst chew gummies... not sure of exact name, but they gave us a boost/burst of energy!! Thanks, Lynn!

Thanks again for everyone's support and donations.... I've started to count up and organize how many entries everyone has for the $50 Amazon Gift Card.  I don't know yet if there'll be an extension from Dec 1, bc with the Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaching I'm not sure how many ppl will be interested in reading my running blog lol  So I might extend it a couple weeks, but I'll post the official decision on  or before Dec 1.  I want to have the drawing soon enough before the holidays, so the winner can utilize it for holiday shopping.  Oh, and I believe I'm going to do it as an e-certificate, so you'll get it really quick! :-)

Contest Time!! min $5 donation to WIN $50 @ Amazon

Contest Time: Contribute at least $5 to my Run and be entered to WIN a $50 Amazon gift certificate!! Between now and December 1st, receive one entry in a drawing for every $5 to win a $50 Amazon gift certificate. I'll coordinate with ABC, FOX and CBS to tape the drawing and so you won't miss it, I'll post it here... so you'll know when you WIN!!!

And THANK YOU all so much for your support. I'm up to running at least 6 miles with no problem... so only 7.1 miles to go and Miami here I come!! :-)

I'll cross the finish line with your support... and more importantly we'll find a cure!!

Click here to Donate OR 

Send me an email to find out where to send check.

P.S. The great friends who have already donated, are already entered into this contest- no worries!!

Jingle All The Way... I'm running all the way!

I'm excited... I just registered for the Jingle All The Way 10K!!!  So this will be an excellent preview to Miami Half Marathon is what our Team Manager and Coach are telling us.  I believe it's a great idea, especially since this will be my first official run.  It should help me know what to expect for Miami.

Also, this is great doing a 10K because that's about 6.2 miles.  And everyone knows (if not, check out my training log on the right) that I've ran at least 6 miles already! :-)  So even though a Half Marathon is 13.1 miles, I'm considering myself at the halfway mark for training.  Our Team Manager and Coach assure us that we will be prepared to run in Miami, so long as we follow their suggestions and running plans.  This is really exciting... thanks again for cheering me on!  I'm so happy about finding my new hobby running... or as our Running Coach says "finding your runner's high!"  Jingle All the Way 10K is December 14, so that's almost exactly 1 month away.... what an exciting day today is for me!

Week 9 Summary & Looking fwd to Wk #10 with Happy Hour!

Week 9 Summary of Miles Ran:

11/10: Ran at least 6 miles @ Lunch

11/11: Ran 3 miles w/ Chris

11/12: Ran 4 miles to Lincoln Memorial

Total Miles Ran: 13 miles!!

Weather is getting colder and I think it's affecting my motivation to run... I have a busy weekend coming up so trying to make sure I get good nite sleeps so I don't get sick.  I have the DC Danish Christmas Bazaar and getting ready for Happy Hour @ Crystal City Sports Pub next week.  Everyone is calling out sick at work, but I'm taking my Vitamin C! 

Yesterday 3 and Today 4... Become my Virtual Running Partner!

Yesterday I got a surprise invite to run with a friend from the Team Challenge, Chris, who is an avid runner and she's running in the ING Half Marathon for CCFA, too. I thought it was funny and actually very impressive when she told me that this is first Half Marathon.... but she's ran a Marathon before!! So when she asked me to run last nite, I was really excited and even more excited that we have arranged a Happy Hour @ Crystal City Sports Pub on November 20.

So yesterday we ran a 3 mile loop through Arlington and on the Mt. Vernon Trail. The trail is where I ride my bike to work... this was the first time I ran on the trail and might give it another try this wkend. It really is a great place to run & bike or walk!

Today, I met Jeremy to run @ lunchtime and he and I agreed on running just to and around the Washington Monument.... but when we got to the backside of the Monument, Jeremy kept running along the path but toward the Lincoln Memorial. I asked where he was going... he said we're running to Lincoln. So today was a surprise 4 mile run. I felt much better than I thought I would having just ran last nite... but glad Jeremy was there to encourage me to run a little more today.

Thanks again for everyone's support and contributions to CCFA for me so I can run. I'm almost at the 50% mark, so getting more and more excited! I have to meet this $3,600 minimum goal to be able to run... so you're literally helping me cross the finish line when you donate!!

I'll do all the running... just become my virtual running partner by contributing to my run :-)
(Click Here to be my Virtual Running Partner!!)

Week 8 Summary

Here's a quick summary of my Week 8 Training:

11/3: Ran 4 miles @ Lunch & Walked 2 miles after work

11/4: Election Day! Ran 25 mins + Rowed 15 mins

11/5: Ran 3 miles

11/6: Rest

11/7: Ran at least 5 miles... Jeremy thinks close to 6 miles

11/8: Rest

11/9: Biked about 20 miles

Ran: about 15 miles

Walked: 2 miles

Biked: about 20 miles

Miami and Copenhagen on different days!

Friday was a good run... we ran somewhere between 5 and 6 miles.  I mapped out at least 5 miles, but Jeremy reviewed my route and said I missed some of the distance... so we probably ran closer to 6 miles.  It was a fun run b/c Jeremy led the run (as always lol) and seemed to just run anywhere throughout DC.  It was warmer than what either of us expected for beginning of November... so that's where the title of "Miami" came in for this post.  I felt much better than what expected w/ the warmth and also the distance, which is definitely (at least I think) a good sign!!

So where does Copenhagen come in?  As much I would like to be there right now, it just seemed like that's where I was today during my bike ride.  Yesterday, I took a rest day and was really feeling like doing something today.  So when the sun was shinning bright this afternoon, it only seemed appropriate that I go outside & stay away from the gym today.  I opted for a long bike ride.... I've been missing biking since I've been running @ lunchtime during the week.  And I didn't want to overdo it by biking to work and then running so much at lunch.  So I took advantage of the great weather today for a great bike ride.  It started out nice and sunny... not warm, but not chilly... then the clouds moved in and it started to feel chilly.  The Concierge at my apartment building asked if that made me ride quicker coming home... I don't think so, but wearing a T-shirt and shorts wasn't as comfortable for the conclusion of my ride as it was in the beginning.  So the weather on the chilly side and all the bikers out on the path today, reminded me of when I was in Copenhagen. :-)

Hope everyone is having a great weekend, too.  I can't believe we're only a couple weeks from Thanksgiving and that means Miami is that much closer!  And now for quick fundraising update... I passed the $1,500 mark... so this a very motivating milestone!! Thanks for everyone's support and cheering me on!!  Almost to the 50% mark... there's still time for anyone else that would like to make a donation to help me make the required $3,600 to run in Miami!  Click here to go to my Fundraiser Page.

Here's a Fun Fact

I've been interested in calculating something ever since I started running all over DC. The Washington Monument is 555 feet 5.5 inches and there's 5280 feet in a mile.
Question:
So how many times do we "run up" the Washington Monument when we run around it @ lunchtime?

Calculations:
555.4583 ft (approx of Monument height) / 5280 ft (feet per mile) = 0.105 miles

3 miles (Ran on Nov 5) / 0.105 miles (approx height of Monument in miles) = 28.57

Solution:
Jeremy and I ran up the Washington Monument almost 29 times yesterday! lol It's fun to think of it that way :-) Unfortunately... or maybe fortunately for us... you can no longer walk up the Monument and must take the elevator. But it still provides some great views of DC!

(Here's me at top of Monument looking over to the Lincoln Memorial... I made sure I pointed out to Mac all my running and biking routes from what we could see out the windows.)

Our Lunch Hour Run & Hurrying Slowly

Yesterday, both Jeremy and I were tired, but still wanting to run. I don't know if it's an addiction, but we both always comment to each other how great we feel after a run @ lunch. We just didn't feel motivated to run all over DC. lol So we completed one of our original runs - around the Washington Monument totaling about 3 miles.

I found a quote from Runner's World that made me laugh and also realize there's so many ways to look at running a long distance... but as Jeremy reminds me during every run, "it's just mental."

"My basic philosophy can be summed up by an expression we use in Norwegian: hurry slowly. Get there, but be patient."

-- GRETE WAITZ, Run Your First Marathon

Today I ran, while Jeremy was home!

So yesterday, Jeremy and I ran 4 miles to the Lincoln Memorial... it was a great run!  The weather was a bit chilly, but there was no wind so it wasn't cold.  Then today, I got dressed to go run and walked out of the office building.... but it was raining!  I told Jeremy I would run even though he said he wouldn't be there... so now what was I to do?

The gym downstairs!  I tried something different today, but kept in mind that I might be standing in line to vote after work today... so didn't want to push myself too hard today w/ exercise.  So I ran for 25 minutes on the elliptical machine AND also I rowed on the rowing machine for 15 minutes... 40 minutes of cardio!

And it gets even better... today I got home early around 3:30 and headed to the voting polls @ 4pm.  I had to go a few blocks in Old Town at the Fire House.  I was ready to stand in line a couple hours and brought a bottle of water with me.  I walked up to the side of the firehouse, but where was the long line?  There was no line... I walked right in!  I didn't even have to wait to watch a short demo with the election machine.  So I was done voting in about 5 minutes!!

I hope everyone had a great day today and voted. :-)

Vacation is over and it's back to training this week!

My boyfriend from Denmark visited me this week, so I missed the past couple training sessions and didn't complete any runs this week with Jeremy. I look forward to getting focused on my training this week and running at lunch time!

I believe it was good to switch things up and walked so much this week around DC that I was still exercising. (I know Nichole can appreciate all the siteseeing walking I did.)

I'll keep you posted on how my running goes this week... I'm anxious to find out how my week of rest and walking will play into my running this week.

Week 6 Summary:

• 10/23: Ran 5 miles
• 10/22: REST
• 10/21: Ran 5.5 miles
• 10/20: Ran 5 miles

Total: 15.5 miles

What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger... so we'll keeping adding more distance

We've had two great runs so far this week, both at least 5 miles! Week 6 has been awesome for me!

I commented to Jeremy before the start of the last run that I really enjoyed just running anywhere and then figuring out how far we ran. So that's what we did on our second run this week... totaling 5.5 miles (at least). Jeremy mapped out the run and you can check it out here. We ran by the White House in this run... definitely something you can't do everyday... or maybe we can lol :-)

Today, Jeremy hinted already at going for the 6 miles! I'll keep you posted... 6 miles during Week 6 sounds like a great idea lol :-)

Thank you for everyone's donations!! I'm really getting excited as the time gets closer for the run in Miami... I know I'll be prepared and definitely psyched with everyone's support! :-)


Week 5 Summary:

• 10/17: Ran 5 miles
• 10/16: REST
• 10/15: Ran 45 mins/about 4 miles
• 10/14: Ran 5 miles
  

3, 4, now 5 Miles!... & the "345" ticket!

Today was our DC Team Challenge Meetup training run @ Arlington, VA.  We meet every Saturday at various places throughout the DC Metro area at 8am for a long run and today it was 5 miles at least.  I don't have an exact calculation, but some team members wearing GPS said it was 5 miles.  We ran 30 minutes and then turned around for 30 more mins ... so it was a good run.  I found another running partner, Elizabeth, who shares similar pace with me and she's great at saying encouragements at the right times!

We met at Washington-Lee High School and headed for a run/bike trail called, Custis Trail.  There were plenty of hills and windy paths on the trail, but Elizabeth and I kept going for the 60 min run.  We only had to briefly stop for a traffic light to wait for traffic to pass, so this is a great trail to run without stops.

After the run we all met back @ Washington-Lee High School and Kevin (our Team Coach) answered any questions.  Then our fundraising clinic, presented by Dani our Team Manager took place.  She shared some insight on how we're (DC Team) doing compared to the other at least 50 (I believe it was a # high like that) Regional Teams are doing.  Team DC was in 2nd place last Saturday, but Team Long Island has surpassed us.... we'll catch up again I'm sure.  Dani made sure to congratulate on our great Team work so far and it's only the beginning!

Next was the fun surprise part.  Every Saturday, Dani acknowledges the Team Memeber who has raised the most donations during the week, she also awards the most creative websites, and Team members are invited to enter into a Raffle for a few dollars.  The winning you receive is then for you to place towards your Fundraising Goal.  I bought a ticket for $5 and 20 minutes later Dani pulled the winning ticket - Ticket #345.  I reached into my pocket and at first I couldn't find it, thinking no problem, because I never win anyway. lol  I found my ticket and it was #345!! I won :-)  I've only been home for 20 or so minutes and I already recorded the winning amount on my website.  Thanks DC Team Challenge!! :-)

I can't wait to continue running this week.... my last post is correct.  I keep feeling better the more I run! :-)

It's all about managing your bank

I ran across this quote (no pun intended lol) and thought it was a good way to think about the running I do during the week with Jeremy.

"Putting miles in your training log is like putting money in the bank. You begin to draw interest on it immediately."
-Hal Higdon

I've taken the past couple days off to rest up for the Team Challenge training meet-up on Saturday morning. These meet-ups happen every Saturday and on last Saturday, when I took a break before the meet-up, I felt really good running the entire time. So far the past week I've run a total of 9 miles, with 5 miles being the longest single distance. I guess hitting a 5 mile milestone this week, means I need to rest a couple more days. It's fun to see how my body adjusts to the running I've been doing. Each time we run a little bit more or add that extra run up Capital Hill, it gets easier. :-)

The last post I mentioned friends and family supporting me with dollar a mile or such, but Jeremy is helping me increase my personal training bank of mileage. Even though sometimes I tell Jeremy I think I've reached my limit, we push a little farther, and add to my bank.... thanks, Jeremy! :-)

Training = Fundraising AND Running @ Lunch is Fun!

This is a quick post that I'm writing while watching the last Presidential debate.  Today, Jeremy & I ran about 45 minutes, but we're not sure of the distance.  I believe Jeremy said he estimated it to be 4 miles.  We started running to the National Mall and then Jeremy asked me if I wanted to head to the Lincoln Memorial or go up Capitol Hill.  I suggested we run up the opposite side of the Capitol (which is still a hill), so that's what we did.

Then we ran down different streets in the neighborhood behind the Capitol and I recognized some of the streets from the "Mystery Capitol Run" we did last week.  So it's great we're able to change up the running route.

Also, after running at least 5 miles yesterday, we weren't interested in pushing ourselves too hard.  But thanks to Jeremy I pushed myself with this run.... if he didn't meet up with me at lunch, it would have been a perfect REST day lol

I just realized tonight when commenting on Nichole's comment on my previous post, that my Training and Fundraising are progressing at the same rate... Training is at 5 mile (38% of 13.1 miles) and Fundraising is at $1,389 (39% of $3,600).  Thanks for everyone's support & donations!  I'm going to cross that Finish Line in Miami and CCFA will get closer to finding a cure for Chron's & Colitis!

Where do you want to go today?

Today was my first run for the 5th week of my Half Marathon Training... and I ran 5 miles (at least) today!

Jeremy and I started from near the Capital Bldg and we just kept running.... I remember commenting to him that I like it when we switch the running route up.  So that's exactly what we did today.  

I also told Jeremy about some of the hills that Kevin introduced into our Team Training Meetup run this past Saturday.  Kevin said adding hills in your routes helps increase your endurance for long runs (i.e. 13.1 miles).  

We ran downtown near the Archive Bldg and by the Navy Memorial... and by the Ellipse and then to the Lincoln Memorial, by the World War Memorial (around it once) and Washington Monument and then along Constitution Ave between the National Mall and to the right was a good view of the Tidal Basin with the Jefferson Memorial.  

How many monuments & memorials was that for today?  Running in DC @ lunchtime is so much fun!  I mapped out our run for today as close as I could... Jeremy said he would take a look at it, but it looks like it was at least a 5 mile run. :-)

Week 4 went fast! (summary of 17 miles)

• 10/12: REST
• 10/11: Team Challenge Meet - Ran 4 miles
• 10/10: REST
• 10/9: Ran 4 miles
• 10/8: REST
• 10/7: Ran 4.5 miles
• 10/6: Capitol Hill Mystery Run (4.5 miles)

You're part of the Team & My Fundraising Update

I found a fellow Team Member's fundraising page and she says something that really puts all of this Training & Fundraising into perspective for me and I thought it was a great point to share with my Blog Readers!

Be a part of Team Challenge with me... No, you don't have to run... I'll do it on your behalf with your donation & support.

This is a good way to let my supporters know that even a donation of $13 (a dollar per mile) is appreciated!

Thanks for everyone's support & donations!  All your support and help means a lot for me to be able to cross the Finish Line in Jan 2009.  Thanks to you, I'm 39% of achieving the required fundraising  - this is exciting!

13.1 miles is far, but finding a cure for Chron's & Colitis is getting closer for us!

Team Challenge Training Run was great!

Today I woke up around 5am and was excited about my first Team Challenge Training Run.  Mac told me, "put your running shoes on, and run like crazy!"

We met at 8am @ Potomac Running Store in Arlington, VA.  I didn't know what to expect as far as who was going to be there and of course was nervous about everyone else's running level.  I was hoping not to be getting in over my head... well, everything turned out great!

Our Team Challenge Manager, Dani, had everyone fill out Running Profiles, so that her & Kevin could group everyone according to their running experience/level.  I was in Group 2 - not too bad to be considered middle!  I met some great ppl and looking forward to our future running training sessions.

Our Team Challenge Running Coach, Kevin, proposed a 4.6 mile run.... I wasn't too crazy about it since I just starting running 4 miles comfortably the past week, but I was up for the challenge.  I ran with a couple girls that seemed to be at around the same running pace as me.  At the end, Kate & I ran down Wilson Bvd to make up for not doing the couple of zig-zags down side streets that Kevin had originally proposed.  So here's a link to what I'll call the Potomac Running Store Team Challenge.  

After we all returned to the Running Store, Kevin introduced us to some running techniques and exercises to do after our runs.  They involved leg/knee-lifts when you run, lunges, and different sprint runs to finish off our runs with. It was so much fun..... I can't wait until next wkend!

Make the Mind Run the Body...

Jeremy is always reminding me that I'm not tired when we're running... and it's just mental. This quote follows along with that same philosophy and thought I would share it :


"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."

- George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

Everytime it changes, I feel better

Yesterday we ran 4 miles via the Lincoln Memorial run.... but we did it backwards!! It was fun to run on the opposite side of the Mall first and then to run the opposite away around the Lincoln Memorial. I believe doing that helps me mentally get stronger running... Jeremy and I talk about that lots when we're running. I often try to say positive things like "I feel great" or "It's so beautiful out," to try to distract myself from being tired while running.... some days it works better than others.

Yesterday, running opposite way around the Lincoln Memorial did the trick - it was a good 4 mile run yesterday! Also, having Wednesday (10/9) off with a rest, probably helped yesterday's run.

Have to wait & see what today's Lunchtime run is.... I think it's going up to near 80F today again... so it will be another warm day - but the sun is shinning :-)

Running the Capitol Hill Run... no longer a mystery!

Today we ran the 4.5+ mile run up Capitol Hill and through the neighborhood.  It's a great run and I believe changing up the run really helps - especially when you add a bit more distance. :-)

I told Jeremy that I definitely feel the difference in my body & breathing when I'm running up the Hill.  I realized that I do feel better once we reach the top of the Hill (I know it's kind of common sense, but I'm trying to reinforce the positives in my head with my training)... so I'm enjoying the challenge of the Hill this week to start my runs.

Jeremy remapped the Capitol Hill Run after we paid attention to more of the street names this time... and he found out it's about 4.6 miles.... so I'm just calling it 4.5 miles.

I haven't biked to work the past few weeks, now that I'm running everyday at lunch.  I miss biking and thinking I might try doing it at least once a week and not run that day... I'll let you know what I try.  I just want to be careful not to overdue my training! :-)

Solved!!! - Mystery Run Distance + Route

Jeremy provided me with this link for our run yesterday. I really enjoyed changing up from our normal run last week to Lincoln Memorial. It looks like we surpassed our 4 miles mark... but this is just an estimate... so at least we matched 4miles if we didn't go over.

I reviewed the route Jeremy mapped out and I think it's pretty close to where I remember running yesterday.

Not sure about running route today, but we're meeting @ 12pm. I'll keep you posted! :-)

Mystery Run up to Capitol Hill

Today, Jeremy and I decided to switch it up and just run anywhere. Running the same route everyday can get boring.... so Jeremy paid attention to the time and I'm sure he kept his usual pace ahead of me, so we're pretty sure we ran equivalent distance.

We ran up Capitol Hill to start... this is tough just walking up it, but to run up it... well, sure you can understand. So we ran around the Capitol Hill neighborhood -turning at red lights or when we saw a clear straight sidewalk to run on... eventually, we turned to run down Capitol Hill and Jeremy asked if I would like to run back up Capitol for the ending... opposed to a lap around the Mall to finish off the run. We opted for the run up the Hill and then Jeremy encouraged me on the last bit to sprint to our office bldg.

It was a good run and we enjoyed the beautiful fall weather... I'll post the route/run sometime this week. More running tomorrow!

Total of 18 miles for Week 3

Short post to let you know all the walking I did this wkend. I met my visitors @ Union Station and after a quick dinner, we walked throughout DC by the Capitol Bldg and to the Mall.

Next day, we woke early and headed to the National Zoo. The weather was perfect for walking through the Zoo... we saw 2 of the panda bears and cheetahs to name a few of the many animals.

Sunday morning, we had breakfast @ the Old Ebbit Grill and walked more around downtown DC... making a stop for pictures @ the White House. Pumpkin pancakes at the Old Ebbitt are highly recommended!! (Don't have the pix yet from my visitors of the WH.)

So it's back to running tomorrow... possible, that I'll be biking to work tomorrow depending on weather and when I get to bed tonite. :-)

Week 3 Summary:

10/4-5: Walked lots!

10/3: Ran 4 miles

10/2: REST

10/1: Ran 4 miles (Happy FY09!)

9/30: Ran 4 miles

9/29: Ran 4 miles

9/28: Ran 2 miles

9/27: REST

More miles than last week and still going....

Yesterday, was a great run for me to the Lincoln Memorial - 4 miles! I told Jeremy I believe that was my best 4 mile run so far. Funny how I almost thought yesterday would be my break, since I worked late the past few days... and Tuesday, 9/30 - the last day of Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 until Midnight!
Tomorrow I'll be running again and Saturday morning is the first Team Challenge Meetup @ the Tidal Basin for a morning run.

So nothing less....

Jeremy commented that now we've run to the Lincoln Memorial twice... that's 4 miles each day so far... 8 miles total lol, and 3 more days left in the week!! He said we can't go less than that now. So looks like I'll be visiting Lincoln everyday.... maybe one day we'll do the "Rocky movie" and run up the steps @ the Memorial.... maybe next week, is what I keep telling him. :-)

Running @ lunchtime is great... still looking fwd to adding my bike riding back into the routine. And even better is the Greater DC Team Challenge meetup this weekend.... rumor is we're running around the Tidal Basin. That will be fun! My niece is visiting...maybe she'll join... she's only five, so maybe in a few years :-)

All the way to Lincoln!

Today, we did it!  We added a mile to our running route... click here to see the Lincoln Memorial Route.  I definitely felt the extra mile... but know it will only keep getting easier.  I think it hurt me since I went to bed late last nite, so trying to get to bed at a decent time tonite.

I'm also paying attention to my water intake in the morning before I go for the run.  When I'm well hydrated, I feel better running.... I know this is common sense along w/ the good nite's rest.

I asked Jeremy if we could run the 4 miles for the next couple weeks and then try out the 5 mile.  I believe he mentioned something about us gradually moving to  miles while adding bits each time or maybe he said something about working on my pace!  :-)

I'm really enjoying running @ lunchtime and maybe next week I'll introduce my bike riding into the routine again.  Its just that I'm working a crazy schedule at work lately because it's the end of the FiscalYear (FY08).  Btw, Happy end of FY08!  Tomorrow is the last day - Sept 30! 

Week 3 Starts TODAY!

I woke up this morning feeling good after a rest yesterday.  I need to make sure I have rest days every so often especially in the beginning of my training.  I read that you should have one complete full day of rest for your legs.

Today, I ran 2 miles and you can check out the course here.  Old Town Alexandria is a great place to run.  

In the picture above, you can see the main street through Old Town which is King Street.  I ran to King Street and down to the river.  King Street is known for its boutiques and restaurants.  At the end of King Street is the Potomac River... which is where you'll find the Torpedo Factory Art Center and Chart House (seafood) Restaurant.

I'm excited about this upcoming week... running with Jeremy and adding an additional mile to our run with the Lincoln Memorial Run.  I'll let you know how it goes this week... hope for no rain!  I beat the rain today before my 2 mile run and it looks like the sun might be trying to come out now! :-)

Total of 12 miles for Week 2

We did "the Mall around the Washington Monument" run again today.... Jeremy tried to get me to go for the Lincoln Memorial, but I told him maybe next week.  Running to Lincoln Memorial would add another mile onto the run, total of 4!

I felt good running, but think I didn't drink quite as much water this time before I ran.  I think it's because it's been really busy at work this week.  It's the last week of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008... so maybe that has something to do with it :-)

I can't wait for October to get here... new FY09 arrives and work slows down and most importantly - Mac is visiting!!  So I'll be all ready to take him on a run around the Monument at least.

I don't know my plans for running this weekend... but I'll keep you posted. 

Week 2 Summary:

9/26: Ran 3 miles

9/25: Ran 3 miles

9/24: Aerobics

9/23: Ran 3 miles

9/22: Biked 20 miles & Ran 3 miles

It didn't rain until after we ran - yeaaa!

We ran 3 miles today... along the Mall and around the Washington Monument.  I told Jeremy this was the best I felt all week and I didn't slow down as much.  I felt awesome today!  I'm definitely motivated to keep going... and gradually increasing my mileage.

I'm worried about the forecasted weather for tomorrow, with rain all day. I'll bring my running stuff just in case there's a break.

Rain, Rain Go away... come after 1pm today!

Quick post about expected storm heading this way... according to weather.com it's not going to rain until after 1pm today. So that works out perfectly, so long as Jeremy & I are running by Noon.

12pm

Cloudy 64°F

64°F

10%

52°F

65%

From NNE 18 mph

1pm

Few Showers 65°F

65°F

30%

52°F

63%

From NNE 18 mph

Keep watch of the running routes on the right... Jeremy proposed a 4 mile run for next week. Well, he prob wants to run it today, but I don't want to increase my mileage too quickly. So I'd like to give that a try next week. I'll keep you posted.