Race for the Cure

This past Saturday, Mike and I ran in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in Columbus. There was a record breaking 45,000 pre-registrants not to mention on lookers and race day registrants! (No pictures because we didn't bring our camera with us. You can see photos here.)

As most of you already know I have spent the last few months completing the Couch to 5K program to gear up for this race. Running the Komen was a good motivator for me since I ran in honor of my grandmother, Zetta, who lost her battle to cancer just over 5 years ago. My goal was to finish in under 40 minutes and run the entire time.

Mike and I woke up early on Saturday to head downtown since we didn't know what to expect for parking, getting our bibs, etc. We arrived downtown just before 7am (the race started at 8:30) and were able to park just a few blocks away from the finish line and picked up our registration packets quickly. I was impressed by the organization and the amount of volunteers for the entire event.

We did some walking through the expo (wow! tons of swag but we only picked up pink super hero capes for the boys) and then did some stretching on what I think is the old courthouse on Front street. We joined the crowd at the starting line 15 minutes or so before the race was to start.

I was already feeling really emotional. 45,000+ people joined together for a good cause is emotional enough for me but the survivors wearing pink and many back signs with pictures of lost loved ones certainly added to it (we had back signs with my grandma's picture on them). We were literally elbow to elbow packed in the street. Then, the announcement came that we needed to clear a path down the street to allow trolleys to come through. Rather than having a police escort for the race we were escorted by trolleys full of women who are currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. That did me in and I couldn't help but cry. How powerful and sad and amazing and liberating and encouraging and brave and ...

When the race started it took us about 5 minutes or so to get to the starting line because of the crowd. Mike and I both liked the route of the course (past nationwide, around goodale park, down buttles avenue to high street, through the short north, and ending at the state house) but were surprised at how many slow and steady uphill climbs there were with not a lot of down hill (I guess that's what happens when you start at the river front, you have to head to higher ground). I ran the first mile with out any walking, ran/walked the second and ran most of the 3rd. (I should mention that pulling lot of weeds for several days prior to a 5K is not a good idea. My hamstrings were very tight. But I do have another blog coming of my almost complete vegetable garden.)

While running I kept thinking of my grandma of course but also of my college roommate, C, who lost her sister to breast cancer a few years ago. C is really brave. After finding out her risk of getting breast cancer (it was a high percentage) she elected to have a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. I thought of my neighbor, P, who is a survivor (she's the one that identifies weeds by their smell). I thought about all the other loved ones I have lost to different cancers. I thought about how running for a cause is just one way to bring attention to finding a cure for cancer. I thought about how running to be in shape is just another way of kicking cancers ass.

There were lots of bands and cheerleaders on the corners of the race route. I am not a motorcycle person at all but 200+ Harley Davidsons lined up revving their motors near the end of the race route was quite impressive (it also made the air a little unfriendly for running). I believe there is a Bike for the Cure motorcycle ride. I was thankful at the end that we ran in to our friend Casey (he happens to be an athletic trainer) who was running with a client of his. Casey has such a gentle spirit and I was really motivated by running in to him.

Mike and I SPRINTED across the finish line and my Nike chip clock was at 41 minutes. (I was maybe a little disappointed but) There was something so much bigger going on than me meeting my under 40 minutes goal.

I loved that there was a separate finish line for survivors (an arch way of pink balloons) and they each received a metal and a rose.

Mike and I headed out soon after we were done since we had Ray's birthday party in the afternoon (a blog about that to come).

MCGOVERN CLAN: We all need to run and/or walk the Komen together in Toledo Sunday, September 27th, 2009. I saw an Irish family with awesome t-shirts: a shamrock with the pink ribbon as part of the shamrock (I'll have to draw it for you.).

Thursday 5K Run (9 days till Race day)

Tonight I ran 3.18 miles (by accident). I had planned to run for 28 minutes but I got lost in my own neighborhood (yes, lost). Some of the streets just make "U" shapes and lead back to the street where they started. I don't have the map of our neighborhood memorized so, I ended up on some of these "U" streets and farther from home than I had planned. As a result I ended up covering 3.18 miles (5K is 3.1 miles) in around 35 minutes. I did take a few walking breaks but I am happy to have covered the distance and in under 40 minutes (my goal time for SGK next week).

Over the next week I want to work to decrease my time and then rest up for "race/fundraiser"* day! So, maybe 35 minutes isn't so unrealistic after all.

Also, I official met my weight loss goal for pre SGK. I now weigh 10lbs less than I did before I got pregnant with Ray. I am happy with this. My next goal is to lose another 10lbs before my birthday (August 24th).

*See comments from this blog.

Warning: This is my second blog post for today.

Running in the PM

I had intended to run yesterday morning.
Morning came and went.
I intended to run yesterday evening.
Shovel met rock and foot met the impact.
Ice met my foot last night.

Running in the PM is just more realistic for me.

Tonight I ran for 28 minutes (although I did stop twice to walk for a minute so, I ran for 26 minutes and walked for 2 minutes). I covered 2 miles according to mapmyrun.com. According to mapmyrun I am not making as good of time as I think I am in my head when I'm running or that I would like to. I would really like to be running 10 minute miles. Am I being unrealistic in my goals?! Should I switch from time to distance?

(Just mapped it in my car and came out 2 miles too.)

Oh well, at least I am running (and injury free)!

Anniversary Part One: "Everything's Coming up Roses"

Warning: Multiple blog entries today.

Thursday (April 30th) Mike and I celebrated being married for 4 years. We went to dinner with the kiddos at North Star Cafe. This is one of my favorite places in Columbus and a must visit if you consider yourself the slightest bit "granola" (read the restaurants philosophy on their website). I had my usual tofu sweet basil burrito and black currant iced tea. Mike had his usual spicy chicken pizza. Sam and Ray split a kids cheese pizza; Ray ate way more than Sam!

It had been raining all day and some puddle jumping was in order. We visited The Whetstone Park of Roses (another must see in Columbus and the World actually if you like roses; it is one of the top 10 places in the World to see roses!). Obviously no roses are in bloom right now but Sam had fun jumping in "puddles" and dancing on the "H" (gazebo stage) and climbing the tower that overlooks the roses. I also captured one of my new favorite pictures of Ray. A nice old man took our picture for us then picked up his dogs "business" with his bare hand. (Maybe I should disinfect the camera.) Aah Clintonville. I love Clintonville. The air just smells like community there. But, alas, that is a whole different blog.

Couch to 5K Progress

I've skipped a few entries on my progress and don't even know the data for them anymore.

Last Saturday I ran with Mike in BG. I was supposed to run 2.25 miles (25 minutes) and he had a quick 2 mile run scheduled before his half marathon the next day. I got in a little over a mile and had to take a walking break. Then, when I started to run again my calf cramped up and I was done. I powered walked the rest of the way while Mike lovingly stuck with me and jogged slowly. I blame this on a combination of things: never having run in the morning, lack of breakfast, and BG winds.

Then, it rained the next few days... Did you know Columbus gets more days with precipitation than Seattle?

Thursday evening I had a good run. I finished up week 7 (25 mins of running) and covered 1.85 miles according to mapmyrun.com. Mike seems to think it's a little low though. Maybe he is just trying to encourage me :)

Tomorrow, Sunday, I will be starting week 8 with a 28 minute run. My plan is to run in the MORNING.

I was a head of schedule with a week of leeway but now I will literally be finishing up C25K on race day.

I can still do this though...

As far as a goals in mind for race day, my number one goal is to run the entire thing with no walking breaks; secondly, I would like to finish in under 35 minutes (but that might be unrealistic, 40 minutes is probably a better goal). I also want to run a 10K before my birthday in August, a Family Fun 5K on the Fourth (that's gonna happen, right?), and the Toledo SGK in the fall (I would love to see a big McGovern family team for that race!).

I can still do this though...
Two weeks from today...

P.S. Does anyone have a good picture of Grandma Z that they could email me. I want to make a sign for my back for the race.

I Gave In...

Today I started up week 6 of couch to 5 K. I am very thankful for the link my cousin, Blaire, sent me to a podcast called Kiss My Black Ass. This week is 80's medley. Kind of annoying but mostly fun and better than Robert Ullrey's techno. Don't get me wrong Robert was great in the beginning and exactly what I needed but I just can't take any more techno. I gave in to my bodies wanting to run and push hard during this run at covered a happy 2.5 miles. My next run is the last that has intervals of walking and likely the last I will be using a pod cast for. I am looking forward to creating my own running mix. I am open to suggestions of what to run to or, you can just make me a mix and record it on a cassette tape, um, I mean CD, like the good old days. Maybe a NKOTB, Crash Test Dummies, Mariah Carey, 4 Non Blondes, En Vogue, The Bangles, etc. mix is in order! Brooke or Blaire I think you need to get on that one...

I also gave in to todoist. My refrigerator is much neater and I have very few little lists laying around the house now. Todoist.com is a list making website. My list categories include: Cleaning, Yard Work, Misc., Appointments and Parties, Exercise, Errands, Shopping - Not Groceries (with sub categories for each family member's wish lists), Movies to Watch, Books to Read, and Crafts. I get such satisfaction of crossing things off lists so, this will be good I think - we'll see. I'm still trying it out and learning it's features although, there don't seem to be too many. I do like that Mike can log in and see what's on my agenda or add things to it as well. Although, I haven't shown it to him yet :)

In other news...

When was the last time I blogged? You might be getting repeat info...

We spent the past weekend relaxing in BG. Didn't really do anything too exciting just hung out with the fam.

Sunday night I got a migraine so, Mike ended up taking Monday off of work. I am praying this is not going to become a monthly occurance! I slept most of the day Monday and had the kiddos (B&T along with my two) yesterday.

Today I took the boys to story time, the nursing home to visit Mike's grandma (*), and McD's. Sam was most excited about painting at story time. Ms. Margo put brown paper down on the floor and gave each kiddo a wet sponge to "paint".

* Mike's Grandma, Donna, fell two weeks ago and ended up in the hospital all last week and is now at a nursing home for rehab. She didn't break anything but she apparently has a pinched nerve or slipped disc or something - I'm not sure if the extent of it has been exactly determined. It stinks that she is in pain but hopefully this will help her get her health (diabetes issues) under control. She seems to be in great spirits though and of course is working hard so that she can come home.

Week 5 start up

Tonight I started up week 5 of C25K. It was very cold out (44 degrees but feels like 38 according to weather.com) and windy and even started raining while I was running - yuck! I guess I got a little spoiled with the arrival of spring but forgot that it usually gets cold again (What do they say, "3 frosts after the forsythia bloom"? Ours are blooming so hopefully winter is actually reaching its end.) I followed the same course I did last time so I got 2 miles in. This run wasn't as easy or fun as the last one - I was having to push myself and wasn't really enjoying it either - but, I'll blame all that on the weather. The third run of week 5 is a solid 20 minutes with no walking. I am both excited and intimidated by this! Seven weeks (minus a day) until the Komen! Stay tuned...

In other news, we had a great weekend with my Dad and Roberta. Dad and Mike put in new bathroom fans, swapped out some switches that weren't working, and put overhead lighting in the bedrooms. (My Dad is an electrician.) It's amazing to have bathroom fans that don't sound like an airplane is taking off and the lighting in the rooms makes me realize I need to clean a little better! (I could never see the dirt before.) Roberta and I hit up TJ Max and Innis Woods (things are just starting to bloom here) with the boys while holes were being cut in the ceilings. Today we were all pretty tired. After a slow start Mike and Dad finished up the work and then we went to Macaroni Grill for a late lunch. I had some delish pasta (Shrimp Portofino - I think that's what it's called) with a light buttery lemon sauce, shrimp, pinenuts, spinach, and mushrooms. YUM!

Also, if you think of it pray for a little 5 month old boy, Stellan. He is the son of the writer of a blog I read: My Charming Kids. He has a heart condition called SVT and has been in PICU for a week now. As of today he isn't doing very well at all. I haven't been able to stop thinking/praying for him all week!

Finishing up Week 4

Tonight I think was the best run yet! The highlight was finishing up the last minute of running by sprinting! It felt amazing to do a full out sprint. I did a big loop and it ended up being just over 2 miles. Week 5 here I come...

Week 4 - run 2

Tonight was harder. It was about 5:00pm when I ran and I was hungry which apparently isn't a good combination when it comes to running. I decided to eat a banana and a spoon of PB before I ran but spent most of my run burping up banana (sorry for the graphic details). I also don't think I stretched at well as I should have. My right lower leg was getting pretty tense by the end of the run. I did have to stop and walk for about 15 seconds in my last 5 minute run (I should have just pushed through...). I covered 2.1 miles tonight.

I'm trying not to feel discouraged. I keep reminding myself that getting out and trying is better than what I was doing a few months ago (nothing). I'll be ready 8 weeks from this Saturday!

Robert's podcast is driving me crazy this week. He is using mellow music on the longest runs yet. I understand why; he doesn't want people pushing it too hard but I am bored with his mellow music. I am going to try out the link to the hip hop couch to 5K for my next run. Sorry Robert...

Week 4 - run 1

Started week 4 tonight of couch to 5K and clocked in 2.3 miles. I'm happy with that and it felt great. I can officially run for 5 minutes with out dying. I was pleased with myself tonight and the awesome 60 degrees and sunny! It makes the 5k seem very doable.

Welp, that's all I have to say (one of those blogs that's more for my own tracking purposes than your reading enjoyment) off to hang out with the hubster.

Runnin'

Today I finished up week three of C to 5K. It was a cool 33 degrees out when I did my run around 4pm. My how the weather fluctuates.... I took the same route as last time and made it almost all the way home (I was 3 doors down) before Robert (the guy that does the podcasts) was done spurring me along. I didn't feel like I was pushing myself nearly as hard today but ended up going a little further so, I guess that's a good sign.

Week 4 seems a little intimidating to me since I will actual have to run more than walk (2 intervals of run for 3 minutes walk for 90 seconds, run for 5 minutes walk for 2.5 minutes - with a 5 minute walk at the beginning and end). I'm sure I'll manage - last week running for 3 minutes seemed like it was going to be really hard and I found it fairly easy going.

May 16th (Komen Columbus) is rapidly approaching.... I was thinking about it today and it will be nice to honor Grandma with a 5K run not because she was a runner but because she managed to keep up with all her kids and grandkids and that's my goal in running to be able to keep up with the boys!

Version 2.0

Yesterday I woke up around 7:00 and found that Mike was still home. Apparently he tried to take a shower and it turned in to a bath. He got on the horn about getting our drains snaked (for the second time, the first was on move in day). We ended up having a nice man, Gary, come out to snake our drains. We are already aware that there are roots in our line and likely a cracked pipe. Gary along with the man that came out on move in day both were nice enough to fail to report to American Home Shield that our problem is roots so, it was covered except for our $55 copay type thing. In between the lines Gary even told us how to fix the lines our selves if we wanted. "If this were my house, I'd rip out the hedges and go about 15ft out from there...." Gary called back today (encounter version 2.0) to inform us that his boss is willing to send the camera down our line to find out where the problem is for free. Now we know they are just trying to get our business but it is nice when "blue collar" workers don't screw you over.

Today I was getting ready for my run and was brushing my teeth. For some reason I always brush my teeth before I run. Anyhow, as I was brushing I tried to be extra gentle since my mouth is a little tender from yesterdays root canal and crown. Wouldn't you know it in my attempts of gentleness my temporary crown fell right out! I called the dentist and I was there getting it fixed with in 2 hours. Again they were super nice and apologetic that it had fallen out. Lets hope temporary crown version 2.0 stays on until my permanent one is completed. Obviously my mouth is pretty tender.

I finished up week 2 (version 2.0) of couch to 5K tonight. Yes, I still went on my run after going to the dentist - It's a little hard core isn't it? It was a fantastic run. When I was done I felt like I could go again for another 25 minutes. I decided to take a new route tonight. I don't feel like I covered as much mileage though...looking it up on mapmyrun.com right now... yep 1.9 so, it was a little less than last time. Oh well, on to week 3 with my next run!

After I got home I showered and went to the neighbors for a Mary Kay party. Now I remember why I always weasel myself out of going to those parties. It was fun chatting with my neighbor and the other ladies but my God those saleswomen take their Mary Kay seriously! I think I offended her when I told her I used Philosophy cleanser and Bare Minerals makeup. She insisted I try the MK Mineral Powder because she had stopped using Bare Minerals and lots of people stop using Bare Minerals to use MK.... I didn't really notice the difference. My neighbor was cracking up at me. I think she thinks I'm super sassy - she is too though. I like the Bare Minerals better. Anyhow...I got out of doing everything because I came late and I can't use their cleaning products with out getting all itchy. I also left early because it was still going on at 8:30 and Mike wanted to get a run in (sorry it got late Mike!) I do like their lip exfoliater so, I bought some of that along with an eyebrow pencil. Uh the pressure is always too much at those parties especially since there were only a few people there. I did want both of those things though so, I will consider it my reward for finishing week 2 (version 2.0)!

Week 2 Run 2

Yesterday I went out for run 2 of week 2. I had been pushed back a few days because of weather and busyness. It was a good run and felt good. The last run of the series I had to really push myself. If the any neighbors heard me they would have thought I was crazy - I was counting out loud and saying, "come on" - haha! Anyways according to map my run I covered 2.27 miles! That's a decent jump from last time just for doing an extra loop around my block. Run 3 should be on Monday or Tuesday. Stay tuned...

Couch to 5K Week 2 (1)

This Blog is mostly for my own reference:

Tonight I started week 2 of couch to 5K. I ran a little further than I did in my last run so, just over 1.9. My goal is to be over 2 miles by the end of this week which I think is completely doable. Near the end of my run my calves really started locking up so, I am going to focus on stretching them more. I ran the same course that I have been running just in reverse to eliminate some of the uphill work. I did have to push myself to get through the 90 seconds of running. It was about 30 degrees outside. I plan to run again on Thursday.

Week One (version 2.0) completed and Weekend stuff

Yesterday I finished up week one of couch to 5K. I kept the nearly the same route. I was able to add another 0.1 miles to it for a total of 1.9miles to finish out week one.

I always thought that I would get lost in deep thought while "running" but I usually am just blanking out and concentrating on finishing well. Maybe some day I'll get to a point where I can ponder life while running...

I'll start on week 2 Monday or Tuesday (I need to check the weather). I think I'm gonna switch my route up a little for some more scenery and to avoid some of the hills (for now).

In other news:

Mike and I had a good "date" yesterday. We went to Whole Foods, Cosi for dinner (not the science museum) and Dicks Sporting Goods. Mike and I always get the Chicken T.B.M. (tomato, basil, mozzarella) Melt and a smoothie (I got mango, he opted for Blueberry-Pomegranate). It was my first trip to Whole Foods and I was so overwhelmed it was beautiful! The produce looked amazing, you can buy an entire fish, they have shoes, little pastries, pretty candies, and a bar with beer on tap! We didn't buy much -we really just wanted to look around but we did get some Sunflower butter (we had purchased this before at Kroger but haven't been able to find it since) and a piece of Chocolate Cheesecake. I'd like to go back another time and peruse the aisles some more. I did have some trouble finding the little white box to sign my name in when I paid (I felt like such a Whole Foods virgin!) We found some good sales at Dicks on warm weather running gear. I got a pair of Umbro wicking shorts for $8 and Mike got several Nike short sleeve compression shirts - all of it was on clearance.

Today we were incredibly laid back day. I'm still in my PJ's (debating about whether or not to put clean ones on before I go to bed). I got a lot of cleaning done around the house but the highlight of my day was probably teaching Sam how to sing, "skinnamarink" from Sharon, Lois, and Bram (The Elephant Show). He obviously has a hard time getting all the words out but he loves it and was singing it all night. Every time he sings Ray cracks up laughing! We have some video of it - might post it to Facebook. Can you post video to a blog?

couch 2 5K week 1-2

Just a quick couch to 5K update (really just posting this so I can track my progress):

I did week one's second run last night. I was debating about skipping ahead to week 2 since the other night felt so easy but my hips are a little sore so, I'm glad I stuck with week one. I plan to do some more yoga today to help stretch out my hips. It was a bitter 20 degrees outside and windy (I felt a little bitter about getting started in the cold again.) Runs 1-4 seemed super easy, 5-7 I thought I might die (they were all uphill and I really had to push myself to finish each one) and run 8 was easy again (back on level ground). Tonight was the first time I had to tell myself okay if you can just get to that driveway you can stop (but I always set unrealistic destinations so that my minute would be up well before I reached it; I'm so tricky aren't I?). I ran* a little over 1.8 miles so, just a little more than I did the other night. I attribute the added distance to the walking portion since I tried to quicken my walking pace during this run.

I plan on going out again on Saturday (high of 41 and snow flurries).

* Yes, I am only running 1 minute at a time and doing much more walking than running but I'll just refer to it as running.

After re-reading this it sounds so glum and angry - I'm really not. I'm glad I started back up again and have committed myself to running the Komen in May so, I have to stick with it!

Couch to 5k

Every year for the past several years I have wanted to run the Komen 5k. The one in Toledo is in the fall and the one in Columbus is in the spring. Well, I have either been getting married, working, prego, or something but this year Mike and I have committed to running it (not walking, running). Yikes! I haven't ran since sophomore year of college (2001-2). Mike on the other hand, has been running for almost a year now and can do well over a 5k.

My Aunt Kathy and cousin, Brooke have been extremely successful with the couch to 5K program so, I have decided to follow that too to gear up for the Komen run in May. I decided this a few weeks ago and decided I would start after Christmas while we are here in Bowling Green at my mom's house. I figured I don't have any excuses here: there are tons of people around to watch the boys, I don't have to worry about my neighbors seeing all my flab shaking when I run, my Aunt Kathy supplied me with the podcasts that tell you when to run and when to walk, I bought some snazzy new running clothes but, oh crap! I forgot my shoes. You know the expression, "walking in someone's shoes..."? Well, I actually ran in somebody's shoes. My Aunt Kathy was gracious enough to let me borrow a pair of her running shoes while I am in BG.

Sunday I went for my first "run". Week one of the couch to 5k starts with 5 minutes of brisk walking, 8 intervals of running for a minute walking for 90 seconds, and then another 5 minutes of walking for a cool down. I was really proud of myself for actually running all 8 sets and pushing through. It was super cold and overly windy and some kids where yelling at my from their bedroom windows but I did it!

I have decided to run on Sun/W/F. I figure this way I will have 2 days off after starting the new week (each week gets a little more difficult until you reach the 5k). I'm going to stick with doing the 25 minute workouts until I get comfortable with running and then I will check to see my actual distance. I used up my Christmas money on new headphones for the iPod and running clothes so, now I have to do it. I don't have any excuses - not even the famous, "I don't have anything to wear"! I would however, like people to ask me how it's going. I promise to be honest. I think this will hold me to it even more.

Mike and I are making exercise and healthy eating a priority. We are not going to diet or cut anything out but we are going to try to control our portions and make healthier choices. We also have promised each other time for working out. We want to be healthier to feel good about ourselves, be active parents, and drop a few pounds too!

I am excited about running the Komen May 16. I just found out you can register as early as January 2nd! (Let us know if you are interested in running it too.) I think it will be a nice tribute to my Grandma. She was always one to encourage me with the things that I was pursuing so, I think she would be proud.

If you are interested in the Komen race or couch to 5k here are some websites:
http://shepherdweb.com/lab/2007/Couch-to-5K/Couch-to-5K.html
http://www.komencolumbus.org/race/