My New Shoes

At the end of January I decided that it was time to invest in some new running shoes. My old ones weren't completely run down, but I figured it was better to change them sooner rather than later. The roomie and I went down to the Road Runners store in Carytown one Friday. It was a little weird because I like to think that no one sees me when I'm running. I had to run back and forth in the store numerous times so that the associate could gage my running style and to make sure I liked the shoes. I ended up with a pair of Brooks Defyance 3. I'd never worn a pair of Brooks before and I'll admit I was a tad bit hesitant. I actually just wanted to purchase another pair of Nike Pegasus but I wanted to know my running style.

The first time I ran in my new shoes I felt a little awkward. The shoes were kind of heavy and I felt like I had to work really hard just to get my feet up. It was raining and water kept getting into the shoes. By the time I got home I just wanted to get the shoes off. I have only worn the shoes 4 times so far. I really don't like them! They don't make me happy. they don't make me want to run, and I don't like the way they look. I'm seriously thinking about selling them and getting another pair of Pegasus(which happens to be the best shoes for overpronators like me).

Stay Motivated!

Since my first road race on November 13th I have seriously been slacking in the running department. I think I've run only 2 times, maybe 3! Because of this I had to change my race plans for this year. That didn't bother me, but my lack of enthusiasm for running did. All of that changed today. I had made up my mind to run 3 miles this morning. I woke up and snoozed for about 45 minutes. Then I drove back to my old neighborhood where I felt more comfortable. As soon as I stepped out of the car I was slapped by a harsh winter breeze. I didn't get discouraged at all, I just knew that I could NOT do this every day! I contemplated only going 2 miles because my fingers, ears, and toes were numb from the cold. Just when I was recalculating my distance a stranger passed me across the street. He wasn't rude at he. He simply said "you doing good, stay motivated". STAY MOTIVATED! This became my mantra for the rest of my run. Whenever I was out of breath or my legs felt heavy I just repeated to myself "stay motivated". I think its so awesome how God knows your heart and can sense your weakness and at the perfect time send you something to inspire and lift your spirits. That strange man has no idea how he helped me this morning. Lord love him! I completed a little over 3 miles in 45 mins. It's not the best time but given that I haven't run in 2 months I'll take it as an achievement.

Outta Shape!

Today was my first time running in two weeks. I didn't realize how out of shape I had gotten. Maybe it was just laziness, actually. I only got in a little over 2 miles. I wasn't exhausted but I was tired. My breathing was regular so I didn't really need to breathe through my mouth. I was proud of myself for utilizing some of the tips I got for running uphill. I took my time with small strides. I used to try and sprint up the hill because I thought it mad me stronger. It doesn't! I was always out of breath, my legs were tired, and my head hurt when I got to the top. i was proud of myself considering. I can't wait to go to sleep and wake up to do it all again tomorrow!:)

My First Race: HCA 8k Richmond,Va

My first race took place on November 13, 2010. I had been "training" for months. I kept telling myself not to be nervous because I had been running so long that it would just come naturally to me. That morning I woke up with the worse case of jitters. I was really excited but nervous at the same time. I didn't want to die while attempting to run a mere 5 miles. Per usual I snoozed a little too long which set me back a few minutes. The race started at 7am. I was looking for parking at 6:55! I found a space and fit as much of my car in it as possible. I didn't want to run to the start line and be tired during the race so I speed walked. I arrived at the start line at 7:03, just in time for last call for the 8k. I had read in Runners World that it's not good to start off to strong. It was hard not to knowing that I was already late.

When I took off my nerves started working a little bit. There were so many people around just staring. I was kind of uncomfortable. I think that made me take off stronger than I wanted. I was close to being completely winded at mile 2. As I was getting out of breath and slightly thirsty I decided it was time to take a water break. I hadn't practiced running and drinking so I started walking. The little bit of water they put in that cup did absolutely nothing for me! I started running again after 2 blocks. I had enough breath and my energy had spiked. I ran the rest of the way. I was surprised at how many hills were on the course. They don't seem that steep in a car! I thought I had made good time. My goal was to finish in less than 1:15 because I had done so previously on my own,but the walk affected that. I finished in 1:16 and some seconds. When I saw my official time I must say I was a bit disappointed. Well, disappointed is a strong word, but I knew I could have done better. Out of the 4500+ people in my race I finished 3003.

I had read so many tips about first races and racing in general. I just never took them into account while training. While on the course I could have pushed myself harder. I learned a few lessons during this race:

1. Leave the house at least 30 mins prior to the race start time.
2.Take heed the tips read in a national running magazine. The authors just might know what they're talking about.
3. Don't over dress! Over dressing=over heating. I had on 2 undershirts, the race shirt and another running shirt.
4. I NEED to find another sports bra.
5. I also need a pouch of some sort to hold my belongings. I kept my car key in my glove and held my phone/ipod in my hand.
5.Most importantly, train the way you intend to perform! It's okay to have bad days but the not bad days need to kick arse.

Running? Really? Running?

About a year and a half ago I decided that it was time for me to lose weight. I was tired of not fitting into any of my clothes and looking sloppy in the ones that I did. I hit the gym really hard for a few months, but after I hit my goal(fitting into my swimsuit) I stopped. Then I happened to stumble on a blog created by 2 black women. Coincidentally the blog was called Blackgirlsrun. I went back to their page daily. I had never even considered moving faster than a power walk. I never really saw any women of color running outside, nor did I know any. The idea was completely revolutionary to me. Of course the fact that it was a "radical" form of exercise intrigued me. I researched running in my spare time. I know it sounds kind of silly to research such a natural thing but I knew nothing about it. I had no idea what kind of clothes I needed, shoes to wear, or what to do during. When I collected all the information I could I set out to find a good running shoe. I think at this point most of my friends and family assumed that it was another hobby that I'd soon tire of. But from the moment I put those Nike Pegasus' on my feet I felt a newness taking hold of my spirit! I started running intervals 4-5 times a week. I really thought I was doing something! Then I got some awful virus that knocked me off my feet for a couple of weeks. After that my focus swayed to other things.

I tried to get back into running but it just wasn't there anymore. Until May of this year. I went down in the gym and forced myself on a treadmill. I told myself to only run as long as I felt and surprisingly that was an entire mile. I was so proud of myself. Never had I ever ran an entire mile without stopping. I started running everyday. From that point on I officially considered myself a runner. I even began waking up at 6 am to get my run in. Slowly my distance increased and I decided to set goals for myself. The first was to run a marathon shortly after my 26th birthday. I realized that that date was over a year away so I decided to tackle an 8k before the year was up. Most people thought I was crazy! I had never attempted anything so physical in my LIFE! I knew I had it in my somewhere. I just had to pull it out.

Through my weight loss journey I developed a love for running. I'm so glad I did. Somewhere along the way it became less and less about loosing weight and more about just enjoying the ride. I never would have Imagined that there was any sport that could make me willingly active. When I run I feel a sense of freedom and empowerment. I am strong, no matter what life throws my way. In my few months of running I have dealt with a bevy of issues, both physical and emotional. The lessons I have learned while pounding the pavement have enabled me to pull through these issues because in a way I have become unbreakable. Follow me along this journey.