3TT: What to Learn from the Mavs

All week since the Mavs won the NBA title (the first in 30+ years) Sunday night, everything around here has been Mavs this and Mavs that. Even this morning, the news covered basically only the Victory Parade information. As I type this, live news coverage of the parade describes the details of the celebration. Even though I'm not a huge basketball fan, I am a huge sports fan, and many of my life lessons have come from playing sports. With that in mind, here's a few things we can all (especially athletes) can learn from the Mavs.

1. Persistence. The Mavs just kept at it, minute after minute, game after game. The Mavs rarely have flashy plays or major memorable shots, but they kept at it and kept making shot after shot. Their persistence in solid defense and offensive plays wore the Miami Heat down. The Mavs showed the world that consistency and tenacity pays off.

2. Trust in your team. Even though Dirk (one of the most notable Mavs players) did not play his best Sunday night, he trusted his team to make shots and keep their game play at a top level. They came through and brought the entire team to victory. Anyone who plays or has played team sports knows that if you cannot depend on or trust your team, the team breaks down. Even solo athletes and non-athletes need to depend on their support system of coaches, family, friends, etc. Support is essential to succeeding in your endeavors.

3. Finish strong. Any Mavs fans knows the Mavs put it all on the table in the 3rd and 4th quarters of nearly every game. They may be known as the "Comeback Kids", but their consistency to finish games strong brought them the title they were working toward for years. With any project, workout, game or race, finishing strong is key. Your finish shows all the determination, the effort, the time and the attitude you have put in.

Take these lessons and incorporate them into everything you do; your creative projects, your running, your training, your business.

Photo via flickr

Run Virtually for JDRF!

A fellow running mom is hosting her first virtual 5K in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She has awesome giveaways lined up, here's the lowdown on the race:

Basics

1. Donate $10 to register.

2. The race is from June 24-June 27th

3. Raffles begin on June 25th for all finishers.

Get more info here! Run it, walk it, heck, just donate if you can't do either. She's trying to raise $5K for the JDRF by hosting this 5k!!!!!!

3TT: Still Recovering

I've been away for a few days taking care of me. More like total and complete rest, actually. I find it amazing how a kidney stone can bring even the healthiest to their knees. Yet, I realize I'm still learning more and more as recovery lingers on.

1. Recovery from a kidney stone is worse than both of my all natural, drug-free childbirths to this active, Type-A, semi-ocd personality. Even as tired as I was after both deliveries, I was still up and running around like normal with a week to 10 days. I'm currently at 3 weeks within recovery. I read in several places that average recovery from a kidney stone is 4-6 weeks. (ugh.)

2. Recovery time feels like actual time x 1,000 days (or something to that effect). I truly feel like I've been sick or off my feet for almost three months. Just this morning, I looked at the calendar and realized the time passed has only been three weeks. I feel there is only so much sitting on my ass I can do while watching movies and reading.

3. I truly know how to listen to my body now. I thought I did pretty well before all of this, but now each little twinge or discomfort tells me something. I can read the signs of wearing down before I actually get there. I think it's a little of me getting tired of losing a day or two after doing too much and a little me learning to read physical signals. I do know this.....I can't wait to feel "normal" again.

One Fav Running Spot

One of my favorite places to run is located on the far west side of my neighborhood right before cityside meets countryside. For the last few months, this entire area has been under construction as it undergoes transformation. This area used to be a local hotel golf course, but over the years my alma mater has purchased the land, built dorms on it, and expanded the athletic complex, a.k.a, Mean Green Village. As of last year, the lovely university began construction on a new football stadium, which resulted in the loss of 95% of all run worthy trails and paths. My running heart was broken, but I adjusted my routes and actually began running further distances as a result.

Over Memorial Day Weekend, we decided to go picnic at the accompanying duck pond in this area. To my surprise, I saw that several running routes that were previously closed with black, garbage bag-esque fences had been reopened to complete the loop around the pond. Also, several new gravel and paved trails leading around the pond and towards the stadium and dorms were installed. What a runner's delight!

Now to get back up to strength so I can go run these paths like crazy!

Three Things Thursday: My Family

While I seem to still be on the recouping list from this kidney situation, I thought it would be appropriate to brag tell you about the three people I hold fiercely near and dear to my heart, who also happen to support me in all my crazy running adventures.

1. P:
   My husband of 12+ years, who's ridden (sometimes by the whites of his knuckles) on the roller coaster of our life and marriage. This guy works hard by day, rocks by night, and still manages to be a pretty great husband and dad. This is also the guy who barely left my side for four days while my body went through kidney hell and is still stepping up in immeasurable ways to make sure I recover completely.
   
   





2. T:
   My amazing 11-year-old. This kid really can do it all. He's terribly brilliant academically (three years ago, his I.Q. had surpassed mine by 4 points already, and I'm a pretty smart chica). T not only has a penchant for the physics and know-how of things, he also inherited the musical talent from both of his parents. With a thirst for the rhythm and the opportunities for expression, his vocal and instrumental talents encompass different genres of music as well as different avenues of creating his music. He's even voiced the possibility of a violin centered rock band on several occasions. To top it off, he's created his athletic niche within the martial arts arena. Now as an Advanced Second Degree Purple belt, he loves to spar and utilize the fast and furious techniques in the ring.
   
   





3. The Cy-Guy:
   My 4-year-old wonder. This little guy is one clever dude. He's irresistibly charming and makes everyone I know, including myself, smile (even despite his temper tantrums and scowls). He truly brings joy to everyone he meets and knows. He has a knack for making friends and loves adventure. Although his daredevil ways refuse to join us at mealtime, he rarely finds obstacles that can't be jumped, swung from, slid into, climbed on, you name it. He makes me wonder if Evel Knievel was in our blood lines somewhere. He will be the one that shocks and awes us in everything he does. I cannot wait to see the type of person this little guy will grow up to be in 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, and more!

Memorial Day Slow Down

Since my last post, I actively thought about turning my blog into the "Chronicles of a Wimpy Mom". I wish I could explain the lack of energy I have, or the amount of time it takes me to do anything. Even though I sometimes get frustrated or disappointed at the turtle pace I currently call "normal", I realized this weekend, I needed this "slowing down"; not just for my body or for my family, but to bring some quiet into my mind and soul.

This past weekend, Memorial Day weekend, my family and I experienced something we rarely come across in our hustle and bustle days: full days of nothing, no plans, just leisure time. Normally weekends are filled with cleaning, parties, work, gigs, plans, friends, family, you name it. This weekend: just days filled with morning coffee, naps, movies, play outside, a picnic, and plenty of ice cream.

Don't get me wrong, I did actually miss going out for 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. runs on Sunday and Monday, but physically, I knew even a spirited walk had the potential to wipe me out for the entire day. I did not want to miss an entire day propped up in bed again. I opted for days filled with bliss instead. Days that floated along magically, it seemed, that brought smiles to the four of us. Smiles on our lips and smiles in our souls.

Kidney Infection: Things I've Learned

Last Wednesday morning (on P's birthday, no less), I visited the ER with the results of a severe kidney infection. Concerns over my hydration levels made the visit even longer, and also brought on talks about admittance if my body didn't respond to the fluid treatment. Fortunately, it did, and the last week has been spent in bed or on the couch with close monitoring by P and T. Here's what I've learned over the past bed-ridden week:

• My husband, even though extremely worried, gives the best care, as well as keeping the ship running. He definitely earns 'Man of the Year' in my book.


• My body tells me when to quit....even if it's two steps later. This past week constantly taught me how to listen to my body even better.


• No matter how hydrated you think you are, you can always drink more water.


• Required bed rest helps a woman who likes her house a 'particular way' to let it go.


• Kids can be extremely self-sufficient, if we just let them.


• As much as my now-11-year-old (T) gives me attitude and seems to despise most of what I say, he truly is concerned and loves (even unadmittedly) taking care of me.


• A 4-year-old might grasp the reasons "Mommy can't snuggle because it hurts", but it does not make him any less mad about it.


• I think I'll be making up for P's birthday all year until his next one.

As we head into the hot and very humid season, for us in the South especially, please, please hydrate, hydrate. Drink that one extra glass of water.

Brand-spanking new logo

All thanks to my good friend Sinai Johnson.

I totally love it.

Check out her other work here

Why I Write About Running

Today is one of those days where I normally would hide in my bubble, barely post on my social media or let alone, blog. I started off with one of those mornings where I realized the necessity of me staying home instead of trudging to work and having a full list (or lists, in this case) of items to take care of are truly more important than my paper-pushing job.

When I get in these moods, I spiral fast. Usually it means it's time to run (most likely speed work) or do an intense strength workout or a bikram yoga session is in order. An intense workout can counteract my feelings of collective stress. Stress about budgets, time management, relocating, my injury and lack of working out, my lack of excelling, my inflated expectations of myself. The more intense workout means the more I can let go. Just let go of it all.

I admit letting go is difficult for me, even with a [bad.ass] workout. Even admitting that I am not always the strong [bad.ass] that several people may see me as is horribly difficult. Yet, it gives me a chance to show how I funnel my emotions into fuel for physical intensity. I get the chance to show how physical activity is not only good for the body, but for the mind and the soul. I get the chance to show how pushing through a run full of hills and crappy roads and 68%+ humidity cleans the slate and shifts perspectives. This is why I write about my running adventures.

Confession: Too Timid to Train

When it comes to sports and training, I generally have a bold and undaunted approach. A "get it done" outlook; no holds barred and balls to the wall. Yes, I have nerves all the time before games, races, and big runs. Yet, normally nothing holds me back.

Since my race two weeks ago, I turned shy to training. I think I've ran twice and had one soccer game. I am truly terrified of reinjuring my ankle and foot, which in turn terrifies me of making my mileage in training and on my upcoming race. I have a brace, a splint, I tape my toes, and I pay extra TLC, but I really do not want to screw my ankle up.

I know it's all about listening to my body and knowing when to ease up or stop, but I also know if I cannot admit to you that I am more than a bit gun-shy right now, I won't be able to admit it to myself. So, send some courage this way as I return to my training plan with extra ankle strengthening and praying to God I do not put myself on crutches.

And thank for letting me whine like a little scaredy-cat.

Running Moms Rock 5K

By the time I picked up my race packet for the Running Moms Rock 5K on Friday night, I had this race report planned out stating the basic fact that I kicked ass. Pre-race jitters had come and gone. I felt ready. Getting my race shirt and bib just excited me even more. Plus having a racing buddy, Casey, running her first race was exciting for me as well. It was destined to be a great race. After chip pickup and warm up in a very humid and sunny late afternoon, I felt fairly confident that Casey and I would finish strong with a PR as well.

The gun went off and we set our pace, easy does it as we found a spot in the crowds. I felt strong and steady at what felt about a 11:00 minute pace, until the hill that happened right after the one mile marker. Now here I could go into a laundry list, or even more like a shopping list for Sam's Club, how the race went wrong. Basically, an old foot injury that hadn't bothered me at all for a minimum of two months flared like an angry dragon overtaking my foot and ankle. I slowed and eventually had to walk. Casey was off. I let her take her own pace forward. After a mental struggle I cannot even describe and a run/walk throughout the rest of the race, I nearly gave up to not injure myself further. I even had the thoughts, "there goes my badass title in the making" and "if I can't do this, there's no way I can keep training for longer races." But I couldn't stop. I kept pushing.

As I rounded the last leg, the 0.14 of the 3.14 mile race, I saw Casey coming back for me. She told me we were going to finish together, limping and all. She yelled at me to push it, and I told her "it hurts". She said it's supposed to! We sprinted in, crossing that line together. I finished with a 41.13 time (13.07 minute pace), even after walking a good mile of it. I felt great, even though my entire right leg felt nothing but pain.

It took me a day of icing and rest to realize this: this race wasn't about me. True, this was my entrance back into the racing scene and my kickoff to training for the elusive 26.2, but other than learning things I need to improve on in my running, this race was not for me. This race was for Casey and for me to share the amazing experience of racing with her. She did fantastic, with a 36:00 finish time. She loved it and can't wait to race again. The best part: I've been a part of her running/racing journey the whole time. That alone makes it worthwhile.

The Tempo Run that Clicked

Even as a fairly avid runner, I never got into the whole "tempo" run or speed work or all these different types of runs. Until last night, that is. I have the Running Moms Rock 5K this Saturday, and last night was my last hard run before the race. Some say to keep my training schedule, but I've learned I need very fresh and rested legs before a race. Therefore, I wanted to make this run count, just as I was running the race already. I aimed for an 11:30 pace. It was realistic and doable, yet still shaving a minimum of 1:30 minutes off my regular, recent pace.

As I set out to run, I checked my mp3 player to glance at the time (8:02 p.m.). I also set my stopwatch on my phone and took off. I just ran. Actually I ran my usual 3+ miler course in reverse, and I know I'll be doing it again. But I meander off point. I knew I was running a faster pace, but I didn't care. All I wanted was to run consistently and beat a 45 minute time. Around the first mile marker, I checked my clock...only 11 minutes passed since my first step. Seeing that added wings to my feet. I kept my pace steady, enjoying the weather, even though humid, and the 'new route'. Just chugged away with only one 20-second stop to retie my shoe.

Soon enough, I realized I was approximately half a mile from my house. I ached to look at the clock, but I refused. One step after another, wind at my neck, sweat dripping down my face and back, loud rock music filling my ears, just running. If you ever read about any of my runs before, I end my runs uphill, yes, up an excruciating hill I do not even like to drive up. I looked at my clock (8:32 p.m.) and started to get discouraged. Ugh, almost 40 minutes, I felt faster than that. I decided I could still shoot for a PR. I sprinted up that hill like I was scrambling from zombies and crashed through my front door.

I checked my time. 8:34 p.m. Wait, that's 32:00 minutes. WHAT?!?!?! I swore I was pushing 40 minutes. Apparently, I looked at my clock wrong or can't do basic math functions while running and tried to make the worst better. I ended up making a PR on my 3.02 mile route at my college-age pace of 10:35 per mile. That means it's been 12, nearly 13, years since I've ran under a 11 minute mile. To top it off, I shaved 3:25 minutes off my pace! I'm so excited I'm still jumping out of my skin. I wish I could tell you what I did to improve so much: hydration, eating enough, weather, you name it. I can't. Everything just clicked for that particular run; it all fell in place, one step at a time.

The Jelly Bean

I'm starting to like virtual racing! Virtual races like The Jelly Bean are a great way to compete without having to schedule yet something else in the swirling mess of hectic schedules. I followed The Cupcake Marathon as several of my DailyMiler friends worked on running a marathon's length over the course of a designated period of time. I enjoyed reading about each of their runs and how they were pushing to finish the Cupcake Marathon. Each day's stories were awesome to read!

If you're interested in participating in this virtual race, jot over to Run with Jess' blog and sign up! It's a free race with prizes too!

A special shout out goes to Haley at Climb Run Lift Mom for sharing the news about The Jelly Bean!

Fatigue Run Experiment: Successful

I rarely do any form of exercise after game days. Even an easy soccer game can wipe my legs, or worse, my core out. IF I feel inspired, I stick to yoga, but normally Mondays are my complete "rest days".

This morning, I felt pushed to run. I quickly got dressed in running gear, and got the boys off to school. I headed to one of my favorite places to run: North Lakes Park. This park has everything: "trails" or a "dam" overlooking the in city reservoir, gorgeous scenery, sidewalks, even a little bridge.















So, I took off on the muddy dam and ran down and around to the sidewalk loop. No problem, the wind wasn't even that bad. I felt I could go for another loop. As soon as I hit that dam, everything started hurting. Feet, legs, back, even the bruises I got from yesterday's game. I started questioning why I was even out there. In my mind, I kept telling myself, "geez, this is a rest day". The wind picked up and I started feeling the fatigue. All the walkers were unfriendly and grouchy, it seemed. I felt drained. Usually other runners' enthusiasm and friendliness always helps me keep going. Yet, I couldn't make myself stop. I felt there was a reason I was out there today of all days.

I crossed over over to the sidewalk loop, and there it was...the reason I was running today. Out doing a morning walk with her mom or friend or caregiver while the weather cool and not humid, was a cancer patient. I could tell by the low-pulled beanie she was wearing and the drawn eyes. She kept turning around to look at me approaching her. She had the biggest smile on her face. As I passed by, she clapped, cheered, and patted me on the arm like I was running a race. I stopped and turned around, smiled and squeezed her hand. Her smile was brighter than the rising sun overtaking both of us. I turned around and ran back to my car, exhausted, but elated.

I don't know if I made her day, or if she made mine.

Taking Out the Trash Run

That's what I named last night's run. Basically since Sunday evening, I had been some sort of wannabe-crazy-hormonal-who-knows-what woman. I had been feeling grumpy, emotional, even downright bitchy, and I couldn't put my finger on it. While talking to PJ, he said I needed to run because I start to head on a downward spiral if I don't run for a while. I thought to myself, "I just ran on...Friday. Crap." Normally, I have a soccer game to add in sprints/intervals between run days. We didn't have a game this past weekend. No wonder I had all this "trash" building up. After prepping food for meals, I went out and ran. I told myself slow and steady, at least try for 3-4 today. After all, I do have a 5K race in 2.5 weeks. I started out at an easy pace and cranked up the playlist. Everything was great: the weather, the music, even my legs with screaming shins. My head started to clear and I felt myself start to even out, climb back on kilter, so to speak. I started approaching my 1.135 mile marker. Now, on my "straight shot" runs, this is where I turn around and head home for a total of 2.27 miles. In my head, I had this conversation:

"I can turn around now and make this an easy run, or I can turn right and go for a 3 mile minimum. I could save my legs and add mileage later this week.

I have a 5K coming up. I need to up the mileage and get used to the 3+ miles again. I REALLY want to run a 10K or 15k or even a half by September end. I MUST add this mileage. I have no choice but to turn right."

Here's where I dropped of my "first load of trash", or my excuses for not pushing myself harder. I turned right and went head on into the wind for some so-called trail running, which is actually a 0.5 mile of ditch running instead of running on the small road. The next mile was quite uneventful. I pushed on, slow and steady, and felt like my mental trash was dissipating. I began to feel normal.

I had about a 1/2 mile until I reached home; down the top of the hill I was on and up the next to the top of the hill I lived on. My legs wavered. I kept my pace until the last climb up. The somewhat gradual incline looked like a mountain to me. All I could tell myself was "come on" over and over, every three steps. Then, there it was. I crested the hill and saw my last bit of mileage, the .02 of my 3.02 miles. I finished sprinting (and smiling) that last tenth of a mile, taking out the last of the trash.

Surprise kid-free night

Having my very active boys swept away for the evening always surprises me. Everything I could do, should do, want to do, shoots through my mind. Often enough I end up catching up on housework, laundry, emails, and movies. Last night I took advantage of amazing weather 70° at half past 7 p.m. and ran my ass off. I took no gear, not even my tunes (yes, Sarah W. I know you're reading this with jaw agape), and ran. I ran a simple route, my favorite straight shot ALL the way down my long, hilly street and back. An easy, peasy 2.27 miles that I've been conquering on all levels since January 2009. My favorite part: running into the sunset, remembering how awesome my neighborhood looks filled with bluebonnets and wildflowers. My only regret: Not having a camera with me. Guess I'll have to run it again soon. *smiles*

Pace and Positive Motivation

Tuesday evening, I went out and ran my scheduled run. First I must say, I AM NOT an evening runner. I prefer pre-dawn or at dawn runs, period. Yet, I run when I can and try to not make excuses. Secondly, despite fighting a couple months of laziness and lovely Texas spring winds, my morale plummeted...quickly. I kept thinking about my pace and endurance, both of which has gone awry since December/January. All I could think about while doing my Galloway style intervals was: "I must pick up my pace. I must last. I have a race in 4 weeks."

I finished my run strong, not proud of my pace though. I then twisted my ankle stepping down stairs. The injury is slight, but in order to play in my soccer game on Sunday, rest for the days until then is required. I again thought about my pace and upcoming race (oooh! rhyme).

I logged onto Daily Mile today to post about my ankle, and I then read the #dailymission was all about motivation. As I read through post after post of motivation, I saw this:



This saying said it all for me. No matter my 14 minute+ pace right now, I'm still faster than everyone sitting watching T.V. or choosing to not do anything. This picked up my spirits like nothing else. I choose to get out there and run.

Back on Track

2011 so far has shown me that life can surely throw kinks in the even the best intended and determined of people. I've barely ran this year; not even 5 miles in regular runs. (I don't count soccer games/practices in my mileage) Apparently I've gotten really good at excuses this year though, oh, and the blame game. You know, blaming anything and everything for why I cannot get out and run. To top it off, I got angry about it too; my temper reflected exactly one of the reasons I run.



Well, no more. At least not today. Lol. Thanks to my great group of online mom runners, I got my ass out and ran a virtual Shamrock 5K challenge. I was "supposed to dress up", but even the socks I bought just for this came off due to tightness. :) But here's to pounding out a 5K, after work, on one of the funnest holidays ever.

Dreams

Between New Year's and Martin Luther King, Jr. day, January gives plenty of opportunities to make you think about your dreams. This year I shunned making resolutions and gave it all to follow dreams; dreams I've put on the wayside and dreams newly realized.

Dreams of becoming a journalist/author that makes a difference somehow, some way with words written by my own hand. Dreams of becoming a strong woman making an honest impact on people I meet, know, and love. Dreams of one day running a marathon, perhaps even Boston or NYC one day. Dreams of being an awesome mom that provides, nurtures and raises two boys into two independent, loving gentlemen. Dreams of loving myself to where loving another only adds another amazing dimension to the life I lead.

Some days I wake up with new dreams racing over and over in my mind. Other days I have one dream that keeps me focused and pushing through the day. I hope we are all pushed by dreams to keep us progressing forward for change and to become the people we envision ourselves to be in our dreams.