National Running Day 2012

It's hard to believe that I started my journey as a runner almost a year ago.  It all started as a family challenge that my mom presented to my sister and I.  "Can we run a half marathon together?"  Little did I realize that by accepting that challenge, I would find a love for running during the process.

Since yesterday was National Running Day, I wanted to reflect on some of the reasons why I love running:

1. Ellie gets to come with me:  I love spending as much time outside with my pup as possible.  Running allows us to spend even more quality time together.  Since Ellie loves to run, she sees running with me as a treat so it's a good time for everyone involved.
2. I get to enjoy beautiful scenery:  I don't think I ever realized how beautiful Columbus and it's surrounding suburbs are until I started running.  Now, I get to enjoy the city, parks, and my own neighborhood every time I head out for a run.  I also love exploring new places to run so I'm constantly finding new routes.
3. Running is relaxing:  Hitting the pavement at the end of the day really helps me clear my mind and destress.  Whether it's a quick run to get out some frustration or a long run to really allow me time to think, running has been my outlet.
4. Running keeps me active:  I've always been a very active person and love team sports.  However, the past few years have been far too busy for me to commit to a team and specific schedule.  Running allows me to continue being active and I can fit it in where my schedule allows.
5. I love a challenge:  Running has sparked my competitive spirit.  I may not be running to be the fastest person in a race, but I'm still competing with myself.  With running, there are always new goals that I can set for myself and new races to conquer.

These are all things that drive my desire to run.

Did you celebrate National Running Day with a run?  What do you love about running?

Heather

Let's Talk Safety

I have always felt safe on my running routes.  I live in a nice town, run during the day, and stay on well-traveled sidewalks/trails.  If I do run when it's dark, I always have a running buddy or Ellie with me and only run in areas that are familiar and well-lit.  I also think it's important to run with only one earbud in.  This way I can listen to my music while still being aware of my surroundings.  I, for one, never let my guard down so I'm always paying attention to anything out of the ordinary.

I recently noticed a man parked in the guest lot at our condo complex.  I noticed him last week as I left for and returned home from an evening run and again yesterday morning.  He just sits in his car which I find highly unsettling.  Regardless of what he was doing, his presence served as a wake-up call.  While I know calling the police is the first step in ensuring our safety here, the second step is reminding all of you to be careful out there.

I think that I will be adding mace to my running belt.  What do you do to keep safe?

Heather

Hello Training Schedule

I know I was supposed to start my new training schedule today. However, the weather forecast was looking super crappy so I went for a run last night instead.  A storm was slowly rolling in so it started to get dark a little earlier than usual last night.  I quickly put on my new 'Race Ya' tank and headed out the door with Ellie.  Luckily, the first run on my training schedule called for a quick 1.5 mile run so that we could make it home before the storm.

We ran down a few neighborhood streets since it was such a short run.  I don't normally run the neighborhood streets because Ellie gets distracted too easily by all the people and dogs that are usually out.  Surprisingly, we only passed one person.  Of course it was a neighbor that I know so I gave a quick wave and was on my way.  Then I felt a sharp tug.  Apparently, Ellie didn't get the memo that we were just giving a passing hello to our friend and her dogs.  Although Ellie is pretty good with the 'leave it' command, she seemed to lack self-control when she saw her friends.  After two attempts and my stern voice, she finally gave up and decided to continue on the run.  Am I the only one with this problem?

The rest of the run was pretty uneventful: just how I like it.  Once we arrived home, I had a slight pain in my left knee so I iced it.  I've never had knee pain so I will have to keep an eye on it.  My knee felt fine this morning so I'm hoping that it was just a little soreness from taking such a long break.

I also have found that I might need an armband to hold my cell phone.  I found this awesome giveaway on Karen's blog so hopefully I win.  You can enter too, just head on over to her blog.

Heather

The Scenic Route

After my less than impressive performance at the Capital City Half Marathon a few weeks ago, I decided that I wanted to have some time off before starting my new training schedule.  I thought that it was really important to allow my body some time to bounce back from a month of sickness.   Although I have really missed sticking to a running schedule, I know that it was the right thing to do for my body.

Even though I haven't been on a training schedule, that doesn't mean that I still haven't gotten in some of my favorite outdoor activities.  It's been way too nice to just stay inside so  I've been taking it easy with some short runs, long walks, and trips to the dog park: all with Ellie of course.

Since our runs and walks are meant more to enjoy the weather rather than to train, we have gotten to enjoy the amazing scenery in our area.  I sometimes miss how beautiful it is around us so these past couple of weeks have certainly reminded me to stop and look around.

While taking it easy was good for my body, I am ready to get back out there.  I have decided that tomorrow will be the first day of my new training schedule.  I've taken a few training plans and modified them into a single schedule to fit my needs.  I am still tweaking parts of the schedule, so hopefully I work out the details soon.  I do know that since I didn't adequately train for the last race due to being sick, I want to start slow on my new training plan so that Ellie and I can both avoid straining ourselves.  We will be starting this week with a few short runs.  I hope to have an update on my schedule as soon as it's been finalized. 

Heather

Twenty-Eight

I've noticed that holiday weekends always seem to go by faster than our normal weekends, even with the extra day off.  Granted, long weekends are usually filled with friends, family, and amazing food, so it's worth the craziness and lack of sleep.  This Memorial Day Weekend was no different.

After looking at our wedding venue on Saturday, Scott and I loaded up the car and headed to my hometown to spend time with my family.  Per usual, Ellie came along for the trip.  She has always loved riding in the car so she settled in for the long ride.  The first half-hour is always a little crazy because she thinks we are going to the dog park so she was jumping around the back seat, unable to contain her excitement.  However, once she realizes that we are going on a longer trip, she usually calms down and enjoys the ride. 

The good news is that she loves to sit and look out the window which makes her a great travel companion once we get going.  You may notice that she is buckled in the backseat.  I take wearing my seat-belt very seriously no matter how short the trip, so Ellie's safety is no different than my own.  We bought her the Kurgo travel zip line and harness to keep her safe on all of our car rides.  I am completely in love with this travel system and even use the harness for our runs, so it has been well worth the investment.

Upon arriving to my parents' home, we spent the next 24 hours celebrating my cousin's high school graduation, visiting with my aunt from North Carolina who was in town, and ringing in my birthday with a family cookout.  That's right, this Sunday was my 28th birthday.  Man, I'm getting old!  I did get some amazing presents this year, even though I thought I was getting too old to receive gifts.  One of my favorites is this dress.  My sister, Christina, bought this for me for my rehearsal dinner next year.  What do you think of it?

While time with my family was great, we still had a lot on our plates this weekend so we headed home Sunday night to prepare for another busy day.  Scott's mom came over before bedtime to drop off my birthday present.  I know I mentioned recently that I have been looking for running tanks that are a loose-fitting for my runs now that it's getting hot outside.  Luckily, I have the best future mother-in-law ever and she found this gem for my birthday.  It's an Under Armor running tank that says "Race Ya".  I love everything about this tank.  The fit and weight is perfect and the bright colors are fantastic.  I'm dying to wear it out for a run and will definitely be wearing this in my next race.

We got up early again on Monday for another whirlwind day.  We attended a cookout at Scott's dad's home but our visit was short since we had to come home to prepare to host my birthday cookout with friends.  Many of our closest friends came over to celebrate.  It was the first time many of them had been in the same room together so it was nice that they could all meet.  In all it really was a wonderful birthday.  I am truly blessed with so many wonderful people in my life.

Turning another year older did get me thinking about what I have accomplished and what I have yet to do.  Therefore, I am creating a list of goals this year that I want to accomplish before my next birthday.  Please join me as I create my list of 28 goals and check them off before my 29th birthday.  Many of the goals will be running related but I will have some personal goals as well.  If you have suggestions for goals that I should add to the list, I would love to hear them.

Heather

Wedding Venue Visit

At our meeting last week, the coordinator at our wedding venue told me that there was a wedding set for today at 1:00pm.  She told me that I was welcome to swing by before that time to see how everything would look all set up.  Upon arriving at the country club, I actually made friends with the father-of-the-bride before finding the coordinator.  After explaining that I was taking a look at the venue in preparation for my own wedding he invited me to take a look around at whatever I wanted. 

My new friend told me that they were expecting around 90 guests which is perfect because we are hoping to have around 100 guests at our wedding.  Seeing the ceremony space set up for a similar amount of guests really helped me visualize what it will look like on our wedding day.

I was relieved to see that even an hour before the ceremony started, the reception was already perfectly set up.  It seems like the club has a great system going to make sure events run smoothly.

I feel so much more at ease and can't wait til next April.

Heather

We Set a Date!

Scott and I officially booked our venue so I can finally announce that we will be getting married on April 27, 2013.  We are having our ceremony and reception at a local country club.  Weather permitting, we are planning to have an outdoor ceremony, then move inside for the reception.

The ceremony will take place in front of the stone wall fountain which will have water running down it.  The firepit will be covered, so that the aisle can be placed down the middle to line up with the fountain.  We are also bringing in white chairs to add a touch of elegance. 

The reception will be held right inside from the ceremony location.  I'm obsessed with the ceiling and chandeliers in the ballroom.  The ceremony site will also be transformed into it's original state so that guests can return outside during the reception.

Photo copyright: Kevin Keefer Photography

There is a wedding at the country club this weekend, so I'm going to swing by before the ceremony to see how everything will look once it's all set up.  I'm so excited to see it and will try to get more photos of the space.

We are also booking our photographers this week and  I need to decide on my colors.  I just love color so it's hard to decide on only a few :)  It will be nice to get some big things off my list.  It's all so exciting but I have so much left to do.  Any wedding planning advice from those who've been through it?

Heather