A little running...

So I started slowly running again on Wednesday. I will tell you that that even being away from running for even 10 days really hurt my time but I knew I really needed to not go balls to the wall. Which i have never really understood this saying. Other sayings i don't understand is are you shitting me. lol. Sorry got off track. So I started with some easy 3 milers. I can tell you I was very nervous about running. I was scared my hip wasn't going to feel good and that I would be side lined again but it felt really good and really good to sweat and after a mile or 2 I was feeling good. Didn't have any discomfort, pain which made me happy. I have never babied my body so much as I have since this injury. Today I ventured off for a 5 miler and I could tell by 2 and half miles I had started off way to fast because by 3.33 miles I needed to walk a bit. I had to do this twice. I just couldn't slow down. After I got done I did my stretches, rolled my ass and hip and iced it for a bit. About mid day I did have a achy feeling but 2 aleve fixed that right up. And off to nap I went.

But it was mentioned to me by a fellow marathoner that I really need to sow down. I really need to practice this to get through my long distance runs and also I need to not injure myself again. That is going to take some practice. I see the pt on Tuesday, which I am really excited about to be honest. I can't wait to see what he's going to teach me and advice on this hip. So that's all I have right now. My plan is to really start training next Tuesday. I am nervous but I know that I am just as excited.

So until next time...

Gosh it's been a LONG time

Goodness I haven't blogged in so long. As I'm sitting here on a Friday night, looking through Pinterest, I realized that there are so many things I miss in my life. So this is a post of things I am missing right at this moment..

1. Texas... I can't help it. Born and raised. I am a Texas girl

2. Living in the country. I miss quiet. I miss peace. I miss long drives to Walmart or the mall in Denton. 

3. My BFF Amy. I miss seeing her every day. I miss sitting on the couch talking and laughing. I miss her laugh that only I could describe as hilarious. I miss our closeness and our friendship. I just miss HER. 

4. I miss Amy's kids. I miss the friendship of Zack and her son. The way they felt so comfortable and loved each other.

5. I miss cows, horses and all kinda of country living animals. It's awesome to look out your living room window and see 2 cows walking right in your back door. I miss goats getting lose and running to to your garage. 

6. I miss family. I miss the way they make you feel. I miss family get togethers and friends getting together. 

7. I miss running. I miss the mental game you play with yourself. The high of a long run. The soreness of your legs and I miss my running attire.

8. I miss some of my old jobs. Some places I had it so good. Friendships and fun. 

9. I miss being me. I've become someone I don't really even know. I'm working on it but I still miss Amanda. Not saying I'm fake but I do hide my pain through smiles. 

10. I miss my kids being younger to be honest. I miss their innocence, I miss their mommy and daddy I need you days. Now they are independent, becoming little people. It goes by so fast. 

A lot of things I miss. I can't go back to reclaim or redo the decisions I've made. But I can try harder to be happy. I miss being just HAPPY.... 

Confession time...

I've been slacking on my blog a little bit, things going on in my head. Things like planning my training for my marathon in January, getting my house cleaned before my mom comes and other brain activity but I have had one thing on my mind for the last 3-4 months...

I have a confession to make and it's really hard to confess this but I am. I was a smoker up until Friday night. Yep I was a runner who smoked. Well I didn't run and smoke at the same time lol but I was a smoker. Not a heavy smoker but enough that I knew I needed to stop if I really wanted to run a marathon. So I decided about a week ago that I was going to stop smoking and do the Ecig. Now the ecig is a order less vapor but you still get the nicotine. The liquid comes in different mg according to how much you smoke. I am not getting all the smoke and toxins from a cigarette. It's a step to quitting and I am very excited.

Back story.. I started smoking when I was 12. I continued until I got pregnant with Emily. Stopped then well 9 weeks later I was pregnant with Zack. Yes I was pregnant for 2 years lol.. But I didn't smoke during those times. However I started back up again. My husband asks me why I would start back up, are you kidding me. I have 2 babies 11 months apart. Better be glad it's just cigarettes  lol!!! But I did continue and have NEVER even tried to quit. NEVER. 

I started to say to myself " Amanda, you cannot smoke and train for a marathon", I literally don't know how I did all those races at that pace and smoked. My half marathon was amazing, I kept a steady pace of 9:34 for 13.29 miles and I think, oh my goodness that's insane that I did that and had smokers lungs. I would look at other women's runs and pace and think I bet they don't smoke. But I was so scared to quit. Then my coworker who smoked 1-2 packs a day got the Ecig let me tell you, if she can quit, then hell I can to. So I started to try hers and I felt that my nicotine fix was gone after puffing on that for a bit. So my decision was made.

I know it's not a week or a month cigarette free but for me it's huge, but I know I can do this. I love my running and I am excited to see how much it improves over time. I will tell you it works. I don't stink, my lips won't look all wrinkly and my nails will not turn all yellow. I really hated smoking but I needed that drug. Now I feel like I can have my cake and eat it too for the moment. 

I know my papaw would be so proud. He wanted me to stop for so long. I just wish I could have fulfilled his wish before his death. But I know he's smiling down and giving me that support and strength. 

To my wonderful husband: 

I know I've been a bitch, well give it a couple of days, it will fade lol!! Love you bunches!!!

My WONDERFUL run this morning

I haven't had a peaceful run in some time. I've had some awesome runs, good runs, ok runs and horrible runs but this one was just peaceful. It all started about 6 last night. 

Last night, huh.. Let me explain. I had 3 cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, grilled Italian sausage and Texas toast for dinner. I love carb loading ;). I then set the alarm for 6:45, woke up feeling so rested. I haven't slept good the last couple of nights. Last nights sleep was needed. So I make my cup of coffee and read up on some things on my laptop. Yes I still have a laptop. I really need a iPad honey;).

 Then I got all my gear on, starting with my garmin, then my phone case, my buds and my favorite new gear, my camelbak. I have been eyeing one for some time. I need it so bad when running in this heat and humidity. I got the camelbak charm. Holds 50L and so easy to fill and put on and sip through. It's amazing. It's my second time to use it and I couldn't be happier.

 This morning I decided to put ice in it. That helped keep the water COLD. I was all set and ready to go thinking its gonna be a hot one but much to my surprise it was very cloudy and starting to drizzle. The wind was blowing, the air was just right. Off I went into a peaceful 8 mile run. On my way I saw a mama and baby dear. I haven't seen dear since Texas. It was beautiful. I kept trucking along to a nice steady pace in the pouring rain. It was like the rain was just washing all my worries, fears and cares away. I had a goal for 8 miles and I succeeded. I love running in the rain, sure everything was soaked but I felt so clean inside!! It was an amazing run and those are the runs that I remember. Those are the runs I long to run, that's why I run. Not time, pace, place, races.. It's the feeling of peace step after step. That's what it is all about. Ok ok and I met my mileage for the week😊

Rain rain go away...

Holy batman this rain is draining me. How many days can one place get? Oh 14 days thats how many days here in the Low country. So let me explain how this rain is affecting me!!

1. My grass is growing faster than the hair on my legs. 

2. Humidity is a pain in the arse when running. I literally feel like a shirt is over my mouth when I breath. 

3. Flooding, I really need a kayak now.

4. Frizz, yep my hair is so frizzy. I just put it in a wet bun and off I go. 

5. STUPID drivers. People it's rain, please learn to drive in it.

6. My dog is going to need a bath. Mud and going into my house do not mix, I don't like dirty.

7. Dirty, muddy floors which I will have to sweep and mop during my 4 day holiday.

8. Basing your plans around the weather, but of course it is hurricane season here. 

9. Mosquitos are out and full force, tip: clear nail polish helps with itching. 

And last..

10. I hear the weather has been amazing in Texas, I wish I had ruby red heels and make my way there!!! 

So how's the weather in your neck of the woods??? 

Omg, is that sun I see NEXT week??? 

What a wet weekend!!!

I don't know where to start about my weekend.

 So let me go back to Friday morning. Got up and got ready for a good 7 mile run. It was a little nice out. Some sun, some wind, hot as hell but doable. I have got to stop pushing myself in this heat. So I pick a song that matches my heart rate and keep that one song going for 7 miles. Yep you read it correctly, same song 7 miles. So my pace was 10 min miles. I really don't mind. I mean I do but I would rather run longer and run all of 7 miles then to take breaks because the weather is wearing me out. So I'll pick up the pace come fall. Gotta find a good pace for the marathon😬. Then Friday night we set out on the boat with Ash and Robbie and their kids for a ride around Charleston and go eat. Had a great dinner at Charleston Crab House. By the time we were done it was dark, headed back and caught the Friday night firework show from the inlet. It was hands down the BEST firework show ever. So much fun. However rule #1,314 for women with long hair riding on a boat, tie that mop up lol. I seriously could not brush my hair after 2 showers Saturday!! Oh so Saturday was beach day. Went out to IOP for awhile. The waves were harsh;) and beating the crap out of us. Went to dive into a wave and my bottoms went down to my knees lol. So glad no one saw that, tops were falling off, it was wild so we opted to head home.

Came home and me and hubs went to Dicks, where a girl could buy everything in there that's running related. I just ended up getting NUUN for hydration when running. Trying it tomorrow. Then off grocery shopping, HATE Walmart. But who doesn't? After some grub and Emily spending the night at a friends, we watched The Call. That movie was good yet my anxiety was in overdrive. Ending sucked so that was boo:( 

Today was meeting up with Ronnie's coworker and his wife to go kayaking for 3 hours down by Shem creek. I have to say, I am loving all these adventures we have been doing. Kayaking is hard and frustrating as hell. I almost tipped thanks to Gina ;). She got a great laugh and really so was I after the initial shock that I was tipping in a kayak. However the water was only to my knees, I thought it was deeper, much to my surprise I looked like a fool. Someone really should have taken a pic of my face. We had some moments of downpour which seems to be the weather all of June. Damn you need a kayak just to get around Charleston these days. We saw dolphins swimming right around us, crabs, birds and got a historical insight about Charleston. Charleston is very historical and very beautiful.

I'm really glad me and hubs had our own kayak, we really don't do well in certain situations, which he agrees lol. He was about a 1/2 up from me or running into my kayak a time or two. He secretly wanted me to flip, which is mean but that's how he rolls lol!!! 

All in all, it was a very exciting weekend. All involved the beach, ocean and rain!!! Ready for a 3 day workweek and my mama to come visit!!!

This is where we kayaked!!

The ride to din din

Charleston

Beautiful sunset

Din din

ash and me,hubs behind

Awesome fireworks 

My hair the next morning, and duck lips lol!!!

So how's your summer so far???

Mine SUCKS!!! Well not really but only for 2 reasons. Let me explain!!

Numero uno: I hate running in this humidity. Oh my goodness can I please have a nice easy run that doesn't consist of almost having a heat stroke. That's not even the worse thing. It's the humidity. I don't think I can ever get use to it. It's miserable. I can't enjoy my runs cause I'm either dying or drowning in sweat. Wring out my clothes and it would fill half a bucket. I am hydrating like crazy. Drinking well over 100 ozs of h2o!! I mean I should have perfect completion and peeing clear ok, one out of 2 is great. But all this sweat is making me break out, having me go buy new makeup which was 15 bucks. WHATDAHELL!!! So I don't know what it's going to take for me to enjoy running again. Probably a snow storm in July please. Hey it can happen.. 

Número dos: 

The summer is going by sooo  fast. I HATE THAT. I like not having a routine in the morning, but my own lol. I mean who finds getting two preteens up exciting? Not I... So that's my bitch for the day!!! Done

It's been awhile..

Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. Things have been crazy, but in a good way. So lets start out with my vaca. So we left for Gatlinburg TN for week and boy we were excited to get away. We rented a nice log cabin tucked away in the great Smokies. The weather was amazing. We did the whole tourist thing which included a lot of Ripleys things. We went the most beautiful aquarium. My favorite part was the underwater shark exhibit. Kinda reminded me of Jaws, where in the movie the people happen to go under water to see the sharks however none the pipes exploded and the tunnel was filled with water up to your chest. Kinda exciting to see a plague about scratches in the glass from a shark attack in 2009. Wonder what happened in there. Took some awesome pics, ate wonderful food, celebrated dh 36th birthday and drank some awesome white lightening.. Wooowee that was so strong alcohol. Not to tipsy though, ok maybe I was feeling good. I also got in a beautiful 6 mile run. So exciting to me to say that I have actually ran in TN. The weather like I said was awesome. Woke up to 50s and NO humidity. Made my run just perfect. We then went white water rafting which all I can say was scary and exciting. I would of course do it again but most likely without the kids.  All in all we had a great time but so ready to get home. I didn't get to run much, which was hard for me but I really enjoyed being on a break from everything. I'm already planning my next trip!!! 

Home meant back to work and back to my running routine. I love/hate summer. Love cause I can log in some longer miles before work. Hate cause it'a freaking hotter than a habanero pepper..I had some really great runs coming back. To my surprise the weather wasn't all that bad. The first day of summer was beautiful and awesome running weather. However today was HORRIBLE. I can't say HORRIBLE enough. After today my plan to run a half in July is out the window. Yea I'm a puss so what. But this mornings run was not mentally brutal, my body did not want to run. Period. I knew after 4.11 miles I was done but I COULDN'T be. Like I have said I stick to my goals no matter what and today was one of those no matter what's. I went from outside to dreadmill to outside to back to dreadmill. I was 97% done at 8.something miles but I couldn't bring myself to quit. I started to post about it on FB and I thought I am going to use this post to push me. I could not fail myself. I had to dig deep and deep is an understatement. I was pissed, I was almost in tears, I was quitting. I DON'T QUIT. And I did it come hell or high water. I can't say I'm proud of the run but I can say that I am proud of myself. I would rather be proud of myself than proud of a run ESP when it's a hard ass run. I really never knew the meaning of perseverance and dedication until today and I can honestly write that. It just shows that even the most trained, hard core, bad ass runners have some horrible runs, but what's worse is when you just give up. Don't because I don't regret that run, I would have regretted it had I stopped. The feeling of regret or wish I are the worst for a runner. When you feel like quitting remember the feeling. Keep it with you ALWAYS on every run, hard or easy. That feeling will make you think twice about not going for a run or quitting. So day was a hard lesson for me. Exhausting yet fulfilling. How could I not be proud of that? 

A 12 miler and a lot of sweat...

Finally a dry day here in Charleston to get out for a good LR. After the hiatus about tropical storm Andrea or basically what they stated was a test tropical storm, I needed to get out and run on some pavement. I set out about 8:30 for what I wanted to do was a 14 miler. I have to run in even numbers. I hate odd numbers which is why having 17 pairs of running shorts is torture to me. Considering I only  run 4 times a week, my hubby seems to think that is WAY to many. For me it's not enough. Runners LOVE running clothes. My mentality is when you buy something new run related it makes me more excited to run. But then I start running and that thought goes out the window. Today was miserable. It was soooooooooo humid. By mile 3 I was dripping with sweat. I'm not talking just beads of sweat dripping down, I'm talking full on soaked. Like I had just ran in pouring ass rain. But I didn't. I had stops for water which I needed so I didn't pass out. I didn't know my body could pour sweat out like that. By mile 10 I think I was just done. My shoes were sloshing,my socks were soaked, there wasn't anything that was dry on my body. I kept going. I said ok if you get to mile 11 take a water break. Made it to 11 but that odd number thing popped in my head and it wasn't going to end on a odd note. I finally gained enough strength to get to mile 12 where I told myself YOU ARE DONE!!!! And you know what I was ok with that. I always have a goal when running, I always meet my goal but 12 was simply enough for me. The weather can get so humid here, so I told myself run for 15 mins, and then before you know it I was running another 15 mins and so on. I HATE to walk when running. I don't do it unless it's 100 percent humidity which was today. But I am ok with that. Sometimes you just need a walk break. So I enjoyed my 12 and plan on 14 miles soon, well maybe when it cools down. Got to start figuring out my training plan for my marathon which right now my body is yelling NOOOOOOO!!!

Sorry, a little late post about Amanda 5k

I am always excited the day before a race, esp when it involves running with Ash. This is our second 5k together and I could not have picked a better partner. So Friday comes around and I think I pretty prepared for the 5k. Oh I love Eric Church. Sorry so random, watching the CMT awards. Ok so where was I? Oh yes the 5k. This race REALLY was a highlight in my running adventures besides my half marathon. Every time I ran I thought of Amanda . I can name a lot of reasons why, but I would sound like a broken record. But as a runner, being told I couldn't run again hit hard. You see I was given these legs to walk this earth. But I never knew I could RUN this earth. My running started way long ago but only this past year and half I have made it part of my life, my lifestyle. I LOVE the feeling after a run. Yes after lol. Before a run the coffee hasn't hit the brain yet or the legs but I get out there and just do it!! So Saturday comes around. I wake up early and refreshed and rearing to go. I get to Ashley's house where we get to going to get our packets. Hang out and check out all the scenery, which included police, firemen and EMS. No really I was really focused on my mojo;) ( not really)!!! The race is set to start at 9. Well around here in the summer at 9 am it's already feeling like 110. So I really think we need to do them at 8. Just my opinion. Who listens to those? So my plan was to just run with Ash the whole race. I've done lots of 5ks so I was just there to talk and run. Well well well, I have a tendency to be competitive during a race BECAUSE why? It's a race duh. I ran with Ash for the first mile I think and then I looked behind me to Ash like a kid at a amusement park wanting to go ride rides, a lion in cage wanting to escape, I said can I go? She nodded and off I went. I hated to leave her but it was like speed was running through my veins. I need to GO!! I crossed the finish in 26:13. But oh my gawd it was awful hot. I was wet everywhere. Well ok sweaty is what I meant. Perv minds. Got some water and I wanted to be with Ash when she ran in the finish. She kicked some ass. For the heat and sun, we both made some good times. We then headed to The Dig in North Chas for some drinks. Nice and refreshing. I can see more races and drinks in our future;). I had a blast as usual. Thanks Ash!!! 

Pre 5K thoughts!!!

LOVE it!! What, you ask? The feeling I feel before a race. I can't explain the excitement unless your a runner. Tomorrow is a little 5k. But not so little. 500 people really is big for a 5k. It's a great run and for a great yet realistic cause. Will I beat my 8 min mile pace from last months 5k? No I won't. Summer training has really taken a toll on my pace, but tomorrow I really don't care. I am just so excited. LOVE the feeling, challenge, atmosphere and runners coming together for another runner who at THIS time can not run. We will run for you!! Now ask me this when marathon training begins, that will be a different mentality. JAMIE DANFORD, I need you here ;)

Post race details to follow. I plan on getting lots of pics!!!

Happy Memorial Day and little tidbits

1. So happy when Friday at 5:30 came around

2.VERY happy we had 3 days of the hubs around!!

3. Friday night ate at Buffalo Wild Wings, so good but my butt burns ( sorry it's my blog) 

4. The day I don't EVER look forward too, bathing suit shopping

5. Found not one but two awesome suits and I flaunted myself for sure!!

6. I felt very comfortable in my body this summer. LOVED it!! MOTIVATION

7. Spent Saturday at the beach, which was so beautiful. Still amazed I live so close to them. 

8. Went to see iron man 3. Love Robert Downey jr.

9. Went for a killer 12.5 mile run. Haven't done that distance in a while. 

10. Sitting with the hubs watching The Glades on a Sunday night

11. The kids are almost done with school and this mama can't wait!!

12. Everyone have a safe and happy Memorial Day!!

Most important remember why we have a Memorial Day. Please don't lose sight of the men and women who have served Nd continue to serve for the great U.S.A. 

What do you think about during your runs/workout??

Of course with the weather changing I haven't been very excited to run. I love to sweat don't get me wrong but I like to sweat while the air conditioning is running or a fan in my face. Running outside with temps hovering around 70 with 80% humidity at 7:30 is hard and I can tell because my pace is around a summer time pace. Which is slow lol!! But something has changed inside me. A different perspective has shifted. So I am running a 5k June 1st. Your probably like soo what, we know you race:( I hope y'all don't though!! But this one hits so close to home. The 5k is called RunforAmanda. No it's not because we have the same name goofs!! But she was a charleston county ems and one day she got a really bad headache. Went on for 3 days I think. She finally went to the doctor and they told her she had a stroke. That her corited artery was 100% blocked. She's 33, a mother to a 2 yr old and a RUNNER!! Having surgery was to risky for her. So she has had to stop working, can't left anything over 10 pounds and they said she can't run anymore. So they are doing this 5k to help her. I think it's wonderful. But during my run this morning I thought to myself how would I react to being told I can't run anymore, that I couldn't pick up my 2 year old. But since my kids are older and I'm new to running, my mind went right to running. Running is not just to look good and tone up, it's a release, and feeling of personal achievement, so many things and to be told I could never feel those again through running would be devastating. It's a part of my life. Its made me such a stronger person, more confidence with myself and my abilities. It's helped me realize things about myself I never knew, it opened my eyes to beautiful things around me. Today I ran for Amanda. I took the selfishness out of my run and just did 6.5 miles for her. It was the best run. I thanked God deep in my soul for the ability to run and run for people that can't!! Sure was an eye opener and something I will think of during every run. It really hits close to home. Enjoy your runs, when training for a race be mindful of the person or organization you are training for because taking out your needs will be such a great run!!

Mother's Day and a hard beach run!!!

Omg so much to talk about with this run. Lets start from the beginning of this oh very exciting thought. Sitting out on the patio, I had an idea that on Mother's Day I would love to run the beach at Isle of Palms. I have a 10k coming up end of June so I thought it would be great plus I have never ran on a beach before. So Ronnie and I thought, oh how fun. He could fish and the kids could do what they wanted while I ran and he fished. Holy mother truckers, I was not expecting that run to kill me lol. Well I'm not dead but I feel like it. So Mother's Day is here and we are excited. I mean we were thrilled to get out of the house. Ronnie could do what he loves and I could do what I love. So we get to the fishing spot and I calculated that I wanted to do 10 miles being it was LRS. So I say adios and off I went. Started off great for the first 2 miles then it was " all what the hell was I thinking". I am not use to running on packed sand. It was harder than my half to be honest. I had to run a mile then walk a bit, run a mile, take pics, walk a bit then run a mile and so on. Got to mile 6 and started heading back to the gang. As I am running I am reflecting, looking around, and then I realized oh shit I forgot sunscreen. Oh yeah baby, let me tell you that was stupid. Here I thought I was all prepared. Even brought the sunscreen only to be so excited about a run. I ran out of water which was horrible, I swear the salt water looked good lol. So I'm running along and finally I just asked a family if they had an extra water. They graciously have me a bottle of h2o!! I was feeling hydrated but could feel my skin burning!! I was ready to get back and go home!! So I pushed on and did an extra mile, which is good cause I didn't think I had it in me at all. We arrive home and I take a LONG hot bath in Epsom salt, put on my compression sleeves and relax. But here are a few things I thought about during this run. 

1. If you want motivation, it's all at the beach. Let me tell you it can make you think twice about your body. 

2. DON'T FORGET SUNSCREEN

3. Bring more water

4. So glad I wore my old running shoes, almost tempted to take them off and run barefoot. One chick was

5. Beautiful scenery. How can you not love the view of the beach?

6. Wow, there's a lot of people swimming. Isn't that water cold??

7. A lot of dudes with kids, hey good idea fathers. 

8. I miss my mom

9. I miss my Memaw 

10. I need to practice running more on the beach!!!

Other than a really hard run, I've have had a wonderful Mother's Day. Lesson learned. I will do better next time!!