tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76217391472183131442024-03-13T07:58:23.070-07:00Holly's BlogChristian. Wife. Aunt. Teacher. Runner. Peanut Butter Lover. Cat Lady. Hypothyroidism butt-kicker. HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-32140417764319730392018-06-16T19:16:00.001-07:002018-06-16T20:13:28.271-07:00Summer Run Streaking and ROLLING IN THE ROCKET CITY 5k! <div style="text-align: center;">
<b>SCHOOL'S OUT </b><b>FOR SUMMER! </b></div>
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This teacher and coach has finished her 6th year of teaching, and like I always tell people, teachers EARN their summers off! Our job is never done during the months of August-May! </div>
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Summer is a time for me to reflect on the past school year, get my much deserved rest, complete things on my "to do" list that never gets accomplished during the school year, spending time with family and friends, and of course having "me" time that I rarely have when I'm working. I have already done a lot of that so far, and I will continue to make that happen this summer!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Harvest Elementary Running Club at the Outrun Hunger 5k! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Some of the BEST coaching help a girl could have! </span></div>
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<b>SUMMER RUN STREAK 2018</b></div>
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As of today, I made it to day 25 of my run streak, which I am super proud of, and I am feeling great! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My running route from today. Day 25 is feeling good & I'm getting stronger! </span></div>
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A run streak is when you pledge to run every day, at least one mile a day. In 2016, I tried to accomplish a run streak from Thanksgiving to Christmas, but I only made to day 14 due to plantar fasciitis. MAN OH MAN I AM STILL SO THANKFUL THAT CONSTANT FOOT PAIN IS A THING OF THE PAST <a href="https://hollynicole11-hollysblog.blogspot.com/2018/04/plantar-fasciitis-sufferers-this-blog.html" target="_blank">(read my previous blog on tips and items that made my pain go away)</a>.</div>
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Needless to say, this run streak is going great. To be honest, I've never been a runner that runs every day, even during marathon training times I normally run around 3-4 times a week. I had a couple of reasons why I started the run streak. One reason was I needed to find that motivation again. After running the New Orleans Half (March), Oak Barrel Half (April), and then the Viola Valley Half that I almost DNF'd (May), I needed to find my motivation to run again. I thought that signing up for these races would help me get motivated (half marathons are my favorite), but that love for running that I once had was gone. I missed the joy from running, and I wanted to find it again because plantar fasciitis has plagued me on and off for two years. Even though my foot pain was gone and I wanted to run, my anxiety to getting back into running along with joining running groups and friends again made me a nervous wreck. I knew I wasn't as consistent and fast (well, fast for me anyway) as I once was, and I figured a run a day, even when it's a single mile, would help me get back into that routine. I told my husband about it because I know he would keep me accountable, and I've documented my run streak days on Strava so I could even seek my friends to keep me encouraged and motivated. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mountain Mania 15k. The struggle was real! </span></div>
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Things that I have learned from my Run Steak so far.....</div>
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<b>1) I learned a lot about self discipline and a positive growth mindset.</b> I had to apply it every day to make this run streak happen. At the beginning of the streak, running every day felt odd and even uncalled for (haha!) but now it's just habit that at least a mile has to happen every day and I would feel weird if it didn't! </div>
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<b>2) It doesn't matter how fast or slow the miles are (especially in the summer in Alabama when it is so hot and humid), just get out there and make it happen.</b> There has NOT been one run so far during my run streak that I have regretted or I think I shouldn't have attempted. HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE! </div>
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<b>3) There are SMART ways to run streak without getting injured! </b>Don't overdue it. On your normal rest days, run a mile instead of 3 miles or 5 miles. Listen to your body. Here is a great article from Runner's World that can help you get started along with other great links provided! <a href="https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20814795/7-tips-for-a-successful-rwrunstreak/" target="_blank">7 Tips for a Successful #RWRunStreak</a></div>
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<b>4) Once again, I have learned that I am a lot stronger than I think I am.</b> I have seen my pace consistency improve, and I have also seen my speed improve. I am not where I want to be, but I know I will get there.</div>
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<b>5) Running with friends and signing up for races make the streak fun and also changing up your routes so you aren't doing the same thing all the time.</b> Also, make sure you have those solo runs too where you need to challenge yourself or just have a rest day of 1 to 3 miles. </div>
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<b>6) While we are on the subject of runs, change up the type of running workouts.</b> Have days for speed work, tempo, hills, long runs, track, treadmills, easy paced one milers, etc! </div>
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<b>7) If you feel tired, even if you have a scheduled run of longer than a mile, listen to your body and run that solo mile at a comfortable pace.</b> It's not worth getting injured! Also, I'm no doctor, but stop the streak at any time that you feel like it will make you sidelined from running...it's not worth it!</div>
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<b>8) YOU WILL FEEL LIKE YOU ARE DOING LAUNDRY ALL THE TIME.</b> It's because you are. ;-) </div>
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I am going to keep this streak going for as long as I can; I'm not sure if I can keep it up during the school year, but we shall see because so far, so good!<br />
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<i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b>BY THE WAY, DID YOU KNOW THAT IN 13 DAYS THAT THE FIRST ANNUAL ROLLING IN THE ROCKET CITY 5K WILL BE HAPPENING!?</b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For those that know me, Ainsley's Angels of Northeast Alabama has been near and dear to my heart for a LONG time! Here is my first time racing with them 3 years ago!</span><br />
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And here are some more memories...</div>
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Our first official race as the Northeast Alabama Chapter: BIG 5k 2015</div>
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To now....Cotton Row 2018! </div>
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I know in my blog that I mentioned "motivation" earlier and how I needed help finding it. Every time, Ainsley's Angels reminds me that I don't HAVE to run, I GET to run, and that every run is a gift. I have met wonderful people through this organization. I love how each angel runner, angel rider, and angel guardian has a story, and I am so thankful that we are in this racing journey together. Mitch and Connie Tiffany are our ambassadors for our chapter, and their love and passion for what they do for our chapter is truly a blessing! </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">AINSLEY'S ANGELS RACE INFORMATION</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Rolling in the Rocket City 5k</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When? Saturday, June 30th</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Start Time? 8:00 a.m.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Where? AEGIS Technologies in Research Park, Huntsville, AL</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://register.chronotrack.com/r/32943" target="_blank">CLICK HERE to register for the 5k! </a>USE CODE "DAD" for $3 off this weekend!</span></div>
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<a href="https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2257436/false#/invitation" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CLICK HERE to volunteer...we need your help! </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/164090537481826/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE for our Facebook even link! </a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/aainnealabama/fundraiser/hollykeeton" target="_blank">My fundraising page for Ainsley's Angels! THANK YOU!</a> </div>
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You can sign up to help push (become an Angel Runner!) or you can sign up to run solo...either way is just fine! Also, if you know anyone that would LOVE to be an Angel Rider, they can register at <a href="http://www.ainsleysangels.org/">www.ainsleysangels.org</a>. You can learn more about us here too! </div>
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<i>MISSION STATEMENT: <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "karla" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.4544px; text-align: center;">In addition to ensuring everyone can experience endurance events, Ainsley's Angels of America aims to build awareness about America's special needs community through inclusion in all aspects of life. Serving as advocates to providing education and participating as active members in local communities, we believe everyone deserves to be included.</span></i></div>
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You will not want to miss this event. Whether you show up to run, ride, or volunteer, you will have an an amazing start to your day! You won't be disappointed! </div>
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I hope everyone has a great rest of your weekend. Go for a run...it might change your life! :-) </div>
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-Holly :) </div>
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HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-35235765083170248322018-04-14T11:41:00.000-07:002018-04-28T17:16:56.500-07:00Plantar Fasciitis Sufferers: This blog is for you! #grateful&thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's been two years since I have been able to say this...TWO YEARS! I had forgotten what it was like to run with no foot pain whatsoever, so the last month and a half has felt AMAZING. I am even more grateful and thankful when I run...more so than ever. :-) Foot pain at night, foot pain at work (I am a school teacher & I am on my feet all day), foot pain while running, foot pain during yoga...it was there. All. the. time. What I considered a "good day" would be a pain level of 3 or 4...it feels amazing to say, once again, that it is now at ZERO. I am now able to run a half marathon distance (my FAVORITE distance) pain free, and once again, and I will keep saying it, I am SO grateful and thankful! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First of all, I want to thank <a href="https://www.nesintherapy.com/" target="_blank">Nesin Therapy Services</a> for being so wonderful and so patient with me during physical therapy. I can't brag on them enough. I was given so many recommendations and suggestions to help not only ease the pain but heal the pain, and for that I'm thankful. I also continue to thank <a href="http://bikramhotyogahuntsville.com/" target="_blank">Bikram Yoga Huntsville</a> for keeping me encouraged, strong, and fit so getting back into running wasn't as much of a struggle as it could be. I love the hot pilates and the hot yoga classes so much! :-) Also, Dr. Ocampo at <a href="https://www.sportsmedalabama.com/" target="_blank">Sportmed</a> for giving me the honest and sound advice for the last two years when I would hobble into his office swearing that I had a stress fracture or something torn, and each time it was that darn plantar fasciitis bullcrap. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wanted to post some links of recommendations for you that really helped me during this difficult time. <b>*I am not a doctor or a physical therapist, just a plantar fasciitis sufferer for the last two years.*</b> I hope these products helped you like they helped me, whether you are a runner or not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Yes, these are amazon associate links, so if you plan on purchasing, if you can purchase from the link, that would be great. :-) </b><3 font="" nbsp=""></3></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1) Muscle Roller Massage Stick</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CGW5DWO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01CGW5DWO&linkCode=as2&tag=myrunningwebs-20&linkId=f8ab305fdb5a0b22072bebdd29678365" target="_blank">HomeGym 4U Muscle Roller Massage Stick, Instant Myofascial Release, Muscle Pain Relief, Trigger Points, Tension, Soreness, Cramping, Injury Prevention - Deep Tissue Recovery, Flexibility</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myrunningwebs-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01CGW5DWO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><br />
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I will be honest, in the beginning (at least for me), IT HURT A LOT. My main focus was to roll my calves because that's what my physical therapist instructed me to do, but I continue to roll my entire leg along with my feet (owwwww). I will say if you roll 2-3 times a day, it will get easier and it won't feel as bad. It truly made a difference in my calf soreness. What does your calves have to do with your plantar fasciitis pain? Believe it or not, it is one of the common causes for plantar fasciitis pain. </div>
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2) Spiky Massage Ball</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073RY3YN2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B073RY3YN2&linkCode=as2&tag=myrunningwebs-20&linkId=7e89145dcb1ae9d3e4312707f99dba60" target="_blank">Massage Ball, NURSAL Premium Spiky Massage Ball Set with 1 Pair of Gel Sleeve and Carry Pouch for Deep Tissue Foot, Back, Plantar Fasciitis and All Over Body Deep Tissue Muscle Therapy, Green</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myrunningwebs-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B073RY3YN2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYLWCk0yKhY/WtJDQHidiBI/AAAAAAAABdI/55drwGSA0gMtdp_f5k3cb5NHa5NYgLeOACLcBGAs/s1600/spikey%2Bball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="522" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYLWCk0yKhY/WtJDQHidiBI/AAAAAAAABdI/55drwGSA0gMtdp_f5k3cb5NHa5NYgLeOACLcBGAs/s320/spikey%2Bball.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once again, IT'S A PAIN in the beginning of using this, but I have seen GREAT results from it! I still continue to use it. I keep mine in the bathroom, and when I brush my teeth, I roll out both of my feet with this. Now it's just part of my routine. :-) </div>
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3) Orthosleeve FS6 Compression Foot Sleeves</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E9WL0AO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00E9WL0AO&linkCode=as2&tag=myrunningwebs-20&linkId=cbdadf64ae9e2b30ff31d5c8169883fd" target="_blank">OrthoSleeve FS6 Compression Foot Sleeve (Pair), Black, Medium</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myrunningwebs-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00E9WL0AO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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OH MY GOSH. When all the plantar fasciitis pain started, THIS WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY. I had a friend recommend these, and these helped SO MUCH when it came to my running. I'm not sure if I would have been able to run without this. Also, I'm a teacher, and on the days at work when I had serious foot pain, I would wear these and it made a huge difference! :-) </div>
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4) Natracure Cold/Hot Therapy Wrap</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IK032Q6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IK032Q6&linkCode=as2&tag=myrunningwebs-20&linkId=9ce40b9668f3561b0f5dd242662aff87" target="_blank">NatraCure Cold/Hot Therapy Wrap (Hand, Foot, Wrist, Elbow) (FBA715 CAT)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myrunningwebs-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00IK032Q6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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After a long race or a long day at work when the foot pain was unbearable, I would take Aleve and prop my feet up with these will watching tv...very comfortable and it did its job! </div>
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5) Toe Separators</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077RX9L1M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B077RX9L1M&linkCode=as2&tag=myrunningwebs-20&linkId=6c14d7bffe8c8743860dd881825973d0" target="_blank">Toe Separators - Toe Straightener - For Overlapping Toes - Yoga Practice and Running - Drift Toe Pain Pads Relief Toe Stabilizer Achilles Stretcher For Unisex (1 pair)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myrunningwebs-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B077RX9L1M" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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I know you're probably going to think I'm crazy for this one, but I have seen a difference in how my toes look and how I have less pain in my feet due to these! I had a stranger recommend these to me at a half marathon, and I thought it was weird, but I gave it a try. I put them on while I am watching tv or reading in the evening...I don't recommend wearing them to work or while running...ouch! It gives your toes a good stretch. </div>
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6) OOFOS Sandals and Shoes! </div>
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<a href="http://rwrd.io/1sfkmue" target="_blank">Click here to receive 10% off and free shipping on your order! </a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUB0dUxC94o/WtJJlOu_IzI/AAAAAAAABek/Z-pvLhUFqbkzlKbwEnXjocxj2oQOIW_NQCLcBGAs/s1600/sandals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="225" height="314" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUB0dUxC94o/WtJJlOu_IzI/AAAAAAAABek/Z-pvLhUFqbkzlKbwEnXjocxj2oQOIW_NQCLcBGAs/s320/sandals.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wear this brand ALL THE TIME now since they have come out with a shoe option. They are the only brand that I wear to work at this point since I am a teacher and I am on my feet all day! Compared to Viotics and other shoes like these, OOFOS are the most comfortable shoes I've ever own! :-) The pictures provided are women's examples, but there are different styles for both women and men, I'm just showing my favorites! </div>
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Here are my top 6 product recommendations. <b>Once again, I'm not a doctor or a physical therapist, I'm only showing what I know has worked for me.</b> It is <u>always important</u> to see a doctor if you are experiencing a lot of pain; that's how I got such great advice and how I was able to slowly get rid of this pain once and for all! Like I already mentioned, I went to physical therapy (thanks Nesin!), and I also was recommend prescription orthotic inserts where they mold your feet and create that special insert for you (thanks Sportsmed!). I wear those inserts when I run since the Powerstep inserts didn't work for me anymore like they used to. :-( </div>
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Healing and taking a break from running (if recommended by your doctor) are important too! Once again, I hope these products can help ease your pain like they have for me! </div>
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Until next time, feel free to message me if you have any questions! </div>
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Remember...YOU could be a runner too! Go for a run; it might change your life. <3 div=""></3><br />
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-Holly :-)<br />
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<b>2018 New Orleans Half Marathon & the Oak Barrel Half Marathon complete with NO FOOT PAIN! </b></div>
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HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-56475659227194543912018-02-04T15:31:00.000-08:002018-02-04T17:37:43.597-08:00Today, I ran a mile. Today, I ran a mile, and it was AMAZING. I haven't ran a mile in over two months. I haven't ran since my marathon.<br />
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I have forgotten how good it feels to run. How clear my mind becomes...how focused I am on my pace and my breathing. How strong my legs feel, shoot, how strong my whole body feels. <u>I had also forgotten how good it feels to run <b>PAIN FREE</b></u>. That has been the most frustrating thing about this plantar fasciitis bull crap. My feet are KILLING ME, but I know I am still strong. I have been practicing Bikram Hot Yoga along with hot pilates AND with the occasional spin classes, and knowing that I am fit enough to run, but I just couldn't.<br />
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I had dreaded this mile. For the ones that have been injured and sidelined before, you know that mile. The "comeback mile". That mile that you aren't sure how it's going to go. The mile that could completely make your day or the mile that could break your heart all over again.<br />
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Nesin Therapy gave me the all clear to run last week (of course to SLOWLY get back into it), but I didn't do it. My first excuse was nervousness, anxiousness, and dread, so I didn't run Sunday or Monday, but then Tuesday morning I knew I was sick and took myself to the doctor, so that kept me from doing any kind of working out until Saturday's hot pilates class.<br />
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I felt guilty about putting it off, especially since I have this reminder when I walk in my door of my home. I have been a runner for 6 years now, and I haven't displayed my medals (well, some hung around my bedroom while others where shoved in a dresser drawer). David had been telling me that he wanted to place my medals somewhere. In December, I received a St Jude Heroes medal display holder for crossing the finish line of marathon #5, and then I received an Ainsley's Angels medal display holder from our Northeast Alabama Ainsley's Angels chapter. They are both so beautiful and were so thoughtfully given to me. When David started mounting them on the wall last week, I became sad and bitter. I thought that I would enjoy them there, but here I was, upset about it, but then again, they were empty. It was time to collect my medals and hang them up.<br />
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Once they were mounted, I started collecting the medals from the bedroom and whoa...I can't began to tell you the emotions I felt. So many HAPPY THOUGHTS. The first six medals that stuck out to me were my 5 Oak Barrel medals. Such great memories on such a beautiful course with great friends. Then, my Dizzy 50k medal from 2014. Never would I had thought I would complete a 50k, but I did. The Scottsboro Half in 2015 when I tried to break a sub 2 hour and had amazing friends that helped me try and even though I didn't make it, they still made me feel like a superstar. The 4 Bridges Half Marathon in Chattanooga: where I was an official pacer for the first time. My Ainsley's Angels race medals that provide SO MANY special memories of special people. The Hillbilly Half Marathon, I ran that thinking a race couldn't be any hillier or hotter. Numerous 5ks and 10ks. 29 Half Marathons. 5 Full Marathons, and 3 50ks. So many different stories that I don't have time to type out on here ( and I don't want to bore you with that anyway). :-)<br />
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I'm thankful David recommended putting this up because it once again reminded me that I am stronger than I think I am. I am a runner. Once a runner, always a runner.<br />
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I don't think of this as a "comeback" blog; I still have a long ways to go. I'm still in physical therapy, but now I am taking baby steps and can actually try running now, which I am thankful for. I really wanted to type this because 1) I am still on a runner's high from that mile! :-) and 2) All the medals brought back so many memories of fun days and wonderful friends.<br />
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Being sidelined for over two months with this type of foot pain has taught me a lot. I'm still very surprised how patient I have been and I am still being about this whole process. I don't want to rush it; I don't want THAT KIND foot pain again. I am doing what the doctors are telling me (which all runners understand how that can be tough to do) and I am SLOWLY easing back in, not rushing back in like I have done in the past.<br />
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I went ahead and signed up for a 5k (the Paperchase 5k) at the end of the month to keep on track and to motivate me to slowly train. Races have always been a favorite of mine, and they sure do keep me motivated.<br />
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My plan is for my next blog to be about the 30 Day Challenge at Bikram Yoga Huntsville. I love that place and how it's made me not only a stronger person, but a stronger runner. I also want to talk about all the stategies, exercises, and purchases that has helped ease my plantas fasciitis pain. Being a teacher AND a runner makes plantar fasciitis even more challenging to manage and overcome.<br />
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And...I'm done. Thanks for reading. :-)<br />
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Go for a run; it might change your life. <3 nbsp="" p=""><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">YOU CAN BE A RUNNER! </b></div>
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The main things it takes is a great pair of running shoes and a good training plan: don't do too much too quickly! As always, <b>PLEASE message me if you have any questions. </b> Here are a few links to help. As I mentioned in previous blogs, I HIGHLY recommend getting fitted for shoes at a local running store; everyone's running and walking gate are different and what shoes you own can really effect your running performance! </div>
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<a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Hal Higdon Training Plans: from beginner 5ks to marathons! </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/shoefinder" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">What shoes should I buy? This will give you an idea before you get fitted for shoes. </a></div>
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<a href="https://greatist.com/fitness/30-convincing-reasons-start-running-now" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">30 Convincing Reasons to Start Running Now! </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.strava.com/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Strava </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Werunhuntsville/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">We Run Huntsville</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Run256/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Run256</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fleetfeethuntsville.com/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Fleet Feet Sports Huntsville</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1stPlaceHSV/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1stPlaceHSV/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">First Place Athletics Huntsville</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/aainnealabama/fundraiser/hollykeeton" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">My Ainsley's Angels Fundraising Page</a> </div>
<br />HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-6145953660664224172018-01-01T14:36:00.001-08:002018-01-01T18:10:22.645-08:00Marathon #5: When Running Breaks Your Heart...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>...You Run Anyway! </b></span></div>
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<b>Marathon #5: The St. Jude Memphis Marathon, December 2nd, 2017 Chip Time- 5:19:23 </b></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiBSNzj9YZk&t=11000s" target="_blank">Finish Line Video Here</a> (Yes, you can see the relief, exhaustion, and emotion on my face as I cross the finish line for marathon #5) </div>
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18 weeks of marathon training= DONE! </div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When running broke my heart, I ran anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I stood at my front door wondering why I am even bothering to train for this marathon, I ran anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When the thought of a short training run around my neighborhood made me anxious and nervous, I ran anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I woke up to foot pain that made it difficult to even walk out the door, I ran anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When group long runs become solo, quiet runs due to pace decrease and inconsistent mile times, I ran anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When my right heel was burning and I just wanted to quit, I ran anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When my feet and calves were aching and wouldn't stop aching, I ran anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When my compression socks made the pain go away, but also made my feet numb, I ran anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I was told I needed to lose weight so "maybe my small feet wouldn't hurt as badly," I ran anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When the thought of running with plantar fasciitis made me angry, sad, frustrated, or all of the three, I ran anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I would cry tears of sadness and frustration because I wondered when would a run ever be fun or pain free again, I ran anyway.<3 nbsp="" span=""></3></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I literally just deleted every thing that I had written for this blog. </span>To be quite honest, I have been putting off writing this blog because for one, the month of December is always a busy month with a full work schedule and holiday schedule, and secondly, when I did have free time, I didn't even know where to start on it, what to title it, or what to focus on, so I dreaded typing it. </div>
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For the ones that have been reading my running blogs for the past few years know that I will type the good, the bad, and the ugly about all of my race trainings, and I honestly felt that this blog entry would have too much bad and ugly to the point that people wouldn't bother reading it. No one likes complainers or a sob story. <b>I'm sure most of you are tired of me saying "plantar fasciitis sucks", but it does suck, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. </b></div>
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Today I finally had the motivation to start it, thanks to a dear friend (and past running buddy, she lives in Nashville now) gave me a Christmas present at church. I'm sure she thought nothing of the picture frame that she gave me, but it had the phrase <b><span style="font-size: large;">"Run, Smile, Repeat."</span></b> When I looked at the picture frame, it reminded me that there were so many "smile" moments in this running journey of mine since 2012, hence why I continue to "repeat" and continue my running journey, even through difficult trainings like for the St Jude Memphis Marathon, Marathon #5. </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Total Fundraising Efforts: $2,520 to St Jude Children's Research Hospital. THANK YOU! </span></b></div>
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Running is, and always will be, my favorite sport. Running is tough. Running is challenging. I love how running always teaches me something new, and training for marathon #5 was no different. I learned that I was even physically stronger than I imagined, and I also gained mental strength during this time that I never thought I had. Was there a time where my foot pain, my frustration, my anxiousness, my loneliness, and my sadness won the day? Absolutely, but each time taught me how to become even tougher the next day and not listen to the thoughts that told me to quit. </div>
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<b>As I mentioned above, running is tough. If it wasn't tough, everyone would do it, but they don't.</b> Running has given me WAY more reasons to smile since I started running in 2012. Yes, running broke my heart the last few months, but I will not quit. I started physical therapy at Nesin on top of what I am already doing at home and I have new prescription orthotic inserts for work where I stand and walk all day. I will continue my yoga practice along with my regular pilates classes to give me strength. I also will enjoy my spin classes to keep my cardio in check. <b>I will not stop. I will not quit. I am determined to kick plantar fasciitis's BUTT and to enjoy running again in 2018!</b> I have goals for running in 2018. One of my biggest goals that I want to accomplish is a new 5k PR (my current PR is a 25:45) and I want to be ready by April to run in the Oak Barrel Half Marathon, PAIN FREE . That seems impossible now, but hey, if your goals don't scare you a little, it's not really a goal is it? </div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>ST Jude Memphis Marathon Review</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The race itself was FANTASTIC! I highly recommend the full marathon
or the half marathon. The volunteers are amazing, the course was interesting
and always changing, the aid stations were GREAT, and the best part was running
through St Jude Children's Research Hospital. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I will say that if you don't like crowds, it is
REALLY crowded. 25,000 runners and even more spectators. This is one of those
races that it is so crowded that you are released in what they call waves, and I
was in corral number 8. To put it in perspective, it took me 25 minutes
to get to the start line! I ran, I jogged, I walked when I was in pain, but I
FINISHED the race...my slowest marathon to date...but I did it! I was very thankful and emotional at the finish line; I couldn't have been more relieved that it was accomplished! </span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">YOU CAN BE A RUNNER! </b></div>
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The main things it takes is a great pair of running shoes and a good training plan: don't do too much too quickly! As always, <b>PLEASE message me if you have any questions. </b> Here are a few links to help. As I mentioned in previous blogs, I HIGHLY recommend getting fitted for shoes at a local running store; everyone's running and walking gate are different and what shoes you own can really effect your running performance! </div>
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<a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Hal Higdon Training Plans: from beginner 5ks to marathons! </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/shoefinder" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">What shoes should I buy? This will give you an idea before you get fitted for shoes. </a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<a href="https://greatist.com/fitness/30-convincing-reasons-start-running-now" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">30 Convincing Reasons to Start Running Now! </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.strava.com/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Strava </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Werunhuntsville/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">We Run Huntsville</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Run256/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Run256</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fleetfeethuntsville.com/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Fleet Feet Sports Huntsville</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1stPlaceHSV/" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1stPlaceHSV/" target="_blank">First Place Athletics Huntsville</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/aainnealabama/fundraiser/hollykeeton" target="_blank">My Ainsley's Angels Fundraising Page</a> </div>
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Until next time...go for a run, it might change your life! </div>
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-Holly :) </div>
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HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-58588750153749896232017-07-04T11:21:00.000-07:002017-07-04T12:17:45.289-07:00Healthy, Happy, Blessed: My Post Marathon Blog! <div>
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My last blog post was in November, which is not surprising to me since I had a busy school year along with MARATHON TRAINING that started in January. I've been meaning to write about marathon #4's success, despite the heat on race day. I'm happy I'm blogging and reflecting on it right now, because it makes me pumped and excited for marathon #5 that I will begin training for in August: the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/285265261930400/" target="_blank">St. Jude Memphis Marathon</a>!<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">PLANTAR FASCIITIS IS THE DEVIL</span></b></div>
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I started my marathon training in January after some healing, cross training, and strengthening the plantar fasciitis that struck my foot in late June of 2016. Plantar fasciitis is no joke. There were some days that the pain was so bad that you could barely walk, and sleeping (yes, sleeping) was a nightmare. This injury is so unpredictable. I talked about this in my past blog, but long story short, I did what Dr. Ocampo told me to do, and that also meant to not run, which NO runner wants to hear that. June, July, August, September, October, November...but then December came, and all the cross training (thank you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bikram-Hot-Yoga-Huntsville-327627127268111/" target="_blank">Bikram Hot Yoga Huntsville</a>), strengthening, resting, Aleve, good running shoes and good work shoes, and rolling my arch paid off! The picture below is from a yoga/pilates challenge in January; I attended 22 days in the month of January! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FleetFeetHSV/" target="_blank">Fleet Feet</a> also recommended the Sacouny Guide 9s for me along with Superfeet insert (I had NEVER worn inserts, and I had NEVER worn Sauconys). Despite my second thoughts on both recommendations, they were right, and those inserts and shoes helped me cross the finish line for marathon #4! </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">LET MARATHON TRAINING BEGIN! </span></b></div>
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I was so excited to be back, and it felt so good to be back. I've said it once and I'll say it again, fitness pals are the best, and the Panera Pounders along with the rest of the running community in Huntsville are amazing. It was like I never left, like I was never sidelined with plantar fasciitis, and my friends made me feel so welcome, so strong, so encouraged...it made training for marathon #4 even more fun! These people have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly on short and long runs, and I'm just thankful for their friendship. I used Hal Higdon's "Marathon Novice 2" training plan (he has A LOT of free and detailed training plans: <a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/" target="_blank">click here</a>) and I incorporated my <a href="http://bikramhotyogahuntsville.com/" target="_blank">Bikram Hot Yoga</a> practice along with my hot pilates classes into the marathon training plan, and I can honestly say training for this marathon felt much easier than any other marathon or 50k I trained for (cross training is your friend!). I felt much stronger, my pace was really consistent in my long training runs, and I didn't have as many aches and pains. I even got close to a 5k PR (Cookie Dash 5k) and a half marathon PR (Mercedes Half Marathon) during marathon training, which is crazy to me! My long distance training runs were faster for me as well, close to a 10 minute mile. But again, training was great, and I was down to 120 lbs as well, which I hadn't been in awhile. It was just a good feeling. :) During the last few weeks of marathon training, I was sure that I would have a new marathon PR and beat my previous 4 hour 35 minute time because my training runs, and especially my long runs, were strong, consistent, and pain free, but race day had different plans. ;-) </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">HES Running Club at the Cookie Dash 5k. I missed a 5k PR by 20 seconds!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">RACE DAY- ST JUDE COUNTRY MUSIC MARATHON</span></b></div>
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Days earlier, we received an email that the temperatures on race day will be hotter than normal (it ended up being the hottest Country Music Marathon to date), so I was hydrating even more with water and gatorade to be ready for race day. After that, another email was sent out that the start time will be 45 minutes earlier due to heat. For some odd reason, I wasn't really nervous, I kept my cool, which is surprising for me. I just kept reflecting on how training had gone so well, and that the hot yoga room also had me prepared for the heat and how to handle it. I was right. Long story short, around mile 7, it become REALLY hot and humid, and my whole mindset changed. I remember at that point thinking, "Holly ,it's so great to be back running, but I need you to run SMART today. Listen to your body. Let's back off on this pace; a PR is not the goal anymore. Let's get water and/or gatorade at every station. Run the mile you're in; focus on one mile at a time and celebrate the victories of each mile." </div>
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My gut instinct was right. I am so happy that I slowed my pace down and continued to hydrate. The temperatures continued to climb, and conditions got scary. I saw people pass out, fall out, runners on stretchers, and even two runners having seizures. Medic tents were full. It felt like a death march from mile 13 to the finish line, but, once again, I felt trained and prepared (here is an article about the race conditions <a href="http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2017/04/29/medics-hit-nashville-marathon-course-temperatures-hit-80s/101045850/" target="_blank">here</a>). I honestly felt at peace and I really felt like I could finish the race. Due to the conditions, the race directors even cut back the cut off times, and as I was at mile 24, I saw volunteers and police ask runners to stop running at mile 20 due to the heat and humidity. People were angry, crying, upset, frustrated, EVERYTHING emotion you could imagine. So much emotion. I can't imagine being told at mile 20 that I had to get off the course, but I knew it was done due to the tough conditions. I remember that I started praying for them because I felt so bad that they got that far and were asked to quit. I also remember at mile 25 that I was jogging but I didn't even feel like I was doing the moving, it was like my legs were going on their own and I was just on cruise control. :-) When I saw that finish line, I cried happy tears because I was still moving, I was still upright, and I had never been so relieved to see a finish line! Even though it was my "worst" marathon time (4 hours, 56 minutes), I was so proud to finish and I was just so happy to be running again after dealing with painful plantar fasciitis! It may have been my "worst" marathon, but it was my STRONGEST marathon! Needless to say, the post race nap was GREAT, and the Mexican food with Leslie and Kayla was even GREATER! </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">RUNNING FOR ST JUDE: WHAT IS A ST JUDE HERO? </span></b></div>
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This was my third time running and fundraising as a St. Jude Hero, and I have met my fundraising goal every time! A St Jude Hero is a runner who pledges to donate, fund raise, educate, and post about St Jude Research Hospital throughout their half marathon or marathon training. A St Jude Hero chooses the fundraising goal that they wish to reach by race day.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I am now running as a St Jude Hero for the 4th time. I am signed up for my fifth marathon:<a href="https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/at-play/fitness-for-st-jude/memphis-marathon.html" target="_blank"> ST JUDE MEMPHIS MARATHON</a>!<b> I am so excited about training for a marathon again starting August 1st. Our donations make St. Jude happen, so if you can, please donate toward my St Jude Heroes account. YOU ROCK! <a href="http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Heroes/Heroes?px=2803077&pg=personal&fr_id=67039" target="_blank">Click here</a></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">HAPPY, HEALTHY, BLESSED</span></b></div>
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I titled this blog "Happy, Healthy, Blessed" due to a sermon that my pastor preached on this past Sunday. I REALLY needed to hear that sermon; the last few months have been a challenge for me...BUT...I can't let the past, circumstances, choices, people, negative thoughts, etc bring me down, but I did. I really did. I felt like it showed to my family, my friends, my spouse, my coworkers, everyone...and that really frustrated me. I want to be that person that is happy and people want to be around, but there were days that I didn't even want to be around myself. Part of my pastor's message, he reminded us that yes, you will have trails in your life, with your friends, with your health, with your job, etc, but our attitude, our words, our prayers, our thoughts, etc play a HUGE part on how things play out. Another things that hit home for me was that as a Christian, I am all about praying for others, but why do we not pray for ourselves? I'm the worst about being so hard on myself and not giving myself the prayer time and the "me time" that we all deserve. It's not being selfish if you are taking care of you. </div>
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I am healthy. I am happy. I am blessed. I have TOO MUCH to be thankful for, and reflecting on marathon #4 and preparing for marathon #5 is reminding me of just that. :) I really do need to start blogging more; I am slacking! </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>YOU CAN BE A RUNNER! </b></span></div>
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The main things it takes is a great pair of running shoes and a good training plan: don't do too much too quickly! As always, PLEASE message me if you have any questions. I never would have thought that I would enjoy running, let alone distance running. Here are a few links to help. As I mentioned in previous blogs, I HIGHLY recommend getting fitted for shoes; everyone's running gate is different. We have a place in Huntsville called <a href="http://www.fleetfeethuntsville.com/" target="_blank">Fleet Feet</a>, and they will look at your feet, your walking gait, your running gait, etc and put you in the right shoes! Once again, feel free to message me! </div>
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<a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/" target="_blank">Hal Higdon Training Plans: from beginner 5ks to marathons! </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/shoefinder" target="_blank">What shoes should I buy? This will give you an idea before you get fitted for shoes. </a></div>
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<a href="https://greatist.com/fitness/30-convincing-reasons-start-running-now" target="_blank">30 Convincing Reasons to Start Running Now! </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.strava.com/" target="_blank">Strava </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Werunhuntsville/" target="_blank">We Run Huntsville</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Run256/" target="_blank">Run256</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fleetfeethuntsville.com/" target="_blank">Fleet Feet Sports Huntsville </a></div>
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<a href="http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Heroes/Heroes?px=2803077&pg=personal&fr_id=67039" target="_blank">My St Jude Heroes Fundraising Page: Help me reach my goal! </a></div>
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Until next time...go for a run, it might change your life! </div>
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-Holly :) </div>
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HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-26182399611175489232016-11-21T15:42:00.001-08:002016-11-23T09:26:28.642-08:00Holly's Blog...WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! <div>
Remember when I casually mentioned in <a href="http://hollynicole11-hollysblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/yes-i-still-run-how-are-ya-hollys-blog.html" target="_blank">my last blog post</a> in JUNE about foot pain?! Well, it is <a href="http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tc/plantar-fasciitis-topic-overview#1" target="_blank">plantar fasciitis</a>. :( I haven't blogged since I went to Sportsmed and was told this news, "Well, it could be 4 weeks, or years until you are fully over it." :( :( :( I've been dealing with this foot for 6 months, coming on 7 months...<br />
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I figured a video would be quicker since I haven't blogged in 5 MONTHS! This school year has been hectic and stressful, it's honestly the most stressful school year that I have had next to my first year of teaching, and when I would have time to blog, I would just get sad and think about my foot...I know, I know, cry me a river...and I need to build a bridge and get over it.</div>
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I've been in an off and on running slump (foot pain is no fun) for the past few months, but I can honestly say that my foot is slowly getting better, I am seeing progression (praise God!) but I do have random painful days. I keep telling myself to focus on my accomplishments in the last few months and not the negatives. Like I mentioned in the video, I've dealt with anxiety & depression most of my life, and I know what I need to do when I go through a frustrating time like this. Here are some things that have helped:</div>
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*prayer/reading my Bible </div>
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*listening to music</div>
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* listening to encouraging and caring people</div>
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* writing </div>
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*<a href="http://bikramhotyogahuntsville.com/" target="_blank">Bikram Hot Yoga</a> (hey, laugh all you want, but my knees are HEALED thanks to Bikram! Now to fix this foot!)</div>
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*volunteering at races </div>
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*spending time with David </div>
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*pilates</div>
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*icing or heating my foot, depending on the pain level</div>
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*night splint </div>
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*Aleve </div>
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*eating ice cream to feel better (no, not every day)</div>
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*running/walking at races, and not being hard on myself, but being thankful <3 div="" nbsp=""></3><br />
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My next big race? I signed up for the St Jude Country Music Marathon in April, and I'm fundraising for St. Jude (<a href="http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=2803077&fr_id=59946&pg=personal" target="_blank">click here to go to my fundraising page</a>). I know this will help me get out of this slump and get motivated to run longer distances. This isn't for a PR, it's for me...to prove to my own self that I can run 26.2. </div>
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You know what I can't get off my mind? Mountain Mist. I DNF'd this past January, and the stubborn runner in me wants to attempt it in 2017 to get that DNF monkey off my back and out of my mind. Part of me thinks I could train and do it, but the other half is saying to wait because of this foot and to not be stupid. </div>
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I'll blog in December, and I'll let you now what I decide. :-O Until then, have a GREAT Thanksgiving holiday! </div>
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-Holly :) </div>
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HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-43322584077862904882016-06-25T16:57:00.003-07:002016-06-25T17:09:46.360-07:00Yes, I still run! How are ya? :) Holly's Blog UPDATE! <b>WHOA. Talk about injuries, aches, and pains! </b>The first three years of running, I did not have any serious injuries whatsoever. Last June, I started my summer being goofy at the lake and straining my MCL (NOT running related, boating/intertube related...lol), and then this past January I had <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/tag/it-band-syndrome" target="_blank">IT band</a> injuries in both knees, which was totally running related and my fault (I occasionally still feel the aches & pains of those injuries). I started to think during my <a href="http://hollynicole11-hollysblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/recover-from-holidays-50k-race-report.html" target="_blank">Grand Slam Training</a> that I was invincible. ;-) And now, out of nowhere, I don't think it's <a href="http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/plantar-fasciitis-topic-overview" target="_blank">plantar fasciitis</a>, but my left arch is having sharp pains when I sleep and after a run, but not during it! Go figure!<br />
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<b>I PROMISE I'M NOT SAYING THIS TO SCARE YOU OUT OF RUNNING! </b>Like I have already mentioned, I haven't had injuries in years...this is just an unlucky past 12 months for me...haha! When it comes to exercise, running is my first love. <b>Any clumsy, non athletic person (like me) can run, all it takes is practice, consistency, and determination.</b> I have been making my running comeback since Mid-March when my physical therapist gave me the all clear to go back to running, and I can tell you that I am WAY MORE appreciative of being able to run, run, run! I have been focusing more on the half marathon distance, and I can proudly say due to <a href="http://www.sportsmedalabama.com/specialists/sports-medicine.html" target="_blank">Dr. Franklin at Sportmed</a> (thank you for your running wisdom & honesty...even when I didn't want to hear it), <a href="http://www.nesintherapy.com/" target="_blank">Nesin Therapy</a> for the weeks & weeks & weeks of help & appointments, and <a href="http://bikramhotyogahuntsville.com/" target="_blank">Bikram Hot Yoga Huntsville</a> (I am LOVING their Hot Yoga & Hot Pilates classes; don't knock it until you try it!),<b> I have completed 4 half marathons successfully with VERY little to NO pain!</b> 3 out of the 4 half marathons were pretty hilly too...sorry, I just had to point that out as I dust my shoulders off. ;-) Also, this quote below (that I found in another blog) is PERFECT!<br />
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<b>OAK BARREL HALF MARATHON- 2 hours 24 minutes- </b>Thank you Katrina for staying by me the whole time and being cool with me taking walk breaks and stretching my legs & knees. You're not only an amazing mother runner :-P, but an amazing friend! You introduced me to this half marathon/distance running craziness, and like I've told you before, I'm not sure if I should thank you or kick you! ONLY KIDDING! Thank you, of course!<br />
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<b>BRIDGESTREET HALF MARATHON- 2 hours 17 minutes- </b>I had the privilege of being apart of Team Anthony with the <a href="http://www.ainsleysangels.org/" target="_blank">Ainsley's Angels of America</a> team! <b>I know that I have talked about Ainsley's Angels in previous blogs, but be ready for a new, updated blog about this amazing organization soon</b>! I met my fundraising goal of $1000 <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/aainnealabama/fundraiser/hollykeeton" target="_blank">(click here) </a>this past June, and I'm still on cloud nine...I'm so appreciative, thankful & happy for each of you that helped me reach this...THANK YOU! I love this group of people...guardians, runners, riders, seriously, I don't tell ya'll enough....YOU ROCK!<br />
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<b>VIOLA VALLEY HALF MARATHON---2 hours 6 minutes 15 seconds...which I almost beat my PR (2:05:45!). </b>Even with the hills & heat...this race went sooooo great for me! I wanted to maintain a 9:30 pace, and I got realllllllly close, despite the hills! Jeanie & I ran together for the entire race, well, until she went FULL BEAST MODE at the end and getting herself a new half marathon PR...at Viola Valley of all places!<br />
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<b>HILLBILLY HALF MARATHON---2 hours and 12 minutes- </b>This course was a hilly HELL, I'm not going to lie! This race made Oak Barrel & Viola Valley look tame, so I was SUPER STOKED that I was able to stay at a 10 minute pace for this race. The race was super fun though..silly hillbillies, great aid stations, and cool entertainment! Kayla & I drove up to Franklin the night before to get some great food and a good night's rest, and wow, what a great time! Congrats Kayla on Half Marathon #2! I'm happy to have been a part of it!<br />
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So...needless to say, the comeback has been a fun one. I've been focusing on the half distance, and enjoying 5ks with Ainsley's Angels, the Panera Pounders group runs throughout the week, and yoga & pilates along the way. Will there for a marathon in my future? Hmmm...stay tuned. :) I'm not really thinking Grand Slam is in the picture, but to train for one marathon instread of 3 ultras/1 marathon seems a lot easier, especially on these runner's knees. :-P<br />
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Injuries happen, whether on accident or carelessness, and I'm not going to allow that to bring me down, I don't HAVE to run, I GET to run, and I'm forever thankful for that! :) I'm thankful for the amazing friends that I have met on this running journey, and I've been encouraged by others, runners and nonrunners, as I continue to put one foot in the front of the other. Thank You God for this day and the ability to RUN! Here are a few more pictures from recent races since I haven't updated this blog since early February...yikes!<br />
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<b>Panera Pounders at the McKay Hollow Madness 25k & 12k! </b></div>
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<b>The Harvest Elementary Running Club at the Cookie Dash 5k! Not all are pictured, but I'm proud of all the 4th & 5th graders! They've worked hard all schoolyear! </b></div>
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<b>The Ainsley's Angels Northeast Alabama family at Miss Albany's Piggy Tail Princess 7k---WOW! All those SMILES! Be ready for an Ainsley's Angels blog SOON and how you can be a part of the fun! #togetherweshall #smilesateverymile #inclusionALWAYSwins </b></div>
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<b>Cotton Row 2016---Team Austin</b></div>
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<b>Nucor Super Hero Dash 5k---Team Albany! Yes, we were playing peek-a-boo! :-P </b></div>
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---Holly<br />
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Go for a run, it might change your life. :)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Helpful Links</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.runkeeper.com/" target="_blank">Runkeeper.com---get the free app today and find your Couch to 5k Plan!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/" target="_blank">Hal Higdon's Training Plans...do you want to walk or run for your first 5k? </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor" target="_blank">Get the RIGHT running shoes for YOU. It's a BIG deal! </a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Werunhuntsville/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We Run Huntsville (Find Group Runs & Races in this area!</span></a><br />
<br />HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-43100355991838264792016-02-06T13:29:00.003-08:002016-02-07T05:29:02.082-08:00Injured Runner Holly's Update: I'll Be Back...<b>Don't be like me. Don't be stubborn, hurt yourself, and not be able to run. </b><br />
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<b>Today is a good day, so I will begin writing this blog.</b> What do I mean by "good day"? By a good day, I mean that I am not super sad that I am not able to run. By super sad, I mean depressed, but I hate using that word because that's been a struggle for me off and on my entire life. People that haven't fought anxiety/depression don't understand.<b> You hear the words "dramatic" or even "childish" or "crazy", but in reality it's a struggle. </b>You have good days and bad days. On the bad days, you do all that you can to look like you're okay and happy. It's like putting on a happy mask to get through the day. My faith along with an active prayer life is what makes me healthy. I had a doctor years ago tell me one time I should take medicine, so, needless to say, I left that doctor. I wanted to try other healthy & holistic things before popping a pill, and exercise, faith, & caring people in my life have helped me fight that demon called anxiety & depression successfully. Running has been such a huge help with this struggle, and I'm thankful. Running helps clear my head of any negativity before and/or after the day even starts. Running has also helped me surround myself with people that make me better.<br />
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I have been putting off posting a blog for a long time. <b>I've been meaning to blog about my running experiences in January, but work has kept me busy, and honestly, when I had time to write, I would just feel sad and I just didn't want to write. </b>Sad about the physical pain that I'm experiencing is MY FAULT. Yep, my fault. This is my first running related injury, and I think it hurts me more emotionally because I know that I know better than to keep trying to run when I am in pain. IT WILL ONLY MAKE IT WORSE.<br />
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When you read my <a href="http://hollynicole11-hollysblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/recover-from-holidays-50k-race-report.html" target="_blank">December blog post</a> after the <b>Recover From the Holidays 50k</b>, I was so happy and thankful for my race experience: no serious pain, no issues...I felt GREAT during most of the race (near the end, I was tired, but that's normal, right?). <b>The day after the race I felt great other than some tenderness/soreness in both of my knees, but I didn't think anything of it.</b> so a couple of days after the race, I decided to go for a trail run on part of the Mountain Mist 50k course. I told myself to obviously not stress about speed or time and to walk as much as I wanted since I ran a 50k three days before it.<br />
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I should have stayed home.<br />
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I noticed something wasn't quite right after 6 miles into it. <b>My knees were hurting, REALLY hurting, but not enough to make me not want to run. </b>I found it odd...I never had knee pain like this as a runner, especially in both my knees. So, I slowed down, A LOT, and finally made it back to the car. The pain ended by the time I was home, but I told myself to give myself some lighter running days and some cross training and to not stress too much about it. <b>I told myself it would go away, and I would be just fine before the final race in the Grand Slam series, the Mountain Mist 50k. </b><br />
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Or so I thought.<br />
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I would try to run; I would get pain in both of my knees. <b>Sharp, shooting pain that went down my leg and radiated around both knee caps. Every. Single. Time.</b> I even ran a 9 mile trail race and I ended up in tears. I have to Grand Slam, I told myself, so in panic mode I became. Rock Tape. KT Tape. Compression Tights. Aleve. More Yoga/Stretching. Icing and Elevating. Knee braces. Trail Runs. Pavement Runs. Walk/Run Intervals. I tried it all, and nothing was working. <b>The reality of not Grand Slamming was starting to become real. </b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Grand Slam hopefuls before the Mountain Mist 50k. </span></b></div>
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<b>So, the week of the Mountain Mist Race, I just felt sick. It's like I knew the inevitable</b>. Yea, nonrunners will tell you things like "it's just a race, just don't go" but then you get angered and/or sad by it, not at them, because they don't understand. Yes, I know it's "just a race", I really do, but in the back of my mind I knew that if I didn't try, I would just be sick about not trying.<br />
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<b>So, the sum it up, I showed up on the snowy, icy mountain on Sunday, January 24th .</b> Wow, what a BEAUTIFUL snowy day. As I figured, I was in a lot of pain. I made it to mile 18 and was told I was cut off from the race (I wasn't fast enough to beat the race cut off times). I remember being happy at the time because I was in a lot of pain, and I remember the lady working that race cut off station saying "Wow, you're the happiest person that we saw today that we told that they were done."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A few of the Panera Pounders before the Mountain Mist 50k race. </span></div>
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I was honestly positive and happy that day. I wasn't sad because I knew I gave it my all. I went home, iced my knees, and told myself "You have to stop running and see a doctor."<br />
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<b>I did. I think the reality of not running for awhile reallllly set in after the x-rays</b>. It really hit me that I had hurt myself. ME. Not me falling off a jet ski intertube and hurting my knee like last summer. That's different. What made it different this time was my stubborn self put me in this mess by continuing to "try" running for a month and not see a doctor. Not one knee, but BOTH knees in pain.<br />
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<b>To sum the doctor's visit up, he told me it's IT band issues in both knees.</b> He told me to start foam rolling and physical therapy. He told me it was overuse, and he told me that I better not run OR walk as exercise for the next six weeks. He even told me it could be longer than six weeks. <b>He is a runner as well, and he said he had the same issue in one of his knees and he said it took him 5 months to fully recover. </b>That terrified me, but I think he knew that he had to be honest with me. I just remembered feeling even sicker then and saying to myself, "Oh God, please, not five months....don't let that be me..."<br />
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<b>It's only been two weeks since Mountain Mist, but it's been since January 2nd since I realized I couldn't run.</b> I miss it so much. I miss how I feel after a run. I miss races. I miss posting and leading for the Saturday Morning Bridgestreet Group Runs. I miss not having knee pain when I walk (I have good days and bad days). I really really really miss my friends, my great running pals, that had kept me motivated throughout not only my Grand Slam training, but through my running journey as a whole. <b>There are days that I love going to the yoga studio and to physical therapy, while other days I am just sad or angry about it and just want to cry. </b><br />
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We runners sure are different when we can't run. I really feel like I learned my lesson through all of this, and honestly, I have no desire to complete a marathon distance until Mountain Mist next year, if I even do that. I think the greatest distance I want to get up to for a while would be half marathons, but I'm not sure when I will be able to get back to that distance with my knees in this state. <b>I just want to be able to run again and not be in pain. I want to run and have fun again. </b><br />
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<b>No, running is not bad for your knees: running too many miles, you know, like hilly ultramarathons, with not enough breaks is. </b><br />
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Yea, this isn't one of my peppiest, happiest blogs, but it is what it is! I am thankful that my injuries aren't as bad as they could be, and my doctor makes it sound like that rest is what's going to get me through it along with my physical therapy and just keeping my general fitness up. I hope to be back soon. I wanting my next blog to be about my comeback race, whichever race that might be. I would love to be ready for Oak Barrel, but since I've already transferred three of my half marathon race bibs away due to my bad knees, it's quite possible that I might be missing another race. I will do what my doctor tells me. We shall see.<br />
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Until then...work will keep me busy along with physical therapy and everything else. Time will fly, right?<br />
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I sure hope so!<br />
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-HollyHollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-26573692421489788062016-01-03T13:50:00.001-08:002016-01-03T14:18:44.896-08:00Recover From The Holidays 50k Race Report! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Recover From the Holidays 50k </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>December 31st, 2015</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had such a great experience at my third 50k race! I know I owe my success to my running friends, cross training, my fueling during the race, and my NEW trail shoes (compared to the Dizzy 50k in November, I was able to knock off almost 25 minutes off my previous 50k time). My best 50k before this race was a 6:53:53 at the Dizzy 50k in 2014, but now I have a new PR (personal best) of 6:48:15. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Weeks coming up to the race, wow, was I busy! The last week of school with the students is always fun, but hectic with party planning, wrapping up the schoolyear's lessons/grades, etc. That week, I didn't really manage my time well when it came to my training, it was on the back burner. Granted, you are on taper a couple of weeks before a long distance race like this, but that doesn't mean to not run at all. I only ran ONCE that week. :(</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then, the following week (the week of Christmas), I got a sinus infection that turned into a middle ear infection, and then the doctor said she was pretty sure she saw my eardrum perforated, but she said my eardrum was so red and swollen, it was hard to tell. I still can't hear well in that ear, and it won't stop ringing. I see a specialist this coming week. So, needless to say, the week following my busy work week, I barely ran any miles. I was in so much pain. My ear throbbed, my head constantly hurt, and it was difficult to sleep. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I circuit</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> trained that week and continued to work on my 30 days ab challenge plan, but wow, it was really difficult to run, especially outside, due to the cold. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I started to worry how my third race in the Grand Slam series was going to go if the pain continued. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Luckily, the race was on a Thursday. That following Sunday, my ear pain was very minimal, but I still couldn't hear from it. I counted my blessings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The night before the race, Eric and I went to get our race packets. That day when I thought about the race, I didn't feel worried. I didn't feel stressed. Honestly, it didn't even feel like I was running a race of this magnitude the next day. I usually have some sort of pre race anxiety and/or excitement, but not for this race. I found it confusing & odd that I slept so soundly the night before. The only thing I do remember really being thoughtful about was what I was going to wear; it was supposed to be so cold on race day. I kept going back & forth on wearing capri pants or shorts with the compression socks (the later won). What a girl...only being worried about what I'm going to wear! ;-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, it's race morning, and I am feeling super refreshed after a good night's sleep. All my stuff was out, packed, and ready from the night before, so all I really had to do was change & go. My husband, David, was my chauffeur for the day. His plan was to drop me off at the race and pick me up when I was finished. I've never been to John Hunt Park, so I was actually excited to run on a course that I wasn't familiar with, even if I have to run that course 10 times to get my 31+ miles! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Eric, Ashley, and I trying to stay warm before the race! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This race is race #3 out of the 4 in the Huntsville Grand Slam Challenge. I heard a lot of pros and cons about this race. As a Grand Slammer, I was encouraged to run to finish, not to race, PR, etc because you don't want to hurt yourself before the final and most physically difficult race, the Mountain Mist 50k. I was also told to walk "the hill" every single time, which was a smart move because my knees are still hurting over going up and down that ridiculous hill! I remember going into this race telling myself to pace myself at an easy, doable pace, and just have a good time since I had been sick the week before along with my ear still ringing. </span></div>
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<b>Grand Slam hopefuls at the Recover From the Holidays 50k</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What I loved about this race....</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*<b>the race directors and volunteers. </b>These people just stood out with their kindness, encouragement, and help during this race! Every time you had to check in and count your 3 mile race loop, they would cheer you in like you were VIP! How kind and supportive! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*<b>the food/aid station</b>! They had EVERYTHING! You also could set up your own aid station area, which I did, and it was helpful! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*<b>the course.</b> I liked how it didn't stay the same for very long. I kept telling my friends that ran with me that yes, you had hills, but you also had a lot of downhill where you can speed up! Granted, you had to run the same three miles 10 times, but races that are repetitive like this don't bother me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*<b>how you constantly saw and ran with other runners during this race.</b> This course was an out and back, so you were able to talk to other runners and help keep your mind off what you were doing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*<b>the finisher mugs/glasses.</b> What a unique race award! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>READY, SET, GO! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were about 100 runners in this race. I remember Remy and myself starting together at a comfortable pace. I told myself with this race I wouldn't be counting down the miles, but the loops if anything because I didn't want to get my mind thinking about 31 miles...that will stress you out! "Just ten loops" sounds a lot better haha! I'll be honest, because of how cold it was and how it was still not sinking in that I was running a 50k, the first 4 loops (13 miles) went by really fast. I felt really good and was just moving along...I stuck with Ryan for quite sometime because his pace was just perfect...I was probably TOO close to him...haha! Sorry, Ryan, but THANK YOU! I remember after the 4th loop, I was thinking of my sweet friends Katrina & Denise that I knew would be coming by because they said they would. I remember telling them to come by later, because I assumed at that point that the 3 mile loop would feel pretty redundant and to have someone to talk to me and keep my mind off of the miles would be great. When I finished my 4th loop, I saw Katrina standing at the check in area with the BIGGEST smile on her face! She had her phone out, and of course, since we're running selfie divas, we had to take a picture. :-P </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Katrina and I before running our loops! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Katrina ran loops 5 and 6 with me (miles 13-18ish with me). I remember looking at my watch and seeing the miles that I accomplished. I had them hidden, or I thought I did, so I am not sure how my Garmin watch settings went back to telling me my miles. It somewhat got to me mentally, and I remember telling myself, "girl, you're halfway finished! You got it!". Katrina was a HUGE help because she kept talking, asking questions, etc. I can tell that she really wanted to be there too, and running with her made it feel like the race started over in my mind and I was on mile 1...it was nice! :) When we ran in for me to start loop 7, I remember seeing Denise with the Panera Pounders sign, cheering and smiling as I went in! She asked me if I needed anything, and then we started our loops. I was an idiot and grabbed a Mellow Yellow or Mountain Dew (I thought at the time it was yellow gatorade). I NEVER drink that stuff, so I paid for that in my next two loops. My stomach did NOT agree with the Mountain Dew AT ALL. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Denise and I after mile 22! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Denise, please correct me if I am wrong, but you ran loop 7 and 8 with me, correct? Or was it just one?! Yikes! I cannot remember how many loops because you helped the time FLY by! Just like Katrina did, she would talk to me, ask questions, etc. This sweet friend was even complimenting my running form, which meant a lot to me because when I am running, whether it's a race or training, I start to think about my form, how my feet are landing, what my arms are doing, etc because when you get tired, your form slacks and that's how injuries happen. I don't know if she read my mind or not, but she complimented how strong I looked and how great my form was at least three times. ;-) I started to feel fatigue/soreness in my glutes/legs by this point as I ran in for my 9th loop. Denise prayed for me as I was entering in to check in my 8th loop. That's when I saw Troy and he offered to run the 9th loop with me. Troy is A LOT faster than me and I don't usually get to exactly run WITH him a lot, so I remembered feeling like VIP once again...LOL! :-P</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm all smiles because the Panera Pounders crew! Thank ya'll for being there!</span></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Troy had one of my tough loops, loop 9. I was at mile 25 at that point, and like I mentioned with Denise's last loop, my glutes/legs were tired (not in pain, but tired), and honestly, I was just tired. I kept my mental checklist going. I told myself, "Holly, you're fine. Your knees are fine. Your legs are fine. Your stomach is fine. You head doesn't hurt. You're fine. Keep moving." Troy kept bringing up conversation, and bless my tired little half deaf heart (I still can't hear in my left ear!), I couldn't hear him sometimes, so I would say "Huh?" a lot. LOL! Still though, Troy kept my mind off what I was doing. It's like he knew when to talk and he knew when to just keep moving quietly so that I would keep moving. As we were entering in the check in area for my last and final loop, he prayed with me, and then he asked if he could run the last loop with me, and I told him no because for one, I was so appreciative of what he already did, and two, I was worried that my attitude would start to sour, so I thought some alone time/prayer time/reflection time would be appropriate for my last loop, and I didn't want him to see me in that exhausted state. It was such a nice surprise for him to have ran with me anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, I grab some raisins, peanut butter pretzels, and gatorade, and started eating/drinking that quickly. As I was snarfing this down, I remember Jim coming over and talking to me and saying something like, "Okay, let's go!." Keep in mind, I am tired and on mile 28 and I had one loop to go. I had already told Troy "no thank you" for company on the last loop. I don't know if it was because I was tired, delirious, or what, but it REALLY seemed like Jim REALLY wanted to run with me! I can't remember what I told him at first, whether I told him yes or no, but I do remember telling him that this last loop was going to be ugly and that I was going to walk A LOT, but he didn't seem to mind. Once again, he seemed super pumped about going for a run...well, walk/run...but whatever! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Jim & I at mile 30...my face does NOT show how exhausted I truly was! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I remember Jim asking me questions and talking to me about the holidays, running stuff, and what not, and that kept my mind off a lot of things. I do remember walking A LOT on this lap, and I remember my knee hurting for the first time on this lap, but I told myself that I was almost done and to keep moving. I was thinking of my invisible rope that I would "tie" on to Jim just to keep moving forward. I remember after walking up the hill the final time that it REALLY hit me that I was completing a 50k and that I was almost done, and I got talkative after that! When we got to the park area for the final time, I remember telling Jim that "even if I walk now, it looks like I will have a new 50k PR" and him saying something like "no, let's not do that"...lol! As I ran in, I remember sooooo much cheering and applause from the racers that already finished, spectators, volunteers, etc. Once again, I felt like VIP all day! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Grand Slam Race #3 complete. Next and final race: Mountain Mist 50k! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was a special race experience for me. I want to once again thank everyone that was there to support me along with the other runners on race day. I know this race went as well as it did because of the company that I had, and I appreciate that so much! I pray that I can pay you back like you did for me today. You made me feel strong and capable when I was feeling tired and weak. Once again, thank you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I ended 2015 with my third 50k. My goal for 2016 is to complete this Grand Slam. 20 more days until Mountain Mist! Go for a run...it might change your life! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-Holly </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am fundraising for Ainsley's Angels of Northeast Alabama! Help me reach my goal! :) January's drawing is for a $25 Fleet Feet gift card! <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/aainnealabama/fundraiser/hollykeeton" target="_blank">Click here.</a> </span></div>
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<b>Holly's Race Schedule (Schedule Subject to Change Due to Peer Pressure from friends:-P)</b></div>
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January 16th---Elkmont Half Marathon<br />
January 23rd---Mountain Mist 50k (4th and Final Race in Grand Slam Challenge)<br />
February 6th---Tick Ridge Trek 10k<br />
February 13th---Hug a Cub 5k (Ainsley's Angels Race)<br />
March 12---Piggy Tail Princess 7k (Ainsley's Angels Race)<br />
March 19th---Running the Shoals Half Marathon<br />
April 2nd---Oak Barrel Half Marathon<br />
April 10th---Bridgestreet Half Marathon (Official 2:30 race pacer)<br />
April 30th---Chick-fil-a 10k Race in Decatur, AL (Ainsley's Angels Race)<br />
May 7th---Steeple Chase 8k (Ainsley's Angels Race)<br />
May 21st---Viola Valley Half Marathon </div>
HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-51348217072817619992015-12-20T17:30:00.001-08:002015-12-20T17:58:45.197-08:00Rocket City Marathon Race Report: 12-12-2015 I have been resting all weekend. I started feeling somewhat puny due to sinuses drainage and a sore throat on Friday, and it gradually got worse this weekend. <b>Long story short, my sinus infection gave me a middle ear infection. I have never had this before, and WOW, talk about painful.</b> That's what my stubborn self gets for waiting to go to the doctor! New Year's Resolution for 2016: Find a allergy/sinus doctor so I can figure out why I get sinus infections so often, and then find some better immunity pills; I was doing SO well on the ones I had, but now I'm beginning to wonder....<br />
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So, it still hurts to hear loud noises, and my ear has been ringing/stinging all day. I can't really drive and go anywhere (hooray for pain medicine)...therefore, the perfect time to blog right?! :)<br />
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Wow, talk about a surprising but great day! The weather that day was HOT...it reached the 70s in December! As you can see in the picture above, I finished strong, but wow, was I sweaty and HOT! This was my 3rd road marathon distance. It was surprising for me that day because, yes, I trained well, but I didn't train to PR or anything due to my knee injury in June. I have slowed down since my knee injury, but I am slowly getting back to the old me. Surprisingly though, I didn't have my worst marathon, but I didn't have my best. I even beat my marathon time from the St Jude Country Music Marathon which is a HOT marathon in late April, however, I didn't beat last year's Rocket City Marathon time (4:35:53....brrr, what a cold day!), but I was shocked to how close I got to it! So, YAY ME! :)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT MAKES ROCKET CITY A GREAT FIRST MARATHON? </span></b></div>
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1) For the ones that live in North Alabama, <b>what a great local race!</b> If you don't live close, there is so much to do and great places to stay in the Huntsville/Madison area. :) </div>
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2) <b>The course is relatively flat and it changes up a lot so you aren't on the same road or street for a long time.</b> Yes, it has some incline to it, but compared to some halves and even a full that I did in Tennessee, this is way flatter than most races of this distances in this area. <b>I also love how you run through some great areas like the downtown area (beautiful houses!), the Space and Rocket Center, and the Botanical Gardens to change it up! </b>You also finish in the Von Braun Center, which is pretty epic! </div>
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3) The expo is GREAT, the volunteers/aid stations are FANTASTIC, and I love the RACE SWAG! <b>The medals were gorgeous this year</b>, the shirts are comfy & nice (Nike Dri Fit!), and the hats are pretty cool too! </div>
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4) <b>Maybe not a lot of people care about this, but it's not a super crowded race.</b> I remember when I ran the St Jude Country Music Half and even the full marathon, the crowds were very overwhelming and parking is a PAIN (200,000+ people...yikes)! This is not the case at the Rocket City Marathon. There were about 1300 runners this year, and there is PLENTY of parking. </div>
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5) Okay, so let me add another one....PLENTY of pre and post race potties (REAL toilets! lol) because you start near the VBC and end at the VBC. Yep, I went there. ;) </div>
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I can honestly say that I had fun at this race; I didn't experience anything super drastic or painful during the race. Don't get me wrong, it was HOT and I hydrated A LOT, basically at every aid station, for gatorade, water, or both. I'm very happy that I did that because it showed by how strong I was able to stay despite the heat during the race. I was able to run strong until about mile 15, and at that point due to the heat, I gave myself some quick walking breaks just to cool down/breathe and to stretch my knee because I remember feeling some tenderness by that point. But I kept on running, and I'm thankful and proud of that. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HIGHLIGHTS/FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT MY THIRD MARATHON </b></span></div>
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<b>* I was able to keep close to a 10-10:30 average pace until about mile 16</b>, that's when the sun came out and I was REALLY feeling the heat. I was SUPER proud of that! </div>
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*<b>I had a lot of running friends that I was able to see/talk to during the race (that always makes the time fly by!) but I was able to run with Jeanie Collins pretty much the whole race.</b> Whether we were together, her in front of me, or me in front of her, we stayed pretty much together, and I know we were able to keep each other motivated because of that. It was nice to know that I wasn't "alone", and it kept the mental games/negativity away from me. Like I mentioned above, I really didn't have a PR goal or a time goal for this race, especially after finding out about the weather, so we had FUN:)...well, for some of it, right, Jeanie?! ;-) </div>
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<b>*I know I mentioned that I hydrated right for this race, but I fueled right for this race too!</b> Once again, I'm super proud of that...the more longer runs/races that I do, the better that I get at fueling (I use Gatorade Gu, Cliff Shot Blocks, Raisins, Crackers, Pretzels with Peanut Butter, etc...it depends on the race or day). With my thyroid issues that can cause me to be sluggish along with my IBS, that has been one of my bigger challenges as a distance runner, and I just keep getting better and better at it. </div>
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*<b>I loved seeing my fellow Panera Pounders at mile 13 and the rest of the course.</b> Seriously, their love for their friends and the sport of running shows, and I am so thankful for these friends and how many miles we share together!<!--3--><br />
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*<b>Seeing the Ainsley's Angel's spirit team...WOW, I love my Ainsley's Angel's family</b>. Their cheers, hugs, and smiles made my heart so happy! They helped me keep motivated after my physical therapy with my knee and helped me slowly get back into racing. <!--3--><!--3--><br />
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*<b>Seeing THIS SWEET WOMAN halfway through the race</b>! It was such a surprise and it totally pumped me up to finish the last half of the race! This friend was the first friend to get me curious about this sport called running in 2012. I remember seeing her Runkeeper post on facebook and being interested and motivated. <b>Without realizing it, she started my treadmill journey, which turned into a coach to 5k journey, which turned into a 10k race. </b>I then remember her messaging me later after my 10k distance on the treadmill and saying "Hey, now you're ready for a half marathon!", which I did sign up for and had NO IDEA what I gotten myself into. Never in my life would I have thought I would run a half marathon, but Katrina encouraged (well, peer pressured me, lol) to do Oak Barrel in 2013, and I've been hooked to distance running ever since! She was even the one to introduced me to We Run Huntsville, and wow, what a motivational tool that has been for me along with giving me more running crazies...errr...running friends! HAHA! Katrina, I love you, but I don't know if I should thank you or ask "WHY?! WHY did you do this to me?!" ;-) :-P ONLY KIDDING! :) </div>
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Looking back, I had such a great time and a great race! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>FINAL THOUGHTS...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wanted to end with this. During the race, around mile 23, I saw a sign on pink poster board that said this...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It really hit home with me. During the race,<b> I actually began to cry, and I even remember telling a person near the sign "thank you". I needed to read that and see that so much.</b> There were so many signs, volunteers, etc during that race, and I know it's no coincidence that I didn't miss that sign. When I saw that sign, not only did I think about the race that I was running, but I also thought about this past year, 2015, with its ups and downs. I began to feel so overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness that I began to cry happy tears. I started to remember a college girl from 6 years ago that would have NEVER thought she would run a marathon. Not only would college Holly not be able to complete the distance, but the thought of being around crowds of people, and not only that, strangers, would have had her on the edge of paranoia/anxiety. So much has change since then. I am so thankful that my faith in God has gotten stronger, my physical health overall has gotten better, and the anxiety/depression that I use to face daily is not a daily thing anymore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like I have said in previous blogs, my favorite prayer to think/pray while I run is "Thank You Jesus for this day and the ability to RUN", over and over and over again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because, as simple as it sounds, it means SO MUCH. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hey, go for a run, it just might change your life. And hey, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Werunhuntsville/" target="_blank">We Run Huntsville</a> on facebook, I bet it just might change your life too. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-Holly </span></div>
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<b>Holly's Race Schedule (Schedule Subject to Change Due to Peer Pressure from friends:-P)</b></div>
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December 31st---Recover From the Holidays 50k, Huntsville, AL (3rd Grand Slam Challenge Race)<br />
January 16th---Elkmont Half Marathon<br />
January 23rd---Mountain Mist 50k (4th and Final Race in Grand Slam Challenge)<br />
February 6th---Tick Ridge Trek 10k<br />
February 13th---Hug a Cub 5k (Ainsley's Angels Race)<br />
March 12---Piggy Tail Princess 7k (Ainsley's Angels Race)<br />
March 19th---Running the Shoals Half Marathon<br />
April 2nd---Oak Barrel Half Marathon<br />
April 10th---Bridgestreet Half Marathon (Official 2:30 race pacer)<br />
April 30th---Chick-fil-a 10k Race in Decatur, AL<br />
May 7th---Steeple Chase 8k (Ainsley's Angels Race)<br />
May 21st---Viola Valley Half Marathon </div>
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HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-33499015775691951252015-11-22T05:34:00.002-08:002015-11-22T05:34:52.387-08:00Dizzy 50k 2015 Race Report: My 2nd 50k distance! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow! What a day yesterday! I can honestly say it was one of the toughest races that I have done in a while...I was challenged in a different way than I was last year compared to this year. This is my 2nd 50k distance that I have accomplished, and goodness, I was soooooo happy to see that finish line yesterday! I was SUPER sore yesterday post race, and now I can say (other than my feet) that I feel GREAT! Just a couple of aches and pains, but hey, that's expected after running 30+ miles on the trails of Monte Sano Mountain!<br />
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I didn't beat my previous Dizzy time of 6:53. If I had the same mindset/attitude of last year or the year before, competitive Holly would be bitter and upset about it. Since my knee injury, things like not getting the race time I want doesn't upset me as much anymore. Don't get me wrong, setting goals and crushing PRs are GREAT, but I think sometimes we as runners get too focused on that and not enough on the race/experience itself. It took me being out on injury to really appreciate and realize that.<br />
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So....here is how yesterday went down!<br />
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Talk about COLD, but it didn't stay that way! All of us were all prepping up our aid stations (we had to go through the pavilion after every Dizzy Loop to check in with the official race timers) and getting ready to RUN! I don't think there were as many runners as last year, but I could be wrong. Gregg got a picture of all the runners attempting the Grand Slam Challenge. It was an exciting race start! If I remember correctly, I believe they said there were about 25-30 runners attempting the Grand Slam Challenge this year! :)<br />
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So...on your mark, get set, GO!<br />
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When running the Dizzy 50k, you run a 9-10 mile figure 8 typed loop three times to get your 30+ miles. The Northern Dizzy Loop is hillier and a little more technical/rocky, while the South Dizzy Loop that consisted mostly of the Bucca Bike Trail is very flat. I took the same strategy that I did last year: run almost all of the Southern Loop, and then walk the steep/hilly parts of the Northern loop.<br />
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THE FIRST TENish MILES<br />
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So, before the race even started, I told myself I wouldn't think of it as miles, I would think of it as the three complete Dizzy Loops. When I run longer distances like this, in my mind, I have to think of it in chunks. While running the second of the first "chunk", I realized it got warmer quickly, so I had to ditch the ear warmers, the gloves, and the jacket. I was still feeling strong mentally and with my energy (I planned to fuel every 45 minutes in the race, which I did), but my feet began to hurt. I have had the same great trail shoes for a while now, but I was worried to change them out for a new pair of shoes to try on race day, but now I wonder how today would have been different if I did. I prayed a lot during this loop. I asked God to heal my feet and get me through it. I thanked Him over and over for healing my feet. And honestly, my feet felt better. I didn't feel the blisters and pain that I knew existed on my feet.<br />
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THE SECOND TENish MILES<br />
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I remember at this point thinking about last year's Dizzy 50k experience and how I hit a wall in regards to my energy, so I kept on fueling and kept on being positive and telling myself how great I felt and how great I was doing, and when I would feel my feet hurting me, I would pray even more and thank God for healing my feet. I was still moving at this point, and again, I wasn't looking at the miles on my watch, but the time I was on my feet so I knew when to fuel. I remember telling myself, "Wow, you're feeling great, if you keep this up, you will beat your time from last year!". I kept on moving on. I remember motivating myself to go faster because my friends would be getting to Monte Sano soon to cheer me on, and I wanted to be able to see them. Once I got to the pavilion, no one was there yet, but I remembered thinking "Wow! You're over halfway finished! Once you finish this tougher Northern Loop, your pals will be there! You need to finish this loop quick!"<br />
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THE THIRD (and final) COMPLETE DIZZY LOOP<br />
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Even with my energy draining and my feet hurting off and on, I kept my positive mindset on the final loops. I'll be honest, it was difficult to do that, and any runner will tell you how you think before and during the race is crucial. As I started the final Northern Loop, I started feeling sore in my legs and inner glutes, and my feet once again were hurting. I started to pray again, and thank God for the ability to run and for me to have come this far. I remember wanting to take my shoes off to see where the pain was coming from on both of my feet, but then I changed my mind because I was worried about what I would see (I am still thankful that I didn't take my shoes off...my blisters on both feet are horrible!) .I remember seeing David Collins before I got to Cold Springs, and how good it made me feel to get my picture taken when all I wanted to do was walk. I remember thinking this loop was taking forever...I knew at this point Katrina was waiting on me at the pavilion, and I remember having to encourage myself by forcing myself to run to certain trees, certain rocks, etc and then "rewarding" myself by walking or stretching. I kept telling myself how great my feet felt when in fact they weren't. I remember running up to the pavilion to start my final loop and seeing all of my friends' faces. I felt like a ROCKSTAR. I needed that confidence boost and the hugs. I remember feeling guilty at the time for wanting to hug them because I knew I stunk (haha!) but I remember how badly I wanted a hug. Yep, I knew after this I had the easier Southern Loop to do for a final time. I remember fueling a lot and sitting down to give my sore feet a break, and then I got back up to run (well, shuffle at this point).<br />
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I walked A LOT of the final Southern Loop. At first, I was beating myself up over it due to the fact that it was so much flatter and softer, but at this point, I wouldn't say I hit a wall, but energy was dwindling, and I remember there were NO other runners around me...I felt really alone and I didn't have the motivation to run since I didn't have anyone to run with. My stomach was hurting, A LOT. I had to keep pushing myself to run by giving myself stretch breaks and walk breaks. I also remember how I knew at this point that both of my feet had multiple blisters because I felt them, and I also knew if I kept this slow pace up, I would not get close to my time from last year. It was frustrating to say the least, but then I remember telling myself how far I'd come since my injury this summer, and if I was going to walk to whole way to finish (lol), I would do that. Once I got to the 28 mile mark, I started to see bikers, hikers, and runners sporadically on the course that would talk to me, clap for me, and encourage me. I think they could tell by the way I was running and how I was looking that I needed it, and I sure do appreciate it! I remember one biker saying "wow, I saw you 3 hours ago and you're still running now! great job!" Once I got on that long, final home stretch, I remembered being so happy and so out of it that I actually starting talking to myself out loud and talking to God out loud, and I had a runner behind me say "Preach, girl, preach!" Haha! I even tried to encourage a fellow Dizzy racer to run the final mile with me, and his response (umm, I will say it politely) was "Forget that, I'm walking. You have fun!"<br />
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The Finish Line <br />
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The pictures show the happiness/excitement I felt when seeing the finish line along with realizing more than ever the pain I felt...I remembered thinking "I want to take these shoes off, and I want a COCA COLA!" haha! I haven't felt this relieved/excited to see a finish line in a long time. I remember hearing my name as I went up the street to get to the finish...I couldn't even see my friends yet, but I heard my name, and I remember being able to give myself a final push to finish strong. I wanted to cry out of sheer happiness... and happy tears did come when I drank my coke and high fived my friends. They took the time out of their day to cheer us on during the race, and even cheer us in to that finish line. I don't have the words to show my true appreciation....wow, I am so thankful & grateful for my running community and these amazing friends!<br />
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Overall thoughts on the race:<br />
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I remember loving this race last year, and I will say it again: love this race! I love the volunteers, the course, and how you can create your own aid station. I love the Bible verses on the trees, and I love the fact that we are running through the woods and appreciating nature. I'm not sure if I will run it again next year, I almost want to volunteer so I can see how the "other side" works for this race, you know, how it all comes together to be so great!<br />
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I feel that this race could have been more comfortable for me if I broke in new trail shoes before this race. My feet are still in pain, and I will spare you by not putting a picture of my blistered feet and toes on facebook. I didn't have this problem last year, and like I said, I know it's time to get fitted for some trail shoes so I can be successful at the fourth and final race of the Grand Slam Challenge: Mountain Mist 50K! There is no way I can finish strong if I don't go ahead now and break in new trail shoes. Like I mentioned in the final loops, my stomach was causing me a lot of grief, and even with my IBS, I haven't had issues like that in a race in a long time. I feel like I didn't hydrate enough since it was hotter than I expected it to feel.<br />
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I am proud of myself on how I thought throughout the race. I stayed positive when it was hard. Keeping a good attitude through the tough runs/races have been my struggle as a runner, and since my injury, my attitude has gotten better and better. I know that if I keep this attitude through all my Grand Slam Races, especially Mountain Mist, I know I can go through with this challenge!<br />
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I am so happy to be finished with race one of four of the Grand Slam Challenge! I thank God for the ability to run and to train for races/challenges like this. I know I owe Him a lot for listening to my "heal my feet" prayers yesterday. I was reminded that God loves us and that He listens to our prayers, even when it's something as trivial as feet....haha!<br />
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I have had a few questions from runners and friends on how do I train for races of this magnitude, and I hope I can write a blog on that during my Thanksgiving Break. Thanks for reading!<br />
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Go for a run, it might change your life! :) :) Feel free to message/email me if you have questions!<br />
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-Holly<br />
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Helpful Links</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.runkeeper.com/" target="_blank">Runkeeper.com---get the free app today and find your Couch to 5k Plan!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/" target="_blank">Hal Higdon's Training Plans...do you want to walk or run for your first 5k? </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/starting-to-run-abandon-all-reason" target="_blank"> A great list of what beginning runners need to know/do...a humorous/informative Runner's World post for beginners</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor" target="_blank">Get the RIGHT running shoes for YOU. It's a BIG deal! </a></span></div>
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<br />HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-86254204764616441652015-11-15T13:29:00.003-08:002015-11-15T15:19:31.291-08:00Racing Recaps & Runner Thoughts (Oh, and Hello, Fall! )I can't believe it's already mid-November. I love this running weather in Alabama this time of year...not too cold but not unbearably hot. It's been a fun past month of training and racing! I will make each recap short & sweet...<br />
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<b>4 Bridges Half Marathon</b></div>
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This was my <b>first time to ever be an official race pacer</b> with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrunspacing/?fref=ts" target="_blank">MRuns Pacing</a>; I had such a great time pacing the 2:45 half marathon group with Amy! I remember being a little nervous at first, but once the nerves were gone, I was able to enjoy the race along with meeting great runners & helping them make their goal race time. This half was BEAUTIFUL; the scenery was amazing, and it wasn't too hilly (it had its share of inclines though). I remember me and Amy being super happy near the end and saying "wow, we are doing a great job staying on pace" (we were checking our pace on our watches constantly) and then, at 12.5ish miles, there was the finish line. Huh? We were freaking out for a few seconds because we thought we missed a turn, but in reality, the course was accidentally cut short. I know people were upset about not getting a "true" 13.1, but <b>the volunteers, the atmosphere, and the scenery were so great</b>, I would do it again in a heartbeat! They are even offering a discount: this offer ends on January 15th! <a href="http://www.mruns.com/?p=16118" target="_blank">Get discount her</a>e. And I LOVED pacing; I enjoyed it so much, I went ahead and signed up to <b>pace the 2:30 half marathon group</b> at the <a href="http://bridgestreethalfmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Bridgestreet Half Marathon</a>! The half marathon is my FAVORITE distance! </div>
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<b>Monte Sano 15k</b></div>
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This was a shockingly strong and great race for me, considering the issues that I was having with my knee throughout the race. I think I was feeling the aches and pains due to the fact that it was a chillier day to begin with, and then not doing as much trails and/or hillwork at this point. I stopped and walked A LOT to bend my knee and stretch it out as I walked. Even with the slowing down to do this, I was able to keep under a 9:30 pace and PR from my previous Monte Sano 15k times. It was a great day for a run! :-D </div>
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<b>Huntsville Half Marathon </b></div>
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Wow! What a great local race for a great cause: our Veterans! This was my third time to run this race, and I was able to shave off over 2 minutes from my previous Huntsville Half time, so I was pretty happy about that! I finished in 2:07:29...my PR is a 2:05:35. I'll be honest, after mile 8, I hit a WALL...and I felt somewhat out of it the rest of the race, I'm thinking I ran too fast in the beginning due to the excitement and being cold...haha! One day, I want to run a sub 2 hour half marathon, but with my Grand Slam training with three 50ks, I have to slow down my pace to complete those comfortably. </div>
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Again, this race was so great. I saw so many pals from the running community that were racing or volunteering, and it made it such a great day! Our We Run Huntsville group out of Madison even set up their own aid station for us...we felt the love! :) :) :) Thanks, Panera Pounders! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BY THE WAY, IT'S SEVEN DAYS UNTIL DIZZY! I'M RUNNING A 50K ON SATURDAY! </b></span></div>
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Yep, it hit me as I was getting ready for church this a.m....you know, those race jitters. Those "oh my gosh, it's this week!" jitters, the "I'm really doing this!" jitters, and the "you can't be serious about doing this?!" jitters! LOL! Yep...over 31 miles of trails on Monte Sano on Saturday. I did this race last year, and I felt great most of the race and really enjoyed it (<a href="http://hollynicole11-hollysblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/november-15th-2014-my-first-50k-trail.html" target="_blank">here is Dizzy 50k recap/review from last year</a>). I hope I feel as strong and as great as I did last year. </div>
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It's funny how when things are going so well in your life how the devil tries to throw obstacles, distractions, and/or illness in your way. I had my bloodwork done this past week, and what I thought was low B12 levels turned out to my low thyroid levels....WAY lower than it has been in over three years. No wonder I have had no energy and have felt so sluggish...there were even days that I felt depressed, and it all makes since now...BOO YOU HYPOTHYROID! I had it under control for the most part except for one false alarm in February, and now this. I started my new medication a few days ago, so I am praying to feel & see a difference on Saturday. God is good and I know He is the ultimate healer that can make me well! </div>
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When the going gets tough, the tough gets going! Even with this past month of not feeling top notch, I have still trained and followed my training plan the best I could. I know on Saturday there will be others running with me and encouraging me, and just like last year, it will be an amazing experience...I will cross that finish line! That "crossing the finish line" feeling is the best...you are reminded how your hard work, preparation, and training pays off! I am going to do my best to <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/entrants_event.aspx?did=34625" target="_blank">"Grand Slam</a>" this year! </div>
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Thanks for reading! Go for a run; it just might change your life! :-D </div>
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-Holly </div>
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Holly's Race Schedule</div>
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November 30th---Galaxy of Lights 5k</div>
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December 1st--Galaxy of Lights 3k (Harvest Elementary Running Club's first race!)</div>
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November 21st---Dizzy 50's 50k, Huntsville, AL (First Grand Slam Challenge Race)</div>
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December 12th---Rocket City Marathon, Huntsville, AL (2nd Grand Slam Challenge Race)</div>
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December 31st---Recover From the Holidays 50k, Huntsville, AL (3rd Grand Slam Challenge Race)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.runkeeper.com/" target="_blank">Runkeeper.com---get the free app today and find your Couch to 5k Plan!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/" target="_blank">Hal Higdon's Training Plans...do you want to walk or run for your first 5k? </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/starting-to-run-abandon-all-reason" target="_blank"> A great list of what beginning runners need to know/do...a humorous/informative Runner's World post for beginners</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor" target="_blank">Get the RIGHT running shoes for YOU. It's a BIG deal! </a></span></div>
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HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-18607332085416389852015-10-04T14:38:00.003-07:002015-10-04T14:53:09.059-07:00Hartselle Half Review & Grand Slam Training! Well, folks, it's FALL! I can't believe it's already fall break for me! This school year has been keeping me busy (of course!), but I am enjoying teaching 4th grade math. I'm very thankful for my leadership & my coworkers at Harvest Elementary! :) Also, I started coaching our 4th & 5th graders in the Running Club at the school that I teach at...I am loving being a "coach", and the students are REALLY enjoying it! We are using a beginner 5k plan (a lot like the Couch to 5k plan I linked below), and our first race will be at the Galaxy of Lights 3k! :-) :-) I can't wait to BLOG about it!!! :-D :-D <br />
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Now, onto my first topic...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HARTSELLE HALF MARATHON</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the great people that run in our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Werunhuntsville/" target="_blank">We Run Huntsville </a>Community!</span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span> </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b> </b>I had a lot of fun at this race! It was great to see a lot of my running friends and to see them accomplish this race so successfully, whether it was their first half or their 10th half! The half marathon distance is my favorite distance to run and train for...what a challenging & fun distance!<br />
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I liked the course...mostly flat, and it had a few inclines, but what goes up, must go down, right? :) I also liked the t shirt design, and I loved the medals (they were bright and had the logo that you see in the picture above). The aid stations were placed very well, and the volunteers were super nice...you can tell they were excited and happy to be there, whether they were giving you your race number, or handing you water! The volunteers were also super encouraging and polite to each of the Ainsley's Angels teams! They made my day! <br />
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This was my 10th half marathon race, and this half was super special. This was the first half that our <a href="http://www.ainsleysangels.org/" target="_blank">Ainsley's Angels Team of Northeast Alabama</a> completed, and WOW, what a GREAT day!<br />
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The night before, I was getting nervous about the distance, not only for our riders (captains), but for us runners. 13.1 miles is no joke, and I guess my nervousness was for our captains to have an amazing ride and not get bored. Come one, let's be honest...a long run, whether a race or training, can be boring. Or...you are thinking so much that you hit a mental wall. Any long distance runner will tell you that one of most difficult things during half or full marathon training is keeping that positive attitude...you know, that "I can do this!" attitude along with "don't stop, keep going"!<br />
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Well, Amberley's first half marathon went GREAT! She loved it, and honestly, this was one of the most entertaining long runs that I have ever been on...I would lose track of the miles due to Amberley's conversation to me, our team, and the other runners/volunteers/police officers. Her "Go! Go! Go!" attitude kept us going, and even when we were tired, when she felt her chair slowing down, she would talk to me, Remy, or Brien, to get our minds of the miles and onto her, or to the people around her. She is a social butterfly, and it showed throughout the race! You can tell that the racers around her were encouraged by her cheering & talking...I know I sure was! She kept smiling until about mile 12, then it was our turn to keep her positive and to remind her that she was almost to that finish line. Her mother said that she kept her Hartselle Half Marathon medal on all weekend. :) Remy, Brien, and myself were super stoked to see her complete her first of many half marathons. Congrats, Amberley! <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> THE GRAND SLAM CHALLENGE</b></span></span></div>
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So, I have signed up for all four races that consist of the Huntsville Grand Slam Challenge:<b> Dizzy 50k, Rocket City Marathon, Recover from the Holidays 50k, and Mountain Mist 50k. </b> Yep, I've officially lost my mind; I am THAT crazy long distance runner! </div>
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<b> </b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EeYZsQJAUtU/VhGYyfzOyvI/AAAAAAAAAsM/gDO6VI_UsG4/s1600/blog1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EeYZsQJAUtU/VhGYyfzOyvI/AAAAAAAAAsM/gDO6VI_UsG4/s400/blog1.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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It's early October, and I'm super proud to say that my training so far is going well. I have gotten to <b>19 miles on the pavement </b>(no trail running just yet) averaging usually at a 10:30-10:40 pace, and I honestly can't remember the last time I had a horrible long run. I have felt soooooo great after each of my long training runs (anything over 12+ miles), and my knee isn't holding me back that I worried so much that it would!<b> I am happy and very thankful! </b>I feel like I owe a lot of it to my <b>routine stretching/yoga</b> (I NEVER SKIP THAT!) along with my water intake. Seriously, I hate to toot my own horn, but compared to last year, I am kicking butt on this whole "drink more water" thing, and I can tell a huge difference in how I feel during and after a long run, and honestly, just how much better I feel during a typical day at work! </div>
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Like I said though, it's October, and it's seven weeks until the Dizzy 50k, so I know starting this week, <b>TRAIL RUNNING </b>will be happening, along with the <b>CIRCUIT/STRENGTH TRAINING</b> that I have been slacking on (sorry, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfkuK3mMowM" target="_blank">Jillian Michaels</a>...). During my knee injury, I only biked and circuit trained, but I've been slacking on that since I have been excited to be running again after having almost 7 weeks of being out of running! I know for a fact that I can't get through the Dizzy 50k, and especially the Mountain Mist 50k, if I am not working my abs, arms, glutes, etc! <b>To be a strong runner, you can't JUST RUN!</b> You've got to cross train to stay successful and to have no injuries due to overuse or over running (yes, there is such thing as too much running, or at least that's my opinion!). </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>*** WE RUN HUNTSVILLE COMMUNITY and AINSLEY'S ANGELS***</b></span></div>
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<b> </b>Like I mentioned in my last blog, I am just so thankful to be out on the road again running, and these two groups help me stay motivated, inspired, encouraged, and focused on what's important with my running journey and even with life in general. You can't put a price tag on people that just want to see the best in you and everyone else around them. When I started back up to running after my knee injury, especially after <a href="http://hollynicole11-hollysblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/back-to-work-back-to-running-and-grand.html" target="_blank">re reading my last blog</a>, I remember how excited I was to be running, but also so discouraged at times because of aches & pains. Injuries, running related or not, set you back on your fitness goals. There were days in the hot summer that I felt like I was Couch to 5k'ing all over again, and in a way, I really was. But again, these two groups gave me perspective, and they reminded me how great it was to be out on the road again. No matter how "slow" I was or how much I walked, I was encouraged and praised for being out there. Once again, you can't put a price tag on such great people that I like to call "friends". <3><!--3--></3></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Race for Hope 5k </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I try to blog once a month, but I know with my work schedule along with training, life in general, etc, it's tough to do! I hope to write after my <b>first ever pacing experience</b> at the 4 Bridges Half Marathon! I will be pacing the the 2:45 half marathon group/time, and I am super excited! <b>I hope to be as encouraging to those runners like my running community has been to me!</b> So, until then, see some of my links below, and hey,<a href="http://www.runninglane.com/wrh" target="_blank"> join a running group</a> and find your "fitness happy!" </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">-Holly </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>*Holly's Race Schedule for 2015*</div>
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October 10th---Monte Sano 15k, Huntsville, AL</div>
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October 18th---4 Bridges Half Marathon (my first race as an official race pacer!:-D), Chattanooga, TN</div>
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November 14th---Huntsville Half Marathon, Huntsville, AL</div>
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November 30th---Galaxy of Lights 5k</div>
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December 1st--Galaxy of Lights 3k (Harvest Elementary Running Club's first race!) </div>
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November 21st---Dizzy 50's 50k, Huntsville, AL (First Grand Slam Challenge Race)</div>
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December 12th---Rocket City Marathon, Huntsville, AL (2nd Grand Slam Challenge Race)</div>
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December 31st---Recover From the Holidays 50k, Huntsville, AL (3rd Grand Slam Challenge Race)</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.runkeeper.com/" target="_blank">Runkeeper.com---get the free app today and find your Couch to 5k Plan!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/" target="_blank">Hal Higdon's Training Plans...do you want to walk or run for your first 5k? </a> </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/starting-to-run-abandon-all-reason" target="_blank"> A great list of what beginning runners need to know/do...a humorous/informative Runner's World post for beginners</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor" target="_blank">Get the RIGHT running shoes for YOU. It's a BIG deal! </a> </span></div>
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<!--3-->HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-12526699363080934632015-08-29T17:49:00.002-07:002015-08-30T05:19:42.886-07:00Back to work, back to running, and Grand Slam Training! :)<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Long time, no blog!</b></span> It's been since June since my last blog mostly about my <a href="http://hollynicole11-hollysblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/comfort.html" target="_blank">sprained MCL</a> (not, NOT running related). Due to staying busy with my new job at a new school along with a new grade level, needless to say, I'm adjusting! I am LOVING it though! Our fourth grade theme is "Wild About 4th Grade", so I have hints of animal print along with my decorated monkey lockers! The kids really like it, and I do too! :) <br />
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The staff, 4th grade team, and my administration have been soooooo helpful and encouraging, and my students make my day every day! I am enjoying teaching 4th grade math. After teaching Kindergarten for two years and 1st grade last year, I am already spoiled to a 4th grader's independence...I am used to babying, dealing with tattling, fussing, and kids wetting their pants...haha! So, needless to say, it's been quite a change for me! I am so thankful to be a part of the Harvest Elementary family!<br />
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Holly NOT in running clothes...who is that?! lol</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>STRONG GIRLS 5k/My "comeback" race! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Being on injury is rough for a runner...whether it's weeks or months. I felt like mine felt longer due to me being off work in the summer. I did very well about not getting depressed...I kept myself busy volunteering, working on my Rosetta Stone Spanish lessons, spending time with family & friends, and preparing for my 4th year of teaching. And of course, physical therapy along with my own exercise plans with NO running kept me busy too. Thank you Dr. Franklin & the physical therapist at <a href="http://www.sportsmedalabama.com/" target="_blank">Sportsmed</a> for your honesty, your encouragement, and for pushing me on the days that I was frustrated and I didn't want to work on my knee.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">On July 11th, I ran the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stronggirls5k" target="_blank">Strong Girls 5k</a> with the <a href="http://www.ainsleysangels.org/" target="_blank">Ainsley's Angel's team</a> for the first time! Wow...what an experience! I loved our captain, Amberly. Her positive and sweet personality kept us all going during the race; it was an honor to be a part of her first 5k race! I'm thankful for the sport of running, and I'm very thankful when I am able to experience another person see that joy of racing for the first time! She's a natural athlete and such an encourager! Here are just a few pictures from a GREAT race day! I will be running with the Ainsley's Angel's team at the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hartselle-Half-Marathon/537656499589976?fref=ts" target="_blank"> Hartselle Half Marathon</a> next month, and I'm looking forward to it! I can't wait to race with Amberly again and to hear her say "go! go! go!" ! :) :) :) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> During this race, my knee was hurting (honestly, I think just due to not running/walking for so long), but I made it through. I have always been thankful to be out on the pavement or trails to run, but this knee injury renewed my thankfulness to a whole new level. It feels sooooooo good to be out running again, and I don't care that I have to slow down, walk, stretch, etc...I'm getting my miles completed to prepare for...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>2015-2016 Grand Slam Race Series! </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span> <u><b>Yes...it's official...I've lost my mind.</b></u> I've said for the past 3 years that I would NEVER sign up for that insanely difficult race that they call <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=29517" target="_blank">Mountain Mist</a>, but here I am waiting for it to open up on ultrasignup.com. It is the most difficult race out of the four races. To complete the Huntsville Track Club's Grand Slam, you have to finish the Dizzy 50s 50K (mid-November), the Rocket city Marathon (mid-December), the Recover for the Holiday 50k (late December), and the beast called Mountain Mist (late January). I ran and completed the <a href="http://hollynicole11-hollysblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/november-15th-2014-my-first-50k-trail.html" target="_blank">Dizzy 50k last year</a> along with the <a href="http://hollynicole11-hollysblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/marathon-2-rocket-city-marthon-race.html" target="_blank">Rocket City Marathon</a>, but I have never attempted the Recover for the Holidays 50 or Mountain Mist 50k. Yes, you complete all four races for bragging rights and a Grand Slam Jacket. You better believe that I will be wearing that jacket for a month so I can brag as much as I want...haha! :-P I'm nervous and excited about it, but I know I have a training plan that will get me in shape and ready for the challenge! I love distance running! I'm using <a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51153/Marathon-Multiple-Marathons-Training-Program" target="_blank">this</a> along with <a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51151/Marathon-Marathon-3-Training-Program" target="_blank">this</a> from Hal Higdon to create what I will be using to help me complete the Grand Slam Challenge! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>From an injured runner, </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b>It was easy for me to want to be depressed, but I chose not to be. Once again, I kept myself busy with what I mentioned above. Getting back into running is tough. What my competitive self misses the most is the average pace that I have lost, from my 5k distance to my half marathon distance. I have gotten slower, and once again, I'm so competitive with myself that I get discouraged at times. I've even gained weight during the summer because of being less active along with eating more (which I know better and I am changing that as I speak). During those times, I mentally take a step back, and I think of this... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span> As cliche as this sounds, I think about my journey and how far I have come. I remember a recent college graduate with horrible eating habits along with constant swings of depression and anxiety. My stomach was constantly having issues to the point where I had to go for colonoscopies. I remember dreading going to the doctor because I knew he was going to say "We need to up your thyroid medicine dosage" or "Hey, we need to lower your medicine dosage" because my thyroid was NEVER consistent. I think about the day where walking/running a mile on the treadmill hurt, and I remember crying that first week of <a href="http://c25kfree.com/" target="_blank">couch to 5k</a> training and thinking "I can't do this", but being encouraged by friends like Katrina's <a href="http://runkeeper.com/home" target="_blank">Runkeeper</a> posts kept me going. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">What has running done for me...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I'm an early riser. (no, I'm still not a morning person! :-P)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*My synthroid medication for my thyroid has stayed leveled for the past three years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I'm able to have regular bowel movements (TMI...but hey, I'm being real and honest about my past health, so I hope this helps someone!) when I was told that I wouldn't be able to without the help of medications from two different doctors and two different colonoscopies (by the way, those doctors NEVER recommended exercise when someone like me needed to HEAR IT because I was that clueless/ignorant; needless to say, I don't see them anymore!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I don't have headaches on a weekly basis (one of the many symptoms of hypothyroidism). I can count how many headaches I have had in the past six months on one hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I lost 25 lbs during my first year and a half of running. After I lost that weight, I didn't have serious shin/knee issues while walking/running.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> *I've gained training buddies and lifelong friends that have been so helpful, encouraging, kind, and irreplaceable...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I've gained confidence that I never thought I would have in myself. Depression and anxiety are under my feet like the devil is (STOMP!), and I DON'T let that demon win like I used to allow it to! To this day, running still helps me clear my head, and hey, those long runs are the perfect time to pray and praise! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I've completed distances, paces, etc that I NEVER thought possible...</span></div>
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Seriously, you can be a runner too, and who knows, it might change your life! :) </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>-Holly</i></span></span></span></div>
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*Holly's Race Schedule for 2015*</div>
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September 19th---Hartselle Half Marathon with the Ainsley's Angels Team, Hartselle, AL</div>
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October 10th---Monte Sano 15k, Huntsville, AL</div>
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October 18th---4 Bridges Half Marathon (my first race as an official race pacer!:-D), Chattanooga, TN</div>
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November 14th---Huntsville Half Marathon, Huntsville, AL</div>
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November 21st---Dizzy 50's 50k, Huntsville, AL</div>
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December 12th---Rocket City Marathon, Huntsville, AL </div>
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December 31st---Recover From the Holidays 50k, Huntsville, AL </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.runkeeper.com/" target="_blank">Runkeeper.com---get the free app today and find your Couch to 5k Plan!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/" target="_blank">Hal Higdon's Training Plans...do you want to walk or run for your first 5k? </a> </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/starting-to-run-abandon-all-reason" target="_blank"> A great list of what beginning runners need to know/do...a humorous/informative Runner's World post for beginners</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor" target="_blank">Get the RIGHT running shoes for YOU. It's a BIG deal! </a> </span></div>
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HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-91167372084031704922015-06-20T17:25:00.003-07:002015-06-20T17:29:30.211-07:00Comfort Sometimes things don't go as planned. My last blog I talked about my excitement about running this summer with the We Run Huntsville weekday morning groups along with the <a href="http://www.ainsleysangels.org/" target="_blank">Ainsley's Angels</a> to keep me motivated. Unfortunately, the first weekend in the June, I fell (well, flew) off of an inter-tube at the lake, and I ended up <a href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/medial-collateral-ligament-mcl-injury-topic-overview" target="_blank">straining/spraining my MCL</a>. This is my first knee injury. OWWW.<br />
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I haven't been able to walk correctly or run since. I start my physical therapy next week, and I am still finding ways to stay active by exercising and challenging myself where I don't have to put stress or pressure on my knee. I have found so many helpful videos/workouts on youtube that have been challenging, but not painful for my knee. <br />
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Looking back on that day at the lake, I feel guilty about what happened. I feel guilty about making a choice to ride on an inter tube that obviously was getting pulled way too fast by a boat. I even had fallen off the tube multiple times before I even got truly injured. When I hurt my knee, I remember surfacing to the top of the lake, and the minute my head was out of the water, I felt that it was something serious. I was scared. Oddly enough, the first word that came to my mind was "comfort."<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Comfort?</b></i></span><br />
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I definitely wasn't feeling comfort at that moment. My knee had this weird, fuzzy feeling to it along with the sharp pain the minute I resurfaced from the water. I embarrassingly had to limp home that day along with limping into a clinic the next day. I have <u>not felt comfort</u> while walking. I have <u>not felt comfort</u> sleeping, since it hurts to lay on that leg/knee. I <u>haven't even felt comfort</u> sitting, because if I sit for too long without elevating my leg, I began to feel pain in my knee along with a headache. I <u>have not felt comfort</u> standing. <br />
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<b>I don't say all this for sympathy or anything like that</b>, you know me. That word...<i>comfort</i>.<br />
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Do you know what I am thankful that I have comfort in? <b>JESUS.</b> And I couldn't be more thankful for that. I'm thankful that I wasn't more seriously injured than I could have/should have been. I was choosing to goof off on that lake, and I felt guilt for that the day after, but I know that God has forgiven me. <b>I never want to take His comfort & protection for granted</b>, and looking back, I know that I did that day by my "I'm invincible" choices. Am I saying be paranoid? Of course not. However, I am saying that SAFETY is important, and I know sometimes people, especially us "young'uns", tend to forget that at times.<br />
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This injury has reminded me of all those painful times, whether it was physical, mental, or emotional pain, <b>God has given me comfort</b>, even when I didn't feel deserving of it. In this crazy world with crazy people that we live in, I am thankful for God, my faith, and my Bible. I'm thankful for friends & family that believe in that, and I'm thankful for their encouragement & love as well. :) I am thankful this injury has given me time to reflect on God's love & forgiveness along with the peace & comfort that only He can provide. Am I saying I am happy that I am injured? Of course not! I'm ready the run <b>the minute</b> that physical therapy is over! HAHA! <br />
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It's been two weeks since I have ran, or walked, for that matter. I thought I would be somewhat depressed, but honestly, I am not! Not only have I still been exercising like I have mentioned above with circuit training that's easy on my knees, my fantastic running family keeps me motivated with their running/cycling successes! They also have been very kind and encouraging to me, which that helps a lot too! Today, at the Big Brothers Big Sisters 5k, I was able to help out the Ainsley's Angels Teams by taking pictures, and I also was able to see a few of my running friends from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Werunhuntsville/" target="_blank">We Run Huntsville</a> Madison group runs. Seriously, today put me in such happy spirits, and I forgot for a while that my knee was even hurting! These people have gotten me through sooooooo many races and have been there for me for personal bests, bad runs/races, to challenge me, everything. I'm so thankful for them! :) <br />
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Some of the awesome WRH Panera Pounders crew! </div>
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Awwwww...we match! ;-) </div>
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I talked about the <a href="http://hollynicole11-hollysblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/race-recaps-ainsleys-angels-andits.html" target="_blank">Ainsley's Angels in my last blog (linked here)</a>, but seriously, if you are a runner, you are truly missing out on something special! This was my first event with them, and Mitch & Connie, the ambassadors for the Northeast Alabama team, are FANTASTIC! Their love and enthusiasm shows for the riders (captains) and the runners (angels)! If you want to be a runner, or if you know someone that would love to race & cross that finish line with a little help, <a href="http://www.ainsleysangels.org/" target="_blank">sign up here</a>. Again, you can look at my last blog for more details too! Here are just a few pictures from today! :) Way to go, Team Jake & Team MJ!!!! </div>
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So, as of yesterday, the doctor says I could have anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks of possibly recovery time. I'm praying it's only three, but I will listen & learn at physical therapy along with taking it easy, which is difficult for a marathoner to do...it's easier said than done, but the last two weeks, I have done a wonderful job of icing, elevating, stretching, etc if I do say so myself! Hopefully my next blog will be about my comeback race...we shall see! I miss running, but I am enjoying being a spectator and volunteer for now!<br />
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Until next time, find YOUR active...hey, you might even be a runner! You can DO IT!!!! :) :) :) As always, I'm a message away if you have any questions! <br />
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<a href="http://www.runkeeper.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runkeeper.com---get the free app today and find your Couch to 5k Plan!</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/" target="_blank">Hal Higdon's Training Plans...do you want to walk or run for your first 5k? </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/starting-to-run-abandon-all-reason" target="_blank"> A great list of what beginning runners need to know/do...a humorous/informative Runner's World post for beginners</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor" target="_blank">Get the RIGHT running shoes for YOU. It's a BIG deal! </a> </span></div>
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-Holly <br />
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<br />HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-74529558899555375012015-06-04T10:55:00.001-07:002015-06-04T11:13:09.298-07:00Race recaps, Ainsley's Angels, and...it's summer! :) So...I usually blog monthly, but the month of May was so crazy busy for me, I guess I knew that blogging wasn't happening...and when I did have the time to type, all I wanted to do was REST. Whew, that last month of school completely drained me of my time and energy, even with my new <b>B12 supplements</b> that I have already seen GREAT results from taking them. I love my new family doctor! :)<br />
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So....summer is here for this teacher, and she is SUPER happy! :-D I don't have any huge summer plans as of yet, and I am totally fine with that! This first week out of work has been great...I've been doing some (late) spring cleaning, de-cluttering closets, trying out new recipes, spending time with my sweet husband along with seeing friends and family, you know, all the good stuff! :) :) I even have <b>Rosetta Stone (Spanish)</b> lessons to start next week, AND I am contemplating trying out some<b> yoga classes</b> in downtown Madison. I have done my own yoga routines at home, but I am wondering what it would be like to actually take classes...but I'm so clumsy, they might kick me out :-P<br />
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Hey, and on some days, I even get to "sleep in"...all the way to 7:00 a.m.! ;) <br />
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So, since my last blog, I have ran in three races, so I definitely wanted to review them and share my experiences with you briefly! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Cookie Dash 5k! April 18th, 2015</span></b></div>
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I love this race for two very good reasons: it's a flat 5k and....COOKIES! There are sooooo many types of cookies after the race, and you know, I just love cookies! :-) I was able to shave off 20 seconds from my previous 5k PR...so I earned a new<b> 5k Personal Record</b> at this race. I will get <b>under 25 minutes</b> for a 5k one day...I am getting close! I loved seeing Katrina, Hanna, and Kayla at this race too! :) I love running with people that inspire me, and these two wonderful ladies inspire me more than they know! :)<!--3--><!--3--></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Country Music Half Marathon! April 25th, 2015</span></b><br />
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I absolutely love this race. Last year, I ran the full marathon as a St Jude Hero, and this year, I ran the half marathon with two awesome ladies that completed their first 13.1 distance as a St. Jude Hero<b>!</b><br />
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First off, I love the course. It does not stay flat, and there are plenty of turns and inclines/hills to keep you from getting bored. The spectators/volunteers are GREAT...they are so supportive and helpful. I also love how much St. Jude benefits from this<b>. </b>I also love that it's in Nashville...what a fun city!<br />
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The St. Jude Heroes tent and post race celebration was great...I have this race on my calendar again for next year, I'm still trying to decide if I want to do the full or half marathon course!<br />
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Kayla and Leslie, there is a half marathon in Huntsville that's nice and flat in November...you can come join me for your second half marathon race! :) :) :) <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Viola Valley Half Marathon! May 16th, 2015</b></span><br />
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This race was actually a pretty last minute decision. I signed up for this race less than a month before it, and I am so happy that I did! The race was in May, so I was worried about it being hot. Not only that, it's hilly too! But...we lucked out on the weather, it rained and it stayed relatively cool throughout the race. I was so happy that Susan kept me company throughout the race:) The race itself was beautiful and scenic, and the aid stations were GREAT! However, this race was a challenge for me because I was having some shoe issues that ended up being a problem with how I laced my shoes. Ow, my right foot was killing me! People, how you lace your running shoes can make or break you! Here is a helpful article...<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/custom-tie-your-running-shoes" target="_blank">Lacing Your Running Shoes</a><br />
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So, with different races along with 4 half marathons completed,<b> this spring race season is over</b>! Now, onto summer...which is the time of year where my mileage per week is not as much due to the Alabama humidity and heat! <b>Half and full marathons will have to wait until the fall/winter/spring! </b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ainsley's Angels</span></b><br />
I only have two races that I am running this summer as of now, <b>The "BIG" 5k</b> at Bridgestreet on June 20th, and the <b>Strong Girls 5k</b> in Huntsville on July 11th, and I am excited about running with <a href="http://www.ainsleysangels.org/" target="_blank">Ainsley's Angels</a> for the first time! If you want to learn more about what they do or you want to become a runner or you know someone that would be a great captain/rider (which is inspiring and AMAZING!) click on the link. If you can help us fund raise for this cause (most likely to purchase racing strollers and other much needed racing gear for our captains/riders), following this link and donate! <br />
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<a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/AAinNEAlabama" target="_blank">DONATE HERE! :) <!--3--><!--3--></a><br />
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The money that you donate there will go directly to our captains/racers in our area! Runners, think about that feeling at your first race, a goal race, a PR race, etc...<b>and how you FELT when you cross that finish line</b>! There is nothing like it! And that's one of the many things that Ainsley's Angels of America is about...seriously, the summertime is usually when I start to make excuses to not run because it is soooo hot, but I know this will keep me motivated! <br />
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Since school's out, I am back to running with the Tuesday and Thursday a.m. Madison running groups from <b>We Run Huntsville</b>, and yes, you wake up early to meet at 5:15 a.m. to run, but wow, it really starts your day on a good note when you run with such nice and inspiring people! I am cranky when my alarms goes off, but just like last summer, I<b> never regret </b>waking up early to run with this awesome crew! Also, in the summer (just like last summer), I lead (well, I wouldn't say lead since I'm somewhat of a slower pace, lol!) a longer run on Saturday mornings at Bridgestreet. I remember it being like only 5-10 people, and since then, it has grown dramatically! :) <!--3--><!--3--><br />
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Well, I can't wait to post my next blog about racing with the Ainsley's Angel's team!<br />
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Also, I signed up for the <a href="http://runrocketcity.com/" target="_blank">Rocket City Marathon</a>! Marathon #3, baby! Woo hoo! <br />
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I hope everyone has a safe and happy summer! Remember, you too can be a RUNNER! Yes, YOU!!! And as always, I am a facebook message/text/call away to answer any questions you have (there is no such thing as a stupid question!), and some helpful links are listed below! <br />
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<a href="http://www.runkeeper.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runkeeper.com---get the free app today and find your Couch to 5k Plan!</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/" target="_blank">Hal Higdon's Training Plans...do you want to walk or run for your first 5k? </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/starting-to-run-abandon-all-reason" target="_blank"> A great list of what beginning runners need to know/do...a humorous/informative Runner's World post for beginners</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor" target="_blank">Get the RIGHT running shoes for YOU. It's a BIG deal! </a> </span></div>
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-Holly HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-85498026787426543032015-04-11T14:56:00.002-07:002015-04-11T15:35:02.083-07:00Running for "good times"; My McKay Hollow 12K, Oak Barrel Half, and Double Helix 5k recap! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So with this blog, I was thinking about my past three races since the Rocket Run 10-miler...McKay Hollow Madness, Oak Barrel Half, and the Double Helix 5k. <b>I told myself after the Rocket City Marathon that I would be focusing more on improving my speed and not so much distance running, and honestly, I have really enjoyed the change so far</b>! Granted, I signed up for 3 half marathons this season (you know you're a distance runner when a half marathon doesn't seem like a "long run" anymore!), but with my average marathon pace, it takes soooo many hours a week to train for a full marathon, and after an ultra and two marathons in 2014, I was starting to feel burnout/laziness with my fitness, and I was ready to change my focus to something else other than 20+ mile runs! I am happy that I did. The Scottsboro Half along with the Rocket Run Ten Miler, I had timed goals and was busting my butt to get that average pace and time lowered to get a "good time", but with the last three races, I had a "good time" too...but not when it comes to fastest pace, negative splits, etc. <b>I was running to just be running and to have a good time</b>! Granted, I am VERY competitive with myself to make new personal records and personal goals, but sometimes, as a runner, you need to<b> just relax</b> and<b> just run</b>! I did just that for the last few weekends! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">OAK BARREL HALF MARATHON: </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love this race! <b>Katrina encouraged me to do this race three years ago, and it was my first half marathon that I ever completed.</b> It has some challenging hills in this race that can slow you down (like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OakBarrelWhiskeyHill?fref=ts" target="_blank">Whiskey Hill</a>), and it has a few flat areas where you can pick up your speed! This year, I raced for a good time with my friend, Katrina, and my sister, Heather. <b>This was half marathon #2 for my sister, and like I told the girls before the race, my plan was not to be left or to leave anyone, but if possible, I would love to stay together, which I know can be difficult to do....but we did it</b>! We rocked out the whole race together! Heather ended up beating her previous half marathon time on a hilly course (wow!) but hey, she trained well, so why would I expect anything less?! We paced ourselves, we walked, we took pictures, and had a GREAT time! It was great to spend time with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OakBarrelWhiskeyHill?fref=ts" target="_blank">We Run Huntsville community</a> at the annual picnic too...I'm so thankful for the people that I have and continue to meet through this group...it's so crazy that we come from different backgrounds, occupations, stages in life, etc, but the joy of running brings us together. I love it! :) :) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DOUBLE HELIX DASH 5K:</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I signed up for this Tuesday evening race thinking "hey, this will end up being a great motivator to do my normal Tuesday evening run...and it's close to home, and the race fee is going toward a good cause" <b>and I end up PRing on accident</b>. LOL! Seriously, it was definitely not planned! When the race started, I knew that I had to be running pretty fast to be running with David Collins, and when I heard my watch start to beep with a 6:56 pace, I was like "oh crap, what am I doing"? I ended up averaging a 7:55 pace for my first mile, which I didn't think was even possible for me! <b>So, I signed up for this race to have a good time, but I ended up getting a good time in a different way this I expected...a new 5K PR!</b> I have the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/500711140040701/" target="_blank">Cookie Dash 5k</a> next weekend, and it's way flatter than this 5k, so maybe I can try to get under 26 minutes...we shall see next weekend! :) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today has felt weird. Actually, this week has felt weird because I haven't worked out since my core training/strength training the day after my 5k PR this past week. My throat, ears, and head have been giving me pain and problems, and I have not had the energy to work out. It's so weird to not be running on a Saturday. I am assuming that it is all of this tree pollen, so, maybe I will run on the treadmill tonight before I go to bed...it hurts my head to be outside right now...yuck! And I am not even going to talk about my job...talk about CRAZY STRESSFUL. Only 6 more weeks left...THANK GOD! I love teaching, but I hate the politics that go along with it! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvlQtBm5niI/VSmW99XLPLI/AAAAAAAAAgM/k0cxThpL7Cs/s1600/pollen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvlQtBm5niI/VSmW99XLPLI/AAAAAAAAAgM/k0cxThpL7Cs/s1600/pollen.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Since March, believe it or not, even after I got over all my sickness from the winter, I have felt so exhausted, and just not motivated to run or work out.</b> I was beginning to think something was wrong with me physically, yet again, because I felt like my body was trying to tell me something (which that ended up being true), but wow, this past school year has been a year of c<b>onstant sinus issues and sickness</b> for me...if people didn't know me that well, they would probably honestly think that I was a hypochondriac or something...haha! It's sad, really! Anyway, I decided to listen to my body and get my bloodwork checked...I just assumed maybe my thyroid was low, or I was anemic again, but I have gotten such great blood work results since I started running and eating better along with a better variety of food, I started to wonder what else it could be...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The conclusion? <b>My thyroid is fine. My iron is fine, but it is B12 deficiency.</b> The nurse said that in the lab results that B12 is suppose to range in the 211-946 range, and I was a 252. I had heard people and Dr. Oz talk about B12, but I never really paid much attention since it wasn't anything that has happened to me yet...but wow, after thinking about <a href="http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms-causes" target="_blank">my symptoms</a>, it all made perfect sense. I started taking some B12 pills two weeks ago, and some of my symptoms have started to go away...which is great news! This is all new to me, so anyone with any recommendations or advice on this subject, please post below! I go back to the doctor in a few weeks, so I am hoping the pills will do the trick so I don't have to take the shots! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iv_LPIKCz28/VSmX79ugdXI/AAAAAAAAAgc/ayGrqixXCUs/s1600/First5k2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iv_LPIKCz28/VSmX79ugdXI/AAAAAAAAAgc/ayGrqixXCUs/s1600/First5k2012.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> First 5K (CFA Athens)---April 2012</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Anyway, I end my blog with saying that it's been 3 years since my first official 5k in April 2012.</b> I never would have thought that running could have taken me this far with my health, physically and mentally, and I am so thankful for the people that I have met along the way. Let me tell you, one of the most difficult, trying times in my running "career" was when I first began to walk/run on the treadmill. I was out of shape, and it hurt. I was embarrassed to go to the gym, and I would huff and puff to get through that half a mile, then that mile, and then eventually a 5k (3.1 distance). <b>The whole time you think it's impossible. The whole time you want to make excuse after excuse on why you can't and shouldn't do it, but each time I hopped on that treadmill, I got better...I got faster...I got stronger. YOU CAN DO IT TOO!</b> Get a good pair of shoes, get active, and get moving! I'm only a message away if you have any questions! :) Enjoy the weekend! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKc8jHRjVqM/VSmXznzACTI/AAAAAAAAAgU/LfOICuhy9eM/s1600/ralph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKc8jHRjVqM/VSmXznzACTI/AAAAAAAAAgU/LfOICuhy9eM/s1600/ralph.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.runkeeper.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runkeeper.com---get the free app today and find your Couch to 5k Plan!</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/" target="_blank">Hal Higdon's Training Plans...do you want to walk or run for your first 5k? </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/starting-to-run-abandon-all-reason" target="_blank"> A great list of what beginning runners need to know/do...a humorous/informative Runner's World post for beginners</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor" target="_blank">Get the RIGHT running shoes for YOU. It's a BIG deal! </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-Holly </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span> </span></span>HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-9896184518008704642015-03-27T14:04:00.001-07:002015-03-27T14:19:23.640-07:00Rocket Run Ten Miler (Success!), my runner's body (Ehhh?), and St. Jude Fundraising (YAY!) Okay, whew, I have some ideas on what and how to write it. I hope what I type up ends up making sense and I don't have too many typos...<br />
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<b>ROCKET RUN TEN MILER </b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stewart, Troy, Matt, Myself, and Susan</span> </b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some of the WRH running peeps. We have endured so many long run together! :)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Also, I'm short...</b></span></div>
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This race had great volunteers and such a great atmosphere, just like last year...it's still one of my favorite races. Wow, what a beautiful day for a race! However, I do remember waking up that morning, still completely exhausted after 8 hours of sleep. I remembered thinking, "Why am I even driving to Mooresville today and racing? I'm sleepy...". I was actually somewhat pessimistic about how this race would turn out. I didn't really have a goal in mind, but I figured a free race (thanks, Huntsville Track Club) would be the perfect motivation & excuse to get ten miles in. So...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8cvWsRA_bM/VRWuDODZ40I/AAAAAAAAAdM/jgnNXtKjE_E/s1600/RocketRun2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8cvWsRA_bM/VRWuDODZ40I/AAAAAAAAAdM/jgnNXtKjE_E/s1600/RocketRun2015.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Susan, Myself, and Colleen! </span></b></div>
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The race went great! I had GREAT company before, during, and after the race. The "during" part was especially important. During the race, I was just so thankful because I felt great...no stomach pain, no shin pain, no headaches...and the weather wasn't too hot or cold for me! Susan stayed with Colleen and I for a few miles, but her fast self had flown by halfway through, but hey, keeping her in sight become one of my goals, and I was able to see her most of the race! Susan is great to talk to, and with us both being educators, we find ourselves with PLENTY of talk about...<br />
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Also, I have ran with Colleen a few times before, and every time I run with her, she has a great traveling story to tell, or has a cool story to tell about her kids and their lives. It was so sweet to see them at the finish line cheering her on! :) At the end of the race, Troy met up with me and ran part of the last mile with me (thanks! you rock! :-D)...I still can't believe that I averaged a 9:06 pace at this race. Granted, it was flat for the most part, but I honestly didn't think I could go for that speed for that long. Once of the many cool things about running is that sometimes you find yourself doing the things that you considered impossible at the time...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34yQJjB03Rs/VRWuidJIUAI/AAAAAAAAAdU/CkXSALd2oBM/s1600/RocketRunFinishLine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34yQJjB03Rs/VRWuidJIUAI/AAAAAAAAAdU/CkXSALd2oBM/s1600/RocketRunFinishLine.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rocket Run Ten Miler Finish Line Photo! That chick in the green behind me went full BEAST MODE and completely out sprinted me to the finish! :-D </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <b>MY RUNNING BODY...YOUR RUNNING BODY...ehh? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, I hope this next part doesn't come across as unthoughtful, pointless, or false. Honestly, I am just thinking out loud as I type...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">At the end of the race, as I said my "good-byes" to my running peeps and was walking toward the car, I had a lady speak to me (and if you are reading this now, just know I am definitely not angry, I just found it awkward and confusing at the time...haha!). She said she recognized me from We Run Huntsville and my blog postings. <b>One of the comments that she made was that I looked "much bigger" in real life that I do in my blog...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Seriously, the first thing that crossed my mind was "why would you say that?", and I think she figured out after her comment that it could have been taken as rude, and she apologized immediately. However I did notice that she kept looking at my legs, and she even said that I look like I have "strong legs"...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Let me say this. Runners come in all shapes and sizes. </b>Three years ago, what she commented would have REALLY gotten to me, and I don't even think she meant it to be rude or mean. I mean, really, girls/women can be so insecure/ashamed of their bodies due to whatever reason. It's sad what society portrays and thinks that a "real", "beautiful", or "sexy" woman looks like. <b>I will say this: when I stopped caring about how I looked and just enjoyed the sport of running, I became more confident in myself, and I don't question my body or feel insecure about it.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bLs9q-LkeU/VRW6hU0WxiI/AAAAAAAAAd8/qfjQXXIqhSk/s1600/run7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bLs9q-LkeU/VRW6hU0WxiI/AAAAAAAAAd8/qfjQXXIqhSk/s1600/run7.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with weight goals. </b>If you read one of my first blogs, you will see how I had a vain goal in the beginning of my health journey. Everyone knows extra weight can attribute to many health conditions that you do not want...(high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, knee issues, headaches, fatigue, the list goes on and on...).<b> However, your health journey shouldn't JUST be about weight.</b> When I see people start getting <b>obsessive and continual</b> about "oh, look how I look!" or "wow, look how many inches I lost!" etc, they've lost the whole point...you should want to FEEL better, and how you LOOK shouldn't be #1. I feel like once you get too connected with that, it seems, well, <b>like idol worship to me</b>, and I feel like you are going to eventually let yourself down because one day, yes, you will be at your "ideal weight" or "ideal look". Then what?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Am I making any sense? Maybe I am just blah blah blah-ing...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is coming from someone that went to the doctor on Monday, and when I hopped on the scale at the doctor's office, I thought <b>"Oh, that's how much I weigh. I didn't know that...cool" </b>Let me just go ahead and tell you...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now I know that I weight 125 lbs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I do NOT have a thigh gap. Yes, I lost weight since I started my running journey in late 2011, but Body Glide is my best friend on a long run. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I love chocolate, cheese, and Coca-Cola, and I am not going to act like I don't. Do I eat/drink it every single day? No. Am I going to give it up completely? NO.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I dread getting on a treadmill, and I dread Jillian Michaels and her evil workout videos, but I love how I FEEL afterward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I still cannot do a pull up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I do NOT have a six pack, and yes, I do ab workouts 4 times a week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">However, I DO have thighs, and yes, even some cellulite! Running, squats, lunges, hip bridges, etc has made me toner and stronger, but heck, I am not what America considers a model. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">But...I sure am strong and pretty, and I have a husband that reminds that I am beautiful every single day! <3 comment-3--=""><!--3--><!--3--><!--3--><!--3--></3></span></div>
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<b>With that being said, let me tell you what running has done for me...</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">1) I have met amazing people who I consider role models in the sport of running, and people that I truly look up to and consider my friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">2) I have seen myself run races, distances, and speeds that I NEVER thought possible. 5ks, 10ks, 15ks, 10-milers, half marathons, full marathons, and one 50k (30+ miles...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">3) It gives me more time to pray, think, and clear my head on my solo runs. Running also taught to be a good listener for my running buddies, and to be more talkative (I'm such a hermit...). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">4) Running has taught me to eat healthier (no, not EVERY meal, let's be real here) and to consider food portion sizes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">5) Running has helped me with my anxiety and stress. </span></div>
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...and did somebody say that there will be Bojangles at the race?! <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">My goal for Saturday: NO INJURIES. I'm looking forward to blogging about trail race #3! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">-Holly </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Oh, and of course... </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.runkeeper.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Runkeeper.com---get the free app today and find your Couch to 5k Plan!</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/" target="_blank">Hal Higdon's Training Plans...do you want to walk or run for your first 5k? </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/starting-to-run-abandon-all-reason" target="_blank"> A great list of what beginning runners need to know/do...a humorous/informative Runner's World post for beginners</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor" target="_blank">Get the RIGHT running shoes for YOU. It's a BIG deal! </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And THANK YOU to everyone that has donated to ST JUDE to help these precious children & families! If you want to be included in the $50 Fleet Feet Gift Card drawing, have your donation in by April 1st! For every $10 you donate, your name will be added to the drawing! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=2803077&fr_id=23820&pg=personal" target="_blank">Holly's Fundraising Page </a><!--3--></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span>HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-24374089912721227692015-03-20T15:32:00.002-07:002015-03-21T01:37:30.380-07:00Scottsboro Half Marathon Review, a new PR, AND...it's SPRING!! :D :D Seriously, I am sure you could tell by my last blog that the winter weather was getting to me, mentally and physically, and it just needed to GO!!<br />
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I have had some GREAT training runs/workouts since then, AND I managed to make a new personal record for the half marathon (13.1 miles) distance. I ran the Scottsboro Half Marathon in 2:05:45...that's around a 9:35 pace! I was super stoked and very thankful, considering how I felt around the 9.5 mile mark. It's funny to think that a year ago that a 10:30 half marathon pace for race day would have been impossible for me. One of the things that I love so much about running is seeing yourself and others grow & improve as runners when you train right. And yes, your pace is something that you watch improve by your running data and race time, but even by how we encourage and motivate others in their running journeys changes as we change. It's a really cool thing! :) :) :) <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Myself, Susi (pacer), Alex (pacer) and Denise!</span></b></div>
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I had never ran the Scottsboro Half before. I had heard both negative and positive things about it, but here is my pros to this race and why I would do it again:<br />
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1) It's close to home (45 minutes away from Huntsville). <br />
2) It was inexpensive (I think I paid around $25).<br />
3) It is a small, local race (I don't like a huge crowd...there were around 250 runners running the half marathon distance).<br />
4) The race had pacers (what a great motivator!!).<br />
5) There were plenty of aid stations, and the volunteers were GREAT!<br />
6) I loved the bling! The medals are soooo bright! I love it!<br />
7) The course was relatively flat, and I enjoyed the scenery. I had heard people tell me it was hilly, but what I ran on the course I would have considered an "incline". I had also heard the course was "boring" but honestly, I didn't think it was that bad. I thought it had some beautiful scenery in some areas!<br />
8) The awesome company (well, I guess that didn't have a direct connection to the race itself...LOL!) but seriously, I am so thankful for Denise, Susie, Alex, Mike, and for the others that I was able to meet and run with along the way! I even had a couple of folks during the race that recognized me from my blog, haha, and I was able to have a good conversation with! <b>The We Run Huntsville community is AMAZING, and it has truly made me a better runner...NO QUESTION! </b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some of the awesome WRH Madison crew! :) </span></b></div>
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I had a great race that day, all things considered. If I could take back anything, it would have been NOT to wear new race shoes on race day. <b>Yeah yeah yeah...why would I do that, you ask? </b>Well, I wore a new pair of trail shoes for my first 50k and did GREAT, I wore a new pair (but same style) of shoes for my marathon and PR'd, so I figured I would have the same luck with this race (same style, and I needed a new pair of shoes anyway...)<br />
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<b>UMMMMMMM...NOPE. </b><br />
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For 9 miles, I was feeling great and just rockin' and rollin'. No stomach pain, No headache. No allergy issues. No shin pain. I was talking and feeling like I could get that 2 hour half marathon finish time no problem. But, around mile 5, I started experiencing ball of foot pain in my right foot, and it gradually got worse, but I will still able to keep my pace at or below a 9:15 minute pace. <b>By mile 9, it REALLY hurt, and at that point, I was feeling the fatigue from me racing & pushing myself to be faster...but that ball of foot pain was something else.</b> I didn't walk right for two days after that. I blame it on the new shoes.<br />
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Lesson learned.<br />
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<b>I am still very happy about my 2:05:45 PR though.</b> And this race also reminded me that I am getting closer and closer to my 2 hour goal! I KNOW I CAN DO IT!!<br />
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By mile 12.5, I could see the finish line. <b>I remember not feeling the adrenaline rush that I usually do, and I felt so stinkin' tired</b>. Even hearing cheering didn't help, I had to talk myself into pushing myself hard to get to the finish line. I remember Denise and someone else, meeting me and running with me close to the finish, but I don't even remember what they said at that point. It felt like my brain and my vision were not connecting.<br />
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What happened at the finish line that day was a first for me. I remember being talked to by Amy, but I can't even remember what she said...I remember telling her what I was seeing and how I was feeling. I literally felt like I was on a rocky cruise ship, and I couldn't keep my balance. I also remember not being able to focus...a fence, a fire hydrant, etc looked like they were moving when I knew they were not. I remember leaning up against a building, but still feeling like I would fall over if I didn't think hard about where my feet were along with keeping my balance. Tired, thirsty Holly at that point started crying and asking Amy <b>"What's happening to me?! Do I need to get someone, a nurse, something?" </b>But she was able to calm me down and help me get fluid<b> (thank you, Amy)</b>, which I am assuming the lack thereof was causing how I felt. I must have REALLY pushed hard during that race because I had NEVER experienced that. I hope it doesn't happen again! :O <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>HOLLY'S MARCH/APRIL RACE SCHEDULE </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>March 21st- Rocket Run Ten Miler, Mooresville, AL </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>March 28th- McKay Hollow Madness 12k Trail Run, Huntsville, AL </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>April 4th- Oak Barrel Half Marathon, Lynchburg, Tennessee</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>April 18th- Cookie Dash 5k, Huntsville, AL </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>April 25th- Country Music Half Marathon, Nashville Tennesee </b></span><br />
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I am running as a St. Jude Hero for the Country Music Half Marathon. I am over 90% of my fundraising goal: help me reach 100% to bless the children and families at St. Jude! Here is my fundraising site!<br />
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<a href="http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=2803077&fr_id=23820&pg=personal" target="_blank">Holly's St Jude Hero Fundraising Page</a><br />
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Anyway, it's my Spring Break, and tomorrow I will be running in the Rocket Run Ten Miler, and next weekend will be McKay Hollow (Trail Race #3 for me!) and then Oak Barrel the first weekend in April! I told myself that I wouldn't be racing as much this year, but who was I kidding?! I am loving free and cheaper races along with running friends to hang out and run with! :) Whatever works to be motivated, right?! I am looking forward to a week off of work along with spending time with the ones I love. Have a great weekend, everyone! Get out there and get active! Find what motivates YOU. You know, like workout buddies, tracking your workouts, losing the weight, feeling better, or this huge pizza! How's that for motivation? YUMMMMMMM :) <br />
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-Holly :) <br />
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<br />HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-29336538180579673622015-03-13T15:13:00.000-07:002015-03-13T15:43:44.994-07:00Sickness + fitness = Bleh (but suck it up, buttercup!) I have never liked winter. The only thing that I like about winter is Christmas. That's IT. I can't stand being cold, and I don't like cold weather. AT ALL. I know that cold intolerance is a symptom of hypothyroidism that I truly have, because not only is it very uncomfortable for me to be cold, but it takes me A LOT longer to warm myself up for being cold for so long.<br />
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Yes, I had a very successful 50K in November (VERY cold...I did not sweat until around mile 20) and a suprisingly awesome marathon in December after getting over an ear infection & sinus infection, but after Christmas, I could NOT stay well...<br />
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Another sinus infection. Then a upper respiratory infection from Hell. Then a stomach virus that made me lose weight. Then thyroid issues. I would get over one thing, and then have something new within a few weeks.<br />
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SERIOUSLY, give me a break!<br />
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Then, there's this thing called life. You have your time that you are on top of the mountain, and then you have your time when you are low in the valley. Honestly, I have felt like I have been in a valley for a few months. I feel guilty about even saying that because I know that I have so much to be thankful for, and I am thankful, but I have allowed myself to keep too much stress on me. I have allowed people to get to me in ways that they shouldn't. I have seen and heard things from my students in the last couple of months that have hurt my heart. I pray and wish that I could do more, and I feel guilty that I can't. I have begin to feel sick about it. I am taking my job home, paperwork and even thoughts, when I should be focused on my husband & leave that at home. Then guilt sets in. <br />
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Yes, I know I write a running blog, but I write this to say this: it's difficult to run and perform your best when you're sick. It's hard to run when you are stressed to a point that it's hard to breathe from anxiety or you are on the verge of just wanting to cry.<br />
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A wise runner once told me that sometimes, you will have a bad run. You might feel bad, hurt, and just not be into the race or run itself. Other days, you will have a great run, or even the best run you ever had, whether you trained hard for it or it just happens out of the blue. BOTH are what it takes to be a successful runner.<br />
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It makes me think of life also. You will have bad days, but you will also have good days. Both are equally important. Those good days will remind you of your blessings, who you are, what's your purpose, and what God wants you to be. Your bad days should remind you of the same. Yes, I know that's hard to swallow, and I'm talking to myself too. You're talking to someone that has dealt with that demon called anxiety all of her life, and the only thing that has helped me with it is Jesus, plain and simple. If I didn't have my prayer life and relationship with Him, I would be in serious trouble.<br />
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As a Christian, I tend to feel guilty or like I am backsliding when I begin to worry or when I begin to feel anxious. However I have to remind myself that it's not sin, but it's how I handle it and how I allow myself to feel. Just like I will handle my negative thoughts with positive prayers of thanksgiving, I will also be handling my 13.1 race tomorrow with the same attitude. I will NOT beat myself in the head if I don't finish at the exact time I want. Instead, I will be thankful for the ability to be even out there running. I will be thankful for those friends that believe in me and that run that same race with me, whether by me, in front of me, or behind me.<br />
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As a runner and a person, I like to challenge myself and make goals to motivate myself along with encouraging myself to do better. There is nothing wrong with that. But, as you can see above, sometimes one cannot make these goals due to justifiable reasons. Even when this happens, I find myself hard on myself, which I shouldn't be. You shouldn't be either!<br />
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My last race was in February. It was the Tick Ridge Trek race, which is a very challenging trail race in Elkton, Tennessee. HILLS. I was too ill the week of and before to complete the 25k, so I dropped down to the 10k. I suffered through that whole 10k. My brain and legs felt like it was going through a 26.2 race when I was only going 6.2. I was angry at myself for not even getting close to my goal, even though I had perfect reasons why I couldn't attain it. Needless to say, I had to make a serious attitude adjustment halfway through the race, and just tell myself, "just finish...your ride home is waiting on you...just finish." I have never smiled so big after a race...I was SO happy it was OVER! I am so thankful for my running friends, especially Chris and Eric, that pulled me through that race. I would have probably just wanted to be picked up and taken to the finish if it wasn't for them. <br />
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Tomorrow, I am hoping for a great race. I have had some successful training this week after a nasty stomach virus last week, but my pace has suffered a lot, but we will see where this race takes me. Whether I finish in 2 hours or 4 hours, I still get the same medal, right? How's that for a positive attitude?! Bring it on, Scottsboro!<br />
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I have 4 exciting races within the next four weeks! I am hoping that I have time to blog more since I missed writing last month due with sickness and too many hours at work.<br />
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Here's to next time! Remember, you can be a runner too! Who knows, it might change your life. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/50936/5K-Walk-Training-Program" target="_blank">Hal Higdon's Walking 5k Plan</a> <br />
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<a href="http://runkeeper.com/fitness-class/running-5k/8?menuSelection=SCHEDULE&parentTypeId=4" target="_blank">Runkeeper's Beginner 5k Plan (You can get this app on your phone!) </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/health/6-ways-running-improves-your-health?page=single" target="_blank">6 Great Reasons Why You Should Run! </a><br />
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<a href="http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=2803077&fr_id=23820&pg=personal" target="_blank">My St. Jude Hero Fundraising Page</a><br />
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-Holly<br />
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Oh, and I want to leave you with this too...every person, every life has a story. Have a great weekend. :) HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-37517393680109356692015-01-26T15:06:00.000-08:002015-01-26T15:57:42.575-08:00TIRED OF RUNNING (whaaaaa...?!)<b>Yes, you read that title correctly. This is definitely not one of my bubbly, happy blogs, but it's a truthful one. </b><br />
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I can't believe that I could even be saying that, but in a way I can understand why, and I am thankful that I am finding ways to ease back into it.<br />
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I started my couch to 5k training in late 2011, and I have ran ever since. I have always found races to work towards and/or goals to set to keep me motivated. Starting in 2013, I even started training for half marathon distances and higher, and people that run long distances know how much training and hard work it is to successfully keep up and train for that kind of mileage! After a successful first 50k (Dizzy 50) along with completing marathon #2 (Rocket City) with a nice 14 minute PR from my marathon in April (County Music Marathon), I decided to set a goal for a fast half marathon time along with more time on the trails for the Spring of 2015. Honestly, I was tired of spending 3-5 hours each Saturday running anywhere from 13 to 25 miles, and I just felt like I needed a change of pace (literally). I wanted more free time to myself.I wanted more time with family & friends. <br />
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So far, I haven't been very successful, but thank goodness I was able to squeeze in a nice trail run and a long run in (9 miles...wow, it doesn't seem like a "long run" anymore!) this past week. <br />
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<b>Life happens. Stress happens. Bad health happens. Annoying job-related things happen. Having no free time happens. People and their ridiculousness happen. And it's been happening A LOT for me since Christmas.</b><br />
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<u>It's enough to make anyone want to quit anything. </u><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However, I found myself finding activities and using methods to get me back into my running routine, even when I didn't feel like it. </b></span><br />
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<b> 1) <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/the-starting-line/beginners-guide-cross-training" target="_blank">Cross Train More...</a>.</b>it's okay to take a break from running, and honestly, I am happy I am doing more of it. <b></b>So, my days that have been insanely stressful and I literally don't have to energy/strength to do much, working out for 20-30 minutes is better than nothing!<br />
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<b>2) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Werunhuntsville/" target="_blank">Find running buddies (or cross training buddies) to hold you accountable.</a> </b>Seriously, if I wouldn't plan runs or use my friends as encouragement to be active, I wouldn't do it some days. That's just the type of person I am.<br />
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<b>3)<a href="http://www.huntsvilletrackclub.org/index2.htm" target="_blank"> Sign up for a goal race.</a> </b>Which I have, thank goodness, or I feel like I would be doing more of #4. <br />
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<b>4) Watch Parks & Rec, Star Trek, and/or Shark Tank with your husband and a bowl of ice cream. </b>Okay, so maybe the last one is a little detailed, but seriously, lay back sometimes (not every day, mind you) and CHILL!!!!<br />
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<b>5) Volunteer for races! </b>Seriously, I volunteered for Mt Mist 50k on Saturday at an aid station to help the runners with water, food, gatorade, etc, and wow! I forget how much I enjoy volunteering! I will also be assisting the first annual <a href="http://www.free-2-teach.org/the-first-annual-paper-chase-5k-race/" target="_blank">Free2Teach 5k</a>, so mark your calendars and be there! :) If you could only understand half of what I deal with and go through as a teacher, you would be there. You wouldn't believe how much we have to spend on our classroom and for the students in lower income areas. This race is for a great cause! <br />
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<b>6) <a href="http://hollynicole11-hollysblog.blogspot.com/2014/04/omg-my-first-blog-lol-marathon-whoa.html" target="_blank">Think about WHY you run.</a> </b>Think about when you started. Think about your improvements. Think about your achievements. Think about the amazing people that you have met along the way! <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Holly's Upcoming Races</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Tick Ridge 25k Trail Race, Feb 7th</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Scottboro Half Marathon, March 14th</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">McKay Hollow 25k Trail Race, March 28th</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I am currently being persuaded to run<u>. okay, more like peer pressured</u>) </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">4) Oak Barrel Half Marathon, April 4th </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">5) Country Music Half Marathon, April 25th. <i><span style="font-size: small;">I am fundraising for St. Jude and running as a St Jude Hero! Please donate <a href="http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=2803077&fr_id=23820&pg=personal" target="_blank">here</a> and help me reach my fundraising goal for this year! I met my goal last year, thanks to you!!!!! </span></i> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">I am hoping some races will get me out of this "bah humbug" mood that I have toward running right now. I am thankful for my relationship with God to get me through difficult times in life like these. If it rains, it pours, but I know that I have a lot to be thankful for! I am not one to blog about my negatives, but I do want to be truthful. It's hard to be active when you are stressed, depressed, annoyed, etc. However, I do love counting my blessings and thinking about all the people, things, etc in my life that are going well for me and that God has blessed me with, and I can't make myself forget that! </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aNIfmLUmA14/VMbI-pRxMAI/AAAAAAAAAZw/c-JE1XJHlvg/s1600/obstacles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aNIfmLUmA14/VMbI-pRxMAI/AAAAAAAAAZw/c-JE1XJHlvg/s1600/obstacles.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">I hope everyone has a wonderful week, and I am looking forward to blogging about Tick Ridge for next month's blog! It will be a lot of fun with a lot of running friends that I have had the pleasure to train with during the fall for Rocket City! It will be trail race #2! :) </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">And folks, get active. Do whatever keeps you healthy and happy. Seriously. As much as I love running, there are other ways to get active too, but if you ever have any questions about running or how to get into it, I'm a message away. Or look here! :) Or both! Take care! :) </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Hal Higdon Training Plans </span></span></span></span></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Holly</span></span><br />
<br />HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-68343177731972302052014-12-14T13:00:00.000-08:002014-12-14T15:12:09.279-08:00Marathon #2: Rocket City Marathon Race Report! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kIZ_egu1jI/VI2r_aCHmFI/AAAAAAAAAXk/FpE3gdNFr-A/s1600/marathon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kIZ_egu1jI/VI2r_aCHmFI/AAAAAAAAAXk/FpE3gdNFr-A/s1600/marathon1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Rocket City Marathon: new PR: 4:35:53! </div>
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Wow, talk about an amazing day yesterday! I am going to try to categorize my blog today so I know that I am not forgetting anything! </div>
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<b>Weather/Course Map </b></div>
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The weather forecast for Saturday fluctuated throughout the week (as usual!), but we ended up with a fairly windy day that was quite cold! It stayed in the 30s-40s throughout the morning, and honestly, with the sun staying behind the clouds, I am not quite sure if the temperature got to 50 degrees like they predicted. Katrina, Remy, and I ended up ditching our jackets at mile 13.1, and even though I was in long sleeves, the wind kept me feeling VERY cold! I don't think that I felt hot during the entire race! The new Rocket City Course was quite flat, and I loved how you didn't stay on a stretch of road for very long...there were constant turns and changes of scenery! <b>Of course, the best part to me was running through the Space and Rocket Center, but honestly, around mile 18 or so did NOT feel good while running on gravel at the Botanical Gardens. </b>My feet were already hurting at that point! :-O Overall, I liked the course, and I loved the flat stretches where you felt more encouraged to pick up your pace. <b>All of the volunteers/spectators made it worth your while too...so many people out in the cold just to cheer us on! </b>It was GREAT motivation!!! </div>
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<b>Fueling/Hydration:</b></div>
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A lot of people ask me (nutrition-wise) how to prepare for a run, and what you eat during a run. <b>A lot of runners do different things depending on personal preferences and health needs. </b>I try to eat relatively healthy/moderately anyway, and Friday night, I ate green beans, salmon, and rice! And of course, as always, LOTS OF WATER throughout the week! Yesterday, I took strawberry/banana GU at mile 5, 10, 15, and 19, and I had a mixture of golden & black raisins in a baggie to help me as well (I feel like these help with my blood sugar and kept me going the last five miles!). I also drink half gatorade/half water to hydrate whenever I feel it's necessary, and with my thyroid issue, I feel like I do drink a lot more compared to my other running buddies. <b>I got a little lightheaded during the Botanical Garden (around mile 17-18), but the raisins and extra hydration helped me get through that! </b>I didn't have any restroom breaks, so when that happens, I know my fueling was just right and successful! :) </div>
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<b>Training Plan:</b></div>
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I stuck with my Hal Higdon Training Plan as close as I could. I ran 3-4 days a week, and cross trained (yoga and/or circuit trained) 2-3 days a week. I kept my long runs for Saturday or Sundays. <b>This race was special to me for two reasons. </b>First off, this was supposed to be my first marathon to complete last year, but unfortunately, I got the flu two days before it and was too physically drained to complete it (I only made it to mile 10), and I knew that this year I was going to be ready to do it and complete it! A week before this race this year, I got really sick with a sinus infection, and had to get a steroid shot/medication <b>(and now that I look at my race pictures, I can still see that my face was still pretty puffy/swollen from all of this). </b>I was somewhat nervous about my recovery time, but I felt a week's time was sufficient, and I ended up being right! :) Secondly, I was running this marathon with soooo many people that I know in the running community, that I knew that I wasn't going to be on this endeavor alone. <b>These people made waking up early on Saturdays and Sundays way more bearable!</b> It was so cool to be apart of this journey with so many people! I am also thankful for the night runs with my sister, Benj's Monday Night trail group, and Chelsea's Thursday night group...there were days that I just wanted to go home from work and be lazy, but I was encouraged to train with awesome people! </div>
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<b>We Run Huntsville </b><br />
I am very thankful for the people that I run with. <b>These people have seen me at my worst:</b> no make up, sweaty, stinky, and sometimes cranky, but they still take me as I am. I thank God for the ability to run, and I thank God for placing people like this in my life that keep me motivated! There were many times during the race yesterday that I was right in my head enough (no pain, distractions, etc) that I was able to tell myself "you're okay, you're doing great" and just be able to thank God for giving me the drive to do this (my usual running prayer as I run is <b>"thank You God for this day; thank You God for the ability to run"</b>, and I just repeat that over and over and over). I am also thankful that God placed people like this in my life to remind me that I can do this and I am capable! There were even some points in the race that I felt God touching me physically and mentally and people praying for me, and I haven't felt those feelings as strongly as I have with any other race. It was a good feeling :) Thank you for praying for me!<br />
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<b>Final Thoughts</b><br />
Once again, thank you to those that were apart of my 50k and marathon #2 journey for the fall and winter. I can't even put into words how accomplished I feel, and how good it feels to be over! I am not sure what's next in store for me, but I know it's going to be GREAT!!! Marathon #2 felt really special to me, mainly because not only did I felt like I was running to PR and better myself, but I really felt myself running WITH people, a lot of people actually, that I knew. A lot of the time, I wasn't necessarily running with these people physically, but we were ALL running the same race, and they were constantly in my thoughts throughout the race. It was awesome to see how far we all came from when you look back at day one. God gets the glory! :)<b> The feeling of crossing a marathon finish line is PRICELESS! </b><br />
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Denise and I crossing the finish line! </div>
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Once again, yesterday was GREAT, and so many memories were made! It honestly makes me want to plan marathon #3, I am just not sure when and where! I hope everyone has an awesome week and a wonderful holiday with their loved ones! :) </div>
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-Holly </div>
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<br />HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-46545362803537406472014-11-22T09:07:00.001-08:002014-11-22T09:07:14.921-08:00November 15th, 2014: My FIRST 50k & Trail Race! <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Monte Sano 50k 2014-Official Time: 6:53:53</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I still can't believe how successful my first 50k/Trail Race went! It was a VERY cold Saturday morning (no rain, thank goodness!). I kept my gloves, earwarmers, and jacket on the entire race...I didn't start feeling warm until mile 20! I sweat like a man, so the cold weather was a Godsend to me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This was a great first 50k. Because of the continuous loops on the course, you were able to stop at your aid station every 5 miles if you needed it! Here is a picture of a course map: now you see why it's called "Dizzy 50"...you are running in circles! We ran on the green and pink loops that you see! </span></div>
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This race was a good day for me! I had no stomach issues (which is an on and off things for me, but it's gotten MUCH better!), lots of energy (boo you, thyroid!), and the only pain that I experienced was from my new trail shoes...and the problem ended up being that I tied them too tight, so that was an easy fix!</div>
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I was fueling when I was supposed to, and I told myself I would walk down Sinks Trail and up Sinks Trail to prevent injury...I don't want to miss out on Rocket City! My first 15 miles felt really great...I had great running company, good conversation, and just felt good in general after refueling at my aid station (I used Strawberry/Banana GU, golden & regular raisins, and peanut butter pretzels!). However, I hit a wall at mile 17. You fellow runners know what I am talking about. After being at the aid station, I became unmotivated and wanted to quit. Confession: I even told myself that I could quit at mile 20 so I could go home early...</div>
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But then, I started going through my mental checklist...</div>
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1) Are you injured? (no)</div>
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<br />2) Do you need more fuel? (no)</div>
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3) Is your head hurting? (no)</div>
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4) Can you breathe? (yes)</div>
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So, I told myself... </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">QUIT BEING LAZY! YOU ARE OVER HALFWAY FINISHED! YOU ARE NOT QUITTING!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></span>It was so weird at this point of the race...I couldn't see any runners, and I was all alone, which is weird for this kind of race that you just run in a figure 8. I saw Gregg and he took my picture, so that made me feel a little better! HAHA! It was nice to see a human! And shortly after that point, I saw another runner that was completing her first 50k too. She seemed happy, comfortable, and bubbly...and it was just the kind of person that I needed to talk to at that point in the race! Jenny kept me company and motivated around mile 20 to mile 26. It kept my mind off the fact that I had completed 20+ trail miles. Thank you, Jenny! </div>
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But yes, it was a successful finish! My blood sugar dropped at about mile 29, so I felt a little loopy crossing the finish line! The Coca-Cola and water helped with that after I crossed the finish line! I am so thankful that David drove me to the race and picked me up...he's awesome like that! :) And he took some finish line pictures! </div>
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Overall thoughts of the race: like I already mentioned, it was a great/challenging location for a first 50k. The volunteers were awesome, and I love how you could bring your own aid and set up your own "station"! I love that it's a local race, and I loved the bible verses that were on the trees, and I loved the Christian music that I heard almost every time I was at the aid station! I'm thankful for the ability to run, and I am thankful for how successful this race turned out for me! I felt like a million bucks after the race, and some of the runners went out for dinner that evening to share stories and just to chat! It was yummy and fun! :) </div>
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MY TRIP/FALL COUNT: I did not fall ONCE during the race! I tripped three times and I was able to catch myself. I was so proud! However, I did trip and fall on the way to my car while walking on pavement...LOL! Oh, goodness:-P Saturday was awesome! </div>
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But, the next day, this happened....</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></span>Sunday was pretty horrible! Even with stretching and yoga twice on Saturday after the race, I woke up in SO MUCH PAIN. Everything was hurting..legs, arms, chest, back...it was crazy! Of course I tried to stay on my feet most of the day, stretched, and drank plenty of water (and took some Aleve,which I was taking Aleve starting on Thursday to help with this soreness!). I even did my yoga routine even though I really didn't want to. On Monday, I woke up fine, and I didn't walk funny at all at work! :-P </div>
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Once again, I am thankful for how this race turned out. I give credit to a great training plan (Thanks, Runners' World!) and the strength/patience to get through it! I am thankful for cross training. I thank God for my health and the ability to run. I am thankful for awesome running buddies and their continuous company, and I am thankful for my sweet husband that puts up with my running schedule! :) He has never been negative about it, and he always will ask me when I walk in the door, "How was your run?". :) :) :) </div>
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It's funny to be typing this after running ten miles today was a struggle. I felt nauseous, congested, and just yucky. My plan called for three hours of running, but it took all I had to do two hours. I plan on relaxing, drinking plenty of water, and getting some more vitamin C today! I can't believe the Rocket City Marathon is three weeks away! It's going to be a GREAT long run with friends with 26.2 medals and celebration to follow! I hope everyone has a great week and a happy thanksgiving! :) :) </div>
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-Holly </div>
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HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-37682740280168095282014-10-11T16:40:00.001-07:002014-10-11T16:58:51.779-07:00Fall Break, Monte Sano 15k, and WHOA, IT'S 35 DAYS UNTIL MY FIRST 50K!!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Okay, so my </span><span style="font-size: small;">last blog was somewhat lengthy. I am hoping since I am sleepy that this one won't be as long and wordy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I can't believe that fall break is almost over! I am really thankful though, I had a lot of down time, but at the same time, I had some busy days. I was able to see both of my nephews, all of my siblings, my family, and spend more time with my husband...it was fantastic! During the school year, I stay tired with working long hours, so I am thankful for these breaks:) </span><br />
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So...I PR'ed AT MONTE SANO 15K TODAY! :D I was able to keep a sub 10 pace, which had my relaxed, marathon training legs running with SPEED! My time last year was 1:33:53 and I averaged over a ten minute pace, but this year my average pace was 9:33! It doesn't sound like much, but really, it is!! :D</div>
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I will be honest, I haven't done speedwork in so long that at one point I thought I was going to throw up. Note to self: add speedwork in the weekly training! :-O If I want to PR at the Huntsville Half Marathon next month and beat my half marathon PR (2:16:58 at a 10:22 average pace), I need to incorporate it in my training instead of doing mostly hill training.</div>
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It was great to see running friends (and my sister!) run this race today! It just reminds me what an awesome community Huntsville has, and it's great to train with athletes in all levels/experience when it comes to the sport of running! I learn so much from this group of people! I am so thankful for <b>We Run Huntsville</b>! </div>
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Speaking of training....<b>OH MY GOSH I HAVE A 50K IN 5 WEEKS</b>! Seriously, even though my training plan is on my refrigerator and I see it daily to keep up with my training, I am still in shock right now. It <b>really</b> hit me yesterday that I am actually going to attempt this. The distance is not what's intimidating me (I feel if I fuel correctly, pace myself, and be realistic mentally during my race, I will be alright), but the fact that it's a <b>trail race </b>is making me super nervous. But you know what? It's alright to train for something that <b>scares</b> you and <b>challenges </b>you...if you train correctly, it WILL make you stronger! Like Walt Disney once said, it's kind of fun doing the <b>impossible</b>!</div>
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I try to get on the trails to train at least once a week, but with five more weeks left, I will try to make it two times a week instead. I have to be <b>strong</b> and<b> "trail fit"</b> to accomplish this with no injury...it's a lot different running on trails than running on the flat pavement. I am also going to become more strict with myself with my cross training...I have really been slacking the past few weeks. I know better, I don't want to get injured, so I need to remind myself that <b>yoga</b> and <b>circuit training</b> are my friends. It just gets difficult with long work hours...but I have to discipline myself better! I HAVE TO! I have done well, but now it's <b>crunch time</b>! One positive note: at least with the trail race being in November, I won't see any snakes, right?! </div>
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I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend! Congrats to everyone that raced today! </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">-Holly </span></span></i><br />
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HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621739147218313144.post-21821199738252134132014-09-28T15:25:00.001-07:002014-09-28T15:31:21.965-07:00Teaching, future races, and the misconceptions of running...I can't believe that it's been over a month since my last blog post! My job has kept me busy, as always, but this school year is going so much smoother than my first two years of teaching. Granted, I feel that this class is doing so much better in regards to behavior, but the more I think about it, I feel that I am the one becoming more comfortable with teaching, and maybe it's not that my job is getting any easier, I am just becoming a better teacher & worker! I am truly enjoying 1st grade so far, and even though the ups & downs of teaching, I am thankful that God thinks I am capable & worthy enough to have such an important (and rewarding) career!I love teaching, not the silly, testing political stuff that goes with it ;) <br />
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Okay, so not to sound nerdy, but I am getting <b>SUPER EXCITED </b>about some upcoming races! :) I am running the <b>Monte Sano 15k</b> on <b>October 11th</b>! I haven't ran a race since July (The Race for Hope 10k!), so I am SO READY to feel the joy and anticipation of a race again! Last year, I ran the 15k (9.3 miles) in <b>1:33:53 with a 10:05 pace</b>...my goal this year is to run it in <b>sub 10</b>, and honestly, I think I can do it! It will be tough with the hills, but that's what I have been keeping in mind when I have been on my long and shorter runs during the week! <br />
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My other scheduled races...<br />
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November 8th--<b>Huntsville Half Marathon</b>--Goal: to beat my half marathon PR (personal record) of 2:16:58 (10:22 average pace)</div>
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November 15th-- <b>Dizzy Fifties 50k</b> (my <b>FIRST </b>trail race AND 50k (31 miles) distance! AHHH!)---Goal: TO FINISH (haha!)</div>
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December 1st---<b>Galaxy of Lights 5k</b>---Goal: to beat my 5k PR of 26:47</div>
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December 13th-- <b>Rocket City Marathon</b> (Marathon #2!!! Woo hoo!!)---Goal: to beat my first and only marathon time of 04:49:24 (10:48 average pace)</div>
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I had to cancel out of the <b>Recovery for Holidays 50k</b> due to holiday plans, so that is why I signed up for the November 50k trail race! </div>
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So, before I start typing what I feel like are some misconceptions to running, I would first off like to say that I LOVE when people message me/text me about running. It reminds me of where I started, and where I am now. I hope that I am helpful and encouraging, because I NEVER want to be annoying! Anyway, that's what I LOVE about the sport of running: the growth of your athletic ability from where you started from what you become. You know what breaks my heart? When I hear someone say "<b>I can't run a mile</b>", "<b>I could never run a race</b>", etc because that was <b>me</b>. I couldn't do that. <b>And I was right</b>...I couldn't, because <b>I never tried</b> and I didn't believe that I could do it. </div>
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If you read my first blog post, you will read about my running journey and how I got started, so I won't bore you and type it again. What I would like to type though has been done before in different ways, but I would like to type out what I believe to be some of the things that I get the most questions or comments about when I talk about running...</div>
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<b>1)</b> <b>You will NOT enjoy running when you first start running. </b></div>
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Unless you are some lovely gosh darn ray of sunshine all the time, I highly doubt that you will get "runner's high" when you begin to run, especially if you haven't been active before. You are talking to someone that would tear up/cry on a treadmill back in 2011 because it HURT. My legs HURT. My lungs HURT. I was OUT OF SHAPE. That's part of it. As cliche as it sounds, nothing worth having in life comes easy, it's going to take some strength, dedication, and perseverance<b>. </b>You WILL one day enjoy a run, it just won't be in the first week. Shoot, if you're like me, it won't be for a few months...</div>
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<b>2) You will most likely feel some sort of pain when you first start running. </b></div>
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<b> </b>There is a difference between the aches/pains that you feel when you first start working out because you have not been active and an actual, full blown injury. There is a careful, pain free way to go about walking/running. First, I would just recommend getting a walking plan, and then, once walking is comfortable, find a Couch To 5k plan (I used the one on my runkeeper app). Because of being 25 lbs heavier, I would experience pains in my knees/shins when I first started being active, but those aches/pains went away once I stayed with my plan, stretched, etc. Don't let aches/pains get you away from being healthy/trying something new. As I mentioned in one of my previous blog, don't believe the myth that running blows your knees out. YES, IF YOU RUN 5 DAYS A WEEK AND NOTHING ELSE, YOU WILL BLOW YOUR KNEES OUT. But like I will mention in point #5, a well balanced runner does MORE than running! </div>
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<b>3) Shoot, you might not even enjoy your first race (one miler, 5k, 10k, whatever...)</b></div>
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If your first race is anything like mine, you might over plan, get nervous, give too much energy during the race, etc...and in turn, you stress out/freak out and don't enjoy it. I remember freaking out before and during my first 5k (and getting sick to boot I might add!), but at the end of the race, the sense of accomplishment/happiness of finishing that I felt couldn't compare, and that's why I enjoy races so much! However, I have a few running buddies that HATE races and refuse to sign up for them (they enjoy running on their own) and there is NOTHING wrong with that either! <b> </b></div>
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<b>4) You do NOT need top brand running items, but you do NEED quality items. </b></div>
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<b> </b>I can be frugal<b> </b>about a lot of things, but the more I ran, the more I realized that you don't need name brand everything, but you do NEED quality, especially in SHOES. DON'T GO CHEAP ON SHOES. Crappy shoes can lead to foot pain, shin pain, hip pain, injuries, etc....and in turn, you will give up on running. I am not saying that you have to spend $200+ on a pair of shoes, but I am saying that shoes are VERY important. I would recommend going to the Runner's World website to research shoes along with reading reviews to see the BEST shoe for you. There are even running shoe stores that can even let you test them on a treadmill. If you don't have that option, try them on for a mile or two at your leisure, and if they don't work, RETURN them! When it comes to shorts, shirts, socks, bras, etc here are some of my favorites...</div>
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Socks: Nike Dri Fit</div>
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Sports Bras: Old Navy (crazy, I know) and Target</div>
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Shorts: Moving Comfort</div>
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Shirts: Anything that has the moisture wicking fabric...I am NOT picky</div>
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<b>5) Runners don't JUST run...we do other things too!!!</b></div>
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In order for runners to become better runners and to stay injury free, they HAVE to cross train, no if's or but's!!! The only time that I got injured was when I stopped cross training and only ran....it's not worth it! My weekly schedule looks something like this....</div>
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<b>Sun: </b>35 minute Circuit Training (sit ups, push ups, lunges, squats, planks...and I use 5 or 10 lb hand weights)</div>
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<b>Mon: </b>Rest Day</div>
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<b>Tues:</b> 3-6 mile run & yoga <b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Wed: </b>35 minute Circuit Training</div>
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<b>Thurs: </b>Trail Run or hillwork 4-7 miles</div>
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<b>Fri: </b>Rest Day</div>
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<b>Saturday: </b>Long Run (10+ miles depending on training schedule) & yoga </div>
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<b>I DO NOT RUN EVERYDAY. </b>That would make me a crazy person that would probably end up on the injured list! I have no desire to blow my knees out, have shin splits, tendonitis, or stress fractures. Can injuries still happen, even if you're careful? OF COURSE. You're human and you're being active! But with cross training, stretching, cycling, yoga, strength training, etc you will be less likely to be on the injured list, and your cross training will make you a stronger athlete/runner! </div>
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I write all this because 1) I love running, 2) I loved how it's made me healthier/happier, and 3) YOU CAN BE A RUNNER! Trust me, if I can be, YOU can be! :) Find something active that makes you healthy/happy! </div>
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Well, I am OUT! I have one more week of work, and then it's FALL BREAK! :) I can't wait to see my running buddies on Tuesday & Thursday mornings since I have missed out on those during the school year, and, of course, I will see my running buddies on Saturday morning so we can crank out those long distance trainings for Rocket City! I hope everyone has a great week! </div>
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-Holly </div>
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<br />HollyNicole11http://www.blogger.com/profile/10593873807773210354noreply@blogger.com0