Long time no see... and run.

It has been over a year and a half since I last posted on this blog, but today seems like as good a day as any to bring back the habit. 

Since October of 2011, I have ran 9 more races, including the Pittsburgh Half Marathon.  Let me talk about that one for a minute.  In just a few weeks, it will be the one year anniversary of my running that race, but it feels like I just accomplished that feat.  It was a rough course and I made it to the 10 mile marker without giving up my pace.  That's when the south side hills kicked back.  I admit I had to walk about a mile before I could give it my last stitch effort, but I am not ashamed.  People were still cheering me on.  It was still a victory.  I finished at just over 3 hours and it was a downhill sprint to the point.  It was the most moving experience I have ever had.

Here's some pictures of my favorite points in the race:

Amazing views.  Such a beautiful city.

And here was the result:

 Yeah.  That's me.  I went from 250lbs to 180 after the race.  If that's not victory, I don't know what is.


This is where my life took a big swing.

The summer after the race, I maintained weight, and served my final months as an AmeriCorps member.  It was bittersweet.  I was happy to be done with my term of service, but I had no idea what lie ahead.  I put hundreds of resumes out, to no avail.  For the first 2 months of the school year, I substitute taught.  Then the dirt started flying.  I was offered 2 jobs within about a month of each other.  One at the high school where my parents went, and one in downtown Memphis, TN.   Guess which one I chose.   The adventurous side of me has taken over, and now I am the Band and Choir Director at one of the most "infamous" high schools in Memphis.  It's been a HUGE struggle, but has made me realize just how strong I am.

I was so afraid of getting mugged, that I had a hard time meeting people at first.  I joined the Southaven Wind Symphony and the Memphis Symphony Chorus, which have been awesome experiences (but that's for another blog).  But it was joining the Memphis Runners Track Club that is making the big impact right now.

In January, I ran the Winter Cross Country series, and basically didn't train (which was a very bad idea).  It was a 3K, a 5K, an 8K and a 10K.  I may not have trained, but I finished strong. 

The series helped me get my weight down to it's current all-time low of 165lbs.  Woo!  More victories!

Fast forward to today.   Its TCAP testing time, which mean the arts teachers get extra prep time (again, bittersweet), so I've had time to plan my next adventure: the Summer/Fall Road Race series!  Two 5ks, two 5 milers, two 10ks, two 10 milers and 2 half marathons.  Its going to take a lot of training, but it can and will be done.  Oh, and I might throw the St. Jude Half Marathon in there at the end.  Lots of motivation!

That's my update.  I am going to use this blog as a progress journal.  Hopefully someone finds it inspiring.  That's what I hope to be.

LSD day

Today, I got up and decided to try an LSD day (Long Slow Distance). I initially set out to do one of my normal routes, but I got to the turn around point and decided I didn't want to turn around, so I took a back road that I knew would lead me back home. It was gravel road, and I was wearing my Kinvaras, bad idea. I ended up going 3.25 miles at my last 5k speed, then discovered I still had 2.5 miles to walk back home. It was refreshing because it was all back country roads, but I was extremely dehydrated because I hadn't prepared to go over 3 miles. Oh well. I feel better now! I feel like I have my old running self back. I took it easy the last couple days, and today the side stitch was almost non existent. I have another 5k next Saturday and I'm hoping I can make it a PR. I am definitely ready. Rest tomorrow, 3 miles Monday, strength Tuesday, 2 miles Wednesday, speed work Thursday, rest Friday, Race!

PS: I have officially graduated from the Couch to 5K program! :)

Week 7: the Trail Run

So, it's week 7 now. No more intervals. Also, my cousin is home from North Carolina and wants to be my running buddy, but she only runs trails. I'm not talking paved bike trails, I'm talking old country farm four-wheeler trails. Lots of hills, lots of rocks. But what they heck, why not switch it up. Woke up early to beat the heat and headed out to the trails. I had rained, so it was wet, but it was really fun! It was a greet switch up from my usual road route. The only problem was that I can't keep track of distance in the woods. So, we just went by time. Running with a stronger runner also kept me pushing myself. I almost gave up on some of those rocky hills, but I had to keep going because she was still going. We also pushed each other for the last minute of time. It was a great workout. Can't wait for the next one!