Panic, but not at the Disco!

Yeah.

Haven't been around these parts much lately. Mostly it's because work is kicking my ass and I can't be bothered to come home and get back on a computer, even if it is my own computer and even if it is for doing important stuff. Like blogging. And Simpsonizing myself. And playing Spider Solitare.

That's how I knew. When I wasn't even excited about Spider Solitare, something's gotta change. Oh sure! I'll throw a in change of career path along with training for a marathon and helping my little sister plan her wedding and not getting along with any of my friends and working the freelance gig on the side and all that Spider Solitare.

No problem.

And my doctor says the shortness of breath and heart palpitations I've been experiencing aren't a heart attack after all. Turns out, I'm having panic attacks. What ever for?

Dead legs

I know my legs were dead today because of the short little jog in the park I had on Saturday. I know this and yet for some reason I'm still beating myself up for a lousy 4 miles today. The weather was perfect, the trail was well shaded and far from distraction, I had a good solid day of rest yesterday and still...dead legs. This happened before, the week after I ran my first half marathon. It was my first ever time at that distance and it took about 20 days for me to feel fully recovered and "springy" in my step. I'm hoping recovery doesn't take quite that long this time but at least today I know what the cause is for a poor run. So often, I set out my front door without knowing what my run will bring. Will I go out too fast? Will I run out of steam? Will I fall apart mentally? So often these things happen and I never know the cause.

Today, I know.

Even though I may someday look back on 15 miles and scoff, 15 miles is still a pretty long freaking way to run.

15 down, 11.2 to go

I started at 6:35am. The first mile was slow and shakey, trying to work out the kinks in my legs and get a feel for what lay ahead. The trail was still dark at this time so I opted out of the ipod and listened for any would-be attackers trying to sneak up on me. And my breathing.

Mile 2 was also slow. But that was ok, my legs were starting to loosen up and I caught sight of some other runners. I stuck my headphones in my ears and focused on the story being fed through the wires.

Miles 3-5 passed easily and faster. I was feeling pretty good.

At mile 6, I took a potty/gel/water break and called my dad to give him an ETA for the 10 mile mark.

Mile 7: "Holy cow, that gel worked like gangbusters." My legs felt springy and the next three miles all clocked it between 10:30-10:40 pace.

I caught up with my dad at mile 10 and take another gel. A minute to catch my breath and we're off.

At mile 13.1, I start clapping my hands and shouting "PR! PR! PR! PR!" Every step after that was uncharted territory. "How are you doing?" dad asked. "Two miles," I said. "I can do two miles in my sleep!"

Mile 14.5, I hit The Wall. I could see my finish line just on the other side of the lake but I had to walk for a few seconds. Half a mile! Half a mile!

Mile 15 done, total time 2:41:39.

Back in my car, I said to my dad. "That was pretty awesome but how in the world am I going to run 11 miles on top of what I just did today?" But even inspite of the niggling doubts, yesterday was the first time I ever felt like 26.2 might actually be possible.

Open Letter

Dear Makers of a Certain Undergarment,

Quit lying about your product being "no-chafe". You bunch of liars, you!

Love always,

Kate

Smokin'

Taking a break from standing nakkid in front of my open freezer to tell you guys....

....it's hot out there.

Be sure to hydrate!

With a little help from my friends

I'm not sure when it happened but all of a sudden my friends are on board. I had company for almost all my runs this week which was a rare treat because I always run by myself. Now, I love my friends dearly but runners they are not. Drinkers, yes. Runners? Someday perhaps, but up until this week, they usually looked at me with amusement whenever I'd start in about the obnoxious toenail that's still lingering on or how my ice bath this morning didn't exactly get all the kinks out like I'd hoped. Up until now, they were supportive of course, but never had any inclination towards joining me for a run.

Then, all of a sudden, there they were. One decided to bike along beside me while I ran, graciously carrying my water and keys and making me laugh the entire time. Another joined me for the first mile of my long run on Saturday. It was her first try running outside in the elements (has been running for a few weeks on a TM at her gym) and afterwards, I knew she was hooked. She called me up later in the day to ask what time to be at the park next Saturday.

After my friend finished her very first outdoor run on Saturday, I went on to get the rest of my long run in. A few miles into it, I ran into my dad. He decided to sign up to run his very first 1/2 marathon the same day I run my full (so we'll run it together) and Saturday was his first long run. I had no idea he was out there doing this so I yelped when I saw him "Hey old man!" and turned around and ran with him for about 5 miles. Well, 5 miles is a rough guesstimate. I forgot my Garmin and I was kicking myself for it, but actually I was much more relaxed without it. I pretty much know where the mile markers are on this route so I just ran by feel and chatted up my dad for a while. It was great!

And I have to tell you, I think this week has ruined me. I had so much fun with company on my runs I'm afraid I'll want it all the time!! But really, this was a fantastic week and I'm so thrilled to see my friends and family start to make positive changes regarding their health. To think I had anything to do with that blows my mind.

Happy miles....

New togs.

Out with the old...

...and in with the new!

I panicked a little when it hit me that these little beauties are going to travel the final 26.2 miles of this first marathon journey with me. Perhaps I'll have them bronzed when all is said and done.