Push through the pain...and win!

Yep, I had another exciting weekend. Tahoe, again?

Uhh- no. This time I sneezed, blew my nose, paint...paint and sneezed again. My daughter's Egypt project is due tomorrow. I cut wood into triangles (for the pyramid), glued, painted and rubbed my eyes a few hundred times.
Then I went to bed.

This morning I felt the familiar ringing in my ears and my head hurt.

I don't care! I'm running anyway, because it's a great day to run!
My stubborn streak won.

I ran Otter Trail. I saw 2 old women walking by the park. I said "hi" but I don't know if they heard me.
On the second half of my route, I saw four women walking. They were laughing. It reminded me of the times I used to meet my friends every Tuesday morning at a yuppie coffehouse in Sacramento. We laughed like that. I miss them. Well- only one of them. Devona. The others were superficial and only seemed interested in their latest shopping treasure. Devona called them the "needy friends". They only call on you when they need something.

Anyway- I'll stop this post here. Except I wanted to mention something that always happens when I get back up to my house.
I stand at the bottom of my driveway looking out across the valley and my cat, Daisy comes to greet me. I reach down to pet her, then the race is on.
We run up the driveway together. I have to go fast, but I always beat her.

haha. I win.
I feel better now.

If you can? I can!!

I'm back!

number of days sick...4
amount of cold pill taken....10
number of waking hours spent in bed.....18

Finally feeling strong enough to get out and run.........PRICELESS!!

That's right, I'm feeling better. Not 100%....but better.

The sun is shining so beautifully bright.
I stepped into the one that caressed my face and gave me peace.
Thank You for the beaming waves of pure light rays.
How could I have known it would feel so good?

I ran Westville Loop. Even though I gave myself permission to stop if I need it...I ran it without stopping. I didn't know if my lungs would be able to do it, but surprisingly...breathing was not a problem. My nose got runny- but it always does. Runners are not shy about wiping their nose on their sleeve. At least this runner isn't. I know....it's gross. Hey- nobody else has to wear my clothes, and I wash them after each run...usually. Again...gross!

On my route I had just run up the crazy hill and was going up the second one when at the top I met another runner.

I love seeing other runners. We have this understanding. We understand how hard this is and how much sweat and determination it takes to do it, but also that.... we do it because we love it.

I usually smile and say "morning". Sometimes I say "Great job man! Keep goin."
Today I instantly smiled and said buoyantly "Hey!! Great Morning!!"
I'm not sure what he said because I had my earphones in, but it looked like the same thing.

The reason I reacted a little differently to him was the fact that he must have been close to 80 years old. He was, by my definition....an old man. Yet he was out here running. I could tell he had run a good distance already and uphill as I was almost to the top of the other side of this hill he was just on.

So I finished my route and did my stretching. Just before I started my mad dash back up the crazy steep hill I live on, I looked out across American River Trail and spotted the old man running. He had done the same route as me...only he went the other way. I waved and took off.

I feel good, but a little tired. O'well.
There are two voices in my head. One says..."you're crazy, go back to bed!"
The other says...
"You're fine, that run felt good, I knew you could do it...now go clean the house!"

how 'bout a shower? then I'll clean the house.

Sick

No, not sick of running- I've got a cold.

Runny nose, itchy swollen droopy eyes, scratchy throat, sneezing and tired. All I feel like I can do is....blog, watch tv, sleep and fake like I'm not sick to my mother-in-law on the phone.

"Oh, hi G------, Katie? Yeah she doing fine..."

I know my body needs rest. I'd like to run but that would be irresponsible of me.
I need that energy to fight the virus.
I hate to be sick.
I can't help getting sick, but I can help how long it lasts. We all know that a little self maintance kicks a cold.
A possitive attitude is key. I have to believe I'll get better soon. More Faith.
Down a day or two-that's the plan!!

I really wanted to kick start my 34th year with a good haul a** run.

I don't think that's going to happen.

However I am into that mid-life portion now...think I'll take up skateboarding!
Why not?

Faith

This week I've felt like somewhat of a hermit. I venture out, but mostly I want to stay home. Last friday was a big day. A turning point day. Not so much for running, but issues in your life have a way of spilling over into everything else.

I just want to take my family into my arms and never let them go. I want them close. Funny- that's the exact opposite of what I wanted this time last friday.

Back to running...I titled this post "Faith" because that's what God wanted from me today.

I worried that it was raining to hard....he said "GO"
I worried that my leg would hurt...he said "GO"

I knew from the moment I took my first step that I was going to run to second gate. Maybe that's the reason I tried to find excuses. It was a challenge last time I did it. Challenge can be scary. But challenge is good and this run was sooo goood.

It rained lightly.

I found myself turning right at the first turn off for Otter Trail. I was jogging. I worried that I wouldn't be able to do the route without stopping. I didn't want to use up all my energy to early on. But now that I look back on it, I should have started out fast to set a quicker pace.

When I came back around to American River Trail I smiled as I turned right instead of my usual left. I get to run more today. That fact made me smile. I sped up, feeling like I could run for hours.

I thought about the rain.
What if it starts pouring on me?
God answered..."Let me take care of the weather! You think I can't take care of you? Have some faith!"

I did it. Otter Trail, second gate and back without stopping.
Now I know I need to do that route a bunch more before I tackle third gate.

When I got back I was soaked. Water squished between my toes. It had lightly rained the entire hour.

Near my feet as I stretched, puddles of water had collected.
Why not?
I jumped into them with both feet. Muddy water began to trickle down my legs. I laughed.

New song on ipod- "Believe me now" by Steven Curtis Chapman

Boogie to the Beat of my Lord!

Music was created by God. That's why they call it ROCK.

You Lord, are my Rock; my foundation, my joy, the place I find peace.

I expected it to rain this morning. The weather watcher on tv said it was going to rain all week. But instead the fog evaporated into whispery streams of mist and the sun beamed it's streaks of glory across puffy white mounds of water.

I ran the backward way of Westville. I started out slow, but picked up speed once I was up the large hill. Got my groove and hardly felt winded. I couldn't wait to get to the good part. Going down Pointed Rocks. But just as I was approaching, God told me to go straight.

I was disappointed. Going DOWN pointed rocks is always a favorite for me. I knew it would be especially great today. With gospel music in my ears and the sun bouncing off the wet black pavement...I bet it was glorious!
But when God tells you to do something, you do it. Because you know it must be good. No, not just good- great.
So Okay God, I went straight. Down the crazy steep hill I usually go up when I first start out on Westville. At the bottom I saw 2 women I knew, walking. One is a parent from a kid who was on Megan's soccer team last year.
I said "hi" and took out my earpiece when I noticed that she wanted to talk to me.
Dang, I have to stop!

She asked me how Katie was feeling (really she wanted to know details), so I told her. She said that her young daughter, Katy age 5 (whom my Katie adores) had cried a bunch over the weekend because of the accident. It must have really had an effect on her to see the firetruck and ambulance at the school.

"You should have called or come over!" I told her.

"She'll feel better now that I've talked to you."

We said our good-byes and I took off running again.

Well, that's why you needed me to cut my route short? I asked God. Forgive me for being so selfish.
A lot of people around here care and they worry when someone gets hurt. Even people you hardly know, but always see. I think I'll have Katie make a card for little Katy.

I got home and danced around the house, feeling thankful to be returning to my inspirational roots. Every person should let loose once in a while.
Dance when nobody is home. Ever since I was old enough to be left alone in the house I have done this. I know I looked like an idiot, especially when the music is just in my headphones, but who cares? It feels great. Free.
If I can make my Lord smile, than why not?

Boogie, boogie, boogie...shake that God given bootie.
Today I am happy.
Thank You Jesus!!!!!!

Good One

Got out late this afternoon, but at least I got out.

I've had a headache today, but nobody knew it. It's Valentine's Day. How can I complain?

I rested, made ecards for my loved ones and rested some more.

I ran Otter Trail.
I ran it fast.
There is a separation that I recognize. It splits me at the waist. My top half is sitting in the car while my legs spin round and round like wheels.
No, I'm not in a car. I'm not on a bike. I'm running. They're not wheels, they're legs. My legs.

I keep my head up now. I don't see my feet. I feel them. They touch the ground with clear intention. I tell myself....foot down straight, heel then toe, reach out, control your breathing and pick up the pace. Come on Kathy--Go!!

Maybe that's why I feel this separation. I glance over the landscape the way you would while sitting as a passenger in a car, lost in another world.

NEW SHOES!

Oh yeah, that feels good...soooo goooood!!!!!!!!!!!!

I kicked butt today!
Yesterday I got new shoes. I love em. The high end kind. Brooks. Not too expensive, just under $100.00. It's all about getting the right fit, and cushion. It's snug in the heel, loose and airy in the toe. Perfect. Depending on much I run, I could get up to a year out of them.

I learned something from the foot evaluation. I've been buying shoes that are to big. Turns out I'm a 7. NOT 7 1/2!
That makes a big difference! It's nice to talk to a guy that takes on 50 mile trail runs at one time. He knows his shoes!!

He said to me "I know it sounds like a lot (ya think?), but as you build up your mileage, your endurance gets better." Okay-right now I'd be happy with entering a 10k race ...and not finishing last!

I ran down American River to Pointed Rocks and up Westville back to my house. I got a bit tired on Pointed Rocks because I was so jazzed about my new shoes that I just bolted down American River. But I didn't stop and that's all that matters right now. I'll worry about my time later.

Although I do think I should start making my routes longer. When I get back, it feels like I just started. Like I'm just starting to feel my groove and then I have to stop.

I'm so glad I wore my tank top.
It's so warm outside. Plus the fact that I ran in the afternoon today. The sun on my shoulders reminded me of summer.

Ahhh, summer....

I'm the most annoying person in the world

Well- that's what my daughter said. Right after she said "Thanks for making me waffles! You're the best mom in the world."

I was annoying her because I've got a song in my head and I keep singing it....."and I don't want to fall to pieces, I just want to sit and stare at you..."
The more she tell me to stop, the more I want to do it! I stuck my tongue out at her when she wasn't looking. I'm so immature! She did the same thing, and then we laughed.

At least I got out for a while to run. Yep, that's two days in a row. I don't usually do that, but I thought I might as well take advantage of the opportunity while I can. Somedays it just seems impossible to get out there! I'm not marathon material, but I would like to run a 5k someday...maybe enter in those charity runs. I could help raise money for breast cancer research.

I ran Otter Trail. My right leg is starting to hurt now. Chin splints. I need some new shoes! This time I'm getting the real deal. I'm learning how the shoe business works for the average runner and trust me- it's not pretty. Don't bother going to places like Sports Authority or Big 5. They get cheap shoes with good company names on them like Nike and Asics, but don't be fooled! They have no cushioning, no arch support! You'll end up in the doctors office, like I did.

If you want to run and still be able to keep running a year from now...go to a real specialty shop. The prices are not that much more. The pair I have my eye on are about $90.00. Moreover, you can't beat the service. These guys know there stuff...and your feet. They make sure you get the right shoe for your foot. They even watch (sometimes record) you running on the street outside to make sure your impact is correct. You think you'll get that at sports authority? No way. They can barely find the size you ask for.

Happy running :)

Where are my T-shirts??

Oh, yeah...there's stuffed away in my dresser. The drawer on the bottom.
I better get them out cause it's warm out there!

I ran Westville Loop. Lots of people waved at me today. Security was all over the place. More than usual it seemed. Mostly trucks. The kind that haul brush and grass trimmings.
I did notice a section of branches on the uphill that I usually avoid by ducking my head had been cut back. Good thing. That part of the hill I want to not only duck but keep falling and take a nice little nap. NO CAN DO. No napping...running!!

On the last 1/3 I got a tight feeling in my chest, but after a while it went away. Then I sprinted the end.

Something funny...when I cross my finish line I always take a few minutes to stretch. My arms... my legs. I do the splits to stretch my inner thighs. Here's the funny part...while my ipod was playing "I'll do anything" by Jason Mraz... loudly, I looked up and saw an old man starring at me. He mouthed the word "OUCH!" with a very strained look on his face, then turned and kept walking.

well I thought that was funny.

Lifted by the spirit of God

Good day for a run.
Sun is shining and there's a little breeze.

If my next bit of info is just to much for you, sorry- but I'm trying to log my journey and sometimes it's not pretty. Yesterday I started my cycle. That's right....blood.

Everybody...GROSS!

Blood....can't have life without it; deal with it.
anyway- it has a huge effect on my ability to run. Actually it's a good effect. Makes the cycle shorter. An entire day shorter. Gotta love that! But I can do without the cramps. For those guys who just have no idea what the mysterious "cramps" are...it's when the muscles in a women's pelvis contract, hurting the girl like hell.
I used to get them super bad when I was in high school. After having babies, they went away. Now that my kids are getting older (and my body is finally getting back in shape) the cramps are coming back.
So this morning I woke up with cramps. Not to bad, I told myself, because today is the perfect day to run.

Why do I pick the worst day to try something new? I must subconsciously think that I need some major discipline.
I decided to run to second gate. I've been getting bored with the usual routes and have been wanting a new place to run. In our gated community we have 3 points of entry or "gates". First is the main gate, second gate's a little farther and third is way out there closer to the river. All are accessible from HWY 193.
I have been wanting to run to second gate then onto hwy 193 & back to first gate which puts me on American River Trail. My husband won't let me, says it's to dangerous to be on 193. He's right, but that would be a good run. Maybe 5 miles??
So instead, I ran American River to Sweetwater to second gate, turned around (hate that) and came back to American River. By the time I got to the turn off for Otter trail I was tired, but I didn't care. I was mad that I couldn't go the way I wanted to, so like a child who refuses to go to bed, I fought the urge and defiantly pushed myself down otter trail.
On the last stretch, making my way around the park, a song came on that was perfect.

"When I look to the sky" by Train

So I looked to the sky. I saw a huge bird ( we call them buzzards or turkey vultures) They are massive and have 6 ft wing spans. He glided above me in grace and I pretended I was him. For a second, I was him. I closed my eyes. I was soaring. I couldn't feel my feet touching the pavement. I smiled as the wind refreshed my skin. When I opened my eyes I saw my shadow. I looked like a bird with my arms outstretched.

Oh look honey, there's that retarded girl. Isn't that cute, she thinks she's a bird!

If only you could see inside me...
"When I look to the sky, something tells me you're here with me...and I can always find my way when you are here".
I felt God's spirit lift me. A renewed energy spread through my veins. I sprinted the rest of the way home. DANG that felt good, though I almost fell down, I was so tired.

I ran 13 songs on my playlist...that's 45.04 minutes. wow. Not bad for a bleeding day.