Running Wogging & the Glass Half Full

Tuesday, March 20th Today I ran for the first time after my first 1/2 marathon, just two short days ago. I remember on Saturday, after finishing, feeling the fatigue, and wondering how long it would take me to recover. I had planned a week 'off' thinking to walk some daily miles to pass the time. But yesterday, as I photo copied my next training schedule- the butterflies in my stomach told me this renewed excitement for the sport should be put to good use. Berg Park it would be. I should have worn my Cascadias, but found myself grabbing my Ghosts. I knew they'd feel honored I chose them again, after the hard work they helped me do on Saturday. I slip them on, They feel tired- but there is an unspoken camaraderie between us now. It feels good. Jeep parked- Warmup walk to the running path. The park has a chill about it. I chide myself for wearing short sleeves, and begin a motherly conversation about proper weather dressing. And then I run- It fe...

Previously on Running Wogging & the Glass Half Full- We were finishing up a review - Oh, and I had this brilliant idea to head out on a short RUN so I could finalize my thoughts on the SmartWool Running Lite-Micro.  I'd been taking the week off from running due to a seemingly small injury to my calf. But couldn't bare the thought of another day down without running.  Who cares that my actual out the door time was 9:20pm, I was ready. Warm-up walk out the neighborhood felt good. Music told me it was time (socks felt fabulous) I ran. I stopped. Pain is still there. I cried. Then I laughed. Did I really just CRY because I couldn't excercise? I laughed at myself again.  I don't get it- I'm from a long line of strong women- German-Norweigan stock- We don't get sick- We don't get tired- We do whatever it takes to get things done. What do I do now? I decided to walk.  Tears still coming down, looking for the ha...

When I first started running, one of the first words of advice was buy 'good' socks. So I did. I went to TJ Maxx instead of Walmart. I obviously had no idea what 'good' socks meant. I have since been further educated on the whole sock matter- And can honestly say: "Socks matter!" I am by no means an authority on the subject- this review serves as a gentle guide and personal description- and as you will see, is by no means exhaustive, as only two brands will be reviewed today. Feel free to message me for my address, to send me samples of YOUR favorites to try! HA! But I digress- Here's a few thoughts. - Feetures brand- Feetures Elite socks were my first try at a performance running sock. I actually bought them, right on the spot, when trying on running shoes at Brown's. I needed a 'try-on' sock- they pulled out the Feeture s- I have to say, this was an eye opener. For the first time, my feet felt good. I was hooked....

Last night I heard news that my sweet friend Katie has a hip fracture from running. I cried for her last night. What is it about this sport that makes you so in-tune with others' pain, victories, mile-stones, struggles- An unspoken comradre. I even find myself secretly cheering runners on, as I drive past them randomly running on the street- wishing I too were out running. What is it about running that makes it so precarious- I KNOW the answer- But still can't help but ask WHY? I am reminded that we are but dust. Last night, I used my elliptical because the dull pain in the back of my calf is still there- I will be careful- I will use my old time of 14-15 minutes per mile to simulate a run. It was ok. I did not have pain. I am thankful- I have decided this is what must be done to fully heal. I saw this quote on pinterest a few weeks ago before it had meaning- If you can run- will you? Run one for me- Run one for Katie- I will be the one wistfu...

SO --- I'ts been Saturday since I even "walked". I say "walked" sarcastically because it was only a mile or so, and very leisurely, as I had my kids in tow. I'm a bit stressed. And when I get stressed I eat mini chocolates (I like to eat foods that are "in season" and being as it's almost Holloween--you get the picture) Oh, and I like to drink Coffee - I went 3 times one day last week- (and THAT is to keep this economy going- I always support our local Durango Joes & an occasional big Corp Starbucks It's time for an intervention. I need a Back Up Plan. Let me re-phrase that- I need to DO my back up plan. Don't get me wrong, I'm full of great intentions, and ideas- but somehow implementing said plan is proving next to impossible. I will never take running for granted again . I WILL appreciate my broccoli and cheese lunch I WILL revel in the wonder that is my elliptical I WILL drink water, and lots of i...

Well, it's happened. I have an injury. I've been in denial for about 2 weeks now, just running through the pain. My Friday run confirmed it. This weird limp /jog that simply would not shake, solidified by pain even when I walk. I am concerned that if I run this week, bad things will happen. With a Saturday run out of the question, it's time to get creative. I bribed the kids with the the camelback- Molly was game- Riley and Kate needed some coaxing, but I persuaded them. We were off to Kiwanis. Why don't I do this more often? We walked, and talked, we laughed, we played. *sigh* I am happy. I walk the park while the kiddos just clown around. They are beautiful. I have to snap some photos.   

Got up and headed to Body Combat at Defined Fitness this morning.  Just the name "Body Combat" makes me smirk... I have sooooo much agression waiting to be set free.  I AM a Ninja Warrior- Yeah right!  I am so lying- and NO, you do not want to conjure up a mental picture of me 'street brawling'.  Takes alot of focus for me to even TRY looking tough-HA! But today all I could focus on was the clock.  I really wanted to get a run in. I snuck out at 6~it was a double or nothing day. Off I ran, my first push at the clock- My goal: to be under 14- (for those of you who may be new to my blog, I am such a beginner at the whole running thing... been training for a little over 10 weeks--- just ran my first 13.1--- but laughably SLOW) I started off well enough, felt like it anyway, 'til endomondo told me I'd reached mile 1 in 15.18- UGH~ Really?  I'd even forgone my little walk, wog, jog thingy that I always do- But then I remembered I hadn...

Today I begin my life after 13.1. That milestone complete, it's time to 'man up' and see if this running thing is for real. I wear my running gear to drop the kids off at school- grab a fabulous caramel machiatto at Durango Joes with my sister-in-law Jen, type up a little blog post - It's time- Get in the car to head to Berg Park- a perfect easy 3- But boy, do I have to go- Drat- stupid coffee! Then I had a grand idea- next to Berg is the Marriott, and right inside their conference entrance is a gorgeous foyer with a nicely situated 'water closet'- complete with chandelier- Marriot 'water closet' heehee Pat myself on the back for my great idea- Then  I'm off- Off on my first 'after 13.1' run. I think there's something wonderful about this run. There are no expectations- I run, with every intention to walk. But the run feels heavenly, and the day is absolutely gorgeous- Everyone seems to be out today- I say...

Now I know why my friends are running an actual race . It's not that they enjoy the thrill of a 3 hour drive. Nor the expense of gas, food, lodging, entry fees. (I figured it would take about $300 to get this race done- more, if family tags along) After my run Saturday , I burst into the house, thrilled with my personal achievement, only to find that life doesn't stop just because you ran. Family was hungry. Laundry. Ironing. (a week long request from my hubby that I'd been in denial about needing to do) Vacuuming. They tell you about a runner's high- but nothing about the low- Coming down from that run was rough. I wanted to scream- "don't you know I just ran 14.32 miles people!" Lots of secret tears- That is why a bona-fide race would make it so much better. You're surrounded by people who 'get it', and away from the responsibilities that are seemingly never done. It is ideal. But I will most likely never run in one. Why? It is just not in ...