Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Another Year Gone..

In what feels like a blink of an eye, another year has come to an end. There are days and weeks that feel like they last forever, but then you look at the calendar and see that it is December 31st. Where on earth did the year go? Like a few of the past years, this one was more eventful than I could possible imagine. So here it is, my year in review.

January
I will openly admit that I am having a hard time remembering exactly what happened during January. For starters, I ran the Boston Prep 16 miler in Derry NH. It was the farthest distance I had ever run. I finished faster that I thought I would and luckily didn't lose any body parts to frost-bite! I was beginning to plan out my race calendar for the year. I was signed up for a handful of half marathons, the VT City Marathon and a few triathlons. I was on the right track in the fitness side of things and I was looking forward to a kick - ass year! In other parts of my life things weren't looking so great, my Dad had another surgery and I guess that is when things started to go downhill.

February
From the looks of my fitness journal, I didn't do too much this month. I kept up with my marathon training, but had no races on the calendar. I went snowshoeing and skiing a fair amount. I also spent a good amount of time at my parents house. My Dad wasn't doing that well, so I switched my work schedule and went home for 3 day weekends to keep Dad company and help out around the house. Sometimes family trumps fitness. Although I have learned that if I don't do something physical everyday I get irritable and depressed very easily. I wish I had figured that out sooner.

March
For obvious reasons this was the hardest month of the year. Dad passed away at home on Town Meeting Day (March 4th). The exhaustion and stress of his final days caused me to sleep a lot and really not have the motivation to get out and run. Really, running would have helped me more than the many naps I took. I needed to get the stress, frustration and sadness out. Inside I bottled it up inside. I never thought that I would lose a parent so young. He was 59. The only positive thing that came from his passing was my renewed goal of getting healthy and staying healthy. I know that I don't want to get cancer and I want to live a long life. To do so I need to get in shape and stay in shape. I also need to focus on feeding my body healthy whole clean foods. March didn't turn into the best fitness month for me. I know I continued to walk Odin daily, but aside from that my fitness journal is pretty blank.

SF was the escape I needed!
April
I started to get my butt back in gear during April. I got back into my running routine and did my longest run thus far (22 miles - solo!). At that point I was feeling good and was excited for the upcoming marathon. I also went to San Francisco and biked over the Golden Gate Bridge! Who would have guessed that I went from an awesome vacation, a kick-ass 22 mile solo training run to what happened in May.

my rock through it all
 May
Oh the month of May. This is when all hell broke loose. The month started out well. I ran the Middlebury Maple Half Marathon and although I didn't PR, I ran 19 minutes faster than the first time I ran it. I had been following my training calendar and was so pumped and ready to run the Vermont City Marathon, when I got sick. Really sick. I called it the plague. The doctors called it a virus of some sort. It wasn't Mono or strep throat. But I was in bed for close to a week. Too weak to even sit up or go to the kitchen. I had a fever and the worst sore throat of my life. I subsisted (barely) on Gatorade, jello and water. In that one week I lost 10 pounds. Although I was training for a marathon and was in great shape, I couldn't walk my dog around the block. When I started to feel better I still got winded and exhausted just walking my dog and knew that running was completely out of the picture. I was devastated when I finally realized that running the marathon was not in the cards for me. The rest of the month was devoted to getting to a place where I could easily walk my pup without getting winded and needing to take a nap. It was a hard lesson to learn, but I know now that I can't continue to push my body, it needs time to rest and recover.
Summit of White Rock

June
June was a month of recovery for me. I walked a lot and ran short distances. Toward the end of the month I was starting to get my legs back. I played a lot of soccer and rode my bike a fair amount. I was also focused on eating clean and healthy. I know weight loss while ill isn't the healthiest, but I worked hard to keep myself on the right track and kept some of it off.  
Kayaking in Maine with Mom!
July
Well, to start I turned 30! July was a definite re-building month. I ran almost 60 miles and was active almost every day. The start of the month was slow, I did a lot of walking and short runs to help build my stamina back up. I also got on my bike and did some longer rides (which during the hot summer days feels pretty good). I kayaked and swam a fair amount as well.  I was eating healthy and working hard to get out and have fun!
 
August
This way probably the best month of the year! I ran close to 50 miles this month, did a ton of hiking, got on my bike a fair amount and finished my first Olympic Distance Triathlon! I also started to add in more strength training to my workouts, which helped me get stronger faster. During one week of amazing weather I hiked/ran a new mountain each day; White Rock, Stowe Pinnacle and Spruce Mountain (ran up). I finally felt like I was back to my old self.

Nothing like a trail run in the rain!
September
I moved out of Montpelier and in with my sister M. Settling in was hard for me. I had to find new routes to run and new places to walk Odin. I no longer had Hubbard Park just a mile away where Odin and I could run on the trails or get lost for an hour or so. I still kept running consistently at lunch (the perks of having an hour long lunch break!). I had no races scheduled for the month, so just did my best to run, bike and play soccer consistently.


October
I quit my job! Yes, you read that correctly. After 5 years I decided that I was ready to move on. So with no real plan in place I left my place of employment, my health insurance, my vacation and sick days behind. For the next month I started substitute teaching (and loved it). Although the decision was hard, I don't regret it one bit! I felt such a weight lifted off my shoulders after leaving. Aside from my kick-ass finish in the Sumttynose Half Marathon in Hampton NH (1:54:27) my fitness journal shows much inconsistency. I used to get a run in almost everyday during my hour long lunch break. With the new job, new schedule and longer commute, this was no longer possible.
 
November
This month I PR'd at the RaceVermont Half Marathon in Shelburne (1:54:00!). I think the key to my having a good race is to go alone and not have any friends there to cheer me on. I'm not sure why, but I seem to run faster when I'm solo. Without even planning it, that was my last race of the year. I also joined a Master's Swim Team and fell back in love with the water. It is so nice to have people to swim with and a coach to help push you (a little). I also went to my first Master's Swim Meet and realized how much I loved to race.
At home it was also the first major Holiday without Dad. I would be lying if I said it wasn't hard. But we had a great meal and made it through. It helped to have my adorable niece there to entertain us!

December
Well here we are at the end of 2014! I haven't been doing much running this month, instead I've been swimming, riding my bike inside, playing indoor soccer and skiing whenever I can (living by the mountain does have its perks). I started a new job and have really had my life turned upside down. This may also be the first year I have maintained my weight during the holiday season!!

Looking Ahead
So what is on tap for next year? I am trying to keep my goals simple and not try to do too much. First and foremost I want to stay healthy. I am planning to do that by continuing to eat clean and take care of myself. If I learned anything over the past year its that rest is OK and necessary. I also need to give myself a break once and a while and not overfill my race calendar. I am signing up for the Vermont City Marathon again and hope that I can stay healthy enough to hit the pavement on race day. I am also planning on signing up for another Olympic distance triathlon and maybe knock another few states off my half marathon map. And who knows, maybe I'll find someone special to run, swim, bike, hike, etc. with.

This post is dedicated to my Dad. I will love and miss you forever!

Monday, November 17, 2014

A little a bit of this, a little bit of that

Portrait of me by kindergartener Abby
It has been a month and a half since I left my full time job. As soon as the job ended I knew that I had made the right choice. I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders and even though I didn't have full time work lined up, I was feeling confident, excited and optimistic for what lay ahead. And what that was I had no idea. I planned on piecing together work that made me happy and helped to pay the bills. Just as the saying goes, "Variety is the spice of life!"

Now, forty five days later I am doing well, keeping myself busy with a variety of different jobs. I am working at an after school program with middle school students, cleaning houses and substitute teaching. My favorite by far is being a substitute teacher. I have been lucky enough to have plenty of work and be working in an awesome local elementary school. I gotten to sub as a classroom teacher, as a para-educator and as a one on one support staff. The one thing I can say, even though I haven't been doing this that long.. is that I LOVE IT! The days are long and sometimes stressful, but working with kids makes me so happy. Does this mean I am one step closer to figuring out the rest of my life.. maybe? But you'll just have to stay tuned to find out!

Photo from: www.collegeswimming.com
www.beachbody.com
In other aspects of my life I am also trying to increase the amount of variety, namely in what I am doing for exercise. Not only am I continuing to run (and kicking ass at it I may add), but I am adding in biking inside on my trainer, PiYo and kettlebell workouts and I have joined a Master's Swim Team. I think the most beneficial workouts for me this winter are going to be the PiYo (a workout DVD program)  is a mix of pilates and yoga. It should help me increase my flexibility, strength and will hopefully help me loosen up my muscles more. The other exercise that I already know is beneficial is the Master's Swim Team I joined at Norwich University. Practices are 4 days a week (1.5 hours long), but you just go as little or as much as you can. So far it has been awesome. Even though it is pretty laid back I find myself pushing hard to keep up with the other swimmers. When I push hard, I improve. Even though I have only been swimming a few days a week I (as well as my coach) as already seen improvement.

Yes, I do still have lazy days and am learning that with my new crazy work (and commuting) schedule, that I need to start waking up earlier to get my workouts in before I head off to school rather than waiting to do them in the evenings. I'm also setting goals for winter that will hopefully keep me on track during the cold winter months. Unlike last winter, I no longer live near my old running group and haven't found a new crew of runners in my new town to team up with.
We all know it!
My health and fitness goals for winter include:
The mountains are calling!
  • Go to Master's Swim Team pracitce at least 2 days a week
  • Complete the PiYo Program
  • Hop on the bike at least 2 days a week (for 45 minutes minimum)
  • Run at a minimum 2 days a week
  • Sign up for one race each month to keep me moving (5k, 10k or half marathon)
  • Get out and enjoy winter! Tele ski, XC ski, snowshoe, sled as much as possible!
  • Continue to eat healthy foods
  • Enjoy holiday sweets and treats, but only in moderation
  • Do not gain weight!
It may seem like a hefty number of goals, but they are all pretty common sense and very attainable. With these goals I should be able to keep myself on track and in race shape. And, since I am renewing my goal of running a marathon next year, staying in shape through the winter is not only important, it is imperative. Plus, winter is one of the most fun times of year! If I want to tear up the slopes this winter (and not pay for it the next day) I need to get my legs, core and back ready now! So, here's to a kick ass winter of health, fitness and happiness!!











Monday, October 13, 2014

Taking Risks

 In my pursuit of being fit, healthy and happy I have learned pay close attention to that feeling deep down in your stomach. You know the feeling. The one that warns you when something isn't right or something is off. That feeling isn't only there as a warning sign, it can also let you know when you're making a good decision or something is going well.

the "queen of compost" no more.
I recently had a feeling like this and because of it I made a decision that has changed my life. After 5 years of working at the my job I quit my job. To many people that doesn't really sound like taking a risk, but for me it was necessary for my health and well-being. To clarify a bit, I gave two weeks notice at my job without having a new job to go to, or more honestly a plan.

Was I sad to leave my job? Absolutely. But when you get to the point where you struggle to get up on time and dread Sunday nights you know it is time to take a leap of faith and make a change. I know my sudden leave from the organization wasn't optimal. I would have liked to wait out the school year or plan my departure with plenty of time for the organization to find my replacement and possibly even be able to train that person.

But at the point I had reached, one more week or two would have been detrimental to my health. I know it might sound like a huge overreaction, but anyone who has outlived a job knows what I mean. I was becoming that co-worker with the gray cloud above their head and who was a downer and nay-Sayer in situations that are supposed to be productive such as staff meetings, brainstorming sessions, etc. My negativity was starting to affect the organization and my co-workers. The fact that I realized that and took myself out of the equation was (I am hoping) the best for all of us.

The question I am sure you are asking is, what am I doing now or "how's retirement" (which is my newest favorite way of asking what on earth I am doing with my time). The short answer... figuring out what to do with my life!

So many people who I've talked to say that they are still trying to figure out what to do when they grow up also. It doesn't matter if they are 65, 45, 25 or even 85. We are all on a path to figure out who we are and what our dream job/career is. What are we here (on this Earth to do)? Many of us don't ever take that leap and take a chance to take the time to figure it out. Let me tell you, I don't have the financially security to really take time to figure things out. I am mashing together part time work like it's my job (hahaha.. I crack myself up!). Do I have small melt-downs? Yes. Am I wildly optimistic that things will be okay? Yes (which is very new for me I might add).

nothing like kayaking in Maine to soothe the soul!
I do believe in the American Dream. And no, I don't mean the big house, 2.5 kids, 2 cars, blah blah blah. I believe that I can be whatever I want to be and that I should do what makes me happy in life. As much as no one likes or wants to admit it, each and every one of us only has a certain number of days on this planet. And I'm sure as heck going to spend them doing what I love!

Now if only I knew what that was....




Thursday, May 29, 2014

10 Things...

So, I get inspired at what seems like very odd times and by very odd things. A moment of inspiration for a challenge came to me today. I was on Facebook reading a post my friend AF had just put up. She said that she felt so much better about her body while she was on vacation. She wore a bikini and loved how she looked and felt. When she came home she started to feel worse about herself, nit-pick and obsess over the scale and the reflection she saw in the mirror. All this - even though she weighed exactly what she did on vacation. But, instead of getting down and depressed about it, she decided to take a huge step and not step on the scale all summer! She is going to hide it and go by how she feels, not by a number on the scale. I love this idea! And completely applaud her for challenging herself to throw the scale away!

I would love to take part in this challenge - I need to take part in this challenge, although for me it may start with baby steps. I'll start with a week. I will not step on the scale until next Friday - June 6th! And since this is in writing, and on the internet for all to see - it is pretty official! Hopefully by June 6th I won't feel the need to step on the scale. If that is the case, whoot whoot!

Ugh, my feet are so ugly!

I am completely and utterly guilty of this. I hate my legs, I hate my stomach, my butt is fat, I hate my face, I have a big nose. At times in my life I have been very mean to myself. I have criticized myself for the way I look or my weight. Over the past few years, what I've learned about body shaming is that even if you are trying to lose weight or get in shape, even if you are eating healthy and exercising - if you are mentally beating yourself up and telling yourself negative things, you won't lose the weight. When I lost 25 pounds last year I was positive about my journey. I set a goal (to complete a triathlon) and worked towards it. Yes, I weighed myself every now and then, but I didn't set out to lose weight because I thought I was fat. I set out to live a healthier life and finish that triathlon I signed up for. I was excited about being outside, running, biking and swimming. I enjoyed trying new recipes and eating healthy. The bonus in all that was that I lost weight! But, that it is what it was, a bonus, not the focus.

I still catch myself thinking negative thoughts about my body. We all have bad days. But what I have learned is that to make change you have to think positively and you have to be kind to yourself.

The List

So, back to my inspiration today. I got inspired to challenge myself and my friends on Facebook to write a list of 10 things they love about themselves. The first time I did this was only within the last month. I was having a bad day, was down about my life, being sick, my job, etc. To help get myself out of that rut I made myself think of and write down 10 things I loved about me and made sure that it wasn't completely focused on my body.And you know what? It helped pull me out of my funk that day - it put me in a better mood.

Here are my 2 lists: 



But, why stop at just things you love about yourself. What about your friends, your family, your home? Here is a 5 day challenge for you (don't worry, I am going to do this as well):

10 Things 5-Day Challenge: 

Day 1: Write down 10 things you love about yourself

Day 2: Write 10 things you like/love about a friend (and share them with that friend).

Day 3: Write 10 things you like/love about your home. This can be your actual apartment, house or your town or even state.

Day 4: Write 10 things you like/love about your family (immediate or extended).

Day 5: Write 10 things you like/love about the world.

How do you feel after writing each list? How do you feel at the end of the week? I hope you feel happier and more positive about life. It is easy to get overwhelmed and feel down about things. But during the hard times remember - "this too shall pass", "it could always be worse" and "it might be a bad day, not a bad life".

  So take a deep breath, smile and put one foot in front of the other!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Something's Gotta Give

I'm always on the go.
When I was little my Mom had a t-shirt made for each of us kids. Mine said "What else can I do?". That statement has pretty much become a motto for me (if you haven't been able to tell already). Throughout my life I have been on the go, and have always tried to do more. The term relax or phrase "take it easy" has never really been in my vocabulary. Why relax when I could go for a run, a hike, a walk, play soccer, or work. Up until today, I have patted myself on the back for being busy and doing it all. I loved bragging that I have 3 jobs, play soccer, and am training for races x, y, and z. When people commented that I did a lot it felt good, I liked that people were amazed that I could juggle it all. But juggling it all isn't always best. 

In retrospect I struggled throughout high school and college because I did try to do too much all the time (go to school, hold a part time job and play a sport - or 2). Yes, I would frequently over-do it and end up with a cold, or end up in tears from trying to do it all and failing (or not doing it to my standards). I look back now and regret working so much and not taking time to be a college kid, have fun with friends, travel, etc. I missed out on a lot, and for what? But as we all know hindsight is 20/20 and the past in the past.

The Plague

What happened to me last week though was something that has never happened to me before and is honestly one of the biggest wake-up calls I have ever had. I got sick. Very sick. It started as a flu with fever and then my throat began to hurt. I was exhausted, couldn't eat, could barely drink and slept a lot. When I went to the doctor they did a strep test, prescribed me antibiotics and sent me home. I was literally lying in bed, dehydrated and feverish. I can seriously and honestly say that I thought I was dying. The antibiotics didn't make me feel any better.

My fever eventually broke and I had enough energy to take a shower and change the sheets on my bed. But - I still was barely drinking anything and not eating. I didn't even want to eat, I wasn't hungry at all. For those of you who know me - I am an eater, I love food. So to have no appetite at all is pretty scary. This past Saturday I ended up in the ER. I had spent the entire night Friday awake, struggling to swallow. I began to cough up mucous that was bloody, and I still felt like death, I honestly thought I had the plague.

Seems about how i felt
The ER doctors did a strep test, negative. They did a mono test, negative. They ended up giving me steroids to reduce the swelling in my throat and sent me home. Later in the day Saturday I did feel much better. But - here I am 6 days later, still not well. I am starting to eat again, but still have no appetite. I lost 9 pounds in 1 week. I get exhausted and winded just walking my dog around the block. The doctors told me it was just a virus and that I needed to let it run its course. Looking at the symptoms I am figuring that the mono test was a false negative.

So here I am. An active woman who is on the go all the time. Who was training for the Vermont City Marathon (which I won't be running this weekend). Who juggles one full time job and three part time jobs. Who goes to boot camp, runs, bikes, swims, plays soccer - is always on the go. Now sidelined in bed, not having the energy to get up and get moving, not being able to eat. So what on earth happened? My body decided, finally, that I needed to stop and rest. And, since I wasn't doing it voluntarily, my body made the choice for me. And now that I am at the mercy of my body. It tells me when I need to slow down. In the afternoons I get really tired and need to go home and rest.

Bib # 2117
Maybe next year

Is this hard? Of course. I am devastated that I can't run in the marathon this weekend. I spent so many hours training and preparing for the race - its hard knowing that physically, even though I am in great shape, my body cannot run 26.2 miles on Sunday.  But I have admittedly b
een through the ringer in 2014. I had switched my work schedule to work 4 day weeks so I could spend time at home with my Dad, who was sick with cancer. I spent almost every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at my parents helping out and spending time with Dad. Then, after a two and half year battle with colon cancer, he died the first week of March. One week later my boyfriend (of a year and a half) and I broke up. In that transition I had to move in with my sister for a period of time. Even with the break-up going on I was still spending time at home with my Mom, working full time, working 2 of my cleaning jobs and training for one of the 6 races I had scheduled this spring.

I can now admit (and realize) that I have been doing too much. I try to do too much. And because of this I am missing out on something that truly meant something to me (the marathon). But, my health means more to me than crossing the finish line Sunday.

So, where do I go from here?

From here I take things one day at a time. I rest when I am tired and I cut back on races and jobs. I am planning on dropping one of my cleaning jobs and working fewer days in my after-school job (which luckily ends in June). I am also not going to fill my calendar with races. I was able to transfer my registration for a triathlon in June to August. Even if it is hard, I am going to relax and take time to do nothing. I don't want to be sick forever, I can't be sick forever. I want to be able to walk my dog, run, compete in triathlons, play soccer and enjoy the outdoors. But I can't do it all.

I am starting to read more about stress and the long term health effects of chronic stress. The last thing I want is to jeopardize my ability to live a long healthy life because I am over-doing it now. I've been reading more about meditation and other stress relieving tactics. Hopefully whatever I learn I can use it to make positive changes in my life.

So, for now my mantra is one step at a time, one day a time.

Just me and my Dad

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

What a Difference a Year Makes..

 It is crazy to me to see how much your life and circumstances can change in a year. Just like the old saying about Vermont... "if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes" your life can change in the blink of an eye, for good or bad. In my situation, I have gone through very good times this past year and some very hard times as well.

Starting on a Positive Note

One year ago on April 1st I took my first step toward in living a healthier life. That day I started using a fitness journal in which I tracked my daily workouts. Looking back, it was my first day in the pool and the start of my triathalon training. I swam 2000 yards and loved every minute of it (I think it was my first time in a pool since high school). From there you can tell that I was motivated and working hard toward my goal, with many days of dual workouts. I must've been doing well as the record of my weight was dropping steadily.

Throughout the year my fitness journal shows how motivation waxes and wanes, the times when I was overwhelmed with work or coaching, and times I was burnt out from all the races. You can also tell when the holiday's rolled around and when the weather must've been too awful to go outside. Lord knows that my journal doesn't show consistency or perfection, it shows hard work, the ability to pick myself and keep going, also dedication and love for getting out and moving.

Hard Times

just me and my dad
Like I said above, life can change in the blink of an eye. These changes can be for good or for bad. This year I had a lot of things happen. My father passed away on March 4th after a two and a half year battle with cancer, he was only 59. It was hard to see him slowly deteriorate, but in the end it was almost a relief. On a positive note I got to spend a lot of time with him in his last months and will always remember all the good times we shared together. He is one of the reasons I am who I am today. I wouldn't ask for another Dad.

Shortly after that my boyfriend and I broke up. It was also very hard, but necessary for me. With that come added financial pressure of being in an apartment with one other person instead of two. I missed two half marathons this spring because of injury. I will admit that I was very angry at myself for both of these. I blamed myself, I blamed my body. But obviously what is meant to be is meant to be. I am doing my best not to dwell on the bad things, but instead focus on the good things like; completing my first triathalon, breaking the two hour mark in a half marathon and being less than one month away from my first full marathon! With the bad comes good and also lessons to be learned about yourself.

What I've Learned About Me

One of the biggest things I have learned about myself over the past year is that I am not perfect (Eek! Really? Say it ain't so!). Seriously, I'm not. I know, I know - what an amazing revelation. My imperfection can be seen in the lack of consistency in my workouts, my ever-changing eating habits and fluctuating weight.

The second biggest thing I have learned about myself, is that sometimes I just need to give myself a break. I often tend to beat myself up over diet, exercise and life choices I've made. There are times when tough love is necessary, but other times when I just need to forgive myself and eat the piece of chocolate cake.

The third thing I've learned (there has to be a third, right?) is that for me, exercising, running, continually moving is what keeps me sane. On the days when I don't feel like running, I should be. Running clears my head, allows me to think and allows me to get out all the negative thoughts and negative energy. As much as I love running with friends, running alone is good for me. I have had so many moments in the past year, moments of frustration, anger, depression, confusion that could have been remedied (even partially) with a run or a bike ride or even a long walk with my dog.

For me movement, exercise and sweat are essential to my happiness. With that in mind I need to listen to my body more. When I get cranky I shouldn't plop myself in front of the TV and grab a bag of chips, I should lace up and go for a run. The issue now isn't should I go for a run? It is telling myself that I have to go for a run. That I am not tired and the couch is not my friend. Because honestly, the couch is not going to help me to complete an Ironman. I need to listen to the voice in my head (no matter how timid and quiet it is that day) that says, "Gwen, get up off your ass and run!"





Tuesday, February 18, 2014

T-Minus 100 Days

It's Marked On My Calendar....May 25, 2014

Less than 100 days from today I will be standing on the starting line of the Vermont City Marathon getting ready to start my longest run ever, 26.2 miles. I am still stunned that I am signed up for a race of that distance. But, with every long training run the dream becomes more of a reality.

Over the past month or so I have continued to push myself. I ran my first ever 14 mile run, 16 mile run and 18 mile run and this past weekend I completed 20 miles. It was cold and crisp out, but I felt great, actually that is a lie. It was cold and windy and I felt like crap. I was tired at the end, my legs ached and my lungs burned, but I finished, barely. For me it was not only a physical battle (running on snow covered dirt roads didn't feel great on the ankles, legs or butt), but it was an extreme mental battle as well. I didn't do an out and back run or a nice big loop, it was a 5 mile loop that we (my running friends) did 4 times. If that doesn't create a war in your head I don't know what does. Each time we circled around to where the cars were parked I thought about hopping in my car and taking off. But I didn't. Instead I refueled and changed out my frozen water bottle for a fresh one and continued to slog on.

The last lap had to be one of the most difficult things I have ever experienced. I wanted to stop and curl up in a ball, or better yet, knock on someone's door and ask for a ride to my car. But I didn't do any of those things. I kept on running (very very slow at times), I fought the continuous battle with the little voice in my head, the one that says "you should stop, you're tired, just walk". In the end I made it, 20 whole long miles. My reward for finishing the run, a big yummy calorie filled breakfast at one of my favorite local diners - The Wayside. Mmm, mmm, coffee, bacon, eggs, french toast, chocolate milk. Heaven. 
 
Winter Running

my winter running kicks
This is the first winter that I have kept up my training through the ice and snow. In the past I have either hibernated or focused on snow sports (snowshoeing, skiing, sledding). But this year I was determined to not fall behind in my training or let the cold weather and snow slow me down. What has helped immensely is the group of people I run with. I don't think I would have the motivation to run on my own during the winter, especially the longer distances. My friends keep me on track and motivated (especially when the weather isn't ideal). I feel blessed to have people to train with who are seasoned runners and marathoners as well as people who are working toward finishing their first marathon too.

3/8" hex head sheet metal screws
How, do you ask, do I not fall on my face during the winter. Before this year I didn't know how people ran in the snow either (and to be honest, I thought they were all a little nuts). The trick is screws. Yup, that's right, I put screws in the bottom of my shoes. Hex-head sheet metal screws to be specific. They have a raised hex shaped head that stick out from the bottom on the shoe. They are easy to put in and you don't even know they are there. With the screws I have better grip on ice or snow covered roads. I am still careful and try to slow down or take smaller steps on sketchy patches - because the screws don't make you invincible!

Keep On Moving

With winter hopefully nearing it's end (haha, yeah right!), I am constantly aware of what the date is and what month we are in. Between now and May 25th I have other races and other goals to work on. This weekend I am doing an obstacle course race at Norwich University. In March I am running in the Savin Rock Half Marathon in Connecticut.While in San Francisco in April I am signed up for the Sasquatch Scramble, a 13.1 mile trail race! The weekend after returning from CA I running in the Middlebury Maple Run Half Marathon in my hometown. And the last race I will run before my marathon is the Vermont Corporate Cup 5k race right here in Montpelier.

 My Spring calendar is full and I am beyond excited about it! Some people have started calling me crazy and that I am addicted to running. That doesn't phase me one bit. You bet I'm crazy and yup, you bet I'm addicted. There are worse things in life to be addicted to than running!