Reaching 18.

How many of you remember that day you finally reached the ripe old age of 18? I remember with great excitement, that now, I would be responsible for me, as if 18 was some magic number that catapulted me into adulthood. That reaching 18 would gain and earn me the respect of adults that were much older than I, that finally I would be able to vote, and my decision mattered.

Today along with my Runner Girl Power Friend Linda, we reached the 18 mile mark, our furthest run to date. We ran the 3, 6 mile loops, that Kathy our wonderful coach had designated as our Saturday morning run. I was wondering how this run was actually going to turn out, not for the distance, which really did not concern me, it was the challenge to leave our Garmin's at home and learning to run by how we feel and not by the pacifier that is normally wrapped around our list.

To be real honest, I was going to just blow off this challenge, but I have come to trust the training techniques of Coach Kathy. Through her being willing to freely invest into the lives of each of us as runners, I have been able to see measurable successful results, with my running, whether she has us running in the rain, wind, up hills or down hills. I can honestly say, I have enjoyed our marathon training, I have no complaints, I am having the time of my life and could not think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning than running 3, 6 mile loops which equal a total of 18 miles.

Reaching 18, what a day...I am looking forward to our next big run...hopefully, we will get to have our Gamin's back.

Special props as always Linda...Runner Girl Power Activate!!

My Super Sweet 16

Don't let the title fool you, this is not a recap to the MTV reality program of overly indulged, excessively spoiled and mollycoddled teenagers whose parents feel that turning 16 is such a milestone in their life that it warrants a lavished birthday party, that rivals that of Kings & Queens.

No, this is about my incredible personal record run of 16 miles & some change, today with my ever faithful Runner Girl Power friend Linda. Yes, we did it! She and I both trekked from Veteran's Park down the long & flat Riverside trail and back again.  

I must confess, when I first awaken this morning, I really wanted to stay in bed, which is odd for me, as I have come to really look forward to our Saturday morning runs, but this morning was one of those mornings when I thought, staying in bed and sleeping would be a much more pleasant exercise, than running in the humidity & rain.  Begrudgingly I rolled out of bed to meet the Runner's World group, my friend Linda and the course, which Coach Kathy charted for us.

As it all turned out, the run was wonderful. Linda and I met Jessie, who gave us some great insight and tips about our pending first marathon run. Jessie hope you do well on your run in St. Paul. We also got to chat with Team Bean runners at our water stops, what do you call Team Bean, when the Bean is not there?  You all did great!

All I can say, is I really loved this Super Sweet 16...now I am wondering what is 18 going to be like?

Oh What A Beautiful Morning!!

It was just so beautiful this morning, the sun was shining, the birds were singing...well not really, just a little wishful thinking on my part.

Our run this first Saturday of September was so very cool. Our scheduled read 7 miles, BUT upon our arrival to Veterans Park, Coach Kathy informed us, we were going to run 9 miles, oh the added bonus, we would be running numerous hills. I would like to make mention, that I did not detect an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm from the group of runners.  We all diligently collected our directions and hit the concrete.

May I say, I enjoyed this run, up the hills, down the hills, in the wind and through the rain, it just was fun...yes, I am serious it was just fun. I want to be real honest with you all, isn't this what I have been training for? It takes sheer dedication to stay the course of the race that is set before me, that would also include all those who have committed themselves to the Runner's World training.  And I think it is safe to say, each person has a reason for running, and each person's reason is individually and uniquely distinct to his or her life.  As for me, I am so enjoying the process, embracing the training, whether it's a good run day, bad run day, or indifferent run day.

Today, was just a great run day. I enjoyed meeting some new runners, getting to run a new route, running up to the BOK center, and laughing, cause it looks like "duct-tape," with lights,  and then I enjoyed getting to hang out afterwards with some of Tulsa finest people.

(looks like duct tape to me)

Special props to Susan, I saw you running, is it still a secret? Way to go Cheryl, you Go Girl!,  your 1/2 marathon goal is so doable and of course a special shout out to my Runner Girl Power- Friend, Linda, we so ROCK! The Power is Activated!!  By the way, Linda & Bobby, it's official I have drank the Kool-Aide, I registered today for Route 66, what in the world are we thinking?

A great day for a 14 mile run!

This past Saturday was  just a great day for a 14 mile run.  I thought it was an exciting way to head into the Labor Day weekend, by running 14 miles, although my Garmin actually registered our run closer to 14 1/2 miles, but who am I to argue with our fearless run leaders, who, ever so gently broke the news to us, that the turn around point, was a little short. 

My running friend, Linda, and I have been running & training together with Runner's World since January, where we started with an incredible group of newbies, who I now consider a great group of friends.  She and I ran the OKC 1/2 Marathon together and now we are in the midst of training for the Route 66 Marathon. Together we tackled the 14 and so miles.  This was our furthest run, to date.

Now I cannot speak for Linda, but for me, I have found myself somewhat infatuated with running, that includes the process & the training that we have purposely chosen to undertake in this vision-quest to run our first marathon.  

I mean when you sit and think about it, "Who in their right mind, looks forward to awakening early Saturday mornings, to lace up their running shoes, so to hit the trails, and run loops around Riverside?"  Especially, if you have been like me, suffering from extreme allergies the last few days.  But that isn't my question any longer, my question is, "Who in their right mind, would not want to be out running on Saturday mornings?"

It just was a great day!  Special props to Ed & Bobby, kicking out your 14 and so miles. And no, we did not toss Jennifer over the bridge...although we are still wondering what part of the trail we lost her on. Take heart though,  we did leave a trail of shot blocks along the way, so she could find her way back to Veteran's Park.  Props to Cheryl...7 miles, you go girl!    

Mud Run '08

Have you ever had one of those moments, when the thought crosses your mind, "Why did I ever decide to do this?"  I had one of those moments, when I stepped into the first mud pit at the Mud Run and my shoe suddenly was engulfed & filled with mud.  It was in this exact instance that I realized,  "I do not like getting dirty, much less muddy and I paid to do both."

Now anyone with a modicum of sense, probably would have stopped right then & there and dropped out of the Mud Run race, but not me. I had two things to keep in consideration. 1.) My teammate and running partner Linda (I had convinced her we needed to do this race & it would be fun.) & 2.) A friend of mine, who I told that I was running this race, laughed at the idea of me running in the Mud Run and went as far as to call me a "priss,"  I just had to prove him wrong.

So, I soldiered on with my Team Aloha teammate Linda, up the hills, down the slide, through the mud, over the bales of hay, up the ladder & down the slide, into the mud.  To think, this was only the first lap.  I had a major revelation during this first lap. 1.) I will never talk my running partner or anyone else into another "fun" mud run. & 2.) I admit to each and every person reading this blog, my friend is correct. 

Somehow without my knowledge, I have become somewhat of a "priss."  This coming from a woman who has been on several missions trips, played sports, likes fishing, hiking, riding quads, has had horses, helped with branding cattle, likes the rodeo, football, enjoys camping (well, in an RV)...the reality is my list is longer than I could really say.  

When it came to this Mud Run, there was something about willingly running, crawling and falling into the mud, which had me desiring two things, a warm shower and fresh clothes.  I did reluctantly continued on running the required 2 laps, trying to remember in the midst of the muck, that I was having fun, at least that is what I kept trying to remind myself, as my mud filled shoes felt as if they weighed at least 10 pounds each.

Team Aloha did not break any course records nor did we win any special prizes, but we did get really muddy and if I have to admit it, we had a little bit of fun. 

 (Special thank you to Linda's husband Joe for taking photos.)

The Hills are Alive...

"The hills are alive, with the sound of runners

They're running the hills, before the sunrise.

Not happy are they, those Runner's World Runners

If I were Tatur Dave, I think I would hide..."

Ah yes, it was another early Saturday morning as we gathered at Veteran's Park once again for our Saturday morning run.  What an incredible experience it was.  When I first read our schedule and saw we only had 6 miles to run, I thought, no problem, we had just run 6 miles Thursday evening, so Saturday should be a breeze.

Now growing up as a child, my dad used to tell me how he would have to walk in the snow,  up hill....both ways.  There was no snow this Saturday, but our route to the "Oldest House in Tulsa," was up hill, in the humid morning...BOTH WAYS.

It would not have been so bad, but much to my surprise, when we actually got to this house. There wasn't even anybody living in this house.  No one to offer us breakfast, a cup of water or even the use of their bathroom AND we still had more miles to run.

Actually, I think I may have been one of the few people, who actually did not want to cause bodily harm to Tatur Dave, our route designer for the day. I am not saying that running the hills was an easy task, but it was a good challenge and we made it.  6 miles up hill both ways!!

Had To Join Too

I just could not stand it any longer.  I am not one to be a conformist to what  "everyone" else is doing.  You know, grew up with the old adage, "If all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you too?" Course my answer was usually, "Are my friends jumping off the cliff into a body of water or just falling to their death?" 

Anyway, after reading the blogs of several friends, seeing their artistic creativity and incredible wirting skills, I have opted to take the plunge into the vast sea of creating a blog space. I don't by any means, consider myself within the same league as those who have masterfully been honing their communicates skills through their written words and ideas.  I just had to join, so I too can be a voice, within the blog community.

So, there it is, I have taking my first giant leap!