Let's Talk Fashion

One more long run before the big day! I hope to make it 9 miles this weekend and then taper down to 6 next weekend, the final weekend before race day. Here is the outfit I have decided on for race day.
No, I'm not this skinny in it, but a girl can dream, can't she? I'm making sure to wear this on my weekend long runs to get used to it and make sure it's comfortable with minimal chaffing...some people make the mistake of buying a brand new outfit just for race day but I've seen what that can do to people and it ain't pretty.

I've got my white running cap to block out the sun and my pink Oakley's my husband got for me for my birthday last year. The capris are tight but I prefer that over loose shorts so nothing is rubbing where it shouldn't be. And, as for the pink shirt, I know it doesn't fit in the whole running4landon color scheme, but I couldn't find anything blue and yellow that was cute, my size, and appropriate for running. So, I settled on the bright pink, a complete contrast to the color of asphalt so that if I end up face down on the pavement, I'll be easy to spot.

I'll also be loaded down with my ipod, possibly gloves and ear cover (determined by weather), a hydration belt, a knee brace, a sports bra, special UnderArmour underwear (that have a tendency to give a wedgie on the right side only), and of course my trusty shoes and socks. Wait a second...is it me or does all this seem like a lot of crap to lug around 13.1 miles?.....

So if you dare come out that day, look for the bright pink shirt (my face will also be a similar shade of fuchsia). Happy New Year everybody!

8 Miles

Yesterday I ran 8 miles. The run itself went great. It's the aftermath that leaves me wondering why people do this to themselves.

Miles 1-4 yesterday went better than ever. The weather was perfect and I felt strong. At around mile 5 is when I started to feel fatigued. I really feel it in the hips and pelvis area more than anywhere else. I never actually started to breathe hard which meant I had a good handle on my breathing...I tried to keep my breaths slow, steady and shallow and even when I was done with 8, I still had never started breathing hard. I sure wish my body would catch up to my lungs. The body becomes so fatigued...all the muscles scream out in pain but I just kept pressing forward. I really had to push it miles 6-8 but the run surprisingly went by very quickly and before I knew it I was done!

Easy, right? Wrong! All day yesterday, I was completely out of commission. I couldn't move my legs and thought my hip was going to burst (time for my final cortisone shot...hooray!). I had to lay down all afternoon, then ended up falling asleep at 8:30 pm and I just woke up at 8:00 am this morning. I'm still amazed at just how much this takes out of me...it's completely draining, completely exhausting and I would by lying if I said I weren't ready for it to be over.

Now I have one more long run left and then the day will be here. Please keep me in your prayers!!!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!

This week has been a whirlwind of fun and exciting things. I try to keep myself focused on these things to keep my mind off the fact that the half marathon is only 22 days away! I'm starting to panic and anxiety attacks are just around the corner.

Back to the fun stuff, it all started just a few days ago with my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary. We celebrated, we ate, we drank, we laughed. It's hard to tell someone just how much their commitment to each other means to all of us. Without their union, our whole family wouldn't exist so to say we owe them a lot would be the understatement of the century.

December 23, 1949

December 23, 2009

How blessed! We love you Mama and Papa!

Next it was on to Christmas! This was my first Christmas with Landon (I missed his first one last year since we were out of town) so it gave me so much joy to see him open presents and enjoy this special holiday. He ran around in his Christmas pj's and his little hands worked so hard tearing paper and trying to pull off ribbons. He is such a total cutie!
It was such a wonderful day! I love my family so much and value all the time we spend together--another thing my words cannot fully express. I thank them for their giving hearts and endless love, not just at Christmas, but all the time...I am so, so lucky.

And now, this brings us to today and I find myself switching gears to another important day...my husband's birthday! Again, I'm at a loss for words to describe how lucky I am to have Scott as my husband and best friend. For five long years, I had a crush on this guy and dreamed about us one day being married...I had no idea God would actually let that come true for me and let me live my dream. So to my wonderful, loving husband, I wish you a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love you so very much!
For now, it's time to celebrate but tomorrow will be back to training. I'm attempting 8 miles tomorrow but have been feeling another calf issue so I have no idea how far I'll get. I'm to the point now where I know if I can get to the start line without an injury, I could finish (slowly, but I could finish). We are 22 days out and I'm trying so hard not to be klutzy Laura-- running into doorways, jamming toes, tripping, etc., etc. It's really difficult but I'm in the home stretch and just trying to make it there!

7 Miles

Today, I conquered 7 miles. It was tough but not brutal which is good because this is only a little over halfway to 13.1. I think on race day, I am going to be completely spent when this is over. Right now, it's hard to walk and everything from the waist down puts a new meaning to the word "fatigued." Nothing is in pain, which is great and makes me ecstatic but I've never felt these levels of exhaustion before.

If/when I cross the finish, I will need help walking. I might vomit (today came close). I will need help getting back to the hotel, taking a shower, getting stuff downstairs, and packing up the car. It's going to be difficult, and I think that is an understatement.

The great news is that I know I can make it to 7 by getting through this run today. And now I'm going to go enjoy the fruits of my labor: A Cheddar's grilled chicken salad (my wonderful husband has lovingly gone to pick it up for me). And before you say "Oh, Laura, how healthy of you!," I must also add that there's a side of chips and queso with that salad. This will be the laziest afternoon I've had in quite a while.

T SHIRTS ARE HERE!

Want to be in on all the running4landon fun? Want to be as cute as everyone who already has one? Well, NOW'S YOUR CHANCE! Running4Landon t-shirts are here and they're only $10 each so get 'em while they're hot! They make GREAT stocking stuffers and will promote the cause without you having to say a word! Contact me at laura@running4landon.com if you're interested! Who can resist the adorable picture of Landon on the front with the humorous phrase, "She's no runner...but she's running for me!" The front also has running shoe footprints going across the shirt and the back has our website. Hurry, supplies are limited!

Now, onto other exciting news. I finished my SECOND 6-mile run this morning. I was able to run everything up to mile marker 5.6 because I thought I felt a tweak in my calf and I didn't want to chance it. So at the first sign of anything abnormal, I immediately stopped jogging, started walking, and finished the other .4 miles to complete 6. This one was MUCH easier than the first 6 miler last weekend, but I guess it will be a short-lived celebration because next weekend will be my attempt at seven miles! Yipes!

Diet-wise, well, it's the holidays and I don't have a lot of self-control. One special event this past week had me happily throw my diet rules out the window because my best friend graduated law school and we celebrated at a Brazilian restaurant afterward! First and foremost, congratulations Jenni! The graduation was at the amazing First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth:

Jen graciously agreed to be a part of Team Landon and run the half-marathon as well, so she's been going through the whole training process while in law school! How amazing!!

Strip

What a great week! Work has finally slowed down, workouts have been great, I'm injury free, and Christmas is almost here...hooray!

Yesterday I did a very comfortable 4 miler faster than I have ever done and had no soreness or pain. I think 4 miles is becoming my new comfort distance. This weekend I'll either do 6 or 7 with some walking mixed in. I've got to increase fast...we only have about a month left!!

I've still maintained my weight at the 35 lb. mark and finally had to break down and buy a new bra. Apparently clothes aren't the only thing you have to buy when you lose weight. I used to dread bra shopping. Going to Victoria's Secret, not having a clue what size I actually was, and then having to see larger-than-life posters of VS models up on the walls everywhere was not the best experience. But this time was better, thanks to the dressing room. I actually got fitted which I highly recommend to all you ladies out there because the bra I had on at the time was 2 sizes too big!

Now, back to the dressing room. If you any of you have any connections to VS, let me know because next time they remodel their stores, I must get my hands on one of the dressing room mirrors! Who wouldn't want a floor to ceiling framed mirror, propped up on the floor and backlit with flattering lighting and donning a pink, neon sign on top that spells out STRIP???

Now I know this sounds tacky but next time you're at the mall, swing in there and check out what I'm saying. The light is flattering. The angle of the mirror makes you look skinny. Runway music is blasting. And there's a pink neon sign that makes you feel anything but self-conscious.

So after help from the nice lady and being wooed by the dressing room, I think I walked out with three news bras (one of those is Heidi Klum's favorite so I had to have it of course). The moral of the story is: go out and buy something nice for yourself that makes you feel good about yourself. Whether it's a bra or a mirror with a giant neon sign on top (which is totally on my Christmas list now).

And who knows, maybe I'll grace the runway at the VS fashion show next year. Heidi. Giselle. Alessandra. Laura.

Ha!

RETRACTION!!

Sorry folks! I don't know if anyone caught the last post but after reading it a day later, I just realized it TOTALLY did not turn out the way I intended!! There were some phrases in there that, well, let's just say I meant one thing but they sounded like another.

I will paraphrase for those of you that missed it. And for those of you that didn't miss it...my sincere apologies.

---Paraphrase of Yesterdays' Post---
I completed a 6 mile run. I ran the whole thing. It was very difficult and today I am very sore. I reached a milestone. Hooray!

Time to Buckle Down

We are reaching the final 6 weeks until the half, and now it's crunch time! To my friends and family...please don't be offended these next several weeks if you ask me if I want to do something fun and I decline. I've been semi-serious for the last 9 months but now I have to get super-duper serious. I have two days a week that I will not be training, so if you do want to do something fun with me, perhaps we can work it in those two days.

Okay, that's tacky, you all know I always have time for you! But seriously, please try to take pity on me until January 17th. If you see me, you could offer me a neck/shoulder rub or a foot massage. I'm just saying...

Just finished a 4.5 miler and it was great! People driving by slowed down to do double takes of me in my shorts and short-sleeve shirt in 30 degree temperatures. I'm all about keeping the extremities warm so I did have gloves and ear cover on. Tomorrow I'm scheduled for 6 miles. I have never seen 6 miles. These runs always frighten me. If I can finish it, I will have completed almost half of a half marathon.

Holy schnikees.