90 Day Plank Challenge

A couple of months ago I had a great idea. 

Me: Let's do a plank challenge!

Self: Great idea Maria! Lets find one onlin-

Me: Oooooh-ho-ho-ho no self! We can't do a simple, online 30 day challenge!

We're going to do a 90 Day Challenge with a 5 minute plank as 

the ultimate goal. 

Needless to say I couldn't find one already made. That should have been my

first warning. So, being the genius that I am, I made one up. And then

because I was afraid to do it alone I dared Barry to do it with me.

Downloadable Link

As you can see, there is no set start date. There is literally not a single excuse you 

can make about when to start. You don't need to start on a Monday, or the first of the 

month. There is no calendar. You can start TODAY. 

I made it through Day 68 before my schedule got super crazy and I missed too many days.
But I start again today and I'm feeling good about this round!

I'll give you a tip, don't quit. We both got a cold at the same time and didn't do a plank for a couple of days and let me tell you, that first plank back is a killer. But honestly, once you do it for a couple of days your body remembers. And your body will hold if you don't allow your mind to give up.

-Ri

Go Big or Go Home

So. I may have done something stupid. 

I just bumped up my marathon date by over 6 weeks. 

Mistake? Maybe. Maybe not. 

I'm getting kinda tired of talking about how I'm going to run a marathon one day. I just ran 13 miles straight last weekend. I think I can go ahead and start officially training for the marathon. 

So that's what I'm doing. I just abandoned my half marathon plan and started a marathon training plan. I only missed one run with the new schedule (nothing about running is perfect) so I will probably double up somewhere down the road to make up the run. Because I'm neurotic like that. 

Guys I can't tell you how excited I am about this. I think that I'm losing my momentum and if I don't do this marathon soon I'm never going to do it. Also, I want to start losing weight and contrary to popular belief most people don't lose weight while training for a marathon because they're ALWAYS HUNGRY. And I have found that I can't perform my runs to my satisfaction if I'm not properly fueled and I can't fuel myself AND restrict calories so there.  

I'm still planning on doing the Houston Half at the end of October, It actually fits into my training plan nicely, and then I will run the Texas Marathon in Kingwood on January 1st. The marathon has no time limit (yay!) and it runs through some woods so I'm super excited about it. I think deep down I'm a lazy trail runner. I love running in the woods...as long as I'm running on pavement. 

It is a smaller race so there won't be the screaming crowds or anything like that. It's just you and the trail and I think I'm ok with that. It won't be as impressive as some of the bigger races but since no one (except Barry) ever comes to my races, meh! The medal makes up for it though.

pic credit

Three. Pounds. 

This thing is gigantic. It's three pounds of victory. Three pounds of glory.
Three pounds of I Freaking Did It. 

I can't wait to lug it around! I'm going to wear it everywhere.

Grocery shopping? BAM! Medal!
Out to watch the football game? BAM! Medal!
Go see Barry's family? BAM! BAM! DID YOU SEE MY MEDAL!?!?!

It is going to be awesome.

:)

-Ri

Long Run Recap - 13 Miles

Today was a good running day, the best even! Today I did a personal best for time and distance. 

I tried a new trail: the Terry Hershey Park Hike and Bike Trail.  It really is an awesome park to do out-and-back long runs! Even at 7am on a Sunday there were enough people I felt safe but not so congested I felt like I was running in a traffic jam. 

There were plenty of bikers on the trail. Most were really polite and warned me they were coming ("On your left!") but every now and then some dick would come flying by and freak me the eff out. 

I don't generally mind bikers though. Especially if they are coming towards and fly past. There is always a breeze as they pass and it feels amazing. 

It was a beautiful morning to run. It was brisk (for Houston) and I was able to maintain an AWESOME pace for most of the run. The last couple of miles were really tough, it started to heat up as I was finishing. 

I had planned on doing a 12:15 min/mile pace but I didn't really think I would hit it. Instead I did 13+ miles at an 11:42 min/mile pace!!! I felt really good so I let that dictate my pace. I didn't really start pushing myself until those last three miles when I fought to maintain the pace I had started with. It was so great to run and feel that bounce in my step and really see progress. 

When I was looking at the park map last night I couldn't really gauge how long the trail was so I didn't think I would be able to run the whole thing. This picture is me at the end of the trail (or the beginning, depending on where you park). I have a 14 mile run coming up so I'll have to see if there is a different place to park to get my mileage without having to double up. 

Seriously though, the most beautiful park I've run in town. You really feel like you're in nature without having to run on a trail or losing amenities. There were water fountains every mile or so and bathrooms at either end of the trail. They even had runner showers although I still haven't figured those out. What EXACTLY are you supposed to do with what is essentially a mounted hose in plain view. It's not like they're in a stall! Are you just supposed to get everything wet?! 

All in all I am super excited about my pace. I really needed this run to help motivate me to keep going. All these summer runs have been killing me with the heat. It was so nice to just run for the hell of it AND get a PR. I will definitely be back to run at this park!

But for now...nap time. 

-Ri

The Ultimate Motivation

The number one thing people tell me when they find out I'm training for a marathon is:

"I don't know how you do it."

Followed closely by:

"I could never do that."

It is those comments that really make me think. How did I get to this place? Am I really going to be able to train for a marathon? Do I have what it takes to do 20+ mile long runs on three consecutive weekends before I even get to the marathon itself? How am I going to do this? 

It all comes down to this single idea:

I am never going to do this again. 

Let me tell you a story. When I was running my second half marathon, I ran all the way to mile seven. It was the longest I had ever run without stopping and I was so proud of myself. I was going to start walking when I realized that I didn't really need to, so I pushed to mile eight. Once I got to mile eight I came to a very startling realization. 

I was two miles away from running double digit miles.

It is that thought that pushed me through mile 9. Everything hurt, I was being passed by walkers, technically I could have strolled faster than I was "running" but I was determined to get to mile 10. All I could think was "Honestly Maria, when is the next time you are going to be running these kinds of numbers? When is the next time you are going to get this opportunity. Keep. Going"

And that is where I am at right now. 

While I'm not feeling 100% during my runs (its still too damn hot) I am feeling better than ever. I'm running faster for longer distances and honestly I just don't know when I am ever going to be in better shape. At this point, it is easier to keep going than to accept the fact that if I stop, I'll have to start all over again. 

Running started off as an escape for me. With three boys under the age of two I thought I was going to lose my mind. Money was tight, I had no idea what I was doing or if I was even doing a good job, the babies wouldn't let me sleep for longer than an hour (not an exaggeration), this went on for months. A friend started running about this time and watching her pace progress inspired me to start running. Most people I know who start running start out at a 10 minute mile, something I can only consider in my dizziest daydreams.  I finally saw someone start running about as fast as I do and every week she slowly got faster. it was so inspiring that I started running. 

Then something amazing happened. When I ran, I was so busy gasping for air and trying not to die that all my worries and doubts disappeared. For a short while my mind was blessed clear of all the negative thoughts that I berate myself with every day. It was addicting. And just like any junkie I slowly acclimatized to the longer distances and faster paces and I needed more.   Now I'm running double digit runs on the weekends, just last weekend I ran 13 miles without stopping and I did it at a great pace. 

I'm still not training for a marathon more than once. But when am I ever going to get to do this again? When am I ever going to have this opportunity? These are the thought that keep me going during my long runs. 

And if you're wondering if you have what it takes to train and run a marathon - you do. We all do. We just need the right reasons.

Mine just so happens to be that I never want to do this again, so I might as well do it right and do it right now.

😂

-Ri 

I Love Day 1s!!!!!!

Today is Day 1. Also known as Best Day Ever (Home, anyone?). I just finished my first strength workout in a while, I've taken my before measurements and photos, and I have started tracking my food again on MyFitnessPal.  I'm ready to start fresh, I'm ready to start feeling better, I'm ready to have my energy back, I'm ready for anything!!!

Because I am the way I am, I made a couple of print outs for the next three months. Since I tend to slim down without actually losing any weight I made a body measurement tracking page. I'm also using my 90 Day Plank Challenge and Monthly Goals Printable. The Monthly Goals printable is by My Love for Words. It is totally free (as are my printables) you just need to sign up on her site and she will automatically send it to you. It. Is. Worth. It! I use it every month. It is an editable printable so you can click on the boxes and type in your goals!


Body Measurement Tracker Link

90 Day Plank Challenge Link

Monthly Goals Printable Link- By My Love for Words

Now, some people may ask "Why three months? Isn't that kind of long?" 

Why yes, yes it is. 

For me, I need a challenge. And 30 days just isn't enough of a challenge. Also, 30 days isn't a long enough time for my body to make a real change. Three months is long enough to be challenging, long enough to see a definite change in my body, and long enough that the healthy changes I make become habits by the time the challenge is over.

So I'm excited to see where I'm at at the end of 90 days! In addition to my running posts I'll be doing weekly challenge updates. 

So essited!!!

-Ri

Remember This Day

I want you to remember this day. 

You just got invited to an impromptu pool party with Barry's (very loving and supportive) family. You were so excited and then you looked down. There was no body shaming or "god I'm too fat to go". You just realized that you didn't really feel like going. 

You feel bloated.

Tired. 

Anxious.

Lethargic.

You looked in your closet and couldn't find anything that you would be comfortable in. You could probably find something that would look nice, and your bathing suit is very forgiving in all the right places. But finding something cute to wear isn't what is holding you back.

You. Feel. Like. Crap.

This is the difference between being healthy and being thin. 

So, over the next couple of weeks while you're doing your reboot, I want you to remember today.

I want you to remember the dread you felt when trying to decide what to wear. The next time you want to eat crap, I want you to remember this day. 

Lets turn this around. Lets remind ourselves how we felt just a few short weeks ago when you were eating healthy, doing your runs and strength training. Remember how awesome you felt? Remember how confident you were? You posted bathing suit photos on Facebook for cryin' out loud!

And you were PROUD of them!!!

Lets get back to that shall we? Your 90 day challenge starts tomorrow. Lets kill it. 

-Ri

Disclaimer: Just in case you guys think I'm not going because I feel fat, that is not the case. I would have totally gone if Barry could come with me but he is working today and I'm not about to try to corral three water-loving, non-swimming toddlers around a pool. I'm not dumb lol

September Goals

Things are staring to wind down over here at the Strickland house. My mom is up and walking around, she will be done with physical therapy next Wednesday so she won't need me to drive her around (not that I minded, I loved spending so much time with her!). Barry has started his fall feature which means I have a lot more time to be productive.

Don't get me wrong. There is still tons to be done: our last couple of years of taxes, Bear Bear's birthday party, some pretty serious house repairs, and just catching up on bills and such. But Fall is just around the corner and I'm starting to get inspired again. 

Which brings me to this post. I have been nutritionally negligent over the last month or so. I've been lazy with my workouts and I completely gave up on eating healthy. Most of it stemmed from being stressed about money and the feeling of being spread too thin. But with everything starting to turn around I'm feeling really good about starting fresh. 

So here are some of my goals for September:

-Make a concentrated effort to stick to healthy meals. I need to come up with a monthly meal planner that works for me and my babies. I read about decision fatigue the other day. It's something that, as the head of the household, I struggle with a lot. I need to streamline our food and our household so I don't have to make so many decisions every day. Honestly I just need a solid routine.

-I want to, at the very least, complete two runs during the week and my long run every weekend. 

-I want to introduce strength training to my schedule again. Once a week at least but I would like to aim for twice weekly. 

-Drink my freaking water. 

-Drink my freaking green smoothies. Honestly, I can feel the sludge in my system. I'm gaining weight, I'm bloated, I'm sluggish. All of these things can be fixed if I would just drink the smoothies. 

These are my main items. I don't want to put too much on my plate because like I said, I have too much to get caught up on I don't want to get that feeling like I'm drowning again. 

I'm excited about starting fresh! The cooler weather will be here soon. Instead of waiting to start during Fall I want to be prepared when it gets here. I am so looking forward to all the adventures we are going to go on and I want to look good in the pictures (vain, I know, but we all need goals). I also want to have the energy and the stamina to run after my boys. 

What are some of your September goals!?

-Ri

Long Run Recap - 13 Miles

Oh. My. Goodness!

Last Sunday I ran the farthest I've ever run! I've completed two half marathons but I've only ever run 10 miles, I did a walk/run the rest of the way. 

We had a pretty little sunrise. Let me tell you! The sun rises QUICK! I had every intention of leaving the house just before the sky started to get light. I looked out our kitchen window and it was pitch black, I rinsed my coffee mug and plate, looked up and it was bright outside. Shit! Lol! I walked halfway to the park before I realized I left my heart rate monitor at home. Back I went and by the time I got to the park it was day-bright outside. I thought I was going to run out of time, I thought it would get too hot before I finished. 

It was still really pretty outside. This is one of my favorite spots. It's where I enter the park right before the track starts. It's right before I start my runs and it is such a spot of promise and excitement. 

I did really well until about mile 5. Between miles 5 and 7 all I did was try to convince myself I didn't need to pee. It didn't work and I ended up having to run home, hurry inside and pee, and then run back outside to the track. I think I'll plan on using the bathroom at the halfway point during the race. Last year during the races I used every Porta Potty available. I had just had the twins so I still wasn't totally in control of alllllll that down there lol. No accidents but I wanted to be safe rather than sorry. Mom-lyfe. 

After that pit stop (see what I did there?) I did awesome until about mile 11. It was at that point that I realized I didn't just have one more mile left, I had two. My last mile is always my fastest with the middle mile almost always being my slowest. During this run, my second to last mile was definitely my slowest. But I ROCKED that last mile! 

I am so proud to say I ran 13 miles. Now. Let's talk serious. My best half marathon race pace was 14:10 per mile. This pace was 12:36/mile. That's nearly a TWO MINUTE difference per mile!!! I ran these 13 miles in 2 hours and 40 minutes. I beat my goal by five minutes and I beat my previous race time by nearly 28 minutes. Holy crap!!! When I set my goal I  didn't realize how much of a time difference it was from my race pace. 

Here I was thinking I wouldn't be able to finish the half in 2 hours 30 minutes. That is only ten minutes faster than today's pace. And it will be cooler!! 

As you can see, I'm just a little excited. 

I followed the run up with an ice bath. I have learned to keep yo pants on during an ice bath and it isn't nearly as bad as doing them naked. 

And then to top it all off my goodies came in after the run. Of course. But now I have oodles of GU and THE BEST PROTEIN COOKIES OF ALL TIME. ALL TIME YA'LL. 

All in all it was a good day. :)

-Ri

A Very Informative Run

I finally had a good long run. We've had a "cold front" move through Houston so the highs are only 95 instead of 99. But this morning was cooler so I decided to run as long as I could. I was really aiming for the 12 miles I had to call on Sunday but right as I reached 8.5 Barry called me saying he had to go to work. Even though I had to cut it short I did learn some very important lessons today. 

1.  Sometimes it really is just the weather. I know this and it still gets to me. I know I should slow it down when it's hot. And I know that even though I'm going slow it's still making me a better and faster runner and I know as soon as it gets cooler I'll get faster. It still kills me. I still beat myself up and worry myself sick about pace, distance, etc. 

2.  Being hydrated is a big deal. If you start your run dehydrated your body is going to shut down on you faster. 

3. I am probably going to lose a toenail training for these races. Even though I knew it was a possibility I really didn't think it was going to happen to me. I have tiny feet! Now I'm thinking the toe next to my big toe (index toe?) on my right foot is just gonna go. It aches after my long runs but it's not a blister and only the nail bed hurts. I'm going to start a betting pool ;)

4. When I wear a running belt to hold my stuff (GUs, taser, phone, and keys) I totally feel like Lara Croft. 

And most importantly...

5.  I think I'm really going to be able to do this. My goal is to be able to run the whole half marathon with pace being a secondary goal. Today after I did 8 miles at race pace I was able to slow down to a really comfortable slow pace that was still jogging. I felt like I could kept that pace up for the remainder of the run. During today's run I didn't even breath hard. It was incredible! 

So, if you're struggling during your runs like I was just stick with it. Eventually you'll have a run that changes everything and reminds you of your abilities. 

Just don't quit. 

-ri

Good Things Come...

It finally happened. I finally had a good run. It wasn't great, but it was good enough to tide me over for the next couple of days. 

It was a simple 4 mile run with some sprint intervals at the end of it. I put my iPad over the treadmill display and told myself I couldn't check it until I had run 45 minutes. I didn't rush myself and just let my speed be what it was. 

I ended up having an awesome run at a great pace with plenty of bounce in my step. I didn't trudge, it was a nice run and I felt strong!! I also hit completed a 3:20 plank before the run so to say I'm happy with today is an understatement. 

I know I keep saying it but I am so ecstatic with today's run. Sometimes something as simple as a good run can really turn everything around. I needed this run. I just took a look at my schedule for the next month and oh god. My long runs are 12,13,13,14, and 14 miles. All with 4,6, and 5 mile runs during the week. I've only ever run 13.1 miles so those 14 milers are going to be awesome. 

It is going to be serious. And I am just the slightest bit intimidated. But today's run felt good and I'm going to focus on that. 

That, and the cuddles I got to have with William after my run. Little man has a fever and I'm going to take all the cuddles I can get!!

I would have totally taken a nap if the other boys hadn't been playing. :)

It was a good day. 

-Ri

Your hardest critic...

There seems to be a recurring character flaw with runners. We're doubters. 

Don't get me wrong, we are some of the most stubborn, type A personalities you'll ever meet. We're kind of like the postal service: we will run regardless of weather, terrain, or mood. But you throw a couple weeks of bad runs at a runner and we go crazy. 

What am I doing? Should I even run this 5K/10K/Half/Marathon? What's wrong with me? Is it my shoes/socks/meals/gu? 

We constantly doubt ourselves. And I haven't figured out why. We are so very capable! 

The past few weeks I have been struggling. Yesterday's long run was no exception. 

I ran 11 miles on the treadmill and I earned every single one of those miles. At mile 5 I wasn't sure I would finish. At mile 8 I sat down and though about crying. At mile 11 I finished and sat down and cried. Just a little cry. Not sure if it was from relief or frustration. I just want one good long run to let me know I'm on the right track, even if it doesn't feel like it. 

I did get some goodies for my run though. I'll be writing a review this week on some of the items. 

Some good news though!! I did a 3 minute plank! YEAH!!! I've been working on planks for over a month. I was only scheduled for a 2 min 50 sec plank but I said screw it and just went for it!! I have found that having music helps. 

Love me some Kenny Chesney. 

I love doing planks. Everyone acknowledges their difficulty so you can brag about it and look like a badass. ;) I always feel so strong after doing them! They're the best. 

I plan on doing a short walk tonight to stretch my legs and focus on how awesome my next run is going to be. The weather is starting to cool down, I think I'll do my tomorrow's run outside. It should make all the difference. 

-Ri

Running with Toddlers

Today was a DAY. 

I walked around like a lost puppy all day. I couldn't figure out what 

to do with myself; I am utterly unmotivated to do anything.

I did go see my mom today! She seems to be doing much better; she's walking 

around now! Only two days after getting her freaking hip replaced!! 

I took little Nathaniel with me and had a great time chasing him around the room. 

Little boy loves to chase and be chased and play "Where's the baby?!" It was a great 

little outing for him. I love taking the boys out one at a time, I really feel like 

I can bond with them. 

I came home expecting to put all the babies to sleep for nap time only to find out 

they had made a secret pact to refuse all things nap time. Seriously. This is a 

catastrophe waiting to happen. Its not just that they wont nap, it is a domino effect. 

If they don't nap at their designated nap time then they are cranky. Then they get sleepy 

around dinner time and they wont eat dinner. Then they fall asleep two hours early 

with no dinner and THEN they wake up in the middle of the night because 

they're hungry AND THEN they're cranky all day the next day because 

they didn't sleep well.

Nap. Time. Is. Crucial. 

Needless to say I didn't get my run in until late late and by that time I was 

just angry. What should have been a great calming run during nap time turned into a 

post-dinner beat down. 

I didn't even finish. Bear Bear was still awake and refused to leave me alone so I had to stop and deal with him. By that time the endorphins had kicked in so at least I wasn't mad anymore. 

I cannot WAIT until it cools down and I can run outside. August is really turning into my most hated month of the calendar. 

-Ri

Today's Workout: 

  Running: 1 Mile Slow

                  (1 Mile Fast + 2 min Slow) Repeat 4x

                  1 Mile Slow

  Total Time: (incomplete workout) 50 min

  Total Distance: 4.21 miles

  Pace: 11:53 (not too shabby!!!)

Ps. I am AMAZED at my timing. I can't believe I started a running blog during the worst time of my training. I promise I actually like running!!

                 

Houston Running Calendar

Today's post is going to be a little hodge podge. Bear with me. :)

I would like to share with you my most favorite way to find Houston
races - quickly. While it isn't the most comprehensive list it does give me a fair idea
of what's going on in the city and surrounding areas. It updates every month
and each update includes the whole year so if you're looking for a race five months
from now you can find it in one post.

Houston Running Calendar - Link Here

Each listing has a link to the race's corresponding website (if available). They list
all kinds of races 5Ks, 10Ks, Half Marathons, Marathons, Mud Runs, Color Runs,
ZOMBIE RUNS!!!

It also includes which races have active groupon and livinsocial offers!
Seriously love this site!

I finally got to see my mom today. She seems to be doing much better than yesterday.
She was able to get up and move around a little bit. I can't tell you what a relief it was
to see her. I can't wait for her to get back up on her feet. I know this fall and and
winter are going to be the best we've had in a while!! 

Today was a strength training day so I did my usual Chris Freytag videos and plank.
It's taking me a little while to get back to strength training. A month ago my arms were
just starting to get toned and then I went through my burn out. I've lost that tone and
I feel like I'm starting over. It's a good lesson for me to learn. If I had kept going I
would be in a really good spot going in to fall. Oh well. Instead of beating myself up
over it I'm going to just do the work!

I also did an hour just walking on the treadmill. I do all of my runs hard-out so my
heart rate always stays well above the fat burning zone which is probably
why I'm not losing weight. And hot cheetos.

 

I'm off to go watch the meteor showers. I'll be wishing for the perseverance to
make it through this training schedule and the bravery to sign up for a distance
race (more on that later).


-Ri

Workout: Strength Training

                Chris Freytag 10lb Slimdown: Upper Body

                Chris Freytag 10lb Slimdown Extreme: Core (Only 20 minutes)

                Plank (2 min 40 secs)

               1 Hour Treadmill Walk

2015 Racing Season

This is a straight up copy and paste from my other blog but it holds
very important information regarding the dates of my upcoming racing
season. I'm still excited about it although I may have to add a 5K
somewhere in September to get me amped up for the remaining couple
of weeks of my half marathon training. 

I'll be adding some posts later about my past races just so
I can have all my running stuffs together.

 ***************

I am so thrilled to share this with you guys! Here it is, my official 

training and racing schedule for 2015 into 2016!!!

I have been playing around with the dates for two or more weeks and it's been driving me crazy. The half marathon training plan is 6 months long but the marathon season ends in late February here in Houston so it took some pretty serious effort to get all the scheduling figured out. I'll have to cut my 10k training short but since the half marathon training plan is so long I'll have plenty of time to adjust. 

Last year the biggest fault in my training was that I tried to do too much too quick.  I'm hoping the long training plan will help me gently increase my mileage and give me lots of prep for the marathon training. 

And then there's THAT! A marathon! I had originally planned to have completed a marathon by now but it just wasn't in the cards. Like I said, too much too quick. I wasn't really prepared for the physical requirements and the time required to truly train for a marathon. This time I'll have two years (!!!!!) of running experience behind me and I think I'll really be able to do it this year. 

I'm so excited to finally have hard dates, you all know how much I love a good plan. I'm also playing around with the idea of getting sponsorship from family members to help cover the cost of running gear, race entries, and babysitting costs. But more on that later. 

Time to get to work!!!

-Ri

First Blog Run!

While it is not the first time I've done this interval run I would say that today 

it was special. Today's run was my first run while doing this blog! 

Yay! Celebrate errthang!

I had a good pace the whole time and I did really well on the sprints. I still can't wait 

for fall to really get to Texas...sometime in October. Late. October. I'm having trouble 

with pacing myself on the treadmill.

I did hit the 25% completion mark for this month's 100 mile goal! Yay me!

Today's run couldn't have come at a better time. I've been low...a little moody...a little 

huffy about all things running and nutrition. But today has been an eye opener in general. 

Early this morning my mom went in to get her hip replaced. For some reason I was 

really nervous about this surgery. She came through it fine and I hope to get to see 

her this evening. But it really made me stop and take stock of my life. I've been 

noticing things all day that just make me so thankful for all we have. It made me push 

harder in this run than I have in a while. 

I'm going to take the rest of the day to really look around (not at my phone)

and just be grateful. No more complaining, pissing, or moaning.
Just. Be. Grateful.

Workout Type: Running
Workout: 4 miles then
               (20sec sprint + 2 min slow) 4 times
Total Distance: 4.65 miles
Time: 58:40
Average Pace: 12:37

First Posts are Killers

Haloooo! My name is Maria and I am utterly boring.

This is not my first blog. I have been blogging for a number of years about my personal 

life which is humdrum at best. We lead a life that is perfect for Facebook.  

We're really good at making our life look interesting.

I take a mean selfie.  

But alas, you blog readers need details. And pictures. Lots of perfectly styled and 

glowingly lit pictures and I hate to say it but my life doesn't photograph well. Our old

house is in a constant state of disrepair and hellllloooooooo! I have three kids 

under the age of three. There's not a whole lot of prettiness going on in my life right now.

 So as much as I would love to have a dedicated following that thinks I'm totally

 wonderful I just haven't found that niche that makes me special in the blogging world.

I do like to run though.

I had been running for a year or so when I stumbled upon Onward! The Absolute, No B.S., Ridiculous, Soul-Stirring Truth About Training for Your First Marathon. And I fell in 

love with this lady. She spoke to my soul you guys. She was funny and real and it was 

so nice to read a real person's take on marathon training (real as in not an athlete).

Amazon Link

I had just finished my first half marathon and was training for my first marathon 

when I read her book. It was a quick and great read for where I was at in my life. 

Fast forward almost a year. 

The lessons I have learned, you guys, I can't even tell you. There is so much more 

wrapped up in this running business. I have learned things about myself, I have come 

to terms with the incredible mistakes I have made in my "career", in my relationship, 

in life in general. Things that I didn't even know had been an issue have 

been accepted and resolved. 

It's crazy. 

So when I started rereading her book a couple days ago I started coming across 

passages in her introduction that completely applied to me. 

We were both stuck in a rut.

We had both just laid down in our relationships. 

We had both lost our sense of self and self-worth. 

We both felt weak and helpless and truly had no idea where to start

helping ourselves. 

I was shocked at how close this all hit. When I first read her book I felt pretty good 

about where we were considering we were drowning in all things baby. Three babies 

in two years ya'll. It's no joke. I felt like her initial problems just didn't apply to me. 

Looking back I can see how wrong I was. 

So, this blog go 'round I'm taking a bit of a different approach. Instead of writing a 

lifestyle blog with a little bit of running and cooking I'll be writing a running blog 

with a lot of cooking and a little bit of lifestyle. I've learned that running is really the 

only constant in my life. Five of the last six posts on my other blog were running 

posts so I'm just going to go ahead and commit to this.

 You'll hear about my running (I'm gonna bitch a lot. Get used to it), my battles with 

nutrition vs. my deep love of Hot Cheetos, and probably a little bit 

about my cross training. 

What you will NOT see in the blog are beautifully put together pictures of my lovely home, 

my well makeuped and hairsyled self, or my perfectly behaved children because honestly. 

I loved the approach Brook took with having a daily short post with the occasional 

long post. Contrary to the length of this post, ain't nobody got time fo' that! 

To wrap it up, I hope you guys will enjoy taking this journey with me. Currently I have 

multiple mud runs, a 5K, and two half marathons under my belt. I am halfway 

through training for my next half marathon at the end of October. I start training for my 

first marathon (February) the second week of November. That's where we're at and 

that's where we'll pick up.

-Ri