Updates & A New View

Sorry I didn't get to blog last week.  Between my mom being in town (YEAH FOR NANA TIME!!!) and most of us fighting stomach flu (yes, at the same time--YUCK!), it just didn't happen.  So let me fill you in on the last two weeks...

Let's see... last week was fairly uneventful as far as my running went.  I ran 3 miles on Tuesday & 4 miles on Thursday (but I skipped my Wednesday training due to praise team practice & a sick Nathan). My long run went so much better that Saturday!  I had to be done with 11 miles by 10:34 and I was done by 10:21, so I did fine.  The best part was that I wasn't the least bit sore on Sunday!  However, that was when it was my turn to get sick.  Let me just say that stomach flu, singing in front of a congregation, and high heels are a terrible combination.  As a result of dashing down the stairs off the stage in heels that were way too tall to dash in, my right knee decided that it needed to start bugging me.  Not badly, just a little dull ache.  So, I think I may have to stick pretty much to my flats and very low heels until after the marathon.  And now we get the privilege of that fantastic "Icy Hot" smell every so often, which also came in handy this week...

Another result of said tummy bug was major back pain on Monday (from throwing up so much Sunday afternoon & evening).  I never knew you could hurt your back in that process, but now I know.  My poor hubby was a trooper and rubbed some Icy Hot on my back to help me feel better.  Bonus: Icy Hot also helps clear sinuses! :)

So, I was a bit leery to try running just a day after the back pain & two days after the stomach flu, but I just ran on the treadmill to make it easier on myself.  I was able to do my 3 miles, but I did have to walk a little more than usual.  On Wednesday, I did my 30 minutes of cross-training by doing Wii Free Step and some weight training with my little hand weights.  On Thursday, I did 3 miles and this time I even ran for 1/2 at 5 mph, which is the longest I've held that speed.  My legs didn't hurt yesterday, so I may need to push myself a little more when I use the mill.

Today, I only had to run 8 miles.  That sentence alone makes me smile because there was a time not long ago where that felt like an eternity, and now it's an "easy run".  I completed my jalk in 1 hr 50 minutes due to the tummy threatening a slight repeat of last week.  I decided it wasn't worth fighting over, so I walked more on my last mile in order to keep things at bay.  If I hadn't have needed to walk, I would have probably been done 5-10 minutes sooner.  That makes me feel like I'm making progress slowly, but surely.

Oh!  And I discovered this cool thing!  On the Disney Marathon website, they have a Google Map of the race route & 3D views through the parks so I know what areas I'll be running in specifically.  It's so cool!  You can check it out by clicking on the title for this blog.

Until next time...

Double-Digit Dumps

Well, as well as my run went on Tuesday, I'm rather disappointed with how I did today.  On Tuesday, I ran 3 miles in 32 minutes, another personal best, and had lots of neighbors watching me do laps on our streets.  I couldn't figure out why so many people were outside, then I realized, "Duh, it's National Night Out."  I probably ran faster because I felt like everyone was rating my running.  I skipped my training on Wednesday due to a late night at church and other varied excuses.  On Thursday, I was a little sore from the run on Tuesday (probably because I pushed too hard for the onlookers), but I did okay.  Today, however, was a different story.

I got up and out the door before 7, and got to my in-laws' house by 7:30.  I walked to warm up and stretched a little before I took off.  By the time I had completed mile 4 (in about an hour), I felt like I was doing a pretty good pace.  By mile 7, though, I was starting to get hungry.  I used one of my energy gels, but I guess it just wasn't enough.  When I get back to the road that has a church with a clock on it (mile 8 1/2 point), I got discouraged because I didn't think I'd have enough time, so I started kicking myself (in my mind, not with feet) for taking too long and walking too much.  So, my pace slowed down, and then about 1,000 feet from my in-laws' house I realized I was actually okay.  My "drop dead time" (per Disney Marathon standards of a 16-minute mile) was 2 hrs 40 min.  I cut myself off too soon!  I actually had another fifteen minutes to go when I got discouraged, not ten, so I would have been okay.  So, all that to say that I finished in 2 hrs 39 min. :(

Lessons to use for next week's training:
- Don't speed up to impress the neighbors--you just end up more sore at the finish
- Don't skip your interval day, even if you want to
- Eat a big dinner Friday night so you have enough energy to do the long run on Saturday
- Make sure you KNOW your "drop dead time" so you don't quit too early.

This is also the first time I've done my jalk and I'm a little sore.  I guess it's to be expected when you get to the double-digit mileage.  I'm really hoping next week goes better.  At least Mom will be here to help distract the kids while I'm doing my 11 miles next Saturday!

Until next time...

I'm Still Jalking!

Sorry for the delay in updates.  It's been a bit hectic the past few weeks.  Let's see, where to start...

I ended up getting strep throat a few weeks ago, and I only missed one training day (and a day of work--but at least I had enough energy to get caught up on a ton of laundry).  I ran 7 miles at the end of that week, and felt terrible because of a few reasons:  1) didn't get enough sleep the night before, 2)didn't start running until 10am, 3) it was almost 90 degrees when I started, 4) I ran out of my liquids by mile 5, and therefore 5) got dehydrated and had to just walk the last two miles.  MISERABLE!!  So I've learned to carry a few bucks with me so I can buy a Gatorade if I'm desperate, get to bed earlier on Friday nights, and get up earlier while it's cooler.

The next week was okay, and I was able to complete 8 miles by that Saturday.  I started earlier, had backup fluids in my car, and I was able to refill halfway through my jalk.  Then, my hubby met me at my in-laws' house when I finished and "whisked" me away to Galveston Island so he could get some exercise done his way--by surfing.  The kids had a blast playing in the dirt, but Nathan wasn't too keen on getting water up his nose again (same thing happened on vacation in June).  I learned an important lesson that week:  make sure you stretch well after your run or you will suffer later...

Last week, I did my training and completed a 9-mile jalk with help.  My hubby was at a Men's Retreat that Friday night, so I took the boys and invaded my friend Kim's house again.  I got up early the next morning and did my jalk in 2 hours & 19 minutes--a personal best!!  I learned a really important lessons that week: I CAN DO THIS!! :)


This week, I ran through the neighborhood on Tuesday, terrorizing the dogs in my route with the pounding of my feet.  I even had one feisty little runt dig his way under his fence to "chase" me.  He apparently thought the path behind the houses next to the drainage ditch is his turf, and he felt threatened.  I'm wondering if there is some sort of pepper spray that works on dogs...  Anyway, my cross-training session last night was yoga in my living room after a Praise Team practice that I forgot I had, and I was a little sore this morning.  Even with a little discomfort, I was able to run my three miles today at my school.  Good side--gravel track.  Bad side--barely 1/6 of a mile around, so I had to do EIGHTEEN laps.  James helped me out by using a marker and putting dots on my hand as I passed my starting point and holding (more like stealing sips of) my Gatorade.  I currently look like I have a rare form of alien measles, but at least I got it done.  I had my brain all psyched for my 10-mile jaunt on Saturday, then I took a gander at my training schedule and realized that it's only a 6-mile week.  Next week is the big double-digit jalk!

And now, the biggest news of all!  I have officially gotten the OK from my church to start a fund for donations to be given to Matt when I run the Disney Marathon on January 9th.  Donating is easy!  Just send a check to my church, Bay Area Christian Church, and write "Boden Family Fund" or "Mandy's Marathon" in the memo line.  The money will go straight to a fund that will be given to Matt.  My goal is $1,000, but I'd love to beat that and be "forced" to set a new one. :)  So, get your checkbooks out and help a fantastic family begin 2011 in a mighty blessed way!

Address for checks:
Bay Area Christian Church
14550 Galveston Road (Highway 3)
Webster, TX 77598-1832

I can't wait to see how God blesses Matt and the kids through this.  He's already blessed me with better health, fabulous and supportive friends, and a loving family that is cheering me on to the finish line!

Until next time...

Week 6 DONE (barely)

Here are the highlights since last blog post:

• I was able to complete my 6-mile run with Shawn last Saturday in Seabrook.  The track was nice, but a little confusing.  I was glad to have company because I don't think I could have made it back on my own (too many turns, trees looked the same).  I had to ration my Gatorade because he didn't bring anything with him.  He did discover, however, that a PowerBar gel pack worked wonders for him, but since I gave him mine, I was about dead at mile 5.  Now I know to have him carry his own stuff... ;)
• I ran my first 3 miles on the treadmill on loan from Lisa.  It was so much easier than running outside (less humidity, fan blowing right on me, in air conditioning)!  However, we've discovered that it interferes with the wireless internet connection to the computer in our bedroom.  The hubby said, and I quote, "This is going to be the longest 4 months of my life!" Funny, real funny... :/
• Doing my "Fartlek" intervals is much easier on the treadmill because it displays my time.  Plus, because it falls on Wednesdays, and we have Wed. Night Bible Study, it's dark when I get home.  I'm so glad to have the mill! :)
• I completed 7 miles on my own in South Shore (where my in-laws live--nice neighborhoods with lots of sidewalks), but it was BRUTAL!!  Not because of the sidewalks, but because I didn't get to start until 10am. At that point, it was almost 90 degrees out, and with the humidity, it felt like about 95 or 96.  I couldn't run as much this time because I got dehydrated (even ran out of both bottles of fluid) by mile 5, so I had to walk the last 2 miles so I didn't get full-blown heat exhaustion or stroke.  I knew I was in trouble when my fingers started swelling and I couldn't get one of my rings off that was starting to cut off my circulation.  Lots of notes to self this time:  1) don't wait until 10am to START a 7-mile trek, 2) take a few bucks in case there's a convenient store along the way (which there was today around mile 4, but I didn't bring any money with me-DUH!), 3) only wear silver wedding band when running (it's already loose and with the swelling it was okay).

So, now you're caught up on how the training's going.  It's hard to believe I'm already done with 6 weeks worth, and I'm starting to get more excited (and more nervous) about January.  As soon as I get things finalized for donations to Kylee's Kids, I'll post the details!

Until next time....

Off the Wagon with Work & Allergies

So between having small group at church last night & "Meet the Teacher Night" at work tonight, I am off of my training schedule.  I haven't done anything in two days, and I feel crummy.  But part of that may also have to do with the ragweed around here declaring war on my sinuses.  I keep thinking if I could just get this junk out of my face, I'd feel so much better.  Anyway, so I'm disappointed that I'm off-track and a little concerned about my 6 miles that are due on Saturday.  I have to go those in, especially since I've been a slacker the past two days.  With any luck, I'll be past the worst of this allergy attack and feeling better.  I can only hope.

The good news is that I've made some progress.  I am now able to run 3 miles with only 5 1/10 mile breaks (which is great for me).  The few reasons I can give to the improvement are increased endurance, eating better (snacking more often during the day helps), and drinking Gatorade instead of water on my runs.  Who would have thought that the stuff invented in one of my favorite places would make me feel better? :)

Well, here's hoping that I can get my 6 miles in on Saturday.  Wish me luck & pray for a low pollen count!

Until next time...

MONTH #1 DONE!

This week was a little crazy, but it worked out okay in the end.  I had to do 3 miles on my birthday, cross train the same day I had praise team practice at church, 3 miles on Thursday, and 5 miles today.  With the help of my hubby (Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday) & Kim (today), I was able to pull it off. Plus, I'm officially registered for the Disney Marathon.  Now that I've plunked down $135 registration fee, I feel even more motivated to do it! :)

After a month of training, I feel great and am getting more excited & nervous about January.  I just keep praying that God will protect me from injury & illness (although allergies this week have made my jalks a little difficult), provide the funds I want to raise for Matt & the kids, and that I'd see God's blessings throughout this process.  I know it's going to get harder, and I just want to stay focused on what's important and work my tail off (figurative & literally--cheesy grin) to bring glory to God and to honor Kylee's memory.

Until next time...

And Now the Purpose of the Marathon...Drum Roll Please!

As of this week, my purpose for being crazy and doing a marathon has been finalized.  I will be jalking to raise money for "Kylee's Kids".  If you don't know the background story, here it is:

My cousin, Matt Boden, married an incredible woman named Kylee.  She was a perfect fit into our family from the start, and it was like she was "always a Boden".  Anyway, they had twins, Seth & Lydia, in 2004 a few months after we moved to Texas and when I was pregnant with James.  She had another little gal, Sarai, a few years later, and then was pregnant with #4 at the start of this year.  Unfortunately, she never had the opportunity  to meet little Caleb. On March 17th, 2010, she had been having contractions and back pains, and then a massive headache hit.  She took a shower and intended to take a nap, but she passed out.  Matt called 911 and she was rushed to the hospital.  She had had three seizures, and they decided to deliver Caleb.  He was born and doing all right, but Kylee wasn't.  By the end of the day, she had lost all brain function and had gone home to be with the Lord.  So now, Matt is a single father of four kids, ages 6 to 5 months.

Then, an amazing minister, Arron Chambers, decided to do something amazing.  Here's what he wrote:

"In my grief I decided to try to do what I could to help Matt and the kids so I talked with Matt, prayed about it, and — with Matt’s permission — Kylee’s Kids was born.
Kylee’s Kids is a fundraising effort that I’ve established to raise money for a one-time gift to Matt and his kids. On November 7, 2010 I’m fulfilling a personal goal and dream by doing an Ironman Distance race in Las Vegas called the Silverman. I’m doing the race as a fundraiser for Matt and Kylee’s Kids. Between now and race day my goal is to raise $5,000 for Matt and his four kids. I am underwriting this fundraising effort and EVERY SINGLE penny that is collected in this campaign will go directly to Matt and Kylee’s kids.*"

I told Arron that I thought it was so incredible that he was going to do that and it made me want to do something big for Matt, too (this was within a month, I think, of her death).

Okay, so fast-forward to July & Windy's "kingdom card".  So, the Disney marathon is my "big" thing to raise money for Matt.  I haven't gotten a website set yet, but I will soon, with lots of help from my techno-savvy hubby.  I am also planning to pay for my entrance fee & expenses for doing the race so that Matt can have all the money I raise go straight to taking care of the kids.


So, as one of my students loved to say, "It's on like Donkey-Kong!"  I'm at the end of my third week of training, and I have a very clear goals in mind:  (1) Finish the Disney Marathon, & (2) Raise $1,000 to give to Matt when I finish the race.  Praying for blessings in giving (would love to raise more if possible), blessings on his family & mine during this training time, and for an injury-free & healthy 20-some-odd weeks until the big race!