This is Ashley Johnson.  She is my crew captain for the MS50.  She ran her first marathon in Memphis, TN on December 1, 2012.  I was honored to be able to travel to Memphis to cheer for her.  (This was quite an experience.  My first marathon to attend and not run!)  Although she doesn’t know it, Ashley is part of an experiment.  I have deduced that a huge part of running is mental.  Ashley is one of the most positive and upbeat people I know.  She was excited at the start.  At mile 3 she was all hands in the air.  At miles 13 and 14, a huge smile.  At the finish, she just about glowed.  She looked strong through the race and afterwards.  Chalk one up for an upbeat attitude!!!

I am really hoping to win one a Bani Band!

http://runningdivamom.blogspot.com/2012/12/bani-bands-review-giveaway.html?showComment=1354733006979#c8484691824303086043

Thank You "Claim Your Journey": Q50 Halloween Race

I saw a sweepstakes on Facebook from Claim Your Journey.  I thought it was a sweepstakes to win one of their new new purple and gold Run Louisiana shirts, of which I wanted.  So, I entered.  I didn’t have much hope in winning because I usually don’t win these type things.  I had forgotten about entering.  One day I pulled up Facebook and saw a Claim Your Journey post saying that I was one of two winners.  As I said, I had forgotten about entering so I had to go to Claim Your Journey’s page to see what I had won.  

To my surprise, it was an entry to a Q50 Halloween night trail run.  I was so excited until I looked up Q50 races website and learned that the race was to be held in Mandeville.  I live in Lake Charles.  The race was 5 miles.  It would take me longer to get there than to run the race.  But, I got to thinking.  I’ve always been known as a “serious” runner in that I never ran races just for “fun.”  (My friend, Ursula, says I don’t know how to have fun!  My other friend, Lisa Smith, says that I would never travel to run a 5K.)  I decided that I WOULD DO IT!!!  The next obstacle was to convince my husband.  I told him I had to do it because I had won the entry.  I tried to find someone to run with me, but couldn’t find anybody.  People thought I was crazy to go all the way to Mandeville for a 5 mile night run and then come back.  I felt like it was about time I did something a little on the crazy side.  So, around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 27^th, I headed east to Mandeville.

I arrived at Fontainebleau Park.  Two wonderful ladies met me.  One who is Barbara, an avid Q50 race volunteer.  At first, I felt a little out of place because I was there alone and didn’t know anyone.  But, as runners started arriving, I began to feel better.  Runners tend to be friendly and I struck up conversations with many people.  Those I talked with were quite surprised that I would come all the way from Lake Charles to run that 5 mile race.

It was finally time to start the race.  The race director, Cesar Torres, briefed us on the route and some places to really watch for.  We made our way to the starting line.  Cesar hailed an American flag and we all sang the Star Spangled Banner, a very touching moment.  

Then, we were off.  Now, I had only ran our local trails twice before this race.  That should tell you I’m not an experienced trail runner.  Plus, I had never run the trails at night.  This was totally getting out of my box.  








At mile 2 I literally said “crap, I have 3 more miles to go!”  Can you believe???!!!!  This was going to be a little ole’ 5 mile race!  

The clump of runners finally spanned out.  I ran behind these two women who looked as if they knew which way to go.  It’s a good thing because I didn’t have a clue.  I crossed the finish line at 49:15 which I feel is pretty good based on the fact I had no clue where I was going! The “medal” was a plant!  How unique is that!
  

I will DEFINITELY do more Q50 races.  Cesar Torres is very passionate about these races and this passion emanates from him.  I would recommend that you check out his website for a listing of upcoming races, www.q50races.com.  

Erin Green, President George H.W. Bush, and Me!

"Long distance running is 90% mental and the other half is physical." ~ Rich Davis 

I was thinking about the mental aspect of running as I was preparing for my 21 mile run that took place this past Saturday.  Previously, I found that if I grin real big when I’m getting to the end of a long run, I feel and run a little better.  Do I look like a Cheshire cat?  You bet I do!  But who cares?!  You have to find the mental tricks to get you through your runs, whether they are short runs or long runs.  I really rocked my run Saturday.  I didn’t look at the total mileage.  I broke it down.  First, I went out for a 6 mile run.  It was just a 6 mile run.  When I finished that 6 miles, I let it go.  I went out for a 5 mile run.  It was just a 5 mile run.  When I finished that 5 miles, I let it go.  I did this until I was finished.  I had great runs and I felt great after the 21 miles.  AND, I smiled like a Cheshire cat, because I destroyed that 21 miles!!

Linda Canning, Me and Jason Guidry

This is what happens when you finish your run at dark, can't figure out the flash on the iPhone and are being eaten by mosquitoes!!!

Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.  ~ ~ Brian Tracy, self-help author and motivational speaker

2012 Rouge-Orleans:  Ran on Six-Lady Team

Andy Mac:  Advice for 50 mile race

1. The biggest difference I noticed in running an ultra is the amount of walking you do. When most people train for a marathon they want to run the whole way if possible. No one (well no one as slow as me, at least) runs a whole 50 miler the first time. I don't know for sure but I'd guess I walked close to half of my 50 and I finished okay. So one thing I'd definitely recommend is to practice walking as part of your long runs. It is a lot easier to run 30 miles either walking the up hills or walking 1 minute every six or whatever than to just run it straight. 

2. Practice running slow. I still don't feel comfortable running below maybe 9:30 pace, but late in a 50 miler it is important to be able to shuffle along. 

3. Practice walking fast. There's a tendency to just slowly walk during breaks. I like to try and keep up a good pace. In preparing for my 50 I even practiced walking fast on a motorized treadmill. I got to where I could walk at sub 12 minute/mile pace. Of course that's on a treadmill, but still it got my legs used to long, quick strides. I noticed during the race that I was passing a lot of people on the up hills because I could walk faster than they could. 

4. Practice trail running if you are doing a trail race. I didn't, I wish I had. 

5. Worry about your feet. I never had blister problems with long road runs, but really tore up my feet on the trail (also see #4). Next time I'll try NuSkin or Second Skin or whatever and also change shoes and socks during the race. 

6. Practice eating and drinking and carrying water. Very important. 

7. Just keep moving. Depending on the cutoff, you don't have to move very fast to finish a 50 miler. At Ice Age, the required pace was just under 15 minutes/mile. You could hike that fast, although it might be hard to keep it up for 8 hours. But you don't have to run most of it or run too fast to finish; the key is to just keep going.

My "Team Anna Grace" Teammates

The $100 Donation Picture

I am quite disappointed in my training this past weekend.  BUT, this is a new week!!!  I will not relive the past.  I will only look towards the future. 

This past Saturday I was honored to be able to participate on behalf of St. Jude Children’s Hospital in the 2012 Denham Springs Warrior Dash.  I want to thank everyone that donated.  I posted on Facebook the picture worthy of my sister and brother-in-law’s $100 donation.  I think my brother-in-law doubted I could/would post such a picture!!  I appreciated being able to shower before going home, especially since I sat on the Atchafalaya for so long!!!

Lisa, Dan, Me and Linda

Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character.  -- T. Alan Armstrong

I ran the trails at Sam Houston Jones State Park for the second time yesterday.  I was glad to have along some friends:  Dan’s friend, Lisa; Dan Duncan; and Linda Canning.  This was Lisa’s and Dan’s first trail run.  I am enjoying the trail runs.  It is so peaceful and the forest sounds are my music.  The experts advise that you run as much as you can on the terrain you will be racing on.  That’s why I’m running the trails.  I appreciate the trail support.

I’m still finding it difficult to fit in the extra miles with my work and family obligations.  But, I have my eyes on the prize!!!

Tif, Me, Brayden and Douglas

I'm finding the hardest thing about training for the 50-miler is the time requirement for the increased mileage during the week. Instead of running 3 – 4 miles on my weekly runs, I'm running 5 - 7. More mileage = more time. I live in a rural area which is not conducive to running.  Therefore, I go into town to run which is not real convenient.  I might need to invest in a good treadmill.

Me and Julie Meche, Base Camp Coach

“Good things come slow, especially in distance running.” – Bill Dellinger

Houston Marathon - Douglas, Me and Brayden
The highlight of this marathon was getting George Bush, Sr.'s autograph!

 If the thought of running your full workout is too much to bear, just suit up to run around the block. Chances are, once you're outside, you'll start to feel better and put in at least a few miles.

I start almost every one of my runs this way!

Sam Houston Jones State Park

The MS50 is a trail run.  All of the experts advise to try to run as much as possible on the same terrain as your race.  So, my co-runner, Linda Canning, who is experienced at running the trails at Sam Houston Jones State Park, was gracious enough to go with me on my very first trail run.  Can I just say that my first trail run was absolutely wonderful!!  I usually run with music, but no need on this trail run.  The woods were music.  I could hear the rustling of leaves and the squirrels running up and down.  The good Lord spared me the snakes.  Before I knew it, the run was over.  I have fallen in love with trail running.  The only sad part is that I won't get to run them as much as I would like.  It is about a 35 to 40 minute drive from my house to the park and we are losing daylight.  I am so glad that I discovered the joy of running trails!

My Team Crossing Finish Line at Rouge-Orleans

Runners are more than people who run.  Runners are family.  Whether it is people that you see on a consistent basis or those you’ve met through social media, runners are family.  Runners readily encourage one another, help one another, give advice to one another, basically, do whatever it takes to help one another succeed.  I have never heard a runner shout at another, “Go ahead, stop.  You don’t need to cross that finish line.”  So, if you need some encouragement, get in with a group of runners!

Saturday morning's long run was such a relief from the hot humid Saturday mornings of the past.  It rained!!! For my entire 18 mile run, the Lord favored me with raindrops.  Just so you know that the body doesn't always do what the mind tells it, the water on Bank Street was higher than ankle deep.  As I was running down the middle of Bank Street, I kept telling myself to get on the sidewalk.  Did I???? NOOOOOO!!!!!!  I just kept on telling myself that I was practicing for the maybe rain at the MS50!  I'm not so nervous about it raining during that race now!

Me, Frank (my dad), Tammi (my sister), Frankie (my brother)

The human body is capable of amazing physical deeds. If we could just free ourselves from our perceived limitations and tap into our internal fire, the possibilities are endless.

Dean Karnazes

San Antonio Rock-N-Roll Marathon 2011 - Temp at start was in the 90's

Why do you run said I to myself

To be healthy said myself to I

Why do you run said I to myself

To be fit said myself to I

Why do you run said I to myself

To be free said myself to I

Why do you really run said I to myself

To stay out of jail said myself to I !!!!!!

The Great Find

No, this is not me, unfortunately!  But it is a picture of the most wonderful running bra!

Finding the right sports bra has been a tremendous problem for me. I have chaffed and even torn underneath my breast. The back of the sports bras have dug deep sores. I bought an Armour Bra Made for Me, size 34 DD. I can now stop looking for the right sports bra. I can run without the chaffing, tearing and sores. It keeps the ladies well under control. The bras are color coded according to cup size which makes for easier shopping. For DD’s there is no trying to climb through the bra and then yanking them puppies up into the cups.  There are small removable pads in the cups.  I’m normally not the padded bra type, but these are thin and help with control.  I highly recommend the “Armour Bra Made for Me” bras.

My Heartbeats - Douglas, Tiffany and Brayden

Lesson One (for me):  You have to be flexible with your running schedule.  Those who know me know that I’m a very rigid person.  If I have a schedule that tells me to do things on certain days and at certain times, I become agitated when I can’t get those things done.  I’m only in my second week of training for the MS-50 and I already have to move around my running schedule.  This because my husband dares to ask me to go to a family reunion in North Louisiana this Saturday when I have 18 miles to run!!  All of my training runs this week have to be moved up a day which means that I will be doing the 18 miles on Friday after I get off of work and getting up early Saturday to do 5 miles before we leave.  Breath in, breath out!!!  It will be okay.  I will get my mileage in and make my husband happy!

My Running Coach, Phyllis Aswell, and Me

My usual marathon training schedule has me running around 3-4 miles on Monday, 4-5 miles on Tuesday, 3-4 miles on Wednesday, 4-5 miles on Thursday, rest on Friday, long mileage on Saturday, and rest on Sunday. Relentless Forward Progress’ schedule for the 50-miler has me resting on Monday, increased mileage Tuesday through Thursday, resting Friday, long mileage on Saturday and 5 miles on Sunday. This past week I missed my Thursday’s run so I ran 6 miles Friday, 10 miles Saturday and 4 miles Sunday (shortage of 1 mile and a pace of 13:37), my first Sunday run.  Needless to say, I was quite disappointed in my Sunday run.  I don’t know if it was the fact that I had not rested Friday or that my body is not accustomed to running the day after a long run even though the long run was only 10 miles or even that I had started after the sun came up.  But, I choose to look at it as, “when you start at the bottom, there’s no place to go but up!” - - RELENTLESS FORWARD PROGRESS!

Me and My Dad

I found this on another blog and thought I would share:

26.2 Bible Verses For Running & Racing

Mile 1: Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of age. Matthew 28:20

Mile 2: The Lord will work out his plans for my life. Psalm 138:8

Mile 3: I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as the mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. Matthew 17:20

Mile 4: To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. Luke 19:26

Mile 5: I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Mile 6: Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we can not see. Hebrews 11:1

Mile 7: ‘I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11

Mile 8: Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. I Timothy 4:12

Mile 9: We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

Mile 10: Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Mile 11: Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:5

Mile 12: With God’s help we will do mighty things. Psalm 60:12

Mile 13: We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. Romans 5:3

Mile 14: We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:9

Mile 15: The Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Mile 16: Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Mile 17: It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5

Mile 18: Be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded. Chronicles 15:7

Mile 19: Whatever you do, do well. Ecclesiastes 9:10

Mile 20: He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. Psalm 91:11

Mile 21: Anything is possible if a person believes. Mark 9:23

Mile 22: The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Luke 6:38

Mile 23: I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize… Philippians 3:13

Mile 24: Our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Corinthians 4:17

Mile 25: I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

Mile 26: Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3

Mile 26.2: But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

The sky is the limit.

Me, Jason Guidry, Coach Phyllis Aswell, Melissa Landry

Apparently I was the 48th person to sign up for the 50 miler.  There are currently 62 people signed up for the 50 miler.

48

Rebecca Stockman

45

LA

Ode to Tape

Oh, how I love to run

But the blisters were no pun

Around mile 14 they would start to fester

And at mile 21 they became a pester

Then I found wrapping tape,

My new love

For the blisters were afeared

And now steer clear!

My Children, Brayden, Tiffany and Douglas

As I start my “official” training, my emotions roll from one end of the spectrum to the other, from total elation and excitement to complete fear.  But, I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Right now, I’M EXCITED!

How do you get in your mileage?

Next week starts my “official” training for the Mississippi 50 mile trail run.  One of my concerns is how I am going to fit in the extra mileage.  Working full-time and helping my kids with their homework consumes most of my day and all of my energy.  How do you fit in your weekly mileage?  

Finishing my first marathon at the Chevron Houston Marathon.

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." 
-John Bingham

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" 
- Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner

Relentless Forward Progress

When you recognize that failing doesn't make you a failure, you give yourself permission to try all sorts of things. 

Lauren Fleshman, American track and field athlete 

I have found that my running is 90% mental and 10% training.  If I put in the training, barring any unforeseen circumstances, then my run is what I tell myself.  This past marathon season was a bad season for me.  My season started with the San Antonio Rock-and-Roll where it was 90 degrees at the start.  People were passing out and being taken to the hospital because of the heat.  I walked most of the back end of the race.  I had put in the training, but there was absolutely nothing I could do about the weather.  I chalked this race up as a bad race, but I mistakenly set it as the foundation for my subsequent races.  I ran the Swamp Stomp Half Marathon here in Lake Charles and became sick afterwards.  The Houston Marathon was a cramping nightmare for me.  (I had never cramped in a race before.  BUT, the highlight of this race was getting George Bush, Sr.’s autograph.)  My last race of the season was the New Orleans Rock-and-Roll marathon.  It was my first time to run this race and the last race of my season.  I threw caution to the wind and decided to just enjoy the run.  Surely my season couldn’t get any worse than it was.  I WAS RIGHT!!    Throughout the race I kept telling myself “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)  I ran the best race I’ve ever had!!  I quit concentrating on myself and concentrated on the source of my strength – JESUS CHRIST!

Registered

Well, I may be a little crazy, but I'm a lot of nervous.  Today I registered for the Mississippi 50-Miler.  This is a trail race that will take place in Laurel, MS on March 2, 2013.  My running coach, Phyllis Aswell, has taught me that I can do anything with the right training.  I'm a little apprehensive about the training.  I have to pick up the weekly mileage.  The training schedule listed in Relentless Forward Progress for 40 miles to 100k is 50 miles per week. :-o