The Importance of the Running Buddy

I have so much excitement right now. Just stay with me here, because I am going to ramble and  word vomit absurdly all over the place.

First off, training is going really well considering I am dealing with an ITB issue. This is totally new to me, as I have never actually had a running injury that I couldn't just run through and deal with later. If you have ever had knee pain from ITB syndrome, you know that there is no running through it. It feels like a rubber band is about to snap in the side of your knee/leg/butt. At first I thought it was my sciatic nerve being a literal pain in my butt, but once it hit the knee, I knew it was something else. Thankfully I seem to have a handle on it with some strengthening exercises, yoga, taping, and rolling. I was able to get 9 miles in to my 12 miler before I felt anything on Friday, which is better than the 3 miles in that was Wednesday. I am also doing 4:1 for anything over 5 miles, and knocking out one of my 3 miles days in favor of extra yoga, PT exercises, and rest until it is better. REST is so important. When I space the running and do yoga daily, it helps so much. I am just praying I can fix this before it gets worse.

If you have never used rock tape for injuries, btw, I highly recommend it. When I had my chest wall strain it did wonders, and it stays put through showers and running in 90 degree heat. I did have some sensitivity to the adhesive when I used it on my chest, and my skin got itchy and had some bumps around the edge of the tape. I found I do not have that problem on other areas of my body. I am prone to breaking out there (ladies who run, you get it), so that is probably why.

So, week 7 is DONE! This week I learned that naked juice makes an excellent fuel, and my stomach handles it wonderfully. Also, I am pretty sure I am already gaining weight, because running and biking this much makes me want to eat ALL OF THE THINGS. I swear my thighs have doubled in size. The good news is it is all muscle. The bad news is you can forget me wearing real pants until this training is over. Putting on jeans should actually count as a training exercise, and getting them off should count as a punishment. We had an "arctic blast" this week in our area, and to avoid wearing jeans or pants, I wore 2 pairs of leggings. At one time. 

And yes, I know leggings are not pants. That is precisely why I am wearing them.

I am signed up to run Scottsboro Half again this year! I was going to skip it with it being so close to my full, but I noticed that day on my training plan I am supposed to run 12 before my taper starts. My good friend Sarah (Previvor Fit Mom) and I have been trying to decide on our spring race calendar, and we both have a soft spot for this race. It was her very first half, and my PR half.  It is a great course. Last year it was in the cold rain, and I loved every minute of it. This year they have a Mardi Gras theme (hello! I LOVE themes!) and give you beads at each aid station. The medal is pretty sweet too. Long story short, she signed up to run the half at the Shoals where I am running the full, and we agreed to run scottsboro together as a slow training run! So this means she is joining the crazy that is running back to back half marathons ;) Welcome to the club... the club of FUN.



 I am so excited for the both of us. Sarah was my very first running buddy. We met at Cotton Row through MRTT, and have run several races together since. Sometimes we stick together and chat the whole time, and sometimes we start together and then meet up at the finish. Even when we don't run the entire thing side by side, knowing you have a friend out on course is SO incredibly motivating. There is a very mental aspect to long distance running. Your support system can make or break you in a race. We are lucky to have great families that stand by us and support us in our crazy goals. Having that friend that understands the blood, sweat, and tears of training can be a major part in crossing at finish. I remember how defeated I was running BSTC. I was overheated and sick and contemplating my first DNF when Sarah came up behind me. She was with me just long enough to get me motivated again. My race was suck-tas-tic, but hers was going awesome, and I could read it all over her. She had a great pace, and eventually went on ahead of me, but knowing she was having such a great race pushed me to finish. This is the importance of the running buddy! We are both just giddy about these two races, and are looking forward to having someone to push us through training. I feel blessed to not only have my husband out on this course, but 3 of my best friends. We are covering all 3 distances too, which really appeals to my RuNERD side! So awesome.

So get ready, half #5 and full #1, I am coming for you!

-Teacup Runner

"Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you."-Psalm 84:12 NIV

A Post From A Couple of Weeks Ago That I Forgot to Publish...

So I wrote this post right before Christmas, and then an update last week. I just have been too busy to put it all together in a post that isn't jumbled. I never did organize my thoughts very well, but here it is! I will post more in the subject hopefully later this week :-)

December 23rd:

I have some really exciting news to share. As I have talked about endlessly, I am 3 months migraine free thanks to a medication my GP has me on, and some lifestyle changes. Migraines, and the week long suffering that came with them every month, were the reason I dropped out of marathon training at week 7. My new goal became finding a migraine solution while continuing to run and rediscover actually enjoying it instead of fearing it setting off more migraines. I feel confident enough that I have succeeded in that goal. I am running great, getting back into cross training, and feeling stronger and better than ever. 

I even did speed work last week.

I have been lifting weights again. I have discovered barre, and thanks to finding a perfectly fine recumbent bike someone set out for trash, I am now cycling as well. Thank you random neighbor who cleaned our their garage! I biked 17 miles on my 1 hour cross training day this week, and I was amazed at how different my legs felt after in comparison to after a run. Of course now I really want a road bike!

Back to the news though. The day of RCM when I was scouring race reports, the race director for a half marathon about an hour and a half away announced they would be adding a full to the 2015 race. I immediately bombarded him with questions, which he very kindly and thoroughly answered for me. This race will be a tougher course than one might normally chose for their first full. It is on a golf course, so very hilly. But you have 8 rather than the usual 6 hours to finish (which is great for me, as I've calculated I would finish a full in just over 5.) There is the option to step down to the half as late as 6.3 miles in, so if you got sick or had an injury, you still run a great race and earn your medal. There is a 5k too. 

What could possibly go wrong?

Long story short, I felt so strongly that this was the race for me, that I immediately started full training again, jumping in on week 4. I decided to sign up right away before the registration fee went up. With RCM I went into it feeling like I would train a while and then see if I felt I could do it before signing up. I was sick a lot when I started to train, and I couldn't really give each run my all.  I feel completely different this time. I know I will finish this training and the race. I have already put more strategy and effort into this than I ever did before.  I am still lifting, and still doing plenty of cross training. 

I have an actual plan for pacing too. In addition to weekly speed and hill work, I now have a plan for longs as well. Week 4's long run was only 9 miles, so I decided to try Galloway's 4:1. Basically he has this magic mile formula where you walk for a certain amount of minutes, and then walk a minute (or 30 seconds, whatever your magic mile is). I settled on run 4 walk 1, and it was amazing! I stayed energized the entire 15k that I ran. I ran it in the exact same pace/finish time as the monte sano 15k that I ran with no walking, but this time I didn't feel any hip flexor pain, any fatigue. I felt like on the 4th minute, I could really push my speed. By the end I was running the full 4 min at maximum effort and recovering perfectly. This will be my long run strategy and how I plan to run all longer distance races from here on out. I can't wait to test it out on some higher mileage runs, specifically the half distance.

Every thing has fallen together perfectly for this race, from finding out about it when I did, to finding the bike to help me keep up my cross training. From the funds to sign up, to the best part of all, friends to run the 5k that day! The Bestie and I decided that she and our husbands had to do it. For 1, THEY HAVE FINISHER MEDALS. You never get medals for 5k's around here, so obviously they have to run this.  The husband did start running this week, and he is actually not venomously opposed to this, and even wants to train for speed. My running buddy S even said she would be at the end to cheer me to the finish. Support makes it seem so much more realistic of a goal.

Week 5 has been a training cram week thanks to traveling for Christmas. I ran 3 Monday, 5 today, and have to do 10 tomorrow. Technically I will still have 3 left to run, but I am going to see how I feel. The long run is what I cannot skip. So that's a lot of mileage in a row, but I am taking it slow and doing lots of yoga. I can tell my legs are feeling a little fatigued, so I am pretty relieved that his week's long run will have to be on the mill. Hopefully I can Netflix my way through, still using 4:1 of course. Next week is a step back week, so that helps too. Especially since kids are home on break! 

I wish you all Merry Miles for 2015! 

January 2nd update:

I am still using 4:1 for longs and even some 5 milers. My 10 went well last week, but as expected, my legs were DONE by the end of it. Still though, pace was great using 4:1. This is definitely the way for me to go! I am waking up with a little doubt this week, kind of like, "what have I gotten myself into?" Which is completely right on target considering I am entering the week I dropped out of last time. Yesterday I was lacking run motivation, so i got on the bike for 10 miles, and then felt amped enough to run! I feel like I have way more of a strategy this time, which is going to take me far. So here we go, week 7!

January 6th update:
Holy crap, you guys. I am going to run 26.2 miles on a golf course. What is WRONG with me?!

-Teacup Runner

"Jesus replied: 'love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."- Matthew 22:37,38 NIV

Thoughts the Night Before the Race I'm Not Running

So tomorrow is the RCM. I find it only fitting that I should post something seeing as how it was that race that got me started blogging. Ironic that I am NOT in fact running this race, but eh, details. So how am I feeling? I feel excited for one. It is part of that runner weirdness. I know plenty of runners that ARE running it, and I am super stoked for them.  I'll be thinking good thoughts all morning long for them. Tomorrow my friend S and I will be getting out on one of our favorite trails to run for about an hour, so it will be a good running day, because running with a buddy is always a good run. I will be stalking Fb for updates on the race and runners. I only wish I could have volunteered at an aid station. That would have been awesome. Note to self, look into spectating. I would be so great at that.

Because no one likes a Rungie.

I also feel a little heart sick. I didn't even get to the hard part of training and had to stop. However, when I stopped, I stopped with a health goal that I have succeeded in.  That is a win. I feel like I could resume marathon training at this point and do ok. In fact, I am going to browse some nearby races, because I need that structure and motivation back. I kind of don't know what to do with myself without a race goal. I have plenty of half marathon options coming up, and I could resume the sub 2 hour goal. The thing is, being seconds off of that goal made me all, "meh. Close enough." That's probably a horrible attitude to have. I am sure I will have the desire to run fast again eventually. I also really wish I had a marathon partner to train with. I think that is something I need right now. Accountability and just having someone going through it with me would make a world of difference.

My easing back into cross training has gone well. Even just a little bit is making a difference, and it is nice to break up the running a little. Life has been busy, so it is handy to be able to throw in 30 min of barre or strength training on the days I don't have time to hit the pavement for an hour +. To answer your question, yes, my upper body still sucks, and I am avoiding heavy weights for that area still for the time being. I did have some success doing some body weight exercises for that area though. Baby steps. In the meantime, I get to pretend I have graceful long ballerina legs, when in reality I have short and scarily muscular legs that I trip over on a daily basis. Yay barre!

Believe it or not, I did do dance for years. Unsurprisingly, ballet was quickly dropped.

I also have yet to start speed work again, because I don't wanna. Boo. Hiss. (I know, I know!)

But I am doing way more yoga, and thus have happier hip flexors. Yay again!

In other super exciting running news, The Husband has agreed to try running with me! He will be on vacation this coming week, so it is a great time to get out there and get training. He immediately regretted agreeing to this when I told him I would have him running a half by the end of 2015, and started discussing His and Her medal holders. Which would be AWESOME by the way. 

SO MANY ACTIVITIES!!

So, in closing, GOOD LUCK ROCKET CITY RUNNERS! And GOOD LUCK, CAKE, who is running her first marathon Sunday. Enjoy your race, and then enjoy eating the entire contents of your kitchen and probably your neighbor's kitchen as well :)

- Teacup Runner

"Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;"-Psalm 26:2 NIV

Project Cross Train!

First of all, I need to say that it has been 2 MONTHS since my last migraine with aura attack! I haven't gone this long in between attacks since they started last year. Yay to finally getting some results (accidentally). I have been feeling so much better lately, so I am ready to amp up my training again, and get back to where I was last spring.


How I feel without migraines. Oh yes, I have done this dance.

I have cut back on my running since HSV half. I have decided I will not sign up for another race until I have made cross training a habit again. Lately I have noticed more back pain, which is a direct result from letting my core strength go. Not to mention I am running slower. This is also a result of not cross training. It is not all about abs and getting ripped again. My stomach is flat, my weight is the same, but I am weak right now, and I don't like that. I remembered last year when I was at my peak performance running wise, and I was lifting weights several times a week. So, my new plan is run 3x a week and cross train 3x a week. My goal was to alternate days, but so far I've done a short 3-4 miler plus 20-30 min weights or other cross training on the same day, and have taken more rest days. This isn't really my ideal, but I have been sleeping bad, and the holidays are already jumbling my schedule. I have a tendency to workout cram when I am forced into rest days. Next week I am going to devise a more organized plan. In general, I pretty much hate cross training, but as a runner I find it to be a necessary evil. No one can deny you get better running results with a little cross training thrown in.

My plan is to start writing out my workout schedule again. This is another thing I did last year to help. I was training for the two back to back half marathons, and needed to make sure I got in a lot of workouts at optimal timing. Basically my week would consist of 1 long run, 1 speed run, 2 easy runs,  1 full body cross train, 1 active rest day, and one full rest day. The active rest day would be yoga or something light. I would then squeeze weights in after the easy runs, sometimes an hour or more, and maybe after speed work. I always took my full rest day after speed work day. I will have to work my way back to that. For now I want to have 3 running days total (1 long, 1 speed, 1 easy), and 3 cross training days of my choice. To start, of course these will be lighter weights, lighter workouts, but eventually I will get back to the heavier weights and longer cross training sessions. The last day will be a total rest day, as I now do at least some yoga with every cross training day.  I think giving running and cross training their own days to start out will be a nice transition instead of doubling up right away. I realize this is only 1 rest day, but I am an oddball. I feel like crap on the days I don't work out. I have played around with different combinations of rest days, and working out 6 days a week just works for me. It also was something that kept my migraines more spaced out before I started treating them. Plus, on the days I work out, I eat better and hydrate better. I am guessing that has a lot to do with me feeling so good those days.

I hate rest days not because I am a super tough chick, but because I like to put off house work.

Since my chest wall injury last May, I have lost a lot of upper body strength. I don't want to jump right back into weights as far as that area is concerned, so I am trying out other new strengthening exercises. So far I am loving barre! I am using light weights for my lower body, but to get a good all over body workout, barre is perfect for me. It combines strength and stretch, which is so important for a runner. I got the idea to try after seeing one of my favorite bloggers, The T-Rex Runner, posting about it. After the hip flexor trouble I have had my last 2 races, I think this is going to be a go to CT exercise for me. My chest wall has been a little sore, but nothing like the agony weight training had been causing. I think for a while, this is what I need for my upper body. It has always been my weak area, but since that one little injury, I have constantly managed to hurt myself. Since then I have been trying to figure out the right exercises to start back with. Barre is the winner for sure! I feel the appropriate amount of soreness after, not the "Oh God my chest is broken forever and I am possibly having a heart attack" pain that I kept rebounding into before.

Weirdly accurate.

Another thing my GP recommended for my upper back/chest wall issues is a deep tissue massage. I am still trying to talk myself into this. For one, deep tissue massages hurt, and I am a wuss. For two, I don't like people touching me, so a stranger touching me really painfully is probably not going to be a  comfortable experience for me, but if it resets me and helps with my muscle tightness, it will be worth it. I have also debated a chiropractor, but again, not yet brave enough. I need to do something though, so I figure fixing my core is a start that doesn't involve other people touching me.



So my question for the probably 4 people who read this blog: Have you gotten a deep tissue massage or gone to a chiropractor to help with a work out injury? Did it help?

I will report back next week on my new schedule!

-Teacup Runner

"I love you, Lord, my strength." -Psalm 18:1 NIV

HSV Half Race Recap

Half #4 complete! What an awesome race! My finish according to garmin was 13.27 miles in 02:20:08, 10:34 min/mi. Unfortunately chip timing did not work, so that's all I have, but no bad at all! It was not much faster than BSTC Half, but I felt so much better during and after.

J, J's husband's shadow, and I before the race

The race started out sunny and cold. I did decide on shorts, compression socks, gloves, and a long sleeved tech shirt. It turned out to be a pretty good decision, because I was baking about 5 miles in, but not terribly bad. Pants would have been uncomfortable. My friend J and I met up before the race as usual. She had decided to "run naked" this race, sans gadgets as she had been having issues with her garmin. Like I posted before, no music was allowed, so we were without earbuds on top of it, which meant hearing all the funny conversations along the way, but more on that later.

Race start!

The race started out with me just forcing myself not to run ahead of the crowd just to get away from it. It was HARD. People were passing me despite my 9:30 something pace, and this stressed me out. Where did all of these fast people come from? I had determined at that point I would be last, but at least I wouldn't be puking at the end (for the record, I was not even close to last. I stayed middle of the pack the entire race). I also learned that not going out too fast would get me away from the starting crowd just as fast as going out too fast. I just like to have my own little space during races. That's when I find my groove.


Yeah. Pretty much.

The first mile, my mind was racing. It went a little like this:

.3 miles : Why did I pick winterfresh gum? Always go with cinnamon in the cold! Always! Pretty sure my lungs are actually frozen.

.4 miles : Glad I wore shorts. I don't feel any cold on my legs. What is wrong with me that I cannot feel cold in my legs? Maybe I am bionic. No, I'd definitely be faster if I were bionic.

.45 miles : Ugh my toes. I can't feel them. Pretty sure my toes are ACTUALLY FROZEN.

.6 miles : Dude, way too short man shorts at 12 o'clock. Oh God, oh God, man thighs. Too much man thighs. So white, so hairy... Ack, look away before more man parts show. Never mind, it's too cold for that. Still disturbing. How is that even comfortable?

.7 miles : Pretty sure my nose is actually frozen.

.98 miles : Oh, look, there are my toes. One less thing to worry about.

2 miles in : I am burning up. Why did I wear a shirt? I could take my shirt off, but then I would have to repin my bib to my shorts, which would surely lead to injury. Oh no, camera. Smile like running 13.1 miles is your idea of relaxing on a cold Saturday morning!

The first 4 miles were like that. I laughed with a lady when a car backed out and blew exhaust in our faces. I listened to a veteran, a Marine, and an older lady talk about their running "careers" to pass the time. He was 57 and had just run the USMC Marathon, and was running one in Vegas next week, as well as RCM in December. She was 68, and did not start running until she was 35, but ran marathons like you and I take bubble baths. She had amazing neon yellow leopard print compression socks, and I decided I would need to get a pair of immediately. I thought if I could keep up with these two, I would consider myself a rock star. Runners really are like a fine wine, we get better with age.

At almost 5 miles I took a few honey stinger chews and grabbed water at the water station. I walked that station just to make sure I got all the water down. I was risking it not being enough to chase fuel with, so I wanted to get as much down as I could. At that point I felt good all except my left hip flexor was doing its usual complaining. I pushed past it and kept running. I found a lady who earlier in the race had Mandesa's "Overcomer" playing, and listened to a Jars of Clay song for a bit before pulling ahead again. Little things to distract from the hip flexor pain.

Once we hit the Greenway I got another burst of energy. It was SO pretty! The leaves were all fall-like, and the mountains in the background made it so picture perfect for running. At one point, however, I was feeling too hot and stuffy and it got a little congested. Some lady passed me and then blocked me from getting away from her. The unfortunate part of this is she had rap music blaring from her phone. It took every bit of restraint I had to not rip her armband away and toss it in the water we were running next to. Note: rap music during a race to me is like sticking my head in between giant clock gears. This is when I had regrets about not breaking the no ear bud rule.



Eventually I got away from rap music girl and was able to spread out from that crowd a little by passing her at the turn around. I took fuel and walked through another water station at mile 9. My hip flexor was beginning to bother me down to my knee, and randomly my ankle was aching, so the walk to drink that cup of water was a relief. Knowing I would lose my momentum, I started running again as soon as I finished, and just focused on the views.

This was the greenway part. So peaceful when void of rap music.

When we came out of the greenway, a spectator told me to run fast and take the guys in front of me. They had been with me much of the race. Their conversations had been cracking me up some. The one guy was running with I kid you not, giant headphones around his neck. I did end up passing them at one point, and overheard them talking about the "tiny gal beating them" or something to that effect. Then listened to them guessing my weight (something about being small and light and faster. Um, so not the case guys, and you are both way off). That's when not having earbuds got entertaining. They caught up to me at about 10.5 miles and caught me wiping my nose on my gloves. The one guy says, " That's why I should have worn gloves, to wipe my nose!" I told him I recommended gloves that were not fuzzy, as it left fuzz under your nose, to which he replied he noticed they were glittery. Ah, race talk.

My entire left leg felt like it was going to fall off at this point. Car exhaust girl came up beside me, and we started pushing each other, trying to talk about races (both of us were trying to redeem ourselves after BSTC), our crazy friends that ran marathons, and also about how much pain we were in. We lost each other right before the 13 mile mark, but she came up and passed me right at the end, us cheering each other. Right after the race we high fived  and found our finisher tshirts, then said goodbyes. That's about how runners are. You find a temporary best friend right when you need one, even if you may not ever see them again. You can talk about gross things, you can spit and shoot snot rockets. I mean really, what other time in life can you meet someone while spitting and it be acceptable?



I think I limped back to where I was meeting Ryan to pick me up. My left leg was cussing at me in left leg language. I went straight to a hot epsom salt bath, which fixed things right away. I was nauseated from inhaling a slice of pizza pre-race, but continued to graze all day despite that fact. Runchies are weird. I'm not sure when I am going to figure out that pizza right after running is not a good idea.

I am a little sore, but nothing terrible. I really enjoyed this race. The course was awesome, the volunteers and spectators great. I think out of all the half marathons I have run, this one wins for prettiest course. Probably because the time of year. I want to do it again next year for sure! I think for anyone wanting to do their first half, this is a great course for that as well. It was mostly flat, and plenty to look at to distract you from the miles. I barely looked at my watch, and my friend J ran without one, if that will tell you anything! I feel like I redeemed myself from BSTC Half, and am looking forward to training for Scottsboro. 

-Teacup Runner

"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"-Psalm 8:9 NIV

Thoughts Two Nights Before the Race, HSV Half Edition

2 more days until half #4! For whatever reason, I have continued to get ridiculously excited about this race despite probably being entirely too ill prepared. I have run a whopping 7 miles this week. My plan was to get another short run in, but as life would have it things have been too busy this week. For starters, in my journey back into music ministry, I have agreed to sing tonight at church for a ladies fellowship group. I feel completely unprepared and insanely nervous. I even tried to get out of it initially, but I do feel like God wants me doing this regardless of the fact that the song on my heart comes out a little squeaky. It is odd for me. I am not a follower by any means, but not really a leader either. I just sort of do what I want and hope it comes off appropriate and not offending anyone. "Winging it" should be my middle name. It's ok. I got this. Most likely.

I feel confident that regardless of how I sound tonight, God will reach people, and the fellowship will be amazing. I can't thank Him enough for leading us to this church. 

The other big thing on my mind is what to wear on Saturday. Early in the morning I am cold lately, but I keep over dressing for my runs. I feel pretty confident that my bottom half should be comprised of compression shorts and socks, but no clue if I should do sleeves or not. It will probably be in the upper 30s, so I will need gloves, but I don't want to burn up and have nowhere to ditch clothes. I like to have as little on me as possible during these long runs. It appears I bought two pairs of bright cropped running tights to choose from for nothing, because I am too hot natured when I run. Honestly, the worst part is waiting on the race to start. Freezing and then not even a mile in, burning up. Then each outfit option comes with more decisions about where to store fuel, phone, etc. Then there is the fact that I just really wanted to wear the bright neon purple tie dye looking tights. Too much thought wasted on this.

I am not sure what it says about me that I am putting more thought into gear than a pacing strategy. Speaking of pacing, I had planned to test out a little Jeff Galloway run/walk intervals in my garmin this week, but forgot. I thought about trying that for the half. I know it is unwise to try out anything new at a race, so naturally I probably will. If anything, maybe it will keep me from going out too fast, and I can abandon it second half if it isn't doing it for me. I don't know. We can't have music this race (lame), so I need a distraction of some sort in case I struggle.

Don't judge me, Wonka. I do it because I am claustrophobic!

It's really a shame I have yet to master reading while running. Running is the only time in life I don't have a book of some sort on me. Can you imagine? Wonder if I could get away with an audio book. When I emailed the race director about ear buds, I got a short snappy "Rules say no music" response back. No music, eh? So earbuds are cool as long as no music? I really should invest in some of those wireless buds. Under a toboggan I'd be gold. Ok, enough fantasizing about rules I will never break. Spectators, I rely on you for my race entertainment! Witty signs and cowbells, people!

-Teacup Runner

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."-Galatians 1:10 NIV

Half #4 Countdown!

Hello all! We are just over a week away from Half #4, and I am REALLY excited about this one! I had been feeling dread and stress over it, but I am feeling good about it now. I have no goal pace or finish time, AND the weather has finally decided to stop mimicking the 7th level of hell. I have been enjoying nice crisp, cool runs. Fall weather is the ultimate for a runner. We hear leaves crunching under our shoes and get downright giddy. I am a big fan of cold weather running. As far as I am concerned, the only downside is frozen snot rockets.


No one said running was glamorous.

On the health front, I have been working on the whole migraine thing and also my struggle with the anxiety I have over the migraines. I am feeling very successful lately! Being open with my doctors has really helped. I say doctors, but currently I am just with my GP (who is AWESOME btw), but have a referral to a new neurologist who comes highly recommended in the area. I want a second option on there being preventative measures to take being there is a hormonal pattern to mine. Especially since the abortive medication my current neuro keeps telling me to take is not doing anything except making my migraines more angry, and seeming to make them give me more in between attack symptoms. Until the new appt, I have been working on handling my stress and anxiety better. Our bible study has been focusing on that in particular, and is working as an awesome therapy for me! Reaching out has done wonders for me. I am finding that I am not some freak of nature anxiety girl, that most people have trouble, especially those that deal with annoying conditions like migraines, and it is ok to ask for help! It is ok to say no and not commit to every project and every activity just to prove you can do it all. It is ok to take time to relax! I am not superwoman, and God doesn't expect me to be.

On the post marathon decision front, I admit, every time someone asks me how training is going, I get a little pang having to say it has been put on hold. I wish I were still training! I have to quickly scroll past any posts about RCM, because I SO wish I were running it. I know I am just not there, and I can't give training what it deserves right now, but it is almost like a break up, but you are hoping you can reconcile at some point. I am living vicariously through my friends that are training, and cheering them on! Mama Koala has her first full coming up on Sunday! I am eager to hear all about it. I am weirdly obsessed with reading race recaps by the way. If you have a running blog, I need to know about it immediately. Eat, sleep, and breathe the running, folks.



Half training, or should I say "upkeep" has been very relaxed. I did my last "long run" last week, a 10 miler. My pace was 10:46. I was on the TM and being kind of lazy, so take that how you will, but I expect it to be close to that on the course since my 15k was slightly faster. Race day adrenaline and all ;) I went out and bought some loud and obnoxious running tights to wear. Weather wise it is looking to be in the lower 50s at race start, and possible rain, which is PERFECT. I have a little bit of a history of rainy half marathons. The only one I ran that was sunny was awful, so I am all about some rain. It keeps me comfortable and seems to help me keep my pace more even. Yesterday I got out and ran a little over 5 miles, 55 degrees, light rain, and it was great. I hope it is exactly like that on race day! You always hear that running in the rain makes you a beast, but that is incorrect. Running in 95 degree heat, 100% humidity and not dying makes you a beast. Rain=PR. Of course I am not going for a PR, but I do expect a good race if it is raining. Either way, race bling and awesome post race food. It's a win win.



Like any good obsessive runner, I am looking for my next race. It is odd when I finish one and don't have another lined up! I have yet to sign up for Scottsboro half, but even so, that is in March, and I would love to run a few before then. I do plan to try and organize some neighborhood group runs at night during the holidays to check out all the cool lights. Because the only thing better than running is themed running. Obviously.

Until next time, runners!

-Teacup Runner

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." -John 16:33 NIV