Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Believe it or not, of all the books read to me growing up, this was not one of them. I have read it to my daughter a couple of times and realized that I was reading it more for me. This is such a great book and it's crazy how it speaks to me at where I'm at in my life and with running.

“You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!” - Dr. Seuss

As most know, Martin and I had a beautiful baby girl a year ago. She is the most amazing gift ever and we love her so. As most of you know as well, that finding that balance for baby, work and working out and running is a bit tough. Losing the baby weight is going to take commitment and dedication. People would always say, "well it's ok because you just had a baby". Then I'd hear at 6 months, "well, you just had a baby, it's going to take time to lose the weight, give yourself a break". Here we are a year later and the excuse, "you just had a baby" isn't going to work; 1) I didn't just have a baby and 2) that excuse has to go. The "give yourself a break" has been milked for long enough.

Our dear friend, Chris McKee was in Chicago not too long ago and he ran with Martin. When they got home, we got to talking about training and diet and he threw out a proposal - sign up for a race the day after JFK 50. I loved the idea, because now I have to run because I'll have someone running with me and I don't want to run slow. It's a great challenge! I signed up today to run the Vienna Turkey Trot 10K to run with Chris. We'll have Jen and Cassidy and Martin cheering and I foresee it being a great day!

So here's the deal: I cannot guarantee I'll be able to update this blog every day, although I will try. I will also try to take small chunks at a time as opposed to looking at the big picture. Truth be told, I really do love running...not always, but I do. I haven't lately because it's very hard. I'm 185 pounds and my joints are not use to running with an extra 40 pounds on them. I'm also getting use to running with a jogging stroller pushing an extra 22 pounds around. I want to run Boston and I want to live a healthier life and lose this weight. I've never really depended on the support and nudging from others, however, right now I'm hoping for it. I've never been in this spot before. I told Martin that with losing weight and getting back into running, I feel like I'm at the bottom of the valley looking up very steep walls. I'm deciding to crawl out of the valley. 

One very cool thing is that Fleet Feet is opening a store in the South Loop and I found out that there will be group runs and I can take the stroller. I'm back on myfitnesspal.com and I will be tracking my calories again. I feel like it's all going to come together, I just need to take one step at a time.

Thanks for reading and thanks for sharing in this journey with me.

“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's
 A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) 
Kid, you'll move mountains.” - Dr. Seuss

I love that book!  They used if for the theme when my daughter graduated from high school and like you I instantly felt like it applied to me.  

I know what you mean about not having time to blog...spend the time you have running and blog when you can.  It will be fun to follow along.

Take it slow and easy.  Remember to have fun!

Welcome back to the chase, Lisa, and back to blogging.

You picked a great theme. It's my favorite Dr. Seuss book, and you're right -- it speaks to all of us.

Be patient with yourself, but don't give up.  You can do this.

Thank you Nancy and Mark, I appreciate the support!

Today started out great...woke up and fed Kristina her breakfast, took Hana out and then headed back in and gathered some laundry, threw it into the wash and changed to go run. By the time I got Kristina ready and myself ready, I headed downstairs to transfer the clothes to the dryer and out the door we went!

It is an absolutely gorgeous day here in Chicago! We have Lollapalooza going on right now, so Michigan Avenue to the Lakefront Path are pretty swamped with people. I chose to try a different route and just enjoy the run and the route I chose today kept me on sidewalks with no (ok, maybe 1 or 2) stoplights! Happy me  

I couldn't find my iPod, so I actually used my Pandora on my phone and had that playing while I was running. Granted, I didn't have my headphones so anyone around me heard Daughtry, but tough shit.

My mantra for today was, "don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle". I ended up running 2.5 miles in 30 minutes. I'm not worrying about pace at this point in time, just getting out the door and running. 

I got home and went to the laundry room and grabbed the clothes, headed upstairs, made some lunch and cleaned the kitchen. I plan on starting the 30 Day Shred today and that will be done later.

Yea, new Lisa blog!   We are locked and loaded for the Vienna 10K!  That will be a fun race.  I've done the 5K and will have to look at the site and see if the 10K is just that twice or something else.  Begins and ends at the fire station in town so maybe I'll go check out the course for us on a run one of these days and report back so you have some good info to keep in mind as you train.

Speaking of training, DO NOT worry about pace now.  In fact, don't get too caught up in miles either.  Its number of days you do something each week and minutes you do it.  Don't feel like running?  Crank up the incline on that mill and watch some TV while walking for 60 minutes.  That will shred you into fitness a lot quicker than you think and of course you can keep up with shows.  I fake myself out by making up rules like "I can ONLY watch Dexter and Breaking Bad while on the mill"  Could I just sit on the couch or in bed and watch them?  Sure - but I make up a rule that forces me to the mill when I want to watch shows I like.  Look for those extra little things that give you motivation to stick to it on the days you don't feel like sticking to it.  THAT'S the hardest thing about getting back in shape and running in general.  Its kind of easy to run on the days when you are all fired up to be out there.  Its the 50% (or is it 75%?) of the days you DON'T really feel like doing anything that I think it helps to trick yourself into getting something done, even if its not long or fast. 

I'll be seeing you guys again in September and again in October out there and then my gang here is of course excited for the visit in November. 

Stick with the steady/slow efforts and you'll be shocked at where you are come race day in November.  Its not going to be some great run or workout that gets you there.  Just getting into the habit of doing something and sticking to it will launch you right back to where you used to be and then some over time.   Stay motivated and lean on all your friends to help!

Hmm, maybe I should sign up for it as well since I probably won't leave until Monday........

Great to see a Lisa blog and a goal race is the best way to get back at it.  Remember to take some of the runs as Mommy time!

Lisa, it's great to hear that you're getting back into training, and I look forward to following along with you  
I like the mantra about not comparing your beginning to anyone's middle.  Take it step by step, and if I were you, I wouldn't worry about pace, either.  Just get the miles in and get used to running regularly, and the pace part can come later.  I can't even fathom the challenges of having a 1-year-old, so I think every time you get out there to run, it's applause-worthy.
I run at the Fleet Feet in Old Town, and heard about the South Loop one that's coming.  That's great that they allow strollers.  You'll probably get really good upper body strength from doing that, too.

Michele \"1L" Keane wrote:Hmm, maybe I should sign up for it as well since I probably won't leave until Monday........

Great to see a Lisa blog and a goal race is the best way to get back at it.  Remember to take some of the runs as Mommy time!

Michele, go ahead and sign up.  Lisa and I will be running it.  You are staying at our house in Vienna Saturday night, right?

 http://www.viennaturkeytrot.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=12

Chris M wrote:

Michele \"1L" Keane wrote:Hmm, maybe I should sign up for it as well since I probably won't leave until Monday........

Great to see a Lisa blog and a goal race is the best way to get back at it.  Remember to take some of the runs as Mommy time!

Michele, go ahead and sign up.  Lisa and I will be running it.  You are staying at our house in Vienna Saturday night, right?

 http://www.viennaturkeytrot.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=12

 Ok, I'll sign up for the 10K, and well, I guess I can if it is not an issue.

Chris M wrote:

Michele \"1L" Keane wrote:Hmm, maybe I should sign up for it as well since I probably won't leave until Monday........

Great to see a Lisa blog and a goal race is the best way to get back at it.  Remember to take some of the runs as Mommy time!

Michele, go ahead and sign up.  Lisa and I will be running it.  You are staying at our house in Vienna Saturday night, right?

 http://www.viennaturkeytrot.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=12

 Lisa, it is the same course I ran before at this race.  The 5K runners do the out and back once and the 10K runners do it twice.  Almost no turns, just out to a cone and a 180 degree turn around and then back.  Here's what one 5K loop looks like elevation wise:

Welcome back to the blog...and I don't care if you are not able to post everyday.  I am just happy to be able to follow your journey.  Chris is right, having something to run for...having that end point...is pretty motivating.

Oh the places you'll go

Thank you everyone for dropping in and for your posts! Chris - I love the bribing idea and I've actually used it on a couple of runs so far. Thank you!

This past weekend was really great. We headed to the Poto to trail run and I finally had the chance to do so. We dropped Kristina off at my parent's house on Friday and Hana stayed with our friend, Kristen. We set up camp and Martin took off for his run. I started my run shortly after. It. Felt. SO. Good...to be back out there! I ran 3 miles and I only saw 1 other person on the trail. The rest of the time, it was me and the birds and fresh air. Saturday before we picked Kristina up, we headed out for a run together. Since Martin did his long run in the morning, he ran a recovery run of 3 miles with me. This made me really happy because we don't run together much. 1) he's much faster than me, 2) sometimes I'm in a meeting when he heads out, 3) his runs are long! So I really loved that we got that chance to run together. I miss those runs!

I did not run on Sunday, but I did walk about 4 miles. Today I ran 2 and walked 1. I need to start ramping it up, that's for sure. The biggest issue I'm having is my mind still (and my bouncing ass - which hurts badly while running!). I need to wipe the slate clean in my mind and just go with it. I am learning the whole "prioritizing" thing again, but I'll get it.

Since Kristina was born, I've tried being that super-mom everyone tells me doesn't exist. Working from home, caring for Kristina (yes, Martin helps out A LOT!), trying to clean and do laundry and fit working out in. By God, I would be the one to prove super-mom existed! Alas, she does not...mom's that are super do though  

My focus has to be on my daughter and me and my husband. I need to get healthy - it's not just an aesthetic thing, it's a health thing. I need to be around for a long time for Kristina - she is owed that, and if I have control over helping make that happen, then I have to do it.

The house and everything else will just have to wait. I need to make sure that I make the time to run and workout and even post here when I can. 

So, tomorrow I think I'll go for 1 hour of running. I may have to walk a bit and that's alright, just as long as I try. Damn, I never thought I'd be so far out of running and so far out of shape. It simultaneously saddens me and pisses me off to fuel me.

I just wanted to provide an update. I hope everyone is doing great and having a wonderful evening! I'm heading to bed, as I have a meeting with the road in the AM! 


"You Won"


There was a world outside my door
I wasn't in touch with anymore
There was a way I used to feel
I knew what was and wasn't real

You built a bridge, I tore it down
I felt safe on shaky ground
And I was a master of despair
Making believe I didn't care

I shouldn't be standing here today
After all the crazy things I've done
I'm ready to fall and that's OK
I ran as far as I could run
You won

Out of a world turned upside down
It took some time to come around
Out of a dream you made me whole
Yes you did
You lit a fire down in my soul

I shouldn't be standing here today
After all the crazy things I've done
I'm ready to fall and that's OK
I ran as far as I could run
You won

I shouldn't be standing here today
After all the crazy things I've done
I'm ready to fall and that's OK
I ran as far as I could run
You won
And you won

I'm ready to fall
I thought I knew what I was doing
I thought I was in control
I thought nobody could slow me down
But what did I know
I was just a kid, a motherless child
No one to watch over me I was runnin' wild
Free of all responsibility 'til my life
And my love for myself caught up with me
Yeah, it caught up with me
And now I'm (ready to fall), yes I am
So ready

Hi Lisa - hey, you are probably right where you are supposed to be.  You have such a beautiful baby and you are not going to get these years back - soak every minute up that you can.  I know everyone supports you through whatever you do - just don't get down.  Sounds like you are getting a fire back for running - as long as it is fun!  That is awesome that the two of you get to run together some.  All of those little things really matter!  Love watching baby grow up - it is happening fast!

Glad you're getting some running in! I can't wait till I can run, too. 

I'm tired so sorry this is corny but I heard it was through perseverance the snail reached the ark. so hang in there for the long haul and you'll reach your goals. I'm right with you with needing to get back into shape and lose wt.

Mrs. Schuey wrote:The biggest issue I'm having is my mind... I need to wipe the slate clean in my mind and just go with it. 

This is key, in my opinion. You need to let go of the fitness you once had, and start over. You have to start getting out there to walk or run every day, and build on it, one day at a time.

Or one foot at a time which will become one mile at a time.  It does - it really does!  And remember, we are all "super" Moms.

Thank you everyone for the posts. It means a lot you're reading and posting!

I have to state that in this post, I am adding a bunch of emoticons for a special little girl who will be popping in to see them tomorrow. So if you notice a lot of them, that's why   

To start - things are going pretty good! Martin and I camped in Manistee this past weekend so that he could run the 50 miler. I crewed him with Kristina and Hana in tow. It was a very fun time and we had so much fun that we registered for next year!    Martin will be running the 50 miler again and I will be running the half.  

Monday my friend Jen was in town on business and she wanted to run the Lakefront. I warned her that I was slow and that I would hold her back - I actually didn't realize something until just now as I'm typing this: she never acknowledged my comments about being slow. Very cool! We headed out and ended up running 4 miles. She pushed me and I didn't want to slow down so I kept going. We walked very little and she told me I did well and that she had pushed me a bit out of my comfort zone; she wasn't going to let me slack. She didn't!  

Tuesday was a bit too hot to have Kristina outside for a run   so I chose to run on the treadmill  . I ran 2.5 miles with no walking and I felt great!

Today, Wednesday, was huge. After work I fed Kristina dinner, Kristina and I went for a short walk to take Hana outside and I came back upstairs. While Kristina was in her stroller, I put my running socks and shoes on and grabbed my watch and we walked out the door. As I'm waiting for the elevator, something hit me - holy cow, I just got ready to run on autopilot! I mean, I didn't have to plead with myself to get ready to run. I just did it! 

A new Fleet Feet opened up less than a mile from our house. I found out that on Mondays they have a group run and on Thursdays they have the chicks' night fun run. Tonight they had a Good Form Running Clinic and run. I ended up going to this and man it was cool! First, this store is really nice and the people that work there are really great. There were about 6 of us that showed for the clinic which was cool because the guy that did the talking and video taping of our strides actually ran with us. I have a horrible heel strike! I'm talking that it literally formed a perfect check mark in slow motion! So I need to focus on more of a mid foot strike. Like he said, there is not one perfect running form, but I can work on not heel striking so much by working on my posture and cadence.

After the video, a guy from New Balance gave us the 4 pillars of running form and then we did drills. I have to tell you, it felt weird trying a new and better way of running. The guy running the clinic pulled out a metronome and said that ideally we should be at 180. He said that even he's not at that, but it's something to work toward.   

We headed out for a 2 mile run and the whole time we had to focus on the four things we were taught in trying to better our form and stride. He had the metronome going the whole time. I have to admit, it was fun trying to get my cadence to match it...fun as in really challenging but fun! 

So here are the things I was told: Posture, Mid-Foot, Cadence, Lean. http://goodformrunning.com/ My core is very weak as are my hips so I need to start doing core work to strengthen the lower abs. I am also going to work on doing the side step with the band and the monster side step with the band.

Tomorrow there is the chicks' night fun run and yoga and I'll be there. I can't wait!     

So to recap:

Monday - 4 miles
Tuesday - 2.5 miles
Wednesday - 2 miles

Looking forward to it! Thanks again for reading everyone!              

Good to hear you're running and enjoying it!

I started running a few years ago with the goal of being able to keep up with my grandkids.  It took me a while to realize that it was OK to be "selfish" and take some time to run as when I did I had a better attitude and more energy so I could be a better Grandma, mom, wife.....

It took me a while longer to realize that it was OK to skip a run or change my schedule around to make sure I had time to spend with those grandkids.  

Life is a balancing act with all kinds of things happening and changing every day.  Don't worry when you have to make choices and decisions...just do what you can.

I attended one of the Good Form clinics and it really helped...glad you enjoyed it.

Have fun with your group runs and keep up the great effort!

     


all picked out by your littlest reader (her favorites).

Keep up the good work! I can't wait to run again. I am hoping soon.

Nice running! It sounds like the running form clinic was really helpful--I've been wanting to go to one of those, too. So is 180 the number of steps per minute we should all be taking?  Gotta love the autopilot feeling.
Enjoy the Fleet Feet runs! I live 3 minutes walking distance from the one in Old Town so usually go there, but if the South Loop one has weekend runs, may try that one too.

It's great to see the progress you've been making, Lisa. I know it seems like its going to be a slow process, but as long as it takes you where you want to be, it'll be worth it. Keep at it!

(somebody wanted more emoticons).      I hope she isn't spamming you.

What are you up to these days, Lisa? How are the Fleet Feet runs in the South Loop going?

Penelope wrote:What are you up to these days, Lisa? How are the Fleet Feet runs in the South Loop going?

Well I will let Lisa feel in the details but if you ask me she is doing great with her running and being fantastic mom!!!! She has come a long way with her running and there is no doubt in my mind with having some patiences she will do some great things running wise in the future! 

From what she has said to me she loves the Fleet Feet runs. I have been telling her for years that I felt that running with a group would help her a lot and I think she is now finding out that it really is paying off. Someone people need to be able to do some runs with others in a group. I think the biggest benefit she receives from it is that it helps her push the pace some and she doesn't think about it.

Doing awesome Lisa!!!!

Thank you Martin!  Your continued support and encouragement is so appreciated. I love you!

Well, things are going very good! I have been doing my 2x weekly runs with the Fleet Feet Running Store (with the exception of this past Monday): 1 on Monday and 1 on Thursday. I've joined www.strava.com and set a weekly goal of 25 miles for myself. Well, I'm happy to announce that I hit my goal of 25 miles for last week; the first time in over 2 years!

Monday: Off
Tuesday: 5.0 miles @ 12:08/mile
Thursday: 4.5 miles @ 10:26/mile
Friday: 5.2 miles @ 11:35/mile
Saturday: 3.0 miles @ 11:41/mile
Sunday: 7.3 miles @ 11:48/mile

This week I will have a goal of 25 miles again with a drop in mileage to 20 next week and the 30 the following week. I don't want to increase too much, too soon because my goal is train healthy and stay injury free. I have my group run tonight and I'm looking to go for a slower 3 miles. Mondays will be slow recovery days following Sunday, because Sundays will be my long run days.

More to come.....