2013 - Goals for the Year

What do I want to see in 2013? Well the biggest and most important goal is to get 'off the injured list'. But big goals are nothing without breaking it down into bite sized chunks. And in a nod to my 'too much too soon' injury, this year is all about keeping it simple and not trying to accomplish stuff my body is not ready for.

Big Goals:

• Progress in my rehab so that I am able to 'run' again. I cannot wait until I am able to run a full 3 miles without having to do walking intervals. Likewise, I can't wait to do a long run again. It's been 5 looonnnggg month since I've gone on a long run. 

• Build strength and flexibility. My PT exercises and work focus on strengthening my core, pelvic floor, hips and glutes. I do a series of exercises every day and do my run/walk 3-4 times a week. Once I 'graduate' from regular PT visits, I'll be focusing on a regimen that will include yoga, more strength training and hopefully a lot of cross training amidst all the running I hope to be doing again this year.

• Focus on building a solid base. I really neglected that last year and have a pretty awful injury to prove it. I will not make that mistake again. That means I will be extremely cautious in increasing my mileage when I am back to running full time. It also means I will be a total zealout when it comes to stretching, recovery methods and fueling my body. I will be a smart runner who doesn't take chances. I love it too much to allow this sort of injury to occur again.

• Keep the racing to a minimum - no matter how much I am tempted to do other fun races. That means that my first 6 months of the year will be focused on training for Rock and Roll in June and Ragnar in July. Past that, if all goes well, I'd like to do the full Seattle Marathon in November. If a full is too much for this year, I have no problem doing the half instead. But I am not planning on any more and think that keeping the focus on these will be better for my body.

• Not suck at blogging. This was a mirco goal last year....Not sure how well I am doing in this regard but since I now have a full year of blogging under my belt, I'd like to get better, more consistent and savvier. 

And that is it. No crazy big goals this year.....and no specific tiny goals either. Just going to be realistic, listen to my body and go with the flow. We'll see how that approach works in the coming months!

Marshaling the Course

Stray observations from the course:

1) Some people run really funny. Like arms straight down at their sides funny.

2) Marathoners come in all shapes and sizes. For reals.

3) I want to be badass enough to win a whole marathon sometime in my life. A bit after I got to my post, I saw the first three ladies running by looking all badass.

4) Some bikers are assholes. Closed course fools. Don't make me use my Mom voice on you.

5) I can't wait to start running again. Injuries suck.

Volunteering at the Seattle Marathon

One year ago, I ran my very first half marathon. It was cold, rainy and windy. I was nervous as hell and had no idea what to expect. Running to the finish line was an indescribable feeling. I felt powerful and strong and completely spent. I also hyperventilated just a bit and was swallowing more than a few tears.

One year later, I have to sit this one out. Stupid injuries...But the next best thing to running has to be volunteering...I spent the better part of yesterday handing out bibs at the Expo and will spend several hours today on the course as a course marshal. I had such a good time yesterday...It was fun to see all the different runners and you could totally tell the people who are experienced and who is a newbie....One girl was super excited and had so much nervous energy, I got a kick out of being the 'more experienced' one who offered some advice and encouragement. I even had my own little brush with a local quasi-celebrity, Allen Shauffler, KING 5 News anchor (our local NBC affiliate). And of course, I was super stupid...I was all "I know you!" and started looking for his bib. He's all "The question is, can you spell it?" Ha. I totally could and found it lickety split.

I was on the first shift so I was able to strategically place myself at the S-T table so I could check in my friends Bill and Mike. I also got too see a friend from high school which was nice....And I learned that as a course marshal, I have to hold a stop sign...so I decided against doing signs. But the weather seems like it may hold up...no rain in the forecast. Just cloudy and in the 40's all day. So I definitely need to dress warm. What to wear....I have a ginormous volunteer t shirt that I might wear....but it will likely be covered by a warmer layer so I might not. I also want to wear Blue....so my fellow runners know why I am yelling so loudly at them.

Anyhoo, I've got to go get ready to head out soon....more to come!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, hands down. It's the best one because it's all about family and food and you don't have to buy stuff. The only thing I don't like about Turkey Day is the fact that it's generally understood that it's the 'official' kick off to the Christmas season. I am not a fan of that holiday for many many reasons, best told over a cocktail. But mostly, I resent that as soon as the orange stuff and candy is put away, it's all candy canes and trees with lights. My birthday is Dec. 7th and the rule in my house is that there is absolutely positively no Christmas decorations until after said date. Hell, if I didn't have a kid, I probably wouldn't have a tree at all. But I digress....

I am not a super good cook, nor do I enjoy it as much as I wish I did. But on Turkey day, that rule does not apply. I actually love cooking this meal. It's my favoritest favorite of all. Like last meal before being executed favorite. And I'll be getting started on all that soon! We will do a little 'kick off to Christmas' activity tomorrow - we plan to go watch the Macy's Holiday parade downtown Seattle and then watch the tree lighting at Westlake that evening. But there will be NO shopping. Black Friday is a terrible terrible day and I will never ever be into it. 

Post Turkey Day activities, I plan to be a part of the brand new Thanksgiving Weekend tradition that I started last year. And it's the PERFECT addition because it has nothing to do with Christmas and involves running!! Woot woot - I plan to return to the place that started it all for me- my first Half Marathon last year, the Seattle Marathon on Sunday. And my little blog didn't exist then so I don't have a fabulous race recap to link to....but I'll be writing all about my volunteer experience this year! 

That's right - since I am not able to run, I am going to be there anyway because I just can't stay away. I have a few friends doing it and even though it's not an 'official' Wear Blue race, there will be many of my fellow Blue runners out on the course and there to support them. I will be volunteering twice - on Saturday at the Expo handing out bibs and on Sunday at the actual race - as a course marshal. I am super excited b/c I think that means I get stationed somewhere out on the course and I get to cheer people on all day. I already have my signs all planned - I can't wait to make them!

All in all, I think this will be an excellent weekend. We don't have to go anywhere, I get to eat my most favorite foods of all and I get to hang out with a bunch of runners! But this holiday is my favorite for another reason. It's a chance to reflect on just how fortunate we are and to be thankful for the wonderful friends and family in our life. I am thankful for so many things....the health of my family, a daughter who makes me laugh and burst with pride on a daily basis, and that I have a good job that pays me enough for us to have the things we need....

But as much as I am thankful for all these things specific to me, I am also aware that there are so many out there who are facing really difficult holidays. Families with a missing member at the table, men and women away from those families as they fight to keep up safe worlds away from here in the dessert. I am so grateful for the sacrifices these families make every day, but today especially, on a holiday that is all about family, it's got to be tough. I will choose to remember these brave men and women and their families this holiday and will be actively thankful for that service. 

Thanks for your giving. And to all of you reading - to you and yours- Happy Thanksgiving from me and mine.