The Next Big Step

Hi everyone!

Where have I been you ask?  Well, I don't really have a good excuse for not blogging, but I have been here and everything is good! I post more frequently on FB, so if you have not liked my page yet, head on over and you won't miss anything!

Ok, so, where to begin? Well, I am in training for my first half marathon of the year, The Ocean's Run. I love this race so much! It was my first half marathon, the course is beautiful and it is so well run.  This year, I have a lot of friends running it, and I know we will all have a great time.

If you have the March edition of Runner's World, you may have seen it highlighted in the Calendar section. It was just so exciting to see this little race in RI featured in RW!  If you are local, you should definitely check it out!

Training for the Ocean's Run started out slow but is improving.  I am up to 8 miles and feeling really good.  My PF and heel spur are not really bothering me and I am hoping it stays that way. I am still going to PT, stretching like crazy, foam rolling, icing, rolling with a golf ball and sleeping with the Strassburg Sock.  That sock just screams sexy!

Now on to the big news.

A few weeks ago, Trimom Productions, who puts on the Ocean's Run and so many other cool races, had a contest on their FB page to name their next big race. They wanted the name to have "lots of local flavor" and the prize would be a free entry into the new race. However, the distance was not known yet to us.

It didn't take long for me to come up with the name Rhode Warrior (half, tri, dualaton, 5k) whatever it was going to be.  I was inspired by Mr. RWM's service to our Country and all of our service men and women. He is retired now but served for 25 years.  He flew the C-130's out of Quonset and on the side of their planes, our state is painted with the words Rhode Warriors across it.  It is a tough name that I think says it all!

The names were narrowed down to eight and then the voting began.  Friends, there were some really good ones and I did not think I had a chance.  Two days before the official announcement, I got an email saying I had won!

I was excited and then my nerves kicked in. What did I just win?  I emailed back asking, knowing it was a secret.  She responded right away with, HALF IRONMAN DISTANCE TRIATHLON!!!  It was not written in all caps, but that is how I saw it. The date, August 24, 2014.

I stood up and then sat back down. My hands started to shake and I was not sure what to say.  Mr. RWM and the kids were home.  It took me a minute to say to them, "I just won and entry into a half ironman."  Mr. RWM, who was walking out the back door said,  "Great, you can do it."  Just like that, calm, with no worries in his voice.

Honestly though, that is all I really needed. Having the support of my family is how I got through the marathon. They need to be on board just as much as you. I will, once again, be out for hours getting in my training. I will fall behind on things like laundry and dusting. Oh, who am I kidding, that wasn't my strong point anyway, but you all know what I mean.

I started to get excited again, but if you have been reading this blog for awhile, you know I have a fear of the water and drowning.  Now, these are irrational fears. Nothing ever happened to me to make me scared, I think I just didn't swim well and stopped.  It has been so long since I swam, I can't even tell you when it was.

Once the announcement was made, I started to tell people and asking questions. I have SO many!  The swim, of course, is my big concern, but my friend Bethany said she would work with me. She has taught swim at the Y and has a few tri's under her belt.  I was thrilled!

I am so happy to say that after our first session, I gained a whole new confidence. I did not sink and after a few minutes of panic, I put my head under the water.  It only took once to realize, I would be ok.  I was safe and I could do it again.  Before I actually swam, I used a board and made it to the other end of the pool.  I know this isn't much for most, but I got teary because I thought it was something that I could not do.

My big struggle is the breathing.  I have a long road ahead of me, but I want it! I want to finish this race and I will work my ass off to get to that finish line.

Trimom is also a great resource. They offer swim and bike clinics. I will take advantage of those as well.

A few friends have already registered, including Bethany, so we will be able to do some of the training together.  Also, there is a beginner swim start which will be the last wave. This is great and will definitely help this completely newbie triathlete.

So I am up for any and all advice.  Still looking at training plans and have not officially chosen one. I would love to hear your suggestions.

I know some of you may think this is a crazy jump, but with the support, proper training and my passion, I know I can do it.  It wasn't too long ago that three miles was impossible.  We all know where that led.

Ok, so here we go, the road to Triathlete began last week.  I would love to hear your thoughts on training plans, gear and your own personal experience.  Feel free to post here or on my FB page.

Let's do this!!!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

#megmiles

By now you have all heard about Meg Menzies and her tragic death caused by a drunk driver.  She was a wife, mother, friend, sister and daughter, no different from most of us reading this blog.

It did not take long for this news to hit runners everywhere.  Soon, #megmiles was created and we were all encouraged to run Saturday, January 18.

My heart was broken for this women and her family.  The posts that started popping up about her brought tears to my eyes every time I read one.  Then, I made the mistake of clicking on her personal FB page and I couldn't even scroll down.  The photos of her and her family were beautiful and I could not believe this family was broken apart.

There are so many questions but no answers.  There is nothing that I can do to change what has happened but I knew I could run with the thousands of other runners on Saturday.

I messaged all my running buddies and a plan was set.  Meet at the town beach at 7 am. Early, and I hate early.  Didn't matter, I was alive and well and early was irrelevant.

I had a hard time sleeping and getting up.  Once I was moving around, I was feeling pretty good.  I ate breakfast and headed out.

As soon as I was out of my garage and on the road, it started raining, my least favorite running condition. I was not prepared for this. I would of worn a different jacket.

I am a person who talks to myself. Out loud.  So I started to talk to Meg.  I asked her to watch over everyone who was running today. I told her she would not be forgotten and that I was happy that I was able to do this for her and her family.  Then, I asked her to hold the rain off, just a bit.  Silly?  Maybe.  My drive was about 10 minutes and once I was parked, the rain stopped.

Beth was already there, Jenn showed up a couple minutes later.  Mary and Elaine were both a maybe, but they showed up.  Mary with her dog Kelly.

We ran a five mile loop that we like.  It was great to see everyone. I haven't run with Beth or Elaine since the Fall.  BTW, Beth is training for her first 50k! I am in awe.

These girls are easy to talk to and the conversation was good. We talked about Meg, our kids, our jobs, and races.  This was a tough run emotionally and I don't think I would have gotten through it without my girls. Thanks for being with me ladies!

Once we were finished we snapped a few pictures, got in our cars and then, it started to pour. I am sure Meg held the rain off for us.

Meg is not the first person to be killed by a drunk driver and, unfortunately, she will not be the last.  I can not fix this problem, but I can bring awareness to it and just do my damnedest to raise smart, happy and responsible children.

I have only be a runner since 2011, and in that time, we lost Sherri Arnold, Sarah Hart and now Meg Menzies.  Three mothers, doing what they love to do, who's lives were taken away far too soon.  I know they are not the only ones who have lost their lives, but they are the ones I know about.  Not a run goes by that I don't think about Sherri and Sarah, and now I will think of Meg too.

On my FB page, I asked you all to add your miles and I hoped we would get 100 as a page. You all came through and we ran a total of 424.18 miles. Thank you!

If you haven't already done it, there has been a page set up so you can post your miles and leave a message for the family. You can do that here.

On a positive note, this five mile run was my longest since my marathon.  I am well on my way and feeling very excited about this up coming year.

I know you have probably read so many blogs about Meg and I just want to thank you for taking the time to read mine as well.

Be safe everyone!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

Panic

Today, I ran.

It has been one month since my last run.  I have stretched, rested, used ice, rolled my foot with a golf ball, used my foam roller and slept with a goofy sock thingy.  I think, so far, it paid off.

Before I go on, let me be clear.  My heel spur did not just disappear.  It is still there, but I have hit a place where I feel like I can manage the pain, still run and still do all the PT.  If this is not the case, I will stop and reevaluate.

I started thinking about todays run days ago.  I kept wondering if I would feel any pain, would I be able to do it, what would I wear? I know silly, but my mind went there.

I decided early on that I would do my first runs back at the gym.  For a couple reasons, but mostly because if anything went wrong, I could just stop and not have to worry about how I would get home.

I got the kids off to school, had breakfast, got dressed and posted all over FB that I was on my way.  (Well that is what bloggers do, right?)

Heading out the door and ready to go!

Love this shirt!  The sub30 club is a group I belong to on FB.  We got these shirts for doing a virtual and all the money went to Wounded Warriors.  It is such a fun group of runners!

After I stretched, I hopped on a treadmill and panic struck.  I was afraid.  Afraid that I would start to run and everything would hurt. I was afraid that I wouldn't make it and would never run again.  Dramatic much?

I started the machine up and walked. I walked.  I didn't want to find out I couldn't do it.

My music was good, crowd was decent and I started to calm down.  I turned my speed up and I ran.  I started out slow with a goal of three miles.  Three miles that were dedicated to my I Run 4 buddy, Wyatt.

I was matched with Wyatt right after my marathon and up until today, I only ran six miles for him. I biked but that, to me, was not good enough.

It didn't take long for me to realize my endurance was shit! I wanted to stop. I started pleading with myself to just get to one mile. One freaking mile!  I wanted to cry. How did I make it 26.2 miles just six weeks ago?

I got to one mile and walked, again.  Not long this time, I pictured Wyatt and his smiling face and positive attitude.

I was running and I was feeling pretty good and then my mind went crazy again. Was this false hope? Was I going to hurt later and not be able to walk again? And why is it so damn hot in here?

And then, I was at 2.5 miles.  Ok, good. I feel good.  I am doing this!  Calm down, calm down, calm down!

I picked up the speed but there was no PR for this one.  I had walked too much.  I finished in 36:15.  Honestly, I think this is my slowest time since finishing the C25K program. I realized quickly though, that this run was not about any of that. I just needed to run and finish.  Stay strong and healthy, and until I am back to my normal level, just go at the pace that gets it done.

In fact, that is going to be my mantra for the year.  Go at the pace that gets it done.  Be happy with that. Have fun and enjoy the ride.  Run because you can and run for those who can't.  It's as simple as that.

Finished! And yes, it says Suck It Up Princess!

I am now showered and still feeling good.  Mornings were always tough with the PF and spur, so I guess we will know for sure tomorrow.  Although, my gut is telling me I will be ok.

So there we go. My first three miles of 2014.  Looking forward to seeing where I go from here.

If things continue to feel good, my first half of the year is March 9. I am going to sit down today and map out a plan that gets me there.  I will let you know more about that later.

Thanks everyone for the messages and kind words over the last several weeks.  I am looking forward to  running with my friends again and blogging more.

So, tell me how you are. How did you kick off the year? And what is the race you are training for?

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

13 in 2013 Year in Review

When I committed to 13 races in 2013, I knew very little about it.  I was sure I could do it. I ran 10 races in 2012 and I already knew that I would be running my first marathon in 2013.  My thought was that I would use some of the races as part of my training.

So a little background.  Jill Conyers, blogs at Fitness, Health, and Happiness.  Jen Clement Schomaker, blogs at Marathon Mom.  They first started this challenge by doing 12 races in 2012.  Just twelve people signed up for that one!

In 2013, they had 800+ runners participate! So happy that I was on of them. I am already registered for 14 in 2014 and so far, there are 406 runners joining me.  Are you one of them?

So here is my breakdown of races for my 2013 challenge.  I originally included virtuals but changed that when I knew I would run enough "live" races.

So not counting Virtuals, I ran 19 races.

1. Ocean's Run 5K:  Ran this with Elaine and had a great time! Kids ran in the fun run too. It was Gracie's first race ever!

2. Shamrock Shuffle 5k:  Local 5k, just a few miles from my house. Nice race but what made it extra special was the fact that it was George's very first 5k race. He did an excellent job and it was one of my proudest mommy moments to date.

3. BRMS Coyote Chase 5k:  Super fun race and VERY family friendly. George's second 5k and Gracie's first one mile race. It was cold but she was a trooper!

4. Newport 10 Miler: Loved this race!  Absolutely beautiful course and well run. On the fence about it this year because of timing, but it's not off the table yet.

5. Narrow River 5k:  Second year running this race. Nice, local race and I PR'ed.

6. 10k By the Bay: My very first 10k race.

7. Glow Bash 5k and Scavenger Hunt:  Super fun time with Beth and Sally!  How can you not love running through a city dressed in glow sticks!

8. Camire's Firecracker 4 Miler: Not my best race. Felt horrible through the whole thing but finished.

9. The Blessing: Second year running this. Lots of friends and fun.

10. Run 4 Kerri:  First time for this one.  Started out strong and then lost it but finished. Would definitely do this one again.

11. Shawn Nassansy Memorial 5k: This was a trail race that was not well marked.  It was also George's third race.  It was a great day because I was with some very special friends!

12. FirmMan Half Marathon: This was a half ironman that I ran as part of a relay team.  I had a goal of 2:30 which I did not get.  It got hot and I just wasn't as ready as I thought I was. It was a nice course through my town and I would do it again.

13. Harvest Wine Run:  Just a fun day with my friends. Unless they lower the cost, I would not run it again.

14. Women Run the Sanity Chase Obstacle Course: What can I say? The most fun I ever had in a tutu!

15. Free to Breathe 5k:  My friend Sally is very involved in organizing this race and Beth and I wanted to support her. It was a fun race but not the best decision the day before my 18 miler. I would do this race again though, just need to check my race calendar first!

16. Newport Half Marathon: Ran this race as part of my 18 miler.  Three miles before and two miles after.  I had a really great day and Beth got me to a half marathon PR! Thanks Beth! Already signed up for this one again in 2014.

17. Run for the Pumpkins 5k: Ok, you all know this was an excellent day!  First sub 30 5k and first place AG award.  Thank you Michael C!

18. Newport Pell Bridge Run:  Third year for this race and for me. Love it and plan to do it every year.

19. Philadelphia Marathon: Yeah, well you all know this was my main goal. The race that motivated me for the year. I loved everything about this weekend. The expo, the kids run, the marathon, and especially the family and the friends.  If I was local, this would be on my race calendar every year.

There you go! The challenge was for 13 races and I ran in 19. I don't plan to go overboard this year, just really want to run my 14 and stay well.  I am already signed up for four half marathons and still working on the rest of the year.

Because we only get Mr. RWM's schedule a week or so before the new month starts, I plan to sign up for most races last minute. It got a little stressful and expensive having to rely on baby sitters for races.  Not sure how this will work, but I think I will be fine.

I know it has been a while since I posted. Besides not running, Christmas took up so much of my time. Mr. RWM was away most of the month and once the holiday hit, we have had company and honestly, we don't' stop the celebration until January 3.

I feel pretty good though and plan to run soon.  I have enjoyed every minute of this December but I am looking forward to some normalcy in another week.

We have a kid friendly New Year's Eve celebration at our home and I look forward to that every year. The last two years, I have done the Polar Bear Plunge, and last year, George joined me.  I would be ok if we skipped it this year, but George is pushing for it. It might be a last minute decision, and you all will know as soon as I know.

Happy New Year my friends!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

12 Days of Skirtmas

Ok my SkirtSports fans, I am so excited to tell you about their 12 Days of Skirtmas giveaway!  Wait till you see the prizes, they are just awesome!

You can win fitness accessories, running and outdoor gear, not to mention some of the cutest SkirtSports items that they have.

So how do you enter? Well click right here!

Cool stuff, right!

Good luck to all of you.

Just for fun, if you have a picture of yourself in Skirt gear, post it on my FB page and tag SkirtSports so we can both see how cute you look.

The above picture is one of my favorites!

And now and update on my foot.  I am feeling better but getting fat. Ok, so the fat part isn't true but you all know what I mean.

I am still out for December as far as running goes, but I am hopeful that I can start the year off with a short easy run. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Run Strong, Think Big my friends! ~ Nicole

Stupid Foot

As most of you know, my right foot has been hurting very much since my marathon.

I knew I had Planter Fasciitis, but after the marathon, the pain was unbearable and the outside of my foot also hurt.

I waited a week to run and after that 6 miles, I could not walk the rest of the day.

We were pretty close to Thanksgiving so I waited to see my doctor until after the holiday.  I left the doctors office and got x-rays taken.

So here is what is going on. I have PF, which we knew and now I have a heel spur. Apparently, they go hand in hand. The pain on the outside of my foot is basically just bruising and overuse because I was compensating for the heel pain.  

I have some exercises to do, foam rolling, stretching, roll with golf ball, massage and I sleep with a night splint.  We are also going to tweak my inserts.  No running at least through the rest of the month.

I am not going to lie, I am pissed.  I know it could be worse and there are people who can't run or even walk for that matter.  I am doing my best to stay positive and keeping an open mind.  I will live vicariously through all of you, so please keep telling me about your races and your training.  

I am also pulling strength and inspiration form my I Run 4 buddy Wyatt.  In case you missed it on FB, here is his latest update. 

He is a little rock star!

Ok, so not the happiest post so I will leave you with some of the fun things we did this weekend.  My reasons for everything.  No matter what, the only thing that really matters is that we are happy and healthy and together.  This is a magical time of year for our little ones, and we are so blessed by their smiles and love.

A conversation with Santa.

My boys!

Me and my best girl!

Well, three out of four smiles isn't bad.

The real Santa, by the way!

His favorite animal, a penguin.

So stinking cute!

My babies.

Our tree.

So there you have it, the good, the bad and the super cute!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

Yes, I Am Still Talking About My Marathon

Just a fun post with numbers.   Wait, did I just put fun in the same sentence as numbers?

Ok, so here we go.

2012, the year I decided to run a marathon. I was standing at the finish line of Nike Women's watching my friends cross the line and knew I would run one in 2013.

Midnight, April 1st. The time I registered for the Philadelphia Marathon.

Midnight + 5, April 1st. First tears shed because, OMG, what did I just do!

Training plan picked, 18 weeks it is!

July 14, day 1 of training plan and my Dad's birthday.

Week 5 of training. Wake up, can't stand up straight.  Miss three of my training runs before my back is better.

September, first 100 mile month ever!  Also, 9-19-13, first run over 15 miles.  Did. Not. Die!

October, first sub 30 5k and first place AG award.  

7 days.  The time it took to come down from the high from my first sub 30 5k and AG award.  Who am I kidding? Still flying high.

September 29th.  My first ever 20 mile run.  The day, you realize it is possible and then cry because you have to do it again, plus 6.2 more miles.  Then you smile again, because, Yay, Taper!

349.43, miles I ran during training including marathon.  Does not include bike.  

260 miles between my home in Rhode Island and Philadelphia, PA.

4 pounds.  How much weight I lost during training. Yeah, I thought it would be more too.  I think my miles to Laffy Taffy ratio was off.

55, number of days I ran in 18 weeks.

3, number of asthma attacks I had running during training. 

1 pair of shoes.  Yup, just one and they are officially retired.  For those of you who don't know, they are Asics GT-2000's.  They make me happy!

Toe nails.  Haahaa, what toe nails? Ok, during training, one turned black, fell off and grew back.  By the time I was finished running my marathon, 5 toes were black, including the one that had just grew back.  So, depending on how you look at it, the answer is either 5 or 6 toe nails lost.

Ice Baths.  Believe it or not, just one during training.

43. Times I wanted to quit.  

0. Times I quit.

Have no freaking idea!  How much money I spent on, races, gear, hotels, etc.  Probably better if that stays a secret for all parties involved.

Countless. The number of tears I have shed in 18 weeks. However, I think I smiled more than I cried.

Also countless, how many times I told someone I was running a marathon.

15,914, my number for the marathon.

Chip time, 5:23:10.  Garmin time 5:16.  Neither of those times were my goal, but I am happy none the less.

Crossing the finish line of your first marathon,

PRICELESS!!!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole