Running is tough on my pride

Running in my better days

As you might have noticed, I've started training for a half marathon. One of my friends recommended that I run the Salt Lake Half. "You'll love it!" she said. "The course runs winds through Sugarhouse and Downtown." Now, we all know how much I love the city and running in the city, so, with a good deal of trepidation, I agreed to run it with her.

A few weeks later I traveled to DC to visit some good friends. One of my friends in DC said, "We should run the Salt Lake Half! We could train together and keep each other on track over email and phone. We'd start training in the middle of December. We could totally do this!" Her enthusiasm was so contagious, that I thought to myself, "Yeah. I could totally do this."

Now that the training has begun, I'm slightly less excited about the idea. You see, running is hard. Running makes me sore. It used to be (like two months ago) that I could run three miles and actually feel good afterward. Now, I feel like I'm going to die. More specifically, I feel like my legs are going to lead a mutiny and kill me. My calves feel like they're made of cement, and they totally freeze up by mile 2. Ridiculous. Which is why I say - running is tought on my pride.

What has happened to me? Why can't I run like I used to? When I'm on a treadmill, I still do pretty well, but let's be honest, who wants to run for 45 minutes on a treadmill?

I went for a run on Christmas Day which was filled with obstacles. First of all, I left my good running socks at my apartment, so I had to borrow a pair of my sister's (cotton!) socks. No lie, every five minutes, I had to stop to pull up my socks because they had slipped down under my heels. Then, the route that I had planned to take was totally blocked by construction! Even the sidewalks were closed! I had to take a detour through a parking lot and double back UPhill and run at the park instead. Last came the pain. I had planned to run for an hour, but at about 25 minutes, my poor little calves started cramping. This was not the kind of pain I could just push through. So, instead, I ended up walking more than I ran. I felt weak. I felt wimpy. I did not feel like 'a runner.'

With my pride in pieces, I limped home, dragged myself up my parents' front steps, and made a beeline for the advil in the medicine cabinet.

Something's gotta give.

This very second...

I'm blog stalking all my friends to see what wonderful Christmases they had.

My sisters and Mom are watching our new Christmas movie, Eclipse. Jenny is saying, "Ewww..." every few seconds. She hasn't seen this movie yet. :)

I'm sitting here ready to go in my running duds, trying to convince myself that I should get off my butt and run, even though I've been sitting here for forty minutes. UGH.

Have I mentioned that I'm planning/hoping to run the Salt Lake Half? I'm starting to think that it's not such a good idea. My legs hurt.

All you runners out there - how do I stretch out my shins, calves, and ankles so they don't SCREAM at me every time I take a step? I'd really appreciate your tips and hints. Because, gosh darnit, I'm going to run this thing!

Whew. I'm glad I got that off my chest. Here I go.

Lessons I've learned from my mom

We celebrated my mom's birthday earlier this month. This annual birthday post is a little late, but I didn't want to let December pass without writing something to let my mom know how much I love her. I am so grateful she's my mom, and I'm grateful for all I've learned from her. Here are a few things (some serious, some not so much) she's taught me:

1. There's nothing better than a well-deserved jammie day.
2. Some boys are duh-heads.
3. Prayer changes things.
4. Chocolate chip cookies make a hard day better.
5. Pink roses are beautiful.
6. Don't let something like a little pie crust intimidate you.
7. All you have to be is the best version of yourself.
8. No matter what, my mom always loves me.
9. You can always go home.
10. You can never have too many Christmas decorations.
11. "Whenever I hear the song of a bird" is the best lullaby.
12. Never go anywhere important (a date, job interview, or church meeting) without a little lipstick.
13.Presentation is important.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously.
15. Always be quick to apologize when you've made a mistake.
16. My mom taught me how to crochet, tie a bow, and play chopsticks.
17. Count your blessings.
18. Songs make things much easier to remember.
19. Breaking out into song at any time of day or night is always acceptable.
20. Don't forget to smile.

I love you so much Mom! Thanks for helping me become the person I am today.

My three favorite Christmas albums

If you happen to be looking for something to listen to this holiday season, try these simply fantastic albums. I started listening to them today, and I'm definitely getting into the Christmas spirit.

I've been listening to this since before I can remember. Seriously. Ask my parents about the "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" dance of 1988. To me, this album means Christmas. My favorite song? He Came Here for Me.

Would it be weird to admit that I have a teensy crush on Donny Osmond? This album is the perfect mix of classics with a fresh twist and original Christmas songs. Plus, it's got a great dance number. I melt whenever I hear Donny's voice.

If you know me, you know I LOVE Katie Thompson. I am still sad that she's no longer playing Connie Lou in the Forgotten Carols. Sorry, Mr. McLean, but it's just not as good without her. I adore the piano-rich accompaniments on this CD, and Arise and Shine Forth is simply incredible. I've had this CD on non-stop in my car for two whole days.