Allergies are THE WORST

After a long cold winter, I was SUPER excited to get back outside for a run.  I had been staying in the gym mostly, and decreased my running immensely.  Whatever running I did was on a treadmill because my lungs just did not want to adapt to the cold.  It's that damn asthma.  So dumb.

On one of our first warm days I went outside, feeling like a little kid with a 10 acre wide playground.  But within the first few minutes I had to walk.  I was crazy out of breath.  I thought to myself "No biggie.  You've been running on the treadmill for the last couple of months.  You'll need to adjust.  Try again."  As I started to pick up my pace, I was able to jog for about 2 minutes before I needed to walk again.  I still couldn't breathe, I started to get a headache, and my vision got blurry.  I only jogged 2 miles that day but had to stop to walk about a dozen times.

What I came to find out about a week later was that I had allergies.  Wait...what?  29 years old...never been allergic to a thing in my life and NOW I have allergies.  Apparently lots of folks this year were getting allergies like never before.  Something to do with the long winter blah blah blah.  I didn't fully absorb it because I was so super bummed. I LOVE running outside.  And not only was it going to be challenging because of the dang allergies, it was going to be even more challenging because of my ashthma.  Apparently allergies and asthma don't mix very well.

With that said, I have had to make some adjustments to deal with allergy season (which seems to be dragging on for frikkin ever!).  Here are just some suggestions for folks who might be dealing with the same thing:

• Nettle supplements.  They're a natural herb that you can get at GNC.  You have to be super diligent about them though.  Take 2 in the morning and 2 at night.  It's also best if you start them BEFORE allergy season hits.
• Local honey.  Also, better off eating some BEFORE the season.  Eating the honey from local bees helps you become somewhat immune to the local pollen.
• Neti pot.  It might be a bit painful at first, but it will help get the pollen out of your nasal system and help you breathe better.
• Flonase.  Helps with breathing too.
• Shower two to three times a day.  Especially when you get home.  Definitely take a shower before bed.
• Take off all of your clothes as soon as you get home.  Don't let your pollen infested clothes get all over your house.
• It might kill your electricity bill, but you gotta close your windows and turn on the AC on warm days.  Having your windows open with fans is like cropdusting your home with pollen.  
• Drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep.  Allergies will hit you hard and being deprived of these two things will only make it worse.
• If you have asthma, definitely hit that inhaler at least twenty minutes before exercise.

That's all I have for now.   Anybody else have any suggestion to survive allergies!?!?! 

Where did I go!?!?!

Despicable!  Truly.  i started this blog to try and capture my experience training and running my first ever marathon, and I did;t write a single blog!  Yikes.  Luckily, I tracked a lot of my runs and experiences through instagram, so it is not all lost.  But I REALLY do regret not noting some of my thoughts and personal growths and challenges here. However, hopefully I'll be better about this year!

Last year's marathon was truly an amazing experience.  I was definitely third and sore by the end of it.  I didn't realize how taxing the training would be.  Particularly with my schedule as a full time working single parent.  It makes training practically impossible; but not completely.  I did get injured for about 2-3 towards the end of training, so that set me back.  But the day of the marathon was pretty awesome.  I ran with one of my very good friends, who was also running her first marathon.  We ran the first 25 MILES together!  You don't understand what happens to a friendship when you run for over 4 hours together.  We decided to take it easy and not push to hard, which got me to the finish line at 5 hours and 16 minutes.  I was hoping to finish under 5, and probably could have done so if I pushed myself a bit, but I am much happier with how I approached my first marathon.  I relaxed, enjoyed the scenario and company, and just soaked it all in.

Now that i have that first experience out of the way, it's time to get more serious with my second marathon this fall.  I WILL complete it under 5 hours.  Even if it's at 4 hours and 59 minutes and 59 seconds.  I'm slightly apprehensive with the training that comes along for the marathon.  But I'm hoping since I've been working out pretty regularly, and I will have a couple more half marathons under my belt by that time, that my body (and time!) will be better by then.  Last year my knee gave out the last 6 miles.  So I'm hoping to cross the finish line this year stronger than before.  Crossing fingers!

Lot's of things have been shifting as I have been getting involved with two running groups; Moms Run This Town and Team Red, White and Blue.  Each group is so different and fulfills very different needs.  I'm interested and psyched what training with a group of people will do.  Last year I ran every single run solo, except for one long run with my newly found running sole mate/running boo.  Other than that, I was in a zone of self transformation and focus.  The idea of running with a community excites me.  Especially since there are so many folks from Team RWB running; it will be pretty awesome to soar with some of my fellow Eagles.

Let's just hope I can keep this up to date a little better than last year!  WISH ME LUCK!!!

One Mile MAYhem

May 1st, 2013 is when I started my running journey.  Granted, it wasn't the first time I had thrown on a pair of running shoes.  Running and I had crossed paths before.  But I never stuck with it long enough, or often enough to see any results with it.  I always deemed my poor running skills as a result of just not being good at it.

However, last year, I read an article about a guy (sorry, forgot his name!) who had run a mile EVERY day for the last TWENTY. YEARS.  Every single day.  Even when he had a knee injury, even if it was storming outside, even if his shoes had holes in them; he ran.  I couldn't believe it.  So I decided that if he could run at least one mile a day every day for two decades, I could do it for a solid month.  That's all I needed.

I have now decided to celebrate my anniversary of running every year by continuing the One Mile MAYhem challenge for myself.  Some people have asked, at this point, it should be easy, right?  I've run a bunch of races, including a half-marathon.  What's the big deal about one mile a day?  It's not the distance that matters; it's having the motivation and making the time to get out there.  Which is one of the reasons why I do it.  Our society has developed a long list of excuses why they can't make it out to exercise.  It takes me 10 minutes to run a mile on a bad day.  Some people might take about 13.  If you walk it, it shouldn't take more than 20.  If you can not find 20 minutes in your day for some alone time to go for a walk or jog, then I suggest you reconsider your lifestyle and make that time.

Don't get me wrong, it is HARD.  I have resorted to sometimes running during my lunch breaks, running at 11 at night, or 5 in the morning.  I have run while I was sick (like this week!), run with a stroller and a crying toddler, run in crappy shoes.  But I make it happen because the message is not just trying to get a mile in, but to remind myself that I am important; my health is important.

I thought this year would be easier, however, I did not take into consideration that I was doing this One Mile MAYhem challenge while also training for my next half-marathon.  So that has presented its own challenges.  But it has also made me more grateful for my dedication to the sport and to myself.  I found myself complaining one day and quickly stopped.  One, because it was my decision to do this challenge and I could technically stop whenever I wanted.  Two, because running is a luxury for me.  I don't get to complain.  There are people who don't get to run at all; who literally don't have the physical ability to run and would love to be able to.  So I should count my blessings for my tight calves, shin splints, and tired eyes.  I'm getting stronger through it.

For some reason, I have also been thinking about the people I met in Rwanda a couple of years back.  I was working at a university for a couple of weeks where many of the students informed me that they walked 5 miles to school; every day.  5. MILES!  That's 10 miles of walking, at least 5 days a week.  Which is another reason why I try to keep my complaining non-existent.  There are people in this world who are logging 50 miles or more a week to get an education; the least I can do is happily run my 7 miles a week without complaint.  They are too bad ass for me and I could never compare to their hard work and dedication; but I certainly use them as inspiration for my runs.

While I understand that this daily running can't work for everyone, I highly suggest you find your fitness motivations...ASAP.  It will save your life in more ways than one.  Don't say "I'm too out of shape," "I'm too old," "I don't have time," because that's all bullshit.  Just get out there and try.  I bet you'll surprise yourself...

Still standing

April 15th, 2014th marked the one year anniversary from last year's Boston Marathon bombings.  A year ago I was not heavily invested in running.  I was very aware of what happened, but it didn't impact me on a deeper level.  I was very saddened for the people who were affected and was certainly angered by yet another terrorist act in my country; but I don't think I truly felt the sadness that was waving through the running community.

A year later, I have deeply invested in my running and have now broadened my own community to incorporate more runners.  It is a deep passion of mine and I can't imagine not ever running.  On April 15th, 2014 I was at Planet Fitness, enjoying my new membership, warming up on the elliptical; a warm up I had decided on to nurture and heal an ankle injury I have been dealing with for almost 5 months.  There were a line of tv's in front of me, all playing various networks from music to sitcoms and news.  One tv caught my eye that was showing footage from last year's bombings.  All of the sudden, I began to cry.  I imagined that happening at one of my races.  Imagining the terror and fear that everyone felt.  The worry of the observers looking for their loved ones, the confusion of those who had just finished the 26.2 miles, the children.

But most of all, I thought of the survivors.  Those who lost limbs.  Whose running lives would be impacted forever.  At first this deeply saddened me.  In reflecting in dealing with my ankle injury the last few months and how that emotionally and physically affected me, I suddenly became overrun with saddened feelings for those who completely lost their legs and are avid and/or professional runners.  People who run Boston don't do it as a hobby.  They've qualified because running is their life.  So to lose the very source that helps move their passion forward must be incredibly devastating.

However, the survivors (or at least the ones featured in the media) are beyond exceptional.  Take Celeste Corcoran.  She lost both of her legs in the bombings, yet she is running it again this year in prosthetics!  In less than a year she has had to lose her legs, deal with the emotional scars of this event, get prosthetics, learn how to use them, and train for a marathon.  IN LESS THAN A YEAR.  That is crazy.  There are people who lose limbs who spend a lifetime trying to get pass what happened to them.  I have no idea what she is going through emotionally, but I think it says a lot that she's getting her ass moving and running that dang marathon again.  I can only imagine the cathartic experience it will be for all in attendance last year to be a part of this year.  I so badly wish I could go experience it all.

Even though I won't be in Boston, I have been and will continue to follow as much coverage about the survivors and the newcomers to the race this year.  I feel so much more deeply connected to the running community now that it feels blasphemous to not stay tuned.  On top of which, these people are what help keep me moving as I train for my next half marathon.  If they can experience what they did and still run, than so can I.  The survivors of the Boston bombings taught me that someone might be able to take away your physical being, but they can not take away your passion, and that is what helps you cross the finish line.

If you're interested in learning more about Celeste and other survivors, check out this great photo exhibition.  http://rw.runnersworld.com/dearworld/slide_06.html

A marathoner until the end

Joy Johnson is beyond inspirational.  I now have a picture of her hanging in the corner of my room that I have deemed THE WALL OF MOTIVATION.  The dedication she had to her craft is nothing short of amazing.  And the story of her passing is incredibly romantic in the sense that it seems like a fairytale.  Falling asleep and moving on to your next world have accomplishing one of the greatest feats of your life.  I can only hope to be half as amazing she was.


http://www.nytimes.com/news/the-lives-they-lived/2013/12/21/joy-johnson/

My body is beautiful, no matter what you say

So, to be completely transparent, I am feeling SUPER vulnerable about this post.  I am not one to post a lot of "selfies," but I am sharing one at the end of this post as my "before marathon training" photo.  I am not the type of person to show a lot of skin.  I can't remember the last time I rocked a bikini, I don't really wear dresses that go above the knee, I don't wear shorts during the summer time.  I don't mind showing off my curves, but I still keep pretty covered up.  HOWEVER, in the last year I have gone through a crazy confidence boost and a lot of realizations about body image and how it affects your life/overall perspective.  A few months back, I had this moment where I looked in the mirror and thought I was fat.  No matter how many times I looked at the scale and it said "Chick, you lost 35 pounds!" I still felt like I wasn't thin/sexy/beautiful enough.

Then something happened.  I can't even tell you what that something was.  But I just looked at myself in the mirror and thought to myself 'Damn, Lex, you are beautiful."  And it wasn't because of the weight loss.  I just realized how pretty I am.  Because of my features, because of my courageousness, because of my brutal honesty, because of my fears, because of my emotional scars.  All of that is what makes me a woman and what makes me beautiful inside and out.  There is no reason why I should pass by Victoria's Secret ads on the street and feel like I am not pretty enough or good enough because I don't look like those women. But I also shouldn't blame those women for the way they look; they are beautiful too.

I know so many women cover up because of a blemish, a roll, a hair, etc.  I used to be one of those women, and in a lot of ways I still am.  But that's why I wanted to share this "before" pic.  I know that there is a good chance as I start marathon training this year that my body will undergo a lot of changes.  So I took this picture so I can get a better visual of what those changes might look like.  It has already been a great motivation to see what I looked like 5 years ago compared to now.  But most of all, I took this pic because I realized that there is also the chance that my body stays the same.  It might not change at all.  And for the first time in my life, I am feeling totally ok with that.  Yeah, I have a gut, I got some rolls on my back, some hair here and there, moles and beauty marks, stretch marks, and I just don't give a damn anymore.  I share this picture to all my fellow women, begging you to not just say your body is beautiful, but to believe it with every fiber of your being.

YOU.  ARE.  GORGEOUS.  

Crossfit for better fitness

Since my injury, I have been trying to focus more on cross training.  First, I started with swimming because I wanted something that was high in cardio but not such intense impact on my body.  I've definitely been enjoying it!  This week, I took my first CrossFit class, which was definitely an interesting experience.

The hour long class included sets of push ups, burpees, sit ups, squats, and weight lifting.  It was pretty intense.  I enjoyed it but came to the realization that I have the upper body strength of a newborn baby squirrel.  I truly am a pathetic human being.  But I totally see the potential in myself to become a physically strong and fit human being!

With that said, I took the class on Tuesday.  It is now Saturday and my arms still hurt.  Now, part of that is back to my child like upper body strength, but it's also because the trainers spent no time on any kind of warm up or pre/post stretches.  In my head, I knew I should have taken the initiative to stretch myself.  But, like what often happens with runners, I thought I could skip it and be just fine.  I accepted the fact that I would be a little sore and just kept it moving.  I started regretting that decision within the hour.

When you do absolutely no strength training, especially from the waist up, you have to be extra kind to yourself.  I kicked myself for not learning from my running injuries and letting myself get so lazy.  I am letting my muscles completely heal before I go back to another class.  But I am still glad I went.  I can definitely see how it will improve my running.  Between the squats and core work, this type of workout will help me become a stronger runner.

I am excited to say that I did AWESOME on the squats.  I used to be terrified to do squats because it would always hurt my knee.  I've been that way since high school.  I was glad to take the chance to do a couple of squats in the beginning, because I ended up rocking them out for the rest of the hour.  That was actually the easiest part for me!  I could have probably done 100 squats without breaking a sweat.  Ok, that might be overshooting it, but that's how good I felt!  I know that has a lot to do with my training over the last  7 months.

I have to take the time to realize that it took me 7 months to become the runner I am today, and I am still no where near the runner I want to be.  But I have made significant progress.  I have to remember slow and steady wins the race, because if I try to rush these CrossFit classes, just to prove a point that "I can do it," I'm gonna end up hurting myself and not being able to work out the way I want to.  I'm excited though to see what the next few months will look like as far as my fitness goes.  Hopefully it includes steady improvements and no more injuries!