shamrock run 2011 completed

So I did it! I not only did the Shamrock Run again, but it is my first official race since hurting my ankle last July. I did far better than I anticipated I would, though I don't have the official time yet I do feel it is quite possible that I either met my time from last year or did better. In the off chance that I didn't, that's ok, I'm just happy that I was able to run the race this year. My ankle held up pretty well, only started to feel it at the end and even then it wasn't as bad as I'd expected. I am currently icing it and hoping that tomorrow I won't be limping around, fingers crossed. The biggest challenge this year was running in the rain, thankfully it wasn't coming down hard, it was Portland rain, but it was still cold out and the rain didn't help much. My running partners, two amazingly awesome friends- Krystle S. and Ashley G., and I did our best to stay warm by moving around until it was time for us to line up and go. Oddly enough, once we got going on our race the rain felt delicious on my hot sweaty face- so I suppose a thank you is in order to mother nature. I think I could get use to running in the rain, light rain that is. The downfall to this whole event however, was how cold I felt afterwards, it wasn't until I got home and into a hot shower that I warmed up. Between the wetness from the rain and my sweat, cooling off in the cold air isn't pleasant. With all that said, if I had to do this all over again, I would in a heart beat. I don't think I will ever pass up running the Shamrock Run if I can help it! To all of the wonderful people I know that ran the Shamrock Run this year, many congratulations for accomplishing it!

Shout outs...
15k runners: Liesl H., Patricia C., and Micky B.
8k runners: Julie G.
5k runners: Krystle S., Ashley G., and Arran G.

Shamrock Run 2011

In 52 days the 33rd Edition of the Shamrock Run in Portland will commence. I have every intention of doing the 5k with my friends Krystle, Ashley, and maybe Robin. This year I won't be trying for a PR, as I know I'm not ready to push myself to that level. But I think entering into this race will be enough to get me pumped up and ready for June's Drop Top 10k! I'm putting in treadmill time everyday to prepare myself for this race. This year it will be about fun and enjoying the energy around me! If you are looking for a race to do, whether it's your first or for a challenge, consider this race. They have a 5k, 8k, and a 15k...

Photo shared from the Portland Shamrock Run website.

time to start over

I know it has been quite a while since I have posted anything. Unfortunately, I haven't had much to type about and sadly no success in the running department. It turns out what I thought was just a bad rolling of my ankle, was a tear in some tissues. I'm still dealing with inflammation and some discomfort. My walking abilities are fine, jumping and moving around are ok but in no way am I able to run very long or even wear shoes that allow my heel to be higher than the ball of my foot. This has been a very frustrating time for me. The lack of running and exercising has made me lazy, and though I have managed to still eat fairly well and not gain a bunch of weight back, I still feel inadequate! You know that saying, "you have to hit rock bottom"? I think I came pretty close, self-doubt, lack of self-esteem, frustration, etc etc, it all set in. Yesterday I noticed my ex-running coach had posted a success story of one of her clients. There were before and after photos, stats, and the means of how this remarkable lady accomplished her goals. I saw this, and for a moment became very upset because I knew deep down there is NO reason why I can't accomplish what this lady has!

After some deep thinking, and several chats later, I contacted my running coach, Jennifer, and told her I needed her help!! Jennifer is an amazing woman, and talking with her alone is motivation! She does more than coach in running, but is also a personal trainer. I've seen several of her clients success stories, and those of her co-workers, but for some reason this particular client struck a chord with me! Starting in December I will be training with Jennifer twice a week until I reach my goal. Everything in my life will be changing, and for the first time I feel that I'm finally at a place where I know I will reach this goal.

As for running, I still have every intention on getting back into it. According to my Dr. I need to strengthen my ankle and start out slowly, but there is no reason why I can't run again. I know with Jennifer's help, I will be able to sign up for the Shamrock 8k in March of 2011!! And I am determined to do this with accomplishing a personal best! So stay posted, come December, I'm sure I will have lots to post...