I'll be out there with...lights on!

I started to tear up on the walk to the pasta party. There were hundreds of people cheering us on as we walked to enter the banquet hall. The coaches, mentors, cheerleaders, etc were encouraging and looked so happy and proud of how many people they helped through the training to get to that point. It was quite an amazing experience and that was only the walk to the pasta party. I can't imagine what tomorrow is going to feel like. I'm laying in a nice comfy bed and I can't sleep. For those of you who know me, you should know sleeping is a hobby of mine. I can sleep anywhere and anytime. I've fallen asleep on counter tops, chairs, floors; anywhere and everywhere. Why can't I sleep now?? I'm nervous, completely and utterly terrified and excited. I don't want to let anybody down, including myself. Running the fun run mile today was a little taste of what the race will feel like. But at the same time, I know it's not going to compare AT ALL! Thank you to everybody who has supported me through all of this. The encouragement and donations to raise money for crohns and colitis is amazing and so much appreciated. You are the ones who made this possible and I will have you all in mind when I cross the finish line. Running for ricki has turned into running for (insert everybody's name here who I have met through and because of team challenge. And to be selfish...myself! History is in the making, strip at night 2011.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

I tried to paint my singlet and I kind of messed it up. But I always mess stuff like that up, grr. Um, its drying now. This is an awful entry. Im sooo nervous. I hate packing and going away, its frustrating. I hope my stomach actually gets on the plane with me because currently its running around the house somewhere, probably with my mind. I think nervous turned into scared and I don't even know why. Really there is no reason, I'm just a ball of emotions.

Is this what you are supposed to look like after 10 miles?

It isn't the most flattering picture, however, I kind of like it. I was proud of myself after running 10 miles, I can only imagine what 13.1 is going to feel like. I am 6 days away from crossing the finish line and my emotions are mixed. I get to see Ricki, Joel, Gila, and Doug but I want to get this half marathon over with. Not because I'm dreading it; it's just an unknown feeling. I don't know what feelings are pure "OMG WHAT THE **** DID I GET MYSELF INTO" vs "I trained, I can do this, I just don't know what to expect." Right now, when I think about running 13.1 miles with 44,000 people I want to throw up.

If you can run 10 you can run 13. How does this even compute? When I started Team Challenge I couldn't even run down the street without feeling like I was going to die. I got up to 3 miles and it was a huge accomplishment. So saying the last 3 miles is a cake run is like saying my initial training that I was so excited about wasn't actually a big accomplishment? It just doesn't sit right. Every mile that I ran was a huge milestone for me, and I don't want to discredit any of them.

I felt like I might think about running a marathon somewhere down the line if I survived this half marathon. Now that I'm almost up to the half marathon, I feel like I should do it soon because I'm already halfway trained.

Baby steps. Vegas countdown has re-officially started!

Lets park on Park from now on...

Coach Nadja was hit by a car on Saturday during group training. She was taken to the hospital by ambulance and she is going to be okay. But everybody was so scared for her. It was an awful thing to happen and I hope she has a speedy recovery! A mentor in our group, Kathy, fell the weekend before and broke her foot. She will not be able to run in Vegas :(

I purchased a Road ID to wear when I run in case anything like that happens to me. It is a great idea to have and it just makes you think; anything can happen at any given time. Be prepared! They emailed me a coupon code that takes a dollar off the total for friends of mine.

Use coupon code: ThanksAimee9400589 

Even if you don't run, it is a great idea to have one. They also donate a portion of the profit to a charity of your choice. Great company, I'll let you know when I receive it :)

Stressed out!!!

Fundraising is much more stressful than thinking about running 13.1 miles.

Lucky 7

For the first time in my life I ran 7 miles! It felt amazing. I am a little concerned about adding another 6 on top of that. I hope I make it to the finish line alive. I have to have enough faith in my coaches to know that it will happen by then. I am also very concerned about fundraising. I think I have more faith in my running at this point, however my running without raising the money for Crohn's and Colitis serves no purpose. Training for a half marathon in itself is a bit stressful, try raising money for a cause that you are really connected to. What is a girl to do? I need sugar friends :)

-Frustrated Fundraising Runner

Bronchial Break

bron·chi·tis/bräNGˈkītis/ Noun:Inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchial tubes. This sadly means a running hiatus. But...the donations are coming in! Thank you!

Athletes Foot

Athletes foot is itchy and uncomfortable. But athletes foot that gets infected is....

I now understand how important those $10 (A PAIR) socks are. I now know why I should probably wear them to work as well. Maybe even wear them to bed.

This running business isn't all rainbows and butterflies. It is also 2 hours at the minute clinic and blistering toes.

Oh....did I mention I also have bronchitis?

Be The One Run-5k Results

                                              Before the Run-HIA Warriors of Well
 My Mom's work team aka the second top fundraising team. They also had a few first places in their age groups. I am also very proud of my mom for walking and even running a little bit! Go Team!!

Team Challenge also was at the race and that team rocked it out as well. A Team Challenge girl was first in my age group! Even though it wasn't awarded, I placed 3rd in my age group and 24th overall!

See?!? 24th out of 214. I feel pretty awesome, for not being a runner! I have the right to brag :)

What Am I going to wear?

This might sound silly, but it is the night before the race and I don't know what to wear! All is not well. I'm going to be grossly sweaty, this should be a no brainer. Think again... It is going to be the first really cold morning in Charlotte in a long time. Not only have I not run in cold weather since last season, I have never run a race in the cold and I have not run this course before. Fun times ahead. Instead of water in the morning, do you think a shot of brandy will do the trick :?

My mom is going to participate in this race! Her along with a lot of her office.  I like the fact that they will all be there but I hate the circumstances. A lady that worked with them recently passed away from cancer and they thought this would be a good way to honor her.  I admire them and feel truly privileged to be running next them tomorrow to raise money and awareness for the marrow registry.

I never thought that running could be considered a form of charity. I used to see people run and think it was a form of idiocy.  I never understood runners, I never wanted to try to understand them, and I definitely never thought I would be sitting here blogging about running on a Friday night.  Now that I am getting my toes wet in the running scene, I feel a strong bond between runners. To be able to contribute just a little bit of money every race for a specific charity while being able to run with awesome people...who wouldn't want to do that when you put it that way??

When I run I tell myself things to keep going. I realized everything I'm telling myself is a reflection on the past. For instance, "Nobody will ever treat you like ________ again if you make it to the stop sign." Even though I'm running forward,  I'm still stuck in the past. Next time I run I want to set positive goals for myself. Maybe...."You will be able to accomplish __________ when you make it to the mailbox." This way I'm running passed the past with a non stop ticket to the future.




Thinking about sick people puts perspective on life. I can't wait for tomorrow, yet I want to savor every moment of today. You never know what tomorrow will bring. However, tomorrow for somebody else could be when they find the hope to live again. Live with no regrets, but well enough to live tomorrow.

3 Pillars

Thanks Dr. Josh!
(Plug: Carolina Sports Clinic) for teaching the Team Challenge group SO much last night. I stood on one foot to wash my face and brush my teeth. Probably not the best idea considering it was in the shower and I could have fallen, but...

I'm buying The Stick soon and possibly a foam roller if I can find a place to store all of this equipment. Pre-hab....Pre-hab....Pre-hab! Thank you Dr. Josh, Coach Nadja, Coach Emily and Brittney!

Mint Green McAlpine

I'm not too sure I like this green way. The scenery is nice, but the actual green way is loose gravel and it's sort of hard to run on. The upside...I think it's easier on your body. I ran with a buddy, mildly scary out there if you don't. We ran at around 4, we could not have picked a hotter time in the day. Awesome. My brain felt like it was melting and dripping out of my head. I'm pretty sure I want to be an early morning(did I just say that???) or night time runner. This afternoon running is for the stronger runners!

Today, we have a Team Challenge run and we have a guest; the head Chiropractor for the Carolina Panthers about injury prevention. Did he not realize they play tonight? Obviously, we are more important :)

Dancing in the dark ain't got nothing on running in the dark!

I have a strict schedule from Team Challenge and I refuse to break it. So, when I got up in the morning not wanting to run, taking a mini nap before work, eating lunch and helping Isis learn how to ride her bike, by 8pm I started losing hope that I would actually run. But I did run. I postponed Weeds and The Big C  and carefully picked out bright colored clothing so cars and animals could see me coming. Laced up my *new* sneaks (which were absolutely like running on a cloud) and took off. I think this night run was my most favorite run ever. However, I'm not so sure about mapmyrun. It says I ran 3.16 miles really slowly. I'm about to delay my shower and drive it to see if I actually ran THAT slowly. I'm slightly highly pissed at the time, but happy with the run overall. I actually ran the whole way without walking at all. And the winner for most improved goes to........AIMEE!!!!!

Team Challenge-Part 2

First run with Team Challenge for Vegas! Great group of people and I'm super excited. We ran 3 miles today and my time was.... 27:18. [:)] It was the perfect temperature outside with a slight breeze, but me sweating was still full force! There was actually sweat dripping on my contacts, no es bueno. Sweat burns, who would have thought. I got re-fit for sneakers, because when I bought my first pair I didn't have a pair of sneakers to base the wear tread on. Now, that I'm a seasoned runner (haha) I could. They are pretty. I know, you aren't supposed to pick shoes on beauty, but the awesome sales lady handed them to me! Score. Finding a pair of shoes that fit well and are comfortable...major task. Who has the song "Shoes" by Liam running through their head right now? Anybody???

These could possibly be the shoes I will run the 13.1 miles in!!!!

It's been awhile....

I haven't totally been slacking off, but something like that. Running in the Charlotte heat was a killer. I ran with the Charlotte Runners Meetup group, ran solo, but mostly I was doing yoga and running up and down the stairs at work.  I felt so much better when I was running. I think part of the reason was I knew I should be running and I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So many people kept asking me, "So, how's the running?" I love how they were interested, but it made me feel awful; letting everybody and myself down. So, this morning I started my vigorous training schedule and I'm sticking to it!

(Picture from the Team Challenge Kickoff party! 4 months until I can officially put a 13.1 sticker on my car! GO TEAM CAROLINAS!!!!!)

Peace At Home

Third race completed. I hated my time, which was disappointing, because this race really meant a lot to me. Life goes on though, I've proved that to myself on more than one occasion. I think the disappointment I feel isn't just because of the race. I think it is the disappointment surrounding domestic violence. It isn't an easy thing to go through, besides the physical aspect there is this whole emotional tornado. I think I wanted to run really well and forget about the past, which simply isn't possible. You can leave it behind, but it will never be forgotten. This just means that next race I'll have to do better and continue growing as a runner, which in turn will make me grow as a person.

                                                                                **********

Last Thursday I went on a run with the Charlotte Runners. It was nice to run with a group again, even though I couldn't keep up. It is so difficult to run in the heat. Hydrate hydrate hydrate next time! Yes, I'm going to try to run with them again. What did they do to deserve this??

2nd Race Down!

Today was the Falafel 5k. It was an untimed race, but when I crossed the finish line 27:15 (pretty sure) was on the clock. I was pleased with it, however, I think I went out too fast just to get away from the crowd. Well, I know I went out too fast. At mile 1 the clock said 8:00. That is not my normal mile time!! At least I know I CAN do it that quickly, but I lose steam for the rest. Next time, I'll go out slower and speed up during the race?




Up Next: May 28th

Slacker

So, after my trip to NY and having to take a break with Team Challenge** I got out of the running groove. I noticed that I have become lazy and have less energy. Yesterday I signed up for the Falafel 5K to benefit Jewish Family Services, so I decided to run this morning so I can finish the race under an hour :) It was easier than I thought having not run in awhile, however, my nose was running too. Allergies in Charlotte, 5 stars out of 5.


** Apparently, Team Challenge said I can't currently train with them because they are about to run the half marathon in VA. I was unaware of this when I first signed up with them, but when they start training for the Vegas half I can train with them. I was upset about this, I liked running with them. It was a way for me to have to get my lazy butt out there and train. But, I've realized why I'm running and I need to motivate myself regardless of the situation. I'm baaaaaaack. I've got my legs back in the game :)

Sweet home new jersey

Ricki and I are about to run together.

8k Race day

Goal: 1) No walking
           2) Finish in 45 minutes
      
Chip time: 44:20


I DID IT!!!!

This was 7:30am, before the race. It's really hard taking a picture of yourself. More pictures and official time screen shot to come.

I should have been blonde!

I had to watch a you tube video to figure out how to attach my race chip (Dtag) to my shoe. I hope I don't run off course tomorrow!

Belk Charity Event

Run. Yoga. Belk Charity Event.

Thank you Real Housewives of New York for playing was I was on the treadmill.
Thank you to Louise for coming to Yoga.
Thank you to Aviva for sitting at Belk and harassing strangers for hours on end with me to raise money for Crohn's and Colitis. (Round of applause for Aviva!!!!)

Dilworth Runner In Training!

I work in Dilworth, and I see people running by themselves and in groups during the day, all day.  I am always jealous. So, today I packed up my running gear in the morning and headed to work. (Yes, it is a lot to pack up! Who would have thought running included so much stuff? ) The rundown....

Headband-to hold headphones in better and catch sweat so it doesn't blind me.
Shoes
Socks
Shirt
Shorts
Running Belt- pre-filled the bottles with gatorade and kept them in a cooler
Iphone holder & Iphone- for music and gps

...I might as well stuffed the kitchen sink in the bag too!

Anyways, I started running downtown, looped back around to the Dilworth neighborhoods. WOW! I never knew those houses were so nice back there. They are so close to downtown, but you would never know it running through the neighborhood. Grass, birds, kids walking home from school; peaceful. I will definitely run there again.

Enter complaints here: North Carolina pollen!!!!!

This weekend is the Elizabeth 8K AKA my first race EVER!! :)

Thank you to those who have donated to the CCFA in honor of my race, I truly appreciate it!

It's getting easier!

This weekend I ran a course I had run before, and it was a tad easier. I'm not saying it was a piece of cake, it was 6 miles. I ran side by side Caroline pretty much the whole time. At the end she said I kept her going, but I think she kept me going while we were running. I don't know why but I can't ever manage to run with other people at the same speed. I feel like I run in lala land while other people can run side by side. There are other people on the course that are with my group, which is what makes it easier. But to actually run side by side is so cool and accomplished!

I use mapmyrun as an app on my phone to track my running. They had sent out an email for a 30 day challenge. Run 30 miles in 30 days. I got my virtual trophy!

Looking back, how did I come so far already? I'm really proud of myself.

Guest Speaker

Last week, before our run Tom Rinkacs came to talk to us. You can read his story here. Long story short he finished a triathlon with an ileostomy. It was an amazing story to hear. He drove an hour and forty-five minutes to talk to us. He ran with us too, despite his injuries. It was very motivating! You can do anything you set your mind to and train for :)

Soooo....

I think I just spent the last 45 minutes looking up reviews on different sports drinks. This has consumed my life. Whatever, it is a healthy hobby and it started because I wanted to support a good cause. Wait....does this still count as healthy if it is a little bit obsessive?

Any suggestions for drinks? Do I go the homemade route? Heed? Any other good ones?

Thinking....running....thinking...

I do a lot of thinking while I run. I think it keeps my mind off of my body being exhausted. I look at trees, houses, cars. I watch carefully if I see a dog, I hear they like to bite runners sometimes. I look at for sale signs and imagine different scenarios of why the people are moving. I look at beautiful lawns and tragic messes of weeds and overgrown shrubbery. I look at swing sets, windows, and clouds. I imagine what it might be like one day to be able to make executive decisions about the color of shutters, picking a mailbox, and what the front door should look like. No matter what the house looks like there is always something beautiful about being outside and having every house and yard look a little bit different. The messy lots are sometimes the most fun, because imperfections are beauty.

I think about the people who can't run. I think about people that don't feel safe enough to run where they live. I feel sorry for them, and feel like I'm running for them too. I want to take pictures and show everybody the beauty in everything around us. How is it when we are on vacation, everything is jaw dropping and marvelous? Do we take more time out to actually look at things? I have driven by some of these places hundreds of times, and I haven't noticed anything special. I wish we would all feel like we are on vacation even when we are at home.

8%

I am 8% of the way there to my fundraising goal! I am super excited for everybody's support and contributions. I become so happy if I get an e-mail with a contribution or envelopes in the mail. I feel like this is becoming more and more real. The community I live in is really helping me reach my goals. That is what a community is supposed to be about. I am so fortunate to know people who like to help other people. I am so overjoyed I can't properly put into words how this support makes me feel. Thank you to all of my financial supporters as well emotional supporters! You guys are awesome, it really touches my heart.

Support

My fundraising letters were mailed and received today. I already received 2 phone calls from people that have told me their experiences with Crohn's. I'm sad that Crohn's affects so many people, but I'm happy to know Ricki isn't alone.

Elizabeth 8k

I went to Charlotte Running Company on East Boulevard today to sign up for the Elizabeth 8k  (4.97 miles.) This will be my first race on April 9th. I'm pretty excited, I want to be able to run the entire race, so I am going to train extra hard until then. I want to see what a race feels like before I get to Vegas so I won't be shocked.

I just found out last night that the Rock N Roll half marathon in Vegas will be a night race! I can't wait to run with orange glow sticks for Team Challenge :)

I ran 3 miles today, some of which was in the rain. I'm really liking rain running. The sun was shining and the rain was coming down, there was music in my ear, it was just beautiful. Everything seemed peaceful.

6.5 miles by accident??

I just got back from another Team Challenge run. There was a 4 or 6.5 mile option. I was aiming for 4, but I missed the turnaround. So I accidentally ended up running 6.5 miles. I use running loosely, there was walking involved. So, that makes it runkling? By the end, I was tired. I was hoping so badly it would start raining and it did! The rain felt amazing. (And I normally hate rain, what is running and Team Challenge doing to me???)

Unfortunately, this wasn't the only time I got lost. I got lost getting there. As I was leaving, I realized I had driven by the place 2 times. If you know me at all, you know I get lost everywhere! It is very frustrating, I never get used to it :'(

I treated myself to a hot mint condition after the run, it was/is delicious in between water breaks! I gave Brittney all of my letters to be sent out, I believe there was 191 of them. My dad made copies of the letter, my mom and Isis helped write some sticky notes for the letters last night, and we got them done! (Thanks fam!)

I see them everywhere!

Before I ran I would see runners occasionally, but now that I have started running I see them everywhere! It's funny how when you focus on something, it really becomes your main focus. I'm excited to have joined the "running community," I think about it as a not-so-secret-society of people, which makes it fun. I can't wait for my $5,000.00 donation bar on my website to be full and have a 13.1 sticker!

Note: Special thanks to Aviva for helping me with my letter! She is the best :)

Windy conditions

Dear wind,
You make it very hard for me to run forward when you are out. If you could limit your massive wind gusts to a nice breeze every 6 minutes, I think we would get along better.  Thanks for taking your time to read this and consider it.

Love,
Aimee

First run with Team Challenge

This morning (8am) was my first run with Team Challenge. We met at the Greenway off of Johnston Road. We did an ice breaker with paper airplanes and some warm ups. I started running with  one girl who has colitis and she really inspired me. She wasn't feeling well this morning and STILL came to run; she is so strong. We ran 3.5 miles today in about 40 minutes. I was so happy and felt amazing. I can't wait to run more with the group. It makes it so much easier to run with a buddy. The time just seems to go faster.

The leaders came out early this morning and set up mile markers and water stations. They had a place for every persons keys and jackets. It is really well thought out and planned. The coaches seem to really care and want to help. Everybody was so encouraging and kept the group motivated. It was a nice feeling to be a part of.

It was also a theme day, orange and blue(Team Challenge colors.) Yes, I knit the headband :)

Running and blogging....fresh start

I have never run before if it wasn't forced upon me. I just really saw no point in it. My ears hurt, my throat got hot, I sweat, and lose my breath. What about that seems fun?

I never know how to start a blog. I end up deleting every blog I have started, because I don't want to mess up a clean page with garbage. I want to say something profound and interesting. Then reading it back, it just seems to never be what I intended.

A few months ago, I received a pamphlet in the mail from Team Challenge.  It was about their program which is a half marathon training program to raise money and awareness for Crohns and Colitis.  My friend Ricki was diagnosed with Crohns a few years ago, and thought it was kind of a coincidence that this pamphlet ended up in my mailbox. I was seriously thinking about doing it for no other reason than to help find a cure for these diseases. I kept meaning to tell her about the pamphlet but kept forgetting. A few weeks went by and I convinced myself that running 13.1 miles was out of the question and I would try to help in other ways.

Ricki and I were having a conversation over g-mail chat, and she mentioned she went to an information session for Team Challenge. Really?? She already knew about it. I started telling her about the pamphlet I got and how I was thinking about doing it a few weeks ago. I looked online and there just so happened to be an information session later that night. It was a sign. We decided we were both going to sign up and do this together, Vegas Winter 2011.

Ricki is my best friend. We have known each other since we were four. She lives in New York and I live in North Carolina now. We have different lives, but I would do anything for her. Even run 13.1 miles.

The journey begins. Running and Blogging.