Training Day 17 of 127 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

I hope everyone had a nice Wednesday and are enjoying this pleasant weather. I believe that we are out of the 100+ degree days, at least I am hopeful. I do remember training in low to mid 30's in December (down at the canal in S. Scottsdale)... bbrrr, I am going to try and remember how hot the summer was and enjoy even those frigid days of training, too. Welcome in October...

I had a lovely run today (as you will see on the video). When my daughter was here and we ran together, she mentioned we may be able to upload a few video's while we are running the marathon to share "real time" with those who can't be with us. Today, as I was getting close to the home, I pulled out my phone to check the time and thought that I might try a very short video and see how it came out. VERY INTERESTING, I must say. I said I was a quarter of a mile from the home, although I was much closer than that. Did the jiggling of the camera make anyone sick? ha-ha just another way to share experiences in this amazing technically advanced world we live in.

Lots of great running tunes today. I think I will update the blog to compile a playlist of the training tunes that I share every few days. That way, at the end I can ensure that I have them all with me on the BIG Day... and, if any of you want to download the songs, you will be able to. I will do this in the next few days.

Today's Tune: Is it any Wonder by Keane I was turned on to this song after downloading a 40 minute coaching run from iTunes by Lance Armstrong called Run Longer (you should get this amazing download)! Lance had some great tunes throughout the run, Is it any Wonder being one of them, and he also chats in your ear along the way. He may say "Remember, Pain is temporary, Quitting lasts Forever". Very motivational and inspiring coming from Lance. I hope you enjoy the Keane tune... it definitely helps me run, run, run!

Until next time - Kelly

Training Day 16 of 127 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

Nice training run today at 6.2 mph for first 2.5 miles and then pumped it up to 6.5 mph for the next 1.5 miles. That represents 9.41 & 9.14 min mile...
We intend to finish the full marathon (26.2 miles) in 4 hr 15 min or less, which is 9.45 min mile... so, that is very do able.

Anyone else out there had a cold yet this season? I am fighting off a cold and keep telling myself that I don't really have one : ) My goal is to think and exercise it away... burn it out.

I am motivated by a friend of mine who ran 2.3 miles today (for the first time)! Congrats, Barb!
She is following a 5k, 2 month training schedule and doing a bang up job at sticking to it.
I am getting very excited for PF Chang (azRNR) marathon in January, there are so many people out training and this is the perfect season.

Does anyone have any great running songs that they would like to suggest? Just click on comment and share them and I will in turn put them out here in the blog for everyone to enjoy.
Today I had so many great songs, it was hard to come up with just as as today' tune. But, I did come up with on: My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson ... I recently downloaded Kelly C's newest album (at the suggestion of Valerie Bertinelli who said that Kelly & Pink were great running cd's after her recent half marathon). I love all the songs and especially love "Life would Suck" ... so enjoy!

Speaking of Valerie Bertinelli, she and Olivia Newton John will be the key note speakers at AZ Womans Conference in Phoenix on 10/17 & 10/18 this year. I hope I can make it because I am sure it will be inspirational to hear either of them speak. My daughters and I have gone to this expo a few times and really is good with lots of great give aways and fun shopping ideas.

Have a great day, until next time - Kelly

Training Day 15 of 127 (Countdown to 1/1/710)

In week 3 of 18 towards my first big 26.2!
It was so nice to have another day off from training; I am now relaxed and ready for tomorrow's 3 mile run. I intend to get out early for my 3 mile run, and then Wednesday I have a 4 or 5 mile run, Thursday another 3 and Saturday is 5 or 6... I am wavering between the Novice 1 or Novice 2 training programs because I have been running on and off for a couple of years now and have completed 2 half marathons and a few other races as well. So, I feel that I can do a bit more than the novice 1, but I am not ready for the intermediate training schedule. Interestingly enough, Hal has a Novice 2 for those who are in between (like me.) So, as I schedule and train, I will combine the two based on how I am feeling. The 8 miles went extremely well the other day, I hope that means I am not over training for my current level of fitness. Today's Tune is a song that I am surprised that I like so much. It is a Britney Spears song; Radar. This is really a catchy tune and one that is easy to run to. You may want to add it to your play list and try it out on a run. Until next time - Kelly

Training Day 14 of 127 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

Day 14, the end of week 2 and now on to the 3rd week of training!
Only 16 weeks of training left. When I look back over the last 2 weeks, it has flown by very quickly. It is very true that the time goes by whether we do something or not, I prefer the "do something" vs the alternative. When I look back at the photo on the left, I am reminded how I was training for my first half marathon 2 years ago. My running partner, Kelly (we were Kelly & Kelly), and I could have never imagined that we could finish 13.1 miles, neither of us had ever done pushed ourselves like that. But, with consistent training and working the program... WE DID IT! Words cannot express how accomplished and fulfilled you feel when you cross the finish line for the first time. No joke... it was really hard at times, but it is soo worth it in the end.
I hope your training runs and rests are going well (if you have started) and are energized by the process. Until next time - Kelly

Day 13 of 127 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

Well, today's training was my l o n g run and the 8 miles went surprisingly well. 6:15 am down on the canal was the perfect time to begin my run; the weather was a cool 75. For Arizona in September, that is great. Because I arrived early, I ran by myself... the Scottsdale Running Club was starting their run at 6:35 am and I decided to get a head start. I intended to run 7 miles today, but the run was going so well, I kept with it and turned around at 4 miles. Also, the running club had set out gatorade at the 4 mile turn and it was a welcome break from the warm water in my water bottle. A nice stretch at the end of the run and an inviting cup of coffee for the drive home and I was able to check off one of the things on my "to do"list for the day. Until next time - Kelly

Day 12 of 127 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

Although, considered a rest day, I don't think that was in the cards for me today. I did not run today, but, I do feel exhausted tonight. I went to UofA with my daughter, my husband, and 3 of my daughters friends for campus tours and information session. Tonight, I am working on school assignments and realizing that I have to meet someone to run at 6am in the morning. Tomorrow is the L O N G run and I intend to run 7 or 8 miles in South Scottsdale on the canal.
I love running along the canal and have many fond memories of training there over the last 2 years (when training for the half marathon). The longest I ever ran down there was 12 miles... to think that I will be running 20 in December (the day after x-mas), seems kind-of unreal.
I will trust Hal and Danny that the skills and techniques I have learned over the past couple of years and with the right training, I will complete my first full marathon in January!
I wish you all luck on your long weekend runs, however long they may be. Enjoy and until next time - Kelly G.

Day 11 of 127 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

Hello running friends, I hope that where ever you are, you are having great fall running weather! Today, I ran 4 miles on a nice sandy trail with lots of little hills and surprises along the way. I got out later than I had wanted to, but the weather was still beautiful. The 2 miles down the trail were much easier to navigate than the 2 miles coming back up. There was a gradual elevation change (a few hundred feet 2080-2300,) but enough that it took your breath away on the way back up. I ran about 4 miles in 38 minutes and had to stop for water/walk 2 times for 15 seconds or so on the return.

Hal had a 3 miler planned for today (I did a mile more). He says "Still another 3-miler! It seems like we're in a rut, but don't worry: Next week the midweek workouts take a slight bump upwards in distance. Most of the mileage changes from week to week in this program are "slight." Slight changes will gradually get you in shape--and that's the best way. Slight changes will do it, but for the time being, be content with your third 3-miler in 3 days. The simplest and easiest way to accomplish a 3-mile workout is to run the same measured course each time. But consider having separate Tuesday and Thursday courses. Particularly as the program continues, you may want to bring some variety to your workouts." I agree, today was my third day running out my front door and wanted to go a different direction... the change was good.

Food program was not that good today; even though I had good breakfast (my favorite is Activia Light and 3/4 cup protein plus special k), I got busy after my run and didn't eat a proper lunch. Then, I snacked on a few things I shouldn't have and went to happy hour at 5pm and had 2 drinks and a couple of pieces of bruschetta. "Oh well", the good news is that as the mileage increases, we will be faced with the holidays. So, it is good to train through the holidays to help burn off those extra calories we will undoubtedly take in!

Today's Tune is by the All American Rejects; Move Along. "When all you got to keep is strong move along, move along just to make it through and even when your hope is gone, move along, move along just to make it through... Right back what is wrong, move along!" What a great song I was listening to when I was struggling back up the train and feelin' it!

Tomorrow we are off with 3 high school seniors to UofA for a full day of tour, classes, lunch, etc... This is that important time of the year when they are visiting and applying to colleges. I can't believe that both of the kids are almost grown! This sure is an exciting time in their lives.

Until next time, Kelly

Day 10 of 127 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

Anyone in the Phoenix metro area knows how it felt walking outside today; AMAZING! I went for a run at 7:00 am and it was only 70 degrees. Everywhere I went today, it was the topic of conversation: "This is why we live in Arizona", "Can you believe this weather?", "I would want to live anywhere else"... but, just a few short weeks ago, it was terribly hot. So, you can imagine that a lovely 3 mile run was just wonderful for me this morning.

Wednesday(s) on Hal's program is typically the "hard" day of the week. Although this week, it was only 3 miles, next week it will be 4 and every other week it will increase by 1 mile until my Wednesday run is 10 miles. I will have to work hard to incorporate that kind of mileage into a "regular" day, a "work" day. Plus, as we move further into fall, the mornings get darker. So... "note to self - consider what the heck is the best plan to ensure the miles get put in." Actually, I find that running early is (typically) the best way for me to get through a work out. It accomplishes 2 things: 1) After I complete the workout, I have that success with me for the whole entire day, and if you remember what Valerie Bertinelli told me... "You never regret it when you are done," it is so nice to carry that with you for a whole day and 2) You don't have to think about it and have "the run" hanging over you for the whole day! When you run late, you have to consider what you are going to eat all day, what is okay for lunch, etc.. because, I have to still run later. But, when you run early, you drink your 16 oz. of water and run out the door. The rest of the day you are HOME FREE. But... I think that is all a personal choice, running early is just my preference.

Also, today I got a great recommendation to a watch that is both affordable and will track my pace, distance, etc.. I am soo excited to check into the Garmin 205 further...

I would like to put a quick "plug" out there for October's issue of Runner's World magazine.
If you have the opportunity to pick it up, do so. It (as always) has great information for runners of all abilities... plus, recipes and more!

Today's Tune is an oldy, but a goodie! Man... I LOVE this song. I can run my heart out to it. I have recently decided that Pink could do a re-make of this song and it would definitely work. The song is Promises in the Dark by Pat Benetar and it is AMAZING! I have always loved Pat's music and she never disappoints when I am running (Hell is for Children, the Ooh, Ooh Song & More). But Promises in the Dark is genius (I don't use that word casually). ENJOY!

Until next time - Kelly

Training Day 9 of 127 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

Now in training week 17 and today's training run was with my daughter, Hailey.

We had a wonderful run, the temperature was perfect, there was a great breeze. We ran 3 miles, talked about the day we will be running 26 miles together and discussed "strategy". The strategy is to stick to the plan!

We discussed what we might wear, if we should walk through water stations, the music we would listen to, the time that it will take to complete and how we will deal with the challenges. But, we know we have what it takes and are looking forward to the process. When we got back, we signed Hailey up for the marathon before we took her to the airport for her return to Houston. She and I will be running together again next week when I go to Houston to visit her and we go to see Rob Thomas in concert!

I will run again tomorrow morning, Thursday and the long run this week (7 miles) will be Saturday. I am planning to look for a watch to begin tracking time and pace. I have set a goal to complete the marathon in 4hr 15 min or less; I like the "or less".

I wish you all the best during your activities, I love to hear your success stories.

Until next time - Kelly

Day 8 of 127 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

Hola', One week of training has already passed, only 17 more to go! Plus, I have already accumulated over 17 miles in one week. That being said, I have not even run, in the past week, the total number of miles I will be running on 1/17/2010 in less than 4 hrs and 15 min (my goal finish time). My training today (Hal Higdon's Week 2 Novice Training Schedule) consisted of REST and to evaluate how I felt after my first week of training. My first job at hand was REST; CHECK , my second job was evaluation how I felt after my first week; CHECK. The no running/rest was great, and the evaluation of last week was super. I woke up today and was concerned that the ankle and foot pain might come back from yesterday, but I am completely fine. Neither foot gave me a problem, I walked a bit today and was grateful because it very
possibly could have side lined me for a while. When I look back over the week, I feel very good
about the training from last week and intent to stick to Hal's Coaching Rules: "Training is when you follow a schedule, such as this one, where each day has a purpose. If the weather is bad, you still run. If you have important business, you simply rise an hour early to run. Why? Because I told you to! And if Hal tells you to rest, you rest. Pay attention, follow my directions, and I'll get you to the finish line 17 weeks from today. That's a promise!" So, because he promises to get me across the finish line, I will agree to follow his motivating and carefully developed training program. Looking forward in my program for this week, I have a 3 mile run for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and a 7 mile "long run" on Saturday at 6am.
Today's Tune is one of my all time favorite running songs, it has been with me through both of the last half marathons and many other races as well (10k', 5k). It is Paramore's Born for This. Amazing... when I am having a hard run or hitting a wall, I put that song on and when Hayley sings, "sing, like you will never sing again," I imagine it is saying "run, like you will never run again" and then I feel grateful for just being able to be out there putting one foot in front of the other. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Until tomorrow - Kelly

Training Day 7 of 127 (Countdown to 1/17/2010)

An interesting couple of days have left me with a sense of accomplishment; I had some challenges that left both my left and right foot with some minor injuries which almost convinced me not to run long today. But, I reconsidered my recent published quote (on facebook) that asked if I was going to be a wimp or be strong today (-peter maher)... guess what I decided? Mind over Matter, You won't regret it when you are done (I hope), Just Do It!, Stick to it... these were all a few things going on in my mind as I contemplated all of my options.

I will share that I had very sore feet after a concert on Friday night and soaked them when I got home. I woke up the next day and the bottoms of my feet were very sensitive... nothing like I ever get from running. So, I soaked the feet again on Saturday and proceeded through my day and in the afternoon, I went out to the garage and got a shard of glass or cactus needle in my left foot... I attempted to get it out with tweezers (to no avail) and again, I soaked the feet. Throughout the day, I could not get the little bugger out, it was impossible. I continued to consider my long run for the next day (Sunday).... the most important training run of the week. That night, with something in the left foot and with the right ankle feeling the pressure of walking oddly from the day (because of the thing in my left foot and the bad concert feet). AARRGGHH... I decided to take ibuprofen and soak the feet, I looked up info on the i-net as to how to draw out the "little bugger" that was in the left foot. I followed the best suggestion I could find: find a bar of IVORY soap and cut off a few slivers and tape/band aide it to the area to draw out the foreign matter...then, off to bed with a plan established weeks before that said I was to wake in the morning and run 6 miles. I woke up at 6:30 and and when my feet hit the floor, I though... oh no.

My right ankle was really tight and I wasn't sure that I could walk (let alone run). I hobbled to the kitchen and got a coffee and sat down to take off the band-air... how was the left foot this morning? Answer: hard to tell... not as bad as last night, but - wait till I stepped on it or hit it straight on, I will hit the roof. Thinking positive, I dressed for a run and filled up the water bottle. I hobbled out the front door and was sure to take my phone (in case I got a certain distance and couldn't get back home). I hobbled for 5 minutes or so and then started a very slow job. My right ankle was really tight, like nothing I had experienced before (even after running a half marathon). After about 10 minutes, I was feeling surprisingly good and picked up the pace... I kept my options open on the run and gave myself permission to slow, walk, stop, turn-around, or whatever made sense while I was out there. Guess What? I continued to feel better and better and ran 5.7 miles! I was feeling great and had an awesome stretch when I got back. The Chi Running techniques that I follow taught me to be open to listen to my body, to relax, to allow chi to run through me... and it did. After my great stretch, I took the shoes off, the water belt off, and stuck my feet in the cool and refreshing pool AAHHHhhhh... SUCCESS.

I took more ibuprofen after the run and have not taken any additional for the rest of the day.

Both of my feet and ankles are fine. WOW! It is important to say that if my injuries had been more serious or if I had signs that I should turn back, I would have. But, I went out with the hopes to stretch out the tight ankle and that I did. I have not felt another twinge in my left foot... the IVORY soap trick must have worked! The slow, gradual movement in the right ankle really was helped by my nice jog today. What a wonderful day.

Plus, my daughter Hailey came in from out-of-town today... She is also training for her first full marathon and will probably come to phoenix to run it with me in January 10. That would be soo exciting.

Today's Tune? Well, it has been a favorite of mine for years, was at Friday's Fall Frenzy at Tempe Beach Park. The amazing LOVE SHACK from the B52's ! What a great song and has incredible energy... I would say that the B52's definitely have CHI running through them!

Their flow of energy is magnetic and they were great in the concert the other night!

Week 1 is officially behind us and beginning tomorrow, I am only 17 weeks away from the BIG day! Until tomorrow - Kelly

Training Day 6 of 126 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

Todays Training is "a day of rest", which is a good thing.
With such a busy day and because I have run for the last 3 days, I think a day of rest is goood.
But, I didn't really rest, I went to my Jenny Craig appointment where I finally met my 1st goal weight... ok, I started last July 29th, 09 - and as of today, have come down 27.4 lbs..
ya-hoo and I had an afternoon concert to go to and I just got home (2am).
I am tired and don't feel the ability to write more in the blog.
But, I will say that the long run for tomorrow had been rescheduled for Sunday (knowing in advance that I would have tired legs from dancing at the concert.
I will check back in tomorrow. Until Then, Kelly

Training Day 5 of 126 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

Running is a big question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks you, “Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?”
 - Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner

Turned out to be a longer run than I had planned for today and I dropped the yogalates class because I was in a running high and decided to go with it.  Scheduled run was 3 miles today and I ran 5.5.  I went to the gym (Golds in Scottsdale) and jumped on one of my favorite treadmills.  I went later in the day (5:45pm) so that I could take the class at 6:30pm.  By the time I jumped on the machine and started running, the time flew by so quickly that 6:30pm came and went.  Again, music being such a big motivator for me while I run, I was enjoying many great artists: B52's, Matchbox 20, Toby Keith, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, to name a few. 
Although this is day 5 of my training schedule, this is the 3rd day running in a row.  I also ran the same schedule last week; 3 miles on each Tu, We, & Th and did a 6 miler on Sat.  So, as I approach the 3rd day of running, 2nd week in a row, I am feeling surprising good.  I am feeling just a few little twinges in a few places on my bod:  a bunion, an arch, my butt; but - overall I am feeling great. While I run, I continually remind myself of my Chi Running Techniques, relax, have fun, have good posture, lean while keeping the body in a straight line, take in my surroundings,  hold the imaginary ball to relax the shoulders and just have fun.  After I run, I always take a good amount of time to stretch; it really keeps you loose  and avoids the pain of tight muscles for the days following your run. 
Today's Tune of the Day is Matchbox 20 "How Far We've Come" and every time I hear it, it makes me run harder and faster while I consider how far I've come.  Also, as many of you know, I am a HUGE Rob Thomas/Matchbox 20 fan (part of his fan club) and tomorrow night he is playing at Tempe Beach Park. Guess who will be there?  Me and a few other crazy Rob fans... Not only is Rob playing tomorrow night, so is Colbi Calait, Gavin Rossdale, Jason Miraz, B52's, and Rob!  So, enjoy Matchbox and consider how far you've come! Until next time - Kelly G.

Training Day 4 of 126 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

"Three miles, same as yesterday" were the instructions on my Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Schedule (Week 1 Novice). I already planned for it, actually, I know what days and how many miles I will be running daily for the next 122 days! The hard part was making the decision to do it... after that, it is just putting the plan in place and following it. Just Do It as Nike tells us (that was brilliant branding on their part)and a familiar motivational mantra that I repeat almost daily. I digress, back to Day 4 details. I ran out the door a little later than I had planned, the sun was up and it was about 80 degrees. I took off on a dirt road and took a nice slow jog down my road and then up a gentle hill. About 5 minutes into the run, I was feeling the body kicking it in gear, the legs were awake, I was beginning to break a sweat. When I reached the peak of the road, I made a right turn and headed North on pavement. I always run towards traffic and will often run in the road and as a car comes toward me, I will move to the dirt on the side of the road. Of course, this is when I am running on a road vs the dirt trails on the side of the wonderful canals of the Central Arizona Project. This day, it is a nice long, flat road up in the Rio Verde Foothills (where I live) that I can just relax, jog and listen to my music. When I reach my 1.5 mile turn around point, I am feeling oh so good and decide to go a bit further. Wednesday's will be a day that my mileage will increase over the weeks of training, so I decide to keep it going. I turn around a bit further down the road and am thrilled that the sun and heat are not putting a drag on my run. I have mountain views, fresh air, fresh legs and some great tunes. Before I know it, I am back home again and feel exhilerated and accomplished. I will be able to carry these feelings with me for the rest of the day, nice. A few months back, one day, I was fortunate to run into Valerie Bertinelli and her partner, Tom Vitale (the week after she showed up looking amazing in a 2 piece b-suit on the front of PEOPLE mag)and we had the opportunity to discuss weight loss, exercise and running. She and Tom had not yet run a half marathon and I briefly shared my 2 half marathon stories with them and offered encouragement that they can do it (remember... JUST DO IT)? Valerie shared some insight from her own experience that is oh so true & I will pass along to you. As we were discussing exercise and how it is not always easy to get started, she said "but, you never regret it when you are done" . Don't we all know that to be soo true? Those encouraging words get me out the door on the days that "I don't feel like it" or think that I am too busy to stick with the program. Now, it's TUNE TIME; It is here that I will link my favorite tune of the day. I received a few comments on how much you enjoyed SOBER from Pink yesterday and today's song of the day is Show Me What I'm Looking for by Carolina Liar. This song came at the end of my run & is always a favorite of mine. I just learned yesterday that Carolina Liar will be the opening act at the Rob Thomas concert in Houston on 10/4, now I am even more excited for the big concert.
Until tomorrow - Kelly G

Training Day 3 of 126 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

Well, the early wake up call came at 5:45 am and I jumped out of bed enthusiastically... My last thoughts prior to drifting off, just 5 1/2 hours earlier, were to get up early, have a nice half hour run, be back by 6:30 am to get an early start to a great day.  But, as I dressed I had a familiar, annoying sensation that I have felt a few times (or more) a month for the last 32 years; damn, I have a migraine. Because I have complicated migraine, and my occular symptoms are due to blood constriction, I knew that I would have to delay my run (at least for a while.) I had an 8:30 am meeting and still had to care for the horses so, I considered waiting till later in the day to run. But, I really wanted to STICK TO MY PROGRAM! I can't tell you how many times things can and sometimes will get in your way of sticking to the schedule you have established, but one of my main goals with establishing a training schedule is to Develop Self-Discipline. So - I pushed it, sucked it up, waited for majority of visual problems to go away and ran out the door at 6:45 am. I followed Hal's advise: run an easy 3 miles at a comfortable pace. He says that although it may seem easy, it is all part of the progressive buildup of total mileage getting me ready for the big 2 6 in January! This early 3 mile run was meeting all my expectations: it was cool out, I broke a nice sweat, listened to some newly downloaded tunes (Valerie Bertinelli suggested Pink & Kelly Clarkson during an interview after she completed her first 1/2 marathon - - she was right on), gave some road workers something to look at, and raced a HUGE Water Truck (Team Jensen vs. Team G) for part of the run. GREAT FUN - GREAT RUN - DAY 3 is now behind me. At the end of the run, a great song came on and as I listened, I danced in our courtyard; It was such pure joy... and I enjoyed the song so much... I had to add it to today's blog so that you can have your own dance for the day (just click anywhere on the colored font). Until next time - Kelly G

Training Day 2 of 126 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

My second day of training consisted of "contemplating the training that will begin tomorrow" per Hal Higdon's training guide :  )   And, contemplate I did!  I considered the rest of the weeks training; the whens, what, wheres and whys...  When?  Tue, We, Th & Su.  What?  Tu 3 miles, We 3 miles, Th 3 miles, Su 6 miles Where? Tu morning 5:30am  North on  144th St, We morning 5:30 am from the front door, Th evening 6:45pm at that gym on the treadmill (followed by yogalates), Su 6:00 am from Troon Country Club to my front door & the very important...  
WHY?  
1) Because I can 
2) Develop Self-Discipline
3) Relieve Stress
4) Burn Calories
5) Listen to Music
6) Meet new friends
7) Challenge Myself
8) Increase Self Esteem
9)  Focus on Good Health
10) Spend Quality "alone" time
11) Enjoy the Great Outdoors
12) Keep weight off during the holiday season
13) Set a good example
14) Push myself farther than I have in the past
15) Enjoy others' success'
16) Learn from others
17) Believe in myself
18) Trust myself
19) Follow a program
20) Practice Chi Running skills & follow Hal Higdon's Training schedule (modified slightly to fit my lifestyle)
21) *run for fun, *run like a child, *run like its the last time you will ever run!
22) Work towards goal weight
23) Help others (not sure how yet... but, I will work on this important one)
24) Train with my daughter (from afar) - she is running her first full marathon as well
25) Have a Healthy Heart, Enhance my well being, and Lift My Spirits
26) Open the flow of chi in my life!

Wow, that didn't take long... I am sure there are soo many more reasons. 
Share your reasons with me!  If you are interested in developing a beginning running program, might I suggest: Chi Running site:  http://www.chirunning.com/shop/pages.php?pageid=2
and Hal Higdon's site: http://www.halhigdon.com/beginrunner/intro.htm


As I check out for the evening, I will set my alarm for my early wake up call and a refreshing 3 miler in the cool morning hours.  Until tomorrow...

Training Day 1 of 126 (Countdown to 1/17/10)

~ New Blogger has Arrived ~
     ~ A New Running Blog ~

Well, this is a first for me and I am excited to document my training for my first full marathon and share it with you. I guess I need to tell you who I am... Kelly G. in Scottsdale, AZ. That is me on the right in Jan 08 near the end of my first 13.2 mile half marathon run (25 lbs heavier than I am now). What an exhilarating day that was.... truly life changing. I had never been a runner before, actually, I always said that I couldn't run. Boy, did that first big run change my outlook on life and my attitude about so many things.

I have run 2 half marathons and have decided to step-up-my game and train for a full marathon at the age of 45. In Jan of 08, I ran a half at 2 hr 30 min and then Jan 09, I cut 15 minutes off of my time and ran it in 2 hr 15 min.

I invite you to join me on the journey and share your thoughts, advise, tips, challenges, and amazing success stories of your journey as well.

Today (Sunday, 9/13) was a recovery day from my Saturday 6 mile "long run" on the canal.

I am approaching the first of 18 weeks of training and will document my journey through this blog. I look forward to hearing from you who will be running with me on January 17, 2010 (rnraz / Changs Rock-n-Roll Marathon) and those who are interested in beginning a running regime.

Here is to a lifetime of fitness and another new adventure, - Kelly G