Waxing and Waning

 May 8th, 2011. May 8th, 2011, May 8th, 2011. This is my mantra when I hit that hard spot on a long run or that time in during a sprint workout where the last thing I want to do is crank up the speed again. With graduation from my master's program looming, I have plenty on my mind besides this marathon. However, once I lace up those shoes, it's all about that race. I picture the finish line. I picture crying. I picture stopping to stretch as other runners pass me by. And somehow, in the sick head of an addicted runner, it motivates me more.
I've read (portions of) books on the topic, I've subscribed to Runner's World, I've told every friend who will listen that each time I run over 13 miles, it's the furthest I've ever gone in my life (thanks guys and gals for listening, you've been mighty generous with your praise). In the end, no matter how much you read and how much you talk, it's the action that counts. Not surprisingly, like many things you learn through pushing yourself to the limits, actions are what matter in most aspects of life. And this is why I appreciate running as an activity as much as I do. The lessons are often more two-fold, if not more, in applicability.
It's a fine balance between awareness of how you're doing, and telling yourself that no matter how you're doing, there's always a way to be doing better. In this way, the motivations wax and wane. The desire to achieve waxes and wanes. The desire to say "screw it" and get on the CTA (Chicago's bus and rail system) and ride home (yup - I run my long runs with my bus&train pass just in case) waxes and wanes. But it's usually the wane that I have to quell. When the wax dominates, I picture myself coming up to that finish line, finding that last bit of energy, and sprinting across.
So as I reach these next transitions in life and more questions marks than any other punctuation seem to end most of my sentences, I find that balance between focusing on the run and focusing on the finish.
Thank you to anyone and everyone whose already donated to the YWCA in honor of the women and men who face challenges above and beyond my training. For those of you who still wish to donate, your generosity would mean the world.
Thanks again and happy trails!


**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS! https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

Protests Got Me Thinkin....

 So I've been reading a great deal about domain expansion, issue making and policy framing. Social movements seeking equity, equality and justice are rare moments in time when a group of individuals are able to coordinate their activities in a way that is effective and has an impact on policy makers. When Washington seems impenetrable, these glimpses of hope make it seem like an unhinged door. That being said, it's no easy task to stage a revolution; be it major or minor. In reverence for those creating change in countries whose backgrounds I would be arrogant to assume to know (Egypt and Tunisia as immediate examples), I am aware that the investment of lives, families, opportunities and social status are necessary for movements to take hold. While  to make a direct causal relation, but as a nod to those standing up for their beliefs and Polit(social,economic)ical desires, I read this bit of history on the YWCA's website:


"The YWCA is the oldest, autonomous women's membership organization in the world. As such, it has a strong and respectable tradition of social change, community service and advocacy. Throughout our history the YWCA has been in the forefront of most major movements in the United States as a pioneer in race relations, labor union representation, and the empowerment of women. The YWCA has actively worked to eliminate racism and empower women since 1858. We were there through the women's suffrage movement. We held the first interracial conference in the South in 1915 and fought for civil rights and affirmative action."  http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=420731

This is why it is imperative to not only show your support monetarily to organizations that conduct sounds social practices with your fiscal gifts, but to support them in your every day interactions, activities and choices. Obviously, none of us are perfect and we live where we live. However, inaction is frustrating, and in the end, does nothing. I'll be chanting that as I hit mile 22, I'm sure!

Thank you for all your support thus far everyone! It is extra encouraging in this winter weather!


**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS! https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

Double Digits & No Turning Back

 I am officially there. The double digit long runs have begun and the side effects are constant reminders that I need to care for my body throughout this training. If the daily soreness in my muscles are not enough to remind me, my voracious appetite is. My most recent accomplishment included a brunch at 12pm complete with oatmeal, omelet and toast, followed by a burger at Food Dance in Kalamazoo, MI at 2pm. And you better believe I turned around and ate dinner 4 hours later. Life's too good not to indulge and I can justify it - for now!

I've run up to these lengths before when training for a half-marathon, but for some reason, in relation to 26.2 miles, 12 mile training runs take on a new meaning. With the half-marathons, I could gleefully think "Oh man! I did 12 today. Only 1 more mile and I'll have completed that race". Now I have to pinch myself and remember "Right. 12 is good. 12 is great, in fact. But it's not even half of what you're going to need to do come May 8th". It's in these moments of realization that I have to tell myself to slow down, take it one run at a time, and remember that this was a choice I made. I find myself doing this in life with far more than just my running. My academic pursuits are time consuming and anxiety provoking and often lead me to moments of intense fear. I'm going to give away my mid-western roots and use the phrase - making a mountain out a mole hole and openly acknowledge that I do this more than I care to admit. For example, the knee pain I feel half-way into a long run sends my brain into a momentary tail spin. My immediate reaction is to create an imaginary catastrophe where, like the scene in Black Swan, my knees break, my legs bend backwards, and my self-imposed running "career" is through. ASIDE: I am not disturbed, I promise! This hallucination has never taken place, I'm just using extremes for comparison's sake.....maybe... :) 

But these moments of worry are what make running so fantastic. As a largely solitary sport (of course you can be on a team, but ultimately, it's your legs that have to cross that finish line), you have to mentally battle your ever insecurity, be it physical or emotional, and keep putting the one foot in front of the other. Perhaps your run is only inspirational to you, and perhaps finishing it is only something you will celebrate with a burger and a beer, or a massage and an ice bath, but it is worth every step nonetheless.

So here's to the 15 miler I face this coming weekend and the 20 miler a few weeks down the road. Here's to every personal battle won and every inspiration acknowledged. I have many friends who are running this marathon with me, and when I hear them say they're excited, I remind myself that I am too. Then I picture the finish line and that's all I need. There's a distinct way in which running puts your mind in-tune with your body and your body with your mind. So every time those sneaky self-doubts emerge, I turn to that connection and (hopefully) keep going. Picturing that juicy burger and carb-laden beer doesn't hurt either!

Thank you again to all of you for your support and generosity!

https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF




**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS!
https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

Just a Reminder

https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

Happy New Year Y'all!!! I hope 2011 brings happiness in all its various forms! I'm still doin this stuff - running that is - and loving it! I am getting a sports massage for Christmas and am worried I may find myself addicted. This is a quick appeal to ask if you have any dollars or cents to spare, if you could donate a few to the YWCA of Kalamazoo, MI. Their work is meant to make the world a better place and I don't say that lightly. Thank you for your continued support! I'll write more once the holiday madness passes.

Best Wishes and A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!




**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS!

https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

Social Action from the YWCA of Kalamazoo

Hey y'all! This comes from the YWCA of Kalamazoo, Michigan homepage and is a list of efforts one can take to help eliminate hate. While an enormous task and one that may seem overwhelming, remembering that consistent and persistent efforts that seek long-term change while acknowledging opportunity for short-term gains are what it's all about!! information from (http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=685943) accessed on December 14, 2010. "What can you do to fight hate and eliminate racism? Act - Do something, In the face of hatred, apathy will be interpreted as acceptance - by the haters, the public and, worse, the victim. Decency must be exercised, too. If it isn't, hate invariably persists. Unite - Call a friend or co-worker. Organize a group of allies from churches, schools, clubs and other civic sources. Create a diverse coalition. Include children, police and the media. Gather ideas from everyone, and get everyone involved. Support the victims - Hate-crime victims are especially vulnerable, fearful and alone. Let them know you care. Surround them with people they feel comfortable with. If you're a victim, report every incident and ask for help. Do your home work - Determine if a hate group is involved, and research its symbols and agenda. Seek advice from anti-hate organizations. Accurate information can then be spread to the community. Create an alternative - Do NOT attend a hate rally. Find another outlet for anger and frustration and people's desire to do something. Hold a unity rally or parade. Find a news hook, like a "hate-free zone." Speak up - You, too, have First Amendment rights. Hate must be exposed and denounced. Buy an ad. Help news organizations achieve balance and depth. Do not debate hatemongers in conflict-driven talk shows. Lobby leaders - Persuade politicians, business and community leaders to take a stand against hate. Early action creates a positive reputation for the community, while unanswered hate will eventually be bad for business. Look long range - Create a "bias response" team. Hold annual events, such as a parade or culture fair, to celebrate your community's diversity and harmony. Build something the community needs. Create a web site. Teach tolerance - Bias is learned early, usually at home. But children from different cultures can be influenced by school programs and curricula. Sponsor an "I have a dream" contest. Target youth who may be tempted by skinheads or other hate groups. Dig Deeper - Look into issues that divide us: economic inequality, immigration, homosexuality. Work against  discimination in housing, employment, education. Look inside yourself for prejudices and stereotypes. Tolerance, the important step is to begin... (source: Ten Ways to Fight Hate, (c) 2000 The Southern Poverty Law Center)"

**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS! https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

"Look at that crazy running in the winter!"

Those are the EXACT words I used to say when passing dedicated Chicago runners in my car. When the winds here blow and the snow freezes into ice within minutes of being on the ground, every instinct in you says, "Stay inside, wrap up like a taco in a blanket and sit still to preserve the warmth". Then there's those who invest in gear that makes them look ready to rob a bank, strap on their shoe spikes, and hit the pavement.

I consider myself somewhere in the middle. Like the adults in my life always say, "Everything in moderation". While I NEED a good outdoor run like I need a square of dark chocolate every night, I also need my earlobes and nose cartiledge. So I occassionaly dress up in full outdoor gear and brave the cold. I recommend to anyone interested in running through the winters the following essential accessories in addition to the usual pants, jackets, hats and gloves: a face mask like this one

And a reflective running vest. I'm struggling to upload the picture of me wearing one, but it's on my facebook if you're truly curious. Basically, you look like a running construction worker. It works like magic however, and makes drivers look (I wouldn't assume anyone would look for runners on a 20degree day so I make myself REALLY bright!).

I'm hoping to get a few good outood runs in while I'm home in MI for the holidays. The open fields and tree-lined roads make me remember why I started running in the first place; because being outdoors, moving your body and enjoying the fresh air is basic and almost instinctual.

I hope you all are having happy winter workouts and if you're choosing to stay bundled up inside...well...I'm jealous :)

Happy Holiday Season! And thank you again to anyone and everyone who's donated thus far!

**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS! https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

For the Consumerist Runner

 I admit, I LOVE  to buy new running gear. Something about a new pair of shoes (most running stores have a donation program, so bring in your old sneaks and feel less guilty) , a new pair of shorts or for this season, tights, and one of those goofy over-the-head face protectors, that really makes you wanna get out there and hit the road. While I enjoy other clothing just as much and have fun shopping for other girly things, nothing beats new running gear. Call it justification of effort, call it a bang for my buck, but it gets me off the couch and outta my pajamas.

Here are some of my favorite sites for saving $$ and getting good gear:

Kelly's Running Warehouse

www.nationalrunningcenter.com

Check em' out and keep rockin'!!! A million thanks to all of you who have checked out my blog, are following it, and/or have made donations!


**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS! https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF