So I didn't die afterall: A Jingle All the Way 5k Review

That's right, I didn't die. In fact, we made it just fine. Lauren made a sign for us. We posed with the sign some for pictures...like the ones below.

(left to right: me, Shelley, Lauren)

We were all excited and pumped...kind of. Earlier that morning, when it was time to wake up, I saw Shelley in the hall and suggested that we sleep instead of run. Shelley said that sounded like a good plan. Nevertheless, we managed to get up and moving.

We reached the starting line and got all of our stuff situated. And complained about the cold for a while. We also posed for the Strictly Running camera as well...I'm looking at the slide show and it looks as if we weren't included. Those bums. We looked cool. AnyWAYZ...Lauren and I were joined by Shelley, Dow, Yoshi, Meredith and Jill. Joeli didn't make it out to run. Something about not being prepared because she had been taking care of her kids (priorities, Joeli, geez!), however, Joeli and some of the fam did show up to lend support which was greatly appreciated. First of all because we like a cheering section and second of all because we had someone to hold all of our stuff ;-) (thanks, Joeli!). Before the race, Dow also tried to pick up a date (see photo below), but unfortunately was politely turned down. Tough luck, Dow.

Finally, the race started. Pretty much everyone in our group ran ahead of me. Not too far though. I'm a good lingerer. I hold up the rear well. The first part of the race was downhill down Gervais Street through the Vista. That part was pretty cool. It didn't take me too long before I made a couple quick friends while running. There was this couple that thought it would be appropriate to stop for all of the stop lights on the road. I agreed with them and we were pals for a while. We also waved at the crowd that came out to watch me....er, I mean the race and parade. I picked up some speed going down hill, however, and had to leave my new friends behind. I even passed Meredith for a nanosecond. By about the first mile, I was getting a little tired. I think that was about the point that Meredith just took off away from us. Dow and Yoshi were up there somewhere too. Lauren was up ahead of us as well, but not too far...then she ended up taking off way ahead of us as well. So Shelley, Jill and I stuck together. The conversation was good...I think we mostly made fun of Meredith ;-) (ok, we didn't that much).

Then as we approached Devine Street, we saw that one of the racers was out on the ground. The ambulance had already been called. Since Shelley and Jill are both nurses, they felt obliged to assess the situation and make sure the racer was still breathing and all that. I felt obliged to stand around because I would have felt guilty running on right then and I decided it would probably be a good idea to keep the nurses close by me while running. You never know what might happen to you. Anyway, once the nurses decided that the racer would be ok and that there was nothing else that could be done, we decided to not stand in the way and run on.

We trotted on until we reached that big hill up Greene Street and decided to walk that mess. After gaining our composure from that blasted hill, we ran on to the finish line. I finished with a time of around 38 minutes. Not bad for me I thought, especially since we stopped for a while. Upon arriving at the finish line, I got to partake in my favorite part of these races...the refreshment table! I grabbed up some powerade and bagels and was quite pleased with myself. We hung out for a little while and then decided to go ahead and find Joeli since none of us were going to be getting any medals, haha.

All in all, it was a good race. We got to spend time together, make new friends and get some exercise as well. I also just enjoy being a part of the community. Awesomeness. Is everyone ready for the Cold Winter's Day Run on the 29th?

Joeli hanging out at the parade after the race.

We were conversating about something.
(l-r: Lauren, Shelley, Me, Meredith, Jill, Dow)

The racers, minus Yoshi, plus Caleb
(back, l-r: back of Caleb, Lauren, Shelley, Me, Meredith, Jill
front: Dow)

We had to get Joeli in on the picture taking as well!

(l-r: everyone plus Joeli)

Let me just say...tomorrow I may die...

So, yesterday Lauren and I went through the course for the Jingle All the Way 5k that we will be running tomorrow. We were of course, running during the day so we had to stop for traffic lights and such, so we were able to take breathers in between. We did okay until we got near the Palmetto Pig and we decided to walk because we were feeling pretty spent. We walked up to the Collesium and then I suggested that we run again since we were about to go up the big hill on Greene Street. After calling me a jerk, Lauren agreed to run (hahaha). We chugged our little hearts as hard as we could up that hill. Before we reached the very top of the hill, I said, "Ok, we gotta stop." If we hadn't been in public, I probably would have laid down on the ground right there.

After that ordeal, my calves were hurting and we decided to walk back up to the Health Center where Lauren works. On our way back there, we ran into Dow and convinced him to come run the 5k with us.

I picked up my running packet today and am excited (i'm runner # 1 ;-) ), however I know it will be challenging. I'm glad I haven't gotten super competitive with this yet. If I feel the need to walk, I will walk. But I am going to try. Now, I'm about to make some pasta so I can get energized ;-) I went out and bought all kinds. So, Run, Everyone, Run! and if you're not running, come and watch us, and if you're too lazy to come out, watch us on TV (WIS). It should be interesting.

April

We've got supporters!

Okay, maybe not supporters in the financially sense, but Run, April, Run has recruited several cheerleaders for our cause. We will be accompanied by Shelley, Meredith and Meredith's preceptor in the upcoming Jingle All the Way 5K on Saturday. It's very important that we spread our Run April Run message to the local community -- and what an opportunity! WIS-TV will be televising the 5K as part of the Christmas Parade. Any thoughts on what we should do to promote our blog? Hehe

An Intervention IS in Order!

OK Ladies! An intervention IS probably in order and Mommyhood IS kicking my butt! Plus 3 speaking engagements in the last month! I have just been wiped out, but the time for excuses is over! I have to get back in shape so I can dust you guys the next time we run together! Hahaha! Even if I really DO run in my spiritual age - which IS 22, by the way - I think "dusting" anyone is a little out of my reach at this point! I will start running again ASAP though! AND I DO really miss you guys! I thought about our reunion, but must admit I thought it was coming up, not OVER... poopsie! AND, I saw Lauren's name in my cell phone directory just today and thought... "Aw, my running buddies! I miss those girls!!" So, we must get together sooner rather than later! Let's not run though... let's just promise not to eat anything fattening!! ;) Run, April, Run! Oh... and you too, JOELI!

I do believe an intervention is in order...

I think we should have an intervention. Perhaps Mommyhood is kicking our dear friend's butt ;-) I always forget to check my calendar so I forgot we had a reunion, but we have definitely been slack with the running. I'm gonna have to redo the graphic and change the name to Run, Joeli, Run! Hahaha. Do you have info on the Jingle all the Way run?! I've been wanting to know about it, but can't find it online anywhere. Ashley had the flyer but never can seem to actually get it to the house. Meredith was wanting to do that one too. Jingle All the Way is the one early December, right? Let's seriously consider.

Where the turd is Joeli?

April -- should we have a intervention with our running companion? And I looked at our schedule ... I think we were scheduled to have a book club "reunion" tonight, but I haven't heard anything. Reschedule? Or perhaps a book club/running pow-wow at the Jingle All the Way 5K two Saturdays from now?

I Ran this morning (now i want cheeseburgers)

So I ran again this morning. All thanks to Meredith again. I didn't think I was gonna make it as far as I normally do, but I did. I think it was mainly because Meredith and I were in conversation and whatever it was we were talking about I wanted to continue on, so I kept running. After I reached the end of the walk, I think I coulda kept going, but apparently by that point the conversation wasn't as interesting, so I saw walking as more beneficial than talking. I guess I can say that I can run two miles rather comfortably now (as comfortable as running can get I suppose).

When I got back home, I felt hungry. I always feel hungry after I run. Lately, I've just been feeling hungry period. Lauren and I had a brief conversation about this. I'm apparently not the only person who has been wanting to eat more lately. Perhaps it is the cold weather. We instinctively feel that we need to "stock up" for the winter. No matter what it is, I feel like I could eat everything in my house. I'm trying to ignore this call of nature so I won't gain a bunch of weight. Unless of course Ashley and I actually decide to go through with our plan to gain one hundred pounds, get on the show "The Biggest Loser," and then lose the weight and win the show because we're more athletic than the real fat people.

We shall see. Oh and we need to plan a 5k soon. December. Ski masks. Its all good.

April

Run, April, Run goes to Washington

I went to Washington DC for a few days for the American Public Health Association conference, and did a LOT of physical activity -- running, walking, bicycling, you name it. I saw lots of super important buildings while on my trek, like the Washington Monument, the White House, Capitol, Jefferson memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Potomac River, George Washington University campus, Smithsonian Art Museum ... I think all in all, my runs were about 2-3 miles each. DC is a very pedestrian-friendly city -- very flat and lots of sidewalks.

I even ran into this guy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ashcroft) while I was running! I noticed him when I was crossing a street, but I couldn't remember his name off the top of my head, so I didn't want to say anything to him ... so I just kept smiling at him, hoping he would look away from his business partner and up at me. But he didn't. :-( It wasn't until the next day that I remembered his name ... but either way, I can honestly say that I "ran" into a politician while in DC. Hehe!

Lauren

I'm the only one posting apparently (cough cough)

I ran some more. Get excited. I've been finding some time to go every now and then. The weather has been a lot nicer so breathing is easier. Meredith and I went running around noon today. It felt like it was a good bit earlier in the morning. I was a bit tired, but since Meredith was with me, it made me push farther. She normally runs to the very end (past Pointe West) and then plus some. I usually run just to Pointe West. Today however, I felt like pushing to go beyond comfort. So I went to the end with Meredith. This was probably close to two miles. When Meredith turned to go back though, that's when I said, "pft I'm walking." So she ran on and then came back and met me while I was walking back. So in other words...I reached a new goal! Woot!

I realized that last weekend we were supposed to run the Governors 5k or whatever it was called. We all neglected that fact. There are some things that are coming up in December ...we have to get on this ball if we're gonna run the Cooper River Bridge Run. Oh and there was something this month where you run at night and look at Christmas lights. I'll have to look into that.

Anyway, be encouraged, and blow of some steam running. Peace!

April

I needed a break...

So, I sit at my computers for hours on end almost every day. I have tried on several occasions to sit down and post, but everytime I start some distraction comes up. Then when I'm through with the distraction, I'm usually so sick of the computer that I have to get away from it. Therefore many posts that I have begun have just been discarded. I'm not going to let that happen today though.

I'm writing this blog post to take a bit of a break from the other work that I've been doing. October has been hectic and today has been no exception. About the moment I woke up this morning I was feeling overwhelmed. It began with some phone calls that threw more work on my plate. Then, God bless Meredith, she imed me asking if I wanted to go run at the Riverwalk. My first instinct was to say no since I had all kinds of stuff to do, but then I thought that maybe I needed to go run because I had so much stuff to do (stressful stuff at that). So I said I would go, threw on some clothes and went. While the sky was gray, it felt really good outside. We ran from the New Orleans side of the walk to Pointe West. Meredith decided to keep running on the extended part of the walk, while I realized that I was about to pee my pants due to the coffee that I had had right before. So I ran to the nearest parking lot restroom (you know where the picnic shelters are). By the time I made it back up to the walk, Meredith was almost there to meet me and we cooled down by walking the rest of the way back.

I was pleased with the amount that I was able to run this morning. I'm also still glad that I decided to go. Shortly after I got back, I received some more phone calls that made the day a little more stressful. I think the exercise has helped me to handle it better.

Anyway, keep running, endorphines are your friends :-)

Hey! I put some new shoes on and suddenly everything's right ...

What a difference new shoes make! I bought some new Nike Max Air running shoes with shock absorbers (on sale at Foot Locker, plus my 20% coupon from a McDonald's monopoly prize piece) on Saturday afternoon and put them on when I got into the car. I drove over to Shandon, and BAM! -- I ran 3.2 miles. No kidding. I had my pedometer on me, and started running/bouncing along (thanks to the shock absorbers) and somehow ran two miles fine. I decided to push myself a little more, and got to 2.5 miles, and still was recovering fine. So then, I said "What the heck, let me do a 5k!" And I did.

Pat me on the back next time you see me, thank you very much. ;-)

So, Basically, I Run on Mondays...

How sad is it that for the last THREE WEEKS, I have only run on Mondays! It's like I get off to a great start with quite high expectations for myself and then crash and burn somewhere along the way! Of course, now that we are finally finished with Searching For God Knows What I am sure I will have TONS more time for running! Ha! Kidding! Pray for me... and I'll pray for you... we'll get back in the groove THIS WEEK! :) Happy running, GAMECOCK GIRLS! On another note, did our football team kick some Wildcat patoot tonight or what?! (Not that I wasn't just a tad nervous on more than one occasion! We are, after all, Gamecocks... a 15 point lead essentially means nothing until the final whistle blows!) GO COCKS! Run, April, Run!

Running during my lunch break

Just got back from running during my lunch break. Um ... can I say, it's hot outside? And I basically had to give myself a sponge bath afterwards (in my cool bathroom in my cool office) because I'm dripping. I checked the map -- I went from the health center to the horseshoe, passed Capstone until Laurens Street, looped around Senate Street until I reached the statehouse and then back to the horseshoe. Total, it was a little over 2 miles. Woo! My forehead is still a little red/pink from being exerting myself, and I'm definitely using my entire lunch hour (with my door closed) to recuperate. But I feel great now. It was a great stress relief to have time to run around campus, pretty much without traffic.

Go The Distance

Went to the Leisure Center yesterday thinking that I would knock out some good running... you know: no hills, no heat, no humidity... However, I underestimated the effects of not running for a week. As a beginner, I think consistency is a key factor in success... maybe I will write a book! Anyway... I ran the first mile (after walking .2 miles to warm up... I was actually thinking that I might just go for 10K since I had the time... thought I would go ahead and get that pesky .2 out of the way since I am no math genius and that lap counting gets tough!). However, my pace was totally off. So, I ended up running it in 10 minutes. Which is great except I ended up getting a cramp! So, I walked a half mile to recover, but when it was time to start running again, the cramp "flared" right back up (can cramps really even DO that?!). So, the bottom line is: I ran 1 mile in 10 minutes (after walking my .2... don't forget about that) and then walked another 2. Even though I didn't run like I wished I could have, I felt good and I think my elderly cohorts at "the center" were proud of me! ;) Anybody up for running this Wednesday night? Run, April, Run!

Oh... I was listening to WMHK yesterday and the DJ was saying she saw a bumper sticker that said, "Runner Girl" on it and how she thought it was cute and wanted to get one for herself. Then she says, "Of course mine would have to say: 'Walks Kind of Slow and Gets Out of Breath Easy' to be honest! No truth in advertising for me to put a 'Runner Girl' sticker on my car!" I was laughing my head off and thought of us!! Any way you can make a few of those up for us, April?! :)

MUST I Start Over Every Week?!

OK... so, it has been so long since I posted that Lauren actually sent me a reminder! How terrible is that?! I just told my sister-in-law this weekend that I will probably have to start over on all my goals after the week I have had! EVERY SINGLE TIME I tried to run last week my plans were foiled in some way! And then we were away with the whole Mulligan family from Wednesday afternoon until just this very minute! And frankly, I would look out the window of the beach house and just feel like I wanted to remain lazy rather than go put on those running shoes that I REALLY thought I would use when I packed them! HOWEVER, I AM starting over tomorrow morning! I will update you with ACTUAL running news then! Hope you all are doing great and running like crazy! Run, Joeli, Run! :)

Oh, man, the weather is so nice right now!

So I haven't had the adventure that Lauren had. And I fortunately haven't been sick like Anna has (not yet anyway...everyone seems to be catching something). But for some reason, my computer has some sort of security block where it doesn't want me to post comments right now, so I suppose I'll just have to mention them in here. Anna, I sure hope you are feeling better and that you will be able to find time to get out and do something fun and at least somewhat physically exherting (i dunno if i spelled that right but you know what i mean).

This weather is so great right now. It reminds me of softball training in the fall where I would either come home from school and practice in my back yard or I would go to Columbia to play fall ball. I thought about going to the leisure center to run today, but it was so nice out I went to the riverwalk. I went a little ways past the Pointe West bridge this time and hit another April Adams Riverwalk Record (haha). I made it to the call box this time, but fortunately didn't have to call anyone to come and get me. The lack of muggy air made it a lot easier on the breathing and it was pretty fun (never thought I'd say that).

Oh, and Lauren, are we gonna run the Ray Tanner Home Run or not? If so, I need to register. If not, I won't. (simple enough, huh.) Anyhooo, gotta go get some groceries.

Peace, friends!

April

My weekend of running

This weather this weekend just SCREAMED for me to go outside and run. So I did, both Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. Friday, I parked my car on the streets of Shandon and ran two miles (yay!). If anyone wants to join me for a neighborhood run, this is the place to start – Shandon has flat roads, shady trees, and each block makes it easy to keep track of your distance and set mini-goals for yourself. I also saw several people other people in the neighborhood either running, biking or walking their dogs. It was great.

Running on Sunday was a bad decision – maybe not the act of running, but the time and location I chose to run. I decided to run from my apartment to the med school campus – which is a little under a 1 ½ away. Great. I can do this. Before I went on my trek, I didn’t think about the lack of a sidewalk, and because of the rain two nights ago, the grass was still mushy. I didn’t think about the incline in the Hampton Hill area, and I didn’t think about how much traffic was on Garners Ferry and how the sidewalk on Garners Ferry is THISCLOSE to the road. Eek. My dad would have flipped out. But I pressed onward.

When I finally got into the campus, I was feeling like a survivor on one of those reality shows. If you haven’t been through the campus, it’s fairly large, and it has a lot of cool old buildings that make you wonder about the historical events that happened back in the day. There is a lot of land and several vacant old brick buildings that look like they were built in the early 1900s. There’s even an abandoned obstacle fitness course behind one of the lab buildings.

And then I got lost. Well, not technically lost – but I ended up going further than I originally thought I would. Did you know that the med school buildings and the VA hospital buildings are all connected? I kept trying to find an opening in between the two areas, but I kept running into dead ends that lead to loading docks, courtyards, and smoking sections. I even ran into (what I think was) the back window of the cadaver lab. Ugh, very frustrating. By this time, I just wanted to go home, but I was about 1 ½ mile away from my apartment.

I finally looped around the entire building … walking, running, walking, and running. And finally, I made it back home. I got into my car to see how far I went – 4.3 miles! Though I definitely didn’t run the entire time, I probably ran about 2 miles. It was an adventure, but I think I’ll stick with running in Shandon and the Riverwalk.

Strep, Strep...oh Stressed, Right!

Ok, so I have to go the doctor AGAIN tomorrow. I'm pretty sure that I have strep or some kinda crazy thing in my throat ( I just got over this fluid/not-quite-ear infection thingy)! But besides all that, I have been constantly thinking about running and why I am not.

I feel like I've become a fringe member lately due to all my craziness i.e. school, shool work, work, more school work, and the list goes on. But I do have something to add which I think will be really neat: Jingle All the Way 5K! It's on December 1 and through 11/16 it's only $20. You can register online at www.strictlyrunning.com I would post the cool flier but I am retarded and can't seem to manage it.

So, in conclusion, I may have strep, I want to run, and I may actually run tomorrow evening (if I don't have strep or a fever) So ladies, keep on running and I must say that I am really proud of all 3 of you - you guys rock my socks off!

2 Miles & A Baby

Are you sensing a theme in my post titles lately!? :) So, today, I went to the leisure center again while Caleb was at school. Yes, you noted correctly that I only mentioned ONE of my children being out of my presence... Kep and I decided to go workout! From 11:00-Noon daily the gym floor is open to Mommies and their strollers. So, I thought we would give it a whirl! It was just Keppley, me and a very nice older gentleman who left right about the same time we finished our first mile! The bottom line is: I spent my first mile walking with Kep in the stroller and my second mile alternately holding her in my arms, carrying her on my shoulders and running to and from her chasing a stray basketball! I have NO IDEA how I did time-wise, but I figure, any exertion with a 16 month in tow counts for something! :) I am TOTALLY up for meeting y'all to run tomorrow night between 6:00-7:00. Just holler! RUN APRIL RUN! And you too, Lauren! I'll be your buddy! :)

I don't which is which -- if I'm becoming more lazy about running consistently or that I'm just doing too many other things. I definitely staying active -- I play tennis and I'm taking a spinning class, but I'm beginning to see that when it's time for me to run, I tend to say to myself, 'There's always tomorrow.' ... Any suggestions? I've really wanted to do some running around the Shandon because it seems safer in a neighborhood and there's a lot of trees for shade. Also, I think the buddy system was the best thing for me! Maybe I need to rent a dog for a few hours so I'm not by myself when I'm running!

Lauren

Krispy Kreme & 5Ks

WooHoo! Let me tell you about my latest "workout routine"! So, this morning, I packed my running clothes thinking that I would run in Cayce while the kids were in preschool. I then decided that I wanted to do my Bible study first. And by the time I was done with that, I felt that the heat was getting to intense. So, I went to Krispy Kreme! :) While I was there, however, I remembered that I could walk/run at the Tri-City Leisure Center... no heat, no humidity, no hills! SCORE! So, I go over there and decide that I am going to run 3 miles: run one, walk half, run another, walk half to cool down. Get this... my miles were the BEST I've ever done - no lie! Granted: no heat, no humidity, no hills, but I personally think it might be the sugar rush... that's what I am going with! :) I ran the first in 11:40 and the second in 10:25!! WooHoo! So, anyway, I am thinking maybe we could meet over there once a week or so to get our distances up and our pace down. You know, just to condition ourselves without contending with the brutal elements! Anyway... I will be heading over there more often and I would LOVE for you ladies to join me! I am available and kid-free every Wednesday night between 6:00-7:00 pm... (Maybe we can meet at Krispy Kreme!!) Run April Run! And you too, Lauren!

Latest Update

Did my typical routine this AM with surprisingly good results! You know my routine is .5 mile warm up, 1 mile run and .5 mile cool down. This morning I ran the timed mile in 11:45!! I was shocked! I am still at an average 13 minute mile pace over the whole workout (mostly because I am still asleep for the warm up!), but I think that increasing the distance i.e. running 3.1 miles on Monday has helped me do better when I "go short"! Anyway... this running thing is pretty cool, I suppose! :) I am looking forward to going longer and getting faster! I mapped out a couple different tracks of varied distances from the church yesterday so I can do my runs from there while the kids are at school... at least on some days. Run April, Run! And you too, Lauren! Anyone heard from Anna lately?! ;)

Pictures from the 5K

The Labor Day 5K was pretty cool. It felt like way more than 3 miles though. Hopefully the next one that we do won't be so "hilly." No matter, we had a blast and were quite proud of ourselves for jogging during part of our walk. Here's some pictures from our "race." If you would like to see more, check out my Flickr site.


Rock on!


Run, Lauren, Run!


Runnin' on air!


Joeli posin'.

for more go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/apriladams/

Our First 5K!

OK! First of all, let me just say that the new graphic of us running across the Cooper River Bridge is TOO MUCH! I love it! Especially since I, apparently, am out in front of my two much younger running buddies!! Ha ha! Although I am a little perplexed at what April may be trying to say about hair... but we will leave that alone for the time being!

Did we rock out on our 5K walk/run today or what, Ladies?! We showed those elderly men and women, moms with strollers and folks who had been dragged along by some else who was boss! If only those pesky elementary school students had been taught to respect their elders! :) Seriously, though, I think we did GREAT and am proud of us, frankly, for just getting up at dark-thirty on Labor Day to go exert as much energy as we exerted! And, I was looking at some of the times on the Strictly Running post and we aren't that far off from a lot of the 5K runners. We now have a great baseline from which we can set goals and work toward getting better and better for our future races.

My favorite quote of the morning: "They're giving out prizes for the 5K walk?! You'll probably win one, Joeli... for your age category!" Thanks, Lauren! Thanks!

Run April Run!! And you too, Lauren!

It's just across the riverbend!

How did within 12 hours we had three new posts? Man, I really need to get on it. So, yes, April and I decided to get together to run alongside the Riverwalk last night, and I'm so glad we did. After grabbing a quick bite from a nearby gas station -- $1.89 Slimfast meal-on-the-go bar, $.79 water bottle, some lame-o crackers ... (healthy!) I was off to April's house.

After picking up April and hopping into the car to drive over to the Riverwalk, April tells me, "Lauren, if you had said 'Let's stay in and watch TV, I would have taken you up on the offer.' " I began to feel that it was my duty and obligation to be the most motivating running buddy I could be. We started running (and by the way it's super humid out), and I started chatting it up, trying to think of all the fun tidbits I learned when I first started running three years ago. (With a two and a half year sabbatical in between ... )

"If you run with your arms closer to your chest, rather than up towards your waist, it's an indicator that you're getting tired!" I said. "If you need to give your breathing a break, give your upper body a rest and try to focus on running with just your lower body!" "Wow, we're already at the Blossom Street bridge -- half a mile down! We can do it!"

These positive tips of mine quickly became my downfall. As April and I encountered a few slight hills and some unexpectedly longer path to run, I began to get really frustrated with these environmental factors, as well as the humidity ("Ugh, it's so muggy!") and my breathing patterns ("April, can you hear my loud breathing?"). Soon, April turned into MY motivational running buddy ("Just a little more, passed the riverbend!"), which was awesome. I was really proud of my former roommate at that moment.

In the end, we ran 1.5 miles -- From the Gervais Street bridge, under the Blossom Street bridge, to the Pointe West bridge. I know that would have never run as far as I did had I been running solo. We're even planning another run tomorrow evening, too. I feel much more prepared and ready for our Labor Day run, especially with our cool buddy system we've got going (both physical and virtual!).

SuperGirl!

Sort of... I leaped from my bed this morning, donned my red running shorts and bolted down the stairs ready to conquer evil and my puny goals... only to hear the whimpering cries of a small member of Mulliganopolis. Her blankets had been tangled and her pacis flung during the dark, cold night... she was in desperate need of a Superhero! Mommy to the rescue! 10 minutes later I was out the door! I "flew" only a mile this morning, forgoing my warm-up and cool down in case the blanket twisting paci flinger struck again!

I ran the whole mile without stopping in... please don't laugh... 12:58.

Onward now to conquer the evils of breakfast, a well-baby check-up and the ever-menacing task of keeping the house picked up while waiting for company to arrive! Dunt duh DUH duh! Dunt duh DUH duh! Dunt duh duh duh duh duh... dunt, tah, taaaahhhhh!

New shoes make a difference

New shoes make a difference and so does having a buddy to run with. Lauren and I went to the Riverwalk and ran this evening. We were a bit whiney about going...ok, that was probably just me, but anyway, once we got going it was an awesome run. I had my new running shoes and that totally did help. They have a bit of a bounce. We ran from the New Orleans Restaurant side all the way to Point West bridge and I felt as if I could go farther. However, I didn't wanna push it ;-) Lauren and I also figured out after some calculating, that we ran 1.5 miles. We thought we were pretty awesome for that. Truth be known, we are pretty awesome ;-) Anyway, Lauren is supposed to blog more about our experience so I'll leave the commentary to her. Peace out, pals!

April

If I Were A Superhero, My Name Would Be "Sloth Girl"

Ah... feel like I had to start over this week after not getting in a run since LAST Tuesday... or whenever it was. I ran Monday morning, but it just did not feel all that great. I will be out again tomorrow morning and will, of course, let you know how it goes! I am still sticking with my goal of running a full mile without walking by Monday! I think I can! I think I can!

Oh, by the way, Ladies, The Cooper River Bridge Run is scheduled for April 5, 2008. Check those calendars!

I Reached a New Personal Best!

I ran Thursday and yesterday evening. Last evening, I reached a goal. I ran from the New Orleans restaurant part of the Riverwalk all the way to the Point West part. For me that was big considering the fact that I've never gotten that far and I've always given up before that point. I'll be honest, when I started running, I wanted to stop because it felt more difficult than normally. Then, after I got to the point that I normally stop, I caught a second wind and actually started to feel better so I kept going until I made it to that Point West bridge. I was pleased, but totally wiped out after that, so I started to walk back. I got a bit lightheaded walking back, so I realized I still have quite a ways to go. I made it back to my car without passing out or throwing up, so I counted the day as a good one ;-) I figure I'll take today off...maybe go try to find some shoes and let my body chill a bit.

Oh and on another note, if you are interested in doing the Labor Day 5k, get me your registration forms and check by Friday and I'll take them by Strickly Running and get our packets as well. Or you can do it yourself. I just wanted to offer that service since I plan on going anyway. If we get the registration in before the day of, we will only have to pay $20 for the 5k walk.

Keep on runnin', friends!

April

Rain is good, just not for running

So, I set my alarm for 5:40 this morning and actually got up. Unfortunately it was pouring rain, thundering and lightening. So I went and unplugged the appliances in the house and went back to bed. I think I might have actually made it to run this morning had it been a clear morning. Anyway, I was bummed because I didn't get to go yesterday since I was working on crap from like 6:30 in the morning till 7 in the evening or so...taking time to eat in between of course ;-). I did get to run the day before though I ran at like 2:00 or 3:00 in the sweltering heat. It was still a good run though. I probably ran a whole mile or more. I was at the Riverwalk so I didn't have mile markers. That was my only window of opportunity that day so I took though conditions were not ideal.

I think I'm starting to get a bit addicted to this running thing. If I don't do it, I miss it. I still dread it and hate it at the same time, but I also like it. Its a weird thing. If it keeps raining today, I may just have to run while a little wet. I'm really hoping to find time today.

Now that I'm getting on more of an exercise routine, I'm going to have to start the harder part. Focusing on diet. Grrrrr. Oh well, I'll report on how that's going later. Gotta jet!

April

The Sprinkler Got Me!

Thought that would peak your interest! I was out the door running this morning at 7:05. This is how I have been doing it: .5 mile warm up, 1 timed mile and .5 mile cool down. This morning half way through my timed mile, I got totally doused by a misaligned sprinkler... word to the wise: do not assume that everyone is watering their LAWNS... some folks apparently like to water their sidewalks as well! Anyway, I considered stopping. After all, I think getting totally creamed by your neighbor's sprinkler would have been a fabulous excuse. However, I decided it might keep me cooler and pressed on! I'm glad I did... my timed mile was run/walked in 12:05. Which, you may recall is quite an improvement over last time! I do fear, however, that at this rate, I may be the only one walking the 5K on Labor Day Weekend! Girls, I expect you to be at the finish line lifting a sister up in prayer if you finish without me. (Which I fully expect you to do if you can totally dust me!) Anyway...

I too, have been considering goals and decided this morning that I HAD to conquer this 1 mile thing! I am such a total wimp that if I begin to feel slightly uncomfortable, I just start walking. I must stop the madness. So, my new short term goal is to run my full mile without stopping by September 2. I am also going to start alternating my above mentioned 2 mile routine with a 3 mile "distance" run starting next week. In addition to getting past that "1 mile thing", I also have to start thinking about the fact that I am actually going to have to go 3 miles in the very near future! Hopefully, I will actually be RUNNING them! :) Run, April, Run! And you too, Lauren... and Anna! ;)

Eating is easier than running

ok, so i never ran after eating at palmetto pig. I didn't run Sunday. I was about to run yesterday, but got invited to Cici's pizza and went there. Thanks, Lauren! and Laura and Meredith. I wish I didn't need community so much. We did do a little Dance Dance Revolution but I definitely didn't do enough. Oh well, hopefully today is the day. I hope it stays as cool outside as it was a little while ago. It was nice.

So moving on, I'm posting links to the Family Funfest or whatever its called on Labor Day. I'm a little peeved at 89.7 WMHK for not really sending the promo e-mails out sooner. We've missed all the discounts for this 5k run/walk. We could register for the 5k walk just to start getting a feel for these things, but it will still be $25. I don't know how ya'll feel about it. I should be game if anyone else is. Even if we decide against the 5k, take a look around the site, there looks like there maybe some cool stuff to do later on in the day if anyone is interested in that. Here are the links: http://www.columbiafamilyfest.com/ and this one is the registration pdf for the 5k http://www.strictlyrunning.com/images/07LaborDay.Pdf
Give me your feedback..even if you aren't an author on this blog, you can still run with us if you want. Just leave comments and let us know. Peace!

April

I've added a new link

I added a new link on our sidebar about treadmill workouts because I'm getting really bored with the treadmill. Last Wednesday (the last time I ran -- geesh, that was a long time ago), I was on a psycho treadmill that was somehow set on to increase my incline or decrease my speed every minute. So, at first I was about to go mental because every minute, I had to keep pushing buttons to keep me consistent with my lowly 11-min mile pace and 0.00 incline. Incredibly frustrating at first, but with each minute, I had something to look forward to -- is Psycho Treadmill going to go up in speed or pace? It kept my mind off of what was really going on -- my running.

After conversing with April on this -- I'm going to start setting two-week goals for myself. I was able to reach my 1 mile goal quicker than I had originally thought (go me!), but now I think this is where that "Diminishing returns" principle we learn in school is going to set in. I don't think I'm going to be able to push out 2 miles for a while, so I'll set my new two week goal to this:

By September 4th, I will be able to run 1.5 miles. What's your goal?

Get Out There and Exercise!

OK, so I know there aren't any rules to our training program or what have you, but I definitely think that getting "out there" and exercising and keeping the old ticker at a healthy pace is what really matters! (Or maybe I am just trying to avoid straight up running at any cost) Today I played tennis for 1.5 hours and I think that was at least equivalent to a mile. My heart was definitely hammering and I was surely sweating so yea.
But what I am really trying to get at is this: if you find yourself in a rut and even the thought of running is painful pick some other form of physical exertion - perhaps one that you even enjoy - and go do it! Now that's not to say that you (and me) can stop running but mixing it up every once in a while surely couldn't hurt, right? Tell me if I'm wrong!
Well that's all for now, but let this thought be with you: run on, run on, run on...

PS Joeli, Todd and Moore open at 9 tomorrow and they don't close till 7! So I am going to check out the shoes at some point then. And to Lauren too (you told me you were looking for a new pair of actual tennis shoes)!

A Day of Rest

OK... So, it's Sunday and I STILL went out for a run this morning... at 6:50 am, I might add. However, since it is a day of rest, I did not really pay too much attention to my times. Actually, since it is the Lord's Day, I have to be completely honest: I started to keep track of my time and then forgot to stop my watch when I finished. So, then justified not knowing what my time was by figuring that it is more spiritual and peaceful and restful to run just for the sake of running! Ha! Whatever! At least I exerted some energy this morning! I really had to get back on the wagon! This was the first time since Tuesday that I ran! BUT - April and Anna will love this since we specifically discussed that one should NOT exercise twice in one day... especially on the Lord's Day - I swam laps this afternoon!! WooHoo! So, I figure that makes up for at least one missed day of running this week! I will do better starting tomorrow... when it is no longer A Day of Rest!

Anna, I think you should run with us...

So, yes, in response to Anna's comment, you should run. Afterall, Anna, at least you are still a student and get to take advantage of that Strom Thurmond Wellness Center track. Join us in this cause. Run, April, Run could become a national phenomenon...where we don't just run the race for running sake, but for LIFE's sake! Ok, I don't really know what I'm talking about, but it would be cool if other people want to join in our efforts...of running...and complaining about running. haha. oh wait, I'm the only one complaining. People can join me in that part, hehehe.

Soooo, anyway, I ran the day before yesterday and felt ok about myself. I didn't run yesterday, BUT I did some massive yard work in the middle of the hot hot day cutting those massively tall shrubs that Micheal was too much of a pansie to cut. My body hurts more from that than it does from running. In fact, I don't really get muscle aches from running anymore. I hope to get a run in this evening. I think I'm gonna go to Palmetto Pig tonight though (if Laura, my enabler still wants to go...or if anyone wants to go enable me that would be great). I'll need to run after that. Here's hoping I don't throw up all over the place...hehehe.

Oh and yes, run with us :-)

April

Making a Title for My Posts is My Favorite Part

So, I decided to get back on the ball and run yesterday. Remind me to bring my enhaler next time. Breathing did get a bit difficult and I started to yawn some which can be an early sign of an asthma attack. Man, I sound like a spaz. Probably because I am. Anyway, I made it through an entire mile of running without stopping. Yay me. Unfortunately it was a slow mile. Though I was not keeping time, I think it took me about 11 minutes because I got through three songs on my mp3 player. Ironically the last song I listened to during this mile long run was "God Help Me" by Rebecca St.James. Normally that's what I'm saying while I run. Fitting. When I was in high school, I could run a mile in 9 minutes. Still not majorly impressive, but way better than I am now. The realities of aging are harsh. Actually its not aging. There are some 50 year olds that run out there that dust me every time. Oh well, I'm sure there are other things that I can do better than them :-P

Moving on, I plan on going to run this evening as well. Hopefully I'll go a little farther today. That's the plan. I have to keep in mind that this thing is for endurance and getting through it, not necessarily speed. The lifeboat doesn't matter ;-)

I hate that I have to title my post every time

After my gym excursion yesterday, I strolled by the library and picked up a book on beginning runners and skimmed through it last nignt. That was a huge run-on sentence. It had a long list of reasons to run, including a few favorites:
1. You can get an efficient workout in 20 minutes by running
2. You can do it anywhere, anytime, inside/outside, with or without other people, with or without a gym.
3. It's the king of calorie burning exercises.
4. It will help to improve your posture.
5. It's an activity that can help other people (signing up for charity races)
6. It helps you create goals for yourself.
7. It builds confidence and self-esteem.
8. You almost always feel better after you run.

The last one is really true -- Monday, I decided to be a sloth and didn't run, and I felt incredibly sluggish, ate a little too much, and was sort of generally down about life. Yesterday, I ran after work and afterwards, I was more alert, didn't pig out from dinner, and I slept amazingly well. Kudos to running.

Day 2: Goal-Setting Is Important

6:00 a.m. - Hit snooze and seriously considered just turning off the alarm... who would even KNOW that I didn't run this morning?!
6:10 a.m. - Got out of bed... the Lord knows... plus I am not letting those young whipper-snappers make me look bad! I will do it for 30 somethings everywhere!
6:15 a.m. - Bolted out the door intending to awe myself with how much progress I had made in just 1 day of training! I am great in my own mind! And I WAS truly awed by how beautiful morning is and how much cooler 6 AM is than 6 PM!
6:17 a.m. - Was passed by a "real" runner in my neighborhood... thought, "What kind of a lunatic gets up at 6 in the morning to torture themselves like this?!
6:20 a.m. - Commenced to speed-walking... this is exactly what the "Real Simple"article said I am supposed to do when I get tired or feel like going home... walk, Joeli, walk...
6:25 a.m. - Saw my 10 minute mile dream fly out the window, but was still pretty impressed with how fast I was trucking along.
6:30 a.m. - Got a cramp! Aaaaahhhhh! OK... time for goal-setting...
6:32 a.m. - Dern cramp! Now my time is shot!
6:35 a.m. - Back home! Ended up run/walking a 13.3 minute-mile, BUT have decided that my goal is to be running an 11 minute-mile by Christmas... or maybe Thanksgiving... or Halloween... how long is that anyway? What day is it? Oh well... my heart is beating, my brow is damp and goal-setting is very important! Run, April, Run! And you too, Lauren!

Must be something about 23

Ok, so I didn't post my progress for last week, but here it is. Last time I ran was last Tuesday. I actually went twice. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon. However by the time the afternoon rolled around, I was not as energetic as I thought and realized that it was incredibly hot outside so I walked and pondered life. Sometimes I think that's part of my problem...I'm a ponderer. When I'm outside like that, the first thing I want to do is take a stroll and think and pray. I can't think and pray while running. Ok, i take that back, I can think and pray, but the thought is usually, "This sucks and when is it gonna end" and the prayer is usually, "Please, God, put me out of my misery." I can't seem to get past those two things while running to get any farther.

I've also realized that my body is way different than it used to be. For instance, I think I gain weight just by breathing in air now. I'm like the only person who I think could be thrown out into the middle of Africa with only a bowl of rice and a bottle of water and still gain weight. I truly believe that the cure for world hunger may lie within my metabolism. Perhaps I have a glandular problem. Anyway, I will hopefully have the opportunity to go for a run this afternoon. I dunno. I guess it depends on whether or not my glandular problem will allow me to do so.

April

The old woman is officially "in training"!

Whew! Speaking of really freakin' hot: I just spent 15... count 'em... 15 minutes outside in the humid, hot SC summer air running/speed walking as per Lauren's very helpful link to the "Real Simple" website. I guess I did all right. At least I started which was my big hurdle! And while 15 minutes may not sound like much, I must say that I am totally wringing wet, ready for a shower AND quite sure that my neighborhood has way more hills than I once thought it did! I will keep you posted! Run, April, Run! And you too, Lauren!

Hot hot heat

I'm gonna be honest. I've yet to run a second time this week, and this is going to come off sounding like an excuse (mainly, because it is) ... IT'S TOO FREAKING HOT OUTSIDE. There. I said it. Though I do feel guilty that I'm neglecting my poor withering body, I'm secretly smiling that I have a really good excuse not to run for a while. I'll get back on it soon as this cold front sweeps through.

Officially started!

Today was the big kick-off event for me in my running expedition. I tried to squeeze in an effective workout during my lunch hour -- and since I was running for half of it, I think I did okay. Here's how it all went down:

MIN --- ACTIVITY
0:00 -- Step on treadmill, begin walking. Music in the Blatt is PUMPING.
5:00 -- Start running at an 11 minute mile pace, decide that my goal will be to run for 5 minutes straight
11:00 -- Worn out, but passed my goal. Recovery walk = not FUN. Realized that I hate running.
17:00 -- Said, "what the heck" and gave myself another goal to run until I reached the 20:00 minute mark
21:00 -- Ran passed my goal again (I have low expectations of myself)
30:00 -- Finished up with some stretching, looked in a mirror and saw that I was sweating in that gross sort of way

I'm proud that I ran for a total 10 minutes, but tomorrow's personal goal will be to run for 12 minutes (not straight, but 12 minutes at some point in the 30 minute period of time).

Happy Birthday, Joeli!

I want to take a moment to wish our fellow book club member, Joeli a happy birthday. She turns 24 today ;-) teehee. You haven't been seeing posts from Joeli because she has been chilling at the beach with her family this week. Lucky her. Now, onto the progress...

I actually did run yesterday. I wanted to die for a while but felt better but it was hot so I probably didn't run for as long as I should have, but figured that I'm just getting started and need to ease my way up. (that was a massive run on sentence!) I thought about getting up at 5:30 this morning to run, but once my alarm went off, I decided against it. Its hard to get pumped at 5:30 in the morning. Perhaps I'll try during a week or day where I don't have so much work going on. I probably won't get to run today seeing as today looks like its gonna be a 13-14 hour work day. I have video shooting till about 9 tonight and they say it isn't safe for a lady to go running at night. I still don't have any pictures, but I'll get there. I'll also have to tell you about the epiphanies I've already gotten while running. I'll make you wait though. Till then, happy running and keep cool in the heat.

April

Things I think about while at church

My grand idea came today. I think I might splurge and go ahead and buy an iPod so I have extra incentive to run. I need something to get me going, and I feel a sense of urgency creeping in. I'm of the ADHD generation -- I'm a pretty decent multi-takser, and I can see how having an iPod would be a fantastic way to multi-task while working out. I could listen to free podcasts of cool lectures, famous speeches, old sermons, etc while I'm on the treadmill. Brilliant. I bet you a dollar there is a podcast out there with a mission to encouraging people while they're doing their workouts. "Come on! You can do! One more mile! That's the spirit!"

So I don't really like to run...

Ok, I must admit that I was a little surprised at the name of this blog when I found out about it, BUT I also died laughing. I'm all for humor at my own expense if it is good humor and I do believe that this is. Speaking of Good Humor, I could totally go for some ice cream right now. But I must resist. Afterall, I just finished off the ice cream in the freezer...and I'm in training apparently. In case you haven't noticed, I hate running. I feel like running should be reserved for things like emergencies...like say you're being chased by a murderer or something. Or it is good for sports. I can run while playing sports because I get fooled into not thinking I'm running.

"So, April, why are you going to try this running thing if you hate running so much?" you may ask. Well, to answer your question, 1) I give into peer pressure quite often and 2) losing a bit of weight would be good for me. Hey, it worked for Lauren! So, to inform you on where my progress is, I actually did run last Wednesday I think it was. I ran farther down the Riverwalk than I ever have and was pleased with myself. However today was a bit of a step back because after church, the Wendy's dollar menu was calling my name. I'm a sucker for cheap food.

I may try to redeem myself a bit later by going for a run...or maybe a walk. It is Sunday, the day of rest afterall. It just depends.

Hopefully I'll find some pictures or something to put here. We'll be on that soon...er or later. Enjoy are blog and keep checking back.

April

A funny thing happened at SFGKW

So ... as in introduction, let's go over the rationale for creating this blog:

April, Joeli and I meet for a book club session each Tuesday to discuss a chapter or two of the book we're reading (currently, it's Don Miller's Searching for God Knows What). We tend to ramble -- mainly Joeli -- but this time, we rambled onto a conversation about running 5Ks, which then turned into how we should collaboratively run and train for next year's Cooper River Bridge Run. Joeli went head over heels, as did I, but it took a little bit of prodding (a LOT of prodding) for April to buy in to the idea.

I decided to call this blog "Run, April, Run" -- not to pick (yes, to pick!) on April, but to remind us to be encouraging and supportive as we go into unknown territory. It's also an outlet where we can post our progress -- the small successes, the huge challenges, and the random thoughts to come to mind as we're running along ...