I am not a marathon runner

I had a lot of anxiety about getting new shoes.  As I walked into the running shoe store today, I was prepared for a strange look from the associate when I had to explain to him that I was running the NY Marathon in 26 days and needed a new pair of shoes.

 

Me. Yes, big ole me, running the race. I don't know what I was expecting him to do. Maybe cough up a laugh that he did a poor job of holding in, and then just break down and buckle over in laughter. Maybe I thought he would look coyishly around in search for candid camera.  Maybe he would treat e like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, believing me to be some lying nutcase.  I don't know what I was thinking he would do. Because all those thoughts, those insecurities in my head are just that. 

In my head. 

Instead, he fitted my feet and sold me a pair of running shoes. That was it.  

I keep saying I'm not a runner. I haven't been running for years.  I don't have a runner's physique. I'm not dressed in the latest runner's fashion. I hardly even match my Walmart capri leggings to my tshirt of choice.  I don't wear a fuel belt filled with waters and gels. Heck, I'm still having a hard time fitting one of those belts to fit around my waist. 

 

But I need to stop thinking about all of that stuff.  That stuff doesn't matter.  I really need to stop worrying about what I appear to be because truth is, I AM a runner.  All I need is a good pair of shoes and my headphones (ok, and a good sports bra), and I can feel like super woman in just a few miles.  I feel empowered knowing that I started from running just during the choruses of songs, to woohoo, running a straight mile to where I am now. 

I AM a runner. 

 

And anyone can be a runner. You don't have to look a certain way or dress a certain way or even know what you're doing.  You just have to start running.

And in 26 days, I'll be a marathon runner. Who would've ever thought?  

 

Just missed the rain

Rain rain, go away....

I have to train and I'm not done for the day!

Cool front!

Woke up and it was 75 outside!!  I threw my running clothes on and hit the road. It lasted all of one hour. But man, for that one hour, it felt great!!  I hope this means more "cool" weather to come!

Sunday means a day of rest, right?

Ok, it's Sunday, and I am feeling the burn from yesterday. My arms and abs are still sore from Jazzy on Friday (curses for taking a few days off!!), and my legs....oh, my legs. Mainly my quads. If there's anyone out there thinking that this whole marathon idea wasn't crazy, please note IT IS, and it does come with a lot of pain. But no pain, no gain, right?  Or in my case, no pain, gain!  

Speaking of gain, I've been diligent with logging my meals on the My Fitness Pal app for the past few days, and I decided to log in my current weight from his morning because it actually is LOWER!  Not significant yet, but a step in the right direction. Well, did you know that the My Fitness Pal app links to the Fitbit app??  I had forgotten about that, and as soon as I logged my current weight, my Fitbit reminded me that I had lost 10 pounds!!  That's 10 lbs from when I first got my Fitbit on January, but I'll take it!!

A nice motivation for my day of rest and recovery. 

HOT!

So, I only made 6 miles today, and I struggled, I won't lie. A muscle in my butt cheek was tight (just keeping it real!), and it was aggravating me the whole time. I walked/ran the entire way, but I know it wasn't my best time at all. Going to finish my four extra miles on the treadmill when I get home.  I gotta relieve the babysitter anyway!

Jazzy

Checked in to Jazzercise at the 5:15 class with Tiffany.  She pulled the exercise ball out for strength training, and it was a killer. I'm gonna be feeling the abs tomorrow. 

Time to get real, people.....

Hi,  my name is Angelle Farrell, and I am running a marathon in three months.

I admit, I have seriously failed keeping up with this blog.  It happens.  Life happens.  But I haven't failed.  You see, I have been working my BUTT off for the past six months.  I promise.

Here's my update:

At the constant invitation of my dear friend Silvia, I joined Jazzercise in January.  I am so grateful to her for not giving up on me.  I have participated in every incentive that they have had, and I have achieved some and come really close to others.  (Jazzercise runs incentives, like make 35 classes in 40 days, and so on).  I have been to class most weeks, five and six times a week.  Some weeks less than others.  And some weeks, like during the challenges, seven days in a row.  The last incentive, my other Jazzercise friend Jackie and I attended 70 classes in 37 days.  We were one of the first teams to hit our seventy classes. 

Those of you who have been to a Jazzercise class can attest to the workouts I have endured.  Those of you who haven't, just nod and think I've been to aerobics.  It's not aerobics.  It's not even really a cardio class.  Sure, my heartbeat is raised, and I do dance.....boy, do I dance.  But it also involves a lot of strength training and toning.  It challenges me.  It pushes me.  I started with two pound weights, and I just bought a set of eight pounders because I am beast!  I have gone through two PT sessions (Jazzercise calls them Personal Touch, but it's more like a private trainer, pushing you individually to challenge yourself with things you've never seen your body do before).  Russian twists, burpees, froggers, planks, and kettle bells, to name a few.....words that were never in my vocabulary before I began.

On top of the Jazzercise, I have been running.  I ran three times a week for four weeks in May when I decided to take on this marathon journey, just prove to myself I could do it.  And I can.  I know I can.  I took the month of June off, and I began formal training in July.

It has been rough, I won't lie.  Not the running.  The running is GREAT, and I truly LOVE it and the way it makes me feel.  But two things have been major challenges for me.

1.  The weather absolutely sucks in Texas in the summertime.  It's hot.  It's humid.  And if you don't start your run at 5-6am, you'd better find a treadmill because you WILL melt.  I'm not a huge treadmill fan, and I'm aware of injury concerns because of it, but heat exhaustion is also not cool.

2.  The second challenge has been my weight.  All this exercise I have been doing and my weight has only come down about five pounds.  Honestly I haven't been on any type of diet, which I guess was my problem, but this part has truly been discouraging.  I just assumed that the increase in physical activity would automatically make me lose weight.  Not so.  A few days ago, Silvia measured me for the first time since April, and I have lost SIX inches overall.  That was encouraging....but it is time for me to step it up in what I eat because apparently exercise alone won't cut it.  And yes, I've been to the doctor and had everything checked out.  I am healthy, my thyroid is normal, and my insulin levels are in check.  I just need to shut my mouth!

Lastly, I need to continue raising funds for my charity, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Raising the funds will not only ensure my entry into the race, but it will also help PUT A STOP TO CANCER.  It's a win win!!  I already bought my plane ticket, people, so I am NOT backing out.  I am going to do this.  So, if you haven't already, donate thru my TNT today.
http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/nyc15/afarrell

I promise to be more diligent with posting not only my runs but my daily workouts.  I want you to know that I am working hard, AND I want you to hold me accountable.

Because I will do this.
I promise.
For my brother's memory.
For my family.
And for me and my health.

The run that almost wasn't

I was so busy and tired today.  I had to bake a cake last night, and I was up late last night working on that.  I was super busy during the day today too, that I just didn't make it to Jazzercise.  I took the day completely off yesterday too, so I was feeling bad about two days in a row.  I actually miss Jazzercise!  I'm obsessed, I know. 

My husband Bart was taking the kids to the gym, and I did NOT want to go.  I just wanted to take a nap or take a break from the kids.  He talked me into going with them though, and I ended up running three miles on the treadmill.  Yay!  I was so happy after I finished.  So lucky and thankful for my hubs for pushing me to stay on track.

Amber texted me to tell me that tomorrow is exactly SIX MONTHS away from the big day.

Woohoo!  I can't wait!

I reached SIX MILES today!!

I missed my morning run because of weather, but I really needed to get a run in.

Today was my oldest daughter Ella's field day at school, and I got my first strange look about running a marathon.  While setting up our canopy for her class, one of the other moms helped me - dressed in her workout gear.  She mentioned something about running, and I told her about how I was running the NYC Marathon.  She didn't say anything negative, but I could see it in her face she was thinking, "you!?"  Yes, me.  I know I am not a likely candidate for running marathons, but I hope to change that!   I know she meant well, but it was worth a mental note that not all people will believe I can do it.

At the same time, I am overwhelmed with the support, emails, texts, donations and kind words people have for me since I have made the announcement.  Who knew so many people believed in me!?  I hit over $600 today, which today makes a week that I made the announcement - and that is so awesome to me!

I didn't get my run in until 4pm today.  The weather was cool and VERY cloudy but no rain.  So, I decided to go to my favorite nearby park and tackle that lake once again.  I started off on FIRE!  I zipped through the first lap.  The second lap also felt like a breeze.  I knew I would do it today.  I was listening to 80s Cardio Radio on Pandora, and I felt Perry with me every step of the way.  I really did.  In fact, I almost teared up once or twice when I started that third lap.  At the end of the third lap, I felt like Rocky running up the steps...."Gonna Fly Now!!"

SIX MILES.  This is really happening!

P.S.  I don't have gps "proof" because my gps was acting whacky.  But I promise, I ran six miles in an hour and a half.

 

Jazzy Sunday

Jazzercise today before church!  I LOVE everything about Jazzercise. 

I'm already up to $500 on my LLS donations!  Woot!  Thank you EVERYONE who has contributed!!

Rough run in the heat!!

I set my clock for 6am, and when I woke up, thunder was rumbling and it was raining. I thankfully rolled over and went back to sleep, but the sun eventually came out, and I knew I had to get my run in.  I decided since it was sunny and somewhat nice to go to the nearby park, another one of my favorites, with a two mile walking trail around a giant lake. 

I started around 11am, and the sun was already pounding.  I held my own, but after the first two miles, I was feeling the sun.  My legs weren't tired, but the heat was definitely getting to me.  I was determined to do three laps around the lake.  On my second lap, I noticed a little white butterfly that followed me throughout the rest of the lap.  I imagined it was Perry, cheering me on.  But after that second lap, I just couldn't go anymore.  The sun got the better of me. 

I couldn't be down on myself....four miles was great for a run!   But I was bummed I couldn't make it around one more time.  Next time!!!

4 comfy miles!

Four comfy miles down this morning. It felt great, just ran out of time. 

I did see this little fella on my trail but after passing by him three times, I realized he was dead. Phew!  I just about peed my pants!!

My first official donation!!

Many thanks to my neighbors and friends, Leo and Veronica Ramirez for my very first donation towards the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through my Team in Training program. Not only will this help me reach my goal for entry into the marathon, it will help immunotherapies and research to put an END to cancer once and for all!

I am forever thankful for getting the ball rolling on the donations, friends. 

A little slow but 4 miles!

Yesterday was a day off of running, but I did make Jazzercise. Man, did my legs feel heavier. But I made it through. It was good to be back after a few days off. 

Ran four miles straight this morning. It felt grat, but my pace was a little slower today. I'm not worried though. One hour of running is more important than worrying about pace at this point. It felt great!!  Who knew I would be up every morning to see this.

Sorry so blurry - took it in mid-jog!

So, four miles!  Very exciting!!  Starting to feel like this is really happening. :)

Back in the Saddle

Woke up early today, and I didn't think I got a ton of sleep, but I headed out anyway. I walked for one song, and then started jogging. I kept on and felt GREAT.  When I was done, i jogged 3.75 miles straight!  Major awesome for me and definitely the longest I have jogged up to this point!!

First day back after a stomach virus

Tuesday, I was hit with a nasty stomach virus. It was pretty gross and graphic, and it left me with fever and chills all day Tuesday. After sleeping for 12 hours that night, I felt better on Wednesday but not 100%. I still made it to Jazzercise that morning and did low impact but I was clammy and weak. I made it through though. 

Today, I feel MUCH better. Still can't keep a whole lot in my stomach, but pressing on!!  So, I took advantage of my childfree morning, and I went to my favorite park. I walked one mile, and I was ready!  I jogged the second mile, and I was able to jog the entire mile. Very exciting. 

But then I got really hot and really tired really fast. I don't know if it's my body still recovering or the weather (the sun was beaming), but I was hot.  I walked one more mile and literally went to my car to drink my entire bottle of water at once. 

So, it was a little disappointing BUT baby steps. It will get better. I need to stick to the early morning training when it's a tad cooler. Summer training in the south is gonna SUUUUUUCK. But all I kept thinking is New York will NEVER feel muggy hot like this.  

P.S.  Plus side to a stomach virus is some instant weight loss. Woot!

Saturday Soreness!

I woke up early today and went for a walk/jog.  I like to go early before my husband has to leave for work, but I am a bit on a time schedule.  I wasn't feeling the muggy weather, so I went with what I like to call a verse/chorus course through my tiny neighborhood.  So, for every song I listened to, I walked during the verses and jogged for the choruses.  Some songs had long choruses, and some were quick.  Some songs doubled up or even tripled their chorus (thanks Katy Perry), which was a nice push.  After an hour, I went about 4.17 miles.  Not too bad, but I could do better if the air wasn't so thick.

Later I remembered I planned to meet Silvia for Jazzercise at 9:30am.  It was rough getting there, but I made it (so the kids' hair wasn't brushed - big deal).  It's never good when the perky little instructor announces at the beginning, "I feel like I have to warn you all that this is going to be a tough workout today."  Thank you, Barbie.  And rough, it was!  We did more squats and lunges than I care to do in one hour. 

Needless to say, I was EXHAUSTED after a major quad workout.  Still feeling the pain.  Tomorrow will be better....right?

New kicks!

Got my new shoes today!  Major announcement once I have everything finalized. 

The Story behind Finding Mrs. Farrell

Motherhood is the most amazing and wonderful experience.

For me, I went from my former self - the self that I spent years getting to know, the self that went through countless adventures to build character and morals and strengths, the self that finally became comfortable in her own skin, the wise self with knowledge of all I've learned through life thus far, the self that has experienced heartbreaks, friendships and finally true love - and in just one day, the day of the birth of our first child, all that crap I thought I knew disappeared into a puff of smoke!

All of a sudden, I was holding this little bundle of joy, something my husband and I created, and I felt like I didn't even know myself anymore.  I wasn't that girl who had it all together, who knew everything about life.  This was a whole new life I had no idea about.  I was a WOMAN!  And not just a woman, but a mom.  This kid depended on me.   I was completely clueless and petrified but also completely and utterly in love.  And with each new child we brought into the world, my love for them grew while that girl I once knew began slowly disappearing.  Things that were once important to me were put on the back burner.  Their needs came before mine.  Their happiness came before mine.  And all of that is ok.   But somewhere in the last six years of my newfound motherhood, I lost myself.  And that's not ok.

My experiences became my kids experiences.  Theirs were the only ones that mattered.  I was definitely NOT comfortable in my own skin anymore, going from skirts and makeup to an ongoing relationship with maternity clothes and barely brushed hair.  I gained weight, and it made me feel awful.  I no longer had all the answers, and in fact, I constantly needed help and advice.  My passions that once were entwined with my dreams were far at the wayside.  And that girl seemed like a distant memory.

But one day something happened.  An awakening, if you will.  I don't think it was anything in particular, but something made me remember that girl.  Something made me remember what I loved about her and what others loved about me.  And I wanted her back.  Not completely back (we all have to grow up someday), but somehow, I awakened her spirit and willed for that girl to reunite with the mother I had become.

And so begins my journey.  It's my journey of "finding Mrs. Farrell."  It's not just about losing weight.  It's not just about getting healthy.  Those are great perks, but it's way more than that.  It's about building my friendships and relationships with those who matter most.  And it's a quest to reignite my passions.

Most importantly, it's about remembering that I can take care of my family and inspire my children if I take care of myself first.

I hope you come along with me for this journey and maybe you too will be inspired.