5k

I met Amanda at the gym this morning and got in some cross training and some strength training. Tomorrow Hans and I will be running a 5k in Allentown at the Iron Pigs stadium at 9am. Lets hope the old knee can keep up. At least if it gives out I have a doctor's appointment Monday. I am just waiting for the green light to continue running during the week! 

We could all use a laugh now and then

 

Oprah in 2009 running her first marathon

Time 4:29:20

Yesterday, my cousin Amanda and I spent some time talking about how excited we were for our training to begin. After we shared some tips and insecurities about the hard core training, we started talking about marathon race signs we had seen. She then told me about one that said "Beat Oprah" we both laughed and then seriously agreed that we NEED to beat Oprah for real, or else we would be feeling like total running losers. Today was an exceptionally bad day for me, so for some laughs I looked up some funny marathon signs. I think they might just be what the doctor ordered around mile 16. We could all use a laugh every now and then :) Here are just a few of my favorites.

Haha. 

Dont Forget To Bring Your Goggles

Today after work I met my cousin at the local running store. She got new shoes and I picked up some sweet new running socks. Afterwards, we did some strength training action and then hit up the pool. Its been a while since I've gone swimming  but it was nice to break out the old green speedo. I have a 5k Sunday so I plan on waiting till then to run. I have to make sure my knee is back to normal before I continue to pound the pavement :) Not much to report until then, just pumping iron. 

Inspirational Runners: Bob Wieland

After reading up on running one thing continues to resinate in all the books and articles I read; Anyone can be a runner. Bob Wieland is an inspirational and amazing runner. Growing up in Wisconsin, he attended the University of Wisconsin and was in negotiations with the Philadelphia Phillies when he was drafted to go to Vietnam. While serving, he lost both legs. Bob remained hopeful and thankful to be alive even after his injuries. After healing, Bob used his spirit and will to live to became a marathon participant. At the time, racing with a handicap was unheard of and certainly viewed as an impossible feat. Although the odds were against him, Bob followed his dreams. Today, he remains the only double amputee to have run the Kona,Hawaii Iron Man race without a wheelchair. He has completed several marathons sometimes taking days to cross the finish line. In the Los Angeles Marathon, Bob started one day before all participants, and finished two days after the last runner had crossed the finish line. His total time for that race was 74.5 hours. Bob is an inspiration to anyone who wants to run a marathon or become a runner. Bob Wieland is a prime example that anyone can run, even if you don't have legs. 


Click here for more information on Bob Wieland

Sweet Fanny Pack

I would totally be lying if I said that not running so far this week wasn't eating away at me. Today, I had a mild breakdown and felt sorry for myself. I am over it now, and I am currently counting the minutes until Thursday. While I am taking it easy I figured I might as well do some running research. This brings me straight to fanny pack shopping. OK, the proper running term is fuel belt, but lets get real, its a fanny pack. Although I know I will look like a total weirdo I am eager to get one and try it out. I plan on filling it with vital items like Chapstick, gum and of course my phone. That way I figure if the going gets tough I can call my brother to come get me. I am also toying with the idea of filling the water bottles with beer incase of emergency. Ok, I am totally kidding. But really, I need to get one and picking a good one is easier said then done. I like the one I posted above. I mean If I am running with a "fuel belt" it has to look good :) I love the colors of this one.  What do you think?


 Check out fanny packs for runners here, uh I mean fuel belts.

Cross Training the Days Away

                                                                

Strength training+ Ice Cream+ Ice Packs= :)

You know what they say, better safe than sorry. I seemed to have hurt my right knee over the weekend. After talking with my trainer Chrissy and my amazing soccer playing cousin, I realized it may just be an overuse injury. I never thought I would be sad to not run, but I was jealous of the runners I passed today on the way to the gym. I actually miss running. ( I know, Insanity) I am going to take a few days off to cross train/strength train and to ice this bad boy till its back to normal. Who knows maybe I can rest up and eat a few ice cream cones in the process. Hey, a little ice (cream) never hurt anybody :) I will pick back up on Thursday and just take it easy till then. I knew going into this there would be set backs, I was just hoping they wouldn't happen this early on! Good thing the roads are always open. 

More Cowbell: Broad Street Run 2011

The Broad Street Run was this morning and it was great. Watching from the side of Broad Street with my mom and aunt was wonderful and we got to take some really great pictures. We were able to see Amanda at mile 6 and take a wonderful action shot. Becky also ran by and I had to chase after her screaming to get her picture. But in the end, I got the shot. Hopefully, next year I will be running and not just watching. Congratulations to all the runners who were out there strutting their stuff. Great job! 

Please check out Amanda's Running Blog
http://picspicksap.blogspot.com/