Vexatious Pain

This weekend I learned a very important lesson. In an effort to squeeze in some strength training that I blew off earlier in the week, I decided yesterday I would lift and then do my long run. At the time, this seemed like a good idea. Now, not so much. I woke up this morning extremely sore from the day before. I think my toe nails are even sore. Although yesterdays work out was a good one, I don't think I could run today if I wanted to. Luckily, its a strength training day for me but even that is taking some convincing. Do yourself a favor and follow your training schedule. When you try to make up missed time you are setting yourself up for a sore body and a painful day. 

Steady As She Goes

Running is a lot like life. Only 10% of it is exciting;the other 90% of it is slog and drudge. - Dave Bedford English distance runner who occasionally puts in over 200 miles a week in training.


This week Christmas came again in the form of the UPS man. Now that I have my new reflective Nike vest and my sick water bottle fanny pack I think Ive reached my quota of running accessories. I love running, but its sometimes hard to stay motivated. For me, buying new must have running swag always makes me want to hit the streets. Looking over the marathon training schedule this week made me want to seriously re think my decision to run 26.2 miles and of course question my sanity. I have decided that I need to run this marathon with no excuses. Thankfully, running is a what you put in, you get back type of sport. There really is no competition out there but yourself. You decide how far you will go, if you can keep going or if you are going to stop. Running is powerful because its you against yourself. At the end of the day, you decide how far you will push yourself, you decide if you can stay at that sub 9 minute pace for all 5 miles, you decide if you are willing to run in the the most horrid of elements. You make your own motivation, and if you fail the only person who you can blame is yourself. Now that summer is around the corner, the dedication of the training is becoming more real. I am ready for the challenge, and I have a feeling its going to be a hell of a struggle. In the end, I am running for myself day to day but on marathon day I will be running for my dad. I am sure I will need his help around mile 16 and beyond. It also happens to be his birthday, so maybe some post run celebrating will be needed. See you on the streets, BYOM. ( bring your own motivation) 

Helter Swelter

After our big wins.

Hot is an understatement 

Action Shot~

Shout out to North Wales Running Company~

When its hot out, I just cant seem to get it together. Tonight Hans and I went to my old high school to support the North Penn XC team. It was horribly hot and I started the race with a stomach ache and a mean thirst. The race seemed long, even though it was only 3 miles. The heat made it feel like 5. Hans finished and won 2nd place for his age group and shockingly, I won too. 3rd place for my age group! Shocked is an understatement. This is just the motivation a girl needs to keep training for her July 16th Midnight 8 miler :) 

Giving Reckless A Whole New Meaning

When I got home today, in the mail was a running vest that I had ordered from Nike. I was excited to finally get it so I could start logging some more early morning and late night running hours. One thing I love about running is that no two runs are ever the same. Tonight, I was able to finally catch up with my best friend Sara and was feeling better after chatting with her so I decided to hit the streets. My brother and mom were going to head out along side me, on their bikes while I ran. It started out great, everyone speeding along through the streets of Hatfield. About 2 miles in, Tyler felt as though he was almost run off the road. The story is hazy since I kept running, but apparently he exchanged words with a man driving by. He threw his bike, screaming loudly in the street while K Smith looked on in horror. The guy I would assume, realized he wasnt going to win this fight and then drove off. Never a dull day in the Smith house, thanks to Tyler for protecting the streets for bikers and runners alike, and of course for giving reckless a whole new meaning. 

How To Be A Reckless Runner

I re read a few of my older blog posts and I started to think about who, if anyone reads them. I know my friends do, and my family mainly because I make them. I hope someone at some point has been inspired to run or just go out and see how far they can jog if its been a while. Incase you have been hitting the streets lately this ones for you! Tonight, I would like to give you my list of the top 10 ways you too, can be a Reckless Runner.


10. Buy countless items that you "need" such as a polar watch, fanny pack water belt and new clothes to fit in on the streets of the thriving metropolis that is Hatfield, Pa.


9. Add a little squeak in your run by wearing a large and unflattering knee brace that really amps up the heat from your thigh to your calf in humid weather.


8. Give a wave and nod to passers by while running around town. If you already do this, take it up a notch and try to get truck drivers to beep or cars to slow down and yell words of encouragement or just flirt with you. 


7. Run proudly past the person you didn't see on their porch who just heard you singing Salt and Peppas "Push It" as loudly as humanly possible.


6. Give dirty looks to people who drive by with their air conditioning blasting while you are ready to keel over on the side of the road. 


5. Always keep your eyes peeled for a BBQ or outdoor party you can invite yourself to and pretend you know some of the guests.


4. Make sure you alert family members of your running route. If you have people you know driving by, you're bound to move that ass a little faster. Plus, if you cant make it home you have what I like to refer to as the "Rescue Ride". 


3. Approach local wildlife fearlessly. Go over and touch those baby geese and let that rabid dog follow you. It is always more fun when you are being chased or if you have a  new flesh wound. 


2. Don't be ashamed to re route your run past the local ice cream shop. Its OK to swing by and sample some sweet treats. ( everyone needs a reason to keep running sometimes)


1. Just run. Run fast, run slow, run early or late. Just get out there and go. You will be surprised how far you can go and how much you can do that you never knew you could. 

WINNING

Today was as good as they come. I woke up early to run before it got hot out. I couldn't bear the thought of another sweaty night on the streets. So, with my eyes half shut I climbed out of bed and took it to the pavement. I was thrilled when I felt the breeze and realized how wonderful the weather was. I've been having problems when I reach the last leg of my route so I decided to run it in reverse. To my surprise it worked and my running was on point! I ran 4 miles and I know I could have gone longer but it was 6:20 am when I checked my watch and I had to run faster to make sure I had time to shower before work. All in all, it was a success.Lance Armstrong even came on my Nike I Run to congratulate me on my best run yet. (I kid you not) WINNING!! 

National Running Day

Today my wonderful cousin and fellow running enthusiast notified me that it is National Running Day! Tonight I was all set to run the NPXC 5k but due to extreme heat and tornado ( yes, tornado) warnings it was postponed. In any event, I hope you were able to get outside at some point today and get some fresh air. If you aren't into running, you should give it a whirl. ( no tornado pun intended) Hit the road and see how you feel. I bet you will feel great, motivated and sweaty. Go get your run on! If you need a friend to run with and live in the 215/610 give me a shout out, I would love the company. See you out there!