Thursday, June 24, 2010

100 Days Countdown Giveaway!

100 Days Until My First Half Marathon!

In celebration I've created a list (I <3 lists lol) of 100 random running thoughts, questions, and discoveries I've made so far in my training. Feel free to comment or add your own. 

On Monday June 28th I'm going to choose a comment via random.org for a secret prize!


  1. I am slow, and I am happy
  2. The hardest part is starting, the happiest part is completing
  3. Running does not automatically equal weight loss, it can actually cause some gain
  4.  Motivation is not the same as Dedication
  5. Sign up for Runner's World Daily Quotes for gems like...
  6. "Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"
    Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner 
  7.  Most days I do NOT feel like going for a run
  8. Every day I fight that feeling and get out there I feel better
  9. I like short (crew) cut socks, and they have to match
  10. Drinking too much water while running makes my stomach queasy
  11. I often question if signing up for the half mary was an intelligent decision
  12. I get misty eyed every time I envision myself crossing the finish line of the half mary
  13. I'm addicted to blog giveaways
  14. Running creates numbers, and I like numbers
  15. My Garmin was the best investment I made so far...other than good shoes
  16. I need a 'name' for my Garmin
  17. Gu's 'Just Plain' flavor is not so bad...like vanilla and bananas
  18. 'Tri Berry' is my favorite so far though
  19. There is nothing better in life than a cold glass of chocolate milk after a long run
  20. Stomach pain is one of my biggest issues to get past, happens every run
  21. I need to explore some nutrition options (pre & post run food)
  22. I wish running trails weren't dangerous for women, I'm lucky to have a husband that gets up on Sunday mornings with me for my long run
  23. Running has always seemed like a pipe dream to me
  24. I have a weak right ankle...but only on the treadmill
  25. Getting sweaty makes me feel strong
  26. Speaking of sweat...I sweat a LOT when I run
  27. Tempo shorts & a singlet/tank is my go-to running outfit
  28. I always think my butt looks funny in my tempo shorts
  29. I wish boobs wouldn't bounce when you run...it's painful
  30. Early in the morning really is the best time to run
  31. I am not a morning person
  32. Runners are really awesome/nice people
  33. Running Swag Bags are like a runner's Christmas
  34. I think I'm going to follow Jeff Galloway's approach to running, it seems to keep me going on the long runs
  35. Did I mention that I've met Jeff Galloway? 
  36. One day I'll be able to run 5 miles without walking, until then I'll enjoy the scenery during my walk breaks
  37. Wireless ear buds would make millions
  38. So would jogging strollers made for pets
  39. I've thought about getting a Golden Retriever or Lab to run with, my poor Shih Tzu's legs just wouldn't make it
  40. I only wear black bottoms to prevent unflattering sweat patterns
  41. I've never needed to 'launch a snot rocket'
  42. What will I do the first time I'm out on a long run and get GI issues??
  43. It's funny when articles say I should be able to talk while running otherwise I'm over-exerting myself...um...I must be over-exerting myself on every run...screw talking!
  44. To wear underwear or not wear underwear is a daily question (tempo shorts usually result in going commando)
  45. Even though I can't run 3 or 5 miles straight, I feel I've been working at this sport long enough to call myself a runner
  46. Dean Karnazes idea to order pizza while on a long run and have them meet you at an intersection is GENIUS!
  47. I'd like to run in the rain just once, but it's always lightning in Florida
  48. Running after a 12 hour day at work never sounds fun, and rarely is
  49. I don't mind carrying water on my runs, as long as the bottle is full. Once I drink some and it's sloshing around I hate it.
  50. I'm only halfway through this list....
  51. The halfway point of any run is the best part for me
  52. One day I want to run the Goofy challenge at WDW
  53. I'll need to tackle 26.2 before then...oh dear
  54. I often get bored before I get tired while running
  55. My dream purchase would be a super awesome treadmill to keep right in front of my tv...can anyone say Sex & The City marathons??
  56. My town is not very health-concious
  57. I hate humidity
  58. One day I'm going to trip and fall, and be embarassed
  59. I've yet to have any toe issues, one callus, but that doesn't count
  60. I'm amazed at people who run 5-6 miles for their short runs
  61. I'm also amazed at people who run anything over 10 miles for their long runs
  62. One day I will complete an ultra...though I may be 50 yrs old
  63. Is barefoot running really that great?
  64. I plan to keep all my running bibs...because sometimes you don't win a medal
  65. I'm a running gear junkie
  66. I could spend hours (and many paychecks) in a running store 
  67. Most of my free time is spent thinking about running/blogging
  68. I actually do love hills
  69. My back injury from December still flares up occasionally, I have to be careful
  70. Do you stretch?
  71. I wish I were more flexible
  72. Better, Faster, Harder, Stronger
  73. I quite enjoy being a running newbie...it means I can be slow & make mistakes without apologies
  74. My blog followers/friends motivate me on a daily basis...Thank You
  75. Our local running club intimidates me...I'm too slow right now, maybe next year
  76. I wish 5ks were held on Sundays...I work every Saturday morning but would love to race more
  77. It's easier to tell someone not to compare themselves to others, but it's hard to actually put in to practice yourself
  78. Some runs will be fast, some runs will be slow, but any run is better than no run at all
  79. I often wonder if I'll ever hit a 10min/mile
  80. I like to do speed work on the treadmill...6.0mph makes me feel good...even if it's only for 3 minutes
  81. The easiest way to get out the door? Put my shoes on and just go...think about it later
  82. I'm really working on a strong finish, reserving some energy for the end
  83. My face always turns a gorgeous reddish/purple after a run at the gym
  84. And my eyes make me look like a zombie
  85. I plan on spending a lot of money at the half-marathon expo
  86. What is the best way to carry my camera during the race? (Spibelt doesn't work well with my tempo shorts)
  87. It's a night race, in October...to long sleeve or not?
  88. What was your first half-marathon or 15k experience like?
  89. I like to run alone, but then again, I've never gone out with a running partner
  90. After a long run I always want to take a nap
  91. How is it possible that your legs can feel light as a feather at mile 2 and heavy as lead at mile 3?
  92. Running is fun!
  93. I've doubted myself from day 1, and maybe that's the reason I push so hard...to prove myself wrong
  94. When I run is when my mind is the clearest
  95. Running is my therapy, stress relief, alone time
  96. I am the tortoise
  97. A book by The Penguin is on my nightstand
  98. What makes someone a 'runner'?
  99. I fidget a lot when I run
  100. Runners just do it - they run for the finish line even if someone else has reached it first. 

14 comments:

  1. I like this post, cuz I relate to so many of these. I also would love a treadmill to put in front of the tv (especially for the winter because winters in the midwest are not exactly good for running outdoors) and I have also decided I want to do Goofy someday, which I think is nuts since I haven't even run a half marathon, but I'm sure we'll both get there and do it someday :)

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  2. I love the quote that you listed- I get that same e-mail but I don't remember that one, and it's so good! I have to write it on my whiteboard at work now. I also keep the race bibs as well as sovenirs, haha. So awesome :).

    Amy Lauren

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  3. I am a frequent snot rocketer although I never thought I would be. I think it's gross but I wouldn't be able to breathe otherwise.
    I'm terrified at the thought of my half marathon in September. But excited, too.
    I'm really slow. I would love to do 10 min miles and 6.0 is fast for me, too. I can do about a mile at that pace but then I have to back down.

    I like you; we have a lot in common :)

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  4. I relate to so many things you said - thanks for putting it into words! It is an awesome list. I am slow too and I am happy so it is nice to hear from someone else who is like me. I scrapbook my bib numbers with other race memorabilia and pictures - besides running, it is another one of my favorite things to do! It is an unbelievable feeling when 5, 6, 7, 10 miles become effortless. (Sorry, I think I could comment on everyone of your list items, but I will spare you!) I just want to say - I will NEVER forget the way I felt when I crossed the finish line at my first Half - you won't either. I am so excited for your accomplishments this far, and I can't wait to hear about your Half! Best of luck to you.

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  5. Such a fun list!

    Toe Problems: Wait until your long runs hit double digits, then revisit that...I lost my first toe nail training for my first half...and I am losing the same one again after an Overnight Relay I just ran...Crazy ;)

    What Makes someone a runner: If you think you are a runner...then you are :)

    Do I stretch: NOt nearly as much as I should...I am so lazy

    I hit a huge wall at mile 8 in my first half marathon and never pushed it over...so I was pushing against that wall for the last 5 miles..but I crossed the line and was so proud of myself for not walking (other than through the aid stations to drink my gatorade, I was getting dehydrated so I knew I needed to drink the whole cup, not just splash it all over my face)

    Good luck training for your first half! You will love it. I would recommend short sleeves for an October evening race. You will heat up quickly. YOu may want to wear a layer on top that you can strip off, but ultimately you will probably want short sleeves (if you are like me and get hot easily).

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  6. 1 6:00 mile is the same distance as a 12:00 mile...speed is relative!

    go mj go!

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  7. #29 is the one and only reason i'm grateful for my 32 almost As!! :P

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  8. I am planning on running that half next year. Disney races rock! You are going to love it. OK. Plain GU totally scares me. I have never tried it but I have it in my head that it will taste like plastic. And I don't want that in my mouth.

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  9. I have the most random thoughts while running and sometimes I just think about how uncomfortable I am. I think did I break my foot this time?? Or I wonder if I do this or that while running maybe my arms would get thinner or my butt would be more firm.

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  10. I keep race bibs, too! I'm going to start a scrapbook of pictures soon and I am going to add those bibs to it! :0)

    YAY for the Half! I can't belive it's now in the double digits! I can't wait!!! We will definitely have to meet up somewhere to say hi! :0)

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  11. I loved your list! It's like you are running around in my brain! LOL - I am excited for you! Thanks for taking the time to blog! I kept my race bib from my 5K yesterday. It is a bummer about Saturday's for you! I am getting Jeff Galloway's book - do you catch An Extra Mile podcast? Kevin is training for a marathon using Galloway's method. I need better shorts and am going to look into these tempo shorts. People will just have to look away...;)Keep us posted on how you figure out the camera deal - I have seen no-shift belts out there online...
    Fantastic blog - I look forward to your posts!

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  12. This is a great post! I haven't done the Goofy, but I've done the Disney Full and it's one of the best races that I have taken a part of.

    Keep up the good work!

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  13. Just found your blog & can relate to most of what you write.

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  14. Just came across your blog! Keep up the great work and you will rock the 1/2 you are training for!

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