Dean Karnazes with Regis & Kelly

I have runner's conflict! I want to start with this guy at Disneyland but alas.... money does not grow on trees .... but *SIGH* I WAAAAANNA RUN WITH HIM!!!!

For those who don't know, I'm a Regis & Kelly JUNKIE - and this morning they made a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT! They are partnering with  Dean Karnazes - the UltraMarathon Inspiration- to benefit Action For Healthy Kids. He will run across America - from Disneyland to their studio in NY and I want to start the run with him at Disneyland... but I can't... because of above :(

Anyway, I wanted to share this announcement because it interests me and I thought maybe it would interest you :)  ENJOY and Follow his journey here - Regis & Kelly with Dean Karnazes!!

Running Memory?

I love the way my body has running memory. One day I will become better educated all around on running and I'll know just how true this idea really is, but for now my body makes me believe it. I think that means I've taught it well :) This past Sunday I conquered the 8 miler again. I was a little nervous, especially since I so brightly decided to jump from 5 to 8.... I take some crazy chances and most of the time they pan out... I'm thinking it's due to my body being an awesome rememberer of "I Can Do This!" It felt really great. My partner for the day and I actually pushed it to 8 and a half, we were so pumped up! My left hip is still bugging me a little bit, but with constant TLC it's getting better.Something my body has no memory of.... training for a sub 2:00 half. I'll be looking at training plans pretty soon. Kind of nervous/excited about that adventure! I think it's about time I did something besides just cross the finish line.
Side note: It's freeeeeeeeeeezing out when I run these days! I mean -FREEEEEEEEEEEEZING!! Like I think my legs have warmed up and then when I peel my running pants off and feel my skin it's icy to the touch.... wow.
I'm supposed to run 10 miles this weekend. I don't think it's going to be happening due to the upcoming visit from my awesome friend... a gal needs a little break sometimes :)

Happy Running Everyone!

Charity

This year I've decided to make a difference. I've decided that with all the money I spend on racing, why not make that money work for something.... like charities :) I'm a giver, I always have been. Show me a puppy, child, elderly person, or sick person and I'll show you my wallet. We've even "adopted" a homeless man on the corner we see all the time. He's our guy, we like him and he gets our spare change or sometimes our 5 dollar bills. As I was looking at the/my race schedule for California for 2011, I noticed something I normally don't - the charities. I've always seen the running groups and think it's really cool to be a part of that, but it's never dawned on me that I could do it too. So I am. My first run will be the Surf City Half Marathon on Super Bowl Sunday! I'm very excited because not only will I get to run this with a couple of really great family members, but also my goal is to raise $500 for The Run for Mobility!

You can click here to see my official fundraising page and donate and to also learn more about this particular cause!

One of the things I hope to accomplish this year by doing this is to become more aware of  the different causes all over the world. I know the major ones, but I'd like to become more educated on not only WHAT they are, but specifically WHAT DO THEY DO TO HELP? I believe awareness is very important, especially in the world we live in today. Can't wait to see where this journey will take me in 2011!

Goals

I've learned that sometimes it's okay to make not yours goals. Sometimes it's actually a good thing. It's an important learning experience. You get to evaluate things you did right and wrong and things you can do diffferently and how to improve... or maybe if you did things just fine and it just didn't work out. I did not make my 25 point goal.... but I made it to 23 :) And I was really proud of myself.

I'm currently looking at the 2011 race schedule for California.... I like to do my traveling around races, so this is the point in the year where I do get to do some fun planning for the upcoming year. It's a very exciting time in my personal year because races excite me and give me a new push to be better at everything I do. When I'm running I'm just a better person over all :)

I only have one specific goal in 2011. No matter how many races I get in, or don't get in, I want to run a sub 2:00 half marathon. This goal will take work, but will be fun work and is a completely attainable goal. I have complete faith in myself that I can do it.

10 - Update!

I did it! I was a little scared at the end when the hubby came home and wanted to relax and all, but he stuck by me and did the bath/bedtime deal while I went out and hauled my last 4 points in! It felt so great.

CadioX was a blast in the morning, I seriously love that workout! I think I did it more intensely than I ever have, like it was the last time I would ever be able to do it again. That always feels so good though, when you get done and you gave it EVERYTHING :)

AbRipperX was the same, I literally HATE Tony Horton by the end of that, but I know he has my best interest at heart. Hahaha!

I walked around eating little tomatoes, carrots, tangerines and a banana all day then made stir fry for dinner, MmmmMmmm!

I had completely forgotten that I walk AT LEAST a half mile a day taking Noah to school and back so since AbRipper is only 16 minutes and not 20 I thought that made up for it :)

My 4 miles were some of the best miles I've had in awhile. I'm getting used to running in the cold and my playlist was super fun last night so people probably thought I was crazy all running and dancing around. Sometimes my runs feel more like a night of dancing in my head!

When I got back I had the HUGEST adrenaline rush ever and couldn't quit babbling about how proud of myself I was and how awesome I felt. Which leads me to the conclusion that I should do this every week..... but only once a week because I am SORE this morning!