RUNNER in training!

I have had quite a busy week.  However, I have started to become more dedicated to training in the past few weeks than I have been before.  I officially consider myself a runner at this point.  And, I have the data to prove it.

Over the past week, I have spent a considerable amount of time sitting and watching events, but it hasn't stopped me.  Tuesday is one of my normal run days and I decided since it was in the 70s during the day that I should be running outside.  When you get home at 6 and the sun has already dropped you have no choice but to run in the dark.  I decided to eat dinner and let it digest a little before I headed out.  I thought about running on the streets with the street lights but decided against it and instead headed over to the school parking lot and did a few laps around the building to get in a "quick" 2 mile run.  Those 70 degree temps definitely didn't last into the evening by the way.

Wednesday, I headed out to Clinton Prairie to watch the staff take on the Harlem Wizards.  This was a pretty good time and a great fundraiser for their athletic department.  My brother in-law took part in the event although he claimed to be in bad shape due to a lingering cold.  It was fun to watch these athletes perform and the tricks were pretty good including the dunks.  Two of the wizards ended up getting hurt during the event with one playing on a bum knee the remainder of the night and the other realizing he may have broken his wrist during an exhibition dunk.  When I asked him if he planned on taking time off he simply said, "looks like I'll be going left tomorrow."  Those guys definitely put on a good show and they are dedicated to their jobs.

Thursday, I needed to get in another run so I hit up the treadmill.  I slowed the pace a smidge from Tuesday and ran 2.5 miles.  The treadmill is not the most enjoyable place to be, but putting in the work is worth it.  I managed to see an episode of Pawn Stars while I was there and it at least took my attention from the mileage meter in front of me slowly ticking toward my goal distance for the day.

Saturday, I had BIG plans.  My Brother, his wife, and my alma mater were all three set to compete in the Indiana Marching Band State Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium.  I didn't get to sleep in nearly as long as I normally do on a regular Saturday, but this was probably good for me anyway.  I woke up and remembered that the Monumental Marathon was taking place the same day, so I got in a little bit of a hurry to head out earlier than I expected.  I had decided that I was going to park at the Indianapolis Zoo as the parking would be cheaper and the walk was just under a mile and a half between the two places.  I thought of it as a way to get in some steps for a day when I expected to sit for a LONG time.  I even got to roll down my windows and clap for/congratulate some Monumental finishers on my way to park and also when walking to the stadium.  Kudos to them!!!  After eleven and a half hours of sitting in the seats of the stadium, I was finally ready to head back on my walk to the zoo.  I arrived home exactly at midnight after leaving at ten in the morning.  However, it was worth it!!!  F. J. Reitz, the school where my brother is the Band Director, earned a 7th place finish at their first finals appearance in 17 years.  His wife, the percussion instructor at Castle High School, came home with a 4th place finish, as did my high school.  Congrats to all three!!

Sunday, I had plans for a LOT of physical activity.  I had scheduled my long run for Sunday as I didn't want to head out quite as early as needed for it on Saturday.  I headed out for my first 4 mile run and completed it in 53 minutes.  I stayed the exact pace I wanted to and kept my heart rate a bit lower to maintain the level where I could have held a conversation had someone been running with me.  This put my pace a little over 13 minutes a mile.  When I had finished, I again had a feeling of accomplishment.  Every time I finish a new long run and extend my physicality I am so proud of myself.  I honestly felt as though I could have just kept running the same loop for another time, but my muscles are definitely not ready for that...YET.  Sunday afternoon, I was able to borrow a friends truck to move three truckloads of gravel.  Thanks to my brother in-law and father-in law for helping.  For the entire day I put in just over 17,000 steps and I managed to do some lifting as well.  I did wake up a little sore today, but not nearly what I expected.  This just goes to show how much better shape I am in now than when I began this journey.

Today, I stepped on the scale and I was pleasantly surprised to see 259.7.  That's right folks...under 260!  With a weight loss for the week of 3.4lbs.  Say What!!! Yep, 3.4.  I made sure to contain my excitement for writing this tonight, but I was pretty pumped.  That puts my total weight loss at 34.6 pounds.  Heading in the right direction.  I have also decided my next 2 runs.  I will be participating in the Drumstick Dash for Wheeler Mission on Thanksgiving morning.  The proceeds go to a great cause and I was looking for a bigger run to be a part of.  I found it...now the 2nd largest run in Indiana.  Last year there were 17,000 participants.  Oh and by the way, the Drumstick Dash is 4.5 miles!!  Excited to see if I can push the tempo a little at that distance.  The second race I will be a part of is the Santa Hustle 5K in Indy.  This one is a fun race where every participant gets a santa hat and beard along with their shirt.  How fun is that?  And the water stops feature candy canes and cookies.  I won't be picking up the candy along the way, but it should be a good time.  The Santa Hustle takes place on December 13th.  If you feel like signing up for either of these races click on their names and it will take you to their website.  I would love to see you out there with me.

Until next week.....Food. Feet. Water. Repeat!!