In addition to my marathon training, my children have been running me to and fro for the past month with end of the school-year activities. Got miles? Oh, yeah! Miles to the mall, miles to the hairdresser, miles to the nail shop, miles back and forth to their schools.....before I tire myself out again, let me tell you where I'm going with this. My daughter, Jordyn, is valedictorian of her 8th grade class. I know this has absolutely nothing to do with running, but I am so proud of her that I wanted to tell all of my friends, family, partners, and members of my running community.
I hope you know by now that I can weave a running lesson into just about any story. So here's what I learned from my daughter's valedictorian speech. Jordyn shared in her speech how she dreamt for several years about being the valedictorian of her graduating class, but most importantly how she purposed in her mind to do whatever it took to make her dream a reality. Her approach was to strive for all A's in her classes. She may have fallen short a time or two but she never, ever lost sight of her dream.
I, too, have a dream. Actually it's more of a goal than a dream, but for the stories sake, I'll call it a dream. My goal is to run my marathons in less than 5 hours. A sub 5-hour marathon gives me more time to finish and make it back to my hotel room to shower before I jump on the plane home. I've also learned that while I am a social running (gabbing all the way), my feet are not so happy after 5 hours! When I ran in the Grandma marathon in Duluth, Minnesota this past weekend, my goal was to finish in less than 5 hours. I would have been happy with 4 hours and 59 minutes! I didn't run a sub-5 marathon, but I got closer than ever before and set a new PR of 5:08!
So the lesson learned is one you've probably heard many times before -- "Shoot for the moon, and even if you don't reach it you'll fall among the stars!" Like Jordyn, I'm not giving up until I make my dream a reality. Just as she confessed that she would have the highest grade point average in her graduating class, I can guarantee you, I WILL run a sub-5 marathon this year!
Until I run again, keep dreaming and make it a great day!
Happy Feet
Monday, June 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Pressing Towards the Mark
I enjoy running with my husband, Richard, because he challenges me to run faster and sometimes further than I would some days. I don't know if he realizes it but he runs in intervals of varying speeds. I am well aware of this because I run with a watch that tells me my pace (a watch he jokingly refers to as my wrist top). Even if I wasn't wearing my watch while running with him, I've gotten so connected with my body while running that I can tell when I am running a 10:30 minute mile (my conversational pace); a 10-minute mile (my tempo pace); and a 9:30 minute mile (my goal pace) because my breathing is slightly labored at this speed.
Richard starts running at about a 10:30 pace for the first mile then he gradually picks up his pace until he settles into what I consider his comfort zone, -- a 9:30 minute mile. Remember, this is not my comfort zone so if I run 3 or more miles with him, I get a good workout. When he starts dropping below 9 minutes, I let him stretch it out so that he can reach his goal pace.
If you are reading this entry as a new runner, I strongly encourage you to occasionally run with someone who is slightly faster than you -- especially if you desire to run faster. If you are a non-runner, apply this tip to the people with whom you spend the majority of your time. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to stretch beyond your perceived capabilities or to think outside the box. I challenge each of you to step out of your comfort zone this week. Trust me, it won't feel good at first. You might even lose a few "friends" along the way, but if they are true friends they will cheer you on as you strive to reach your race pace and achieve your goals --rather on the road while running or in life in general.
Until I run again... keep moving and make it a great day!
Tia
a.k.a Happy Feet Harrison
Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:13
Richard starts running at about a 10:30 pace for the first mile then he gradually picks up his pace until he settles into what I consider his comfort zone, -- a 9:30 minute mile. Remember, this is not my comfort zone so if I run 3 or more miles with him, I get a good workout. When he starts dropping below 9 minutes, I let him stretch it out so that he can reach his goal pace.
If you are reading this entry as a new runner, I strongly encourage you to occasionally run with someone who is slightly faster than you -- especially if you desire to run faster. If you are a non-runner, apply this tip to the people with whom you spend the majority of your time. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to stretch beyond your perceived capabilities or to think outside the box. I challenge each of you to step out of your comfort zone this week. Trust me, it won't feel good at first. You might even lose a few "friends" along the way, but if they are true friends they will cheer you on as you strive to reach your race pace and achieve your goals --rather on the road while running or in life in general.
Until I run again... keep moving and make it a great day!
Tia
a.k.a Happy Feet Harrison
Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:13
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sweet Rolls Anyone?
Odd question from a runner blogger, huh? I made the offer because like many of my fellow runners, I occasionally get a sweet tooth and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I eat a healthy diet, 90 percent of the time. That 10 percent indulgence is one of the benefits of running. An indulgence for me, for the most part, has to be earned. If I stick to my training program Monday through Friday and get in a long run on the weekend, I reward myself with something sweet, or one of my favorite comfort foods -- French fries, Thai food, pizza or crusty bread with real butter. One of my favorite post-marathon treats is chocolate ice cream. A scoop or two will do ya. Don't eat a half gallon. Indulgences should be in moderation and limited to small portions as not to ruin all of your hard work. Remember, food is your fuel for exercise so be oh so careful as to what you put in your tank.
Back to the sweet rolls. I've had a sweet tooth for the past 48 hours that I can't kick no matter how much fruit I eat. This morning when I was running past a local bakery, I inhaled the sweet smell of what I think was sweet bread. Knowing that running is just as much mental as physical, I played a virtual mind game and imagined myself eating a freshly baked cinnamon roll. I could taste the frosting as if it was dripping from my fingers -- which were covered in gloves! That fantasy didn't last long because the next smell I inhaled was compost on some one's lawn. A rude awakening to what I was really doing - running 4 miles!
When I made it home, I made myself a chocolate protein drink which really hit the spot. Following is my very simple recipe. Try it after you've exercised for at least an hour as a recovery drink. I only ran 40 minutes, but after my sweet roll nightmare, I thought I deserved it.
Until I run again.....keep moving and make it a great day!
Happy Feet
Chocolate Protein Drink
1 ounce chocolate protein powder
1 teaspoon creatine
1 frozen banana
1 cup chocolate almond milk (Diamond is my favorite)
1 cup vanilla almond milk (Diamond, of course)
Blend for 1-2 minutes and enjoy! Add ice for a thicker consistency or vanilla yogurt (low fat organic, soy, coconut, rice, almond or Greek)
Back to the sweet rolls. I've had a sweet tooth for the past 48 hours that I can't kick no matter how much fruit I eat. This morning when I was running past a local bakery, I inhaled the sweet smell of what I think was sweet bread. Knowing that running is just as much mental as physical, I played a virtual mind game and imagined myself eating a freshly baked cinnamon roll. I could taste the frosting as if it was dripping from my fingers -- which were covered in gloves! That fantasy didn't last long because the next smell I inhaled was compost on some one's lawn. A rude awakening to what I was really doing - running 4 miles!
When I made it home, I made myself a chocolate protein drink which really hit the spot. Following is my very simple recipe. Try it after you've exercised for at least an hour as a recovery drink. I only ran 40 minutes, but after my sweet roll nightmare, I thought I deserved it.
Until I run again.....keep moving and make it a great day!
Happy Feet
Chocolate Protein Drink
1 ounce chocolate protein powder
1 teaspoon creatine
1 frozen banana
1 cup chocolate almond milk (Diamond is my favorite)
1 cup vanilla almond milk (Diamond, of course)
Blend for 1-2 minutes and enjoy! Add ice for a thicker consistency or vanilla yogurt (low fat organic, soy, coconut, rice, almond or Greek)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Reason Why I Run
I promised to share information about my chosen charity, Project Eden, and I will, but I think it is necessary for me to first tell how I got on the path to what I will term my 50/50/50 (a marathon in each of the 50 state, and $50,000 raised by my 50th birthday).
Before I started running four years ago, my only motivation to run was from something (like a dog), or to something (a taxi). Running for the sheer fun of it or for fitness was not part of my DNA -- or so I thought at the time. My family members were shocked when they heard I wanted to run a marathon because they knew I didn't like to sweat! Now if I don't sweat, I don't think I've gotten a decent workout. I do believe that if I have to sweat, I should look good doing it. You won't find me running in mismatched clothing. Most of my shirts are from past races, but I've purchased socks, shoes and shorts to match (It is amazing what you can find on the clearance racks at Marshalls, Target, and Sports Authority -- more about that in a future blog).
My husband, Richard, was my initial inspiration for running. After standing in extreme temperatures as he raced through the streets of Chicago during his first couple of marathons I started looking at the different people crossing the finishing line and thinking to myself, "If this 70-year-old man can do it, I can at least try!" Those thoughts coupled with the results I saw first hand in Richard motivated me to train for my first 5k run in my neighborhood. It took me awhile after I finished that race to build up my confidence to run further, but I did. Within the next year I trained and ran my first 10k, and half marathon.
I wasn't satisfied with my half marathon time, so I trained for another one which was part of my training towards running my first full marathon, -- the 2008 Chicago Marathon. During my training for the Chicago marathon, I discovered my joy for running. Running is my time. It is an opportunity for me to clear my head and allow God to fill it with his plans and promises for my day -- my life. You see, I learned during this time, that my running is for me but not about me. I run in honor of those who want to run but because of physical limitations they cannot. I run in memory of those who ran their individual races before me but are no longer here to share their stories (my mom). I run because running is an outward expression of my joy for the Lord and all that he continues to do in my life and more importantly what he can do in the lives of others through me.
My goal to run 50 marathons in each of the 50 states by my 50th birthday (and most importantly, raise $50,000 for Project Eden), is my way of putting my faith to my faith. As a charity runner, I no longer talk the talk -- I RUN IT!! Thanks for your continued support and pledges towards my goal.
Until I run again, keep moving and make it a great day!
Happy Feet
Before I started running four years ago, my only motivation to run was from something (like a dog), or to something (a taxi). Running for the sheer fun of it or for fitness was not part of my DNA -- or so I thought at the time. My family members were shocked when they heard I wanted to run a marathon because they knew I didn't like to sweat! Now if I don't sweat, I don't think I've gotten a decent workout. I do believe that if I have to sweat, I should look good doing it. You won't find me running in mismatched clothing. Most of my shirts are from past races, but I've purchased socks, shoes and shorts to match (It is amazing what you can find on the clearance racks at Marshalls, Target, and Sports Authority -- more about that in a future blog).
My husband, Richard, was my initial inspiration for running. After standing in extreme temperatures as he raced through the streets of Chicago during his first couple of marathons I started looking at the different people crossing the finishing line and thinking to myself, "If this 70-year-old man can do it, I can at least try!" Those thoughts coupled with the results I saw first hand in Richard motivated me to train for my first 5k run in my neighborhood. It took me awhile after I finished that race to build up my confidence to run further, but I did. Within the next year I trained and ran my first 10k, and half marathon.
I wasn't satisfied with my half marathon time, so I trained for another one which was part of my training towards running my first full marathon, -- the 2008 Chicago Marathon. During my training for the Chicago marathon, I discovered my joy for running. Running is my time. It is an opportunity for me to clear my head and allow God to fill it with his plans and promises for my day -- my life. You see, I learned during this time, that my running is for me but not about me. I run in honor of those who want to run but because of physical limitations they cannot. I run in memory of those who ran their individual races before me but are no longer here to share their stories (my mom). I run because running is an outward expression of my joy for the Lord and all that he continues to do in my life and more importantly what he can do in the lives of others through me.
My goal to run 50 marathons in each of the 50 states by my 50th birthday (and most importantly, raise $50,000 for Project Eden), is my way of putting my faith to my faith. As a charity runner, I no longer talk the talk -- I RUN IT!! Thanks for your continued support and pledges towards my goal.
Until I run again, keep moving and make it a great day!
Happy Feet
Welcome to Meaningful Miles!
The purpose of this blog is to keep in touch with the many people with whom I've shared my awesome goal of running a marathon in each of the 50 states and raising $50,000 for charity by my 50th birthday. Whew! That's a mouth full, isn't it? It's also a lot of work. Running, by the way, is the easy part. I have no doubt that I will complete a marathon in each state by June 2015. Raising the $50,000 isn't a concern either, but it doesn't come as natural to me as running.
A number of you have offered to make pledges towards my fundraising goal or even make donations to offset my running and traveling expenses through sponsorships. My goal in my first blog was to connect you to a secure site where you can make pledges and donations but the setup is taking longer than anticipated and my marathon clock is ticking. I've already run 4 marathons this year and I haven't raised one cent, not to mention the expenses I've accumulated in the process. Ideally, I would like to raise a minimum of $2,600 for each marathon I run. That's $100 for each marathon mile (26.2).
Be sure to read my next blog where I will personally introduce you to Project Eden and why I run and volunteer for this awesome organization. Until then, please visit the website at http://www.theprojecteden.org/. If you would like to make a pledge, please make your check payable to Project Eden, but send it directly to me at the following address so that I can track my pledges. You will receive a receipt for your donation from Project Eden and a special thank you from me. Sponsorship checks should be made payable to me and mailed to the same address.
Tia Harrison
Meaningful Miles
6901 North Ave., Suite 1F
Oak Park, IL 60302
Thanks in advance for your support!
Happy Feet Harrison
A number of you have offered to make pledges towards my fundraising goal or even make donations to offset my running and traveling expenses through sponsorships. My goal in my first blog was to connect you to a secure site where you can make pledges and donations but the setup is taking longer than anticipated and my marathon clock is ticking. I've already run 4 marathons this year and I haven't raised one cent, not to mention the expenses I've accumulated in the process. Ideally, I would like to raise a minimum of $2,600 for each marathon I run. That's $100 for each marathon mile (26.2).
Be sure to read my next blog where I will personally introduce you to Project Eden and why I run and volunteer for this awesome organization. Until then, please visit the website at http://www.theprojecteden.org/. If you would like to make a pledge, please make your check payable to Project Eden, but send it directly to me at the following address so that I can track my pledges. You will receive a receipt for your donation from Project Eden and a special thank you from me. Sponsorship checks should be made payable to me and mailed to the same address.
Tia Harrison
Meaningful Miles
6901 North Ave., Suite 1F
Oak Park, IL 60302
Thanks in advance for your support!
Happy Feet Harrison
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