Jingle Bell Run 2010

In all the sarcasm with my postings lately, I almost forgot to mention that I completed another 5K race. This was my 3rd official race in 2 years. I took a good year off of running to grow a small human and bring her to life.

Luke and I trained for the Jingle Bell Run this year like we did for our first one 2 years ago...using the Cool Running's Couch to 5K plan. For anyone who is NOT a runner, I definitely recommend this plan. It literally takes you from not being able to run for 1 minute to running a full 30 minutes for a 5K in just 9 weeks. Two years ago, I started it from week one and successfully completed a 5K (the Jingle Bell Run) outside in December. I would have never thought I could do such a thing.

This year, I could already run for about a mile without stopping or feeling that bad, so I started the plan at about week 5. We trained pretty consistently, despite the nasty weather and despite Luke having to push our jogging stroller with Noelle in it. We rigged up a beach towel with clamps to cover her stroller completely so that no air could get to her. She typically liked the rides and was always warm when we were finished. I am sure we looked hilarious doing this, but we had to do what could!

Anyway, this year's Jingle Bell Run went through downtown Indy, which was a change. It was a good time, and it wasn't too cold, either. Abe & E watched Noelle and surprised us by bringing her to the finish to cheer us on. It was really fun and sweet.

I did not beat my personal best time, which was to get it under 32 minutes. I ran the 5K in just about 33 minutes. However, I felt pretty good and finished really strong. I do remember running the first mile and not seeing any mile marker sign, and I was starting to feel winded, so I was getting worried that if I was this tired at not even the first mile, then there is no way I would be able to finish 3.1 miles. However, I asked Luke where Mile 1 would be, and he said we had passed it a while ago and were working on mile 2 at this point. What a relief! In all my focus, I had missed the Mile 1 sign. Praise Jesus!

I am really determined to not get totally out of running shape. I hope (after the holidays) to run at least twice a week in combination with my Zumba schedule.

These last 10 pounds are really pissing me off, and it is high time they hit the road.

Another 5K Completed!

I successfully completed my 2nd 5K race on Saturday. I participated in the Geist Half Marathon/5K, which was the same race Luke and Abel ran last year (of course it was the half marathon version, though). It was a pretty course...but hilly. We ran through a couple mansion neighborhoods around the reservoir and then finished by crossing a bridge over the water. I had some difficulties finding my rhythm, which was a painful reminder that I shouldn't rely so much on running on the treadmill....I really need to get outside and train myself to breathe/run in all kinds of weather. 

I know a 5K isn't a big deal...I know it's only a little over 3 miles, and that my time of 32:45 wasn't that great...I am not trying to be an olympian....I just want to keep improving myself and shooting for a new goal. My first 5K was about 37 minutes, so I beat my time by about 5 minutes. I am proud of that!

A year ago, when Elizabeth, Clare, and I watched Abel & Luke finish that half marathon, we all three shared a desire to try for something like that. In the back of my mind, however, I knew that there was not a chance in Hell that I would be running for enjoyment....EVER. But here I am...and 3 miles is just a start to a lifetime of goals, ambitions, and dreams. 

One special thing I witnessed during the race was two girls who looked to be about 11 years old running side by side. It was toward the end...it was hilly...my ass was dragging for sure...and I wanted to quit. I really told myself it was OK to quit...just stop running and give up. I convinced myself that I was short on oxygen and was going to faint...so of course it was OK to just stop running. However, these girls, who were just a small part of a large number of kids in this race who were representing area elementary schools, were finishing this race and encouraging each other along the way. One little girl wanted to quit, and her friend said, "Look...we are not walking. We are not quitting. There are people walking back there but we aren't going to do that...we are going to make it...we are almost done....you can do it!" It was so moving and inspirational, and I thought...if these girls can do this, I can do this, too! And I did.

 

After finishing the race, I made an express trip to Target for a bridal shower gift for a friend, Megan. She is marrying our high school friend, Chris, in September. It is really fun to see some of my male friends experiencing marriage. This will be a fun year with all the weddings and babies.

Speaking of babies...our nephew/Godson's baptism is Sunday! I am really excited. When I think about being someone's Godparent...I am moved and honored and just really happy. This is really special for Luke and me.

Well, for anyone reading this (whoever you are), please be thinking of Luke as he spends the next 10 days or so studying until his eyes dry out (bad visual...sorry). He has worked so hard...has taken so many practice tests....has studied an unbelievable amount of hours....has been so dedicated and willing to lock himself in the office for HOURS on end...and it will pay off. I believe so much in his ability...but of course we would appreciate any special prayer or "good vibe" leading up to May 27th. He is an amazing man. He makes me so proud everyday. 

Ashley's First 5k!

Sometime in October (maybe after Luke's 1/2 marathon), I got the motivation to begin running. I have never, ever been a runner. In fact, prior to starting this program, the longest I had ever run was the mile in gym class. With my short legs and less-than-stellar aerobic endurance, I just never found it that enjoyable. In fact, I found it TORTUROUS! (what the heck is a runner's high, anyway?)

Well, I found online a plan called the "Couch to 5k" running plan. It is on the Cool Runnings website. Anyway, it takes you week by week, starting very slow and working your way up to a 5k. Luke promised he would do it with me and encourage me, so I decided to give it a try. The first week had me alternating 1 minute of running with 90 seconds of walking. I remember crying during this phase because I didn't think I could get through it. 

As the weeks went on, we continued the plan (even in the cold winter weather). We would bundle up and head out for a jog each night, and each night presented a new set of challenges. I would either cry, get mad at Luke, or nearly die of exhaustion. 

We registered for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis in Indy. I had done this 2 other times in college (walking of course) because arthritis is AOII's philanthropy. This time, I was going to RUN it! 

The longest run, prior to the 5k, that we had been able to do was about a 20 minute run. I knew that I hadn't actually run 3.1 miles yet in one session, but I decided to go through with the 5k anyway. 

I was so nervous on race day, but Luke calmed me down and promised to stay at my pace the whole time. I turned on my iPod and listened to Britney Spears as I told myself, "just get to the next corner...just get to the next sign...just get to the next stoplight..." I refused to stop running, even to tie my shoe or adjust my iPod arm band. I just wanted to keep moving. Luke would tell me every now and then, "Babe! You made it to the next mile marker! You're almost there!"

Rounding the corner toward the finish, which was on IUPUI's outdoor track, was an exhilarating feeling. When we got on the track and close to the finish, I had this energy that I didn't think I would have. It was an amazing feeling to FINISH and know that I did it all and never quit. My time was a little less than 37 minutes, which definitely won't qualify me for the Olympics :-), but I don't care. I am very proud of what I accomplished that day (and in the cold weather, no less)!

Putting my game face on before the race!

Don't mind how horrible I look....I was just happy to finish!

We finished the race, rested up, and prepared to host about 50 people at our house for our first Christmas party. People dressed up in Christmas attire (complete with Allison and Chris as Jesus & Mary with a plastic baby Jesus), we had Christmas music, food, beer, and games in the garage. My girlfriends and I did a gift exchange, and everyone had a great time. It is so fun to have people in your home, especially around the holidays. It was great to see how our high school friends, college friends, med school friends, and our "adult life" friends would mesh together. Everyone got along great, and the party finally closed down around 3 a.m.! The clean up process wasn't fun, but that is what you get when you throw a party!

Luke and some of his old roommates at the party!

Abel & Elizabeth

Elizabeth and myself dressed as Santa bags (we were soooo excited to get these at Bed Bath and Beyond for $5!)

The girls after our exchange

Luke's med school friends

Taylor, Clay, and Luke

Luke's 1/2 Marathon!

It was a beautiful October day...what better time to run a 1/2 marathon? Luke was originally training for his first full marathon (he has done a few 1/2 marathons before), but his studying to the best of him and he ran out of time. He decided to only go for 13.1 miles...what a wimp! (kidding!)

Luke's dad and sister, Clare, joined me in cheering him on at the finish. He was quite proud of his time, which was just over an hour and a half. I truly can't believe how amazingly athletic he is. Anything he sets his mind to, he can accomplish. 

Going to any kind of race event is really inspiring. I love seeing the people cross the finish line, usually with their fists in the air, amazed that they "did it." It truly is an emotional experience to persevere and keep going when you want to quit. I commend anyone who finishes any race, no matter the distance. 

After the race, we had to hurry up and get ready for Jenn & Justin's wedding in Muncie! I had the honor of doing a reading for the ceremony (1 Corinthians, which has special meaning to our sorority). Jenn's mom passed away in May from a long battle with cancer, so it was an emotional day, but a happy one. Her mom's spirit was with her all day, and it was truly a memorable experience to share. Congrats, Jenn & Justin!

Laura, Allison, Jenn, Nikki, Jess, Amanda, and I