MarytheKaytheBlog

My Most Exhilarating Run Ever

Please let me set the stage here.  Because this run was truly exhilarating.  I have not experienced anything like it--since it happened 2 months ago.

And, I promise you--this is not at all what you would expect from "An exhilarating run" story.  I mean, it involves cows.

Two months ago, right after summer, I started training to run a 5K.  Well, re-training is a better word, since I'd stopped and started a couple of times already.  I started the C25K program this time by jogging on my treadmill.  I had only been training indoors on our treadmill, before we headed to my husband's family farm for a short vacation.  I knew I would start running outdoors that week--especially since their family farm is on COMPLETELY FLAT land.  I was really looking forward to those FLAT roads--especially since we live in the Land of Dang Steep Hills.

Anyway, on my VERY FIRST outdoor run, I was a little nervous.  I just didn't know how difficult it would be to run outside, as opposed to my lovely indoor treadmill.

I tied my shoes, slipped in my earbuds, and selected some great music on my phone--and off I went!  Pound, pound, pound--I was jogging down the dusty gravel road with the wind blowing just a bit.  It was beautiful.

Just a few yards down the road, I turned the corner right at a field with fenced-in cows.  Just as I was rounding the corner, several cows looked up at me and started walking towards the fence.  Pound, pound, pound--I was watching the cows as I jogged parallel to the long fence.  I began to notice more and more and more cows look up--and right at me.  (And I wasn't even yelling, "Hey cow!!!")

Then, one by one and two by two--the cows started running towards the fence, and towards me!  Then, they started MOO-ing at me.  MOO-ing loudly.  Lots of them.

Before I knew it--ALL the cows--and I am not even kidding you--ALL the cows were running towards the fence, and running ALONGSIDE ME.  The entire herd of probably 50 cows were running beside me--the entire length of the fence.  While MOO-ing the entire time.

It. Was. Exhilarating.

I have never experienced an entire HERD of cows RUNNING WITH ME.  It was as if they were CHEERING me along, MOO-ing, "You can do it!! Keep going--you're doing great!!"  MOO!  MOO!  MOO!!!!

Well, if cows could talk, I'm sure that's what they would be telling me.

Instead, they were running beside me, putting a huge goofy grin on my face, and filling my throat with hiccupped laughs.

I felt like a movie star.  And the cows were my paparazzi. 

It was AMAZING! 

The cows stopped at the end of their fence-line, but I could hear them MOO-ing in the distance.  Occasionally, I turned my head back, and sure enough--they were standing at the corner of the fence, waiting for me.

I couldn't WAIT to turn around and make it back to my running cows, my partners in this most exhilarating run of my life.  I hit my 10-minute mark, and turned around--excited for the run back.

About 1/4 mile before I got back there, I saw a dust plume trailing behind an old work truck...as it pulled into the cow's gate...when I realized...it was feeding time.

Oooohhhh.

The cows weren't my paparazzi.  They were just excited about DINNER.

I was their food wagon.  Only...I wasn't...which I'm sure was very disappointing to the enthusiastic cows.

Well, that was a little disappointing to know I wouldn't have cow running partners every day of vacation.  However, I'll NEVER FORGET that very first run.  It was the most amazing and exhilarating run of my (still new) running career.

That week of vacation, I did learn a little something about farm life and jogging:  When visiting here, always run just before the feed truck arrives.

Cause I gotta tell ya:  Having a cow paparazzi is FANTASTIC.  Don't mock it until you've tried it.

 

Oh, and just to keep me humble...guess WHO WASN'T my paparazzi?

I hope you notice what SIDE they are mostly showing me...

You know what WORD is coming to my mind, don't you?

Starts with a "J", and rhymes with fat grass.

My First 5K...Words I NEVER thought I'd utter

This weekend I ran my first-ever 5K!!!!  (moment of silence, please)

I have to say--I NEVER thought I'd be saying those words.  But, I am really proud of myself for setting the goal, and then accomplishing it!! 

When I turned 40, I thought a good way to celebrate "middle-age-hood" was to see if I could train and run a 5K.  I used the C25K program, and found it the BEST way for me to train.  It can take total couch potatoes--like myself--and turn them into running machines.  Okay, sorry I love to make myself giggle...I'm no running machine--but I can run a 5K! 

Wanna see?

Okay, but first I have to tell you about the 5K I chose as my first.  My goal was to be able to run the entire way.  I had heard horror stories about first 5Ks with killer hills, so I used the ole noggin, and picked a wonderful (read: "easy") first 5K.  What is the FLATTEST course you can think of?  How about an airport runway???  Oh yeah--I found a 5K on the Branson Airport runway!  (The Cape 5K)  Plus--mid October, the weather here is gorgeous!  I believe it was about 45 degrees that morning.  Perfectly cool to start out, and not the least bit hot.  Flat course + cool weather = running perfection!

Here are my running friends that morning!  The race was a very small one, but I LOVED the atmosphere of it.  It felt intimate and friendly--which was so perfect for my first race.  It was Kim's (far right) first 5K, too.  I loved that we got to share this first together!

Look at my cute family who came out to support me!  How fun that my girls decided to run most of it with me!  Well...not actually with me...they were ahead of me almost the entire time.  Don't ya just hate it that kids can outrun you--even when you've been training like crazy?  Stinkin' kids.  Ah, but I sure love these stinkin' kids.

I also want to say this:  My husband has been so supportive during this whole training process.  I love that I always have a "running expert" whenever I've had technical questions.  You see, Dave is a past marathoner.  Like, he ran a lot of them, including the big ones--Boston and New York.  (He's going to hate me bragging on him!)  In fact, Dave ran so much back in the day, he totally wore out both of his knees, and isn't supposed to run at all anymore.  Anyway, he was just so sweet after the race--all day long he kept looking at me and saying, "I am so proud of you!"  I mean--I know he's proud of me and all that...but it sure was sweet to have him understand what a huge undertaking this was for me, and appreciate that I was able to face my fears and insecurities and do it.

So, how was the race for me?  Well...if you really study this picture, it tells the whole story.  I'm the one in pink in the middle...  I think if you look hard enough, you'll see that I am running alone--which is how I prefer to run.  You also might see some girls behind me walking.  Yep, I do believe I was the very last runner.  I had to keep reminding myself that this was a small race.  I'd like to think if the race had more people, I might not have been the last runner.  But, I was afraid to speed up much--because I sure didn't want a nasty side stitch, and I wanted to pace myself so that I could run the whole thing.

Let me tell you something I have discovered about myself and running:  I love the SILENCE I experience as I run.  Even though I always run with some great music streaming through my headphones, it's as if all the world is quieted as my feet hit the pavement.  My brain feels so clear--so I do some wonderful thinking while I run, as well as some wonderful prayer time.  I've heard other runners talk about this phenomenon--and I really "get it" now.

 

My girls were running in front of me most of the time, but at one point towards the end, Sara Beth got tired and needed to walk a little bit.  This is the scene I got to run behind for a while as I caught up--big sister Rebecca walking beside, and holding her little sister's hand.  This made me smile so big, that I had to grab a picture with my phone while jogging (which is why the picture is a little blurry.)


WOO HOO!!!!!  Here I am crossing the finish!  If the picture were clearer, you could see how my face matches my red shirt. 

And I just had to show this post-race pic of Carissa and me.  Carissa was SUCH a huge encouragement this whole process!  She actually started the C25K after I did last fall...and it was a little humbling when she completed it and ran her first 5K months and months before me.  However--she was so great about the way she kept encouraging me along.  It really was wonderful to have a friend there at the race with me who "got" what a huge life goal this was for me--AND to have her run the finish WITH me!!!  She met me towards the last 100 yards (after she'd already finished), and ran it in with me.   Isn't that a perfect picture of what friendship is?  Thanks, friend!!

 

Okay, but let's not end on a sappy note...  I don't know if you noticed my race t-shirt.  I bought it ESPECIALLY for this race.  'Cause a girl's got to have the right wardrobe for special occasions, right?

Well, when I saw this t-shirt, I KNEW it needed to be my race t-shirt for ALL races. 

THIS is why I run, people.  This says it all:And I'm not even kidding one single bit.  I run, so that I can eat yummy stuff, and drink Coca-Cola.

I might should start running 10Ks, though...I'm not sure 5Ks are going to cover donuts AND Cokes...

Now--I'd love to hear YOUR stories. 

Do you have any life goals--or personal goals you're working on right now?

5Ks and 31 Days Linky Dinks

Okay, before we commence with the links, I need to get something out of the way.  I need all you praying people to say a little prayer for me this Saturday morning around 8 a.m.  Why, you ask?  BECAUSE I AM RUNNING MY FIRST-EVER 5-K!!!!!!!   Sorry about the yelling--I am just a little bit excited (and nervous).   Surely, with some extra prayers and all the training I've been doing, I'll be able to finish...   I'll be sure to post a very red-faced, very embarrassing sweaty picture on Monday and tell you all about it.   Don't forget to think about me and say a little prayer!!! 
(Shameless self-promotion part is now over)  *grin*

With that out of the way now, I'll start with the links.  I sure hope you check out some of these--I really LOVE several of them this week!!

 

Did you know that hundreds of blogs (over 700, to be exact!) this month are participating in The Nester's 31 Days of... challenge?  I have loved browsing and exploring through the fascinating and varied topics!  Call me shallow...but the home organization (like this and this) and fall fashion (loved this one! and this one) suck me in the easiest.  Which ones get your attention?

Oh my goodness gracious.  Even though it is part of the same 31 Days series, Edie's house gets her own paragraph.  Wow.  I could move into her house and not change one thing.  It is gorgeous--every little precious detail.  I know I've posted her house building process before--but, wow--look at it getting finished!  I betcha you can't look at just one post.  I betcha you'll be like me and look at every single one!

 

Okay, if you have time, this site is COOL, and even a little inspiring.  Take a step back in time...to the year of your birth...What was the world like then? 

 

Man gift alert!!!  Turn your old negatives into a cool lamp for less than $10.

 

Are these people OUT OF THEIR MIND CRAZY???  I can barely even LOOK at them...

 

Okay, that's enough links for today.  I don't want to crowd your feet-propped-up, relaxing-on-the-couch time.  Don't forget the you know what's!!!  (Do I even need to say it???)  *said in a whisper:* bon bons

What's in your weekend plan?

Voices, both small and loud

The other day when I was running, this song came on.  As my feet hit the pavement, the chorus rang through my earbuds, and for a long time after, all I could think about was "How can I always hear this voice of Truth...above all others?" 

My feet kept tempo, and continued to echo the message--both in my heart, and on the pavement:  Voice. Of. Truth.  Voice. Of. Truth....

As I was cooling down after the run, I quickly typed into my phone these questions--so I wouldn't forget:

How can I choose to listen to the voice of Truth?

How do I know which voice IS Truth?

How can I help my daughters hear this voice of Truth? 

How can I teach them to block the hurtful voices, and strain to hear the most important voice of all?

 

Please take time to listen to the words of this meaningful song...

There are a lot of voices out there, competing for my daughters' attention.  How can I teach and encourage them to listen to that most important voice...The Voice of Truth?

Any advice?

Quirky Things I do Before Jogging

 
 Do you have certain things you do before you jog?  Or before you exercise?

Well, call me crazy--or more specifically "OCD"--but I have a little list of things I must do before I head out the door to jog...

 

Obviously, I put on my jogging clothes, and tennis shoes

Then, I must do these things, and usually in this order:

Go to the bathroom

Blow my nose...or more specifically, completely "clear" my nose

Drink a glass of water out of my bathroom sink

Put on Carmex lipgloss

Put lotion on my hands

Grab my Droid phone, plug in ear buds, and head out

 

Now...most of the stuff makes sense...but the lotion on the hands?  Even I don't understand my need for that...but it is a necessary step.

What about you?  What little things do you do before exercising?

A Jogging Question

 I know I've mentioned here before that I am training for a 5K, using the C25K method.  However, I think the way I am using that method should be called:  C25K in Just! One! Year!!!  Good grief, I may be the slowest trainee in the world.  (Third try's the charm, though...I'm over halfway through!)

Slow and steady wins the race.   Yes?

I do have a question, though.  I hear that runners (ahem, JOGGERS) should breathe in through the nose, and out through the mouth.  Does that distinction really matter?

I have always been a mouth breather.  Even as a young child, and with drool running down my chin.  I'm sure you know what my parents and their friends must have though of this poor drooly chin girl, who also didn't speak much until her 2nd birthday.  Let's just say...Yes, they actually had me "tested" to see if I was normal.  (I am happy to say I passed with flying colors!  Evidently, I just didn't have much to say in those days.)

When I was beginning my orthodontic care as an elementary age child, the orthodontist noticed my mouth breathing, and gave me exercises to practice breathing through my nose.  I am proud to say he corrected much of the mouth breathing--except when I exercise.

Which brings me to the important question.  When I am exercising, I never feel like I can get air into my lungs fast enough through my nose.  I can physically do it--but I feel much more comfortable breathing in through my mouth.

Will this mouth-breathing affect me long-term, as a jogger?  If so, could you please explain why?

(Was this WAY MORE information about my mouth and nose breathing than you ever wanted?  Sorry about that.)