Running in the Rain

Tonight was supposed to be a typical Tuesday night run at BON.  Well, it was definitely anything BUT typical tonight!

Anyone that lives in Houston knows that weather can change instantly, especially when it comes to rain.  I have driven through treacherous rain in Pasadena on my commute home from work, arriving to my home near the Medical Center where it is sunshine and clear skies.  On the SAME DAY.

That being said, I was not too alarmed when it was raining on my commute home this afternoon.  I figured that the rain will slow down and that the run will not rained out.   I arrive to my running group at BON to cold rain, which is not something I enjoy.  I really needed a run today so I put on my new running hat, start my Garmin, and take off with the running group.

2 hours later after warm up, sideways rain, puddle jumping, and cool down, my track interval workout was completed with over 7 miles.  A small mileage run by any means, but made me realize how much I love to run.

Now, all I need to experience is a good snow run!  Have a great week everyone!

-Lauren  

Phase II, new adventures!

Look at the picture above and what you do you see?  Two remotes for my beloved "Boo" aka my Toyota 4 Runner.   There is a good story behind this photo.

Almost a month ago, I had just finished a long training running with the BON Racing Team around Rice Village area.  I was walking with the boyfriend, George, to get to his Jeep and then drive to get some food.   It was a hard workout and of course I was starving!  Well we arrive to his Jeep and surprise, his vehicle had been vandalized and the passenger window was shattered.  They also stole an expensive backpack, textbooks, phone charger, an old school TI 83 calculator...pretty awful all around.

It takes around 45 minutes to clean up all the glass and to contact the insurance company.  During the clean up phase, I had placed my remote to my 4 Runner on top of his Jeep.  My logic at this moment was that it was glass free and it would be safe there.  Well, turns out not so much...

Off we go in his Jeep, now without a passenger window, to get my 4 Runner.  As we approach my vehicle, I realize I am without my remote.  We start to check the Jeep, no luck.   I check my running pockets, no luck. Then suddenly I yell "I left it on top of your Jeep!"

We drive back to the scene of the crime and no remote to be found.  I see something about 500 feet ahead of myself in the cross street...it is my remote in pieces.  Now driving back to my 4 Runner, hungry, cold, and praying I am not locked out of my vehicle.  After a couple of attempts, the remote works (when held together).

I used my "broken" remote for a few weeks, then had it replaced for under 200 dollars.  An expensive lesson to learn, but definitely a running memory I won't forget!

I will be at BON this Tuesday October 2nd, inside the Rice Village, promoting Team CanCare and looking for more runners to join Run for a Reason starting at 5:30 PM.  I hope to see you there!

Cheers!

Lauren

Phase 1

It is now almost fall, or getting closer to that, which means better running weather is in sight!  I am now in the "Phase 1" of my marathon training which focuses on building endurance, strength, and building a solid foundation to prevent injury.  Thanks to my amazing racing group through Brian O'Neill's, I am feeling close to my pre-rehab self!

I will soon post the link to my Run for a Reason page, running again this year to support Team CanCare
in the 2013 Chevron Houston Marathon. 

Ready for a run?!?

-Lauren

Marathon 2013!

Guess who is going to be running in the Chevron Houston Marathon on 01/13/13?  This Aggie right here!

I have been "officially" cleared to start running again, every other day for the next few weeks.  My goal is to run 11 miles total this week, without pain.  My runs have been going well, despite fatigue, humidity, and heat...but this is Houston, TX!

I plan to participate in the Run for a Reason program representing CanCare again this year.  It was a wonderful experience last year and I plan to kick my 2012 marathon PR in the dust!  My marathon training starts July 31st with the BON Racing Club.  I am pumped! 

Give me a "howdy" if you see me at Memorial or Rice Loop.  I will be the girl with the incredibly cheesy smile, running as fast as my long legs will go!

-Lauren

Waiting...

Well it has been a while since I have posted to my blog.  I have been in" running rehab", strengthening my right leg and back.  I have not been to a physical therapy session in almost one month due to vacation and scheduling issues, so this Friday can not come soon enough.

I am having a "reeval" with my physical therapist where I will admit doing "trial" runs over the past month.
I know that sounds extremely stubborn and possibly foolish behavior, but I have been without pain and feel really good.  Very slow and not like my pre-marathon self, but good overall. :)

So please keep your fingers crossed for good news on Friday!  I am ready to start training to complete in the 2013 Chevron Houston Marathon!


Cheers!

Lauren 

6 to 8 weeks

Today I finally went to have an physical therapist evaluate my Right foot.  I am still having "burning" pain in my Right foot and have not run in almost 3 weeks.  I have been diagnosed with lateral peroneal tendon weakness and peroneal nerve compression, with recovery time of 6 to 8 weeks.

While I know time does fly, this has been a little hard to swallow.  For now the exercise schedule is yoga 1X/week and upright bike 30 min/every other day.  This is huge downgrade from my normal life but I am trying to see this as an opportunity to broaden my interests. 

So for now, no running and time to heal.  They say April showers bring May flowers, bringing new life into the world.  I am trying to apply this to my current situation at this time.  Time to be patient and focus on recovery. :)

Take care everyone!

-Lauren

Patience is a virtue...

They say patience is a virtue, something I tend to lack when it comes to listening to my body when injured.  It has been almost 1 week without running, just focusing on yoga and circuit training with weights.  My right foot has been "tingling" and "burning" on and off since the Austin 1/ 2 marathon in February.  I completed a steroid pack last week with little relief. 

Next step is going back to my primary physician and seeing what step to take next.  I am still planning on running in the 10K race on the 28th this month, but I know that not being patient and pushing may cause more damage.  I would appreciate happy thoughts and prayers that my foot starts to heal! :)

In the meantime, come and join me in yoga!  I am becoming a regular again at Blue Tree Yoga off Spring Street studios,  http://www.bluetreeyoga.com/ . It is a new/old challenge and has kept up my spirits without my endorphin rush from running.  I hope everyone is doing well and have a blessed Easter Sunday!

-Lauren

Ready to run!

New race planned...Conns Green 6.2, April 28th!

This past week I ran the Shamrock Shuffle, an unofficial timed 5k.  It was just the run I needed with rain, mud and I achieved my best 5k time -- 24:41!

Once rodeo season is over this Sunday, it's time to focus back on running, yoga, and getting outdoors more to enjoy this beautiful weather! :)

Hope everyone is doing well!

-Lauren

New Year, new start

Every year, I set a resolution.  Sometimes I accomplish them but like most I forget and move on.  I am not setting a resolution for 2012 but I am finally letting go of what I thought my life would be.  Where I would live, who I would marry, and what age I would be when I had my beautiful little ones.  I run to give myself time to process events in my life, often trying to solve problems I am facing. 

This year, I am giving God control of my life and whatever is occuring at that moment.  Time to embrace that life isn't turning out like I planned, but maybe that is a blessing in disguse.  I am not afraid to tell someone I love them anymore...it has only taken me 29 years and 10 months to get there!

Austin half marathon is next Sunday.  My focus for this race is my future and new found peace that God is fully in charge.

Whoop!

Love,
Lauren

Chevron Houston Marathon done; Austin Half Marathon up next!

 The day has come and passed!  I completed my first of many marathons on Sunday, January 15th, 2012 at a time of 4:37:29.  One of the most challenging but enjoyable days I have experienced in my short 29 years.  I can not express my gratitude to the family and friends that were able to come and cheer me on.  It really helped to keep me running and I loved giving sweaty hugs along the way!

I have to say a special thank you to Tim, for running the race with me and making it fun.  You have been one of my best friends for almost 8 years; always there for an challenging adventure and ready to support me along the way.  I can not wait to see you complete an IRONMAN!!

Next up is the 2012 Austin Half Marathon, in almost one month.  This means hill training and speed work once I am recovered, hopefully in a week.  I am going to try to break my PR for a half marathon.  Let's see what happens!

Love,
Lauren

http://www2.brightroom.com/92378
If you click here and type in my last name, you can see my race pictures from the marathon!

Tick tick

The marathon ticker now says" 4 days, 8 hours, 6 minutes."  4 days to complete some easy tempo runs, hydrate, carb load, plan song mix, finish race gear, and get some extra rest somewhere in the middle.

This week I will also receive something near and dear to my heart:  HLSR Rodeo Committee Badge!
The SCC committee events for myself start February 17th, just days before the Austin Half Marathon.

4 days, 8 hours, 0 minutes!!!!

Love,

Lauren 

Welcome 2012!

Happy New Years everyone!

It is now 2012: the year I will turn 30; travel to Miami; travel to NY; set a new PR for a half marathon; increase my expertise in treating pediatrics; and run my first marathon!!

I completed my last very long run this past Friday; a grueling 20 miler.  I realized I need electrolyte replacement around mile 16 and the power of pacing my mileage.  Thanks to my wonderful parents, I finally have a Garmin and feel even more excited every time I run.  I have been told I love to plan and sometimes control things, so this is my perfect match!

It is 10 days till the race tomorrow.  It is hard to believe time has flown by.  My life is much different than when I started this blog, but I am so happy things have fallen into place as they have.

Cheers to another wonderful year and to you!!

-Lauren