Who is the Savvy Scribe?

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I am a single mom, a full time student, working to make a better life for my daughter and myself. I am sarcastic and opinionated and refuse to sensor myself. I am a liberal, gun owner, and a sports fanatic.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

One Week Down

 So I have completed my first week of training with Team in Training a group that is raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by training people to compete in endurance events
like the Eugene Marathon.  My personal fundraising goal is $2500 and I'm telling you people, this money will save lives. The money raised for LLS, an organization that funds cancer treatment research.


I've never ran before,


I mean, since high school and shit.  And I've never really enjoyed any running I've tried to do in the time since then because it's usually been sprinting a block or two to catch a bus.  But I've always been fascinated with distance running and the people who do it. I have friends who post about their daily running, their training and competing in marathons and other events. It's incredible to me and I've always wanted to try it. So when I found out about this organization that gives you all the tools and training you need to complete endurance events AND helps save lives I just had to do it. So I signed up.


And I'm hooked.
My first run was rough. I went out with my teammates and coach on an unofficial run a couple Saturdays ago and just couldn't keep up. I couldn't hardly run a whole minute with out having to stop and walk. Coach N pushed me to my limits and it was great, but I thought I was going to die. My lungs were burning, my head pounding and my stomach threatened to reject the mocha I had so unwisely guzzled to get me started that morning.
I didn't die and I didn't puke.  So a couple days later I dug through my closet for some "work-out" clothes, lightweight stretch pants, tied my hair back with an old bandana and headed out the door with my iPod.
I should have planned ahead because my iPod had only enough battery power to play one song before dying.
Determined I slogged on, up and down the quiet streets as the sun set and turned the sky brilliant shades of pink and orange. Jog and walk. Jog and walk. Trying to push myself until it was dark enough that I couldn't make out the deadly cracks in the sidewalk.
It felt GREAT! Lungs burning and soaked in sweat I trudged my aching body upstairs into a hot shower. As soon as I warmed up and dried off I wanted to go out again.  I knew what I had to do to get ready for the next run.


I downloaded a Jog Tracker app for my phone that keeps track of my mileage, average speed, route and approximate calories burned. I compiled a playlist for my iPod of upbeat ballads and peppy tunes to get me into that "zone."
Stay tuned and I'll tell you about my next couple runs. Right now I am stuck at home with the worst cold ever, or what could be a sinus or upper respiratory infection and wishing I could get out there again. I'm really looking forward to spring when I can get out and run before work, starting my days off right. 
To contribute to LLS and my Team in Training project click here. Thanks for your support! 

4 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing your progress. I'm so proud you Brandi. Keep up the good work. Maybe reading your blogs will perhaps motivate me to do something for my cardio well being. Love ya!

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  2. Terri,
    I was very surprised at how quickly I began to enjoy running, considering I'd never done it before. It's a beautiful thing, running at sunset when the town is quieting down and the air is crisp! I love, love, LOVE it!
    And I love you too!

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  3. Well, look at you!

    That is so awesome that you are pushing through the first icky part to the strength and determination that lies on the other side.

    So impressed with you!

    Go!

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  4. Thanks Kris, I'm surprised at how there isn't really an icky part. I just love it already and feel kind of like a junkie. I've been sick and unable to train all week. And I'm jonesin.

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