Race Day inspiration

 Air Force Marathon 

September 21, 2013

My heart wasn't into this marathon before race day.  For some reason I was really dreading this race and driving to Dayton, Ohio.  If my cousin Diana wasn't running this race I probably would have skipped this race all together.  I don't really know why I wasn't excited about this race but I do know that all changed race morning. 

There is just something about being at the starting line of a marathon that truly inspires me.  The starting line at Air Force was no different! I could feel the excitement, the fear and the joy of all the runners around me.  Some had a look of uncertainty on their face while others you could see the finish line in their eyes. 

The starting line is one reason why I keep coming back each year but the main reason I love racing so much is the people.  Every single runner in a marathon has a story which will be shared to others on race day.  Strangers sharing their stories to each other about why and how they became a runner.  If you listen you can hear millions of stories being told to other runners on the course.  Some will break your heart while others will leave you with the brightest smile on your face.

As I ran listening to these stories I was reminded why the marathon is so special to me.  Not one runner is the same.. there is the every day runners, the crazy runners, the inspiring runners, the just want to finish runners and the runners who run for others.  If you go home from a marathon with no inspiration then you certainly did not talk to the runners there.

I was able to run along side of a blind man, a man running with a flag, a women who was fighting cancer, maniacs and a lot first time runners.  I wasn't excited about this race but every step I took I couldn't help but be inspired by everyone around me.  It fills my heart with so much hope that their really is good in the world.   Hope that will continue to live in me until my next race...

If you been thinking about running a race or you been looking for some awesome inspiration then head to the next marathon in your area.  Don't just stay till the top athletics finish...stay till the very end till every single runner crosses that line.  Those runners in the back will give you the best inspiration and normally have the best stories.  You will see tears, blood and mostly smiles.  The marathon is something that will change you.... even if you are someone that just watches!

Race recap will be up later this week

Just one step

The decision to run a marathon is not an easy one.  In fact, many people dream of the marathon but never make their dream reality.  Those people focus on how many miles it takes to get to the finish line.  I understand the journey to the finish line is a very long one but it is a journey that will change you. 

A marathon runner doesn't think about all the miles that need to be completed.  A marathon runner thinks about every single step along the journey.  If you think about it a marathon runner run thousands upon thousands steps.  The only step that truly matters is this one, the one that starts your run...the first step. 

The first step is always the most important to a marathon runner.  Actually, the first step is important to every person out there.  The first step away from a bad relationship, a bad job and the first step into rehab.  All hard but all get you to a better happier place. 

There is no need to look ahead to the end result because what matters is that single step you take to get you moving towards a new life.  Every single one of us have it in us to take that first step.  It is our decision to take it or remain sitting down.

What is your first step going to be??

2 days before my 4th Marathon

After all the wonderful races I have completed I still find myself in the "happy to finish category." It doesn't matter to me if I get first place, beat my friend or get dead last.  I am not there to win prices.  For me there is no finish line because the race that I race is one that goes on forever.  It is my lifestyle not a race to the finish line.  If I finish with a smile on my face, no bloody toes and have the desire to do it again I feel like I won in my book.

That is what makes this sport so great!   Every single racer has different goals, different demons to beat up and different finish lines.  We all understand each other because we're all in the same club.  When you line up at a starting line you notice that these racers are all one; a family sort of speak.  No racer is alike. We all look different. Some are old, while others are young.  There are men, women, different races and different shapes and sizes.  We are all different yet we are all the same.

Every time I go into a marathon I think about the training.  No training is the same, some runs are easy while other feel like they could kill me.  The Air Force training has been the hardest training for me so far.  I did it alone, with an injury and I ran with a lot of demons on my shoulders.  I find myself doubting myself two days before the race, as well as having anxiety about not knowing the outcome. 

I know Saturday will not be easy for many different reasons.  I am still dealing with a nagging Achilles injury, have a lot of negative things going on in my life and not to mention I know this will be my last long run for 6 weeks due to a surgery.  So when I cross that finish line on Saturday I will be in the "Happy to finish category."  I am very excited to line up with my family on race day.  As I look around I am going to remember why I do this and why I will continue to do this! 

Send positive thoughts my way :)

Beachbody Reset-Round 2

I haven't felt great in over a month.  I usually have amazing energy and a zest for life but the last month has been a real struggle both physically and mentally.  I know I have pushed my body with this marathon training but I can tell that there is something else going on.  How do I know? Because I am starting to really listen to my body's warning signs.

This is why I have decided to do the Beachbody Reset again.  I loved how I felt the first round :) so I guess I am longing for that feeling again.  I did lose 15 pounds round one but round one wasn't about how much weight can I drop it was about taking time off of working out.  See I am addicted to working out.. NOT food.  It felt amazing taking 21 days off of training!!!

So what did I learn round one??

I learned that my body doesn't process caffeine..both soda and green tea gives me instant headaches.  I also learned that I don't get a lot of veggies in.  During the reset realized that I was really tired..LIKE really tired.  Before the reset I was training for the Goofy; so I felt that my tiredness came from that.  However, on day 30 I was still exhausted.  This is when I found out I had a thyroid issue.. I can thank the Reset for finding that out.

Round one was about taking some time off working out not about the food.  So on day 22, I basically went back to my old eating habits.  I had a huge dessert, wine and meat all on day 22.  So I never knew exactly if my body was having reactions to the items I removed from my diet on those 21 days. 

Why Round 2?

I am tired, emotional and just in need of a whole body reset.  I been waking up with muscle pains every single night which I feel isn't normal.  My fingers ache and I just feel bloated...so round two is about taking time off training again but it is more about finding out which foods don't work for me.   So on day 22, I plan on slowly adding in foods not all at once like first round.

I plan on documenting the whole process.  I plan on going to the doctor, vlogging and recording everything.  I think this process is something everyone should do! It makes you feel like a different person and everything in life seems clearer!

Email me if you want more information. :) katmorgan2004@yahoo.com

Mission I'mPOSSIBLE: Wordless Wednesday

Mission I'mPOSSIBLE: Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Changing things up..

I love working out but lately I been kind of dreading it.  I don't know why I am feeling the workout blues.  I just know that I need to change things up to continue to see success and to throw those blues away.  My friend Sandy from PNP land asked me to join her in a Body Pump class this week.  Of course I couldn't turn down a fun workout with a friend. 

Body Pump is such a fast fat burning class.  In 40 minutes this morning I was able to burn 322 calories.  Get this.. the weight wasn't even heavy but it felt like I was lifting a million pounds.  It for sure is the change that I needed this week because it wasn't a JOB to get my workout in.  

So I have decided to add Body Pump in my schedule 2-3 times a week. I know my marathon is coming up.. so I will probably only lift body weight when it comes to squats and lunges.  I have yet to decide on what to do about that.  I will be mixing up the Body Pump workouts at home and at the gym. 

If you didn't know Beachbody has a Body Pump series that you can do at home! I love this series and the music that comes along with it! A must have if you hate going to the gym! Les Mills is the perfect addition to any home gym! 

 

Have you ever tried a Body Pump class? If so did you like it?