Gearing Up Monday, Aug 24 2009 

So it’s been two long weeks since my last run.  Where does the time go to where I can’t find time to run?  Oh yeah, I work 60 hours a week and have about a million other obligations in my life.  So last night I made a vow that I will run 3-5 times a week, no matter what it takes.  At first I thought the solution to all my problems of fitting my run into my hectic day was to wake up at 4:30 am and hit the pavement running.  However, as my wonderful iPhone started singing to me this morning, I couldn’t drag myself out of my warm, cozy bed.  I love to run, don’t get me wrong but I don’t know if I love it enough to waste precious sleep in the morning.  I would love to jump start my day with bounding out of bed at 4:30 for a good 3-6 mile run but I just can’t seem to get my body to cooperate with what my head wants to do.  Does anyone have a solution to this little problem of mine??  I know there are a million of you avid runners out there so I need to hear some advice!!  I am completely determined to make time to get my 3-5 runs in a week.  Hardcore 16 week training starts in December for the marathon but I’m wanting to go ahead and build up to half-marathon runs by then so I gotta step on it.  Literally.  So please, any advice to fitting my runs into my day would be greatly appreciated….  keep in mind that you’re trying to fit this run in with a nurse’s 7a-7p, 5 day a week, schedule.  I’ll be writing again soon.  Until next time.

Finally Sunday, Aug 9 2009 

So here I am, over a month later from my first blog post. I finally ran for the first time since my bike accident a month ago. For those of whom I don’t yet know and whom don’t yet know me, you can read about my bicycle accident here for a game of catch up. Back to what I was saying… I laced up my New Balance’s and hit the pavement tonight. I set high expectations for myself to run 3 miles off the bat after having rested my left knee and ankle for so long. Well I didn’t quite make my 3 mile goal but I did make it 2.5! I can’t beat myself up about it considering I’ve taken a month off, it was bloody hott outside and I ran immediately after eating dinnner (not the best idea). So I’m officially back in the game with training! I’m so grateful for amazing friends to run alongside me, pushing me to keep going. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

“jimmy go fasters” Saturday, Aug 1 2009 

I purchased a new pair of running shoes today! My boyfriend jokingly calls them my “jimmy go fasters” and I hope he is right. Swag’s had their annual sale, so I decided to stop in. If you are in the market for new shoes, or have a difficult time finding shoes I highly recommend a visit to Swag. I got the Saucony Omni- I can’t wait to try them out tomorrow after work. Please stay tuned for a post on the new shoes.

inside vs. the great outdoors Monday, Jul 20 2009 

I woke up with a tickle in my throat a few days ago, and have been battling that while running. Today I decided to run on the treadmill and save myself from the humidity and pollen. I never realized how much easier it is to run on the treadmill. I used the incline to act as small hills throughout my run, but still felt myself running longer and easier.  This week I will plan to focus more on my pace and breathing while I run.. outside!

It is so hot out! Monday, Jul 20 2009 

I have almost gotten through the first week of training, and it is very hot out! I have run a total of 9 miles this week so far. I find myself people watching as I am running, and you would not believe what people come out of the house wearing!

Beginners Luck Tuesday, Jul 14 2009 

Hello friends! I just finished my first official running day for this long and exciting journey. I must say it felt exhilarating. New to running, and new to blogging I am looking forward to the committment we have made! The run went well. I will be alternating walking and jogging for the first few weeks, following a 5k training schedule.

I am what you would call a ‘Louisvillian’ I guess, having been born and raised in the area. I recently graduated from Bellarmine University with my BSN and was fortunate enough to land my dream job right out of school. I am currently living with my parents as I secure my new adult life and save money for the future.

I spent much of my life studying classical ballet and have always been somewhat active. Running a marathon was a goal I set for myself many years ago and I am thrilled to share this desire with so many wonderful girls! Wish us luck as we embark on this life changing experience :)

Hello world! Sunday, Jul 12 2009 

Hello World is right!  I cannot describe the excitement I feel over starting this marathon training journey.  And I’m doubly blessed because I am doing it with some fabulous friends to help keep me accountable.  But anyway… let me start from the beginning.

I’m Lauren and I’ve lived in Louisville for going on 2 years now.  I have been blissfully married to my husband, Chad, for 3 years and we have two kittie children named Ollie and Nattie.  No human babies of our own yet.  We are part of Sojourn Community Church, love Jesus Christ and want to live everyday for Him.  I have always been a regular at the gym but I’ve not gotten into long distance running until the last two years.  After we moved to Louisville I took a break from running and just got back into it this last winter. 

I’ve always dreamt of finishing a marathon so I snatched up the chance to have some of my girlfriends and I run alongside each other.  You’ll find that we have one large thing in common… we are all nurses… labor and delivery nurses at that.  I’m sure you’ll hear gripes and groans in these blogs about having to get our runs in before or after work.  So bear with us as we get this blog on the up and up. 

 Since we live in the city for the home of the infamous Kentucky Derby we thought it best if we made our first completed marathon to be Derby City Marathon April 24, 2010!  We plan on running in numerous 5K, 10K, and half’s before then so stay tuned!  I promise we’ll try and make it exciting!