Me running the Lincoln Half Marathon. Note the enthusiasm.

Now where was I? Oh yea. Running a faster 5k.

That did not happen with my April 5k, but that’s OK (gal pal and partner in adventure Jenn even wrote about it). Now that I’m done with the long distance runs, I can focus more [...]]]>

Me running the Lincoln Half Marathon.
Note the enthusiasm.

Now where was I? Oh yea. Running a faster 5k.

That did not happen with my April 5k, but that’s OK (gal pal and partner in adventure Jenn even wrote about it). Now that I’m done with the long distance runs, I can focus more on increasing my speed in the 5k. But my May 5k looked in jeopardy. I took a week off after the Lincoln Half Marathon to recover because I had pain and bruising in my right foot. I hobbled. I winced. This was skeletal, not muscular, pain and throbbing. Friends and I worried about stress fracture, so I took it easy and didn’t do a damn thing except hit a few al fresco happy hours in beautiful Boulder. It was glorious. I had a whole day without pain this week so I did a light two mile run this evening after work. It was nice.

So nice that I signed up for my next three 5ks of 2012. They are:

May 5k: The sixth and final race of the annual Dash n’ Dine series at the Boulder Reservoir in Boulder County, Colorado.

June 5k: Taste of Louisville 5k in Louisville, Colorado —> gal pal and newbie runner Alissa is running this! I cannot wait.

July 5k: Brownville Freedom Run in Brownville, Nebraska —> longtime pal and Kid godfather Neal is rumored to be running this! Repeat: I cannot wait.

The warm weather running is going to be tricky. Any advice?

News flash: I finished my first half marathon. See my results here.

The Lincoln Marathon/Half Marathon is an amazing event. College friends who have run it for years have always said that. Now I know it, too. And maybe it’s like any ole half marathon/marathon, but it is my first one so of [...]]]>

News flash: I finished my first half marathon. See my results here.

The Lincoln Marathon/Half Marathon is an amazing event. College friends who have run it for years have always said that. Now I know it, too. And maybe it’s like any ole half marathon/marathon, but it is my first one so of course it feels incredible special and one-of-a-kind.

First, Lincoln is a relatively flat city. The route is scenic, weaving through downtown and older neighborhoods (well, at least for the first 13 miles) before you finish at the 50-yard line in Memorial Stadium (where you kind of feel like a rockstar. A sweaty, exhausted, nearly crippled rockstar.) Then a nice stranger puts a medal around your neck and more nice strangers offer you muffins, chocolate milk, Gatorade, bananas and even massages.

And then there are the strangers who were cheering for runners and walkers along the whole 13 miles. No lie. I was so incredibly humbled that folks were on the sidewalks rooting for us and encouraging us, shouting our names out thanks to our first names on our running bibs. It’s quite an amazing thing to look someone in the eyes, and you’re totally unknown to you, and they’re shouting “C’mon, MELANIE! You’ve got this! You’re doing awesome!” They made me feel totally awesome. Little kids were holding out their hands hoping for high fives from runners, and by god you bet I ran over when I could. People made signs! And some signs you could tell were last-minute sheet of computer paper and Bic pen productions, while some were more elaborate and hilarious Kinko-quality signs like “Run like you stole something!” and “I like a good pounding – The Pavement.” But strangers made signs because we were out running and they knew we needed a good laugh or the right motivational quip to not stop. Other amazing signs: “Today is some day” and, right before the dreaded hill at Mile 8, “This is the WORST part.”

Also amazing: Official volunteers were handing out water in cups, Gatorade in cups, Gatorade in cups with lids and straws, water in cups with lids and straws, ice in cups. I now ***love*** cups of waters with straws and lids. Strangers were handing out Dixie cups of gummie bears and Skittles as well as orange slices at around Mile 10. People in costumes! People playing live music! People playing air guitar! All for me, the runner!

I started the race feeling the weird sense of calm and purpose. The weather was stormy all morning but cleared right before start time at 7a.m. (mind you, that’s 6a MST). In my mind, I was just going to run and finish. That’s all I had to do. The vibe when you start is very jovial and the crowd is, well, crowded. And here I was, running in the streets of my college town, past my sophomore year dorm, past the Capitol building, past all these landmarks of my time spend in Lincoln. At Mile 5, the party mood evaporated and runners got down to business. I wanted some music, but unfortunately my iPhone was not getting a signal at all and therefore I could not listen to any music via Pandora (Confession: I don’t own any iTunes) so yea thanks for leaving me high and dry, AT&T.

I took this as a blessing in disguise, though, because I would have missed out on all the cheering folks. Those middle miles were work as I tried to find a rhythm physically and mentally. Then the sun came out. And it got hot. And Nebraska is humid. I don’t care what anyone says, running in Colorado’s altitude does not make up for the humidity anywhere else. I literally melt. Before the race, I was given the advice to “power through” the hill at Mile 8, which I was able to do — heck yah! However, there were a series of small hills after that, and that’s when I started to falter. I could feel my sweat crystallizing around my eyes. My right hip was clicking and popping out of its socket. My knees already hurt on a regular basis. At Mile 11 I could see the stadium … and out of my peripheal vision I could also see a woman collapse and being carried off the route by her friend and two rescue personnel. She was incoherent but awake. Did I mention it was hot?

The stadium looked closer that it felt. Running was an eternity. I didn’t feel any oomph until we run under the seats into the stadium and I decided to spring past the five runners in front of me. The clock read 3:00 and change. My heart sank. It took me three HOURS to run this thing?! Then I remembered I started in one of the slower waves, which meant we did not cross the starting lines until approximately 730a. That made me feel a little better. But still. I wanted to run faster. But for now, I was happy to be done running.

My phone died in its pointless pursuit of Pandora, and so I was left to hobble by myself around the stadium not knowing what time it was or where anyone was. I chugged two glasses of water and nursed a very cold delicious bottle of chocolate milk. I sat down to rest on the cool concrete stairs under the bleachers and chatted with a woman who also just ran her first half marathon. I hobbled around and found my friend and The Kid’s godfather Neal and then we found his parents waiting for him outside the stadium. Then I hobbled some more by myself and found my crew, not before seeing one woman collapse on the ground with stomach cramps and another woman stopped to throw up in the grass. Suddenly I felt very happy to be only hobbling around with a clicky hip and stiff knees. After a quick hot shower and warm meal with loved ones, I was back in the car for the eight hour drive to Colorado.

It only took about 30 minutes before I decided I would run the Lincoln half marathon again. It’s taken a week for me to consider running any half marathon. I think it’s because I think I can do better. So I will.

Things I did right for me this time:
- Followed a training plan.
- Wore sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Wore the right running shoes and socks. I only walked away with the smallest of blisters on one toe. I mean, some people lose whole toenails doing these things!
- Ate a light, healthy dinner of simple pasta and veggies
- Drank lots of water the few days before the race.
- Went to bed at 9p the night before and had a relaxing night with family.
- For breakfast, ate a few bites of oatmeal and had half a cup of coffee. My tummy was rumbling by the time we hit the starting line, but I was soon caught up in the race excitement.
- I practiced and ran the race with chews — Honey Stingers Pink Lemonade are amazing. I would pop one in my mouth and let is slowly dissolve as I ran.

Things I hope to do differently next time:
- Run 13 miles before I run a half marathon. I think my body this year was in shock and not happy.
- Run the race/train with a partner. Who knew this lone wolf would benefit from company on a run?
- Create a playlist when I need some Eye of the Tiger and angry rap music to power me through.
- Run with a water bottle because I am a mouth breather who is constantly thirsty, even though the water stations were ample.

And now … back to 5ks. I’m taking this week off and hope to be back to improving my 5k time. Stay tuned.

I remember when I used to be bored sometimes.

This spring, I wasn’t. Ever.

I took a college class. I trained for a half marathon. I made some major relationship decisions. I am buying the ex husband out of the mortgage. Oh yea, and I continued to [...]]]>

I remember when I used to be bored sometimes.

This spring, I wasn’t. Ever.

I took a college class.
I trained for a half marathon.
I made some major relationship decisions.
I am buying the ex husband out of the mortgage.
Oh yea, and I continued to raise The Kid,
run a household by myself,
and work full-time in sometimes very stressful conditions.

I am tired.
I am not doing anything this Mother’s Day.
Except …

Writing a blog about the half marathon.
Taking a nap on Saturday and on Sunday.
Baking pumpkin bread and share it.
Visiting a consignment store.
Planting pumpkins, onions, and wildflowers in the garden.
Calling my mom.

Happy Mother’s Day, yo.
How do you celebrate moms?

]]> http://melsidwell.com/2012/05/09/no-plans-for-mothers-day/feed/ 0 http://melsidwell.com/2012/05/05/just-a-half/ http://melsidwell.com/2012/05/05/just-a-half/#comments Sun, 06 May 2012 01:09:25 +0000 admin http://melsidwell.com/?p=4036

It’s the evening before my first half marathon.

I’m hiding out at my fairy godmother’s house. Finding my moment of zen. Relaxing before running the longest distance I’ve ever run.

I’m truly charmed by all the well wishes and support I’ve received in the last 48 hours. Thank you. The texts, emails, conversations [...]]]>

It’s the evening before my first half marathon.

I’m hiding out at my fairy godmother’s house. Finding my moment of zen. Relaxing before running the longest distance I’ve ever run.

I’m truly charmed by all the well wishes and support I’ve received in the last 48 hours. Thank you. The texts, emails, conversations and advice will stick with me tomorrow. This morning at breakfast I sat with three friends who have run marathons, so I felt a little sheepish that I was running “just a half,” but they said it WAS a big deal. It’s a big deal to me, and I’m happy when people recognize that. The weather is supposed to be humid, hot and possibly even stormy, I hear. I have my running clothes laid out and a belly full of veggies and pasta, and I’m heading to bed here shortly. Wish me luck.

See you at the finish line, yo.

p.s. There is a smartphone app for the Lincoln Marathon/Half Marathon that’s free to download which allows you to track any runner’s (ahem, moi) real-time progress if you are so inclined.

Don’t let the smile fool you. Lies, all lies. I feel more like the woman behind me. Bleck.

The Mud Hen 5k this weekend was a really lovely event. The weather was near perfect – sunny and cool (the previous year it had snowed). [...]]]>

Don’t let the smile fool you.
Lies, all lies.
I feel more like the woman behind me. Bleck.

The Mud Hen 5k this weekend was a really lovely event. The weather was near perfect – sunny and cool (the previous year it had snowed). Friends Jenn and Emily, both of whom have joined me on assorted previous adventures, tagged along and got to meet each other for the first time. Worlds collide! Awesome.

I decided not to run with music this time and focus on my friends and the race. The start of the race was a little chaotic, as hundreds of folks took off through the grass (it felt a little like the Hunger Games, I joked) and there was little space on the sidewalk. McIntosh Lake in Longmont is such a lovely place to run with its expansive views, public art, gravel trails and paved paths behind some pretty elaborate houses.

Mad props to the event organizers who were cheerful, efficient, and fast. I was feeling pretty decent during the run until sometime in the second mile when, I don’t know what!, I just could not catch my breath and my side hurt and my knee ached and I kind of feel apart. Jenn tried to cheer me up and is just a great person to run with even though I was being a whiny little snot lamenting very loudly how much I hated this and was growling and maybe even snarling. And then before I knew it we were done. I knew in my heart I didn’t run faster than my last 5k, which was a bummer but I knew that I still ran a decent time. By the afternoon, I had an email with my results:

- 192nd out of 416 finishers in a time of 30:35 for a pace of 9:51 per mile.
- Out of 244 women, I finished 79th. The winning time for women was 20:34.
- For 30 to 34 year old women, I was 10th out of 28 finishers. The winning time for my age and sex was 23:06.

I kicked myself for taking my sweet time at the water station at mile 2. This whole “training for a half marathon” while “training to run a faster 5k” was not one of my most brilliant ideas, but in a week I’ll have completed my half marathon and get back to the business of the day, which is running 5ks. Confession: My legs are TIRED these days. Still, I’m learning who I am as a runner and continue to be amazed at what my body is capable of.

May 5k: ?????
The Color Run in Denver sold out wicked fast, like two months before. I was very dismayed to see that when I attempted to register in March. Dammit! I signed up for the VIP email list just in case they open it to more runners, but what’s a newbie runner to do? Am considering one of the Dash n’ Dine races, which will take me back to Boulder Resevoir where I ran my first ever 5k ever. Unless there’s another 5k I should consider? Preferably mid May and in Colorado so I can give these legs a rest.

7th annual Mud Hen Run at McIntosh Lake in Longmont

5 Reasons to sign up (according to the website): Great Longs Peak views No traffic worries Run on a closed path Wildlife viewing Peace and tranquility

I love running around McIntosh Lake in Longmont. It was where [...]]]> My April 5k is:

7th annual Mud Hen Run at McIntosh Lake in Longmont

5 Reasons to sign up (according to the website):
Great Longs Peak views
No traffic worries
Run on a closed path
Wildlife viewing
Peace and tranquility

I love running around McIntosh Lake in Longmont. It was where I first experienced that I didn’t outright hate running. The views of the Rockies and Flatirons are magnificent and breathtaking. I always bring visitors here for walks. Last weekend, during The Kid’s First Communion Extravaganza, I ran here with godparents Neal and Cara.

Neal and I are running the half marathon (FGM is walking the half), while superwoman Cara is running the full marathon on May 6 in Lincoln, Nebraska. So we went to McIntosh to train. Neal was a great training partner as we ran 10.27 miles around the lake. We also talked a lot about dating post divorce and how that has been for each of us. We also used this long run to try out gu and chews because I learned that after running 5+ miles I totally bonk. It’s whiney not pretty. Confession: I have not had many great or even good runs since getting into the 5+ mile phase and it has been pretty disheartening. I needed this run with Neal and Cara. I’m learning a lot about what works for me as a runner, which is humbling. I’ve never run that far in my entire life, and I did it, dammit. Which means I can do the half marathon. Boo to the yah.

I’m excited to run a 5k here this weekend. I hope to beat my last 5k time/pace but honestly I don’t know if that will happen. But I will try. I will believe.

p.s. What is a mud hen anyways? Learn here.

The Kid received her First Holy Communion this weekend.

It was really wonderful. Friends and family traveled from out of state to see the little miss partake in the Catholic tradition.

The Kid received an array of gifts, both in person and by mail, from those who love her. We will [...]]]>

The Kid received her First Holy Communion this weekend.

It was really wonderful. Friends and family traveled from out of state to see the little miss partake in the Catholic tradition.

The Kid received an array of gifts, both in person and by mail, from those who love her. We will start on the thank you cards right away. I think she was quite charmed that all this hullabaloo was for her.

I am thankful for the parent volunteers who help teach the religious education classes at our church. I especially love our instructor, she is lovely and patient and firm. Also, a gaggle of girls in white dresses and veils is incredibly precious to see in person. Even if *one* girl AHEM happen to somehow break her veil into two pieces, oh, in the 40 minutes between dropping her off in the church basement and before walking in the church procession.

The Kid wore a dress I bought from … Forever 21. I know, right? The irony. I stopped at the mall last weekend and saw one dress in a fancypants department store that was $100. Well that was not, could not happen. So while being brave and perusing F21 for myself, I picked up a pair of coral sandals for $8 for me and in the girls section, who knew?, I spied a white dress with a black ribbon sash for $17. Buh-bye, black ribbon, hello symbol of purity.

(My dress was a last minute impulse buy from the Longmont Super Target. I paired it with my F21 sandals and some red lipstick, an orange vintage belt and a black cardi. Perhaps a little vampy for church, but it was either this or work clothes. Confession: I am not a planny plannerton, so things like hosting and locating the camera and figuring out what-am-I-going-to-wear and where-will-everyone-sleep just doesn’t cross my mind as essentials. These things just work themselves out in the end.

Godmother Cara and Godfudder Neal attended. These are some of my very best friends from college. They are the perfect people to be The Kid’s Godparents. Cara loves fancy fun clothes, cats, baking cakes, books, and dancing. Cara got The Kid the book “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.” Neal loves swimming pools, fast food, drawing, and Thundercats. Neal got The Kid a DVD of the 1980s cartoon classis Jem.

The Kid loves all of these things, and she loves Cara and Neal.

My godmother FGM also attended. One night she made her hubby’s famous burgers, which included onion, eggs, BBQ sauce, and peanut butter. The next night, after the Mass, we went to Oskar Blues brewery in Longmont. I had the Trustafarian burger with arugula, goat cheese, and honey. Both burgers were culinary adventurous for me and both were suprisingly good. I will be ordering the Trustafarian again soon. (Have you ever had a weird burger like these?)

The Kid requested a cake. A tiger cake for her First Communion. Of course. What doesn’t scream blessed sacrament like a cake shaped like a wild animal? The godparents helped The Kid turn a simple round cake with two cupcakes into this:

It was just a lovely time. I tried to hold on to the good feelings as long as possible. When the last of our guests left today, The Kid said “I hate when visitors leave, especially when they are a part of your family.” Agreed.
What I really liked hearing at the Mass, in an attempt to prevent the parental papparazzi from spilling into the aisles during Mass, was the vocalist’s gentle reminder to the congregation that we were here not for the perfect photo opp but to be present in the moment when simple bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. And whatever your feelings are about JC, I think it was nice, it was needed, to hear and live that task of “being present in the moment” because it does not happen enough.  This weekend had a lot of great moments.

Are you a good host? I hope I was, even though admittedly I was winging it. But I think everyone had a good time, enough food and blankets, and I am so happy they were here.

My First Communion, circa 1987. I have no idea who the girl is next to me. I still have my dress and veil.

This weekend The Kid will receive her First Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. She attends public school, and for the last two years has [...]]]>

My First Communion, circa 1987.
I have no idea who the girl is next to me.
I still have my dress and veil.

This weekend The Kid will receive her First Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. She attends public school, and for the last two years has attended Religious Education classes once a week after school. See, I attended Catholic schools, most of which are shut down now thanks to sex scandals, but I can say that I had a happy experience there as school provided an escape from an uncomfortable, uncertain and sometimes scary home life.

When The Kid began elementary school, it dawned on me that while I couldn’t afford Catholic schooling I’d like her to receive some form of religious foundation. This coming from an imperfect, lapsed, questioning cradle Catholic. The Ex didn’t have any formal religion growing up and was quite critical of it. I remember The Ex scoffing at the silly ritual of baptism, but by God I was going to have my child blessed and protected, just in case. And it’s one of the few things I can pass down to her from my side of the family.

And here we are now, eight years later, entering into another sacrament. Religion is a controversal subject, to believe or not believe and of course what you believe and how that intersects with other people’s beliefs. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, nor do I believe all the rules of organized religion. But I believe in the heart of it, I believe in something (or someone) greater, and I am happy for my daughter.

source

Confession: I had never been to an IKEA until the other day.

IKEA opened up south of Denver last year and I had put off going. It had always been the dream destination of me and my still friendly, now former mother-in-law to go together one day, and then when [...]]]>

source

Confession: I had never been to an IKEA until the other day.

IKEA opened up south of Denver last year and I had put off going. It had always been the dream destination of me and my still friendly, now former mother-in-law to go together one day, and then when it finally opened in Colorado, I emailed her all excitedly about us going and then … I got a very nice but awkward email about how, um, ACTUALLY she was going with her son and his girlfriend so, um … yea. I mean, DUH, of course. Pshaw! Of course she was going with them. Not me. OBVIOUSLY them. Obviously not me. Did I mention it was awkward? I felt embarassed and naive that I was so foolish to even ask. Then I was sad and disappointed because I still wanted to go to IKEA, but I didn’t want to go it alone, but all my best and trusted shopping buddies live in other states. What’s a shopaphobe to do?

Confession: I hate shopping. I have been known to drive the 20 miles to the mall, only to pull into the parking lot and drive right back home, never stepping foot inside. Thrifting doesn’t bother me nor does Target, but malls … man, malls are my worst nightmare. I walk into stores like Sephora and Forever XXII, am immediately accosted by a friendly employee and I want to bail immediately. I often do. No, I do not know why. So here I was, heading to IKEA on a spring Saturday morning with Ginger B, my favorite redheaded fella, to scope out the goods. I prayed that it would be good like everyone says. 

Good news: I lived to tell the tale, and I even came home with some loot. Some observations:

- IKEA reminded me of Vegas. Except instead of slots and tables, there were endless displays of furniture. There are no windows to the outside, it’s a maze inside perfectly designed to gently nudge you along to the next wonderful pretty, there’s food and drink to purchase to sustain you on your journey so you never have to leave, there’s a lot of people — all kinds of people! which is fun for the casual people watcher like myself, and you have no idea what time it is or how long you’ve been in there. Vegas, baby.

- The displays of completed rooms. You could essentially tell IKEA that you want to buy *this* exact room, and they would deliver it to your house and set it up for you. Amazeballs. That alone made me want to run through IKEA and recreate the IKEA scene from 500 Days of Summer.

- I dig the wishlist form and tiny pencils you can walk around with. You write down the name of the items you want on the form and wah-lah! At the end you remember all the stuff you want to buy.

- Lots of pregnant women were at IKEA the day I went. Like a lot. Like enough to make me think a lot about the failure rates of birth control.   

- I was impressed with the functionality of the many, many products I saw. Clever storage options, great design, pretty colors. I kept seeing items that were not only attractive and affordable, but that I could see practical me actually using and liking. Was IKEA making me hate shopping less? Be still my overthinking panicky heart!

What we went home with:

- This bendable chopping board – You have no idea how badly I wanted one. And now I have two.

- This wall clock which is now in my bathroom

- Two of these trash baskets – but now I want two more to be storage under the bathroom sinks

- This fun striped rug - but it’s too big for the spot I wanted to use it and am now figuring out where else in the house it should be. Front entrance?

- This pretty and simple white bed linen set. I imagine lazy summer naps in bed, just below an open window, yes?

I left IKEA exhausted and overwhelmed, but I can say that I liked IKEA. I even look forward to going back. Road trip, anyone? Have you ever been to IKEA? What did you think/like/hate/buy?

p.s. Check out this commerical where IKEA unleashed 100 cats into a store. Meow.

My friends Jenn and Jeremy showed up on my doorstep recently with this potted plant. For me! Wowza. I thanked them and told them I would try my best not to accidentally kill it. I took it to work and put it on a small table in an always awkward spot in my [...]]]>

My friends Jenn and Jeremy showed up on my doorstep recently with this potted plant. For me! Wowza. I thanked them and told them I would try my best not to accidentally kill it. I took it to work and put it on a small table in an always awkward spot in my shared office.

And it was good. This might be better than the potted tree I had on my birthday wishlist. At work I will remember to water this plant at least five days a week, giving it a good chance at survival. The joy this little guy brings to visitors has been very fun to watch. This plant is the kind of thing that I would have never done myself, but I’m so happy someone else did it for me. I am thankful for friends like Jenn and Jeremy.

Has a gift ever pleasantly surprised you? Who are the thoughtful souls in your life?