Running for Anna

On December 12, 2010 our family was devastated by the loss of my niece, Anna Rogotzke, on her fourth birthday, to a rare cancer called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. On December 4, 2011, I ran in the California International Marathon to raise money for the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative, a leader in the fight against sarcomas. This blog is created to update those interested in my journey and progress as I train for this event and events thereafter.

....And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Things I Love Right Now (about running)

I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted last!  I'm constantly thinking of things I can write about, but the time always seems to get away from me. 

Generally speaking things are going well with running.  On Friday, I finally bit the bullet and signed up for this:

American River Parkway Half Marathon
I'm glad to have something to train for again.  I generally have a little more motivation if I'm working towards something.  There have been a lot of races I've wanted to sign up for, but there aren't many in my area.  So, running a race means paying the entry fee, gas to get there, and, usually, a hotel the night before.  That gets pretty expensive!  This one is just a couple hours away, and the entry fee isn't totally outrageous.  (I was thinking about signing up for the R&R San Diego half-marathon if my husband participates in the full again this year...$135...for the half!!  I.don't.think.so.) 

I also continue to work on "speed" and core exercises, and see some improvement in both of those areas.  My IT band has not been an issue, although I've felt some left-hip discomfort which comes and goes (that's always been an issue with me). 

Anyway, you're probably wondering what any of this has to do with the title of the post.  Not much!  Just wanted to give a little update for those who are interested.  :)

Everybody has their go-to gear, nutrition, etc., when it comes to running.  Mine seem to change as time goes on.  Right now - when it comes to running - I am LOVING these things:

Nite Beams... A few months ago, I won an arm band and a leg band in a giveaway hosted by Jamoosh.  I am in love with these things.  I have been looking for a good way for people to see me in the early mornings for quite awhile.  I used to run with a headlamp, and that was just awful.  After one unfortunate incident, when the headlamp slipped down and slammed into the bridge of my nose, I was done with that.  These just wrap around your arm or leg and you're good to go.  They don't irritate my skin and, after awhile, I don't even feel like they're there.  You can set them to glow continuously or to flash on and off.  They not only help you be seen, but they're bright enough to illuminate dark roads, as well.

Iron Girl Fitted D sunglasses
From Allied Medal Displays
Wrist ID Sport

The items in the above pictures are items I won all at the same time in a giveaway hosted by April in November (yes, I was pretty lucky in giveaways for awhile). 

The Road ID and the medal display are items I've been wanting for quite awhile, but never quite was able to pull the trigger as to spending the money.  I was close with the Road ID, because, yes, I get that it's for safety and all.  But the medal display...well let's be honest...I don't think it'll be jam packed with medals or anything. 

In fact, this is what mine looks like right now.
The two on the right are actually my husband's
Hopefully, we can fill that up a little bit more.  :)

 The Running Chics shirt is sooo comfy, and I've worn that a few times.  The sunglasses I wear every Saturday on my long run, and I love them.  Every other pair of sunglasses I've bought steam up when I start to sweat (so...immediately).  These don't and they are very comfortable.  I haven't tried the short sleeve shirt from Balancing Act, yet, because it hasn't been warm enough, but it looks really cute and comfy, as well. 

And, then, of course the trusty sidekicks I don't think I'll ever replace!
CW-X Stabilyx 3/4 tights
Garmin 305
Under Armour Cold Gear Compression Mock...this is all I need all the way down to 20 degrees.  Anything colder, I just add a light long-sleeve shirt, and I'm good! 
The last thing I'm totally loving right now is this Scheels commercial.

So motivating!

One other thing I wanted to share...on Monday, I actually ran at sunset!!  Normally, once I get home from work and eat dinner, I'm DONE!  But, I didn't get my run done in the morning, and I was feeling like getting outside.  It was actually a pretty great run!  And, you can't beat being able to see where you're going and getting sunset pictures. 



24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  (1 Cor. 9: 24-25)

9 comments:

  1. Yay for signing up for a race! I always feel more motivated if I have a race in front of me...but I totally hear you on how expensive it gets if they're not enough local races!

    Love that Scheel's ad :)

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  2. Yikes. That's a lot of money for a race. Yay for putting one on the schedule!

    Nite beams sound like something I should try! I love your last photo. :)

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  3. Oh, you'll get more medals! :^)

    It is nice to change up the time of day you run, isn't it? That said, I always fear if I don't stick to my morning time, it won't happen....

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  4. i finally just got a roadid and am in love with it!!!! i am so excited you signed up for another race! i am definitely more motivated when i have something to train for!

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  5. Just found your blog - awesome!!! I love the nite beams - I usually run after work (lots of sunset runs for me) and wear one of my daughter's flashing wristwatches - these look much better!

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  6. Glad you are rockin' the Nite Beams!

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  7. What a great group of products, especially to win!

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  8. I love the Nite Beams. I'm going to check them out!

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  9. she's alive!!! haha...just kidding! but so happy to see u back in bloggy world and u have TONS of reasons to be loving all things running! good luck on that race and i'm so happy to read u're doing the speed work and core work as it's super important and will really help u as a runner. and SWEET u just got a Road ID, i got one too and coincidently am doing a giveaway for one now...lol. keep up the great running and also glad that IT band is healed up!

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