I bleed Maize and Blue

It's before 9am on a Sunday and I'm writing a blog. This is a bit unusual for me, since I'm typically not up at 8am on Sunday unless: 1) I'm scheduled to run or 2) I have someone I need to be. Neither of those things pertain today (though I do need to run at some point).

Anyway, my sleep was kind of crappy last night and I woke up early this morning to find a status update on Facebook that in some ways makes me giggle and in some ways just angers me.

So here I am, writing this blog. It's about sportsmanship and my beloved Michigan Wolverines.

Disclaimer (for those of you that will be quick to point out that I'm a "Walmart Wolverine" based on the school that shows up first on  my Facebook profile):

Oh wait, here's another disclaimer: I really only "dislike" two schools in the NCAA: Notre Dame and Ohio State. I cheer for MSU when they aren't playing Michigan and especially when they're playing either of the above two teams. 

Now that that's out of the way, here we go.

By my account, I have more than one Facebook friend that is an MSU fan. Many of them are quite congenial, but there are some that just insist that anyone who didn't go to UM and cheers for them is a "Walmart Wolverine".

I get it. There are people that just randomly pick a team to like and go with it. But guess what? That's their choice? If they choose to like MSU but didn't go there, are they a "Walmart Spartan"? No, because that's ok - fans are fans! Do you think EVERYONE in Spartan Stadium on Game Day went there? (This applies to other schools also.) I sure hope not!

By their definition, my dad, mom and brother would be considered Walmart Wolverines. Never mind that my dad had the dream to play college football at UM and that ended when his knee blew out late in his HS career. Never mind that a sister or daughter was the first in the family to graduate with a college degree from the school that she knew she was going to and worked her ass off to get into since birth.

By their definition, another friend who has a legacy in her family at UM, but chose to attend another school for her own reasons (she got into UM, FYI) is a Walmart Wolverine.

By their definition, yet another friend who applied to UM, got in, but hit a hurdle and couldn't afford to go there is a Walmart Wolverine.

Are there UM fans that are obnoxious? Sure. But there are plenty of obnoxious fans no matter which school you go to. And in my experience, I have seen some pretty rude and obnoxious MSU fans in my time in Lansing (which is going on 8 years or so).

So, for those of you that insist on always making comments about that "other in-state school", take some pride in your home team and cheer for them without tearing others down. When all the schools in Michigan do well, WE all do well.

I will ALWAYS bleed Maize and Blue. My team is my team and I love them regardless of their record. 

It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine!

I am a champion...

“And you’re gonna hear me roar…”

OK, I admit it. I own a lot of Katy Perry music. It’s like the one time someone asked me if I was a closet Journey fan, and I replied “there’s no closet about it!”

Though you’re probably wondering why I’m writing about Katy Perry. I bought two new songs the other day to add to my running playlist – “Roar” by Katy Perry and “Applause” by Lady Gaga. They've both been in my head recently.

When I had my really crappy run on Sunday, “Roar” came on at about the 6.5 mile mark. For some reason, it was the right song for the time, because I was heading down a hill and I actually had a good section of running. I was singing, but there wasn't anyone around to hear (thank goodness).

The song is relevant to me right now, similar to how “Wide Awake” was relevant for a good stretch of time at the end of last year and beginning of this year. Right now, I’m in the midst of what I might consider a re-emergence. I've laid low a lot of this year and focused on my running, school, my apartment and my dog. I've spent a lot less money on gas, and gotten rid of a TON of stuff.

But in recent weeks, I’ve started leaving my shell. Part of that is due to feeling much better after talking to my doctor and getting a good dose of vitamin B12 (yay, shots!) to solve my fatigue issues. Part of that is that I’ve missed the people that matter to me.

But I think most of it is that I’ve decided it’s time to be me and not worry about what other people think of me. Over the last year, I found out a lot about who my friends are and who just wants to cause trouble and perpetuate drama. My friends are the ones that deserve my time and attention, along with the causes that I care about. Between those things and running, school, etc., I don’t have time to deal with the negativity and bullshit that others seem to keep focusing on.

It might be that I turn 33 soon and have learned quite a bit on the journey here. It might be that I’ve figured out if people have nothing better to do than talk crap about me when I’m not even there, that’s their problem, not mine.

What I can control is what I do. And I’m going to enjoy my life, doing the things that I like to do, use the word “no” more and not let others define me.

"I’ve got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire, ‘cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar…”

Out of the comfort zone

"Do one thing every day that scares you." - Eleanor Roosevelt

I've been up since about 4:15 this morning. This seems odd, considering it's a day off and sleeping in seems like a good idea. But, I was here:

In the last 26 hours, I've been to the Upper Peninsula TWICE (that's more than normal for a year). In the last two weeks, I've been to Gaylord or north three times. Whew!

Last year, I heard there was a Bridge Run. It was too late by that time for me to try to get into it and so I decided to pay attention for he 2013 run. So, back in the spring, my friend Dave and I signed up for the lottery. They choose 500 runners from everyone who enters the lottery.

The good news: I was chosen. The bad news: Dave was not. And we found out while basically sitting across from each other. Once I got the email, I had a couple of weeks to accept the invite, and I kept waffling on it. I didn't want to go by myself. I felt bad that I made it. I didn't want to pay the entire hotel expense (ugh, holiday weekend + tourist town = super high rate).

In the end, I sucked it up, turned in my form and check and made a hotel reservation. After that, I didn't think much about it until this last week.

When I was coming back to the Lower Peninsula last week, I was scoping out the Bridge and it's incline. Oof. Since then, it's been a cause of anxiety for me. I was already worried about running the entire length of the Bridge (one of the rules was no stopping and must run the whole thing). I still run/walk. I was going to try to run as much as possible and hope I wasn't last.

I scoped out the incline again last night when I was coming back from St. Ignace and started to freak out again. Now, mind you, it wasn't the height of the bridge, or the water underneath (though I can't swim, so you'd think I might freak out about that).

This morning, we got on the buses and crossed the Bridge. It was slow, since there were high winds and lots of buses heading across. They dropped us off and we went into the runners area where there were two Port-a-Johns - for 382 runners. Did I mention it was about 58 degrees and high winds next to the water?

So, I got in line for the toilet like a good runner, and froze my butt off there, even with a long sleeve shirt and my capris on (so glad I went that route - almost wore shorts). Shortly after I was done (it was a bit warmer inside the bathroom), they started to get ready to send off the four wheelers that were participating. Just as we started to get ready to go, the Governor and Lt. Governor came over to greet us and help the runners get started.

See, the run is separate from the walk. This was the 10th year of the run, while the walk has been occurring since the 1950s. While the run had 382 runners, the walk had over 40,000 people. 

The wheelers went off, then the state employees, and I ended up being in one of the first three groups (this was important, because it would mean I most likely wouldn't be last). As we were waiting, I was talking to a gentleman and two women next to me. This was his third time participating, and it was the first for most of us. I happened to mention that I wasn't concerned about the Bridge itself, but was freaking out about the incline for the first 2.5 miles. I was then told not to worry about it and the adrenaline would get me through.

Holy crap, who knew? I had the MOST horrible run yesterday. I didn't even finish my entire training distance (9 miles). I could barely breathe and was just SLOW. I was really unhappy afterward and didn't expect much from today's run.

I was wrong. And that incline that I've been freaking out about? It doesn't really seem like you're on much of an incline (even though it looks that way as you approach it). And running the whole thing? Ha! I wasn't the only person out there not running the whole thing! I kept waiting for one of the National Guard soldiers to tell me to get moving when I would stop to take a picture. Luckily, the two women that were nearby me before we started were stopping and taking photos and we had a lot of fun with it.

One thing I also forgot to mention that was freaking me out a little - we weren't allowed to have headphones due to traffic still being on the Bridge. What? I need music! I can't run without it!

LIE. Because this was one of the prettiest runs ever, I had no need for music. I was enjoying the entire length of the Bridge. I saw the sunrise near the Island, saw the beautiful water and waves crashing, stopped on the grates and took photos over the water below and just awed at the fact that I was RUNNING ON THE BRIDGE. 

Why had I freaked out about this? It was so amazing. This is one of the coolest things I have ever done. And when I got done, I couldn't wait to do it again.

This was what I needed today. The view and awe of the fact I was doing something very few have done reminded me to have fun and enjoy the run.

Whether you walk or run, I highly suggest taking part in this Labor Day tradition in the future, if you haven't already. It's an amazingly well run event and I would have no doubt that the experience will stick with you forever.

Until then, here's a preview of the sunrise you may be lucky to see if you're willing to get out there before dawn in the future. Trust me, it's worth it.

You think we need one more?

So, earlier this week, I completed my 40 x 40 list. Or, 41 x 40.

Here it is! Stay tuned for progress...

1.       Run a marathon

2.       Get a passport

3.       Finish master’s degree

4.       Buy a house

5.       Visit Poland

6.       Pay off credit cards

7.       See Paul McCartney in concert

8.       Read “Midnight’s Children”

9.       Visit France

10.   Have living space in order

11.   Visit all presidential libraries

12.   Eat at the Knight Cap

13.   Visit England

14.   Take a do nothing vacation

15.   Visit all Big Ten football stadiums

16.   Scuba diving

17.   See a Broadway play

18.   Ride in a hot air balloon

19.   Sing karaoke at  a bar

20.   Run the Mackinac Bridge

21.   Have 6 months living expenses in savings

22.   Regularly practice yoga

23.   Read 52 books in one year

24.   Go to the Kentucky Derby

25.   Visit Graceland

26.   Learn to meditate

27.   Own a bulldog

28.   Eat sushi in Japan

29.   Take an Alaskan cruise

30.   Raise $10,000 for Team in Training

31.   Visit the DIA

32.   Tour the White House

33.   Go to Mardi Gras

34.   Buy a bike

35.   Learn to write grants

36.   Run the Detroit Half Marathon

37.   Learn to swim

38.   Buy a pair of Manolo Blahnik or Jimmy Choo shoes

39.   Put together my family tree

40.   Read the Bible

41.   Start a charity

A Gift

It's important to remember that each footstrike carries you forward, not backward. And every time you put on your running shoes you are different in some way than you were the day before. - John "The Penguin" Bingham

In the last few weeks, I’ve been working on a “40 things to do by the time I turn 40” list. I finally finished it, and one of the items on there was to raise $10,000 for Team in Training. Let me explain.

I’m trying to get myself back into my training for my half marathon in October. Since my first half, it’s been difficult for me to get back into the swing of things, mostly because school, work and illness have been contributing factors (especially that whole being exhausted thing). It’s been semi-successful – I’ve actually been going to training runs (good) and trying to get up in the morning but failing to do so (bad).

Today, I missed going in the morning, but brought my bag with me, determined to go during lunch time. I put the 2 miles on my training schedule on the treadmill, pushing myself a little bit by keeping the speed up.

And my mind wandered while I was out, prompting this post.

I thought about where I was a year ago, before I had even really heard of Team in Training. I thought back to the beginnings of a dark time for me in September that culminated into a very rough ending to 2012 and a rough beginning to 2013.

I found Team in Training after I’d been running for an entire 7 months or so. When I first talked to Vicki at the national office, I wasn’t sure it was something I wanted to do. We talked about options, which included the Nike Women’s Half in D.C. and the Paris Marathon (yes, that Paris). In the end, the fundraising felt a bit daunting, so I opted for the less expensive race in D.C., with hopes that I’ll one day do the Paris race.

At that point, I was excited and nervous. What the heck had I gotten myself into?

Over time, I ran lots of training miles, raised over $3,700 (minimum was $3,200) and completed a 13.1 mile race in Washington, D.C., where I had never been before. I ended up shaving my head because of a fundraising challenge and donating my hair to be made for wigs for children.

Whoa.

But that wasn’t what I was really thinking about. What drifted into my mind today is how much Team in Training has given me. It was my salvation when I felt cast out and needed to do SOMETHING. It’s a place I can go and feel safe regardless of how slow I am (still slow, that hasn’t changed). It’s given me my health back. It’s taught me that there are more important things in life than being accepted by people.

I received so much by putting in the miles on the pavement, getting up early in the freezing temperatures and dealing with aches and pains. I realize that I need this time for myself to de-stress. It’s given me confidence that I might be able to do a full marathon one of these days. These things got me through a very difficult time in my life and I will be forever grateful for all Team in Training has given me.

The journey has been incredible so far, and I look forward to participating in more races and more TNT events in order to raise $10,000.

Up to 30 x 40

No, I haven't made it to 40 things to do by the time I'm 40 years old. However, I have updated and gotten to 30! I'm still trying to veer away from trips and food things, but we'll see what the final 10 items bring!

1.       Run a marathon

2.       Get a passport

3.       Finish master’s degree

4.       Buy a house

5.       Visit Poland

6.       Pay off credit cards

7.       See Paul McCartney in concert

8.       Read “Midnight’s Children”

9.       Visit France

10.   Have living space in order

11.   Visit all presidential libraries

12.   Eat at the Knight Cap

13.   Visit England

14.   Take a do nothing vacation

15.   Visit all Big Ten football stadiums

16.   Scuba diving

17.   See a Broadway play

18.   Ride in a hot air balloon

19.   Sing karaoke at  a bar

20.   Run the Mackinac Bridge

21.   Have 6 months living expenses in savings

22.   Regularly practice yoga

23.   Read 52 books in one year

24.   Go to the Kentucky Derby

25.   Visit Graceland

26.   Learn to meditate

27.   Own a bulldog

28.   Eat sushi in Japan

29.   Take an Alaskan cruise

30.   Raise $10,000 for Team in Training

Weekend Runner

To the tune of the Phil Collins song "Easy Lover": She's a weekend runner...she laces up when she's not working...

I went out and did about 4.2 miles this morning. I won't even say that I ran them because it was slow. There are factors that I was thinking about while I was out and trying to figure out why my body just didn't seem like it wanted to be there.

First - I haven't run since last Saturday. This is a problem. Partly because of medical crap going on and not carving out the time for it. I'm horrible at getting up in the morning to go run.

The months of June and July are basically a wash for me. I didn't really train, and now I'm trying to get into my training. Next week I have a 6 mile run scheduled and it's freaking me out a bit. It will get done, but it won't be fast by any means.

Most of the last two months, I've basically felt like this:

This hasn't been very helpful during the week, when work and school have been draining me and I don't have the energy to do much else other than sit on the couch or go to bed when I get home. It's much easier on the weekends when running is one of the focal points of the day.

I've been at the doctor more times in the last two months than I'd like to be, trying to figure out what's been going on. It turns out that after having a B12 test, my levels are low (like, 349 when she wants me to be between 600-700). I started taking supplements, but apparently my system won't absorb it in pill form.

What does that mean?

I started giving myself shots on Tuesday. I don't mind them, actually. And the best part? It seems like they're actually working! My body doesn't feel completely exhausted just from getting out of bed and I don't feel the need to take a nap ALL DAY.

In the end, I hope this helps, and gets me back on track with my training - especially during the week, so I'm participating in the entire training!