I've been absolutely horrible about keeping up with the blog over the last 2.5-3 months as I prepare for the Big Sur Half Marathon next weekend. I apologize sincerely. I've been training, but I haven't been good about tracking it online.
I got some new toys for my training, which you think would make it easier. I bought a Nike+ GPS Sportwatch to track my runs and log them online. Unfortunately I got a defective one that stopped connecting to my computer after about 4 runs. It works great on the runs and is really easy to use/read, but if it isn't connecting to my computer so I can log them and see the routes, it's not doing me much good. Nike is sending me a replacement, so hopefully that one will work a little longer. I also got a new Sony Walkman mp3 player. It took a couple of runs to adjust to, but I've started to really like it for longer runs.
On top of those I've been running in a new pair of shoes. I got them when I was home in NC over Labor Day. I went to a running shop with my sister and they watched us run and measured our feet. Then they recommended a set of shoes to choose from. I chose the Brooks Ghost 4. I went from a stability shoe to a neutral shoe and also went from a standard width to a wide. I have absolutely felt the difference.
In my training I've also been mixing in some sprinting/speed work/stairs. It seems to be paying dividends on my mid-distance runs. Hopefully it will make a difference on the 13.1 mile run in Big Sur on Sunday.
My goal is to finish under 1 hour and 55 minute, which is about a 8 minute 45 second per mile pace.
I'm driving up from San Diego on Saturday morning and staying in Monterey on Saturday night. The race is Sunday morning, and I'll also stay there Sunday night so I can enjoy Big Sur for a few hours and also not spend 8 hours in a car after running 13.1 miles.
The 20th was Ryan's due date so the date of the race has meaning. Three days after the race will be her first birthday. I wish I was going to be celebrating these days differently, but I am looking forward to this race. She is always with me and that is never more evident than when I'm running outside, so running along the ocean and cliffs of Big Sur will be amazing.
I am also extremely motivated by my sister Whitney. I can't put in words how proud I am of her. One for her amazing run at the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon, where she easily beat her expected finish. Running a half marathon is something we talked about doing on Thanksgiving Day last year (our first conversation after losing Ryan), and it's something she worked hard to do. I know it meant alot to be out there and to complete the goal.
I am also proud of how she, Rob and Natalie have dealt with all of this with more strength and grace than I can imagine possessing. It is truly inspiring. She has become involved in some wonderful groups, such as Holden Uganda, that do amazing things, and I'm happy to play whatever small part I can to help. I know they have much greater things ahead of them, and I can't wait to see what they will accomplish.
Please check out her blog and the causes she has chosen to help through Running With Ryan. She chose to focus on Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep for her race last month. NILMDTS has professional photographers that donate their time and service to give families portraits and photographs of these children that are taken too soon. In addition to financial donations, if you know photographers, please urge them to volunteer their service to this great cause.
The next post will likely be after the race, so I will let you know how it goes.
Love You Angel Ryan!
November 14, 2011
August 23, 2011
Happy 9 Months Angel
It's hard to believe already 9 months have passed since Ryan left us. So much has happened during that time. There have been some silver linings we have taken from what happened, and I want to write about one of those today.
My sister has met an awesome and strong group that have been and continue to go through the same thing. They mean more to each other than any of us can ever understand. One of those women is Sarah. She and her husband Chet lost their son Holden on August 28, 2010. They, along with some other friends, created the Holden Uganda Foundation to build wells in Uganda that provide fresh drinking water. Each well is dedicated to a baby that left Earth earlier than we would want. Ryan's well is #10 (thanks to a generous and anonymous donation by a single donor.)
Holden Uganda is holding their first 5K Fun Run for Water this Saturday August 27th, 2011 (one day before Holden's first birthday.) Whitney is really excited about the event and has been helping in the organization of it. A Running With Ryan team has been created for the event with the goal to raise enough money to fund one well (the goal is $2246 - twice Ryan's birthday 11/23.)
I have signed up to run the event "remotely" in California as part of the Running With Ryan team. I would like to ask you to make a donation if you can. No amount is too small. $5 donations add up and are very much appreciated. Thank you for anything you can give even if it is just support for the people involved.
Love You Angel Ryan!
June 20, 2011
Finished... Now Back To It
It's been a couple of months since I ran the Rock 'n' Roll half marathon and a little longer than that since I've written an entry for the blog. It seems every time I sit down to write about it the words just aren't there. It was such an amazing experience that I can't find the words to accurately describe how it felt to run that race with Ryan. She was with me the entire distance and definitely motivated me through the tough stretches.
It ended up being a warm and sunny race morning. There were so many runners that it made for a slow and crowded start. I was able to pick up my pace as the miles went along and my race splits started approaching my training times. In the end I finished at 2 hours, 7 minutes and 25 seconds. It was short of my goal, but I am content with it for my first half marathon, especially considering the slow start. Another person using a GPS watch said she actually ran 15 miles due to the zig-zagging around people, so maybe that also played a part.
The training will start back up in earnest soon. I've signed up for another half marathon. I'm really excited about this one. I've been looking at it as a possibility for at least 7 months. I'll be running the Big Sur Half Marathon on November 20, 2011. That is three days before Ryan's 1st birthday, so that adds more meaning to it. I can't wait to give her this birthday gift. The course looks absolutely amazing as it winds along the cliffs of Monteray Bay in Northern California. Once again, I'm asking you to make any donations you can to the charities Whitney has chosen for Running With Ryan. Even better if you would like to participate in a race yourself, please buy a RwR t-shirt to wear and help raise money too.
Thanks everyone for your support leading up to the last race and for all the support I know will be coming for the next one. It means so much.
Love you Angel Ryan!
Waiting in the corral for the race to begin.
It ended up being a warm and sunny race morning. There were so many runners that it made for a slow and crowded start. I was able to pick up my pace as the miles went along and my race splits started approaching my training times. In the end I finished at 2 hours, 7 minutes and 25 seconds. It was short of my goal, but I am content with it for my first half marathon, especially considering the slow start. Another person using a GPS watch said she actually ran 15 miles due to the zig-zagging around people, so maybe that also played a part.
My half marathon medal; pretty cool.
Ginger and me post race. Well done us!
Since the race I haven't been doing the full-on training for another half marathon, but I have continued running among other physical activities. I did run a 5K with the gym at work on my birthday. I finished in the top 10 with a time of 22 minutes and 59 seconds. I couldn't believe that pace after I finished. Crazy fast for me.
Me and other from the Sony running club after the 5K.
The training will start back up in earnest soon. I've signed up for another half marathon. I'm really excited about this one. I've been looking at it as a possibility for at least 7 months. I'll be running the Big Sur Half Marathon on November 20, 2011. That is three days before Ryan's 1st birthday, so that adds more meaning to it. I can't wait to give her this birthday gift. The course looks absolutely amazing as it winds along the cliffs of Monteray Bay in Northern California. Once again, I'm asking you to make any donations you can to the charities Whitney has chosen for Running With Ryan. Even better if you would like to participate in a race yourself, please buy a RwR t-shirt to wear and help raise money too.
Thanks everyone for your support leading up to the last race and for all the support I know will be coming for the next one. It means so much.
Love you Angel Ryan!
May 29, 2011
One Week to Race Day
It's exactly seven days until the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, which I chose as my Running With Ryan half marathon. This has been a decent week for my training, and now I start tapering off to be ready. I got in a little over 16 miles total in running to go along with a couple of days at the gym. I'm on a four-day weekend, including hosting a grill out session on Saturday (smoked two pork shoulders and some bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapenos). The first two days didn't include any running even though they were intended to. I did get in almost six miles today. Running Activity 5.91 mi | RunKeeper I'm ready to have some nice short runs this coming week and will probably have some other activities mixed in (tennis, hiking, etc.).
I'm a little nervous about the race, but I'm also extremely excited to do it. Physically, I'm ready. I know the tough part will be the mental push to finish the full 13.2 miles. Judging from my previous races the adrenalin will be high to start, so I'll need to keep that in check so I have some left in the tank for the last few miles. I know Ryan will be with me for the whole thing, so that will help push through any tough stretches I hit.
I made a donation to Molly Bears in honor of running this race with Ryan. It's a great cause, and I know the Ryan Bear has meant a lot to Whitney, Rob and Natalie. It's awesome knowing that my donation will mean that much to another family going through that pain. If you can, please make a donation to Molly Bears and help a grieving family. If you can make it in honor of Ryan that would mean a lot to our family as well.
Love You Angel Ryan!
I'm a little nervous about the race, but I'm also extremely excited to do it. Physically, I'm ready. I know the tough part will be the mental push to finish the full 13.2 miles. Judging from my previous races the adrenalin will be high to start, so I'll need to keep that in check so I have some left in the tank for the last few miles. I know Ryan will be with me for the whole thing, so that will help push through any tough stretches I hit.
I made a donation to Molly Bears in honor of running this race with Ryan. It's a great cause, and I know the Ryan Bear has meant a lot to Whitney, Rob and Natalie. It's awesome knowing that my donation will mean that much to another family going through that pain. If you can, please make a donation to Molly Bears and help a grieving family. If you can make it in honor of Ryan that would mean a lot to our family as well.
Love You Angel Ryan!
May 23, 2011
Happy Six Months Angel
My sweet niece Angel Ryan. It's so hard to believe that six months have passed since you went to Heaven so much earlier than anyone anticipated. Around this time last year I was flying to Texas and getting to meet you for the first time. You were still only 3 months or so in my sister's belly, but you took part in adventures during that trip. There was a huge traffic jam in Louisiana where you got to experience your Uncle Michael's road rage. There was a crazy lightning and thunder storm as we got into Birmingham, Alabama where we stayed one night. And of course there was the deer that jumped in front of the van just outside of Atlanta.
Once back in NC, I talked your mom into a day trip to one of the most special places in the world to me Chapel Hill so I could get some pictures of you, her and Natalie. I don't think I had to do much convincing though. I was so grateful to get those pictures and became even more so about 6 months later. It was only a few days with you during that trip, but that was a great time I got to spend with you, your mom, older sister and puppy dogs.
Sadly I only got to spend a few more days with you in person after that. In the six months since November 23, 2010 I have enjoyed our runs together more than I can put into words here. I have a feeling you know how special they and you are to me. In 13 days I will do something that I set as a goal back in November as a way to honor you and help other people remember how special you are. I have been training for this half-marathon, and I am ready for it because of you.
Each of the last two Saturdays I've done challenging runs and you've motivated me on those runs. On May 14th I ran in the Cinco de Mayo 10K Trail Run at Lake Poway. It was up and down mountain trails including a huge incline up the mountain around the half-way point and an uphill finish. It was the most physically challenging run of my life, but every time I looked down at my shirt I saw your footprints and name. That pushed me to keep going. This past Saturday I ran twice around the Lake Miramar 5-mile loop to match my longest distance yet. Running Activity 10.01 mi | RunKeeper
On June 5th I'll beat that because I'll be Running With Ryan. Happy six months in Heaven my Sweet Angel.
Please try to donate to one or more of the charities that Whitney has chosen to honor Ryan. Remember to specify that the donation is in honor of Ryan Elizabeth Watts or Running With Ryan so it can be counted towards our goals. Thank you everyone for reading and remembering.
Love You Angel Ryan!
Once back in NC, I talked your mom into a day trip to one of the most special places in the world to me Chapel Hill so I could get some pictures of you, her and Natalie. I don't think I had to do much convincing though. I was so grateful to get those pictures and became even more so about 6 months later. It was only a few days with you during that trip, but that was a great time I got to spend with you, your mom, older sister and puppy dogs.
Sadly I only got to spend a few more days with you in person after that. In the six months since November 23, 2010 I have enjoyed our runs together more than I can put into words here. I have a feeling you know how special they and you are to me. In 13 days I will do something that I set as a goal back in November as a way to honor you and help other people remember how special you are. I have been training for this half-marathon, and I am ready for it because of you.
Each of the last two Saturdays I've done challenging runs and you've motivated me on those runs. On May 14th I ran in the Cinco de Mayo 10K Trail Run at Lake Poway. It was up and down mountain trails including a huge incline up the mountain around the half-way point and an uphill finish. It was the most physically challenging run of my life, but every time I looked down at my shirt I saw your footprints and name. That pushed me to keep going. This past Saturday I ran twice around the Lake Miramar 5-mile loop to match my longest distance yet. Running Activity 10.01 mi | RunKeeper
On June 5th I'll beat that because I'll be Running With Ryan. Happy six months in Heaven my Sweet Angel.
Please try to donate to one or more of the charities that Whitney has chosen to honor Ryan. Remember to specify that the donation is in honor of Ryan Elizabeth Watts or Running With Ryan so it can be counted towards our goals. Thank you everyone for reading and remembering.
Love You Angel Ryan!
May 5, 2011
One More Month
It's exactly one month until the Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon. The training has had its good weeks and its bad weeks, but more good ones than bad. Last week was a bad one because it seemed like I had something to do after work everyday. I got a run in on Sunday, then got to the gym on Monday and Wednesday. I went out to celebrate a friend's law school graduation on Tuesday, so there was no run that day. I did my Thursday morning run club at work and I did a 3 mile walk for the March of Babies with work on Saturday. That was a good time with coworkers and it was for a good cause that has a small relation to Running with Ryan. I wore my RwR shirt and had a few people ask about it, so hopefully it gave us some exposure. Still, only two runs during that week. Not my best effort.
This week has been "better" so far. I planned to run on Sunday, but it was perfect beach weather. I went down to the beach with one of my friends for a few hours then had fish tacos and a beer. No running after that. I came home Monday and got in a 4 mile run along the cliffs despite a tight hamstring making for a slow warm-up. On Tuesday my left leg was still very tight, but I pushed through for a 6 mile run on the cliffs and up the big hill. I switched it up and went to the gym Wednesday with some elliptical machine thrown in.
That brings us to today and one month from the half-marathon. I got up early this morning for my run club at work with no problem. We got a late start because the instructor was sick and couldn't run. Within the first half-mile I hit the edge of the sidewalk with my left foot and ate pavement, twisting my ankle in the process. I got up and walked a few yards and decided I could still run on it. I stayed at a slower constant pace, even dodging some obstructions in my path. I was able to finish the 5-mile loop feeling pretty good. I got back inside and did some post-run stretches, which is when the ankle started hurting more. By the time I had showered and dressed it was not feeling great at all.
The run instructor noticed my limping on the way out and asked what happened. I told her and she took a look at it. She said it is likely a sprain because of how I rolled it and where the pain was. She wrapped an ice pack around it and sent me on my way. Hopefully it starts feeling better as the day progresses and it doesn't end up being a sprain. I'm trying to stay off my feet as much as possible, so that should help. Tomorrow is an off day and I was only planning a short run on Saturday, so maybe it will be fine by then. We'll see. Either way the training will continue next week.
Please remember to check out my sister's blog at www.runningwithryan.net. Also please continue to send well wishes and any donations you can in honor or Ryan Elizabeth.
Love you Angel Ryan!
This week has been "better" so far. I planned to run on Sunday, but it was perfect beach weather. I went down to the beach with one of my friends for a few hours then had fish tacos and a beer. No running after that. I came home Monday and got in a 4 mile run along the cliffs despite a tight hamstring making for a slow warm-up. On Tuesday my left leg was still very tight, but I pushed through for a 6 mile run on the cliffs and up the big hill. I switched it up and went to the gym Wednesday with some elliptical machine thrown in.
That brings us to today and one month from the half-marathon. I got up early this morning for my run club at work with no problem. We got a late start because the instructor was sick and couldn't run. Within the first half-mile I hit the edge of the sidewalk with my left foot and ate pavement, twisting my ankle in the process. I got up and walked a few yards and decided I could still run on it. I stayed at a slower constant pace, even dodging some obstructions in my path. I was able to finish the 5-mile loop feeling pretty good. I got back inside and did some post-run stretches, which is when the ankle started hurting more. By the time I had showered and dressed it was not feeling great at all.
The run instructor noticed my limping on the way out and asked what happened. I told her and she took a look at it. She said it is likely a sprain because of how I rolled it and where the pain was. She wrapped an ice pack around it and sent me on my way. Hopefully it starts feeling better as the day progresses and it doesn't end up being a sprain. I'm trying to stay off my feet as much as possible, so that should help. Tomorrow is an off day and I was only planning a short run on Saturday, so maybe it will be fine by then. We'll see. Either way the training will continue next week.
Please remember to check out my sister's blog at www.runningwithryan.net. Also please continue to send well wishes and any donations you can in honor or Ryan Elizabeth.
Love you Angel Ryan!
April 11, 2011
It's Official... My First Half-Marathon
I'm both excited and nervous about this, but I have officially signed up for my first half marathon. I will be running the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Diego on Sunday, June 5th.
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-diego
It's a big jump in race distance for me, but Running With Ryan makes it all worth it. I'm going to set a goal of 2 hours and 2 minutes, which would put me right around a 9:15 per mile pace. That is around my normal pace for 6-8 mile runs, so hopefully I can carry that over the full distance. I was able to run a much faster pace for the ACT Today! 10k earlier this month, but this race would almost double that distance.
I will be raising money for the four charities that my sister has chosen for Running With Ryan. They are Holden Uganda, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, Molly Bears and For Your Tears. I can take donations locally, but if you're not in San Diego it will be easier to donate online or mail a check to the specific charity. Please remember to specify that the donation is in honor of Ryan Elizabeth Watts, so it will help Whitney track the progress of Running With Ryan. You can also purchase Running With Ryan t-shirts and the proceeds will go to these charities. You can find more about all of these causes on the Donate page at Running With Ryan.
Thank you everyone for any donations and/or encouragement you send. Every bit of it is appreciated.
Love You Angel Ryan!
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-diego
It's a big jump in race distance for me, but Running With Ryan makes it all worth it. I'm going to set a goal of 2 hours and 2 minutes, which would put me right around a 9:15 per mile pace. That is around my normal pace for 6-8 mile runs, so hopefully I can carry that over the full distance. I was able to run a much faster pace for the ACT Today! 10k earlier this month, but this race would almost double that distance.
I will be raising money for the four charities that my sister has chosen for Running With Ryan. They are Holden Uganda, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, Molly Bears and For Your Tears. I can take donations locally, but if you're not in San Diego it will be easier to donate online or mail a check to the specific charity. Please remember to specify that the donation is in honor of Ryan Elizabeth Watts, so it will help Whitney track the progress of Running With Ryan. You can also purchase Running With Ryan t-shirts and the proceeds will go to these charities. You can find more about all of these causes on the Donate page at Running With Ryan.
Thank you everyone for any donations and/or encouragement you send. Every bit of it is appreciated.
Love You Angel Ryan!
April 4, 2011
ACT Today! 10k
I ran my first race for Running With Ryan and it was great. I participated in the ACT Today! 10k. It was the inaugural race for the group, which raises money to help military families that have children with autism. I felt like it was a good way to kick off Running With Ryan for me because Rob (my brother-in-law) is in the Army and it helps children of military families.
I was in bed early on Friday night so I could be up at 6am for the 7:30 start time. I got ready and put on my Running With Ryan shirt for the first time; that was a great feeling. I arrived at Mission Bay in plenty of time and made my way to the start line. I met up with my friend Ginger to give her her RWR t-shirt for the race. A little stretching, the national anthem and we were ready to run.
I started out with a normal pace, but quickly got warmed up. My pace picked up after about 0.5 mile and I made my way onto Fiesta Island. I was passing a few people and felt like I was making good time. I looked at my watch and realized I was doing a bit under my normal pace. It stayed that way until around mile 4 and I slowed down a little, but I was able to pick it back up. I started passing quite a few Marines, so that had my adrenalin pumping. I got back to Mission Bay and finished the last .25 miles with as close to a sprint as I could.
I crossed the finish line at 53:23, which is an 8:36/mile pace. That's at least 30 seconds better than what I normally run! I finished 17th in my age group, which I was quite satisfied with. (http://www.y-events.com/11today10k.htm) Ginger finished a little behind me, and we were both happy to finish our first Running With Ryan race. It's a good start with more to come.
Love you Angel Ryan!
I was in bed early on Friday night so I could be up at 6am for the 7:30 start time. I got ready and put on my Running With Ryan shirt for the first time; that was a great feeling. I arrived at Mission Bay in plenty of time and made my way to the start line. I met up with my friend Ginger to give her her RWR t-shirt for the race. A little stretching, the national anthem and we were ready to run.
I started out with a normal pace, but quickly got warmed up. My pace picked up after about 0.5 mile and I made my way onto Fiesta Island. I was passing a few people and felt like I was making good time. I looked at my watch and realized I was doing a bit under my normal pace. It stayed that way until around mile 4 and I slowed down a little, but I was able to pick it back up. I started passing quite a few Marines, so that had my adrenalin pumping. I got back to Mission Bay and finished the last .25 miles with as close to a sprint as I could.
I crossed the finish line at 53:23, which is an 8:36/mile pace. That's at least 30 seconds better than what I normally run! I finished 17th in my age group, which I was quite satisfied with. (http://www.y-events.com/11today10k.htm) Ginger finished a little behind me, and we were both happy to finish our first Running With Ryan race. It's a good start with more to come.
Love you Angel Ryan!
President's Day Run
I know this is a very late post for the date of the actual run, but I'm so far behind on my blogging that I wanted to get this one in.
I had Monday, February 21st off of work for President's Day. I was moving to my new place in Ocean Beach that weekend, so I had a lot to do. The weather wasn't great during the most of the weekend with some crazy rain and wind. I wasn't able to run on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, so I was expecting to have a rough go on Monday.
I slept in a little that morning, then walked to get coffee. It was slightly overcast as I walked around my new neighborhood, but it didn't look like any rain was coming. I just had a good feeling about running that day. After getting back home I ate a quick lunch and unpacked a couple of boxes.
I finally started stretching and preparing for the run. The stretching took a little longer than normal due to the days off. I stepped outside and the Sun was out in full force. It was just one of those good feelings. I started off towards the ocean with no route in mind. I got as close to the beach as I could without running on sand and just kept going. I ran towards Sunset Cliffs and things were feeling good physically and spiritually.
I got to the cliffs and the sun was out over the water and the waves were crashing into the cliffs. It was just amazing and peaceful. The music from my iPod just added to the feeling. Every song that came on just seemed right, and most of them came from a playlist I created while flying home to NC for Ryan's memorial service. Many of these songs will never mean the same thing for me as they did prior to November 23, 2010. Some remind me of that weekend and how tough it was, but others help give me comfort and peace. It was the latter that were playing on this day.
I just kept running near the cliffs and taking it all in. I wasn't getting tired, which was surprising with the days off. I finally decided to turn around and head back home. I kept to the cliffs as much as I could. I finished my run and just sat on the beach watching the waves. It was one of the best runs of my life.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
She is always with me, but it was just undeniable that Ryan was running with me on that day.
Love you Angel Ryan!
I had Monday, February 21st off of work for President's Day. I was moving to my new place in Ocean Beach that weekend, so I had a lot to do. The weather wasn't great during the most of the weekend with some crazy rain and wind. I wasn't able to run on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, so I was expecting to have a rough go on Monday.
I slept in a little that morning, then walked to get coffee. It was slightly overcast as I walked around my new neighborhood, but it didn't look like any rain was coming. I just had a good feeling about running that day. After getting back home I ate a quick lunch and unpacked a couple of boxes.
I finally started stretching and preparing for the run. The stretching took a little longer than normal due to the days off. I stepped outside and the Sun was out in full force. It was just one of those good feelings. I started off towards the ocean with no route in mind. I got as close to the beach as I could without running on sand and just kept going. I ran towards Sunset Cliffs and things were feeling good physically and spiritually.
I got to the cliffs and the sun was out over the water and the waves were crashing into the cliffs. It was just amazing and peaceful. The music from my iPod just added to the feeling. Every song that came on just seemed right, and most of them came from a playlist I created while flying home to NC for Ryan's memorial service. Many of these songs will never mean the same thing for me as they did prior to November 23, 2010. Some remind me of that weekend and how tough it was, but others help give me comfort and peace. It was the latter that were playing on this day.
I just kept running near the cliffs and taking it all in. I wasn't getting tired, which was surprising with the days off. I finally decided to turn around and head back home. I kept to the cliffs as much as I could. I finished my run and just sat on the beach watching the waves. It was one of the best runs of my life.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
She is always with me, but it was just undeniable that Ryan was running with me on that day.
Love you Angel Ryan!
March 6, 2011
Catching up
I've been absolutely horrible about updating the blog, but I promise they're coming. I have been doing the training, other things (traveling to NC, apartment searching, moving, etc.) have put me behind in some things and this blog has probably suffered more than anything else. I'll try to do some combined updates and have some announcements coming up in the next week or so.
Love you Angel Ryan!
Love you Angel Ryan!
February 15, 2011
Running with Whitney
I took the red eye flight back to NC on Wednesday night (unfortunately following UNC blowing a big lead against dook). As usual I didn't get much sleep (none of it solid) on the plane. I landed and suddenly had some energy when I saw my sister and niece for the first time in 5 months.
We went the The Little Gym in Clayton. It was awesome to see Natalie running around on the equipment (pictures and maybe video to come). She had so much energy. She loved the rings (and I guess just the swing in general). I liked seeing her do flips and rolls. Afterwards we went to the Bojangles drive-thru (mmmmm... sweet tea and biscuits). Back to my parent's house and I did a little work before laying down to take a nap (Natalie and I were co-conspirators on that one.)
Whitney and I had planned to run, but a couple of things were working against us. I had very little energy after the flight and was not very motivated after the nap. The weather also wasn't helpful. I've been spoiled with the Southern California sunshine. We decided to put it off until Friday when it would be warmer.
Whitney's sister-in-law arrived from Ohio (through all the snow and inclement weather) to see Whit and Nat. We ended up getting dinner from Smithfield's Chicken and BBQ (mmmm... more sweet tea, hushpuppies, and bbq). I think you may see a theme in these NC posts (and a detriment to my training). It was a low-key night in which I watched some TV and did some work before bed.
Friday morning brought T-Mart biscuits and play-time for Natalie. Whitney's friend Marcia came down from Garner with her daughter Maddi. One of Whitney's friends from high school (well actually I guess it was as much middle school as high school) brought her two daughters over too. The girls colored, dressed up as princesses, watched some cartoons, and played outside. I cooked lunch (grilled cheese sandwiches) for the entire crowd. Later in the afternoon it was nap time.
After all the guests left, Whitney and I finally got a run in. It was a 4-mile run around Dunn. It was pretty cold to me, but Whitney thought it was warmer than what she has been used to. That shows the difference between our current climates.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
That night was dinner at the bowling alley/arcade cafe with mom, dad, whitney, beth, jeffrey, aunt cookie and natalie... Guess who was the center of attention at that one (especially in her squeaky shoes). After the food was done, it was off to the arcade. Natalie ended up with quite a few tickets thanks to Jeffrey. She of course didn't want to leave, but it was really close to bed time. Nothing exciting after getting home. I crashed pretty early.
Saturday was family lunch at my grandparents' house. I got there early to help my granddad with the cooking. He was a lot further along than I expected him to be when I got there, but I manned the grill at the end then chopped the BBQ. We all ate lunch and hung out for a while. Then the UNC game came on and my food coma started to kick in. I ended up with a quick nap during halftime, but caught the end of an ugly win. I'll take it.
I started feeling a little sick (cold and flu type stuff) before we got back to my parent's house. So I took some medicine and took a longer nap. Dad and Natalie also laid down for a nap, but Whitney and mom went to Smithfield for some shopping. I woke up from my nap much later than intended, but dad and Nat were still asleep too.
I finally got up and motivated to shower then headed to Garner to pick up my friend Billy. We drove up to our friend Gary's house in Raleigh and hung out for a while. It was the first time all three of us had been able to get together since October (which was a wedding, so not the normal hanging out situation). I got back home a little later and went straight to bed.
Got up in the morning and went for a 6-mile run with Whitney. We ran down to the trail that used to be the railroad track, then ran the trail out to the country (I think it's technically in Erwin.) It took me a while to get warmed up in the cool morning weather, but the sun came out and helped me out.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
After the run I had to shower and pack for my flight back to San Diego. We drove up to Raleigh to run some errands and grab food at McAlister's Deli. We went out to the fountain to let Natalie throw some coins. She was pretty entertained with that. Then it was time to get back in the car and go to the airport. I said my goodbyes to the family and went into the airport. It's always tough to say goodbye to them, but I am very thankful for the days I got to spend with them.
Love you Angel Ryan!
We went the The Little Gym in Clayton. It was awesome to see Natalie running around on the equipment (pictures and maybe video to come). She had so much energy. She loved the rings (and I guess just the swing in general). I liked seeing her do flips and rolls. Afterwards we went to the Bojangles drive-thru (mmmmm... sweet tea and biscuits). Back to my parent's house and I did a little work before laying down to take a nap (Natalie and I were co-conspirators on that one.)
Whitney and I had planned to run, but a couple of things were working against us. I had very little energy after the flight and was not very motivated after the nap. The weather also wasn't helpful. I've been spoiled with the Southern California sunshine. We decided to put it off until Friday when it would be warmer.
Whitney's sister-in-law arrived from Ohio (through all the snow and inclement weather) to see Whit and Nat. We ended up getting dinner from Smithfield's Chicken and BBQ (mmmm... more sweet tea, hushpuppies, and bbq). I think you may see a theme in these NC posts (and a detriment to my training). It was a low-key night in which I watched some TV and did some work before bed.
Friday morning brought T-Mart biscuits and play-time for Natalie. Whitney's friend Marcia came down from Garner with her daughter Maddi. One of Whitney's friends from high school (well actually I guess it was as much middle school as high school) brought her two daughters over too. The girls colored, dressed up as princesses, watched some cartoons, and played outside. I cooked lunch (grilled cheese sandwiches) for the entire crowd. Later in the afternoon it was nap time.
After all the guests left, Whitney and I finally got a run in. It was a 4-mile run around Dunn. It was pretty cold to me, but Whitney thought it was warmer than what she has been used to. That shows the difference between our current climates.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
That night was dinner at the bowling alley/arcade cafe with mom, dad, whitney, beth, jeffrey, aunt cookie and natalie... Guess who was the center of attention at that one (especially in her squeaky shoes). After the food was done, it was off to the arcade. Natalie ended up with quite a few tickets thanks to Jeffrey. She of course didn't want to leave, but it was really close to bed time. Nothing exciting after getting home. I crashed pretty early.
Saturday was family lunch at my grandparents' house. I got there early to help my granddad with the cooking. He was a lot further along than I expected him to be when I got there, but I manned the grill at the end then chopped the BBQ. We all ate lunch and hung out for a while. Then the UNC game came on and my food coma started to kick in. I ended up with a quick nap during halftime, but caught the end of an ugly win. I'll take it.
I started feeling a little sick (cold and flu type stuff) before we got back to my parent's house. So I took some medicine and took a longer nap. Dad and Natalie also laid down for a nap, but Whitney and mom went to Smithfield for some shopping. I woke up from my nap much later than intended, but dad and Nat were still asleep too.
I finally got up and motivated to shower then headed to Garner to pick up my friend Billy. We drove up to our friend Gary's house in Raleigh and hung out for a while. It was the first time all three of us had been able to get together since October (which was a wedding, so not the normal hanging out situation). I got back home a little later and went straight to bed.
Got up in the morning and went for a 6-mile run with Whitney. We ran down to the trail that used to be the railroad track, then ran the trail out to the country (I think it's technically in Erwin.) It took me a while to get warmed up in the cool morning weather, but the sun came out and helped me out.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
After the run I had to shower and pack for my flight back to San Diego. We drove up to Raleigh to run some errands and grab food at McAlister's Deli. We went out to the fountain to let Natalie throw some coins. She was pretty entertained with that. Then it was time to get back in the car and go to the airport. I said my goodbyes to the family and went into the airport. It's always tough to say goodbye to them, but I am very thankful for the days I got to spend with them.
Love you Angel Ryan!
February 14, 2011
Last day before trip to NC
Work has been crazy this week because of the upcoming trip. I have two days in which I'll be "working" from NC. That really means I'll be spending time with my sister Whitney and playing with my niece Natalie. So I was hoping to get in a really good workout prior to the traveling and inevitable fatigue... on to CrossFit Invictus.
This week's class was a little different than last week's. The owner of the gym was leading this class with help from one of their national running coaches. There was some running and stretching exercises to start out; then the squats and lunges began. They taught us proper squatting technique, then it was quick squats and lunges to all sides.
Next we formed groups of three for "relays". These started out with 10 jumps onto an 18" box then proceeded to a suicide run. It finished with 10 squats while throwing a 12 pound medicine ball up to a 10-foot line on the wall. Then we tagged in the next person in our group. This went on for 18 minutes (at least we were told it was 18 minutes, but it felt like 30.) I ended up getting four reps in with the breaks in between. It was still tough. That ended the workout, and I came home to pack for my trip.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
Love you Angel Ryan!
This week's class was a little different than last week's. The owner of the gym was leading this class with help from one of their national running coaches. There was some running and stretching exercises to start out; then the squats and lunges began. They taught us proper squatting technique, then it was quick squats and lunges to all sides.
Next we formed groups of three for "relays". These started out with 10 jumps onto an 18" box then proceeded to a suicide run. It finished with 10 squats while throwing a 12 pound medicine ball up to a 10-foot line on the wall. Then we tagged in the next person in our group. This went on for 18 minutes (at least we were told it was 18 minutes, but it felt like 30.) I ended up getting four reps in with the breaks in between. It was still tough. That ended the workout, and I came home to pack for my trip.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
Love you Angel Ryan!
February 9, 2011
Super Sunday
I was hoping to get up Sunday morning and go for a hike, but I stayed up too late on Saturday night and slept late instead. I got out of bed in time to watch Carolina dominate Florida State, and to watch Kendall Marshall throw up 16 assists. That kid can make some great passes. He probably should have had more, but Jon Henson and a couple of others just couldn't finish or even catch.
After the game, I had a short time window to get any training in because I was making pizzas for the Super Bowl. I decided on a short and sweet run around the neighborhood. It was nice and warm so that made for an easier warm up than Saturday. No problems with this one.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
After the run I cleaned up and got started on the pizzas. I ended up making two, one buffalo chicken and one pepperoni with veggies. I think they turned out pretty well, and they were definitely fitting on Super Sunday. Speaking of which, how about those Packers? Super Bowl Champs!!!
Love you Angel Ryan!
After the game, I had a short time window to get any training in because I was making pizzas for the Super Bowl. I decided on a short and sweet run around the neighborhood. It was nice and warm so that made for an easier warm up than Saturday. No problems with this one.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
After the run I cleaned up and got started on the pizzas. I ended up making two, one buffalo chicken and one pepperoni with veggies. I think they turned out pretty well, and they were definitely fitting on Super Sunday. Speaking of which, how about those Packers? Super Bowl Champs!!!
Love you Angel Ryan!
February 8, 2011
Kicking off the weekend
I decided to join in on the free kickboxing class Friday night. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but within 10 minutes I knew it was going to be tough. The guy leading the class wasn't joking around. Any slacking at all and he was yelling. There were so many people that showed up for the class that there weren't enough punching bags for everyone. So we split up into two groups and rotated between the bags and a medicine ball. I started off in the group doing the punching and kicking. That took it out of me, and when it was time to switch to the medicine ball I was already beat.
After the medicine ball exercises came the easiest part of the workout, a lap around the building... running i can handle much easier than the other stuff. Then came some cardio/resistance drills like running with an elastic band around you as another person was trying to slow you down. At the end of the hour, I was so exhausted and glad to be done. That was a good way to start off the weekend training.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
Somehow I was able to wake up on Saturday morning and still go to the Lululemon Athletica run club at 8 am. We did a run along the harbor, which ended up being around 4 miles. It was refreshing after the kickboxing on Friday night. My legs started out like jelly, but they eventually got loose. Running next to the water is definitely helpful for relaxing. It also makes me think of something Whitney said shortly after we lost Ryan. Being outdoors and seeing the beauty that God created makes us feel closer to her. Being close to the water absolutely makes me feel that way.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
After the run I got back home and still had some energy. My roommate and I decided to play some tennis. Let's just say he is much better than me. I was able to break his serve of the first game... then he won six games in a row. On top of that, I broke a string on my favorite racket. Oh well, it was really nice outside, I got more exercise and was able to get some swings in.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
Tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday. The Tarheels play in the morning, my Packers play in the big game in the afternoon, and I'm making some pizzas for the roommates. We'll see if any kind of training takes place. GO HEELS! and GO PACKERS!
Love you Angel Ryan!
After the medicine ball exercises came the easiest part of the workout, a lap around the building... running i can handle much easier than the other stuff. Then came some cardio/resistance drills like running with an elastic band around you as another person was trying to slow you down. At the end of the hour, I was so exhausted and glad to be done. That was a good way to start off the weekend training.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
Somehow I was able to wake up on Saturday morning and still go to the Lululemon Athletica run club at 8 am. We did a run along the harbor, which ended up being around 4 miles. It was refreshing after the kickboxing on Friday night. My legs started out like jelly, but they eventually got loose. Running next to the water is definitely helpful for relaxing. It also makes me think of something Whitney said shortly after we lost Ryan. Being outdoors and seeing the beauty that God created makes us feel closer to her. Being close to the water absolutely makes me feel that way.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
After the run I got back home and still had some energy. My roommate and I decided to play some tennis. Let's just say he is much better than me. I was able to break his serve of the first game... then he won six games in a row. On top of that, I broke a string on my favorite racket. Oh well, it was really nice outside, I got more exercise and was able to get some swings in.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
Tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday. The Tarheels play in the morning, my Packers play in the big game in the afternoon, and I'm making some pizzas for the roommates. We'll see if any kind of training takes place. GO HEELS! and GO PACKERS!
Love you Angel Ryan!
February 3, 2011
Good Morning... Owww
As I expected, no training for me yesterday. It's been a ridiculously crazy week at work. That led to non-stop work on Wednesday, including lunch at my desk. I rushed out at 5 because of my CLE course at 6. That was two hours of my life I would like to have back, so not thrilled about missing training for that.
When I went to bed on Wednesday night, I was hoping to join in another running club tonight. Upon waking up this morning I tried to get out of bed, but realized I could barely stand up. My legs were so sore from the CrossFit training on Tuesday. Getting in and out of my car to go to work was interesting. Then walking up and down stars on what might have been the busiest day since I started working at Sony. When I finally got home from work it was too late to take part in the run club.
A run was still necessary, so I put on my shoes and hit the street for a quick run in the "cool" weather. Considering what's going on with the weather on the East Coast and what my sister has been running in in Germany, I'll use that term loosely. I was able to run a quick 2.25 mile route around my neighborhood. It started out a little slow with my sore legs and a couple of hills, but I finally got warmed up. I was able to push through and run at a good pace.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
I'm not sure about the training for tomorrow. I shouldn't go for a run because I ran today, and I'll be doing the run club on Saturday morning. I may go to another one of the free classes my friend told me about; I think tomorrow they are for kickboxing. Otherwise it might just be a trip to the gym.
Love you Angel Ryan!
When I went to bed on Wednesday night, I was hoping to join in another running club tonight. Upon waking up this morning I tried to get out of bed, but realized I could barely stand up. My legs were so sore from the CrossFit training on Tuesday. Getting in and out of my car to go to work was interesting. Then walking up and down stars on what might have been the busiest day since I started working at Sony. When I finally got home from work it was too late to take part in the run club.
A run was still necessary, so I put on my shoes and hit the street for a quick run in the "cool" weather. Considering what's going on with the weather on the East Coast and what my sister has been running in in Germany, I'll use that term loosely. I was able to run a quick 2.25 mile route around my neighborhood. It started out a little slow with my sore legs and a couple of hills, but I finally got warmed up. I was able to push through and run at a good pace.
MichaelNorris's Activities | RunKeeper
I'm not sure about the training for tomorrow. I shouldn't go for a run because I ran today, and I'll be doing the run club on Saturday morning. I may go to another one of the free classes my friend told me about; I think tomorrow they are for kickboxing. Otherwise it might just be a trip to the gym.
Love you Angel Ryan!
February 1, 2011
Social Training
I knew I shouldn't run on Monday after running 3 out of the previous 4 days (my knees couldn't take it.) I was planning to go to the gym at work and do some lifting and cardio. My apartment search got in the way of those plans as I was able to schedule some viewings after work. Well a day off wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
Monday night I was thinking I would go for a run tonight to continue the training. My friend that told me about the Saturday morning running club with Lululemon Athletica, informed me they were sponsoring a month-long fitness event. There are free workout sessions throughout the city each day/night. They range from bootcamp to kickboxing.
I decided to take advantage of one of the classes tonight. It was a class at CrossFit Invictus in downtown San Diego. These classes are a combination of weights, cardio, and other difficult workouts. Wow... after one hour my legs were already wobbly and my arms were almost numb. I guess my body is more used to the distance running than that type of workout. It was a nice change of pace both physically and mentally. I'll definitely check out some more of the classes offered this month.
I'm not sure if I'll be able to do any training tomorrow because I have plans for lunch then a Continuing Legal Education class after work. Maybe I'll be able to get something done, but I'm not counting on it. Either way, Thursday will have training involved.
Love you Angel Ryan!
January 30, 2011
And the training begins
Since deciding to run a half-marathon back in November, I haven't truly started my training. I have basically been doing my normal routine when it came to running (with the exception of one 10-mile run to see if I could do it). Occasionally I would add an extra mile, but nothing with any rhyme or reason to prepare.
A few weeks ago a friend invited me to a running club that meets every Saturday morning. After three weeks this has been a good way to hold me accountable and to kick off my weekends. This has been a good motivator, but I still wasn't following through with everything I needed to do. I'm trying to create a training schedule to help me, and I have some ideas. I'll look online for some advice, but it probably won't become more certain until I decide which race to run.
After yesterday's running club, I decided to buckle down and truly start training. So today I drove down to Mission Bay for a longer run than I have done in a few weeks. In the end it ended up being 6 miles, which is a good place to start for my long runs.
Love you Angel Ryan!
Running With Ryan
After 40 weeks and 4 days my sister gave birth to my niece Ryan Elizabeth on November 23, 2010 in Germany. She was stillborn. It came completely out of the blue, as my sister was going in for a check-up since she was past her due date. Two days earlier everything had been fine, but on that sad Tuesday it wasn't anymore. It was a big blow to my sister and brother-in-law, as well as the rest of our family.
I wasn't able to talk to my sister for a couple of days after losing Ryan because she was still in the hospital in Germany. I was finally able to speak with her on Thanksgiving Day. It was at the same time, the toughest phone conversation of my life and the one I was most thankful to be a part of. During this call, my sister said she wanted to run a half marathon in memory or Ryan. I instantly knew I had to do the same.
I've been running for the last few years, but I never thought I would attempt a run of this distance. Ryan is now my motivation. I decided to keep a blog of my training as another way to honor her memory.
Please visit my sister's blog (http://www.runningwithryan.net/p/ryans-story.html) for the complete story of Ryan Elizabeth Watts.
I wasn't able to talk to my sister for a couple of days after losing Ryan because she was still in the hospital in Germany. I was finally able to speak with her on Thanksgiving Day. It was at the same time, the toughest phone conversation of my life and the one I was most thankful to be a part of. During this call, my sister said she wanted to run a half marathon in memory or Ryan. I instantly knew I had to do the same.
I've been running for the last few years, but I never thought I would attempt a run of this distance. Ryan is now my motivation. I decided to keep a blog of my training as another way to honor her memory.
Please visit my sister's blog (http://www.runningwithryan.net/p/ryans-story.html) for the complete story of Ryan Elizabeth Watts.
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