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!
May 29, 2011
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!
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