Checking in - Shrinkvivor


(me after running 4 miles in 40 minutes)


I have 11 days until the Nike Women’s Half Marathon and I am busy, busy, busy. The good news - I am one of the top fundraisers in the nation for this event. I am so proud of myself I am currently 115 in the nation (over 4000 people are raising money for TNT in the event) and will likely move down in the rankings as people make a final rush to get money in. I however have no desire to ask for more money from folks. I think raising over $5000 will certainly make a big impact.

I am now in the process of tapering my running. Next week I will only be run in 2 mile increments. I can’t remember the last time I “only” ran 2 miles. I think back to the day in May when I was so happy to run 3 miles without stopping and now I can run over 2 hours! I’ve come a long way and once my half-marathon is over I think I’ll start focusing on my speed. This week as part of the Shrinkvivor challenge


Shrinkvivor Challenge at the Sisterhood! 
I ran a quick(ish) mile. If I wanted to log my  fastest mile I would have run around a track but I was slated to run 4 miles.  The thought of running 16 laps around a track  was enough to make me pull my hair out. Instead I ran the local trail and ended up doing my mile in 9 minutes and 11 seconds (and the rounded out the 4 in 40 minutes).  That included a couple of small hills, I did walk a little but mostly ran.

I know I am hard on myself but I look at my runs and compare myself to my friends on dailymile. Not a good idea. I am a fairly new runner and I’m already doing amazing things. I need to continually think “I love myself damn it” and not worry about what everyone else is doing and celebrate my personal accomplishments.

Speaking of accomplishments, I will be on a flight to Miami tomorrow with a couple of bathing suits in tow. Both bikinis. Now, a year ago at this time you would have NEVER convinced me that I’d be wearing a bikini again but I am going to do it. I haven’t been diligent with my strength training and my body reflects that but I’ve worked hard and I love myself and I’m wearing that bikini!
I LOVE ME!



Finally, I am trying to share my happiness about my accomplishments with my readers. So, if you haven’t already done it- please enter my giveaways! I am giving away an iPod shuffle and a pair of Earth Shoes Aclaim Boots (valued at $189 and they work your muscles). So that is my update - oh, I weigh 153.4 today. I wasn’t kicked off the Island last week, let’s see what this week has in store for me, other than a bikini!

Comments

*Lissa* said…
That is an AWESOME time, girl! Just awesome!

I am so proud of you for all your hard work, your fundraising, and determination! Enjoy your 1/2 experience!

xoxo
Becca Sanborn said…
You are a total rock star!

I can't wait to hear how your 1/2 goes!
You are totally awesome! I have enjoyed following your journey! You are totally going to rock that 1/2!
Bari said…
You are going to rock those bikinis just like you are going to rock your 1/2! I am so proud of how far you have come this year. Big ((hugs)) to you my friend!
Anonymous said…
A 9:11 mile?? Holy Moly fast woman! Wow. You are doing so amazing with all of your hard work. You are going to look awesome in that bikini!
Trish said…
You are totally rocking! I am in awe of you!
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Tracie P. said…
You are awesome! There is no need to compare yourself to others. Way to go on running. My best was 9:55 and I was huffing and puffing after. I'd kill for 9:11 to be an easy mile. But like you I keep improving.
Petula said…
Bikini?! You go, girl, rock it hard! :-) Have fun and congrats.
Heather A. said…
WooHoo! That is awesome running! I've got 11 days until my half as well, although I'll be Indiana that morning! Good Luck!!
Roo said…
You continue to amaze me. You're such an inspiration. And that time? WOW.

PS: Rock that bikini. ;)
Barbara said…
Super exciting. Keep up the good work and inspiration! Looking forward to seeing you meet your Bikini milestone!
Christy M. said…
Someone else already said it, but you continue to amaze me too, Renee. You have really taken this healthy lifestyle by the horns and you are LIVING it. You are a wonderful example to so many women (and men!).

You rocked that fastest mile, girl. ROCKED!

Only 11 days? WOW!!!!!!!!! Congratulations on being one of the top fundraisers in the nation. You are doing SO much good for people suffering with blood cancers. So much good.

Love you, girl!!!!!
Christy M. said…
p.s. I know you're going to ROCK that bikini, girl.
keyalus said…
You are doing a fantastic job...especially if you just started running in May!

Don't compare yourself to others, even though it is tough. From running a ton of races, I've learned not to judge anything about myself or my speed from looking at others. I've been beaten in races by a 69 year old woman, someone who outweighed me by 30 lbs and people pushing double strollers. :)

At first I used to feel bad, but then I realized that I had no idea how long those people had been running. With running, experience (and the resulting endurance) often trumps any kind of pre-conceived notions you might have based physical appearance or age. Compare yourself to *yourself* and work to get faster than *you* were (if you so desire!).

I am able to make myself feel plenty bad by comparing my current performance against my 2007-2008 performance. The last thing I need is to freak out over others too LOL.
Erin said…
you are doing amazing things for a new runner. never compare yourself to others. just keep doing what you're doing and never stop! you are such an inspiration, as always <3
Kathleen W. said…
That is so awesome! I hope you show us some bikini pics. :)
AnnG said…
You are a total rock star!! Love your attitude and that picture just shows how happy this new lifestyle makes you!! Can't wait to hear all about your 1/2!!
What a fantastic post. I like it. I am impressed. Keep it up.

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Christie O. said…
i'm so excited for you!!! I can't wait to hear the race report and YES!! We totally have to race together one day!!!

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