Day 2: You Are Not Your Own

It's lunch time on Day 2, and I spent my lunch break drooling over healthy recipes that I plan to make over the next few weeks (such as mashed cauliflower, kale chips, stuffed winter squash, etc).  Then I received this text from Jeremy showing me his lunch, see below:

(Corn tortillas with brown rice, black beans, red peppers, onions, black beans, and Chipotle Cholua hot sauce)-->Well done babe!  See, eating healthy can be incredibly tasteful.  He has one up on me, given he can go home for lunch and actually cook.  Even still, leftovers seem to be working just fine for me.

I also spent a portion of my lunch break reading the article (see link below), on Paula Deen.  She was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes three years ago; however, she's been hiding it from the public, until now, when she revealed it on the Today Show. 
http://todayhealth.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/16/10170320-did-paula-deens-diet-cause-her-diabetes
 
What is more sad about this diagnosis is that she makes no plans to change.  She has acknowledged a severe health problem, yet refuses to change her eating patterns.  It is disappointing that a spotlight figure has an opportunity to take a stand, and be a leader in the cooking world, yet refuses to do so.  Rather than promoting healthy meals, she is promoting drugs as a solution to the greater problem she is wrestling with.  While no one food has been contributed to the cause of diabetes, one factor has, and that is obesity.  And obesity can be controlled, halted, and reversed by nutrition.  We see season after season on The Biggest Loser, contestants reversing their diabetes through their nutrition/weight loss.  They are set free from insulin shots/pump.  This is one more reason that has fueled my fire for the plant-based diet.  If I have an opportunity to positively impact my health, long-term, and halt genetically passed health conditions, why would I not jump on that bandwagon?
 
Many of you know that I am incredibly passionate about a healthy, holistic lifestyle.  For me it is an act of worship.  I believe strongly, that taking care of our bodies honors God.  In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul says,
 
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."


Our bodies do not belong to us.  We are not our own.  When you borrow something from someone, you don't treat that item like trash, and return the item back to the owner in worse condition, do you?  Most of us would agree, when we borrow something from someone, we do our very best to return that item in its same condition.  Why would we not do the very same thing with our bodies?  Why not take as best care of our bodies as we can, until we go to meet our Maker?  Our bodies are not our own.  We were bought at a price, and that bill of sale is the cross of Jesus Christ.

Engine 2 Diet: Day 1

I mentioned last week I would commit to blogging more frequently.  I'd like to say that I will blog every day for the next 28 days, but I'm not going to promise that.  Today marks the first day of the Engine 2 Challenge.  I am participating in this challenge with Jeremy, my co-workers Shannon and Deanna, and a group from Whole Foods in St. Paul.  The Engine 2 Diet is based on the research provided from The China Study, and further research from Dr. Esselstyn suggesting the positive impact of a plant based diet.  At first I was skeptical as to whether I could get enough protein, as an athlete, from plants!  However, after doing more research I've learned I can get enough protein to fuel my body through plants, beans, and whole grains.  We watched the movie Forks Over Knives, and were blown away by the research showing proof that a plant based diet can actually reverse heart disease, certain types of cancer, and diabetes!  I was also shocked to learn that the U.S. is the number one consumer of milk, yet we have the highest rate of osteoporosis and bone fractures, suggesting that milk is not keeping our bones strong like we originally believed. 

So for the next 28 days, Jeremy, Deanna, Shannon, and I have committed to eating only vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, etc).  No meat, dairy, eggs, or oil.  If we notice a positive difference in how we feel, Jeremy and I may commit to a similar lifestyle going forward.  But for right now, let's take it one day at a time.

We spent most of today traveling, so eating was tough, but we did it.  Here was our dinner tonight:

Salad with cucumbers, onions, peppers, black beans, mango salsa, and nutritional yeast
YUMMO!!!

Miles and Miles...Because I Care-RUN:FREE

It is clear that I am not good at blogging faithfully; however, that is about to change, starting next week.  There is much to update, so this post will most likely be a conglomeration on things I want to catch up on related to this blog.  Much of this blog has been about running, and how I find Jesus, and more of myself through running. 

I have continued to log high volume weeks of running, week after week.  I usually end up running 60+ mile weeks.  I was able to end the year with my highest mileage week ever: 70 miles!!!  See log below.

I ended 2011 with 2,316 total miles run!!!  This was the first year I logged my miles in a book, so I can't compare it to any other year, but I'm pretty sure it's a record year for me.  What is more amazing is that I took 9 weeks off (when I had my stress fracture), and was still able to do that many miles.  And while most people ran on January 1st, starting their New Year's Resolutions, or simply trying to start their year off right, I said, "Whatever, I just ran 70 miles, I'm not doing anything!"

People have continued to ask my why I'm logging so many miles.  They often ask, "what race are you training for?"  I'm not training for a race.  Well, technically I'm running the Fargo Marathon in May.  And while I'm hoping to set a new PR at the flat and fast Fargo Marathon, I'm training for something greater.  I'm taking on a challenge that is bigger than me.  When I think about it, my stomach knots up, wondering if I'm capable of accomplishing what I'm setting out to do.


This is where it get's crazy.......
This summer (last week of June, through the first week of July), I will be running across the state of Minnesota.  Call me crazy, because really, it is.  I will be starting in Watertown, SD, and running eastward, ending near Prescott, WI, totaling over 200 miles, in two weeks.  Why?  Why am I doing this?  I am doing this because all over the world (including the U.S.--we are NOT exempt), women and children are illegally being bought and sold into sex slavery, everyday.  The largest number of women sent to Las Vegas, and forced into sex slavery in the United States, come from my backyard, Minneapolis. There are more human slaves today, than when slavery was legal. Rather than running miles and miles because I love running, I have the opportunity to run for the joy of helping those affected by human trafficking.  There is an organization in China call Eden Ministries, which provides support to women who have been rescued and delivered from human trafficking.  They provide resources and an opportunity for a new life.  They teach women a trade, such as weaving, jewelry making, etc, so they may become self-sustaining women, and not have to return to their former life.  I can run.  And I want to make a difference.

I am running through an organization called Venture Expeditions, which is a non-profit organization that provides an opportunity to raise awareness and funds that benefit social justice causes, and make a difference in the world.  You can see the kind of miles I'll be running through this link:  http://www.ventureexpeditions.org/page/runfree-1 
If you would like to join me on this run, I would LOVE it!!!

If you are interested in supporting me in this journey, here's how you can help.  First, you can be praying.  Pray for the people who are affected by human trafficking.  Pray for the offenders who are running the sex trafficking business.  Pray for me, that I would remain healthy, strong, and smart as I embark on this journey.  Second, you can donate money!  100% of the donations will be going to Eden Ministries to help these women.  You can donate here: https://ventureexpeditions.missionsconnex.com/BreeWilliamson
Third, you can spread the word.  The more we can make people aware, the greater chance we have at putting an end to human trafficking.  And fourth, if you'd like to buy me a pair of running shoes, hey, I wouldn't turn them down, as I'm going through a pair every two months! ;)

 

Turkey Trot Adventures

Thanksgiving was something special this year. I have made it a tradition to run the Turkey Trot 5K every year-even last year-even in -12 degree windchill I might add. I had the privilege to run the Turkey Trot 5K this year with my mom! Not only was it her first time running the Turkey Trot 5K, but it was her first 5K race experience EVER!!! I have been begging her to run a race for years. She runs regularly, but had never done a race. I promised her that I would run every step of the way with her, if she committed to it. And sure enough, she signed up!

Prior to the start of the race, my running buddy, Aileen and I ran 9 miles around Minneapolis. We made it back to my apartment in time to change into dry running clothes, meet up with Austin, Meghan, and Jeremy, and run to the start line to meet my mom (another mile). Note that, 10 miles prior Turkey Trot 5k. It was a near perfect day on Thanksgiving, unusually warm, and not windy. I met up with my mom and we found our way into the start corral. There were more people running the race than I had ever seen in the past! It took us a couple minutes to even cross the start line once the race began. We crossed the start line, and started making our way towards the river. There were so many people, dogs, strollers, walkers, we had to zig zag in and out of clusters of people. But we stuck together. We made it to the river, passed the Guthrie Theatre, passed the Stone Arch Bridge, enjoyed the panoramic view, and made our way up the only hill in the race. I prepped my mom saying, "Okay, there's a hill coming up, and people will stop and walk it. But don't stop. Let's just get up the hill and it will be over." She agreed, and we made it up the hill. After the hill we made it back into downtown again. When we were about a quarter mile from the finish line, I called my Dad to tell him we were close, and to have his camera ready. We crossed the finish line, holding hands, celebrating our victory together! My mom's first 5k, and I got to run it with her! It was such a fun experience and I was so proud of her. After the race, I heard my mom talking about other races: 10Ks, 10 milers, half marathons. I knew it would only take one race and she'd be hooked!

I had another really good friend, Kristi, who ran the Turkey Trot, and it was her first 5K too! I was so thankful to be able to be a part of both Kristi and my mom's first 5k experiences. It is fun to celebrate with people, as they accomplish their goals! Both of them ran the whole way-NO WALKING!

I should also note that Jeremy decided to take this opportunity to beat me in this race. In his words, "this might be my only chance." I wouldn't trade my Turkey Trot 5K experience for the world! Next year we're hoping to rope my dad into it. Who knows, maybe we'll even get my brother, and make it a family tradition :)

Reflections from TCM 2011

With weeks leading up to TCM, I had a plan in place. I had studied the map as if it was my job. I knew the inclines, I knew the turns, I knew I wanted to PR, and re-qualify for Boston. I had done months of training, post-stress fracture, and logged 60-65 mile weeks for two months straight! I was ready for my hard work to pay off. As I studied the map, I developed my strategy. I didn’t think it was possible to negative split TCM. The hills are at the end. Pair that with the fatigue that comes with running a marathon, and increasing temperatures, and it’s a recipe for disaster-for me, at least. I determined I could run between 7:30-7:45 for the first 16-18 miles. If I held that pace, I knew it would create a buffer of time, to struggle at the end. That is exactly what I did, and that is exactly what happened. I ran faster at the beginning, and I struggled at the end. A co-worker, training buddy, and truly, a friend, Jon Webster, decided the Thursday before the marathon to run and pace me! Jon is not your average runner. An average runner doesn’t jump into a marathon the Thursday before. He is an incredibly talented athlete, and I am truly honored that he chose to help me reach my goal. A longtime friend, Dan Bare, decided that since he was not in BQ-shape himself (due to an earlier injury), he would help me reach my goal. In the words of Dan, “I could run faster, miss Boston by a decent gap, and be by myself the whole race. Or, I could help you reach your goal, and run the race with a friend. The second option is more appealing.” And that is what he did. With the help of Jon and Dan, I reached my goal of another BQ, under the more stringent qualifying standards. For that, I am so grateful and still humbled by how they helped me. This document is a work in progress, and I will probably add to it as I continue to process. For those willing to read the entire thing, thank you. Here is my story.

Miles 1-3: Dan and I were waiting patiently in corral 1, ready to begin our race. It was a beautiful day. Cool temps, and not much wind. It truly couldn’t have gotten much better. Jon was in corral 2, as he ran in place of Jeremy, who bowed out due to injury. We hoped to find each other between miles 3-4. Where did these miles go? I felt my taper, and am so thankful I listened to the recipe for success. First mile was slow, due to so many people. Second and third miles were 7:15s-I was feeling good, but knew I needed to slow down so I didn’t burn out later. Seeing my XC runners after mile 2 definitely added a pep in my step! Maybe too much pep! I couldn’t help but move when I saw and heard them cheering! I started wondering where Jon was after we passed mile 3. I knew we had started faster than expected, but thought the first mile had slowed us down enough to compensate. I was concerned Jon was going to pass us without even realizing it!

Miles 4-7: Jon caught up with us and I was relieved to have Dan, Jon, and myself all together. Jon and Dan hit it off really well, discussing races, ability, and PRs. We found my new friend, Gary, from Lifetime Fitness during this time, but he passed us, and stayed ahead the entire course to eventually pull off an amazing PR of 3:25:19! Minus the little incline in between Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet, this portion of the race was flat. I had been concerned about the incline after mile 6 (between the lakes) because I remember what a beast it was climbing it multiple times during COL25K. The incline really didn’t even affect me at all. I didn’t feel psyched out, and I didn’t feel my heart rate elevate much. I used this stretch of miles to really pray for my fellow friends running TCM-many of them for the first time.

Miles 8-13: These miles also seemed to breeze by. I remember the incline on the Parkway around mile 8. The parkway is hillier than the running trail that runs by the creek. Even with that incline, I wasn’t concerned, and charged up the hill, to be greeted with flat terrain the next few miles. At some point during this stretch, I saw some of my XC team, and felt another surge of energy as we passed them. I knew my parents were going to be somewhere around Lake Nokomis and Cedar Ave, however, I wasn’t sure what mile I would actually see them at. The bridge at Lake Nokomis ended up being surprisingly windy! Nothing too scary but definitely noticeable. They ended up being at the end of the Cedar Ave bridge around Lake Nokomis. Up to this point, I was still feeling strong, and care-free. I was so excited to see my Dad, Mom, Grandma, and Mike! It gave me a burst of energy! The three of us yelled happy birthday at my Mom, and I was pleased we all had the energy/ambition to do so! My dad lifted up his shirt, to show me the St. John’s shirt that Jeff Winkleman won and gave to him while he was in the hospital. Soon enough we had passed the half marathon mark, and were closer to the finish line than the start line!

Miles 14-19: At this point, I was still feeling good, and was reminded to pray for my friends that were running. These miles felt relatively easy as well. I trained along this road all winter and summer. I knew the slight ups and downs of this curvy road. We tried to keep the tangents as best we could. There were some sunny patches along the road, but nothing that concerned me too much. The incline up to the Franklin Bridge was short, but I felt it. We got up the hill, and my heart didn’t feel too overwhelmed. After the bridge, I knew we were approaching the hills of the river parkway. At mile 18, my stellar personal training client Kent and his beautiful new bride, Sue, were waiting and cheering me on! I had trained for so long on these hills, and I knew they were coming. I was still feeling decent, and so I was trying to prepare mentally. And by decent, I mean, I felt like I had run 19 miles, but knew I could keep going. I know I saw more of my team, and more friends along the course, however, I can’t remember who all I saw, and at what point.

Miles 20-21: These miles were extremely challenging. My parents appeared around mile 20, and I was so encouraged to see their faces! Shortly after mile 20, I saw my co-worker, and girlfriend, Kara. She was on one of the hills along the river parkway, just as we had planned. Ready with a sign, loud cheering, and an encouraging smile. I made eye contact for only a moment, and I hope she saw how much she had encouraged me in my eyes, because I’m not sure I gave her much more. A spectator will never fully understand the importance of that brief moment, and how much encouragement it brings a runner. The effect of the moment outlives the moment itself. This is where the wheels started to fall off for me. We came to the first hill, under the Lake Street Bridge. I tried to stay calm and take on the hill. At this point, it felt like work, it felt hard, but I knew I had it in me. My quads were feeling the pain, but I knew this was only a baby hill compared to what was to come. The second hill is the hill right before the dreaded St. Thomas hill. I steadied myself, and kept trucking. I was hurting, but I wasn’t going to stop. Jon kept reminding me to think about my form, to stay light, and to stay loose. I remember at one point saying, “I’m so tired,” and Dan said, “We’re all tired at this point, we gotta keep going.” That was so encouraging! To hear that I wasn’t the only tired person at this pace helped me continue to put one foot in front of the other. And then we got to the St. Thomas hill….I had run this hill so many times, I knew it so well. I had climbed it so many times. Prior to the St. Thomas hill, I had not stopped to walk-not even at water/Powerade stations. I knew the pain of starting and stopping, and didn’t want to go there. Also, once you walk, it gets stuck in your head that “I’ve walked already, so….” But at mile 21.5, I cracked-and I walked. Looking back, I am disappointed that I stopped to walk at a place that was not a water/Powerade station. I wish I could have held out until the next station at mile 22. My quads felt as if they were going to bust out of my legs-right through my skin! Obviously this was not going to happen, but that was the pain I was experiencing. On this hill, the 3:30 pace group passed us. Up to this point, my understanding had been that we were on pace for 3:25, so seeing the 3:30 pacer caught me off guard-they were clearly ahead of their target, and Jon confirmed that! The pacer tried to encourage me to stick with him, get up the hill, and tough it out. But my legs needed reprieve! So I walked for a few seconds, and started back up again. Jon reminded me to start up slowly, and not jump back into the same pace. At the top of the hill, I saw my buddy Trey-he put his coaching hat on and encouraged me and reminded me of the work I had already done. Both Jon and Dan reminded me how little we had left. We turned onto Cretin Ave, and then onto Summit Ave. The first person I saw on Summit Ave was Meghan Smith, my girl, running and yelling “Go Bree! That’s my coach! That’s my coach!” That’s all I heard and all I remember. But I remember that it meant something, and I was filled with emotion. Then I saw my client, Pam, jumping up and down, cheering for me. I’ve cheered her on in her running journey, and her weight loss journey, and now she was cheering for me. I had to keep going. I had made it to St. Thomas! Another one of my clients, Brittany, was at St. Thomas with a sign, rooting for me, and so I kept going. This was also the first place I saw my best friend, biggest fan, and the love of my life, my husband. Jeremy is the person who puts up with the months of training leading up to the marathon. He is the one who reminds me what I’m capable of when I forget. At this point, I knew I had to keep going. But it the struggle wasn’t over…..

Miles 22-23: Summit Ave climbs. I knew I only had about another mile of climbing, and it would get better. I kept breaking the mile down in my head-Summit Ave to Prior Ave, and Prior Ave to Snelling Ave, and then I’m done with hills (for the most part). Jon kept saying, “Just take it one mile at a time, we’ll walk through the water stops, and then start back up again.” I needed that. Dan kept saying, “Just one foot in front of the other. Each step is putting you closer to the finish.” I needed to break the last few miles into small, incremental, yet attainable steps. So we climbed the hill, and made it to mile 23, walked, got some water/powerade, and we were off again. At this point, my body didn’t NEED the water and the Powerade, but I kept saying that I did because I needed the walking break-and truthfully, the mental break.

Miles 24-26: And so we continued. One water/Powerade station at a time. We’d run until we got to the station, we got fluids, and started back up again. At this point, the worst was over! We were truly on our way to the capital, and I was on my way to a PR. With all the stops, I knew I had lost my opportunity to run a 3:30 or better; however, I knew I was going to run a big fatty PR that I could be proud of! I was breathing heaving, I think I was groaning, and I was most certainly hurting. Most people forget there is a hill during mile 25, because they’re so close to being done, but I didn’t forget. I saw it, and I felt it, but I kept going. As we got to the top of the hill, I could see the down hill, and I could see the finish. And that was all I needed.

Mile 26-26.2: I was at the end, and I was going to finish strong. I wasn’t sure I had any kick left, as my quads felt shot, but according to my trusty Garmin, I pumped out a 6:45 sprint to the end! With the support and encouragement of my friends Jon and Dan, and all my friends and family along the course, I had done it! 3:31:30!!! (Prior to TCM, my PR was 3:39:07, held at the Chicago Marathon-which is a completely FLAT course-not one hill). I had shaved almost 8 minutes off my marathon time-ON A MORE DIFFICULT COURSE! That was something I could be proud of.

I am still reflecting on what this marathon meant to me. I don’t know that I have had enough time to process everything I learned through this race, but know that it’s coming. There are a few things I have processed: Running a marathon is not pretty, or easy-for anyone! People care deeply about me, and demonstrated that by supporting me in this process. I feel God’s presence as I run. I want my running to change me, and change others, and if I ever get to a point where it’s not doing that, I will retire. Until then, I want my running to reflect the beauty of Christ, and what He has done in my life, and I want others to realize that there is always more to life-and to pursue that lifestyle. “I RUN in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart FREE “ (Psalm 119:32)

City of the Lakes 25K

This past Sunday was the 30th anniversary and my third run of the City of the Lakes 25K. I love doing this race because it is a part of the Twin Cities Marathon, it's put on by MDRA, and a great opportunity to test your fitness prior to TCM. Our MN weather has been interesting....the week leading up to the race was nice and cool; however, the temps warmed up just in time for the race. It wasn't horrible, but it was warmer than I'd prefer. The race started at about 66 degrees and was about 76 by the time I finished-again, not horrible, but warm enough to remind you of the work being done. Regardless, it was a great day for a race. It has been since January, that I have raced a longer distance, so I was excited for this race!

Paul Hurkman, Josh Iniguez, and Kevin Miles, all from Venture Expeditions (RunFree is a part of Venture Expeditions) came to cheer us on at the beginning of the race. I love that this organization encourages you to take a sport you already love, and positively impact the world through it. I still need to write a blog on Venture Expeditions and RunFree. It's coming soon-promise.

Trey and I toed the line, ready to see what we could leave out on the course. He had a great start. He looked strong and focused on the road ahead. For a good portion of the race, he was always a few yards in front of me. I kept trying to close the gap, but he was holding strong.
Trey running and representing Team World Vision

I ran in my new Brooks Launch, they were so much lighter! My legs still feel fatigued from all the mileage. I'm looking forward to this taper, and bringing some strength back to my legs. William Berry Parkway is the hill we had to run 3 times during this race. Normally, my parents are there, cheering me up the hill. They couldn't be here this year, but Jeremy was there on his bike, helping me climb.

My goal for this race was to beat my time from last year. I have made progress each year. In 2009, I ran 2:07:50. In 2010, I ran 2:00:22.
This year, 2011, I ran 1:57:45 (my half marathon split was 1:39:15). As long as I continue to improve, I will be pleased! I placed 5/61 in my age group.

It was also fun to know my friend Suzie was running this race. Although I didn't get to see her before the race started, I knew she was there, and I knew I'd see her at the finish. She is one of the strongest female athletes I know. She has such an incredibly hard working attitude, and knows how to bring her game face!
Suzie looking good, as always!

Post-race happiness:


And of course, my biggest fan/pacer/photographer, and love of my life:
Thanks for believing in me, Jeremy. I love you!

New Beginnings

I'm less than a month out from the Twin Cities Marathon. It has been so long since I have actually raced a long race. My last race was a 4K in July (yep, 2.5 miles). My last half marathon was in January. My last marathon (due to bowing out of Boston), was Chicago, last October. I feel out of the swing of racing. I have a 25K (15.5 miles) next weekend, and I'm full of nervous energy, yet excitement. Too be honest, I'm not certain how much ZOOM I will have. I have been training hard-very hard, and my body feels pretty fatigued. I've been logging about 60 miles a week, for the past two months, my legs feel dead tired, but I know the work I've put in will pay off after my taper, as I toe the line for TCM. I'm treating next weekend's race as a part of my training. This will be my third time racing the City of the Lakes 25K, and I'm hoping to break my course PR (which is 2:00:06).

Few new updates to my training. I am going to run the marathon in a lighter (weight) pair of shoes, than my beloved blue/black/silver Brooks--they are just too heavy for the long runs. They are still the most beautiful pair I've ever owned, and they are not ready to be retired. Here are the new kicks--beware, not nearly as pretty or exciting as the Glycerins, but much lighter:

Brooks Defyance

New shoes always make runs a little more exciting, especially when you feel faster.

This weekend I lost my first toenail! It had been purple for quite some time. I felt it lifting from the nail bed. I noticed that it had completely lifted from nail bed, except for on the sides and bottom. I was concerned that bacteria would grow underneath, so I carefully clipped the nail off. Here's the new skin:



So with less than a month until Twin Cities Marathon, here's to new beginnings. New shoes. New toenail. So excited for TCM!

Cheers!