Chattahoochee River

Written by Owen

During our trip to Alabama to visit with Malissa's brothers and celebrate an early Christmas, Malissa and I did our Saturday run along the banks of the Chattahoochee River which separates Georgia from Alabama.

The path was very nice, I'm jealous they have such a beautiful place to do their long runs.

It was a little colder than ideal, but I was enjoying my peaceful 13 mile training run.  That is, until I saw this sign every half-mile or so (click on the picture):

Caution: Aligator Habitat

I still enjoyed my run very much, but after seeing that sign I was a little jumpy at every squirrel that made a noise in the trees.

Thunder Road Marathon

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Our Ten Month Progress

Written by Malissa

I want to share some pictures of our progress over the past ten months. My health journey started two years ago but this past January is when Owen and I started running and when we noticed our bodies change the most, both physically and mentally. When we started running we felt better about ourselves and that has helped us make healthier eating choices.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

I am so happy with our progress over these past ten months. Sometimes I forget how far we have come and then I look back at these pictures and am amazed at the difference. February's picture amazes me the most. I don't remember Owen looking like that, it looks almost fake to me, like we are wearing "fat suits".

We are almost to our goal weight. Owen has about 15 pounds left to lose and I have about 20. Now that we are getting close to our goal it is getting harder to shed the pounds. This past week we realized there are still a few issues we needed to address to helps us reach our goals. Owen eats more when he is bored and at night before bed. He usually grabs snacks that are quick and easy, not always the healthiest. We're going to try and have more fruits and vegetables on hand ready for him to eat. This time of the year it's hard to find good fruit so we stocked our freezer and fridge with a bunch of different veggies. Owen even made himself some steamed brussel sprouts the other day for a snack. I bet my mother-in-law is picking her chin off the ground right now!

I'm a little bit more complicated, I'm an emotional eater and a bit of a food binger. It seems like everything I do in life, I do it in binges; eating, exercising, cleaning, blogging, my walk with God, cooking, and even my relationships. I'm so gung-ho when I first start something but then something happens and I tend to lose interest or get bored. I've improved over the past couple of years but I know it will be something that I will always be working on. I find when I set small goals I stick with things longer. I've noticed that with running, when I have races lined up I'm the most excited about running.

Owen's Birthday Present

Written by Owen:

Today is my birthday, so here's a quick picture of the birthday present my mom got me this year.

I really like it, and can't wait to add more bling.  My first marathon finisher's medal will be on there in three short weeks.

Birthdays have always been extra special for me because I share my birthday with my dad. Malissa framed this picture of my dad shortly after he died in 2000.  The picture is of him running his first of five St. George Marathons in 1995.  He died training for his sixth marathon on that very road in the picture.

I've had this picture in different places in different homes over the years.  It has always been special, but now that I'm running my first marathon it means a lot more.

Mom, thanks for the Race Bling display.  Malissa, thanks for the picture.  Dad, happy birthday, I miss you!

"On Cosby" Moonshine 5k

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Marathon for the Family, One Month Away

Written by Owen:

I have been training for this marathon for over five months now.  I've ran over 800 miles in that time.  While running those miles, each day I do the math as to how long it is before November 12th.  November 12th is one of those dates now that just screams at me. So today when I looked at the date and it said October 12th, I was overwhelmed with emotions. One month to go.  The funny thing is, I feel 100% prepared.  I'm not nervous.  I'm anxious.  I can't wait to get out there.

I've been doing all the reading I can on marathon running. One thing I read was an idea of what to do to help the miles pass easier while running the marathon.  I will assign each mile a family member.  While running that particular mile, I will think about that person individually.  I will remember fun times we've had together, I will be thankful for that person and what they mean to me.  I will also be carrying a voice recorder with me while running.  I will take notes at each mile on what I'm feeling like, unique things about that mile, etc.  I will then write that all up into the post-race blog.

Counting my wife, kids, brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents I have 28 people.  So counting the 26 miles, plus the time before the starting line (waiting to start, and actually running toward the starting line), plus the 385 yards after the 26th mile marker heading to the finish line, there are 28 slots.  Here is the pace chart I will have on my arm during the race:

I chose to put my dad in the last 385 yards leading up to the finish line because he is why I am doing this. My dad died of a heart attack while training for his 5th St. George Marathon in 2000.  I'm not sure what emotions and thoughts I will be having that last 385 yards, but I know it will be centered on my dad.

I let Malissa pick which mile she wanted and she chose the 26th.

I also let my mom pick, she picked the 13th mile for the following reason: Because it is near the halfway point, but more for Hebrews 12:1 (12+1=13) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and LET US RUN WITH PERSEVERANCE THE RACE MARKED OUT FOR US."

For the rest, I had Excel randomly select a spot.

I hope anybody that can will come out on November 12th.  Here's a map that show's the route.  It shows the estimated time at each point when I will be there, just hover your mouse over the mile marker.  Malissa plans on going to several of the spots to see me pass.

For those of you that can't make it to Charlotte, here are the actual results that will be updated every time I cross one of the timing mats.  Just hit Ctrl+F (find) and search for Lillywhite.

The finish line is at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Davidson St. in uptown Charlotte.  My goal is 3 hours and 40 minutes which would put me crossing the finish line at about 11:25 AM (hopefully sooner).

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k

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Davidson Run for Green 5k/10k/Half-Marathon

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Malissa's Long Run Dilemma Solved

Written by Malissa

After having a horrible long run last week I decided I needed to find a running partner to help me with my long runs. 

The first person that came to my mind was my friend Joana. I texted her to see what her pace was, hoping it was faster but not too much faster than me. Come to find out she was a lot faster than me but wanted to run with me anyways. 

The first two miles felt great, averaging 11:33 and 11:54. The third mile I got a massive cramp behind the right side of my rib cage. Joana knew right away that it was from me talking too much. Because I don't normally run with anyone, I'm not use to talking while I run. So she told me to take a break from talking and focus on my breathing. That mile I averaged 13:08. The fourth, fifth, and sixth mile we picked back up the pace and averaged 11:42, 11:57, 11:34.

I'm so thankful to Joana for running with me. It was such a selfless act on her part. We were running a lot slower than what she was use to but she didn't seem to mind.  

It was my fastest long run ever and other than my cramp at the beginning, It felt great. Looks like I found my running partner!


Here's a look at last Saturday's run by myself and today's run with Joana.


last Saturday's run:

and today's run:


Such a big difference! Thanks again Joana!

Malissa's Long Run Dilemma

Written by Malissa


Saturday morning was my first long run since the half marathon. I had seven miles to run and planned to run it at a twelve minute pace. I've been running an eleven minute pace during my short runs so I thought for sure I would be able to run a twelve minute pace on Saturday.

Well, it didn't go as planned. No matter what I tried I couldn't get my legs to go faster than my usual fourteen minute pace but then on my last mile I pushed out a 12:04. 

I think I know what my problem is. I can push myself on the short distances because I know it will only last a little while but struggle with the longer distances. I think I need to find a running partner for my long runs. Someone that will help push me through to the end.

Sunset Run 5k

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Training With The Kids

Written by Malissa

The last few weeks we haven't had much time to work with Kyle and Alicia on their 5k training. We have been spending most of our time getting ready for the half marathon. With their 5k being 19 days away we knew it was time to get serious so yesterday we walked up to the middle school track to run a mile with the kids.

Kyle, Alicia, and I started running together. Early on Alicia pulled away from us. She finished her mile at 9:20. Kyle and I held hands while we ran and talked about school and his favorite computer game. I have learned that he runs best when he is talking. So, usually when he wants to stop and walk I start asking him questions and slowly he forgets walking. We finished our mile at 11:46. 

Now that Michael is done training for the half marathon he wants to work on getting his mile time down so he can beat his elementary school mile record. This is his last year in elementary school and he is determined to set a new school record. 

The school record is 6:06. Michael will have two chances to beat the record, one in the fall and the other in the spring.

Last night at the track he had a p.r. of 6:18!

picture taken from Elizabeth's blog

Meet Elizabeth. She is one of the people that stopped to talk to Michael after he finished the Park City Half Marathon. She was blown away that at 10 years old, Michael had just finished a half marathon. I remember her asking him his time and then her saying, "So, are you training for Boston next year?!". She wrote about Michael on her blog. Check it out.

Malissa's Next Training Chapter

Written by Malissa

It's been a week since I ran the Park City Half-Marathon and my feet are finally healed. I made the mistake of wearing the wrong shoes to an amusement park the day after the race and boy did my feet pay the price. This was one of those rare times that Owen was able to say, "I told you so."

For the past few weeks I have been contemplating what training I would do after I finished my half marathon. I have eight months until the Big Sur Marathon and want to use the majority of that time getting my pace time down. My biggest fear right now is being picked up by the "pokey wagon".  I have decided to follow Hal Higdon's Half Marathon Training Guide again but this time I will follow his advanced training guide.

I'm looking forward to lacing up my running shoes in the morning!

Saturday's Long Runs

Written by Owen

In preparation for my marathon in November, I am following Hal Higdon's Advanced 1 Training Guide.  It calls for one long run per week, that gets longer and longer.  Today's run was 16 miles.  My previous long was 14. 

I've increased 2 miles before, but this was the most noticeable increase yet. I was loving it all the way up to 12 and 13 miles, but wow were my legs tired after that.  No cramps or issues, just very tired muscles.

Hurricane Irene was pounding us here in North Carolina as I was running this at 5:30 AM, but we're inland enough that is was beautiful weather here.

I'm sore, but I'm already looking forward to next week's 17 miles!

Park City Half-Marathon

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Friends of the W&OD 10k

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We're running Big Sur!

Written by Malissa

We have decided to run the Big Sur International Marathon this coming April! I'm probably a little crazy in the head but I think if I continue my training I will be more than ready come April. I was planning on running the San Diego Marathon in June but after seeing pictures of Big Sur's course and once Owen told me it ends in Carmel (one of my favorite places ever) I knew this was the marathon for me. Also this April I'm turning 30 and I thought it would be fun to torture myself a little.
My friend Melissa is running it with me. I'm so excited, we started our running journey about the same time. She has been training in California while I train here in North Carolina so it's going to be so fun to finally be able to run together!

Peachtree Road Race 10k

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Firecracker 5k

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U.S. National Whitewater Center Run

Written by Owen

On Saturday we decided to do our run at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. They have a great system of trails through the nearby woods. Michael and I had 8 miles scheduled.

We didn't know how long the trail was so we just took off running, using my GPS watch as a guide. The trail was nothing like I expected. I was expecting a nice wide paved or packed gravel trail similar to the Clark Creeke Greenway near our house. I soon realized that was not the case. The trail was intended more for mountain bikers, but runners were also welcome. It was a tiny trail, too narrow to run even side by side. There were tons of tree roots poking up everywhere, with the path winding in between the trees, up and down hills around lakes, etc.

After we completed the first lap we were at 2.8 miles so we ended up doing 3 laps. It was the longest we had run to date, on the most difficult terrain (by far) to date. Michael fell 5 times, but each time got right back up and continued our run. Those tree roots were hard to navigate. Because the path was so skinny, and because I was setting the pace (he's too fast for me), I had to run in front with him behind me. Each time he fell, it was the exact same situation. I wish we had video of my point of view. I'd hear an "ugh", then turn around and see the same scene every time: Michael rolling on the ground.

Overall great run, but will probably stay away from that one except maybe for a family walk/hike. All I need is a turned ankle before my marathon.

These pictures were taken early in the morning before the whitewater center had opened:

Training For The Littles

Written by Malissa

Today Kyle and Alicia started their 5k training. They both have been asking when they will get to run 5ks with us so we signed them up for their first 5k run that will be this September.

We took them to the track to get a feel for their pace. We all started jogging together at a 14 minute pace. That was way too slow for Alicia so Owen let her jog ahead and he stayed with her. She ended up running the mile in 11 minutes and 1 second and Owen said he was holding her back. I stayed back with Kyle and spent the majority of the run helping him with his form. He walks and runs on his toes and looks down most of the time so I tried my hardest to encourage him to pick up his feet and look forward. It's going to take a lot of reminding him but I'm hoping he will catch on soon. The longest distance Kyle has ever done is a half mile (for P.E.) so he was so excited when we passed that and kept going. He is definitely a carefree runner! We spent most of our run beating up imaginary ghost runners and trying to see if we could stay on the lines. He really enjoyed himself and was so excited when he finished the mile. He finished a little before 14 minutes.

Summer Breeze 5k

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King Tiger 5k

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Marathon Man

Written by Malissa

That's right, Owen just signed up for his first Marathon. The race is November 12th and the training has begun!

Yesterday I walked into the office and Owen had this look on his face, the kind of look he gets when he wants to buy something. The first words out of my mouth, "what do you want?" To my surprise he didn't want to buy anything. He said, "I can't believe I'm going to say this. I can't believe I'm even thinking this, but I think I want to start training for a marathon." I wasn't shocked at all. I instantly told him to sign up right then. You see, I've always had a feeling he would run a marathon and for two reasons: he's built to run, it's in his DNA, his dad was a marathon runner. His drive and determination; when he decides he is going to do something, nothing can stop him.

I would be lying if I didn't say that I'm a little nervous and sad. I'm nervous because almost eleven years ago Owen's dad died of a heart attack while training for his 6th marathon. And I'm sad that his dad is not here to share this experience with him. I just know they would have had so much fun training together. I think this is going to be a good healing process for him. He has been reminiscing  about when he helped his dad train for his marathon.

He is following Hal Higdon's Marathon training progam and is keeping a detailed journal of his marathon journey. I am very proud and excited for him. He truly is an inspiration to me!!

Malissa's Thoughts About Her First 5k Race

Written by Malissa

Now that I've had a few days to digest my first 5k race, I wanted to jot downs a fun things that I learned from the race.

I shouldn't start in the middle of the pack. Because I'm a slow runner, I was forced to start at a faster pace than I'm use to.

I learned that running is a mental game especially when there are other runners on the road. Because I usually run by myself, I wasn't use to people passing me. I'm not going to lie, it messed with my head a little. I had a hard time just focusing on my pace.

That it really does help when you have someone cheering you on. I was really tired torwards the end of the race and out of the corner of my eye I see Alicia, Jhanvi, Michael and Udit walking up the hill to look for me and as soon as they saw me I heard Alicia cheering, "Mommy you're doing a great job! You're almost there!" It was exactly what I needed to turn my jets on and sprint the rest of the way.

Even though I just started my running journey, I can be an inspiration to other runners. After the race a lady came up to me and said that seeing me sprint at the end pushed her to sprint.

CPCC Skyline 5k

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