What qualifies as a LSD Run!?

I vividly remember riding the light rail back to our hotel after the Arizona Rock N Roll half marathon, listening to this girl talk about how much she loved her "LSD" runs, because she would take off with  a group of friends, they would chat etc and she felt like she could run forever.  I remember thinking to myself, "I've honestly never had that feeling."  For me, the concept of a long, slow distance run was never part of my training {or so I thought, because I wasn't running enough miles} until I trained for my first marathon.  To me, a run only qualified as a LSD run if it was at least 15 miles.  {As with many running terms, even being a "runner," I develop my own definitions}. I've changed matured in my thinking, and realized {as with many things} a LSD run, is a relative term....if someone is averaging 2-3 miles for their runs, then a 6 mile run would be a LSD run for them. It so easy to compare ourselves to other runners, how fast they are, how many miles they put in etc., and get discouraged because we don't live up to the pressure we put on ourselves.  It's really important we focus on our own training, goals, improvements etc and not get caught up in focusing on everyone else.  Yes, my "speed work" is some people's marathon pace....but it still is SPEED WORK for ME! 

Last saturday was perhaps one of my best LSD runs {which I have now named "Sherpa Saturdays}. I had invited a couple of friends, a friend of a friend, and then asked my friend to sherpa for us; there ended up being 4 of us...one girl did 8 miles, 2 did 13, and then I did 18.  No matter what the distance was, it was a long run for the person who ran it, and we all enjoyed each others' company while we had it, & had fun every mile.  Kaylee has taken on her role as sherpa quite seriously....she carries our water, nuun, gels, beans, extra layers of clothing, etc...but most importantly, she provides the music! We are quite the scene running down the bike path with our personal sherpa jammin our tunes {and dancing along; I told Kaylee she needs to start a Sherpa business and we can hand out her business cards on our runs}

Sherpa Kaylee

#sherpaproblems

I challenge you to NOT limit yourself by self defined definitions of running terms.  Yes, I AM A RUNNER, even though I have yet to run a sub 2 hr half marathon and my dad beats me at every race.  

Nuun Hood-To-Coast Application

This is a huge leap of faith for me, but I am submitting a video application for the Nuun Hood-To-Coast team, which will be made up of all female bloggers.  I am addicted to Nuun, am obsessed passionate about running the Hood-To-Coast, and really want to get out on my "skinny branch" and pursue a dream of mine. 

My family has always been the inspiration behind my running {I'm beyond excited to be doing a marathon with my dad in June}, and although I can't promise to be as cool as my mom {actually I'll be cooler}  with the fanny pack and "ghetto fabulous" sweats...

...and Farrah Fawcett bangs...

I hope I am given the opportunity to continue the family legacy & "Bring It" with the 2012 Nuun Hood-To-Coast relay team.

Without further adieu, here is my video...

"Have a DREAM, make a PLAN, GO FOR IT! You'll get there, I promise"

Zoe Koplowitz {marathoner afflicted with MS}



Marathon 2...It's NOT about ME!

{As I answer the phone, seeing that it's my dad calling} "Holly, I just ran 17 miles!" I could "see" the big smile on his face after accomplishing such a big milestone in his training.  Normally I am the one calling my dad to "brag" about my runs {ok, I call him after every race and most long runs}, so it was so nice to hear the excitement & confidence in his voice. I was thinking this weekend on my long run, while talking with my running partner, who I did my first marathon with...& I think I am more excited to be a part of several of my good friends' AND my dad's journey to becoming marathoners, than I am to personally crossing the finish line. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing people accomplish their goals {and perhaps what they thought at one point was impossible}.  I can't wait to receive the call from my friends in Missouri after they do their 15, 18 and 20 mile runs {Cause I KNOW I will be getting a call}, and hearing the excitement in their voices. Being at the finish line with all of these people is going to be a truly amazing experience! 

I want to introduce to you the future marathoners:

My dad...he has been the inspiration behind my running since I did my first Pear Blossom several years ago! I can not wait to see him destroy the marathon...because I know he will! It took some convincing, but I couldn't be happier that he will be joining me in Seattle!

Heather...my best friend from Missouri! Mom of 2, runner, triathlete {Kansas 70.3, TWICE}, who is always positive, dedicated to her training, and an inspiration to all...I can't wait to see the HUGE smile on her face when she crosses the finish line! 

Heidi...mom of 2, runner, triathlete {Kansas 70.3, TWICE}, and Heather's training partner in crime! This picture says it all...Heidi will have a smile on her face and a positive attitude all 26.2 miles!

Lindsey....I couldn't be more proud of Lindsey for getting out on her "skinny branch" and taking this leap of faith...Lindsey's longest race distance is 10 miles, and she has jumped into the marathon training with two feet, and a "can-do" attitude! 

Nathan...Heidi's husband! He is a runner and a triathlete...this will be my first time doing a race with him; I'm excited to have him on the journey with us!

I feel so blessed to have such an amazing group of people by my side as we all train for and run the Seattle Rock N Roll Marathon together! June 23rd is going to be quite an amazing experience!