The Trials and Tribulations of a Marathon Runner.

Ok dedicated blog fans, I know you've been missing me, and perhaps wondering if those red ant bites became fatal. So here I am, getting back at it, blog and all. First, let me back it up 14 miles. That is what we were running as of my last post. And then the weekend after that. And then the weekend after that... I pooped out. My knees, ankles, everything got the best of me, and I spent most of August feeling like a failure and moping around my house. (Moping does not include cleaning, by the way. So no, this was not a productive or relaxing vacation from my marathon training.)

Anywhoo, it was a sad month not being able to run with my Team, but my time off made me realize what an amazing crew we've got out there with Team In Training. All of my new friends were checking in on me, and trying to keep me in the loop on everything so I could make a big come back. Team: You ROCK. Thanks so much for all of your support and good friend-ness.

Running Millerton lake with the best girls I know!

Alright, so enough of my emo, hurt-kneed drama. It happens. This is what I learned, though.

1. Don't run when it hurts just to finish your mileage.
2. Don't neglect your other leg muscules (quads, etc.) in your training, because it will just wear out your knees faster.
3. RICE - rest, ice, compression, and elevation. That is the formula for fixing it. (Before it gets bad like I allowed my own problem to get. Then you're pretty much S.O.L.)

Now repeat that back to yourself before you continue reading. Done? Ok.

So, moving forward to my comeback...

Let me say this. It's been a slow comeback. After a visit to Disneyland with my boyfriend Dan and his family, we raced back to town for my first Tuesday night training. Coach kept me off the hills, and THANK GOODNESS he did. Those were the slowest, roughest four miles in history. And so started my gradual panic. So, on Thursday, my boyfriend took me on a run for 3 miles. He showed off a lot and was real sore the next day, but I did appreciate him going with me, even if I could keep up. Then, this Saturday, I went for 7 as we ran to bulldog stadium to celebrate the first gome game of the season. Go dogs!

Was seven manageable? Yes, I'll make it afterall! And I might even reach my fundraising goal with your help! There is STILL time for you to donate to the Leukemia Society on my behalf, and I have been working hard to collect donations!

This past week, I held a yardsale to raise money, and also had another super fun even at Perfect Balance Yoga. Yes, those amazing folks had another fundraiser for me - a belly dancing class! It was a KICK. Thanks so much to everyone who came and had a blast with us! For those of you who missed it, we'll all be going back on Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm for more dancing! Check out the Perfect Balance website for more information.

Before class, you may also want to do some shopping for the very neccessary sparkly belts. Me and Rebecca Ault (the awesome friend who hosted my jewlery party fundraiser) are definately getting some! You don't neeeeeed one, but it would be more fun with proper accessories.

So, anyways, this is me, getting back on track and recommitting to Team In Training. I am ready to run on October 18th!!!!!!!!!! Can I get a "Go Team"???

Ok, I'll do it myself. GO TEAM!

With all my love,

Brittnee

Antsy Days.

Dear Blog Readers,

I am taking a moment from applying Benadryl cream to tell you a quick little story about how training for a marathon is hard work in ways you wouldn't even imagine.

Yesterday, we had our longest run to date (and the longest I have ever ran, period). 14 MILES through Woordward Park, including two trips up "Hospital Hill" on the backside of the park towards Children's Hospital. And while I started out pretty pumped up, I quickly lost my mojo as I encountered a rather unusual obstacle on the trail.

Since I sweat a LOT (it's Fresno, give me a break), I always carry a bandana with me when I run. Yesterday, I dropped my bandana on the ground, and my wonderful teammate Annie pointed it out to me before I lost it. Whew! To make sure it stayed with me, I quickly stuffed it into my sports bra for safe keeping. It seemed a little pokey, so figuring I also stuffed some dirt and small rocks in as well, I quickly removed my bandana, only to find my sports bra filled with red ants!

So, I have been spending the weekend applying anti-itch lotion and trying not to scratch. Moral of the story, look before you leap, or stuff anything into your bra.

Now, despite my unusual sports injury, I am feeling like a much better runner! I had a great run despite all those nasty ant bites, and kept up a good pace for a lot longer than I normally do. In fact, I kept that steady pace for almost the entire 14 miles!

Just in case that wasn't enough for my to celebrate, I also wanted to thank some new donors to my fundraising: Kaitlin Kruser, Dale Kruser, my cousin Caitlin Redpath, Aunt Lora, Von Torres, and Aunt Joyce and Uncle Leroy - you guys rock! And thanks AGAIN to Aunt Jan for making another donation!

I'd also like to especially thank everyone who attended my jewlery party! Thanks Kelly Joos, Christine Thornton, Cindy Sambueso, Tanda Maxfield, Amanda Halvorson, Mary Andersen, Nykkole and Terri Hibbs, Aubrey Rech, and Jason and Misty Kelm. And extra extra thanks to Rebecca Ault of Silpada Designs for putting it on. And, she has extended the order period until Monday, August 9th, so even if you missed out you can still shop for a cure! 30% of everything you purchase goes to Team In Training, so check out Rebecca's website and see if you find something you fancy.

That's all for me - time for more anti-itch cream. Thanks for reading, and thanks for your support!

XOXOX,

Brittnee

P.S. It's not too late to still make a donation to my fundraising goal! I have over $1,000 left to raise, so please show your support for my efforts by making a donation in my name to the Leukemia Society using this link!

Weekend Warriors (and Warrior Poses 1, 2, and 3)

Since my last post, I have run 40 miles through Fresno, Clovis, Millerton Lake, and even Santa Cruz. All those miles mean new shoes for me soon, since you're supposed to replace them every 350 miles (approximately) that you run.

Have all of these runs been easy? Heck no! While running with my Teammates makes every run an enjoyable one, the last few weeks have brought on some serious mental battles against heat, fear of not meeting my fundraising goals for the Leukemia Society, and even worse, disbelief that I can run a marathon.

However, every time I've started to get discouraged, I've had some little confidence boost come from one of the incredible people in my life that has been supporting me through this process. Where all of this support has come from has been a big suprise to me, and I never cease to be amazed at the generosity of people.

To Anna Tarka, for making one of the most generous donations I've received yet when I was feeling my absolute most discouraged, thank you so much. To Joanne Bazarian and Giovanni at Perfect Balance Yoga, thank you so much for supporting me so much and holding a really fun yoga fundraiser at your studio. And to Rebecca Ault, Theresa Berry, Megan Gatzka, Sarah Soghomonian, Amanda Halvorson, Jeanette Camera, Grama, Mom, and Dave Kurtzie - thanks for coming! (Dave's wife Cheryl is on my Team, too) I hope you all had as good a time as I did!

Also thank you to Kitty McManus and Jim and Dodie King for making donations this past week. You are all such awesome people!

So, onto the run stuff!

Today I had quite the little adventure with the good folks of Sierra Challenge Express - Fresno's very own, very fabulous running club. My friend Theresa (above with my in our race numbers) invited me to join her on the bus with the club to Santa Cruz for today's Wharf to Wharf 6-mile race from Santa Cruz's boardwalk to Capitola. It was SO gloriously foggy and cool, and so fun to run along the beach and listen to lots of bands and see lots of cute dogs.

Now, when I Sierra Challenge Express is fabulous - I mean it. Those folks took home several top 50 finishes, including my friend Theresa was placed 30th for the females. Out of 15,000 people!!! I didn't exactly place 31st behind her or anything, but I did have a pretty good morning myself, finishing my 6-mile run in 55:34. Afterwards, I got a neat new t-shirt, and then I got lost. But, it was a good lesson for Nike, because I realized when you are running with more than 30 people, it's a good idea to establish a meeting place. Not that Theresa and I weren't super brilliant for deciding to meet at the finish line in a crowd of 15,000, but there might have been a better one. Anywhoo, I found some other folks in Sierra Challenge Express yellow, so I made it back to Theresa and our bus soon enough.

Once we got back on the bus, I was so impressed to hear how well everyone did in the race. If I wasn't motivated to train hard to become a better runner before, I am definately looking to improve my mile time now. I am looking even more forward to training than ever!

And speaking of training for a cure - FUNDRAISER NOTICES!

Thursday, August 6th - 5:30 - 7:30 pm @ the Valley Animal Center

"Cupcakes, Champagne, and CUTE JEWLERY!"

Come support the Leukemia Society while we enjoy yummy cupcakes, champagne, and every girl’s favorite, jewlery!

Throughout the evening, Rebecca Ault of Silpada Designs will have goregous jewlery available for purchase, and 30% of everything you buy will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training Program. If you would like to come, please RSVP to Rebecca Ault at aultpa@sbcglobal.net. You may also RSVP to Brittnee Maxfield at brittneekao@yahoo.com, or simply RSVP on Facebook! We hope you can make it!

Can’t make it, but still want to support? Shop online anytime before August 6th, and let Rebecca know you’re shopping for a cure!

Saturday, August 15th from 5:30 am to 12:00 pm & Sunday, August 16th from 7:00 am to 11:00 am

Yardsale Fundraiser!

I'm working hard to raise money for a cure, and I need your help! Well, mostly, your old stuff!

I am having a yard sale to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through their Team In Training program. I would greatly appreciate any donations of furniture, clothes, household items, or whatever for my yard sale that I will hold on August 15th and 16th.

I am also going to be selling baked goodies, so if you want to help by baking some treats, I'd love that, too! If you have anything you can donate, please send me message or leave a comment. Or, if you want to come enjoy a pastry and shop for a good cause, come visit me at the sale!

So, that's the end of my blog post about the past two weeks. Next time I won't let as long go by between posts, because that was long, and I am missing out on Red Velvet cake with Dan while I am blogging about being a better runner... Ironic.

TTFN,

Brittnee

"Racing for a cure!"

Love (of running) is a crazy thing.

Hi everyone!

It's been awhile since I've had the pleasure of hopping on my blog to share all about my Team In Training experience. Mainly because we have been working our tails off at the Valley Animal Center (you know you loved that pun) to prepare for our Cool Cats and Doggie Divas event this past Saturday, which was fabulous, and lots of fun. Thanks to all of my friends and loved ones who came to the party, especially our baby puppy Atlas, who was a smashing model in his hula gear.

What does that have to do with Team In Training? Pretty much nothing, except I am using this to show you how dedicated I am to my training program, and to helping raise money to find a cure.

Saturday, I got up at 4 am to meet the Team at Starbucks to carpool up to Bass Lake, where we ran a half marathon. Literally, half of a whole marathon already. One complete loop around the lake. 13 miles logged on my new Garmin GPS running watch.

Yep, this is the loop we ran, according to my watch!

It told me all this good pace, elevation, and mile time stuff, too...

And then I turned the GPS off, and turned back on the time, and realized just how long overdue I was back in Fresno. So home I went for sound check, setup, and a quick shower before heading back to work to run my event, MC the fashion show, and make sure everyone drank enough to have a good time. All this running around like crazy, and not back home til 11 pm. That's a pretty long day, is it not? But for the Team, I'll do it!

The best part was, that even with all of that insane running and running around, I felt GREAT. The run around the lake was so beautiful, and there were so many nice volunteers on hand to provide water, encouragement, and candy all along the way, that I can't image a better way to spend a Saturday.

Now, a better way to spend a Sunday, that I've got covered.

If you don't have plans for this Sunday afternoon, let me help you make some!! From 3 to 5 pm, Perfect Balance Yoga at Shaw and Fresno is holding a yoga class fundraiser, and 100% of the proceeds go to Team In Training! Plus, in addition to a fun yoga class appropriate for all levels, I will bring yummy snacks and fun door prizes for some lucky winners. So, you should come! Just email me at brittneekao@yahoo.com, and let me know you'd love to attend! Feel free to invite a friend, too!

Speaking of friends - I have some thank you's to say to my family, and my new friend through Facebook, Teri! Thanks so much to Duane Kerr, my Aunt Terri, my Aunt Jan and Uncle John, my friend Sarah Soghomonian, and my new friend who donated just because she saw my blog on my Aunt Jan's facebook, Teri Thomas! If that's not way cool, I don't know what is.

If you haven't had a chance to visit my fundraising page - it's not too late! Check it out by clicking this link. Even a teeny tiny donation makes a big difference to me when I am sweating my butt off in the 100 degree weather trying to get ready for my marathon!

Thanks again for visiting - ya'll come back soon, ya hear?

XOXO,

Brittnee

Big Events and My Big Purchase!

Hello Loyal and Deciated Blog Readers (if I have any),

Ok, here's what is new in the land of Team In Training!

IT'S HOT!

This is not breaking news, but it does mean that we are no longer having evening work outs. So, Tuesday and Thursday, you can see us in the Starbucks parking lot just before 5 am waiting to head into the park. It's early, and it's still hot. But I made it on time two times in a row already, so I am pretty excited about that.

Now that it's so hot, we are having some of our Saturday runs off-site at earlier times and higher elevations. Last Saturday, we ran 8 miles at Millerton lake. Truthfully, I was SO nervous, but once we got there it was fun and not horrible! Team In Training and fun friends like Cheryl and Lindsey make it so much easier to run so far! That, and the gummi bears.

Other events... FUNDRAISERS! Some really awesome women from the Fresno Women's Network are supporting my efforts with some awesome fundraisers.

On July 19th, Perfect Balance Yoga is having a beginning yoga class from 3 - 5 pm. There will be refreshments and door prizes, so you should come! The suggested donation for the event is $20, and the studio is donating 100% of all of the money to the Leukemia Society! If you'd like to come (and bring a friend!) please RSVP by emailing me at brittneekao@yahoo.com.

On August 6th, Rebecca Ault of Silpada Designs Sterling Silver Jewlery is also having a party for me, and donating all of the profits to the LLS! More details on that, soon!

Even if you can't come to either of my parties, you still can make a donation to the Leukemia Society on my behalf. I have committed to raise $2,800 for cancer research, and I need your help to get there! I've raised about $800 so far, and would like to thank my newest supporters, Rosa Lozano, Gina Cuttone, Mary Andersen, and Sarah Soghomonian. Thank you for helping me run my race against Leukemia!

Speaking of helping me run my race.... just moments ago I made a major investment in my running future, and purchased my Garmin Forerunner. I have been absolutely lusting for one (just ask my boyfriend Dan... I think we've had the Garmin talk at least 65 times since I joined the Team), and so I finally bit the bullet and bought one at the encouragement of the lovely running machine Theresa Berry.

So anyways.... the Garmin is super cool and tells you more than you ever wanted to know about your running. We're not just talking mileage (it's equipped with a GPS sensor), not just calories burned, not just how long you've been running,
but all kinds of crazy crap. It saves your mile time automatically so you know how fast you ran each of your eight miles from start to finish. It's even got a computer program for you to plug the watch into, and see graphs of your running progress. I am beside myself with excitement.

That's it for this blog... but expect a longgggg post when I get my new Forerunner!!!!!!

Thanks for reading and being my friend!

Brittnee

P.S. Fourth of July edit: Good job to everyone who ran the "Freedom Run" this morning, especially my running partners Lindsey and Mary! I finished my 4 miles in like 39 minutes, which isn't horrible since it was so hot by the time we started I pretty much was dehydrated walking from the car to the start line... and especially after we ran our two-mile warm up. So now that those 6 miles are down - time for pool party! HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Brittnee rocks out and eats right.

So in Team In Training we don't run with our ipods. Running outside w/ ipod = major dangerous. Don't do it.

Now, when you're cross training at GB3 in some crazy body conditioning class, you are totally allowed to listen to music. And you kind of have to, because they blast it at you hardcore. And so... I introduce my new love. Electonica. Oh yes!

Before you go one minute longer - head to http://www.pandora.com/ (if you haven't been there before, WOW, you need to check their music gemome project out, it will probably change your life), and make a new station from song "Don't Trust Me" by 3OH3!. You will super love it and want to dance your butt, belly, and thighs off.

This is important - really! Cross training is a big, big part of being able to successfully run a marathon, so all of us in Team In Training are not only running 3 times a week in this nasty heat, but we are also hitting up pilates, yoga (our pup Atlas is a pro at downward dog), lifting weights, and doing all sorts of other activity to train our core muscles.

The other important thing... cough, cough, Amanda... is eating right! And let me tell you, if you are a no-carber, back away from your computer screen, because what's coming up will not even sort of motivate you to run a marathon. According to Runner's World magazine and like, everyone else, the marathon trainee's diet should break down (approximately) as follows:

• 15 - 20% protein
• 30% fat
• 50 - 55% Carbohydrates

Holy smokes - that's a lot of carbs! But, According to Registered Dietician Allegra Burton carbohydrates are important because they are "the body's preferred fuel for running (or any endurance sport) is muscle glycogen. Glycogen is the body's storage form of carbohydrate. If muscle glycogen breakdown exceeds its replacement, glycogen stores become depleted. The result is fatigue and inability to maintain training and racing intensity. In order to replenish and maintain glycogen stores, the marathoner's diet needs to be carbohydrate-rich.

Alright Allegra, I am putting a big pot of pasta on the stove right now! I promise.

While it boils, I'd of course like to thank the most recent donor to my fundraising campaign, Gina Cuttone! Thanks for showing some Theta love, Gina! I am so proud to have my sisters' support as I run for one of our own Theta ladies.

Coming up this weekend, the Team is headed to Millerton Lake where we will be running 8 MILES. That is almost the longest I've ever run (except for that random entry into the Trail of Two Cities Half-Marathon here in Fresno - which you can train for with Team In Training, by the way), and I am a little bit intimidated! But, at least I have the gummi bears to look forward to! Yup - just another reason why training with the Team is the way to go for wanna-be marathoners. While you could run miles and miles and miles alone with no company, we run with friends AND organized water stops, all of which are stocked with water, gatorade, and a little candy in case any one is getting low on blood sugar. (Or in case you are a candy freak like me, and need the lure of gummi bears to make it another mile or two) It's pretty awesome.

Now, I'm going go to go make that pasta and get in bed - 5 miles at 5 am tomorrow!

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to visit my fundraising page to make a donation! Even the littlest ones make a huge difference in my fundraising efforts!

XOXOX,

Brittnee

Hello Hydration.

Another week (and change) of training has gone by. And even if you're not running 4+ miles a day, I bet this summer weather has got you feeling the thirst.

Staying "hydrated" so they say is something that I can't seem to get a grasp on. I drink and drink, or I forget to drink any water or sports drinks, I just can't find that happy medium. Where is it?

"Drink until you're not thristy" makes no sense to me. That's like telling me to eat until I'm full. Right, like that's gonna get me to drop that spoon and back away from the ice cream carton. I need a bonafied stop point where my self control (or lack thereof) is not a factor. Maybe you do, too.

Anyways, that's why I decided to Google "how much water should I drink a day". And, I found this neat calculator that tells you down to the ounce, based on your weight, activity level, elevation of your hometown, etc., etc.. Now I know, 53.5 ounces of water a day is my optimul amount. So much easier, right?

You can figure out how much water you need to drink this summer using the calculator, here.

Now, I am sure I don't need to tell you all of the benefits of drinking plenty of water, but I will take a moment to let you know that being amply hydrated is helping me run better - so much that coach upgraded me and the girls I run with to level 2 (with the repeat marathoners!). Yikes! 6 miles this coming Saturday - you know I'll be throwing back the waters Friday night while we celebrate Kristen's birthday!

So, while you drink a nice tall glass, here is what I've been up to:

Running the cow loop at Woodwark Park with the Team on Saturday (check out our Team pic here - though not all 70 of us are present!)

Yoga! Yep, I am getting all deliciously zenned out in my first ever yoga class with fellow running fanatic Mary. We are taking "Begginer Basics" on Wednesdays at Perfect Balance Yoga. SO fun! (Even though I am pretty sure I am "that" girl that needs help with everything...) Keep checking my blog for news about an upcoming event with the wonderful people at PB Yoga!

Sending thank you cards - Thanks so much to the latest donors to my event! Gloria Craig (in honor of Pete Bispo), Uncle Jeff, Gary and Leslie Knutsen, and Kelly Sylte - you guys are awesome! P.S. Readers who are looking for the motivation to do their own marathon, or anything BIG!, you need to talk to Kelly, or see her speak at the Health, Wellness, and Happiness Expo this Saturday at 2 pm. I will be at the Fresno Women's Network booth, so you can come say HEY to me, too!

And that's about it! So, now that my blog post is over - check out my fundraising page! Your donations are a huge help to Leukemia patients all over!

Thanks for reading,

Brittnee

Lonely Five Miler

Dear Blog Readers,

Today I ran just for you. I missed Team In Training's practice this morning because me and Jackson dog had to work, so I decided to make up the mileage by myself this afternoon at Woodward Park.

You know what isn't that fun? Running five miles alone in Woodward Park. No one to see if you're actually running and not walking, no one to talk about dog strollers with (Annie, I missed you), and even worse, NOTHING to look at. Seriously, nothing. If you're ever in the mood for a solitary stroll in the park, you should go at two in the afternoon on a Saturday. Not a puppy or bike rider was in sight almost my entire 5 mile trek down Eaton Trail.

That is, until I needed to use the bathroom. What are the odds that I FINALLY get to the stupid bathroom just before the 4 mile mark and there is a whole family of bicylers waiting to go into the single person bathroom shack. If you're Brittnee Maxfield, apparently those odds are pretty good. So lo-and-behold, there was no bathroom break in the cards for me. Mainly, because I wanted to make you all proud, and run as far as I could without stopping! I swear, I really wanted to come home and post on my blog how far I ran, and thinking that it wouldn't be very exciting to say a mile or two kept me going for over four miles, at which time I was dehydrated and needing to use the restroom all at once. Then I walked a little bit, but I am still very proud to say that I ran four miles without stopping, and only walked part of my last one, even without the company of my Team Mates.

Thanks, blog readers, for keeping me motivated!

Thanks also to my mom and dad, Aunt Mary, and Aunt Peggy for donating to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on my behalf this week! Your donations are a huge part in keeping me motivated to run my marathon, so thank you!!!

Now, on with my weekend to include a yummy BBQ at Uncle Jack's, and a shot at Bikram Yoga tomorrow. Yoga in a 90 plus degree room? Should be interesting...

Talk to you soon!

Brittnee

Ready, Set.... Weeks 1 and 2 of My Marathon Training

This past Saturday marks the completion of my second week as a Team In Training marathoner - whooo hoo!

I am so excited to share with you all the sweaty details about the work I have been doing over the past few weeks. Well, maybe I'll spare you the actually sweaty part... just picture yourself on the Clovis West High School track (yes, the outdoor one) in the lovely 90+ degree Fresno weather, and you'll get the gist of it.

In our first two weeks of training we had 6 running practices, as well as some informational workshops and things of that nature. One of the benefits of Team In Training versus other programs is the time the coaches and mentors put into teaching you how to be a better runner. For as much time as I have spent in the gym, I have already learned a lot of things that I must confess I did not know!

For example...

After our first running practice, the whole team went to Sierra Running Company for a shoe clinic, where we learned about finding the right athletic shoes for your feet. Now, for those of you who have been purchasing the latest, most attractive Nikes (like myself), did you even KNOW there are 3 different types of running shoes? True story. What they taught us at Sierra Running Company (and what you can learn in this article) is that there are different types of shoes depending on the arch of your foot. The three types are neutral, stability, and motion control. Now, if you are a victim of blisters, shin splints, etc., you may want to look at the shoes you are wearing, and see if they are even meant for your feet. Read the article, it is mind-blowing stuff.

FYI, I wear neutral. These are my new shoes that I swear just happened to be pink in addition to being the best fit for my neutral feet.

Now, don't go thinking I have spent the last two weeks shopping! I have in fact been very busy with other things, such as:

• Me and my running partner Amanda asking our Kappa Alpha Theta sister Rose Henning if she would be our honoree patient for this event - she said YES!
• Writing thank you cards to those awesome folks who have made donations to my page (Thanks Chris, Lucce, Grama, and Ron!)
• Running in the park - and walking our handsome dogs after! Jackson got to play in water for the first time! As you can see, he was skeptical at first, but he loved it. Especially the being dirty and getting those nice pink shoes real brown and muddy part.
• Creating my blog - because I need your support! I created this blog to share my experience with you, in hopes that I will have your support as I raise money for a cure. Please, visit my fundraising page, and make a donation. Any amount is a big step towards a cure!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I really hope you'll come back often, because I like to take pictures on my Blackberry, and it's most fun if I have someone to share them with.

Lots of love,

Brittnee

I'm running for a cure - please support my race against leukemia!