Days FORTY-FOUR through FORTY-EIGHT!

I feel more sick than swine on this lovely Monday, but I must say the college transition is going well despite all odds.

My classes are wonderful, challenging yet manageable and the people in Santa Barbara are mostly lovely.

Something strange has happened here as well! The leaves on the trees have turned strange hues of red and orange, which shocks and disturbs me. Since when do leaves fall off of trees?

Anyway, I have not been slacking on my running in the least, though I took one day off to in order to recoop from feeling like silly putty.

Along with running, I've been riding my bike a few miles back an forth every day to classes. 

After a while this REALLY adds up and leads to serious fatigue.

Overall, I think I've maintained my running, but I want to EXCEL. I want to get better, faster and run for longer. After all, I can't even run six miles and I'm supposed to be able to run 26 in March.

Have any of you ever run a marathon, my imaginary readers?

How did you do it?!

For goodness sake, I'm loosing my mind trying to push into each new mile, and it only gets harder.

In any case, I am off to a very busy day.

Gotta Run,

Brooke

Days FORTY-TWO & FORTY-THREE!

Sand will kill you.

It wants to eat your sole--- you know, of your shoe.

So yesterday I took a run with my new balcony sharer Lucas, who unbeknownst to me is somewhat of a running prodigy. 

We ran down into Isla Vista (small college town full of kegs and bottle caps), which was quite somber due to the heavy partying it's citizens enjoyed the night prior, and we finally reached the neat running trails.

Running in the rich ocean-infused air definitely had an energizing benefit until we reached one place- the ocean.

Or the beach, rather, where we ran even further through the lightest sand on Earth. 500 feet into it, I could feel my shoes filling with the tiny pebbles, my legs becoming weaker and my running mate going strong.

Not wanting to give up, I kept running until we reached a break point in the beach and he allowed us to walk.

Thank heavens.

A few minutes later, though, we continued our run UP the three giant flights of stairs, UP the trails, UP the paved paths by the lagoon and then UP more stairs. 

By the end of this, I was tired enough to nap on the sidewalk, but alas, my running buddy had more energy to take me on a running tour through the Isla Vista shops and then a brisk walk back to the apartments.

In total, we did a good six miles, running about 2.5 of them. Now, this may not seem like too much of an accomplishment, but keep in mind a good part of this was on the beach whilst I was being hit with ocean spray and hearing the kelp pop below me. 

It was nice, though.

I was actually sore this morning, which probably didn't help me when Alicia and I took a five mile (mostly lacking a destination) walk through Isla Vista and onto campus.

Tomorrow, classes start.

And hopefully I can work my feet.

Gotta Run,

Brooke

Days FORTY and FORTY-ONE!

Coming into a new life is never easy.

And falling asleep to a beer pong game outside your window is even less easy.

C'est la vie that I have been experiencing over the past few days.

I moved into my apartment at UCSB with the quietest, most lovely roommates I could ask for. Unfortunately, our neighbors have all decided that the surrounding locations are optimal for drunken success. 

Because of this, I have found the only quiet times here are between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the little ones sober up, just to continue their journeys in the evening. 

Parties even start before the sun leaves the horizon. They're full of hammock swinging, barbeque flaming, water drenching good times.

I suppose.

I guess I've always been such a recluse it's hard for me to understand the continuing festivities. 

I've made tons of friends during the day, but once these people down a 40, forget about it. I'm in bed by 10:30 while they run wild downstairs.

This is not to say I'm excited about the spirit and livelihood by which everyone glistens in alcohol beads, I'm simply going through a state of shock from not being able to hear anything, and from being in a radically different environment.

As my long time neighbor and friend Alicia put it, "We're in this new place living with new stuff and new people in a new climate with new rules."

...It's easy to feel as if you're the only outsider.

All this aside, I am having fun.

Yesterday, my new room mate Jessica and I enjoyed a nice 4.5+ mile walk into campus. Getting lost, we also enjoyed the local terrain of moist trees and dry brush. (What were the fire stats like here again?)

This morning, I ran from my apartment to the Pacific Ocean, about a mile in distance each way. I didn't run on the beach too long because of the high tide, but I did stop to take a break and really take in the experience as well.

I'm here, in a new but very amazing place, and though it may be tough to adjust at first I need to take advantage of every opportunity to gain new insight into this Earth that I live upon.  

I'm planning on kayaking with Alicia soon as well as attending a few campus events.

Running itself is going to be difficult as I figure out new paths and find the drive to wake up after a night of listening to the drunken thoughts of my neighbors. ("Man, you just gotta be cool man, no, I'm serious just relax and--- look man be cool.")

Since much of this is filled with humor, I'll soon adjust. :)

Gotta Run,

Brooke

Day THIRTY-NINE!

Okay, okay, cut it out.

I know it's been a while.

But if it's any consultation  I have a few reasons.

Here's the depressing answer to the 5k: Jake wasn't too well. And since he has been my team mate throughout all of this I refused to run it without him. But I absolutely promise, my imaginaries, the 5k is coming. I will do it and do it well.

Well, I will do it.

I have been running lately, though, however more of it seems to have been me running around town rather than running. 

My family moved and since the house we got it STILL in escrow we have been entertaining the hotel life for many-a-days. So super sweet. Except for we live in the High Desert- which is not so super sweet.

However, TODAY was VERY VERY exciting because I finally moved to SANTA BARBARA. Ever the early-bird, I had everything set up by like ten thirty in the morning and spent the rest of the day with Jake and his super duper brother. Santa Barbara's reputation is definitely more than a rumor, though, because right now I can hear the delights of loud music and a game of apparently very intense beer pong. Fascinating really.

ANYWAY, I am mucho tired and will have much more to tell you tomorrow after I take my first infamous rum in Santa Barbara. 

I routed the whole course and it includes grass, dirt, street, stairs, mud, beach sand and rock. So be prepared for some humor.

Good night and gotta run,

Brooke

Day TWENTY-NINE!

39:28.

That's what I'm working with for the 12th. 

This evening I have work all night and therefore had to run by myself on the treadmill.

Not usually a fan, I took to the massive running machine to see if I could REALLY do it.

Can I really get through 3.1 miles without falling down, throwing up, or drowning in sweat?

In total, I walked .25 miles. Part of that, .1, was right after I reached 1.5 miles and the other .15 was at the two mile marker.

But 3.1 miles I did. And I ran 2.85 miles, which means I reached my personal best in running distance.

I've got to say, I'm worried. Today, I think I had to mentally pushed myself farther than I ever had.

39 minutes and 28 seconds from the point I had started, I was 3.1 miles farther than I had been, even though, on a treadmill, I was walking in place.

If I can do that again or get past that this Saturday, I'll be proud, because it's been the hardest I've worked so far.

Here's to hoping I can move tomorrow,

Gotta Run,

Brooke

Days 26-28

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

That was Jake today before we left on our run.

Not completely invalid, Jake definitely had a huge reason to say what he did.

Yesterday was my last vacation day. 

Jake and I decided that we were going to go to the beach to eat at the incredible Orange Inn in Laguna and have fun splashing in the waves. 

...

Sans sunscreen of course.

We settled ourselves down about a half mile away from the main beach with our super Cranberry Orange Muffins which meant going to change or use the bathroom meant a half mile walk over loose sand, rocks and through high-tided waves. And then a half mile to get back, too.

After making this walk many a times, you would think Jake and I would be beat. 

Ever one's to lean toward a spontaneous action, though, that wasn't all we did.

At about one thirty in the afternoon yesterday whilst covered in sand and giving true justice to the names beach bums, we also went to Disneyland. 

Disneyland makes dreamers out of Jake and I. We truly believe we have the power to see the shows, make the rides and get a taste of our favorite Disneyland Gumbo without ever having a wasted moment. 

After walking from one end of California Adventure to the other, then into Tomorrowland in Disneyland on forward to the River's of America to watch Fantasmic's new editions, we seemed like super Disney goers, even though we looked like we belonged rolled up under an ocean pier.

Overall, the time was side-splittingly good- which reminds me.

The past few days, Jake has been dealing with a mystery ailment- injury- something. Which makes running rather difficult. 

In his own words, "It's like there is a little chubby spikey guy who is crammed in there and he is bouncing and squirming around."

So ouch. 

Jake dealt with this pretty well yesterday though and I definitely had a good last vacation day before I go back to work for eight straight days of torment. (Which will conclude with my last day at work- because apparently they want me to hate them when I leave.)

By the end of the night, I was slightly burned, sore, and covered with a sandy day of fun that lasted past midnight when we finally got home.

If I hadn't had to wake up at four in the morning, this may have gone over well.

But it didn't.

I woke up, calves crazy sore from trudging across the sand and completely covered with the most painful sunburn I've ever experienced. 

After working today, stressing out over school and just being a broken, tired mess, I was less than excited to even move. Let alone run.

When Jake walked into my house, he had this look of FIRE all over his skin and was sort of pinching at his side which hasn't gotten a hint that we need it to get better.

We've promised ourselves to do a 5k this Saturday. It's 3.1 miles and although it seemed impossible, I thought, if we could just run 1.5 miles, stop for .1 and run another 1.5, we'll be okay. 

As I waddled down to Jake, I can quote him again with his intelligent question: 

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

I must say, it probably isn't. 

But as we emerged over the horizon tonight looking like two plump cherries, one with sore calves and one with a pin in it's side, we made our way through our route looking like stumbling red fools.

There was something triumphant about it though.

Because despite the ridiculousness of it all, we were still out there working toward what we promised. And although I can feel pain radiating through my legs and my skin is boiling to the touch, I'm proud that we got out there and did something anyway.

We'll make it.

I think.

Maybe...

But I believe in us.

Gotta Run,

Brooke

Days 21-25

Today I ran with my sister.

Yep.

Okay, okay, I'll get the elephant out of the room, people.

"BROOKE! Where the heck have you been young lady?"

Well, I've been to work. To Disneyland. I've packed a thousand and one boxes and I've baked the most amazing macaroni and cheese with Gruyere, Pecorino Romano, and White Cheddar laced with Cayenne Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes and topped with buttery sourdough breadcrumbs. Oh, an right now I'm preparing the cream cheese frosting from the Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcake Mix my friend Lauren bestowed upon me for my day of birth celebration.

But that's probably not the issue you were most curious about. 

Over the past few days, the sky has been plagued with this gray and red swell of smoke while ash scattered through the wind. Today was the first day where I could step outside without feeling my lungs collapse and try to escape my body.

Because I cancelled my gym membership and I failed to utilize our treadmill because without a running partner I am worthless, today was the first day I ran further than one mile.

I'm disappointed too.

Especially since Jake and I are scheduled to run a 5k a week from now and I STILL cannot get beyond the two mile running marker without shaking in a cross-eyed frenzy.

Starting back up though, I'm going to try. 

And furthermore, that's not what today's entry is about.

It's about people who push themselves to the limit for us.

I think we all aspire to be someone who can achieve self elevation by pushing themselves beyond their expectations. But it takes a pretty big hero for someone to give every ounce of energy to protect and serve us.

Watching the fires, as devastating as a they are, has made me more patriotic than I'd like to admit. Having some close family friends who were feet from flames and who lost team members in these past few days has left me both saddened but proud.

We all have our talents, and I continually wonder if I'm chasing down the passions that will have the biggest impact on the world. 

Seriously, I hope I can make that kind of difference one day.

Gotta Run,

Brooke

Day TWENTY!

Today was a Die Day.

...And for some reason, the world wanted to help out.

Right now there continues to be devastating fires across California which have layered my town in ash blizzards and covered the sky with a thick, orange-gray hue of heat and displaced energy. 

After today's run, my lungs probably look similar.

Today was a Die Day.

...And for some reason, Jake and I felt the need to look beyond the weather and try our hardest to succeed in the "Die" plan. 

First, we did sprints, absolutely as fast as we could, for about a quarter mile, then we took it down to a walk, then a jog, then sprints, then a walk. 

Pretty soon, we were clothed in gray singes and coughing in gasps.

Today was a Die Day.

...And for some reason I enjoyed it because of my switch to organic food. 

I enjoyed making bell pepper, onion and tomato omelettes along with wheat toast carved below a light almond butter and blackberry honey river.

This made my day creative and awake.

Today was a Die Day.

...And for some reason Jake and I decided to shed our sweat only an hour before I had to be at work for a long night of coffee grinding and people smiling.

It ended with me running even more to close the store and wiping my forehead while feeling my burning throat, dumb ashy sky.

Today was a Die Day.

My lungs are aching.

My legs are killing me.

My stomach is happy.

And my mind is tired.

...And for some reason I feel great. :)

Gotta Run,

Brooke

(PS: Tomorrow is a DISTANCE DAY! Which may have to happen inside if the hazardous and unhealthy devastation of an environment outside keeps up.)

Day NINETEEN!

This morning, whilst skipping along to deliver beverages to the Caffeine Addicts of America, I found that my knees had decided to mull on down to my ankles and gain five pounds. That's the only way I can describe the pain. 

So, today being a Distance Day, I wasn't too excited when Jake came in waving his running shoes through the air this afternoon.

But did I make it?

YES!

Finally, planning ahead and sticking to my research paid off!

Jake and I were able to run our entire path by sticking to running the flat or uphill surfaces, but staying away from running the downhills. Believe it or not, I instantly felt the strain drain from my-- umm--- knees.

This being said, you can guess that I wasn't enjoying the seemingly more difficult path, being that it wasn't downhill. After about 25 feet, I really, REALLY wanted to stop. I bit my tongue, though, because I knew I had gone the distance before and decided to sing Rocky songs to myself instead as I rose to the thrill of the fight and the challenge of my rivals.

Taking in constant breaths kept the cramps away, too, and by the time we finished the running part of our route I was still energized to complete all the uphill glory. (Picture me dancing at the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.) 

Since things seem to be coming together, I've also decided I should stop eating crappy vegetarian food. (Somewhere along the way I forgot that just because something is vegetarian, doesn't mean it's good for you.)

When I used to eat a lot more organic vegetables and took time to prepare meals instead of toaster popping *cough* sourdough toast + stick of butter *cough*, I usually felt more energized and less hungry. I made a stop at the grocery store tonight and bought and exciting mix of tomatoes (my favorite food!), brussel sprouts, bells pepper, organic honey and almond butter. That, paired with the stuff I bought last week, should result in some tasty tidbits.

So this is my final toast to toast! While it was a peppy friend, I can't help but feel I've been burned for the last buttery time.

...That was a ridiculous thing to write.

ANYWAY!

Tomorrow is a Die Day! Which makes me really want to plan an actual routine because our Die Days have turned into the EASY day. No no no, that won't do. What would I have to complain about to my imaginaries?

So I think tomorrow will consist of sprints, mixed with runs and more sprints. I'll hammer out the details and let you know how it works tomorrow.

Gotta run,

Brooke

Day EIGHTEEN!

Today an issue that seemed to have been long ago resided decided to break down on me.

My KNEES.

These gosh darn things just don't know what's good for them.

Or something.

Anyway, although Jake and I DID do our Distance Day, we spent most of it walking because of my inability to thrust my body against the asphalt. 

Time-to-Run gives a number of suggestions including to stop running.

Since that's not going to happen, I'm thinking I'll follow some of the other ideas:

-Better stretching: I only do some basic stretching and have yet to actually start up yoga again, which I think is a pretty necessary thing that I'm missing out on.

-Swimming: Although it's hard to believe, I was actually a competitor in a sport that requires strict breathing habits where you don't suffocate or drown yourself. Swimming really did help me in other athletic endeavors, since it provides a cool, liquidy support system. 

-No downhill running: Part of mine and Jake's path that we run requires a pretty stable progression downward, which I always liked because I figured, hey, at least it isn't uphill. I think though, since many articles cite that as a purpose for knee injury, we may have to switch the running areas of our routine to something that's either uphill or flat. (Sad face).

That's all for today.

Tomorrow I'll talk more about the plan for running the entire span of the 5k, which if you haven't read, was the super duper big news in the last post.

Have fun imaginary people,

Gotta run,

Brooke

Days SIXTEEN and SEVENTEEN!

Day sixteen was a lovely day spent at DISNEYLAND!

It was also my birthday, and Jake and I STILL committed to running!

Woop woop. 

I am now 20 years old.

... Which means nothing except I'm one year closer to being 25--you can rent a car when you're 25-- the ultimate age!

Anywho, lets not assume day sixteen wasn't filled with the news I promised you!

So here it is:

On September 12, 2009 there is a 5k in the mountains. :)

So, in less than two weeks, Jake and I will be running 3.1 miles. 

... Jake doesn't know yet.

Okay, now he does.

After explaining to Jake that a 5k is not thousands of miles, and after peeling his clenched fingers off of the steering wheel after he broke out in sobs at the thought of running, he said it sounded good! 

So get excited about that, boys and girls, because the 5k will serve as an accomplishment for the first part of the journey.

Yesterday, day seventeen, was a rest day.

Which was spent by the pool and watching movies.

Today is day eighteen, something I will post later. 

Get excited for September 12!

Gotta Run,

Brooke

Day FIFTEEN!

Running. 

I love it. 

I run long distances and the wind blowing through my hair makes me at peace in the world. As I balance my breath in the dense air, I can feel energy gaining command. There's nothing more satisfying than pushing myself to the limit and running as far, as fast and as long as I can.

Did I sound like I was serious?

You clearly haven't gotten to know me well enough yet, imaginary internet alien people.

ESPECIALLY the "balance my breath part".

This has been an issue that has practically killed Jake of an asthma attack in the past two days and has left me a glistening cherry who is smiling of asphyxiation. 

I don't feel like I'm holding my breath when I run and being a former swimmer extraordinaire, I thought I had a good grasp on BREATHING. Especially since I've been doing it all my life. According to Jake, so has he. 

Then why can't we manage to get through our second mile without suffocation in a wealth of sweat and tears?

The Fitness Motivator has a fittingly motivating article that I can't sum up better than it itself here.

Many articles share this one's opinions of doing breathing exercises pre-run and also creating some sort of rhythm, either to music or to cadences. Jake and I also have talked about maybe yoga and I have thought about getting up to stop skipping kickboxing twice a week.

eHow.com also gives some tips, one of which includes not forgetting to breathe.

That one may be a little tough for me. Truthfully, I do sometimes have to FORCE myself to focus on providing oxygen to the ol' body operators. 

Overall, I think my main focus needs to be stretching, breathing techniques, and, oh yea, running. 

Today wasn't horribile, though, despite the lung induced death Jake seemed to be going through.

We've been running a lot easier without complaining and running faster, which is crazy amazing.

We're still not running a full two miles, but I anticipate to succeed soon sailor. 

Tomorrow will have VERY exciting news! Be prepared imaginaries!

Gotta Run,

Brooke

Days THIRTEEN and FOURTEEN!

Yesterday, though I completely committed to my, hmmm, running commitment, I was extremely AMAZINGLY busy and simply could not transcribe my treacherous trot.

Yesterday was a KILL ME day. And, well-- you'll see. *Drops dead*.

Not only did I work an enormously busy shift (coffee flying, danish dropping, barista flopping madness) but I once I got home I decided I simply HAD to use my free time to make Jake and I a breakfast of 

Blueberry and Ricotta Pancakes with a homemade Blueberry and Maple Syrup. Recipe made up in my head. Oh yea. 

Afterward, I headed down to Los Angeles with close friend Lauren to attend a late birthday party of purse-designer extraordinaire, Betsey Johnson. 

We enjoyed being photographed by people paid to make you feel important, sat with so-called celebrities and met Betsey, of course.

I got home that evening around 11 p.m. and fell asleep.

You may be asking: 

"Brooke. Exactly where does this include you RUNNING?!"

Oh yes, I forgot. 

Whilst getting past traffic on Melrose and around the city I ran.

...I ran.

I ran in four-inch green high-heels that were too small for my feet. 

In all, we did around four miles to quickly get from place to place, most of which I was RUNNING. 

So lets get a visual:

Brooke, sweating red while in tall green heels, carrying a bag that ought only be used to store small countries, and wondering WHY she ate so many blueberry pancakes.

Good plan, Kill Me Day.

Needless to say I am in tremendous pain right now.

Today, I have put off running until the evening so that my feet can have time to forgive me.

A Distance Day, Jake and I will be doing quite a few miles but without plump blueberry fullness and tall runway shoes.

.....

Jake is definitely a better running partner.

He allows me to wear people shoes.

Gotta Run,

Brooke

Day TWELVE!

Today was a distance day. And distance we did. 

Six miles.

Six grueling miles.

And yet we probably consumed more calories than we burned during our endeavor.

How?

Well, we had the brilliant idea, Jake and I, to expand our "adverse terrain" and make our way to the coffeehouse and back, where we enjoyed salsa, chips, and mocha samples. Ridiculous. 

In any case, coming back for the final three miles was quite easy after having coffee, which I had been trying to wean myself off of. 

This may have been the very first day where I enjoyed running. FREAK OUT.

As we ran from white fences to gold barren fields and sun rays expanded downward from dreary yet triumphant clouds, I found myself truly wanting to run. Feeling the freedom it allows. 

Glad that's out of my system.

Enjoying running is probably something that won't happen again until day 212. :)

Tomorrow is a Kill Me Day- or a Die Day- or a Burn in Fiery Hell--oh whatever you can think of, day.

I feel the need to work on this, though, because yesterday the Kill Me Day wasn't horrible. Any ideas? 

ALSO! I was given a sharp warning today from a close friend:

"I heard when you run a marathon your toenails fall off."

WHAT?!

Whoa, whoa, whoa there buddy. I don't know if I am willing to part with the body parts, partner.

Jeff Galloway from Run Injury Free writes this:

Each time your foot swings forward, a little extra blood is pushed into the toe region due to the force of the foot coming forward. If you increase your distance regularly and very gradually, your toes will adjust to each new maximum distance and only complain when you extend farther. In a marathon training program, almost everyone gets at least one black toenail. Running faster than you should be running, at any time during a long run, will increase the chance of this injury. Read more here!

Well shoot. Now I'm afraid. 

After doing a huge array of research, I've found that most people attribute this to small shoes- which is scientifically discredited. 

Others call it a victorious rite of passage.

Yea, Right.

In any case, I'm definitely going to try my hardest to take care of my little piggies. 

That's all for now imaginary readers.

Gotta Run, 

Brooke

Here's something that never works as an excuse for the police: 

"...ummm, it's a long story." 

This is what Jake is hysterically laughing at right now. 

Also, I just pulled up a $114 pair of shoes and Jake was like, "Wow, those are expensive. They must be the best shoes ever."

Why are you driving your car into your family?

....Ummm, it's a long story.

I'll bet.

Day ELEVEN!

Today I spent more time making wonderful icings of cinnamon and nutmeg, and streaming them atop piping hot pillows of fried dough than I did running. 

If I could just find some creative, passionate way of viewing the road as I bounce along it, perhaps running would be a tad easier.

If only the roads were made of chocolate ganache. The sand barren fields of sparkling creme brulee tops and the layers of sediment we trudge over a light tiramasu.

Mmmm.... I'm going to the fridge after this post.

All in all, today was a running day in purgatory. I got cramps, but did what I had to do and made it through scooby doo.

Oh! Except for one minor detail: I slept for TWELVE hours last night. And as I write this Jake is passed out on my stack of bed pillows which generally serve only as annoying boulders between my bed and I.

So I guess I can ask, how am I supposed to be the productive ball of feisty energy I normally am when running is slowly unraveling my energy ball into a small shoelace of nothing?

According to common sense, I need protein and good hydration. Awesome. I hope that means cheese.

As far as hydration goes, I think I'm pretty good. I'm just highly skeptical of "electrolyte" drinks and tend to stick to pure water. Can't imagine why...

I'm willing to give salted and flavored expensive waters a try, I'm just saying, I don't know if I buy it.

But in all honesty, I think that means breakfast needs to stop consisting of golden brown flaky crust billowed over apples and start consisting of ummmm... protein-- stuff.

I'm going to go cook and pass out of exhaustion now.

Gotta Run,

Brooke

Day NINE and TEN!

These past two days have been overwhelmingly busy and left me barely able to fit in running, let alone blog about it to my lovely readers who exist only in my mind.

One of the oddest problems Jake has experienced since starting this is itchy legs. His legs get itchy, when we run. When we run, his legs get itchy.

And this was before I led him through the patch of poison oak.

Weird right? So believe it or not, this isn't an uncommon issue. Hence my itch for knowledge on the topic. 

Christine Luff from About.com had this answer to scratch with:

"The most common cause of itchy legs is actually because of what's happening inside the skin, not on it. When we exercise, the millions of tiny capillaries and arteries inside our muscles expand rapidly because of the demand for more blood. If we're fit, these capillaries remain open allowing maximum blood passage, but, when unfit and inactive, they tend to collapse, allowing only minimal blood passage (which, by the way, is fine for a sedentary person). The expansion of the capillaries causes adjacent nerves to send impulses to the brain, which then reads the sensation as an itch." (More info here!)

As far as I go, I've simply found that I get uninterested very quickly. This is why the route we take does not go in circles, because after one rotation I'm dizzy of the running. 

After getting through ten days, I've noticed I'll probably soon also get dizzy of constantly thinking marathon, marathon, long aching unattainable marathon.

Which is why I have decided to set small goals along the way. 

The big goal is still going to be all 26.2 miles in March, but for now I am going to follow a training plan for a 5k. And then I'll train for a 10k, then a Half Marathon, then a mile run-- just kidding- I just wanted to know if you're paying attention, imaginary readers.

So, training plan for a 5k consists of Distance Days, Kill Me Days, and... *cue harmonious trumpets* Rest Days. 

Essentially, I'll have three Distance Days, where we run, you know, far. 

Three Kill Me Days, where I die from running from slow to fast to medium to fast, etc. 

And rest days. Where I eat peanut butter cups and caramelize sugar atop creme brulees. 

Tomorrow shall be a Kill Me day. Because it sounds like a good way to introduce Jake to the new plan. 

Along with work and a fun partayyyyy, we'll also have an interesting time with scheduling. So wish me luck. :D

Gotta Run,

Brooke

Day EIGHT!

So, yesterday I did two miles.

But who's counting?

...Oh wait... I am.

Anyway. After becoming ridiculously sore and stressed over scheduling for classes, Jake and I ran one mile and walked another. Done.

This isn't me giving up, though. Think of it like a rest day. After all, people need time to recover, which makes me think perhaps I should re-evaluate "The Plan" to include sort of rest days. 

Looking at different marathon training plans, it's amazing that most START at mile ten. Which probably means most people training for a marathon aren't ridiculous mile-walkers. Awesome.

Soreness seems to be a big issue these days. The body's way of telling someone to slow down, I think my body is 

trying to paralyze me. 

Not to mention when I ran yesterday I got a stomach cramp that felt more like my body was shifting around continents or something.

In any case, I'm still in summer, just working and getting ready for school. Which means I better suck it up because come school time it only gets harder.

I'm going to write the next blog on the strange things Jake and I have been experiencing.

Itchy legs?!

Gotta Run, 

Brooke

Day SEVEN!

Today began the lovely conquest that is REALLY running. 

And as I stumbled across tumbleweeds in order to have "adverse terrain", I realized how much I lack the ability to breathe. 

The Runner's Guide tells me to:

1. Limit my breath intake when I'm not running

2. Practice breathing exercises that make breaths flow like a rhythm 

3. Take deep breaths

Fascinating.

1. I don't have the kind of focus to remember to control my breathing when not running

2. I DO make my breaths flow like a rhythm. See: rock music.

3. Well thank you, Dr. Obvious.

In all honesty, I think my main problem is I FORGET to breathe all together. When I get home and look like a glistening, plump cherry I can't help but think I do need to somehow focus on breathing as I would in yoga. 

Or something. 

I've got to say, running my first mile today was just as agonizing as I thought, which is good, I guess, because at least it wasn't worse. 

Gotta Run,

Brooke

Day SIX! (END OF WEEK ONE!)

Jake is here! Looking at the page!

Act natural. 

Today is day six. Which, for some strange mathematically inept reason, concludes week ONE!!!111oneone

Thus far, the entire workout isn't horrible. Two-thirds of it is, but not the entire thing. Complaining once again about my knees today, I realized that mine and Jake's path pretty much consists of concrete and asphalt. Woohoo hard surfaces! 

I've always heard it's better to run on more gravel-like or sand like surfaces because it trains your muscles better AND keeps you from having mismatched knees that sag down to your cankles. After using my trusty Google today, though, I found out from a lovely article that we ought to be running across all-terrains. Like a car. A gassy car. 

The article made sense. Basically, picture every step you take on a surface like someone poking you in a specific place on your body. Any body-part. I don't care what you imagine. 

Anyway, if this person were to continue to poke you in the same place you'd probably develop a red ouchie, wouldn't you? :(

But if the person were to switch it up and poke you in different places, you'd have enough time to slap the crap out of th--- I mean---- you probably wouldn't bruise since your body is taking in the pressure with different points.

The same goes for terrain. We're supposed to try to switch it up from sand, to rock, to pavement, to grass, flower beds, swimming pools, sand castles, etc. Read more here. 

Although I don't see much more than asphalt and sand in my lovely desert home, switchin' it up is what I shall try. It'll be a lot easier when I move the the beach. They have grass there, too. The green color scares me a bit. 

Tomorrow is day seven and the beginning of WEEK TWO! 

...Which means actual running.

... Shhhhiiiiiishkababob.

Gotta Run (oh no!),

Brooke

Day FIVE!

Granted, I'm writing day five a little later than expected, but this is due to a devastating truth: I get tired from exercising.

I never expected that I would come down with this horrible ailment, but alas, I found my eyes drooping yesterday after working and walking a whole three miles. 

Therefore, this entry is in response to the terrible trials I faced yesterday.

I have learned that walking in the sun is definitely a way to kill myself unmercifully. But the dark, well, who knew?

Yesterday Jake and I set out to walk at 9 p.m. Truthfully, it was the only time I could walk considering my late night the night prior and early morning, lots of work, and a family barbeque. Setting out upon our moonlight journey, I found out that my town lacks vital street lights, making me a sudden scare to many-a-drivers. After dodging several cars, Jake and I found an interesting means of dealing with our agony. We sang. 

Silly I know, but singing Bohemian Rhapsody and Vanilla Ice songs made the time pass quickly, even though it also left us gasping for air. 

Lately I've had body parts complaining to me, but no more than my knees, which feel the need to lock in place almost as if to communicate their disapproval of my goals. Beginning this endeavor by walking is truly worthwhile. It's helping me understand what my problems will be and also gives me time to solve them BEFORE I start running--- and breaking bones, and pulling muscles, spontaneously combusting. Those sorts of issues. 

So here I go to solve another issue: Knees. 

According to Dr. Stephen Pribut, who I'm trusting because of the letters D and R in front of his name, "runner's knee" is a common issue that is nearly inevitable at the start of running. The knee itself is incredibly complex in it's functions, so its basically easy to screw it all up. However, there are numerous things that increase the cause like running downhill, bad shoes, wide hips (oh yea, I'm in trouble), etc. 

So what's the doctor's medicine?

"Rest or Relative Rest: Run Less

Avoid exercises or activities that require your knees to be bent

Avoid running or walking downhill, downstairs or down inclines

Do posterior muscle stretches (hamstrings and calf muscles)

Do Straight Leg Lifts (Start with 3 sets of 10, work up to 10 sets of 10)

Check Your Feet and Shoes, overpronation often contributes to this problem

Consider More Stable Shoes (with better anti-pronation features)

^That's a picture of a knee.^

Oooo. Visuals.

One of the ideas, doing straight leg lifts, lead me to some serious dismay. More working out. Sigh.

This being said, Jake and I did make a decision, due to back pain and, of course, our complaining knees, that we must do push ups, stretch (*sad face*), and do exercises like *gulp* leg lifts in order to gain better posture and strength in hopes of no pain zipping across our bodies. 

In any case, I'm off to drag my tired body across our path. I guess I should just be happy that I'm still walking. 

Gotta Run--- well, soon.

Brooke