A Run for My Money

Last fall, I ran a half marathon I called "The Race I Would Run Again and Again." I would, too, except that it's no longer conveniently located. Yesterday I ran my first race in Dallas. While the course itself was fantastic, my experience is one I would not like to repeat.

Back up about ten days.

Brooklyn and I were on an easy run, and I began experiencing sharp pain in my knee. We ran even easier, and I took note of my pain level. Over that weekend, my pain continued. I knew the issue, because I'd made this mistake before. In fact, the only other time I'd experienced knee pain was when my shoes were shot.

My current Mizuno Wave Inspire 10s were ten months old and had about double the intended mileage. My Scottish blood was holding out for the new shoe releases next month. This was against my better judgement, but it kills me to spend $120 for new shoes. Shame on me, right? Well, I ended up back at Luke's Locker last Sunday and came home with a beautiful new pair of Brooks Ravenna 5s. (Hooray for SMU student discounts!) I love them! While fit is the top priority, I am also thrilled about the color and the fact that they share the same name as my dog...

Brook and my new Brooks!

But I digress. A new pair of shoes was the solution, but it really needed to be implemented four months ago. Needless to say, my pain did not go away. It came back 1/4 mile into my runs. My sweet Orlando running buddy, Mollie, told me it was likely my IT band, due to the location of my pain. The IT band runs down the side of the thigh to just below the knee. The irritation of those muscles and tendons is what causes the sharp pain on the top-outside of the knee. The good news is that this is not a permanent issue. With daily stretching, this can be fixed. Better late than never, I began stretching my IT band and icing my knee with all diligence.

Yes, even in the practice rooms at school. And yes, the ice pack is tied onto my knee with a scarf.

I walked/ran (or sometimes just walked) and listened to my body. I knew I was mentally and physically prepared for this race - so much that I had secretly hoped to set a new PR, inching my way closer to 1:45. Ever since running with my new training coach...

"Get moving, Welsh!"

...my times have become faster with little effort. Who knew how much a Weimaraner could benefit your run times?

Naturally, I was disappointed, but for once in my life, I took it with good humor. I mean, does anybody else remember my crazy race history?

1. Sprint Triathlon - had to bow out due to severe anemia
2. Princess Half Marathon - ran after having food poisoning the night before
3. Baldwin Park Half Marathon - ran with a sinus infection
4. Jacksonville Bank Marathon - had to bow out due to being hospitalized ten days before the race.

Truly, it's laughable. What's even more ironic is that I run nearly every day without issue. It's only when I sign up for a race that bad things begin to happen. Maybe I should try signing up day-of? Who am I kidding, that would never do for this Type-A planner.

I picked up my race packet on Friday morning, still unsure of how my knee would feel. On Thursday, I had run two miles without pain - a significant improvement from the beginning of the week. We both know there's a big difference between two and thirteen miles, though! I freed myself from any goals or time commitments and just decided to finish. I couldn't bring myself to bow out of another race.

Cool shirt, huh?

Friday afternoon, however, things went south. By evening, my throat was tight and my sinuses were congested. "Really?!" I stayed home from game night and hit the hay early. When I awoke at 4:30AM, I was convinced I had strep throat. A quick flashlight examination revealed white spots on my tonsils. Great. So now my knee is the least of my worries.

Nothing says "It's go time" like Dayquill!

I was incredibly close to bowing out. Instead, I made a salt water gargle, took some honey and essential oils, and chugged some Dayquill. I ate a bowl of oatmeal, even though I had no appetite, and went back to bed for an hour. I decided I would hit up a walk-in clinic after the race. Tyler dropped me off at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, in the heart of the arts district, thirty minutes to start time. I was nervous, to say the least! I met up with Mary Anna, and we did a short, easy jog together.

The race was much smaller than I had envisioned (just under 2000 registrants), so I crossed the starting line only thirty seconds after gun time. The 1:50 pace group was a ways in front of me, but I kept them in my sights. My plan was to take it easy for the first half of the race. Mary Anna started out running sub-8:00 without realizing it! The adrenaline kicks in, and you don't realize how fast you're going. I love my Garmin for being a reality check!

Around mile 5, we made it to my stomping ground! Yes, the race course went through my neighborhood! The best surprise was waiting for me at mile six. Pastor Winburne and Mary Margaret had walked a short distance from their house to cheer me on - prior to 8AM on a Saturday! It was incredibly encouraging to see some familiar faces, and it kept me going for the next few miles.

Running through my neighborhood was one of the best parts of this race. So many families were out, little ones in footie PJs, cheering on family members and friends. Others were there as spectators and cheered for strangers. One of my favorite scenes was a Dad with two small children. One was in a stroller, and one was standing next to him. All three were eating breakfast tacos out of a huge paper bag. Only in Texas.

The course led us to the Katy Trail, another one of my running spots. I knew that once I stepped foot on the trail, I would be close to the finish line. The Katy Trail goes all the way into downtown. With five miles to go, I began inching my way closer to that 1:50 group. My knee was feeling fine, though my toes were going a bit numb. (This is why you're supposed to buy new shoes well in advance!) Miles 9-11 were collectively my fastest, and I left the 1:50 group behind. I guess I accidentally left Mary Anna behind, too! Oops! I thought she was right behind me. We weren't talking much during the race, so I wasn't surprised when I hadn't heard from her.

When the Katy trail dead-eneded into Downtown, I had just over 1.5 mies to go. I was tired. Normally I save my best for the end of a race, but I felt exhausted. It was all I could do to down four of my energy chomps throughout the race. I was afraid to eat anything else, for fear of throwing up. As we looped the Arts District, there were African drum circles and other ethnic bands. Turning the next corner, I saw a crowd lined up and realized I was close. In my previous race experiences, I've always reached this point elated, high on endorphins. This time I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. I knew my pace had incredibly slowed on my last mile, but I didn't care. All of a sudden, it hit me. I was going to set a PR! As I neared the finish line, I saw three racers slightly ahead of me. I found the energy to pass them as I finished. Blame it on the Mitchell competitive spirit. It runs in my blood.

See the city in the background?

As I crossed the finish line, they announced a Jessie from Dallas, TX. I was slightly upset, because they didn't ask me to list my hometown; they just announced my address city. Hmmph. I didn't have enough breath to correct them.

Still, I was never so happy to see my family! During the race, Ty picked up Aunt Sharry. It made me feel especially loved that she took an interest in my race! (I know these are not the most fun to attend!) They were both there to cheer me on at the end.

My beloved spectators!

Mary Anna crossed just a few minutes later - sub 1:50 for her first half marathon. That girl is a champ!

Family!

After the race, we went to Another Broken Egg. I had been craving their berry pancakes. This darn sickness left me with a loss of appetite, but I managed to down some of that delicious berry pancake! Aunt Sharry had a quinoa bowl that I am going to try next time.

Our day's activities ended at a local walk-in clinic. I think I utterly confused the office staff and technicians, because I had an ice pack on my knee, but I was there about a sore throat. Turns out this clinic (just down the street from us!) just opened this week. It was complete with a mini fridge and Keurig machine in the lobby! The doctor was thorough and kind.

My strep test was negative, but the doctor told me I had sinusitis. Before I'd left the building, she'd sent my prescription over to my preferred pharmacy. Talk about efficient! She also told me I had untreated allergies - did you know Dallas is one of the top three worst cities for allergies? She also recommended Mucinex D, because she said untreated allergies lower the immune system. So my sweet hubby took me home, set up our loveseat-couch bed, picked up my prescription, and then hit up the grocery store.

I watched Hook with my Weimaraner and iced my knee. Ty and I were thrilled to discover an SEC game on our local station. What is all this Big 12 hype?! We topped off the evening with the World Series, and then I hit the hay. Per doctor's orders, I am resting today, too. Hoping to be back at it tomorrow!

And now for the race stats!

Finish time: 1:47:37

Average pace: 8:13/mile

Fastest mile: 8:03 (mile five)

Slowest mile: 8:31 (mile thirteen - told you I slowed down:)

Age group (F, 20-24): 8th of 96

Overall female: 55th of 1,040

Overall: 238th of 1,755

Fall Festivities

Don't get me started on the weather here. It's unpredictable, to say the least. What I do know is that when it's sunny with a high of seventy five (did you hum along?), you don't complain and you don't remain indoors.

I've lived through twenty-four eighty-five-degree Octobers in Orlando, so I offer no apologies for my enthusiasm about experiencing this phenomenon called autumn. Even if I am a little over-zealous. 

Look a him go!

I was on fall break Monday and Tuesday this week, so I decided to take Brooklyn to a dog park Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, those plans were never realized, but not for lack of effort! I arrived at three different dog parks, only to discover all three were closed for various reasons. Poor Brooklyn finally realized we weren't getting out of the car....

After that nice detour (on the toll road, no less), we went home and made our own "park" in the backyard. I enjoyed a cup of tea and a book on Soviet music while Brooklyn chewed on sticks and old coffee tins. We were thankful just to be outside.

It's taper week, so Brooklyn and I have been taking it easier on our runs.

"Can we go faster, please?!"

Strolling through our neighborhood on a lazy Saturday

I had an appointment at school yesterday, which I realized was unfortunately scheduled during the SMU football game. Honestly, I don't know how people manage such enthusiasm for a team who is predicted to lose every game this season. The football team's record definitely hasn't dampened the tailgating scene. The main drive of campus is covered in red and blue on game days. Because of this, parking is always terrible! Yesterday I took advantage of our proximity to campus and walked. The weather was perfect, the football scene was hopping, and the friendly policemen stopped traffic for me at the crosswalks.

Saturday has become our weekly date night, and last night was exceptionally adventurous and fun! We drove to Ennis, Texas (about 30 miles south) to a drive-in movie theater. They offer double features at each screen, and you can choose from six different screens.

We saw Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. (Naturally, I slept through the second film.)

The theater was packed! Our screen was the most "family-friendly," so there were vans full of soccer teams and trucks with dogs and kids alike. The "regulars" were easily recognizable with their trucks backed in and camping chairs in the truck bed. Our wagon worked just fine, and I made a comfy blanket bed in the back.

The theater provided us with an FM station, so the sound came right through our car speakers. They also had the old-fashioned speakers staked in the ground next to each parking spot. We tuned in, rolled down our windows, grabbed some snacks, and enjoyed the show!

During the first movie, Brooklyn stood watch over the wagon and alerted us to any activity. Since she wasn't barking, we let her fulfill her role as watch dog. During the second movie, she and I both conked out!

And now, some shots from our relaxing lake walk/run this morning. Again, no apologies. Please come visit. I'd love to take you there.

Following a much-needed church service (have I mentioned what a blessing King's Parish is in our lives?), we had some friends over for lunch. Hospitality is so much easier when I don't stress about everything being prepared and perfect ahead of time. In fact, I just put the ladies to work today, peeling potatoes and washing lettuce. The men tended to the grilling. It's always more fun to cook together anyway.

Missing Hannah in the photo, but we had fun with these folks!

We're reaching that point in the semester where things speed up at an alarming rate. Paper deadlines approach, performance dates loom, flu germs float through the hallways, and bed times shift to a later hour. In the midst of all that, I am grateful for time to feel human. I love Sundays, and slowly I'm learning to love rest.

Sunday Run-Day

Something remarkable has been slowly happening here in Dallas, TX.

I have waited eighteen months for this.

Brooklyn officially ran her first half marathon! Not only did she finish, but she set a steady pace and helped me finish strong! I am so very proud of her! She is fulfilling her role as my running partner and body guard just splendidly.

This was a practice run for my upcoming half. Mary Anna and I set out very early this morning; we parked two miles out from the lake to extend our route to the full 13.1 miles. Due to busyness and rainy weather, Brooklyn rested the last two days. Needless to say, she was thrilled to be outside and on the run again.

Brooklyn is so easy to run with. She never pulls anymore (except when when she sees the occasional cat or squirrel!), and she keeps pace with me intuitively. Today she was always two steps ahead of me, never giving me the option to slow down. Not pulling, but not stopping to smell the roses either! This was especially helpful when we ran into challenges like this on mile ten:

Yes, to a Florida girl, this constitutes a hill (and a good-size one at that!)

After conquering the lake trail, we had a final two miles back to the car. All I had to say was, "Find the car," and Brooklyn instantly picked up speed. She was on a mission at the end of our run, which is why our last mile was a speedy 8:18. Way to go, Brooklyn!

"You slow pokes coming?!"

Every great run ends in a great recovery meal. Since it was Mary Anna's birthday (we ran half her age, by the way!), we had planned to meet Tyler at...you guessed it: Company Cafe. The Sammich and I met once again, and this time my eggs were scrambled. Not that a little yolk would have hurt this hair too badly.

13.1 miles: 1:51:30

Makin' me look good :)

This picture is from last week's patio visit to CC. Can you tell I love my Brookies?

I am thrilled that we can enjoy my favorite hobby together! I loved every step today, and I only wish she could be with me at the official race. Seems a waste to run that far and not wear out the Weimaraner...

Step Inside the Centre

Welcome to my workplace! I am thrilled to be on faculty at the Centre for Musical Minds, a north Dallas music studio which is known for its fantastic teachers and student retention. Kristin, the owner and operator of CMM is a graduate of my degree program at SMU. She also published a book about her success. From the onset, I was curious about Kristin's business plan and philosophy. She's been highly successful and still loves her job after about a decade of time in the field! I'm in it for the long haul, so I want to learn all I can from her.

Before school started, I had no idea what my workload would be. When Kristin approached me about working part-time at the CMM, I was hesitant. In fact, I thanked her and politely refused her offer, saying I was afraid of overcommitting but was interested in a future position. She could have scratched me off her list and called the next SMU grad student, but instead she encouraged me to seek advice from recent grads who had worked for her throughout their program of study.

Can I say I'm so glad I reconsidered? While it is a bit of a drive to Frisco, it is 100% worthwhile! Not only do I get a break from the graduate school thing once a week, but I get to see an operational studio in full swing. I love seeing students in another part of the city and teachers out in the field. Every teacher here has a master's degree - Kristin only hires teachers who have attained or are currently seeking a graduate education. I'm fairly certain that I'm the least qualified teacher here! It's inspiring to be around great musicians in the "real world" (aka, outside of SMU, which in some ways is an ideal situation).

Kristin has a knack for arranging popular music and teaching with the iPad. As a result, she encourages students to play various genres and provides each studio room with an iPad (and grand piano and keyboard!). Classically trained teachers, pop music, and iPads? Of course, all of this is in addition to the regular technique and repertoire, but it's neat to see a teacher who isn't afraid to explore "the road less traveled" in classical teaching. She's also a fantastic boss! I may have arrived to work to find a goodie bag of lotions and lip gloss.

Keeping track of two different studio dates and deadlines is tricky, but it's part of the process. I'm soaking up everything. There are so many things to learn, and I am thrilled to be along for the ride!

Studio B, my workspace!

Not my diplomas, but I hope to have one very much like the one on the left before too long!

Scale Hall of Fame

Music library (there are two other shelves, too!)

Kitchenette!

The facility decor is one of my many favorite things about the CMM!

Now I'm just sight reading on the iPad while waiting for my students. Gotta catch up with my technologically adept students!

Weekends Are for Long Runs

It's no secret that I love running. Morning runs are my time away from responsibilities and dusty old buildings. I love breathing in fresh air, even if I'm huffing and puffing toward the end of a run! I am thankful that I've been able to keep a regular running routine, even with the busyness of graduate school. Some days I have to opt out, and that's okay, too. Yesterday in studio performance class (I made it through my first performance of the semester!), Dr. L, my studio professor, told us all to get outdoors this weekend. She recommended time outside as the best thing for our pianistic development. I love that!

Of course it helps that Dallas is giving the best it has to offer right now. This Florida girl was a bit chilly running in fifty-degree weather! Time to start shopping for running leggings!

Fall is here!

The purpose of this post is to share four pieces of exciting news with you (I'm feeling very direct after writing an abstract of my research project and five bibliography annotations):

1. I found a running buddy!

Meet Mary Anna, a fellow SMU piano grad student. Somehow we realized we share a mutual enjoyment of running! I'm sure I was bragging on Brooklyn's mad skills, or something. MA is training for her first half marathon this month, so I've been organizing weekend long runs for us. She is going to rock her first race! Oh, and did I mention we live in the same neighborhood and run the same pace? That makes it easy to schedule runs. In case you didn't guess, MA is happy to have Brooklyn along, too!

2. Brooklyn set a new distance PR!

Actually, MA did, too! We parked about a mile from the lake, ran the nine miles around, and then ran back to our car. This was my first double-digit run in a while. It was 54 degrees when we finished our eleven-mile run. No wonder we were energized and speedy. Time: 1:32:28. That's an 8:24/mile average, folks! We'll take it!

3. I am officially signed up for a half marathon later this month.

I've been dying to register for a race ever since we moved. (Actually, ever since I didn't run my marathon.) I feel there's no better way to get to know your city than to explore on foot, and it's just more efficient if you're running. :) My wise husband knows me so well and so advised me not to commit to any races; he knows my tendency to overcommit and self-destruct. When MA and I began intentionally extending our long runs, I knew I'd easily be ready without any excessive training. Because of this, and the fact that I'll get to race alongside MA, Ty officially gave me the green light! I am stoked about the race course, which tours different districts of the city. Should be spectacular! October 25th, here we come!

4. Company Cafe is still my favorite place to dine!

After our long run today, MA and I felt hungry (duh) and deserving of delicious food. Since Brooklyn was with us, we sat outside on the patio. Neither of us thought through the fact that it was still only fifty-five degrees outside. That's a lot colder when you're sitting instead of running. Hot coffee and a hot meal helped, but it's worth noting that we were the only ones on the patio. Can you say Dee-Lish-Us? Bottomless coffee and gluten-free french toast bites cooked to perfection.

"So where's my hot meal?"

Now Brooklyn is taking it easy and enjoying her view of the neighborhood. Hopefully the neighborhood is enjoying its afternoon soundtrack...

Anyone else think she is looking HUGE these days?!

Pup + Piano = Perfection