So everyone that knows me knows that I will do just about anything for the Crisis Center. Well, I have now proven this to myself as I am going to train to run a 5k. Yep. Resolute Running is a sponsor of the Just a Call Away 5k, which benefits the Crisis Center. They have a really great training program to help people of all skill levels improve...or in my case, learn to run. I figure I should document this in some way, thus this attempt at a blogish sitch. Listen, I much rather hear about how YOU feel than share anything about ME, so if this is too much for you I understand (it is a bit too much for me). I will update through the training program through completion of the Just a Call Away 5K on August 20th at Uptown.

So here we go (or should I say, "Ready, Set, Go"?!)...

 

DAY 1: Meg buys a pair of shorts

Anxiety. Fear. Doubt. All those feelings and more as I think about the start of the training program with Resolute Running. I know they rule, but I don't exercise. Thinking about a 5K- well, that's just ridiculous really. I spend most of today thinking too much about failing, than the fact that I'm trying. It's also July...in Alabama...it's going to be HOT. I am trying to wrap my head around the fact that I need to buy shorts. I don't like shorts- I don't like the word shorts even- but I especially don't like these legs in shorts. Everyone has their thing. Mine is my legs. I won't go into this because I don't even want to hear it. It's silly, but true. Let's just leave it there. I decide to go to Trak Shak because my friend Donna works there and they are supporting our race. Thankfully, Rhiannon is also doing the training program and is willing to go to the Trak Shak with me. Anyone that knows Rhiannon knows that not only is she hilarious ("you get bunions and someone dies."), but she is the most supportive, encouraging person. So, down 280 we go...

Donna is super rad. She watches us walk, brings us shoes galore, and helps us with everything- even shorts. She picked them out for me. They are navy blue- not my usual color, but I don't care. I try them on, walk out of the fitting room, and Rhiannon immediately makes me laugh. All is well in the world, beside I feel completely naked....completely vulnerable.

We leave with our new running gear, fear of what's to come and wearing those damn shorts.

We drive to Resolute for our first meeting with our team and coaches. We swing our legs around (these exercises have names, I know...but I am so freaked out I can't remember...something about a fire hydrant?) and prepare to break up into running groups. Rhiannon and I decided the pre-beginners group is best for us. We take our matching shoes (did I mention that? We ended up buying the SAME shoes!) and do a series of running and walking for a solid 15 minutes. Guess what- we lived! Not only that, it felt good.

So, next challenge to overcome: wearing the shorts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2: MYRTL rhymes with...

We are tasked with exercises to open our hip girdle. Yep. #runnerproblems

Day 3: There's a bunny!

Today is our second day to meet as a team. This time we meet at Lakeshore Trail. Team starts with their exercises (#myrtlrhymeswith) and does their routine outlined on our schedule. This time, we have a new member in our pre-beginners group- Janet! Janet should be in the real beginners group, but she indulges us a bit...and she spots a bunny during our run/walk- so this is a #winwinwin.

DAY 6: Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes

5AM alarm goes off and I struggle with cats and coffee. They are confused because they definitely sleep past 5. I'm confused because I definitely sleep past 5 also. Coffee, clothes, and out the door. Noticing who else is on the road this early...coming home from work/bar or going to work/bar? Hmmmm....it's a toss up. Then Paul Simon comes on the radio and it just makes me smile (especially the part about aftershave and ordinary shoes).

We descend on O'Henry's next to Rojo. This is not just our little Resolute Running team...it is a Resolute Running posse. Everyone is so kind and encouraging. It is amazing. It proves to me that this world needs more endorphins. We do our thing, grab water and coffee, and hang with these amazing folks. We learn more about our teammate, Barbara, who used to say, "I can't....I can't..." and today ran 2.25 miles. I can't wait to do the same thing! Today was the run/walk combo, but I upped my game today- running for 60 seconds, walking for 30 seconds....over and over again. Once I was finished, I learned that I did it wrong- it was supposed to be run sixty seconds, walk 2 minutes. Dang it. Better do some extra #myrtlerhymeswith exercises and soak in some epsom. Cool by me!

Bogue's with Rhiannon and Joely afterwards followed by my first Trader Joe's experience. This has nothing to do with learning to run, but the awesomeness of doing stuff before 9am on a Sunday with great people. I think this is my new Sunday morning ritual...and I dig it.

P.S. Week one of training completed! #check

DAY 8: My Tummy's name is Tito

Great day at work on Tuesday. Go to the restroom to change into clothing for training tonight. I break out the shorts (!). I sneak back into the office and tip toe, as I definitely do not want anyone to see me this naked. I wish I had filled up my water bottle BEFORE changing. Now I am hiding in my office, sneaking glances out my office window to see when, oh when, one of my co-workers will LEAVE THE KITCHEN AREA! I finally get to fill up and go. I pick up Rhiannon and the first words she says are, "Oh my- you are soooo pale!". Yes, yes I am. Sooooo pale.

We make it to the Lakeshore Trail early and do our pre-run exercises. Coach Lisa shows up (or as I call her to myself in my head Lisa "Booyah" Booher). She is a total bad-a-mama-jama. She just ran 100 miles- straight. 28 hours of running. I'm not kidding. We debrief and learn which toenails will most likely fall off (oh my!).

Coach Gerald comes and leads all kind of exercises that I haven't ever done or haven't done in 20ish years. Lunges, butt kicks, high kicks, jumping jacks...I don't know....but it's hard. I thought maybe there wouldn't be a run tonight after this...maybe I should change the word "thought" to "hoped". Down we go, down the hill to start our run. I have now advanced from pre-beginner to beginner (I should mention I am the only person in this category- HA!). Run one minute, walk one minute- for a full 20 minutes. I ponder the etiquette of runners passing runners...do you nod? Say "hi"? Do nothing at all? I do all three- not at the same time, clearly, but test it out. I don't know the right answer. This bothers my inner first-grade teacher self/southern self.

Half-way through the set (while I ponder the critical issue of etiquette) I question if I can complete it, but think I think of Lisa "Booyah" Booher and keep pushing. I also get a bike-driveby from Coach Gerald telling me I am doing great. Thanks Coach Gerald! I do stop once to pick up a Just A Call Away 5K yard sign that had fallen down- and that was in the final walking minute. I finish. Sweat dripping from my face during cool down. Clothes sticking to my tummy- I have named Tito since she has emerged during the summer porch drinking season. I am also thinking how thankful I am for shorts! A Christmas miracle! I dream of a cold shower and steak (thanks Rhiannon).

Home to a hot bath with epsom salt (I know- I can't help myself...I am a bath girl) and lots of water...and NO Tito's. What has the world come to?! I slept better than I have slept ever. I wish I took a photo of my bed-head as proof. On to day 9...and feeling fine!

DAY 10: Shine like a New Tattoo

The strange thing about music is how certain songs just play when you need them. This summer, "Shine" by Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals has appeared in my life over and over again on Birmingham Mountain Radio. Ben takes me back to the days at Gonzaga University- and more specifically to our alternative spring break trips to Jonestown, Mississippi with some really amazing, social-justice lovin' people. This has nothing to do with running besides I feel sick today and questioning whether I should or shouldn't run- but then Ben comes on the radio...and I think about all the goodness in my life...so I am inspired to lose that stinky attitude and work that mess out.

On this run, the thing that brought me the most joy was Joel and Lincoln (Rhiannon's "person" and son). During the first stretch, I see them walking ahead of me. I run past and I love that this child knows me (insert "extra-pep-in-step" here). On the home stretch, I pass them again, but this time Lincoln hands me his sippy cup like a volunteer hands a runner a cup of water during a race. Seriously- it was the cutest dang thing...and once again, insert "extra-pep-in-step" here to get me through the end of this tough one.

DAY 12: DELETE THAT BLOG!

Saturday morning and I have plans to meet two of my best friends from college at 10am at O'Henry's in Homewood. I leave a little early because I am now obsessed with finding a running skirt. The shorts have been a big accomplishment- it's true, but a running SKIRT sounds more like me. I hit The Trak Shak and find a purple one on sale. It probably is the "winter model" and I don't know any better, so I am buying it and plan to wear it tomorrow for the 6am run- in July.

I go to meet my friends and my dear friend Ashley notices my bag from The Trak Shak and asks if it is my laundry. I love her so much (this deserves more explanation which includes nail polish and veggie pizzas in Tallahassee...but that will be for another time). The Huie, Ash, and Meg reunion is awesome and the subject of blogs is raised. Ashley is following one from someone who travels to all these exotic places- with her kids (!)- and has amazing braids in her hair and fancy clothes. Ultimately, we decide as a group to delete that blog! It is just not realistic. Maybe for that one chic- and more power to her btw. I figure this is not the time to tell them that I am sort of blogging. "DOWN WITH BLOGS- oh, by the way, I am blogging my 5k experience...." yeah, didn't seem timely. Awesomely, I look up and there is someone I know (and love and respect). She tells me she is reading this blog! This is the best a.) I can't believe anyone other than me has read this thing and b.) the timing is AWESOME! I decide to tell my friends who are so supportive and incredible. 

Jennifer "Huie" Craddock, Ashley Sellers-Smith, and me (the proud "run skirt" owner)

DAY 13: Where is my Mind?

Great morning. Great run. Great skirt! I get in the car to head towards home. Music has become an extra to this whole situation...what do I hear before I run? After I run? Is there a secret message? I think so. I get to jam out to Margaret Glaspy's "You and I" (love it). As I park by Woodlawn Cyle Cafe I hear "Stop." Oh snap- it is the Pixies. Turn it up to 11 and have a moment. Week two complete #checkcheck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAY 17: Six Feet Under

It is strange what will keep you running sometimes. Tuesday, it was the encouraging messages on the route. Today, it was Peter Krause. Not a bad thing to think about, clearly. I was running and using the trees as a reward to check the time. I flashed to Nate running during Six Feet Under...and even to Adam on Parenthood. Thinking about Peter (or as I call him "Youser Krauser"), I got lost in my thoughts and forgot about the time. I ran my full set without stopping. #thankspeter

DAY 20: Run down Memory Lane

Today is my third Sunday to wake up at 5am to meet the Resolute Running crew at the Recovery Run. This week, no snooze alarm needed- I'm ready for this! Today I have a little anxiety because my 3 minute run set has moved into a 5 minute run, 3 minute walk set. I just "mastered" the 3 minute run and felt proud- can I actually run 5 minutes without stopping for 3 sets? We shall see.

We start at O'Henry's next to Rojo and our route takes us towards Bottega. As we run through the three parks, I am not (strangely) thinking of "Youser Krauser", but instead I am flooded with memories. Over the past couple of weeks, I have been reminiscing about the Birmingham I first arrived in 20 odd years ago-the favorite coffee house that turned into Dave's...the favorite coffee house after the first favorite coffee house turned into Dave's that now is empty (shout out Celestial Realm- I still have a mug from our time together)...Louie Louie's that sadly became all kinds of terrible places (by the way- since they are renovating the space, I got a photo of the original Louie's sign!). These memories are heavy today because this route takes me through my twenties. We pass my first apartment on my own next to Caldwell Park (shout out to Kelley who also lived in this very same apartment years after me...and got my mail!). This is where I got my first, on-my-own, cat, Presley (rest his sweet bones) who walked on a leash or was on my shoulder for Do Dah Day. This is when I worked at Chez Lulu (meeting life-long friends) and Samford before going to graduate school. This is when I met Mr. Richardson. This is the place that made me who I am today.

You can see now how I could run all three sets without stopping. Birmingham is home. I love this place.

P.S. Week 3 complete #checkcubed

DAY 21, 22, 23, and 24: Smile upside down- and Reverse it...(can this be a Missy Elliott ditty?) 

I can feel the 5k gearing up. Lots of activity this week! Meetings, radio, tapings- oh my! Did I mention that public speaking makes me totally queasy? Monday is a taping with Resolute Running. Shout out to Alex Morrow and Lisa "Booyah" Booher- btdubs- for being the awesome folks you are. I mean, these people are a.) serious about running, b.) encouraging as all get out in my beginning runner status, c.) will do just about anything to help the Crisis Center with this 5k. Thank you. We go to tape- and a bird flies into the building. I had a Bernie moment and I loved it. Birdie just let us know everything is going to be a-okay!

Next day, running all day long...for work- not the kind of run I have been talking about in this bloggish sitch. Late for our 5k meeting...late for running with our team. My smile is upside down. I just bragged during the taping that I was increasing my run from 5 minutes to 8 minutes...but I didn't. I ran 5- then 7- then 5. So bummed. Grumpy McGlamery emerged and started sassing all of the amazing people around me. #notproud

Wednesday arrived and I had a radio spot with JT at 105.5. He really is great about supporting local non-profits- and especially us. #shoutout

Today arrives and I am filled with doubt. I am whooped, y'all...totally whooped. We go to the Lakeshore Trail with our awesome Resolute Training Build Your Way to 5K team...and it is 100 degrees with the heat index. Smile still upside down. My goal tonight- 2 sets of 8 minutes of running. "Booyah" runs with me. In my brain I was thinking I should run alone, but I am so grateful for her enthusiam and support. I finish the first 8 minutes and there is lots 'o high fives. Second set is happening- and I'm not so sure...but it happens! I mean- what the what?! Rhiannon and Janet all met their goals also! What a night!!! Smile upside down now reversed- thanks universe! My face is also as pink as my sweatband. Not kidding.

Janet and I head to Workplay to be on Oh Brother Radio on Birmingham Mountain Radio. A dose of liquid courage post-run/pre-radio is perfect. Reed and Will Lochamy are just what you think....amazingly funny and incredibly supportive. Oh- and I talked about Peter Krause on the show (#youserkrauser).

This week of running and working was TOUGH, but what I am reminded of (forgive the velveeta moment) is that there are incredible folks truly wanting to support the Crisis Center. It is TOTALLY about reaching more people who need and deserve help. As I said on the radio- "Start with us. We will help you get there."  (*Shout out to Gayle). Thanks to everyone else that helped me get there by the end of the week. You rule, you stinkers.

DAY 27: "You don't need luck when you have skillz!"

Had an amazing opportunity to go to the beach with my bestie and her husband over the weekend. We had beautiful weather- including an amazing lightning storm one night that was just far enough away not to be scary, but close enough to be delightully awesome. Since I was on vaca, I knew I could not run with the crew on Sunday morning, but I did decide to run at the same time while at the beach. I woke up (a little later since the beach was just outside the door...not to rub in the sleep...or the beach), got ready, and hit the beach. Right as I started stretching I received this:

My reply:

The first night on this trip there was a terrible bartender at a terrible restaurant who stated, "You don't need luck when you have skillz!" As I thought about this on my run and giggled about that dude (because he did need luck- and lots of it), I realized that as hard as it was to run this run (hello- vaca! I did mention a bartender, didn't I?!), that I didn't need luck or "skillz", I needed my peeps...and they were there for me. I was not running this run alone, I was running with my team.

P.S. Week four complete. #quadcheck (and quad check- for real, y'all)

DAY 29: Burn Bright

I hadn't even made it to work yet and I am already worried about going into the run tonight which is supposed to be 3 sets of 8 minute runs with 1 minute walks in-between. What the what?! I was not ready for that jelly. As I fretted about this set, I returned to my office after a lovely weekend vaca and was greeted with a beautiful note of love and encouragement. This note was from a former student from Gonzaga- now friend. She has always been an inspiration to me and here this note is- unexpected and delightful. Thank you, dear one. You help me burn bright!

 

Speaking of burning bright, Abby was on the run tonight. We decided to be running partners and together we ran 5,8, and 5 with 2 minute walks in-between. It was our own goal that we set and met. I'll get to the 3 set of 8...

Day 31: I ran the 3 sets. Boom.

Day 34: Uptown Getdown.

This morning, the team met at Uptown to run the actual Just A Call Away course! We got to meet a little later than normal, which was nice. The weather was incredible- overcast with a little sunshine coming through the clouds. What a great morning for a run! Abby was there and she is the best running partner. We keep each other going. This morning, Abby and I decided that we would do the full 5k  with 8 sets of running for 5 minutes, walking for one. We did it, y'all. We did it!!!! We only walked a total of 6 minutes for the whole 5k! We had a good pace which allowed us to go faster than we thought. Along the way we passed people who yelled encouraging messages to us (#youcandoit), amazing buildings and landmarks that define Birmingham's history, and buildings and landmarks of MY birmingham history (#helloclub21). It was truly incredible. With every block, there was a memory- a moment. I love this place.

On the final stretch, Coach Jennifer (for those of you in Homewood- you may know her name- and if you don't, you need to- Jennifer Lowery Andress) told me I looked like a runner. I feel it...I really feel it. I remember running for a class in college and feeling this feeling. I have no idea why I didn't continue before, but I am determined to continue now. Coach Jennifer- your support and encouragement have been amazing. Thank you!

I got in the car and- as y'all know- Birmingham Mountain Radio is on. What is the music with the secret message today? Black Jacket Radio with the theme: "Running". #dropthemicyall

Next weekend about this time, I will be celebrating the awesomeness of the completion of training with Resolute Running and of the second annual Just a Call Away 5k. I hope to see y'all on Saturday at the race...and Sunday for the Recovery Run. I will be wearing those shorts!

P.S. Week six complete #checksgalore

Day 36 and 38 RACE WEEK, Y'ALL:

This week has been a blur- no time to "bloggish sitch" this week, just worky work and get ready for Saturday. Training on Tuesday and Thursday was great! After a wonderful Sunday at Uptown, the training seems doable AND enjoyable. I even woke up one day and thought about how I was looking forward to running. Unreal.

Meg and Rhiannon- ready for this jelly.

DAY 40: ...and then there was a rainbow and Just a Call Away 5k

4:45am- the alarm goes off. I hustle to get out the door and meet folks at the Crisis Center. 98% of things we need are packed, thank goodness...just need to have the final look over and load up. Get to the CC by 5:15am and the crew emerges. It truly is inspiring to see all these folks who have incredibly difficult jobs to put in extra time to do this event. This is how much they care about the work we do.

Off we all go to Uptown. Jefferson County folks are already there setting up. AMAZING. We all kick into high gear to get it all set up. Some of my fav volunteers, nurses, people arrive and are helping with everything. Once again, truly inspiring. We are pretty stressed (or I am....what's new?) and Janet stops me and says, "Meg, there is a rainbow!" This was just the sign we needed to know everything was going to be okay.

There is no way I can name everyone that helped, but it all happened- tents went up, food was cut and organized, coffee was made, ice was delivered, registration was set up and operational, arches emerged, bubbles appeared, awesome BMR music was played, streets were blocked off and manned, faces were painted, water balloons were filled and ready to fly, step and repeat was put together, photographers were on the scene, beer...oh beer...there is a story there...but there was beer, SANE nurses and EMS ready to serve, oh my goodness...and the people arrived, ready to walk, run, or support. Oh yeah, and then there was a race in which I was running. Whewwwww....

In a flash, it seems like it is time for the race to start. A thank you to the crowd for the support and off to the start line I went. I hear the airhorn and off we go. I have incredible exchanges of support throughout the race- by those participating and by those volunteering (THANK GOODNESS FOR WATER STOPS!). The Crisis Center's Junior Board president, Robert, runs with me for most of the race. This was great...I needed a partner through this! I didn't do as well as the practice last Sunday, but it's okay! We head towards the finish line and we see Wanda Miller first. This woman, y'all. She is the best. I can't even go there right now besides to say that she truly is someone I admire greatly. I then hear Will Lochamy say my name. Then I act the fool. Pointing and high-fiving through the finish line. Rhiannon immediately tells me someone is here that wants to see me and it is Chris. So wonderful.

Then it was time to celebrate. Mike and Steve and Brad and Christy and David (and the fam!) and Howard (and his fam, too!) and all the Jeff Co friends and all the CC peeps. Whirling. The event is still happening all around us, but it was nice to have moments with so many people who love, love, love the Crisis Center.

Awards followed by clean-up, followed by a time for the planners and doers to come together, eat, and celebrate the amazing day that just happened. What a roller-coaster of awesomeness this all was.

So I did it. I trained for a 5k. I ran/walked it. I didn't throw up. I finished. I learned to love shorts. AND I want to keep going. #checktothemax

 

WANT TO SEE PHOTOS FROM JUST A CALL AWAY 5K? Check us out on Facebook or Instagram- Just A Call Away 5k.