September 29, 2012

News article

Yesterday, Jessica sent me a text saying, "Why didn't you tell me that you're on the front page of the newspaper?" I had no idea when the article was going to be printed, and I really had no idea it would be on the front page. I come from a very small town, so I guess even the smallest news makes the front page of the daily paper ;)

I was really dreading seeing it, because of the issue with the photographs. Jerry bought the paper on his way home, and I almost didn't want to look. But I'm glad I did, because the photo wasn't nearly as bad as I pictured it to be!

I skimmed the article quickly, hoping that it was accurate--then I went back and re-read the whole thing slowly. I'm impressed that the facts are (mostly) accurate, and I'm very glad that the story focuses more on my team than on me. Despite what people may think, because of my very public blog, I hate having attention drawn to me. I'm shy, and private, and having this story on the front page of the newspaper really terrified me. (I think the title of the story is very ironic).

This newspaper actually wrote a story on my appearance on The Dr. Oz Show last year, and that was also ginormous on the front page. So I was especially nervous about being in the paper again; that people would think that I'm just after attention. 

My Ragnar team seemed to really like the article, which was the most important part to me. And as a bonus, I will think twice before buying lots of junk food, because of the possibility of someone recognizing me as "the girl who lost weight and was in the paper". I will be conscious of that everywhere I go now ;)

The article isn't online, so I took a photo of it. It will be hard to read unless you enlarge it (just click the picture to enlarge).


Over the past couple of days, I've been trying to come up with a stress-less plan for next year. This year, I did too much, and it caused me to stress out a lot (I ran a LOT of races, including two full-marathons! And every time I traveled somewhere, it was for a race).

Next year, I want to do the opposite. (Well, after Key West, of course!) I'm only going to choose 2-3 races that are important to me, train for them properly (without extra races thrown in "just because"), and even take a trip without running a race. I've decided not to run my beloved Indy Mini-Marathon in 2013. If I do a spring race, it will be local. I may pick a half-marathon in the fall to do somewhere on location (maybe the Monster Dash in MN with my brother).

I have also been wanting to go visit my best friend Sarah in Arizona. She just had a baby recently, and I would love to go spend time with her (without also doing a race). So next year will be very low-key as far as racing. I'm going to cut my weekly mileage quite a bit after the marathon next month, and go back to the mileage that is comfortable for me--about 12-15 miles a week.

All the stress from this year has been getting to me, and I feel like it's all coming to a head. After my marathon, I will feel so much relief. I've done all the training, so not running the race isn't an option; but I will be relieved when it's over, and my longest run from there on out will be 13.1 miles!

22 comments:

  1. That was a really nice article. :) I like the picture she used.

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  2. Katie..I am a long time reader and never a commenter but I feel compelled to let you know what an inspiration you are!!! I am running my first 5k tomorrow and am sitting here over thinking and stressing about it. Your post tonight put it all in perspective. I love your blog so much--thank you!!!

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    1. Yay! I hope your 5K goes well--that's very exciting!

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  3. Ooh look at you front page girl! I love the picture, you look adorable. I think a stress less plan is just what the doctor ordered. You deserve a bit of a break.

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  4. I'm glad the article turned out well. Being in the newspaper is always nerve-wracking. Even if you don't mind the attention!

    I think your plan for next year sounds awesome.

    On a side note, I finally had a chance to read through my latest issue of Health Magazine. On page 50 your Ragnar race partner Jennifer was featured. They referenced the Fat to Finish Line project. I don't know if you knew that was coming out or not.

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    1. Jennifer R. and Jen S. were both in that issue! Cool, right?!?

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    2. Oh I didn't see Jen! I will have to go reread!

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  5. Love the article! Except how they call you Mrs. Foster. That was weird for me for some reason. I guess you're probably used to it. :)

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  6. Your picture looks GREAT! The article is awesome too! Great job!

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  7. Great article & I agree with the above post that your pic looks great too.
    You have been inspiring, & u continue the same.
    I cannot wait till I reach my goals.

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  8. I said it once and I'll say it again, it was a great article!

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  9. That's amazing! I might of missed it, which marathon are you training for now? Keep it up!!

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    1. I'm training for the Detroit Free Press Marathon on Oct. 21st. Three weeks from today!

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  10. Ha ha, I was recycling papers this morning and realized that I didn't read below the top part of this one, and when I flipped it open, I squealed!!!! Naturally, the picture was my biggest interest. ;) You look AWESOME!! That photographer did a great job capturing your natural beauty...I love the composition and your pose. You are beautiful!!

    Oh, and yes, the article was great as well. ;) I'm very happy for your team to get the publicity, and I can't wait to see this documentary!!!

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    1. Steph, I still would have preferred your pictures, but at least the one they took wasn't as awful as I was picturing. I'm sure the running ones they took were REALLY bad--I wasn't sure if I should look at the camera or not; smile or be serious. I just chose not to smile and not to look at the camera, which probably made me look mean! ;)

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  11. I think as women in America we are expected to do so much...too much. We're expected to be almost perfect and that is something that is not fair. I think it will be good for you and your family to take it easier!
    On the other end of that you want to remember not to get too complacent. As a person who is very much a "homebody" myself I have a hard time getting out and doing a lot because I'm much more comfortable at home. I think a large part is the weight that I have gained...I don't feel comfortable when I go out so I just would rather stay at home. When I do this though it really takes a toll on me mentally.

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    1. That is a VERY good point. I have bad social anxiety, and I prefer to stay at home, too. So I have to force myself to do things (and I almost always have fun when I do it, but it's just hard to make myself go). I'm going to have to find a good balance.

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    2. That's exactly how I am. Once I'm out, I'm so happy that I'm there it's just getting myself out of the house.

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  12. Bravo on the article! I totally get the anxiety being in print though. I am the same way. I get panicky about what people are really going to think of me or how I won't like the picture. And there are always inaccuracies in a story. Those are annoying, but I realize they happen in every single article.

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  13. Wonderful article and great picture. Ada didn't WIN season 10 on BL did she? I'm sure you found other errors but that was the one I spotted.

    I think Nicole is right--too much is expected of women today. My kids are all grown up and sometimes I still feel stressed. Hopefully when I retire in 12 weeks (!!!) things will be quieter, but I still want to substitute teach and that is way more stressful for me than my regular old job--so less stress is probably still a ways off. You really have had a busy year--running one race after another and definitely deserve a more restful year. But knowing you, I wouldn't be surprised to read that you've signed up for yet another marathon after you've run the Ragner in January.

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  14. I really enjoyed this post and I'm glad to hear that you'll be taking time for yourself next year. It sounds like it's very much deserved :)

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  15. Wow! That was a great article and photo of you! Thanks for always sharing. I injured my foot months back and have seen a specialist now as it's just not healing. On the days I ran I always had you in the back of my head. I believe I'll have "a love hate relationship with running" as well. Thanks for the example you are to so many. This long road from the start of the year has taken 30 pounds off but I have 60 more to go. You are so encouraging and your determination is awesome!

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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