"When I do the best I can with what I have, then I have won my race." Jay Foonberg



Monday, November 30, 2009

Stennis 5k/Marathon Runs

I've been waiting to get the official results and pictures before posting about the race. And finally they're in. The Stennis 5k/Half/Full Marathon was Saturday, November 28th. This year was quite different from last year. In '08 the weather was so hot and humid that some ended up feeling sick after the race. This year was quite the contrast...low 40's!! But a front came through the night before and left perfect weather for running (maybe just a little cooler, but NO humidity).

You know, bathrooms are the funniest thing. Last year, I met a sweet lady in the bathroom line before the race. She was from Sumrall and I found out that she was a member of the Pine Belt Pacers. Little did I know that she was the infamous Audrey J. Within the month, we joined the Pacers and I've come to know her more throughout the year. Well, over the past couple of months I struck up a friendship with another local runner through the Internet, Ginny D. And again, I "met" her in the bathroom line this year. When we looked at each other, it was like..."are you ____?" As a matter of fact, I think that's what we said at the same time, ha! She, like Audrey in '08, was running the Half Marathon while I stayed with the 5k. That is so strange to meet ladies that I would come to associate with in the future like I have. What is it about these lines?? And wonder what the bathroom line holds for me next year??

Kent and I both had pretty good runs considering we both had been struggling through colds for a few days. I wasn't even sure I was going to be able to run until I got up Saturday. I'd been in bed the entire day Friday! But I drank OJ, took Vitamin C, got much rest and drank plenty of water. Maybe that helped.

My run time was not the best, but I was so glad to feel like running I didn't care. I received the Grand Masters Award and Kent received the First Place Award in his age group. The lady that took the Masters Award was over 60!! Kudos to her! She ran well; I followed her by only 10 seconds...shoot!! Race results for the 5k can be found here. Here are our pictures from the 5k. Neil and I seem to be regulars, ha! That's okay...he's a fantastic runner!



And, here's Phillip on the left.


Results for the Half Marathon can be seen here. Ginny won Second Place in her age group. I hate there were no pictures of her to share. Congratulations to Jenn T. for a great Half, too. If I have overlooked any other Pacer, let me know and I'll be glad to update this post. These were all I was aware of.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Biloxi Mayor's Cup Race

We signed up to run in the Mayor's Cup Race in Biloxi Saturday. Without even thinking about it, I had scheduled a minor procedure on Tuesday! Rather, the other way around...we decided to run AFTER knowing I had this situation to deal with. How stupid was that! I ran Monday and again Tuesday morning before the procedure. I was not to run for a week afterward; therefore, I wasn't able to train any more past Tuesday for the 5k on Saturday. Nor train any more this week for my half marathon. I decided to take it easy and see if I felt like running or whether I should just pick up my t-shirt, put a smile on my face and be happy with that.

As it turned out, I just couldn't stand it, and elected to run!! Guess it's just in my blood regardless of the outcome. As Kent and I ran down the street to warm up, I could feel the affected area and it hurt. Still wanting to run, a decision was made to do what I could even if it was to walk part of it...I knew I could do that. The course was FLAT and great and I just couldn't pass the opportunity to do the race.

Phillip Wedgeworth was there and took pictures afterwards. Much thanks! And congratulations on a well run race, too! Click here to see the race results and here to see the race report by Phillip. It was a great run race...thanks, Leonard!!



This one is of the Henderson's, who are in the Pinebelt Pacers Club with us.


One last one of us. Isn't this a great picture of Kent? (Don't look at the big mouth next to him!!) Thanks, Phillip!!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Got in a good week last week. I put in a little over 22 miles! Yay! This is good for me. It was consistent and good building up time. I was, also, more aware of what I ate. My weight dropped a few pounds but by the end of the week it seemed I added a couple! Have NO idea why with as much running and core workouts as I did. Guess I'll just take it for what it's worth and go on. Reckon it's muscle?? C'mon I need you to side with me here!

This week and the next will be a challenge for me to say the least. I'll be out of commission for several days this week as I have a dr's appt. which will keep me from doing ANY kind of exercise for a few days. Don't know but that I might give it a try by the end of the week anyway.

I've started training for my half marathon and don't want to discontinue to run. I really look forward to my run each day. Had planned to run some yesterday since I'll not be able to as much this week, but for some reason, it just didn't come together.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Links to Race Results

I didn't have the official results for a couple of runs we did while in the Gulf Shores area but do now.

Race results for the Mullet Run in Fairhope, AL., can be found here.

Race results for Running in the Streets in Fairhope, AL., can be found here.

Senior Bowl Charity Run

We participated in the Senior Bowl Charity Run in Mobile, Alabama, last Saturday. The weather was perfect! It was a cool, clear morning in the upper 50's. We both had great runs. I "thought" I had a PR and was soooo excited until I realized my better run was earlier this year at the Navarre Run. Where has my head been...no comments on this, please! Okay, that's zero points for brain activity. But all you need for this sport is physical agility (I think I traded one for the other)! Anyway, this was a very flat course and still made pretty good time.

Click here to see the results. My good friend, Ginny, also did very well. She received 1st place in the Overall Female Masters group.

Here we are waiting for the Awards Ceremony.


I received 2nd place in the Overall Female Grand Masters group...that's one place better than last year (3rd place)! I'm now able to compare my runs since I became a serious runner one year ago in September. Until that time, I had only run a couple of races a year.

Here I am with my award.


Hope you can see the award. It's clear with pretty engraving. My red shirt is wrinkled because that's where I wear my iPod. I tuck in my shirt underneath it so please ignore that part. AND, don't look at the gut either!!! I love this shirt. The front asks, "Why Do I Run?" and the back answers, "Freedom". Don't you love this saying? It is so true for me!

Great Sites

I wanted to share with you a couple of articles that I felt most of you might enjoy reading. The first one is called "How To Push Past Those Last Few Miles" for those longer runs. It guides you to pace yourself and some tips in how to do this. This article can be found here.

The second one is called "Seven Drinks That Boost Performance". I was totally taken back and surprised at the very first one. This article can be found here.

What do you think?

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Mullet Run Pictures

October 26, 2009

You can see our pictures in this link. Kent's number is 472 and mine is 473. We're in a bunch at the starting line. Look for me about 27 and him around 30. It was hilly as you'll read in this post.

Running in the Streets

October 24, 2009

What a beautiful day it was today. The air was clear, crisp and cool. We went to Fairhope again for another run. This was the second year for the run. You know, you'd think a beach town would be flat; but I don't think they have a flat street there! We ran many of the streets that we did last weekend. The run was mostly up a steep grade...at least for 2 miles straight. We were excited to see many young, healthy families running. More children and teens ran than I believe I've seen. As a matter of fact, the first woman that came in was 35 years old with a time of 22:54 (7:22 pace) and get this...pushing a double stroller with two of her small children in it!! Can you believe this?? There were even THREE 5-year olds!! Yeah, they ran the 5k, NOT the one miler that followed. I love the name of the run, Running in the Streets, and the shirts are just so cute.
This is the front.



This is the back. The image was so cute, too. Sponsors were listed underneath the picture but I cropped them out.


Page and Palette Foundation put it on. They are a book store that reminds me so much of the one in "You've Got Mail" with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Remember The Shop Around The Corner? Anyway, later that afternoon they had Dancing in the Streets, which they've done for a few years now. We did not stay for that. It cost to partake and several hours away. Kent won first place in his age group and I won second place.



The awards were prints ready for framing. Right above the grill of the truck is printed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Place. Check out the rifle on the gun rack behind Pete, the driver; and the deer head image on the back window. On the right front fender is written "Country Boys Can Survive".

It's Here ...

October 17, 2009

The cool, or may I say, cold front has arrived in Gulf Shores. Night before last it was 95 degrees heat index at 9:30 pm and yesterday morning it was already in the low 70's. This morning it was in the low 50's when we got up. Now that ought to do a number on your sinuses! Along with it has come 20-30 mph wind gusts...all day long!! These gusts, being cold, would slice right through you. But the good thing is that the temp is perfect for running. The day was beautiful. The sun was shining and the air was clear and crisp. Just a gorgeous day!

We participated in Fairhope's 5k Mullet Run this morning. The run was organized very well and it was only their second time to do it. Great job!! Runners received great looking long sleeved shirts. It was quite chilly at first but only because of the wind and once you got started it was just perfect. Don't think I even broke a sweat...no, really. Kent and I both ran very well. We ran through the historical district and it was so pretty. I probably would have broken my PR except for the fact that the entire second to third mile was all uphill! That was hard. But we really enjoyed the run very much, challenge included. Kent won 3rd place in his age group and I won first place in mine. The awards were beautiful clay pieces made by a local artist which was signed on the back. The first place one is larger. Here they are:


At the end of the race everyone enjoyed fantastic sausage jambalaya, fried fish with cocktail sause and grits with bacon, cheese and green onions to top it. This was a little strange to us-having grits; but not to the locals. It was one of the first things to empty. It wasn't our cup of tea with it being so cold, maybe if it had been hot, but not cold. Publix was a sponsor and they had lots of bananas and all kinds of donuts. Every race we've been to where they were involved, they've done an excellent job. The race was in conjunction with the Art Festival. So we went downtown to see what all they had. The exhibitors were real artists. We saw some beautiful art!

As I am writing this, the sun is going down. It is so beautiful. It's hard to believe that each day can be so very different. A few minutes ago the sun poked its head out of the middle of heavy, dense clouds and made the sky so pretty. Today was no exception to see God's hand at work. A gorgeous sunset...yea and amen!! What a blessed way to end such a great day!

Riverwalk 5k

October 4, 2009

We went to a race yesterday in Milton, Florida, about an hour away. Call me Sappy, but the one thing that drew me to this one was the cute shirt! It's whimsical, fun and colorful. I loved it and wanted one. What do you think?


It started at 4:00 p.m. and was hot and humid. There was a little breeze at first but when we started, it took off, too....in another direction! Didn't feel it again the entire race. The first mile was basically all uphill. When I saw the 1-mile sign I was gasping for air and thought I'd have to do some walking with this one. It sapped our strength. The heat and humidity took about all we had and threw it into the river. People passed me I never thought would. I'm thinking, "am I in THAT bad a shape?" Then I convinced myself that they were familiar with the course and probably ran the streets all their lives. As it turned out, that was probably true. But the end did come...whew!! This was the worse race time I've had in over a year! Kent's was not good either. After the race, we were just so happy we finished and re-hydrated. I think we both drank close to a half gallon of liquid before we felt okay. About an hour after the race we discovered that sausage, red beans and rice and chicken pot pie was being served. We got the very last of the RB and rice! Wished we had known about this earlier. A local restaurant did the cooking and both were homemade and delicious! With all of that said, we went to look at the race results board before tucking our tails and leaving. To our surprise, Kent and I both received First Place in our divisions! We were sooo excited. The first woman that came in was in my age group; this is rare at best. Most of the time it is a 20 year old. BUT that was good for me. Kent and I were two of the three people out of state that won an award. Aren't the awards cute, too?


Kudos to Ms. Williamson, the race director!!! This was their first year to have the run and it was run excellently! She did a fantastic job. The course had many turns and it was marked clearly. Traffic was closed in specific places. There was more than enough water and sports drinks as well as bananas and oranges. They never ran out. There were many snacks, too. Radio and television stations were present. I would recommend that the course be straighter and photos taken for the awards presentation. They were hoping to have 100 participants but as it turned out there were 301 runners/walkers! An exceeded expectation! Thumbs up!

2019 Races

  • 05/11/19...9.38 mile Good Life Ride
  • 04/13/19...Raven 5k
  • Dec. 15 - Mar. 8 2019...175 Mile Challenge
  • 02/16/19...Sweetheart 5k
  • 01/19/19...Casio Bridge 5k...DND

2018 Races

12/09/18...MS Gulf Coast Half Marathon
12/01/18...Honeybee 5k (cancelled-weather)
11/17/18...Seville Quarter Turkey Trot 5k
11/11/18...Battleship 12k
10/20/18...Hope Haven Run for Hope 5k
10/13/18...Shrimp Festival 5k
09/29/18...Don McCloskey 5k
09/01/18...Bloody Mary 5k
01/27/18...Casino Bridge 5k

Through December...200 Mile Fall Challenge
Through August...175 Mile Spring Challenge
Through June...150 Mile Spring Challenge

2018 Goals

Bike 500 miles.
Improve gear shifting.
Strength training 2 hours/week.
Run 600 miles.
Improve running without walking.
No processed sugar 75% of time.
Improve positive thinking.
NEVER give up!

2017 Races

  • 12/10/17...MS Coast Half
  • 12/09/17...MS Coast 5k
  • 11/25/17...Kaiser Half
  • 11/18/17...Wild Turkey Trot 5k
  • 11/11/17...Rotary Oyster 5k
  • 10/14/17...Shrimp Festival 10k
  • 02/18/17...Sea Turtle Half
  • 02/04/17...Double Bridge 15k
  • 01/29/17...Big Beach Half

2017 Bike Rides

  • 10/01/17...Southern Magnolia Ride [25.85]
  • 05/13/17...Good Life Ride [26]

Series

  • MS Coast Double Down...5k & Half
  • Run The Beach...3 Half's

2017 Goals

  • Back-to-Back Races [Done]
  • 3 Half Marathons [Done +1]
  • 1,000 Miles-No
  • First Half Marathon Series [3 Done]
  • Work on core/strength 2-3 times a week-No
  • Lose 25 pounds-No
  • NEVER give up! YES!!
  • Control/Eliminate refined sugars-Good

2016 Races

  • 10/15/16...Shrimp Festival 5k
  • 05/30/16...Fiesta Five Flags 5k
  • 03/19/16...Azalea Trail 10k
  • 03/13/16...St. Pat's Leprechaun 5k
  • 03/05/16...Bay to Breakfast 12k...1st trail race
  • 02/20/16...Sea Turtle Half
  • 02/13/16...Double Bridge 15k

2016 Goals

  • Run 1,000 miles-Done
  • Bike 300 miles
  • Half Marathon-Done
  • Eat fruit daily
  • Push through the hard times-Done
  • Cut back on refined sugar

2015 Races

  • 12/19/15...Make It To The Line 4 Miler
  • 11/21/15...Wild Turkey Trot 5k
  • 11/14/15...Oyster 5k
  • 10/10/15...Shrimp Festival 5k
  • 05/30/15...PHind a Cure-W/D
  • 05/02/15...Fiesta Five Flags 5k
  • 04/18/15...Zydeco 5k - W/D
  • 04/??/15...Virtual Remember the Fallen 5k
  • 04/??/15...Virtual Boston Strong 5k
  • 04/11/15...Magnolia 5k
  • 03/28/15...Azalea Trail 10k
  • 03/07/15...Circle K 5k
  • 03/01/15...Gulf Coast Lulu's 10k
  • 02/28/15...Sweetheart 5k
  • 02/07/15...Double Bridge 15k

2015 Goals

  • 1 Half Marathon
  • Eat fruit daily
  • Overlook past failures
  • Push through the hard times/things

2014 Races

  • 12/06/14...St. Jude's Half Marathon
  • 08/16/14...Pinky 5k Virtual
  • 08/15/14...Howl @ the Moon 10k Virtual
  • 02/15/14...Sweetheart 5k
  • 02/01/14...Double Bridge 15k

2014 Goals

  • 1 Half Marathon
  • 700 Running Miles
  • Strengthen my Upper Body
  • Recuperate, Recover, Renew
  • Get active in WW
  • Eat Fruit Daily
  • Start Clean Eating
  • Begin Eliminating Sugar from Diet

2013 Races

11-30-13...Stennis 5k
11-23-13...Turkey Trot 5k
11-08-13...Run For The Kids Virtual Half [St. Jude's]
10-12-13...Shrimp Festival 5k
09-22-13...Talladega Half
07-04-13...Wesson 2 Miles
06-29-13...Emz Liverpalooza 5k
05-18-13...Pursuit of Fun 5k
04-20-13..Warrior Dash
04-07-13...Gulf Coast Half-Pensacola
03-23-13...Azalea Trail 10k
03-10-13...Leprechaun 5k
02-24-13...NOLA Marathon
02-02-13...Double Bridge 15k-Pensacola
01-13-13....Gulf Coast Half-Lulu's

2013 Goals

  • 3 Half Marathons-Done-Plus 1
  • 1 Marathon-Done
  • 1000 Running Miles-No, due to RC Tendonitis & Broken Shoulder
  • Eat fruit daily-A little aggressive but better
  • Maintain weight in 130's-Did NOT happen!

2012 Races

12-08-12...FloraBama Jingle Bell 5k
11-24-12...Jingle Bell 10k
11-17-12...Turkey Trot 5k
10-27-12...Jazz Half
10-20-12...OS Rotary 5k
10-13-12...Race for Grace 5k
09-29-12...5k For Katlyn
07-04-12...Wesson 2 Mile
04-15-12...Gulf Coast Half...[Withdrew-bronchitis]
04-14-12...Diversity Dash 5k
03-24-12...Azalea Trail 10k
03-03-12...MS50 20k...[Withdrew-bronchitis]
02-25-12...Kids Need Heroes 5k
02-11-12...Sweetheart 5k
02-04-12..Double Bridge 15k
01-14-12...Pensacola Half



2012 Goals

  • 1 Full Marathon-Marine Corp filled up
  • 3 Half Marathons-2 Down-Sick had to drop 2
  • 20 Miles-Wkly Mileage-Bronchitis kept me from this
  • Cross Training 2x Week-Poor Commitment
  • Weekly Weights W/O-Again Poor Commitment

2011 Races

  • 11-26-11...Kaiser Half
  • 11-19-11...Turkey Trot 5k
  • 11-11-11...Thumbs Up for Bill 5k
  • 11-05-11...Senior Bowl 10k
  • 10-22-11...Running the Streets 5k
  • 10-15-11...Shrimp Festival 10k
  • 10-08-11...Mullet Run 5k
  • 09-24-11...Waiting for a Cure 8k
  • 09-05-11...Labor Your Legs 5k
  • 07-04-11...Wesson 2 Miles
  • 06-04-11...Bay Fest 5k
  • 05-14-11...Stargazer 5k
  • 04-30-11...Fiesta 5 Flags 5k
  • 04-16-11...St. Benedict's 5k
  • 04-10-11...Gulf Coast Half
  • 03-26-11...Azalea Trail 10k
  • 03-19-11...St. Patrick's 5k
  • 03-05-11...Eco 5k
  • 02-13-11...Mardi Gras Marathon

Secrets to Running a 5k

Here is an excellent site for those who have thought about running a 5k race but just hadn't made that move yet. There's tips, directions and even a section on what to wear. If you have never run a race, you are missing out on a lot of fun. You will have support from most everyone you meet. Now for the site...click here to change your life and get started!

Free Online Health Calculators & Nutritional Databases

* Calories Burned Calculator - you choose the activity, total minutes doing the activity, and your weight.
* Target Heart Rate Calculator - you choose the activity, total minutes doing the activity, and your weight.
* Food Database - you type in the food category, the food and the nutritional label will come up.
* Weight Maintenance Calculator for Women - you input the info and the calculator will come up with the amount of calories to maintain your weight.
* Weight Maintenance Calculator for Men - same as for women.
* Body Mass Index - find out your BMI with this calculator.
* Healthy Weight Calculator for Women - determines your healthy weight for your height.
* Healthy Weight Calculator for Men - same as for women.
* The Longevity Game - a fun question and answer game that finishes with your "lifestyle" and how long you'll live. [I finished with a great 93 years of age!!]