Today's Run & More Pics

Today's run "should" have been more fun than it was. Though it was a little chilly, it's a beautiful day. I am "learning" to like colder weather...there's a different attitude happening and thoughts of embracing uncomfortable weather is getting better. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not sure I'll EVER love (or even like) wind, especially cold wind; but dressing properly is definitely the key to continuing and enjoying winter running. Today, I am experiencing some pain in my right hip. It has been a little painful and sore since Saturday. Not sure what's going on. Maybe I strained it on the hills, especially the final one, in the race the other day. Ice and drugs are definitely on the list today.

Below are a few more pics from the Gimme Shelter 5k.

Me and Frank at the beginning of the race.

Check out this hunk!! I'll take him home! Love you, Honey!

Good running

Me, Ginny, Donna and Audrey after the race

Thanks Nestor for taking precious time away from your run to take all of these!!! You're priceless to the Club!!

Gimme Shelter 5k

Though the day started out quite cold...28 degrees by my gauge at home...it ended up a gorgeous warmer one!!! As we got ready to go to Hattiesburg to participate in the Gimme Shelter 5k, I tried to talk myself out of going because of the cold. I rarely run in cold weather and when it is, I wait until the warmer part of the day to do it. But when it is a race, you are locked in to the time. So I jumped in my running clothes (all 3 layers of 'em) and hesitantly headed to the truck shivering all the way. I knew once I got that far, there would be no turning back. And I knew that once I met up with fellow runners the cold would NOT be the main topic of conversation. The race was held at University Baptist Church where a fellow pacer, Bro. Phillip Reynolds, is pastor. The proceeds from the run went to benefit the homeless in a town in Mexico. Great reason to run, huh?

It seemed so long since we've gotten together for a race. The last one was January 1st for the Steam Whistle 12k, practically 8 weeks ago! I missed every one of my PBPers. When we pulled into the parking lot, I immediately saw Audrey. Now, don't get me wrong, she is a regular gal and neither the way she looked nor what she wore grabbed my attention...BUT her dancing around to keep warm with this huge smile drew me in. I could hardly wait to get with the group. Now, on to the pictures...

This first one I had to share. This was the youngest runner for the 5k!! That's right, I said 5k, 3.1 miles! This picture is not of a child running in a Fun Run. Isn't he just precious!! Look at how earnest he is with that little tongue out and in running mode! The way his little blonde hair is swirled around on top of his head looks like a little halo, don't it? Now....there's no excuse....get out and do SOMETHING!! Recall this picture if it helps to get you motivated.

The next several are action pictures. First up are of Kent and me.



There were so many taken I only posted a few. You can see all of them here. Audrey, Ginny, Frank and Nestor are shown below. Nestor ran ahead of me, stopped took my picture, ran more, stopped and took more, all throughout the race!! He has the sweetest attitude in doing this and a great runner to boot. I'm glad someone got his picture. Thanks, Nestor!





We both received awards. Kent got 3rd place in his age group and I received the Grand Masters award with a gift certificate to Soccer Locker.



With all of this said, I will gladly leave you with a picture of how we all felt when we got to the finish line UPHILL!!

Up and Going

This past weekend was great! Though I was tied up from 9:00 to midnight every night and was unable to get out and run (mostly due to the weather AND time limitations), I'm glad to be home so we can get back to normal...running again! I sure do miss it when we're out-of-whack.

I ran this afternoon for the first time in almost a week. It was great. The weather was beautiful and the sun was shining. With a coolness in the air, it made running good. Got in five miles though I had planned for four.

So I leave you with a beautiful, healthy day. Don't be discouraged...get up and do "something"!! You will thank yourself for it later.

Run 4 It

Yeah, that's what I'm doing. Yesterday I got in 11 miles. It really felt nice. I was a bit sore when I finished but it worked out within a couple of hours. As I'm thinking to myself I'm wondering why in the world I stopped running long distances last year after I completed my first half marathon. Now, I'm looking to the future in hopes of running longer distances (double digit mileage) on a regular basis. Surely I can do this.

I seem to have noticed something different with my longer running. I'm discovering that my new "good" mile is the 7th one. The last couple of weeks of running longer, the seventh mile was a great one and I really felt good. There was no struggle and an ease of running during that mile. The eighth wasn't bad either but the seventh was "consistently" good.

As I work toward my upcoming (second) half marathon in New Orleans, my eyes are already looking to doing another half. Have I lost my mind or what am I thinking?? Now, I'm wondering where these eyes and derranged thoughts are coming from. I remember when achieving a 10k at a competitor's pace was something to aim for, which wasn't too long ago. Don't get me wrong my goal for a half is still the same as it was last time: to run its entirety with no walking. But I seem to get excited when I see another half being advertised.

Since I've set a new achievement to run 13 halfs in 13 different cities, it has inspired me to work a little harder. I can hardly wait to start marking these off! Yep, guess I have flipped, but it's a healthy flip and you can't go wrong with that!

Great Run...Kinda!

Kent and I went to the Sportsplex yesterday to do our regular run. In training for my half marathon, I'm increasing my distance, stamina and endurance by adding an extra mile each week until I'm at my HM readiness. After viewing the weather forecast, realization hit that doing a longer run toward the end of the week was not looking good. So with that in mind, I decided to shoot for the extra mile yesterday. This week is to be my 9th mile.

I began my run and was doing well. Then I noticed that I was too fast initially...thank goodness for my new Garmin! So I "tried" to slow down keeping in mind that my goal is not speed but endurance. After running a few miles with a close watch on my pace it got better and better. As I entered my seventh mile, I was feeling real good. As a matter of fact, I felt great...I had experienced a burst of energy. (I think that has a name but don't remember what it's called.) It was then that I thought I will go ahead and add TWO extra miles instead of the planned one. Kent followed me around (he is wonderful!!) to offer me water when I needed it...but mostly because a couple of wild looking stray dogs came out of nowhere barking and charging at me. This happened in the 8th mile and caused me to stop running and walk until I could get past them safely. I was soooo angry! I am afraid of dogs and do not care for them at all!!! I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I was bitten by one when I was walking home from high school one day minding my own business!!

Now with the confidence that I had my "protector" with me and my water available when I needed it, I relaxed and began running again feeling safe. Even as I entered my 9th mile, I thought that I could still run the "extra" 10th mile. All was well and then it happened.........I crashed!! What was this?? I've never experienced this before and didn't know what to do. I was at the end of my run for the day and REFUSED to quit now. So I shuffled on to the finish. Still I'm not sure what happened. I slowly walked to the car, drank my water and did slow, easy stretches to prevent any cramping. (I have always been a "huge" cramper anyway.)

So my first thought now was let me get to my Apple Cider Vinegar, swig some down, change clothes and hit the couch for some much needed rest! As it turned out, when I got home, I was feeling fine again. Got out the vinegar, downloaded my Garmin, made our Smoothie (soooo good and refreshing), took my shower and felt rejuvenated again. I even cooked supper later on and wasn't sure initially whether we were going to have to go grab something or not. Thankfully, there's no soreness, aches or pains!! I'm still kinda new at this running thing and this has not happened to me before so I guess I'll just have to chalk it up to weird experience...dunno!

As I write this, the morning after, I still feel fine with no aches or pains nor any cramping last night. And when I made my daily coffee this morning I noticed that the vinegar was still sitting on the counter. I had not even taken any! For those of you that could use this acute cure...when experiencing leg and feet cramps, take a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar followed by a glass of hot tap water. If cramps do not subside within 5 mintes, repeat the ACV and water. This is the ONLY thing that has ever helped me and it is SUPER fast acting and cheap to boot!!

My plans are to do 3-4 miles today whether outside or on the treadmill. Rain is suppose to start this afternoon and I have errands to do this morning. I welcome any comments or e-mails if you have anything you could share regarding my run yesterday!

Happy Trails to You!!

Grin And Bear It!!

I am soooo ready for some warmer weather!! My little ole southern bones are not use to a "real" winter and that's what we are experiencing this year. Usually we have a couple of days here and there of colder weather throughout the winter but NOT a month or two solid! Lately our days have been very pretty and so inviting; but once I step outside everything inside me tries to jump out of my skin and head back inside where it is warm...crying, begging, kicking and screaming wondering why I'm doing this insane thing of exposing this body to the cold. Seeing as how most of the time I'm heading out to run, I force my body inside the car and try to brainwash my brain into thinking it's not as bad as it seems and once I get going it will be alright. But the honest truth is "it IS cold" and I dont' want to be outside. No comment from you, Ginny, lover of ice!!

But the thing that is keeping me going is that I'm training for my second half marathon in a month. Not a fan of the treadmill and with the distance needed for training, there's no other choice but to head outside and hit the roads. Thankfully, it is good to occasionally see someone else running or walking, too. It is always good to see Frank because, like Kent, they are steadfast and consistent. Thank you, guys, it is because of YOU and your smiles that keep me going. Somehow I think that the "smiles" are deceptive and even wonder if they are frozen on their faces. But whatever, it helps motivate me. There's nothing like meeting others with smiles on their faces.

So I will leave you with a smile on my face and my body prepped for a run and I will see you again after I'm thawed out! Happy Health to You!