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



Monday, February 17, 2014

Sweetheart 5k

What a gorgeous day to race!!  Of course, any day with sun was more than welcoming with all the dreary, rainy, windy weather we've had for months.  The LA Fleet Feet Running Club does a great job doing this race.  This year, a half marathon was added to the 5k and 1 mile races.  And, I really liked the way they incorporated all of them.  They started the half at 7:00, the 1 mile race [I think at 8:30] and finally the 5k at 9:00.  The 1 mile race was over before the 5k began.  By the time the 5k runners were coming in a large part of the half marathoners were finished.  To me, it was a great time saver. 

The morning of the race it was about 44 degrees.  A little cool but the sun was out and was warming up the cool air.  My goal this time was to run as best I could knowing I am still far away from my "norm" and to be in under a 10 minute pace.  I know, I know...that's pitiful "for me".  I'm dealing with this and slowly but surely I know it will get better.  Kent was not up to his par either but again...we did the best we could with what we had.  We ran into a couple of friends of ours from Laurel.  Phillip is a great runner and his wife, Peggy, is a great racewalker.  It was good to visit with them a little. 

I felt pretty good after we got started.  My breathing was like it use to be: a little labored but not breathless.  It felt like a good push.  Keeping my focus and running "my" race helped me to do my best.  This is such a MENTAL sport for me right now.  As I ran under the Finish Line clock, I saw the time of 30:07/08.  I was so excited that I had maintained a good pace for 3.1 miles and I had made my goal of under a 10 minute pace. 

Here's a shot of Kent coming in strong.  Great form!

Got a few shots of the best Alabama friends ever. 





As you can see they were hard at work...enjoying every minute they can.  Great job, guys! 

Got a photo of Phillip and Peggy with their awards.  He got Sr. Grand Masters and she got Grand Masters.  Congrats!! 

Got a quick photo of my friend Tim who always has his camera strapped to his hip.  Congrats, Tim and Michelle!

Then he yelled out and got my pic...woo-hoo!  I hardly get a pic that is not a selfie! 

It was a great day.  Kent placed in his age group.  I came in 7th in my age group.  Not good for me but I'm glad I wasn't last, ha!  I had NO idea how close I was to placing in my age group.  Get this...the lady that was directly ahead of me was in my age group [#6].  On top of that 3 out of the 4 people right ahead of me were in my age group.  That means had I run 17 seconds faster, I'd have placed!!  I couldn't believe that.  All I can say is that I ran as well as I could and it is what it is. 

I am thankful for a beautiful day, good food and great friends.  Thoroughly enjoyed visiting with several after the race.  My friend, Moe, who is fighting cancer looked well.  Met a new friend and are now FB friends.  My sweet hubby got an award.  Yep, it was a great day indeed. 

I'll continue to work hard on my running.  I will NOT give up.  Until next time...I hope you will go out, do your best and

Run 4 It

Monday, February 3, 2014

Double Bridge 15k

What a week it was!  An ice storm came through Wednesday and Thursday.  We were home and it detained us from getting to South Alabama.  Check out the picture the Double Bridge folks in Pensacola took.  There was still sand in the outside lane of the bridges when we ran across them.   As a matter of fact, the bridges had just opened up to be traveled on Thursday afternoon!  What a difference! 

Friday we went to pick up our race packets for the Double Bridge Race on Saturday.  I stayed with friends, Deleica C. and Serina W.   Our race began at 7:00 a.m. and Kent's began at 8:30.  He came back the following day for the race and to pick me up.  The race was a sell out and when we arrived [ahead of the girls] there were already a lot of people milling around.  The Expo was small but nice.  I picked up a new Asics shirt ($11), a Moving Comfort racing bra (half off) and some new Asics Gel shoes (huge discount of $50).  All of this was less than what I would have paid for just the shoes alone had I got them elsewhere!!  Cha-ching!!  I am a happy camper.  Mostly because I was about to purchase new shoes anyway.  These same shoes are normally $120 at the discount store where I always get mine.  And, sports bras are like gold...they are ALWAYS expensive.  The shirt was just a "happy" for me.  I need a shirt to wear that isn't a race shirt. 

Here are our race bibs and the long sleeve shirt we received for the race.  Love the shirt!  Also, love the bibs that have our names printed on them.  I feel so important, ha! 

Here are my goodies I purchased.  They look kinda drab but it's the poor photographer's shot! 


While at the Expo I ran up with my friend, Moe.  I was so excited to see her.  This is the first time I'd seen her since last spring when she told me she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  She continues to fight it but is still running!!  I don't know how she does it.  She's my hero!!  She signed up to do the 15k, too.  I wish I had gotten a picture with her but the opportunity just wasn't there.  Unfortunately, I never touched base with her after the race.  I thought she looked great...tired, but great.  I'm thankful for the hugs I got when I saw her. 

Not long after getting there, I ran up with my friend, Marsha C. and Tim A.  Tim and I are FB friends but had not actually met until then.  He takes some of the most beautiful pics of Mobile Bay.  Deleica, Serina, Gary and Anna T. showed up at the same time.  It was a busy moment.  Tim took mine and Marsha's pic while the others laughed and cut up.  You don't have to believe me...just look, ha!  Thanks, Tim!!

When we arrived in our 11th floor room, we got the most beautiful views.  The pool is gorgeous.   

 After unpacking, we took a quick pic before going out for our pre-race pasta dinner provided for us. 

I think we enjoyed the company more than the meal.  The temps were dropping.  What???  It was suppose to be in the mid 60's...and here I am needing a jacket.  Thanks, Serina, for loaning me one of yours!!!  I would have frozen with the misty rain falling, too. 

The next morning I got up around 4:00 to get ready for the race.  I brought warm and cool running gear and I am so glad I did or I would have just brought my shorts.  As it turned out, we needed warmer clothing.  Whew!!  We met up with Gary in the lobby and caught the shuttle to the Starting Line.  Kent told me that morning it was 44!!!  All I know is that it was nippy.  Here are a couple of pre-race pics. 


Look at that gorgeous bridge just waiting for us to cross it.  And, off we go.  Before the 2nd mile, I was shoving my arm sleeves to my wrist.  No matter how slow you go, when your body heats up you're ready to cool off. 

This course is tough; but I love it all.  It makes me work hard.  Here is a pic of approaching the second bridge.  I call it "Big Daddy".  It is the toughest part of the race.  Then there's one looking back over it.  Thanks, Tim, for the shots; they captured it great.


I always look forward to this sign!!

I love the crowd support at the end.  It always give you such a boost when the crowd line is long.  When we crossed the line, we got this finishing medal.  I LOVE the flip-flop!! 

I had hopes of running this for a PR but after tough physical situations over several months, I changed my goal to run it entirely.  I know, I know...that doesn't seem like much; but when life throws obstacles at you, you make the best out of them and if you're smart, you'll change the goals to something to reach for...not an inevitable fail or injury.  There were a couple of times that I thought I would have to stop and walk some...even had it in my mind to do so on those bridges if I needed to so as not to get injured.  The only running I had done that week was 7 miles on Monday.  That's not much.  And, that was the longest I had maintained that distance in quite some time...without walking some.  As it turned out, I was able to run it all.  Slower on the bridges but I'm okay with that.  I achieved what I set out to do.  This gave me such a confidence boost.  Not only to run it all but to run those tough hilly bridges.  This is one of my favorite races and I hope to do it many more times. 

After such a wild week of weather, only one day of running, lots of traveling and a 15k, I was tired.  Fortunately, I never got sore afterward; but we went to bed very early on Saturday. 

On Sunday, my stepson, Kyle, ran his first half marathon in New Orleans at the Rock 'n Roll.  The weather changed a lot on Saturday.  The fog rolled in with the wind and the temps dropped.  Come Sunday, it was forecast to even rain.  Definitely not what a runner wants to hear.  Regardless, it was terribly humid!  As it turned out, he did great and the rain held off until the marathon was over.  We are so proud of him!!  I asked if he would do another and he said, "Yes!!"  It was then that I told him that he was hooked, ha! 

This weekend was a great weekend with friends, family and races.  It was good to see so many running friends and cheer others on in another state.  I hope you were able to get in a run or race.  If not, I urge you to put on your shoes and clothes and get out right now and

Run 4 It

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.
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* Weight Maintenance Calculator for Men - same as for women.
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* 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!!]