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



Wednesday, January 28, 2015

The New Me

After reviewing the past year and half, I realized that I was totally too hard on myself.  To some point...I don't want that to change as I think it helps push me along in my "lazy" times.  And, yes, we all have them.  But it seemed I was living in the "negative"...LIVING!  Okay, this is not a good thing.  My thoughts constantly berated me telling myself that I wasn't good enough any more and how much I could NOT do things, especially things I use to do just a year ago and that I had "reached the age" of heading downward.  With this wonderful thought process happening 24/7, I rarely pushed myself any more...because...what's the use?  I'm just going to fail or have a pain here or there. 

Last year was a difficult year indeed in many ways, mostly physical.  See my recap for 2014 for an explanation.  Everyone is different and everyone would handle the same situation in their own way considering their abilities, lifestyles, backgrounds, etc.  But the only thing that counts is what YOU do.  Am I right?  Starting with the way you look at things when you are bombarded with the negative. 

Here is a link that I found was good to help do those things you don't really want to do.  Hope you find it helpful to you, too.  http://greatist.com/connect/key-to-happiness-trying-what-you-dont-like .  Yes, I want to overcome the fear of some things and try some new things this year.

So for me to be somewhat accountable [to online friends], here are a few things I want to shoot for in 2015.

1. Try a new fruit monthly.  I'm sure there are 12 fruits that I haven't tried yet that I can find in my grocer.
2. Do some kind of workout on days I don't feel like it.  Yes, this is hard for me.
3. Leave the past where it is...in the past.  I am "me" at this moment and not at any other time.  I can't undo the past nor see the future.  All I have is "now". 
4. Try a new workout a month.  Though there might not be 12, I'm sure I can find variations of an exercise I'm already doing.
5. Do something around the house that I shun doing on a weekly basis.
6. Prepare a new food/meal bi-weekly. 
7. Give someone one of my smiles daily.
8. Encourage others as often as I can.
9. Race the best I can NOW...not as I did in the past or as I want to in the future, but NOW.
10. Find something to be positive about every day.

This will be a start.  No, I don't expect to start looking like a 30 year old, but I do know I can be a better 50+ woman.

I hope this post will help you, too.  What are the things you want to see differently this year?  Got to go, so I can

Run 4 It 

Thursday, January 15, 2015

2014 Review

2014 was not good to me in many ways.  As hard as it was, I continued to push through all the things life threw at me.  Here is a synopsis of the year.

January:  Had to go to the doctor Christmas Eve [2013] for sinus infection and bad cough; got a steroid shot and cough medicine.  The following many days I suffered through calf cramps.  After looking up the side affects it was discovered that tendon tears were a side affect.  Stopped running for a while until I finished the meds.  53.3 miles run this month. 

February:  Rained a lot and didn't run outside due to the cough that continued to hang on.  Began running again and was feeling better.  Ran the Double Bridge 15k and Sweetheart 5k.  On the 17th, I received a call that my stepmother, Betty, was very sick and in the hospital.  Left Gulf Shores and headed home to repack and go to Natchez.  On the 19th, CT scan reported MANY spots on her lungs and liver.  Final result of scan revealed BOTH lungs were filled with cancerous tumors.  She could hardly breathe.  Was told she had days to live.  Went home on Friday then to Gulf Shores to get the camper on Saturday and was headed back to Natchez on Sunday.  Received a call that she had passed away early Sunday morning!  Weather was severe and we weren't able to leave as planned.  No running since Tuesday.  Betty wanted my Dad to go live with my sister in Arkansas.  After her passing, much was done at their house and packed Dad to relocate.  Bad first day there.  Headed to Connie's within two days.  32.1 miles run/6.5 miles walked. 

March:  Severe winter warning while in AR.  No running there.  Came home the second week.  Actually was able to get in my first run since February 17th the 2nd week of March.  Things are beginning to settle down some.  Not much running for this month.  45.4 miles run/14 miles walked. 

April:  Went to my first Croppin on the Coast.  Won my next crop for 2015!!  Headed back to Natchez on the 11th to start cleaning out Dad's home.  My stepmother was a huge hoarder.  I loved her dearly but this was a terrible fault that my sister and I had to deal with and being out of town for both of us it was a very hard task.  Dad not doing well and in hospital's step down unit while she was in Natchez at this time.  Met with someone who we decided we'd get to sell the things in the house and the house itself.  My right hip began hurting in the third week which I am thinking is due to all the riding we did.  Having so much to do this month regarding Natchez cut my running back again...as well as my hip pain.  35.5 miles run/10 miles walked. 

May:  Hip pain better and began to run more...finally!  Then I stumped 3 toes on my left foot and started having to walk instead of run a few days.  Yikes!  Went to shoulder doctor as left shoulder is still so limited.  Began PT three times a week.  Started new hormone treatment...no running for a week +/-.  60.7 miles run/17.8 miles walked. 

June:  Summer heat kicks in which makes it very difficult for me to breathe.  Right hip pain returns mid-month.  Sore throat started the 21st and continued to get more painful.  Went to MEA with a diagnosis of sinus infection with lots of coughing...again!!!  NO running all last week.  49.3 miles run. 

July:  All outside workouts or treadmill at home.  No gym this year.  Coughing most of the month.    49.6 miles run/8.5 miles walked. 

August:  Returned to shoulder doctor with continued limited motion.  Got cortisone shot in shoulder and felt better immediately!!  BUT...BAD side affects with tendons...again!  No running for a while.  Began running after first week but legs painful from shot.  Very easy running.  Did a virtual 10k on 15th and virtual 5k on 16th.  Calf pain continued the rest of month!  73.2 miles run/7 miles walked.

September:  Did my first spin class on the 2nd.  Coughed a lot but did pretty good.  Fell on slippery carport the 28th and broke 2nd toe, hurt from left knee all the way up to the hip...I need a break here!!  102.3 miles run.  Did well...considering! 

October:  Mileage begins to increase for St. Jude's Marathon training.  Went to doctor for mass in left breast.  Had surgery the following week.  Two masses found with one LARGE mass but all benign.  Thank God!  NO running or any exercise for a while...again.  Began walking  slow on the 28th.  34.8 miles run/7.7 miles walked.  Marathon will not happen.  Working toward the half now. 

November:  Began walk/run on the 3rd with quarter mile increments.  Put house up for sale and sold within 48 hours!  Much, much work to do including finding another home in Alabama.  73.1 miles run/4 miles walked. 

December: Glad to be at St. Jude's for the half.  Had to walk some but am glad that I was able to finish it.  Had no idea a month ago that I would be able to run any.  Overall pace was 13:28 with an overall time of 2:43:02; 105/231 in my age group.  One of my worst half's but success was counted differently this time.  I deem this race a success.  God is good!!  On the downside, I left my bag with my Garmin, iPod and Oakley's in the window at the hotel, as well as my St. Jude's gear bag!!!!!  Many calls were made to the hotel but they denied seeing it.  I KNOW it was in the window and told them that.  VERY, VERY sick about this!!!!!  Having such good running friends that could "feel" my pain, they donated to the situation which will help me recup some of my loss.  49.3 miles run/4 miles walked.  Moved to Foley, AL, at Christmas.  So much packing after getting back from race.  Been at that home for 31.6 years!  Wow at the stuff we have accumulated!  Spent first night in our home on Sunday the 28th. 

Goals were not made and disappointment was my closest friend [and she was not a good buddy] but I have great running friends that have held my hand and pulled me through the year.  I am so thankful for my husband who continues to encourage me.  So, here you go 2014, I am glad to say "toodaloo"...

Overall [counted walk/runs as runs]:
658.5 miles run [goal was 700]
77.4 miles walked
80.1 miles ridden
3250 yards swam

I am looking forward to a great 2015 year.  Starting over always seem fresh and plans are to keep my goals reasonable and reachable.  I felt defeated all year last year with so many issues that came up one right after the other.  All is good and I plan to keep it that way.  Regardless of past times or races, I plan to get back on the horse again. 

So until then...

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!

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