Sea Turtle Half

Well today I did a half marathon, the first one in 15 months!!  Though I needed a couple more weeks to feel good and ready, nothing could prepare me for the heat of this one.  I am NOT a summer runner/racer and today's heat was very tough for me.  Who would have thought temps would reach in the lower 70's in February especially just a few short days ago the temp was in the low 40's and windy!  Reaching in the 60's while racing makes your body much hotter than the outside temp.  What crazy weather!! 

Today it was all about the bling. 

I got a chance to meet up with some of my running friends before the race, Susan and My.  We really, really missed another friend, Jean, who got injured and wasn't able to do the race.  She trained so hard and my heart was sad for her.  We love and miss you, Jean! Get well quick!

I was very excited for My as this was her first half.  She ran strong and finished well.  The first part of the race went great for me.  But Susan and I both struggled with the heat as the race went on. 

My body started dehydrating about halfway and I needed water badly.  Water stops weren't at all the mile markers so at that time water was not close by.  My body started aching, hip hurting then blisters started annoying me a little later in the race.  My goal for this race was to finish and begin my longer running and racing again.  I wanted a better time but it wasn't to be in this race.  Man, was it good to see that Finish Line!!  Seeing several of my Sole Sisters was so nice; then we ran into another friend, Buck, who did the 5k.  He did well, too. 

As it turned out, I finished 1st place in my age group and Susan finished 2nd.  This made all the struggle worthwhile!! 

We got pretty glasses as an award.  This is my first award in a half since entering a new decade.  I am really very excited about winning!  I had NO idea that would happen since it had been so long that I had run a half marathon.  Here is a pic of the award.

A couple of things that kept me going in this race was that I ran it for my friend, Jean.  I wanted to honor her since she was unable to do it.  Secondly, I ran it for my trekking friends.  They were so good to cheer me at the last class and this was for them, too!  I have great friends here and am so proud to be theirs. 

Sometimes all the effort is worthwhile.  Sometimes goals are met and sometimes just crossing the line is enough.  Never give up.  Look for the good in EVERY race you do.  Without saying any more, just go out and

Run 4 It 

Double Bridge 15k

First of all, I can't believe it has been so long since I wrote an article.  But on the flip side, it's all getting good.  Working through the severe bronchitis I had at the end of last year has been tough and I think I am finally over this mess!  Seems like every time I tried to run any distance it would all start up again.  So aggravating and very discouraging!! 

The Double Bridge 15k in Pensacola is a favorite of mine.  To me.....it is tough; but I love the challenge.  A cold front came through and it was quite chilly but the worse part was the wind!  It was blasting up into the 20's mph gusts.  Friends from our hometown came down to run it...a bunch of 'em...and it was good to see them.  We stayed in our hotel room while they were gallivanting on the beach...for hours!!  They obviously have thicker skin than I do; but mostly they are crazy, ha! 

 On our balcony, you can see them waaaaay out there on the left side of my bangs.  See those tiny specks close to the water?

The next morning we met up in the lobby of the hotel and headed out to the Starting Line.  My goal this year was to run it all and not walk.  As simple as that was, I had to begin my distance running in a way that would push me yet not attainable.  The morning was beautiful.  The temp was perfect for racing.  Here we are before the race began. 

 

I believe this is the first race I wore something to cover my ears.  I ran in it the week before and couldn't believe how warm it was; it kept my hair out of my face and my earphones in place.  I love it!!  No, I don't look good...BUT...neither does anyone else; so it's better to be warm and comfortable than freezing and cute, ha!  [Well, I wouldn't classify me as "cute" in running gear.]  This wrap also provided much protection from the wind!  My ears never got cold.  Oh, did I tell you...it was VERY windy that day.  I tend to run on the treadmill when it's real cold, windy or rainy; yep, I love protection and a good environment so my little body was freaking out in the environment.  The others are use to it as they only run outside.  Go Team Run 4 The Kids!! 

 

This is the first time I've raced where I didn't warm up any; meaning jogging around a little.  And, before we knew it, it was time to get in our corrals with 10 minutes left before it started.  When I realized that, all I could think of was hurry up and get in place.  Guess we were enjoying our visiting too much.  There were so many people.  It seemed like there were more than before.  Thought I would never ease up to my corral.  Everyone was stepping in place to keep warm.  The sun sure felt good. 

 

The race began and I was amazed how strong and well I felt after having NO warm-up at all.  I used my new iPod Shuffle and LOVE it!!  I have considered getting one for a while and decided to take the plunge and get one.  I am so glad I did.  I love the fact that it takes up no room on me while running and the songs are random.  The regular iPod clips on your pants/shorts but yet it always gets in the way of the race bib.  This little thing will clip on anything and stay in place cause it weighs NOTHING!!  Here's my bib.  I love that they put your name on it.

 

Keeping my focus on "my" race instead of racing others helped a lot.  My pace stayed constant a little faster than normal but nothing I couldn't keep throughout.  Once we got out of town and headed over the first bridge I realized that the wind was on our backs.  It was a tailwind and it helped a lot.  I love the push it gave me.  I was able to run the entire race without walking...goal achieved...and on top of that ran better than the last TWO years in this race...an extra "Yay"!!!  Time was not even an issue in this race but it all worked out. 

 

The race always affords a beautiful medal and this year didn't disappoint.  The Pensacola Beach ball rotates.  How cool is that!  And, like last year, the attorney office that sponsored this race gave out visors or caps. 

 

Kent has been on the injured list a while but he felt better and decided to go ahead and do the 5k as best he could.  His race was good, too.  He had no pain and felt good afterward.  So happy.  This was a great race for both of us.  I finished 8th in my age group of 30.  By my watch, I had a 10:13 pace which I am ecstatic about.  Never thought I could do that at this time. 

 

I have a half marathon next weekend and am excited about it after this race.  It will be my first for this race, Sea Turtle Half Marathon.  I want to say to those that might be down and out...for I have been for some time...NEVER give up!  Never, never, never give up!  If you want it, continue to do what you can to overcome your obstacles.  There are more behind you than you realize and I am one of them.  You can do this!  Now, go

 

Run 4 It