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



Saturday, February 20, 2016

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 

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

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

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

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* Food Database - you type in the food category, the food and the nutritional label will come up.
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* Healthy Weight Calculator for Men - same as for women.
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