Run 4 It

A Reason To Stay Active...ALWAYS!

2012-01-21T07:35:00.004-06:00

Here is an article I must share with my running friends and all friends. Never stop exercising! My Grandmother had muscular dystrophy and was bedridden for many years. She watched what she ate (took a low fat diet lifestyle) and exercised in bed by moving her legs up and down and in any way she could though she could not walk. She even told me one day that she exercised her eyes! Maybe that's where I get my interest in running/exercising. I only wish she had been alive to see the accomplishments I've made as I contribute most of them to her and her desire to live well. She never knew me as a runner. Please don't decide one day that it's time to set down stakes and "live" by sitting in front of a TV or read in your rocker. No one should have that mentality. The only one that can decide how to live at your age is YOU! Now we have proof of the good exercise is as we age...triathlete or runner. Take a moment to read this short article on muscle mass retention. It amazed me. [I couldn't get it to give me a link but copy and paste this into your address bar.] http://www.everymantri.com/everyman_triathlon/2012/01/at-74-years-oldthese-are-your-legs-on-triathlon-these-are-your-legs-without-triathlon.html#

Great Half!

2012-01-15T19:17:00.017-06:00

The Pensacola Half was this weekend and I was hesistant/anxious for this race. I was really looking forward to a nice flat, long run but was slowly losing confidence in my "best". I continue to have a nagging left hip thing going on and 13 miles is nothing to snivvle at...it demands respect every time you do it. I like that part of distance running.

We decided to stay the night since the race began at 7:30 as we're not fans of driving a long way before racing. Not wanting to spend a lot of $$ for just a place to lay your head is just exactly what we got! A place to lay our heads. Okay, I'll spare you the details except for this. The door would close BUT there was a 1.5 inch space between the door and the door frame! It was going to be pretty cold and here we are in a room where we can watch a movie sitting on the other side of the door! Really...just look for yourself...here's a large towel stuffed in the door...EASILY! As a matter of fact, we had to open the door and close it on the towel to keep it in place!

Later, we went to Sidelines Restaurant to eat. Kent got a great Bacon Cheeseburger with fries and I got the Linguine with Maranara Sauce topped with two grilled chicken breasts and broccoli for the side. It was fantastic...soooo good. I will get that again. Of course, I couldn't eat it all; there was more than enough so I gave some to Kent.

After a poor night's rest from the old, creaky, lumpy bed and the band blasting outside our door, morning came early for us. Thankfully, the temps didn't drop as much as they had predicted. It was 40 and was suppose to be in the mid 30's. We stayed nice and warm, just no good rest. Now here I am going on hardly any sleep and fixing to run a half marathon.

I had about decided my "good" half marathon racing days had come and gone...that is, as well as I could do since I started my running career over age 50! Okay, I never said I was smart. Every half I ran last year was pitiful with the first one done while I was still suffering from the knee injury from the marathon and the second, months later, from cramps in BOTH feet! Both times I was crippled the last couple of miles of the race and had to walk some before crossing the line; something I'd never planned to do. From the very first half I'd trained to completely run them only.

Trying for a PR in each half I ran and not accomplishing it, it was decided to focus more on the details of finishing stronger this time around and not walking again. That part was kinda like a Failure Fairy whispering in my ears. With that being said, I had been training differently in my long runs. I could see that it was paying off at the Kaiser Half in November until I got cramps...totally not expecting THAT! I tend to cramp more in the winter but not when it's warm and it was warm that day. I was more mad than anything else. Until that point, my running had been strong and my pace much better. I was on my way to better times until I had to start walking.

But this time, I was ready for the cramps! I grabbed my bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar and stuffed it in the back pocket of my "big girl" pants ready to take 'em on. The ACV always make them disappear and I was gonna win this battle if it occurred again!

When we drove into the parking lot, the sun was beginning to rise. It was gorgeous!! I had Kent stop the truck so I could get a picture. And who do you think is the next person we see? A good friend and great race director, Leonard V. of the Gulf Coast Running Club. Glad we saw him because our paths didn't cross again. He had stiff competition this race but still won his age group. Congrats, LV!

I LOVE the course in this race. It is almost idential to the Gulf Coast Half Marathon done in April. Being very flat, it's a great one to shoot for faster times. Though I kept the cramps at bay, I began to run out of steam about the 11th mile. For two miles, seems I just plodded along. But in the last mile, my second wind kicked in and I was able to finish ahead of many that had been ahead of me for a while. I love to pass "anyone" just before going through the Finish Line. It just gives me that big ole push I need for my last "high" of the race. I finished strong and happy. I wore a long bodice running bra, a short sleeve shirt and a long sleeve shirt. Yeah, it was kinda chilly that morning. I took the long sleeve off the last 3 miles or so. My black shirt reads "In my dreams, I'm a Kenyan" and I love that saying cause only in my dreams would I be at that level. I thought about the saying a lot when it was visible for others to see and it help motivate me to run a little harder. Need to remember this...

As it turned out, I had MUCH MORE to be happy about than I realized when I crossed the line. We had timing chips but this recording was not available. I didn't start as close to the starting line as I usually do because of having the chip. Thankfully, my Garmin records everything! With that being said the stats showed the course to be 13.21 miles instead of the "certified" length of 13.1 which means my time was pretty good. My pace was my best for a half yet!! Yay! Their posted time was clock time and not by the chip that we wore. Mine's regulated with what the chip should have been. We passed over a couple of "chip mats" on the course. I don't care!! I believe my Garmin is closer to the correct reading. Regardless, going by my pace I still got a PR. I was really tired afterward...but happy!

My finishing medal...I love it!

The awards ceremony for the 5k was started when I came in. These ceremonies were staggered and that was good allowing each race to be announced quickly.

Kent got 3rd place in his age group...yay, Honey!! It's a cool dog tag and chain. The artwork is vibrant and beachy. I missed getting his picture as I wasn't with him when they were announced.

Receiving my award.

And, I got 3rd in my age group. Here's a close up view of it.

This has boosted my morale and I'm excited about doing the 15k in a couple of weeks. It will definitely be a tough and challenging race but I can hardly wait to run looking at the beautiful waters again! Until then...

Run 4 It

Happy New Year!

2012-01-06T06:14:00.003-06:00

How are you doing with your goals for 2012?? Do you make them? Or do you "fly by the seat of your pants" from day to day or week to week? We all live differently. Some function better with goals and I honestly believe that we all do to some point. It gives us direction to where we are going. And, we ARE going somewhere whether we like it or not.

For this year, my goals are pretty much the same as last year's. I know...sounds boring, huh? But I feel that they were pretty good goals, generally speaking, and something to continue to do this year. One thing I want to do is to increase my yearly mileage to 1050 miles. That's an increase of about 15 miles. That doesn't sound like much but I want to stay healthy, uninjured, and start papercrafting more this year. My ultimate goal would be to reach 1100 miles. I, also, want to incorporate my walking miles. It was kinda pitiful last year.

Now that that's said, I'd like to say that there are a few things that I want to work on that I am not considering goals but better directions in order to achieve those goals. They are:

1. Workout/train smarter. Be careful if I exceed the 10% rule (cause I'm sure I will per track record).
2. Find balance in all areas of my life. I really love doing other things, too, and they have been put aside in the last year and half due to lack of balance. Running has preceded everything I do, not that that's bad, just not...well, balanced living.
3. Get off computer more and do something else. I'm an addict...okay, I've confessed.
4. Pay attention to what I eat and HOW it affects me in running.
5. Stretch more than the past. I am the most unlimber person alive!
6. Incorporate speed workouts, not inclusive of racing.

I've updated and moved around some things which you will notice on the right hand side of the page. I'm looking forward to this new year and all that it has to offer me as a runner and adventurer. It is exciting to do different things and to change your pattern (as a runner) and do something out of your comfort zone. I'll be doing my first trail race this year which will not be a race where I'm interested in my time. There are also a couple of races that time will be a difficult thing to aim for because of it's challenge. But, I can hardly wait to jump in and do these new and fun races. I did a few of these kind of races last year and though it may appear that I got "bad" times, in all actuality, they were really good ones due to the course layout/terrain. I'm proud of all of them regardless of "how" they may look to the naked eye.

I hope you've made your goals or are thinking of doing so. Remember, everyone has a direction cause unless you're dead you're NEVER standing still. Find yours and get going. For now...

Run 4 It

Year In Review

2011-12-31T20:26:00.002-06:00

This year has been a great one! Very different than what it started out to be or planned to be. I wanted to start doing races different from the typical 5k's and 10k's or do them differently than before. So, my sights were changed from PRs to "other" types of races. First and foremost I accomplished something I never thought I would ever do EVER...I ran my first marathon!! I loved every minute of it! My left knee went out in the 23rd mile but even then all I kept saying was "when was the next one?" It was probably the most exciting thing I've ever done physically. I challenged myself, trained well, and did it. And, most of all, I was 55 years old!! My first marathon and I'm doing this thing at 55 years of age. Who does that?? This will always be something I will be proud of...always! Of course, I couldn't have done it without ALL the encouragement of my marathon friends and my running partners, Frank and Deleica.

Surprisingly and with my new IT strap, I was able to continue my running just not as hard as before. My pace had slowed down for the marathon and I wasn't up to par for shorter, harder run races for a while. This took the stress off of performance. My knee kept getting better and had very little pain any more using the band but when I didn't, like the Gulf Coast Half Marathon in April, I really paid for it. Lesson learned: wear the band in hard runs or distance races!!

Goals are interesting. Not all them were accomplished in 2011 but maybe I had not defined them well enough OR made them too difficult to reach. Goals that are meant to be maintained are the hardest and may need to be reworded or deleted altogether. For instance, my goal of "healthier eating habits" was poorly written. Just too vague and too difficult to do on a day-in, day-out basis. Too much daily pressure = failure.

Facing the facts of 2011:
1. 1 Full and 2 Half Marathons...good goals and achieved! On top of that, I received awards in both half's. Yay!! Well done...
2. 18-20 Miles Weekly...not bad and will probably bump this one up though there were weeks throughout the year that I did not reach that goal due to weather, allergies or pain. Still a good, well-written goal and measurable.
3. 8:30 Race Pace...on the surface this seems to be a good goal. But things I didn't take into account of is: weather, allergies (which were bad this year), knee pain (which came from the marathon at the first of the year) and most of all the course terrain of a race, like hills. This goal will be deleted in 2012.
4. Cross training once a week...good goal and achievable. It may take creativity when we are camping and the weather is bad but plan to keep this one.
5. Weekly weight workout...this should be achievable no matter where I am, the weather or allergy attacks.
6. Healthier eating habits...not measurable and will not be on the list next year.

Annual stats:
Running...1035 miles
Walking...83 miles
Biking...100 miles

19 Races:
1...2 Miler
11...5k's
1...8k
3...10k's
2...Half Marathons
1...Full Marathon

Placed in 16 races of 19:
4...GrandMasters
5...1st Place (age group)
2...2nd Place (age group)
4...3rd Place (age group)
1...5th Place (age group 10 deep)
(Placed in both half marathons = whoop, whoop)

Firsts:
1. I entered my first 2 mile race (PR) and received a state record, one which I still hold at the end of 2011 = Whoop, whoop!!
2. First 8k (PR) over the Ocean Springs Bridge. Not only is this thing a monster challenge but I placed in it, too.
3. I ran my first trail run (preparing for the MS50 20k race) AND got my first black toenail.

Things I've learned over the year:
1. Performance can kill enjoyment.
2. Run the best I can for the moment. Some days are better than others.
3. Success can be measured in simple things like running when you didn't want to.
4. Trust my inner decision to run harder in long runs and not go by my watch unless I'm training for a marathon.
5. Wear my IT strap on long races!
6. Running with my husband is worth more than any time EVER! I am grateful to be in great health and able to run unlike some of my great running friends.

This is my first complete year to keep a log through an online program and there were some runs/walks that were counted weird. I'm still not sure how to record w/u and c/d when the program records them as runs and I think they are walks. It's a little confusing. But next year I will decide on how I want to list them and start out fresh.

This year, I found I'm enjoying the "run" itself more, whether it's a race or a daily run. So to sum up, this year has been a VERY successful year and I look forward to a great 2012!

2011 has been an exciting year. Remember victory and success equals many small steps, not just trophies sitting on a shelf or medals dangling on a hook! It's your life, now...

Run 4 It

Trail Running

2011-12-25T19:55:00.002-06:00

What a run! I never thought trail running would be so different. But it's another world altogether. I'd say you'd have to have a little adventureness in you in order to do one cause you never know what you will come up on. Well, no, my run did not involve that kind of venture but being my first there were a lot of things going on all around.

Frank B. and I decided to do a short run so I would see what the MS50 race would be like in March. I've never run a trail before and I wanted to get a taste of what I had gotten myself into. Having dressed in hunter's "protective" colors, excited anxiousness surrounded me. I wanted to run but knew I needed to make one sure step in front of another in order to make this a safe, fun run. With eyes on the ground, off we went.

It wasn't long before we came up on these really pretty mushrooms, some of the largest I've seen. They were very bright coral colored. So I had to take a picture. The color looks a little washed out but they were really pretty and vibrant.

It wasn't too long into the run that we came up on a puddle that could not be gone around. I plowed right through it but let out a squeal like a little girl. You need to know that I do NOT like to get dirty and never stomped in a mud puddle when I was small. So this was a new experience for me.

Not long running in my newly squishy shoes, filled with who knows what, we ran up on a huge spider web. Frank reached out to grab my arm to stop me but it was too late. I, obviously, didn't see it. AND there was this huge spider right in the center of it. Needless to say, I was engulfed in this new "natural" sweater fighting as hard as I could to get out of it. Then I felt something crawling up my leg and just about went crazy!! I knew it...it was on ME!! After a little dancing around, swatting at the air and scaring me and that thing slap to death, it finally fell off. I sure was hoping it didn't bite me. If it had any sense, it would throw itself out of that web next time he sees a human coming his way.

Now, I have friends that frequent these kind of trails and love them. But this is the first for me and I needed to know if I was willing to hang tough throughout...mentally and physically.

We did fine going from one tree to another following the signs UNTIL we reached a "T" and not a tree around held a single sign. The directions just stopped. Well, the little ole map that we had was totally useless as we come to find out at this point. We turned around and headed in a different direction where we did see a sign down the way. We ran it for a while and came up to a road. It was 4 miles there. We had talked about doing 4-6 miles. He seemed to think that instead of turning around and back tracking that we could go down the trail on the other side of the road and it would get us back to the start. Just making a loop of sort. So off we go across a road on another trail. Eventually we came up on a road. Looking both ways they looked the same...endless. We decided to take a left, confident that we had made the right decision...

...only to find that the road didn't seem to end or intersect. Sooooo, we turn around and head back to where the trail came to the road and go the opposite way from where we'd been. After a while, Frank remembers the Navigation program on our Garmins. We got it up and going (and it seemed to know what it was doing) only to find out that neither of us were good at looking at this small map on this watch face. Ahem...I DID tell him that I could see enough without my glasses to read the map that turned out to be a "not so good" map; therefore discounting what vision I could muster to read this tiny little map on a wrist. After following the arrow for a while, we noticed that the arrow changed and was pointing across a field, then the opposite direction as if we'd passed the "start". Not being able to cut across that area, we continued on down the road and there it was...a beautiful red Stop sign!! Yay...we were at least at a trafficked road.

What can I say?? It truly was an adventure and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was so much fun. And, we learned a new feature on our Garmins! When we got back to the truck, the watch had recorded a distance of exactly 13.1 miles! We did a half marathon!! I don't know how the trail will go on race day, but I'm confident we won't have to use any survival skills on it, ha! I hope you enjoyed reading my new escapade cause I've enjoyed sharing it with my readers.

It's That Time of the Year

2011-12-19T05:55:00.002-06:00

Okay...in the south about all you can say for the first of the winter months is nothing less than it's soggy and windy accompanied with days of 75 degrees followed by days of 40 degrees all within 48 hours! Wind is usually an element to deal with on a consistent basis for now. It can just be miserable at times. And it's not until the cooler weather decides it wants to hang around for a couple of months that it becomes decent and stable; that is, to me. On top of that, there's all the travel and hecticness that kicks you out of getting in a decent run here and there with increased goodies of all kinds that you do NOT indulge in any other time of the year that adds to your misery. Yeah, all in all, it's kind of a miserable time of year. I admire all my running friends that brave the weather...REGARDLESS...of what it is. Let me tell you right now, you're an inspiration to me and PLEEEEASE keeping posting on FB or letting me know how and what you are doing. Treadmills become a closer friend during these not-so-friendly days but even those tend to be sparingly available some times.

So with all of that said...and maybe they're more excuses than anything or maybe I don't have the drive at this time or maybe I'm a sissy. Okay, everyone deserves a pity party once in a while especially when it comes around your birthday. But whatever it is, I've NOT stopped running yet. It has been interrupted some but not stopped.

I'm still so put out with my last half marathon I can hardly stand it!! To me, it's one of those "why me?" runs. And I have no idea why it happened and there's no way to prevent it from happening again. Being the last half before my birthday and for the year I really wanted it to be good. And, I had been running pretty good to have a strong outcome. But it just wasn't meant to be.

During the last couple of weeks, I've only gotten in one long run, 11 miles and at a good pace. But this week I hit the treadmill 3 times and had very good, but shorter, runs on it. I've had the incline set to 2 and 2.5 which gives me a harder workout and I'm trying to maintain my usual pace and/or speed intervals.

For now, whatever you do, do it the best you can. This is a tough part of the year to maintain a schedule of any kind but DON'T stop. It's only a short time to work through. Soon look back over the year and if you keep a log (and hopefully you do) look through it and see how far you've come from 2010, where you need to improve, and how much fun you've had. Think of all the new people you've met and now have as running buddies in some form or fashion. And, finally, start getting your thoughts together to make 2012 running goals. This IS really a good time of the year. I'll be writing a final post summarizing the great year I've had. So for now...just Run 4 It...there's not a better feeling!

Olympian Sightings...And Another Half

2011-11-27T15:09:00.010-06:00

I was so excited when I heard that two Olympians were going to speak to the runners at the Kaiser Half Marathon packet pick up on Friday. Not being a runner for very long, I was only familiar with one of them. But Kent knew very well Johnny Gray because Kent has run for many years. He knew of Johnny's great 800 meter records and Olympian status while I was only familiar with Deena Kastor's records and Olympian status. Not trying to put them in "idol" status (and hope I don't anyone) these two athletes are great role models for runners. Johnny Gray still holds national records; he retired from running at age 40. He's now in his early 50's and is a coach at UCLA. He had some of the best sayings like: "If you give it up, you have to make it up"...speaking of not running as hard as you're able to at the beginning of a race you have to push harder at the end to make up the loss of time and it may be too late. I think of a negative split of sort. "Proper preparation prevents poor performance". "Impossible" means I'm possible...I love that one! He had several but these are all I recall right now. Deena said "You've got to believe it to achieve it". She also talked about if you want to be the best, then don't try to copy another. To try to improve in any way you can. I think of "be the best YOU can be" mindset. If you follow someone else's program you may reach the same level as they are; but if you want to be better than them, then you've got to figure out something different in order to beat them. Don't believe when someone tells you that you can't do something or try for something that seems impossible. It can be done! They had many good motivational messages that applies so well to running and life. After their talk, they had informational cards with all their stats on them that you could have with their autograph. I just happen to be first in line...what can I say, I was just standing there and wallah...the table opened up. Here's a picture of Johnny's card and autograph followed by my favorite, Deena's.

And, check this out...I'm soooo proud of this one!!

On to the race...I felt pretty good the morning of the race and felt I had everything ready to put on and go. I did this race last year and was really looking forward to it again this year. A friend of mine from Laurel, Deanna, and her family did it, too. This year she brought friends. It's a really nice course.

I've been running differently in the last month with really nice results. I had hope these changes would be applied effectively in my long races. With one long run down, I thought I'd give it a try in this race. As with all races, it is so easy to start out fast. Adrenaline flows like Niagra Falls, strong and somewhat uncontrollable! It was exciting to be doing another half. I reorganized my music, had a GU (though I've never used one in a half before) and felt prepared.

The first 3 miles were on the Backcountry Trail and I was running as I had planned. My pace was faster than expected and I was ahead of schedule. Mile 4 began on County Rd 2 going south to the Beach Rd. then east to Orange Beach where we went back onto the Trail System, to make a little over 2.5 miles...VERY windy miles! Man, it was strong. Oh, there wasn't a gust that I felt cause it was just wind. I almost got tickled thinking how in the world could wind withstand all the gorgeous sun and beautiful skies and views. It actually became a bit of a challenge. Many runners around me were talking about how tough it was. For me, I knew it wasn't going to last long because I've run this stretch of the highway several times before and turned around right at the trail head where we were headed. It was like I could hold my breath that long...well, not really...but you know what I mean. Glancing at my watch I was concerned that I was losing time with the headwind but, lordy be, I was maintaining the same good pace I had been. At the end of 4 miles, I was keeping a 9:38 pace, my best ever in a half marathon.

Back on the trail, I was feeling good still, but decided I better slow down a little because I was afraid I couldn't keep this pace up for 8 more miles. Oh, up to this time, I've had to get water at every aid station. This is rare for me. Usually, I have a sip or two twice in a half marathon but I couldn't seem to get enough water...and I drank a good bit each time. Coming up on Mile 10, my pace was back on track, 10 minute pace.

Then it happened!! I started getting cramps on the top of my left foot...slowly and not hard at first. I kept running hoping it would go away. At Mile 11 I loosened my shoe strings and it eased up some, but it wasn't long before it got more painful making me stop and stretch my foot in any way to get the thing out! I was getting so mad. I get cramps in strange places that make it so hard to get it stretched anyway and this place didn't surprise me. It wouldn't stop. I didn't know it yet but my running stride began to change to accomodate running with this cramping. I thought if I could walk a few steps I could get it eased and maybe pick back up running again. When I stopped, a guy came up beside me and said, "don't stop, you're pacing me!" Don't think I've ever paced anyone before and it made me feel good and I felt somewhat responsible to help him. He was a barefoot runner. We talked for a little bit and it helped me push harder. Then it hit...Mile 12!!! Immediately, I had to stop. My cramps got so bad and by now I was being plagued in both feet. I tried to ignore it and run...but that did NOT work at all. I pushed on more trees in one mile than any of these trees had ever seen! I was applying pressure in any way I could, and groaning became my close friend. I was hurting so bad. I kept up with my friend for a while, but he eventually went on. Another guy tried to encourage me but his words just didn't get through. So, with all of that, I decided to accept my plight and walk/run in. Another man caught up with me and I had seen him race in 5k's many times in this area. I had a very sharp cramp and he stopped to see if he could help thinking it was in my legs but no one could help my problem. He was mostly walking. As soon as I could, I would try to run. I'd pass him and have to stop and he'd catch up. This happened several times. One time I got so mad, I yelled out "I refuse to quit!!!" and didn't care who heard it. He was standing right there then. I'm sure he thought I was crazy.

I make one promise to myself and that is to run through the Finish Line of any race I'm running. And, that's what I did as you can see here. Whew, this thing is done!

I love running long runs and I shouldn't have had trouble with this one. It really came as a surprise. But I wasn't prepared either. First and foremost, I had not trained well enough. Having done a few half's already, I took it for granted that not having the miles in the last couple of weeks, I could whip this out easy. Distance running, friends, cannot be taken lightly. This is something you do well only if you treat your body correctly. Secondly, I'll find some way to carry some ACV with me in case of cramps again. That seems to help. And, finally, I had changed up the music on my iPod. Though I really like it, for a long run, it got really boring. I repeat several songs throughout to pick me up during my run but it got tough hearing them over and over and I couldn't stand to hear them another time-but this can be fixed!

Kent ran in the 5k instead of racewalking and received 3rd place in his age group. Deena presented him with his award but I didn't have the camera ready. We had no idea he was going to receive an award and on top of that getting it from her! Surprisingly, I got 2nd place and, no, there were more than three in my age group, ha! Oh, there were two more trophies...when I took my shoes off, I had a nice trophy (blisters) on both feet and a HUGE burn that my shirt rubbed under my arm! The worse I've ever had...it was so big and deep! Thankfully, these two things can be fixed in the future. Regardless of my trials, I still like this race course and would love to do it again. I am also pleased that I maintained and kept a little better pace for nearly all the race until the cramping set in. Therefore, I feel the race was a success on a gorgeous day!

Next week, is a new week and I plan to get my running back in order. Until next time...

Run 4 It!

Pensacola Turkey Trot 5k & Athlete Focus

2011-11-21T12:55:00.010-06:00

Though last week's running did not go as intended, I tried to make up for it by doing a long run anyhow. With that being said, I only ran 3 times to keep from completely killing myself with going so far above the 10% rule. Boy, did I break it this week! I ran slow in the 11 miler to try to head off any possible injuries I may incur and it seemed to help. The last of the three runs was a 5k race. And, being a race, I used it as my speedwork for the week.

Saturday started out being quite a dreary, misty morning. Decisions came on us fast starting with what to wear. The temp gauge read one thing but it felt so much colder than that! I mean, I was hunkered down under a blanket going over there. By the time we got ready to embrace the Starting Line, I had changed shirts 3 times!! I'm so glad I ran with the one I did.

About the second mile, the rain began. My body had heated up and I could use what little bit of cool rain that found itself against my skin. It was so light and refreshing. It wasn't long before I touched my hair and knew I must have looked horrific...wet, wet, wet!! Not having my curly hair now, I could just imagine how I must have looked. Thankfully, I was over halfway finished. When I saw the Finish Line, I felt stronger than during the race and I was able to run faster and faster. I passed several people during the last mile and many toward the end. When finished, I went to the truck to get my camera and in hopes of catching Kent as he came within the block of finishing. The truck was parked in a lot between the last two racing streets. Being drenched, I grabbed the camera, trying to keep it dry, and headed to the nearby corner. I really wanted to get some real action shots of him. One thing I noticed is how much support everyone gave the participants, even the police officers. Here are some action shots of him at this point. Notice the support.

Here he is coming across the line. Check the race supporters clapping on the left. By the time he got there, he was completely drenched! There were the most racewalkers, I mean, FAST suckers, I've seen to date.

The post-race activities were fun. There were bagels, coffee, turkey chili, fruit and drinks. The warm coffee was quite welcoming as we cooled off pretty fast. Again, I was impressed with the encouragement everyone received that won awards. Whether they knew you or not, they whooped and yelled for everyone that won a medal, even the children. It was so much fun and you felt so much a part of everyone else. Here is a picture of us looking like wet rats. At least, we fit in with everyone! We were all rough looking characters at the end.

When the results came out, we were surprised to see we both had won something. There were 507 runners and 88 walkers- 2 races, 2 minutes apart!! A pretty good turnout considering the weather. He won 2nd place and I won 1st place. I hated I didn't get GM cause all the overall winners got turkeys and awards! But, there was no way...that girl was FAST and I'm carrying 13 pounds too many (that means a lot more wind resistance, ha)!!! Okay...that's another story.

There was a group of young men that "dressed" for the holiday: a pilgrim and several Indians. They woo, woo, woo, wooed throughout the whole race and the pilgrim kept his hat on the whole way. It was quite windy going east but thankfully, we didn't go that direction for long. It was fun to see and hear. On top of that, I think only one was wearing running shoes; the others were costume appropriate shoes. Don't know how they did it.

The next pictures are of two real sweet ladies. The first one is Inge. She had a very strong accent and had run several half marathons. She was real interesting to talk to. This picture is really not a good one. She was beautiful in the face; my photo skills are poor at best!! She's 65. They are headed to the Keys with racing all along the way heading to one there.

The next photo is of Gay. [Again my photo skills are terrible; she looks great.] She's 78 and lives in Pensacola. We've talked with her and her husband several times at different races we've run down there. They are amazing!! They're so active and seem so in love. I hope we'll be that way. She's a very kind lady, too.

I am amazed at the older ladies that run in the Pensacola area and are in really good shape. I'd venture to say that they are not on medication or very little. Folks, stay active. I'm blessed to have met several ladies that are strong beyond their years.

The Turkey Trot 5k course was great...fast and flat!! We LOVED it and hope we can put this on our schedule to do again next year. I hope you recall the great athletes I focus on from time to time, Inge and Gay this time. They should encourage you to keep going when you have those "down" days. Now, get off that couch and...

Run4It

Thumbs Up for Bill 5k

2011-11-14T10:18:00.005-06:00

This race was created to honor our friend and fellow runner, Bill Gasparrini, who was diagnosed with terminal, inoperable cancer 2 months ago. It was a 5k held at 7:00 PM put on by the local Run n Tri Company. All monies collected were given to a charity selected by him. The oncology unit at the local hospital will be using this donation to assist those that cannot afford to have treatments, travel, etc. Almost $7000 was collected. There were almost 300 runners/walkers and many, many more family, friends and supporters.

I decided early on that I wanted to focus on Bill's kindness and strength by honoring my husband, who I love so much. We ran/walk it together and with most every step, I was so mindful of knowing we are in good health and have each other. It was an honor to walk in this "race" and to honor the one (Bill) who has taught me so much already.

Being a superb athlete, Bill denies all the reasons one should contract this horrible disease. He just shouldn't have it! I mean, aren't we all trying to "justify" why one has cancer; i.e. smoking, overweight, genetics, etc.? Well, none of these seem to apply. As a matter of fact, this is his second battle with this dreadful disease! When he was a very young man, he was given this diagnosis and it was not a pretty picture then...very bleak. With very aggressive treatment and a great faith in God, he overcame and God saw fit to bless him with a longer life. He has since touched so many lives, with Kent & I being two of them. We'd have never known who he was had God chose to take him home waaaay back then. Our lives are blessed and richer because he is here.

He has run many races throughout his life including marathons and triathlons...AND wins many, many races of all distances. He is a quiet, strong man of 60 years, a doctor and extremely healthy. I say all of this because since his diagnosis he has become a person who I would love to pattern my life after. He faces EVERY day positively whether it is during the terrible chemotherapy treatments, days of sickness and/or pain, or facing the "good" days, he amazes me that he can inspire those who have not a problem in the world! To give you an example, when he was first diagnosed, a FB page was set up as a diary/encouragement of posts. One of the very first posts he made was entitled "the top 10 things I like about having cancer", except he couldn't narrow it down to ONLY ten! Can you believe such a thing?? And it has been one amazing journey since. Though he wasn't able to participate in the race, he handed every one a Thumbs Up patch as they crossed the line.

About all I can say to end is that I look forward to each and every day when new posts are being made. I'll leave you with a few pictures I took at the race.

Now...Run 4 It...because you CAN!!!

Senior Bowl 10k

2011-11-09T15:52:00.007-06:00

Update #2: Got notification this afternoon that they will mail my award to me. I'm so happy now. The staff person I spoke with on Saturday said they would not mail them. It should arrive the first of next week. I know this doesn't mean much to most of you, but I still like to have an award in my hand when I've won a place in a race. This may wear off, but for now, I really enjoy looking at all of my trophies!

Update: I just saw where I placed in my age group and didn't know it!! Boo...they have the poorest way of gathering the stats. We waited over 2 hours for the results and when they came out my name was listed as 7th...so we left!! After looking up the results online, it only shows 3 deep winners but they gave 5 deep in each age group. I'm so aggravated that we waited for so long and left without my a medal. I bet I asked 10 times whether I had placed or not...oh, well. At least, I can say that I have placed every year that I have raced this one. BTW, they will NOT send it to you either...

Helllllooo, everyone!

Let me begin by recapping the week. Sunday (10/30), I purchased a new pair of shoes: Asics Gel Nimbus 12. I've tried different shoes but always go back to Nike's Pegasus 27+. After examining my feet, Donnie (the owner of the store) handed me a pair of the Asics to try on. They felt fine but didn't have the 'cushion' I so love about my Nike's. He said that they were not distance running shoes and that Nike admits to that, too. Since I am loving distance running and after talking with him (doctors from Mobile and Pensacola refer their runner-patients to him for fitting their shoes), I trusted his evaluation and decided to give these shoes a try. We'll see how they work for me.

Cross training is a little hard to do when you don't have a gym or indoor pool at your disposal. So this week I incorporated walking in lieu of the typical cross training methods. I used the Asics but they will have some breaking in to do before I trust them to run long in.

Monday...3.5 miles walking as I put off my long run to Tuesday.
*Tuesday...15 miles running at a paved trail system. It was wonderful and I loved it. I walked 1 mile before and .25 mile after.
Wednesday...3.21 miles walking with weights, floorwork and core workout.
Thursday...4 miles running with .5 mile c/d. Sore and tired.
Saturday...Senior Bowl 10k. Did not feel good before the race.

*In Tuesday's run, I averaged a 10 minute pace which is the best yet for this kind of distance and I was comfortable the entire time. Yay!!

What a beautiful day Saturday was for a race! Perfect temp, beautiful skies and running excitement in the air. I saw everyone I knew was going to be there at the Senior Bowl 5k/10k Races, except for two. This is a miracle in and of itself because there are so many runners that participate. Most of the time, we know of several who are going but rarely or never see them.

After a few potty stops before lining up, I was feeling like I was going to race on empty; otherwise I felt great! Around the 4th mile I began to feel better and actually felt like I was ready and able to 'race'. Of course, that's a little late in the game. But that's okay, too. It was just one of those days and I am glad I ran. My race got stronger and stronger as I came to the finish and even achieved a negative split. Needless to say, my time wasn't as good as I'd hoped. But as I neared the Finish Line, I was feeling strong and fast AND the best part...the time was waaaay less than what my watch had! What?? How can that be? I always 'claim' my watch as the right time and distance but how in the world could it be 2:28 minutes slower?? Boy, was I puzzled and even claimed that their clock was wrong. After all, every clock I saw on the course read 0:00.

Kent was at the end waiting for me. This has only happened a couple of times since I've begun running seriously and hearing him cheering me in felt amazing...I really liked that! It makes it soooo much more exciting. He had such a big smile on his face and I was so glad to see him.

I'll admit right here and now that I am terrible at remembering my PRs but he remembers both of ours, even my competitors! I don't know how he does it, but I've learned to rely on him and this ability. He was yelling to me that I had a PR. I couldn't believe it since I had not felt well for the first half of the race. Then looking at my watch, everything just seemed to be a blurr.

As soon as I could get to my computer, I downloaded my watch and noticed that it was showing 2:28 minutes before the start of the race. What in the world did I do?? Obviously, I had turned it on when I was checking my iPod...I'd never done this before! It registered zero feet and the 2:28 minutes. Thankfully, it began registering my miles correctly so I could delete that "lap" to get the correct time...whew! Although I did not reach a PR I'm excited about my negative split, a pace under 9 minutes and seeing all my friends. It was a great day!

Kent achieved a PR with his racewalking and that was a great milestone for him! I'm so proud of him and all the hard work he puts into this new endeavor. Personally, I could NEVER do this. Racewalking is hard work and there are just too many rules to go by. It deserves more attention than it gets. Good job, Honey!

We enjoyed sausage jambalaya, Chic-Filet sandwiches, Powerades and coffee. There were other things but we weren't interested in those: hot dogs, beer and bagels to name a few.

The beginning of this week has started out kinda weird...no running but VERY busy. At least, I got in a little something today. Until next post...keep on running!

Fall is here...

2011-10-31T11:15:00.003-05:00

I believe we can now say that Fall has arrived. Along with the "title" comes wind and cooler air. The air really makes it much more fun to get out and run. Last week was a good week and yet a not-so-good week. It started out with a challenge of the "hit-and-run" (see post below) long run with excellent times but ended with no running after Thursday. So many different things interfered with that as well as the fact that I had already exceeded my 10% increase. With that being said, I'd have to say the week as a whole was a success.

It looks like I'm well on my way to a great finish of another year. Can you believe that's just around the corner? I can hardly wait to see my year-end totals (as long as I continue the way I'm going). I already see where improvements need to be made and will be working on a better plan for next year. I've failed in some ways, but have done well in others. Well, folks, 2012 is around the corner. Keep steadfast, my running friends, and start planning for new goals in a new year.

Now, goal 4 it...I mean go 4 it!!

Hit & Run

2011-10-24T15:38:00.003-05:00

I want to redefine the term "hit and run" because that was exactly what happened to me earlier this morning. Halfway through my long run, I saw a vehicle at the Hardee's exit going to turn into the highway. I watched and watched and watched and there was NO traffic for him to wait for but he continued to sit still. So, I thought he saw me and was waiting for me to pass on in front of him as there wasn't any other way around...his vehicle was close to the hedges in Hardee's driveway and my only way was to cross in front of him. I cautiously approached watching to see if he was going to move on out but he didn't. Then I decided he was waiting on me. As I got dead center in front of his car, he begins to pull out into the highway hitting me!! It caused me to fall against his car though I kept my composure as best as possible. I was shocked!!! Is this man an idiot, blind or totally unaware that the highways and driveways are for ALL people and not just for him?? I had not been able to catch his eye before this because of the glare off his windshield from my angle but he could see me perfectly. Coming from a stand still kept this from being a bad accident. When it happened, I looked up into his older face framed with glasses that had dropped down on his nose, and saw that he was wrapping his sausage and biscuit to hold while he drove...yeah, like THAT'S a good idea now!! Both hands, mister...at least! He hit my left side where my left knee has given me trouble since the marathon earlier this year. I was so angry that he was so incompetent AND with a license. I'm glad I am a defensive runner because I had been watching him. But even that was not on my side this time. If I had not been aware, as he was, I may have fallen into the road where traffic was now flowing.

I'm glad to report that after about another mile and half, I was able to regain my composure and run normal. My knee got alright and my fear level dropped, trusting drivers again. I was in the middle of a 14 mile run. At the end, I was able to maintain a better pace than I ever had for that distance. As a matter of fact, I beat my best half marathon pace by several seconds...even with all the hoopla of the hit. My watch kept running during this time so it recorded even those slow moments of my run.

All I can say is that angels DO exist and takes care of me when I can't do so. Thank you, Lord!! Words cannot describe how much You love us...us mere humans!

Running in the Streets

2011-10-23T18:28:00.007-05:00

Yep, that's the name. We ran the Running In The Streets 5k in Fairhope, Alabama, on Saturday, the 24th. It was such a nice morning-really nice temps and hardly any humidity. A couple of weeks ago we miscalculated the time we needed to get to the Mullet 5k in the same area. By the time we got our pre-registration packets, put up our shirts and put on our bibs. We hardly got to the starting line before it began. We planned better this time.

I had gone to a Scrapbook Crop on Friday night from 6-midnight but left around 11:00 so I could get up early for the race. For those that know me, I do NOT stay up late at night so this could possibly not be a pretty picture come Saturday morning...hopefully, not until after the race and that it wouldn't affect my running. The alarm was set early but I continued to hit the "snooze" button, eventually dragging myself out of bed. But by the time we got to the race all was well.

We ran this race a couple of years ago and loved the shirts and the awards. Seems the little "icon" is a cat. We weren't as crazy about the design this year but it still had the little cat on it. Here's the shirt:

I felt great and remembered there were hills in it. Hills aren't bad but when they are long and steep, it adds to the definition of "hill". The Mullet 5k race a couple of weeks ago used some of the same streets. The nice thing is that this race didn't include the really hard hill the other race ended with. Okay...all about defining these things...I really enjoy running these shady neighborhoods. They are so pleasant.

The race began and off we went. I felt strong and, somehow, rested. Recently I began using my Garmin for information instead of pushing me so hard. I'm thinking this is helping me overall. With this new frame of mind, it made my running "free". I love it! The first of the race felt like I was flying! I mean I was running harder than I ever had before and it seemed with less effort than before. We began running downhill some but I was feeling great and maintained an even pace. Glancing at my watch, my pace was faster than I'd ever run a mile! I've never maintained this fast of a pace for this distance. Don't know how you gauge this. I mean, overall you can get a PR, but how do you record a section of a race?? Needless to say, I DID record it in my log. I maintained an 8 minute pace for this mile...woo-hoo!! If only I had known, I'd have pushed to get a 7:59 pace. Well, now I have a new pace to beat.

It wasn't until we got to 3/4 of the first mile that the hills began. It continued through the second and first half of the third mile but gave you some "leveling" moments when you could catch your breath and regain your strength. This happened off and on until just before the finish. Overall, I really enjoyed the race and look forward to running it again.

Kent and I both came out as winners. I received the GrandMasters Award and Kent received 1st Overall Male Racewalker. Great day for both of us. My Garmin recorded 27:05, 3.12 distance with that amazing 8:00 minute first mile pace. This is the 4th race we've done in a row that has been ladened with hills. I think I'm getting stronger...now to work on that pace. Kent came out with 38:58, a great time for a hilly race.

Going up to get my award:

My new haircut can be seen better in this picture. Yep, it's all gone. Had to show the expression on this cute little boy's face. I thought he was so sweet. You'd have thought I won an Olympic medal, the way he looked. Thanks, Sweetie! It made my day.

Here's Kent with his award:

Here's a close up of the award prints. I'm going to get these framed to go along with the other two we got a couple of years ago (we didn't run this one last year). Mine's the red one and Kent's the yellow one.

Most every race I've run in this area, Mo has run them, too. She has run over 140 marathons and several triathlons!! She is in my age group. So far, I've been able to outrun her but I think she is stronger than me. She works out every day and I need to do better. She said that she had done the Marine Corps Marathon for 24 consecutive years. Last year, her 25th, she had injured her knee and could not go. I felt so sorry for her because she had done so well for so long. She's going back this year to do her 25th. Go Mo!! And, thanks Kent for getting our picture.

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by. See you on the run...

Shrimp Festival Races

2011-10-17T11:31:00.005-05:00

FINALLY...a Shrimp Fest Race I really enjoyed!!! Since we began running this race it has be conducted basically on a 2-lane road and no shoulder with you watching the traffic and eventually on the 4-lane to the finish where NO traffic was moved out of the way dodging in and out of their way and you not focusing on your race at all. It was soooooo dangerous and because of that I wasn't crazy about the race. As a matter of fact, last year we elected not to do it and just go down and watch runners come in; it was the absolute worse we'd ever seen.

This year it was done at the Sportsplex with the races run on the Back Country Trail. The run had almost the same course as the Kaiser Half Marathon last year but shorter. It is basically shady on a wonderful paved path!! Ahhhhh...beautifully peaceful. It made you "almost" not realize all the little hills you were running on; and there were a lot. I'm beginning to embrace these little foxes. And though it affects my overall time and pace, I'm reaching deeper and pushing harder than before. There were a little over 400 participants in the 5k/10k races.

Kent won 2nd Place Overall Racewalker (5k) and I won 3rd Place in my age group (10k). I'm pleased with mine as the second female to cross the 10k line was a 56 y/o woman!! She was great. As a matter of fact, out of the first 11 female runners four were over 50!! They were running paces of 6:54 and 7:18!! WOW...so I was pleased with my run. As a matter of fact, I was surprised that I had gotten anything. Winners received posters and the overall award winners received additional gift certificates and monogrammed hats. Kent really liked his hat. His gift certificate was $25 to Sports N More. He racked up! They did the 10k different from the 5k. The 10k awards were the usual top winners with age groups in 10-year incremements. Whereas, the 5k awards were 3 deep (even the overall winners) with 3 deep in 5-year increments. Kinda weird, but that's okay. Here are our pics:

Great job, Honey!

First race with my new hair cut. It felt great even though wind blown!

Food was wonderful. Three different kinds of pizza, chicken quesadillas, chicken pasta, broccoli salad, bananas and fruit drinks. Plenty and nothing ran out except for the fruit drinks. It was a beautiful day. We really enjoyed the race and look forward to it next year.

State Record!!!

2011-10-13T21:12:00.003-05:00

Just noticed that Kent holds the State Record for an 8k mile race. He racewalked and over the Ocean Springs Bridge. Here's the link. Woo-hoo...Congrats on your first state record. Don't it feel good??? Love you!!

Mullet 5k & More

2011-10-11T12:25:00.011-05:00

Boy, where has the time gone?? It has been two weeks since I last posted; thanks for being patient. I'll start with the race report.

On October 8th, we ran the Mullet 5k in Fairhope. The temp could have been cooler but running entirely in the shady neighborhood made it great. We ran it a couple of years ago and it was absolutely just freezing and very cold strong winds. What a difference this time! Off we go leaving in plenty of time...we thought. When we got there, we almost didn't find a place to park. Once we did, we picked up our packets after waiting in a looong line. Time is running out. Pre-registered didn't receive "packets" as you would think (if you are a runner you understand) as they were in another line! All you originally got was your runner's number and t-shirt. When I got to the bucket that held the packets, the lady in front of me got the last one...the LAST one! I mean, they were just sitting out and no telling how many people picked one up that were not even running...come on, people!! They were stuffed and we were hoping for discounts or something like that. Oh, well...all for leaving "early". I thought I'd run to the bathroom quickly before it started but there were so many people I realized I wouldn't have time. Okay...no packet, no time for the potty, no time for a warm up or even a short, fast walk, and barely time to line up. What happened to us?? This is not our first run! All I can say is that from now on we WILL be leaving a lot earlier.

I was really excited-once I got over our inability to arrive in a decent time-to run this one again. Three quarters into the first mile was super and I saw some of the best times I've ever had. Really good running happening. Hard, wonderful pushing. Then it happened. We remembered there was a hill in it, so I was mentally prepared for it...UNTIL I got to it. My memory did not serve me well. Okay, we started up the hill...I'm okay...turned a corner...still okay and still going up...turned another corner...getting tougher...turned another corner...now it's getting harder to breathe and the grade is getting higher! This was one tough nuggie! Having run this before I did know that eventually it would level out. Then just before the third mile, it happened. Wonderful, fantastic level road!! It wasn't long before I regained my strength and was able to finish strong.

I am very proud of the efforts I made to do my best and not worry about anyone else's time. Sometimes we get hung up on "time" instead of evaluating the course, difficulty and ability at the moment. I finished in 27:26 with a pace of 8:46. I was so excited to get 3rd place in my age group. We did not have a camera with us because it was a Point A to Point B race. I was waiting for them to post the pictures taken but as with most all of the races we run in this area, they don't get posted only the results...which you can find here. So here's the photo Kent took of me back at the camper and a close up of my beautiful award.

The awards were made by children in the art community.

A lot of running has been happening and I'm gradually increasing my mileage each week. I'm afraid I have broken the 10% rule a lot in the last few weeks unintentionally. This bothers me because I've generally felt good and wake up each day wanting to don my shoes and shorts and hit the road. I can hardly get a run in that is less than 4-5 miles. I know that's not much for some but I'm loving my "base". Need to work on this and actually make a plan that I will stick to or follow one that a friend has shared. I do NOT want to get injured. I'm getting HUNGRY for another marathon...I can just taste it. Maybe that's too near to my thoughts and I must reign in and control myself...time will come.

I have more to share but will in a later post. Until later...

Run 4 It,
My Friends

Waiting For A Cure 8k...Plus

2011-09-25T10:32:00.003-05:00

This week has been a very hectic and emotional one for me (and other running friends). Without going into a lot of detail, I'll start by commenting on my runs for the week. Getting in an 11-miler this week was nice with running 8 of them with my friend, Frank. I began increasing my miles before he began his program but we'll catch up in another week when my mileage drops back. The heat-and-humidity combo is getting better. As long as the heat is not high, I can deal with the humidity easier. This week I biked two days and really enjoyed it. Plans are to bike 1-2 times a week. Hope I can report that I've kept that plan.

On a sad note, I was and have been totally wiped out over the news of a good friend's test results. Bill G. is a picture of health and it was discovered that he has been diagnosed with cancer of the stomach and liver. He's a strong person and overcame another cancer episode when he was 30. I have no doubt that he will continue to live life to its fullest in spite of this diagnosis. Oddly, HE has encouraged me through his many posts as a result of this news. How ashamed of myself am I!! He played a big role during my first marathon training and race earlier this year and with yesterday's race it appears he will continue to be my role model and encourager during hard times/races. I began taking photos of other GCRC winners within the year and only have a couple to share of him. He's always a winner! Just look what good shape he's in...you're my hero, Bill!! I've also learned recently that he is an Ironman...oh, my gosh, I want to be like him soooo bad! He's #277 and #21.

On to the race...
Kent and I pre-regisgered for this race knowing it was going to be a tough one. As a matter of fact, the closer it got, the more "mind games" it began to play on me. Changing from last year, this race is now a TAC Certified 8k race and is now run over and back on the Ocean Springs Bridge! Man...this thing is tough just to run it, much less RACE it. At first, I was very excited and pumped. Then memories of the toughness of "just running" IT came back to mind. But this time it's a race. I believe I'm right in saying this is the first 8k race registered in the MS State Running Records. Congrats to everyone that made the new list! Here are a few pics. Although I HATE showing my finishing photo, I have few action pics...thanks, Ed W. for taking it! Check out "part" of the incline of the bridge in the background...whoa!

Now, tell me, is this not something you want to shield your kid's eyes from?? Scary, huh??

Kent crossing the line strong. He's doing so good in RW and actually had a really good time for this hilly race AND fighting a bout of gout at the same time. I'm sooo proud of you!! Muah!!! And, yeah, YOU are my first and foremost hero!

Tommy P. as he crosses the line. Congrats on 3rd place in your a/g!

Kent 3rd Overall RW...great job!

Nancy-2nd & Me- 3rd in our age group. Good runners out today...yay!

Ed W. on right.

Bob C. on left.

Race results can be found here.

Candid shots:

Pic with a great friend, Ed W.

Bob C., Adam F., ?, Leah, Mark K., Allen S. (standing)

Mark, you don't deserve that donut...quit smiling...you did NOT race today!!

Well, I'll say "what a different week this has been!" All in all, it's ended with keeping a positive attitude. Live the best and hardest you can with a smile on your face. You may never know how you influence others! Until next time...

Run4It

Just Running

2011-09-17T10:44:00.010-05:00

Well, I've not posted since Labor Day but I have been running. The week of the race I was off more than I care to be, but "things" happen. A small cyst was removed on my shoulder blade and took me out one day (thankfully only one) and we were out of town visiting my Dad and this took out two more days. This left me with a lesser mile week than I would have cared to have done as I'm shooting for an average of 20+ miles each week now. But I must re-focus on the necessary things occasionally to keep me a decent person as well as keeping tabs on the state of my health at my age. Does that make sense? I'm not complaining about our good visit with Dad at all. He seemed to have been much better than he was the last couple of times we visited and I'm so glad about that.

With that said...my body does NOT understand why I won't take it for a run almost every day. It can be as bad as a dog panting to go outside to use the bathroom (sorry for the terrible analogy) but it has a way to dominate my thoughts and actions like nothing else does.

I experienced my first long run disappointment! Not so much as the run itself, but me personally. Monday held a 10-miler for me. I prefer doing them on Mondays because I enjoy a rest day on Sunday and this fits into my schedule easily without making a bunch of changes or arrangements. I felt "heavy", blah and got hot before I finished on top of that! The heavy and blah feelings I was experiencing I'm absolutely sure I know where that came from. Friday and Saturday's meals there were not what my body is use to. I know eating well is not as good as it should be but every meal is not consumed in that manner like it is when we go out of town. Saturday's filling was not completely "gone" before I did my long run. The overall pace was not so bad but, to me, the "mile" pace was not as good as I would have liked it to be. I'm trying something new with my longer runs and after a couple more I'll see if it's working or not...can't consider this one with not fueling correctly. Next week's 11 mile run will paint a clearer picture.

Tuesday I decided to do a short run and some cross training. The first time I've run after a long one but, again, I'm trying something a little different. It was on my treadmill and I felt really good. Then a 10 minute workout with weights followed along with 10 minutes of floor work and 15 minutes of ab and core. An addition of a few new floor exercises made me use different muscles in my legs and hips. I really liked the way it made me feel.

Wednesday another run was tackled. Looking over the log, I recorded that I was sore and was blaming it on Tuesday's workout. And, yeah, it was tough and muscles were felt I didn't know I had. BUT usually runs don't occur so frequent after my long ones.

My rest day was moved to Thursday as I had something else planned that day that couldn't be changed. This is the reason for the frequent running right after Monday's long run. Had a wonderful day scrapping my marathon that occurred earlier this year. I had been getting things together but it's usually my head that keeps things from occurring quickly. I'll think things through many, many times before I will actually put it down on paper. But it's happening and now I'm only a couple of pages away from completion! I'm so happy with it and the way it's turning out.

Friday, five miles were calling my name; so five it was. My body tends to be my "thinker" more than my mind. I can't help it. One thing...I'm learning to incorporate walking more into my warm ups and cool downs and with that said, I feel less guilt running so much...regardless of how good or bad they turn out to be. I felt "heavy" again, but good this day. Negative splits that day was such a boost to my ego and was glad I had run through this heaviness I've been experiencing this week.

Saturday I shot for 3 miles. I've been wanting to incorporate some hills in my training and cutting this one short I decided to tackle the little hilly track at the Sportsplex. We have a VERY hilly race coming up and I've not raced hills like this before. It sure wouldn't hurt doing a few of these. It wasn't as bad as I had dreaded. Isn't that usually the case?? The first mile was a warm-up normal run. The hills were the entire second mile. Had a 9:03 pace!! I couldn't believe that!! VERY happy with it...although I KNOW that bridge is much harder and more intimidating than that little piece of a track!! I know because I've run it several times...I know what's ahead...and can hardly wait...am I crazy??

This week's mileage is 25.25 running miles with a total of 27.75. I'm getting closer to where I want to be. I'm so hungry for longer distances...you hear me??? Once I get my body trained, in shape and less of it (5-7 pounds less), I want to commit to a 10 miler (or a double digit one) every 7-10 days. This is my "unwritten" goal!! So what's yours?? Until I see you again...

Run4It

Labor Your Legs...Really!

2011-09-05T17:17:00.006-05:00

Today is the annual Labor Your Legs 5k in Hattiesburg. It was stated earlier
that it would be conducted "rain or shine". Well, we proved Tropical Storm Lee we were tougher! Oh, yeah...the 5k was run!

On the way to Hattiesburg it literally came a gully washer (you southerners know what I mean). I mean, it poured so hard you had to use the wipers as fast as they could perform. Once there and inside picking up our packet, the rain stopped. With fingers crossed, I had hoped it would stop long enough to run the race. So I took advantage of just some good old humid weather and hit the parking lot warming up. It wasn't long when Frank and I met up with some really "nice" rain puddles where we were officially "dunked". NOW we were ready to race. I mean why try to avoid them when you're drenched. One good thing...it isn't cold yet! [How can I write this smiling??] I would have been frozen after stepping into these ankle deep puds which happened along the route.

Something I had not done before was race without my iPod. I love my music and it helps tune out my breathing and foot strikes, of which I hate to hear. It causes such a distraction and I'll begin to focus on it and it slows me down making me think I'm overworking my body. I, also, believe it makes my pace slower. But a friend of mine had run 75 miles yesterday in these downpours and it ruined his iPod. I was really torn as to what to do. Then I decided it's sacrifice time; in order to have it available tomorrow, I left it.

One thing about humidity...it NEVER lets you down! It is one tough nuggie...one tough, silent, invisible enemy! Having struggled so much with my sinuses (caused predominantly by humidity) this summer I thought I was about over it. But today, proved to me it's not leaving me alone without a fight. Before reaching my second mile, I was struggling. I was taking breaths but they weren't getting into my lungs. Where in the world was it going? It's now I was hoping for a little sprinkle here and there or even the slightest breeze. But this was going to prove to be a challenge one way or another. Knowing at the beginning, I was going to "run" this one and not "race" it made me re-evaluate what this race was about...being careful not to slip down and not over-breathe. Once I got close to the three mile mark (up a hill), I could see the Finish Line and it was all downhill after that. It was a shame I was pooped!! All I can do, is just laugh. It was kinda funny. I don't know why, it just struck me funny. Maybe I was getting delirious, ha!

Many people showed up. Much more than I had expected with TS Lee all about us. I was glad because that spells "success" for the race directors. They did a good job with plenty of drinks, bananas, cookies, etc. for the runners as well as plenty of door prizes. Even some of our good friends from the Gulf Coast Running Club came. I'm always glad to run with them. Although I think they must have thought they were going to float home cause they came with a kayak strapped on their rooftop! And, let me end by saying, that every single person that came out today are winners...tough, running winners. Good job, everyone.

I won 1st Place and Kent won 2nd Place.

Many of our friends won awards. Here are a few:

New RW friends and winners (Kent & Brady)!

Congrats, Master Phillip!

Way to go Ms. Grand Master, Nancy!

Go Jenn!

Yay, Donna S.!

Good job, Joanna!

Go Tom & Bob!

Good job, Becky!

And, last, but not least, our great photographer, Frank! The Club would not be as good as it is without a good photographer. Thanks for all you do!

Until next time...
Run4It

Winners Don't Quit & Quitters Don't Win

2011-08-13T07:29:00.004-05:00

When I heard this earlier it really struck me...it actually made me realize that that had been my way of living for the last couple of weeks of me fighting my allergies/sinus issues. Now I have words to put with my status. If you think about it, there is absolutely nothing to relegate to the fact that you must win "some thing" in order to consider yourself a winner. This is absolutely bogus! Winning in and of itself is not giving in or quitting! Look at the many people who are in wheelchairs, disabled or overweight that never quits. This actually holds a deeper meaning than what's on the surface. Yep, I'm saying...it's what's in the heart.

I am not a walker and when I have to walk some, it is the hardest thing in the world for me to do. I'm just not a "happy camper" doing this. But I'm also in a learning curve with my running. With that in mind, here are a few things I'm learning:

1. Walking is helping me become a better runner
2. I can break up a run if I am struggling
3. Break out of a "have to" mindset
4. Be creative in workouts and/or runs to ward off boredom
5. No one is watching nor probably cares
6. I don't HAVE to run hard every time
7. Find a balance with health and fitness
8. Stop being so hard on myself (this is a lifelong challenge!)
9. I don't have to PR on every run or race
10. When discouraging days hit, either watch a program that encourages me (Biggest Loser) or remove myself completely from the "pressure" of running by taking a rest day

I'm glad that I am a learner. I'm glad that though I may get discourage off and on that I know deep down that I will come out of it and overcome. I'm glad that I'm always subconsciously finding ways to break out of "the norm", improve or alter my running. In the past, I've always done the same thing. I'm learning that it's good to NOT go by my watch on every run. I'm still struggling with this one because I'm always wanting to see my pace and if I've improved. Pace may not be something that needs working on in every run. Strength and power, mentally AND physically, is the best way to run. It will help ward off and prevent injuries.

For the last couple of weeks, I've really been struggling with my allergies which have caused a LOT of headaches. This week, though they weren't as bad, they rose to the occasion every time I ran. The movement of my body when I ran caused them to re-surface. Though I had to do a little walking in my workouts, I didn't give up but did whatever it took to pull a run out of my hat. For once, I'm beginning to feel like I'm successful and not defeated just getting a run eked out. It's okay! It's better than nothing and I'm learning to accept that. Doing anything on days that I'm in a slump is better than doing nothing at all! This is why this post is titled as it is. Even if I am unable to accomplish something, I know it's just temporary and to start looking for bigger and better things around the corner.

I'm getting so stoked to start running distance again. I'm trying to watch my weight again and with those two things, success is beginning to woo me. Oh, how I love this! I've re-focused and am previewing different programs to get me on the ball to a better running season.

Afternoon shadows on the ground are beginning to look like fall and it won't be long before the temps begin to follow suit. Until next week, remember: "Winners don't quit and quitters don't win!"

Run 4 It

You Are Unique!

2011-08-07T09:56:00.007-05:00

Yes, YOU are! I'm learning more and more how much we tend to classify each other in groups. I am the worst at this; it just comes natural to most everyone. Before you even realize it, you'll see someone all giddy to go shopping and immediately you think "she's a shopper". But I think because I don't fit in some people's idea of what I "should" be I tend to talk to myself telling me that I should "do this or that" or "be this or be that" in order to be accepted. Remember I said, I do this to me! For example: singers, runners, campers, social status, parents, students, etc., etc. And each one has a definition which places you in that group. Some people wear more "hats" than others. But this week the definition seems to carry with it a more personal venue. Even within each grouping there is more segmentation. As with running, you can be a recreational runner or one who takes it more seriously. You could care less about your time and not even wear a watch or you can monitor every second and distance you run. You could be 10 years old or may have just started at 60. There's no limits with running. You do what YOU can do. Even within the group that considers themselves serious, there are short distance runners, marathoners, triathletes, ironmen, trail runners, etc., etc. The list goes on and on; and the more people get into running, I believe, the more different kinds of running you'll begin to see.

Regardless of how much I run (miles per week/day), when I run (morning/afternoon) or where I run (streets/treadmill), I AM A RUNNER! I've found running is like an iceberg, most seeing the tip above the water line. On the surface, they see a person dressed in workout clothes, running shoes and with "special" watches sometimes with someone or maybe even alone. But when you look closely there's so much more to the iceberg lying quietly below the surface of the water. It's strong and powerful and something to be reckoned with or avoided at all costs. This "thing" demands respect. And that's what they don't see that makes up a runner.

This week was quite a tough one for me. I have been battling my allergies so much this year; more than the last many years put together. I'm constantly fighting severe headaches which have been putting me to bed for hours at a time. But mentally, I'm wanting so bad to get out and run. My body does not understand why I'm giving in to this. I'm NOT...it's the present issue that takes precedence and there's been no choice here. As a runner, I'm going to count this as a form of injury, take care of it, and get out as soon as I can do so comfortably.

Running last week was difficult at best because of this, as well as the high heat and humidity levels in our area. Most of the days temps got 105-106 on our porch "in the shade"...that's some tough nuggies. Lord knows what the heat index was! I'm not sure I actually ran a mile consistently the whole week; it was more of a run/walk no matter how hard I tried, struggling to breathe most of the time. I've said several times I was going to relegate my running to the treadmill but I want to be outside so bad. And, like the iceberg, there's more to it than what you "see". I'm HUNGRY for some distance running! Wanting to run another marathon, training has got to be around the corner soon. Thankfully, I have at least one half marathon on the books in November and hoping to get in another before the end of the year. I love running and can hardly wait to get out again.

Kent and I had planned on a 5k this past weekend even making the trip to do so. But it wasn't long before I was confined inside AGAIN...in a lot of pain and in the bed! Of course, drugged as much as possible. Folks, it has been years since I've experienced this and I'm not handling this well at all! I decided I would offer to help Leonard in any way I could at the race, Kent would racewalk and I'd take a bunch of pictures for a race report. When we got up, Kent went outside and not feeling up to par either, decided he would not attempt to do this one. We ARE here...and can't do this! Now, this is frustrating. As it turned out, it was the best decision not to go. My headache got worse and worse and I spent the entire day in bed sleeping getting up only to eat a sandwich for supper and back to bed again. This is NOT the ideal trip. All I can say is I can hardly wait for it to get cooler. Allergies are better and we feel so much better.

I am so proud of all of my friends that ran in the 5k!! Ya'll are amazing! Though times may not have been what you would have liked it to be, my hat's off to you for doing your best. I really wanted to write a race report but not being there cancelled that. Iceberg Note: Some people are made to run in any type of weather. I will cheer you on even if it's on the sidelines or online! You are never alone. You are heroes! Though I may not be seen in the summer (like the bottom of an iceberg), it's okay to be who I am. There's more to me than meets the eye.

First things first: I will focus on losing 10-15 pounds...again! Second, I'll focus on treadmill running with regular workouts of weights, strength and core. I have taken for granted how hard I worked to get my body in the shape it was intended to be in and now I'm having to deal with this issue instead of focusing on my running totally. This is necessary if I want to run well and feel good again.

Now I leave you with this: Be the best YOU can be...there's only ONE you. And, yes, I AM A RUNNER cause there's more to this iceberg than you can see!!

Splitting 'er up...

2011-07-27T16:48:00.002-05:00

I got dressed this morning to do my run and first one thing then another changed my plans for the day. By lunch, I was absolutely mad at myself for letting "things" dominate my day and now I'm just wanting to lay around on the couch in my workout clothes wanting a nap and not having broke a sweat! What a sorry picture!! And though Kent had gone and gotten in his workout and swim it just made me feel that much more, well, whatever!!!

But what kept coming to my mind was Nike's "Just Do It" and for every reason I could think of, there just wasn't a legitimate reason as to why I shouldn't and I was wasting a lot of time trying NOT to do "something". So I MADE myself get up and attack "some" kind of exercise. Thinking I could eke out a couple of miles on the treadmill was satisfactory to me...at least that gave me "something" for the day. I was really having a pity party. For one thing, I missed out on running with some sweet friends early this morning and I really wanted to run with them. The treadmill wasn't as terrible as I kept telling myself it was. After a couple of miles, I got off and decided to do some weights. I am soooo behind on my weight workouts as well as my core and I can really tell it. On top of that, I had gained 4 pounds over the last month, felt flabby, and wanted to nurse my dark chocolate for eternity. I mean, it IS good for you, right???

Well after the first couple of miles and doing some weights, the thought came to me to run another couple. Thinking that was "nothing", I hopped back on the tm and did these. The workout changed from then on out. All in all, I had an outstanding workout! Splitting my running up in two-mile sessions seem to have given me more and more energy and brought excitement back to my running with unexpected, unplanned speedwork. I really needed this today! Here's the breakdown of my workout:

2 miles-18:39 (1st mile warm-up; 2nd mile-8:34, 8:20-2x400 with equal recovery)
Weights
1 mile-8:57
1 mile-8:20, 8:49, 8:00, 8:20 (400 increments)
Weights, Balance
1 mile-8:49, 8:27, 8:00, 8:20 (400 increments)
1 mile-8:57
Lastly, Abs and Core workout

I'm ready now to pat myself on the back for a different kind of workout that ended with a great feeling. I really loved the breaks and I was able to sustain longer, harder paces than I have in a long time. Maybe there's hope for better races this fall. Whew!

Is Breathing Necessary?

2011-07-25T12:41:00.004-05:00

Okay...I know I've said I'm not an outside summer runner but for some reason I'm really wanting to change this. Change is easy, right?? NOT!! Even getting up and out on the road by 6:00 a.m. still makes for a tough run in the summer...especially when the humidity is at its fiercest. I think I would do alright except my brain wants me to run as if it's cooler weather - carefree and fast. Again, NOT!! As far as I'm concerned, it's just not going to happen this time of the year.

With that in mind, the decision was made to toss the time and get out and run looking more at distance at a slower pace. So far, it worked last week. I had very enjoyable runs on the Reservoir going wherever I wanted to and running comfortably. I say comfortably because I wanted to be aware of my body and not get overheated and underhydrated. Yeah, even on runs as short as 5 miles you can lose all your fluids quickly.

When we got home, I thought I'd continue doing what I had been doing and go out on Thursday for an easy 7 miler. I had done 5 miles the last few times and decided if I continued the way I had, being safe, that I could throw in a 7 miler. This is really not distance, folks, and I know it but it's further than the usual for me this time of year. I met Frank at the Sportsplex and we started out early. I felt fine when we started but it wasn't long before something was going on. Something I'd not experienced before. Early in the run I began struggling with my breathing. Not the typical kind of breathing hard because you're running hard but the kind that you can't get enough air into your lungs to function. So we began to walk a little. No problems. Started running again. Can't breathe. Walking again. Can feel air getting into my lungs, started running again. It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest and I couldn't move. Okay...you get the point! This was scaring me because I've not had trouble getting air before. This continued until we finished. I refused to quit!!! Can you say stubborn?? What in the world was going on?? When I got home, I was totally exhausted and perplexed. How do you fix something you have no idea what it is? I was absolutely fine when I was not running. I do not have asthma and that is exactly how I felt trying to breathe. So I rested on the couch...ended up sleeping the rest of the day, getting up to go to bed and slept all night long. What's up with that, too?? The good thing was I felt really refreshed when I got up the next morning. But I was VERY leery of this happening again so I took the day off. As a matter of fact, I was pretty down about it and couldn't make myself do anything else for a while.

After some time, I evaluated the situation and decided I was learning just how much my body goes through this time of year. I took it for what it was worth, got my rest, and began fresh on Monday.

I am dying to put in longer distances but it's not happening now. Patience is like an annoying gnat flying around my head trying to get my attention but I can't catch or swat it. It's a hard thing to grab hold to. I watch as others seem to experience no difference in their running with great paces and it puzzles me. Why can't I do this? I never knew running was so complicated. I'm learning more and more about MY body than ever before. I am thankful for it and will treat it good as best as I can.

Lessons learned:
Toss out everything you know about running in the summer.
Listen to my body.
Do my best with intentional slower paces.
If longer distance woos me, be aware that though I may try it I am okay if it doesn't come to pass.
Respect my efforts and do NOT get down.
Step back, evaluate if there is something that needs my attention and do it; if not, take it easy.
Do NOT stop exercising unless injured.
And, finally, keep hydrated more than usual.

I can hardly wait until cooler temps and fall weather are here. Come on, Sweet Thang! I'm anxiously waiting your arrival!

Until next time...
Run4It

My Cup Runneth Over & Prayer Request

2011-07-18T09:27:00.007-05:00

News: Please pray for my friend who is suffering with a painful knee problem. She doesn't need surgery which is wonderful but is struggling with the frustration that comes when you're not able to run. Pray for healing and for her to learn what God wants to teach her now. Thanks so much!

Good Morning...

We've been on the road some this week and I've been tied up with my Summer Crop Event. I love those! For you who don't know, this is a scrapbooking event. These are very long days up to midnight and my runs are put on hold until it's over.

My first day at Ross Barnett Reservoir, I got in a run early before the heat starting rearing its ugly head. So when light appeared, I hit the street. It wasn't long before I was meeting more fellow runners and it was so exciting. I had my annual doctor's appointment with routine bloodwork later in the morning but I wanted to run so bad. With that in mind, I had to take it easy and not get overheated so as to "need" water until the lab work was completed. So I limited myself to 3 easy miles which was a good decision. Had a good run, sweated respectfully (my terms) and was able to wait to replenish my fluids at lunch without a problem. Just couldn't see not doing something and I was dying to run. Many good decisions on that run. Not sure where "that" wisdom came from, ha!

My weekend was full and so was my stomach. Oh my, I ate sooo much, sooo often and sooo bad; but it was sooo good! Though I love this event, these hostesses really don't let you get hungry cause there's a snack or meal every time you turn around. I'm gonna have to watch this next time. Let's just say, I've got to hit the road a lot now to clean up my act. On top of that, I do my work standing up...for hours and hours and hours at a time. This is where I share that my feet were so swollen by Friday night I was miserable. BUT, I knew this was temporary and didn't worry about it much. The Crop ended Saturday night and Sunday came and we headed out to eat our weekly Chinese lunch. Well, being as smart as I am (tongue in cheek), I added my usual soy sauce to everything. Did I say "soy sauce" ??? And, does this not spell sodium which equates to more swelling??? Okay, all I did was add insult to injury and my feet continued to be swollen for another day.

This morning came and I was dying to get in a run. Sleeping pretty good, I looked over at the alarm clock and saw the time. Yikes, I wanted to be up before this time so I could get out before it got too hot. Up I jumped, trying to get awake fast so I could be out the door and on the road quickly, I donned my clothes and shoes. I noticed that my ankles weren't as swollen and was excited about that (they still were but not near as bad). Decided to shoot for 5 miles and a one mile cool down without looking at the time or pace...just run! I told Kent I was leaving, opened the door and it was practically raining...very heavy mist going on. Now, what am I going to do? I'm still half asleep and trying to make a decision that will affect 30 minutes down the road...okay, these things don't mix well. I stepped back inside and told Kent it looked like it was fixing to (you know what that is, huh?) pour down raining. And, it was then, I don't know what happened, but "it" took me by the bootstraps and turned my Garmin on and told me to take it for what it's worth. Aha!! I needed that. No thinking about it, just go! I thought, "you know, I've never run in the rain from the gitgo (you know what that is, too, don't you), I have nothing else planned to do today, it's not storming or thundering and lightning and there's no reason why I shouldn't get wet (after all, I'm going to be wet with sweat anyway), now go! I turned back to him and told him I was gone. Heading out the door and as I stretched some, the sprinkling toyed with my brain to not go. But I pushed through, took a few steps, turned my Garmin on and off I went. Within a quarter mile, it felt like rain...nice, cool rain. I evaluated the situation and noticed that I was loving it! Okay, I've never said I had much sense. I mean, didn't your Mama tell you to get out of the rain when you were little?? I've always liked it when it was raining and now I'm experiencing a "new" adventure with rain. Oh, it felt so good.

The first part is the hardest with a hill down and up then it flattens out to a really nice path. It isn't long before I head across the reservoir. I loved it so much the other day and was looking forward to running it again. This time, going further. It starts out on an iron and wood footbridge next to the lanes. Don't know why, but I really liked that part. I love the sound it makes when your foot strikes the boards and if you look closely you can see the water underneath you. The winds began to pick up and, for the first time, I'm actually enjoying them, too! I have this thing with wind and running. It has not been my friend! But today, it looks like nothing was going to deter me from a new experience in my running career. A couple of runners and a biker passed on the other side of the bridge, acknowledging our mutual love for exercise. Man, I'm just not getting enough of this run. It was mentally and spiritually healing. On my way back across the bridge, I literally ran up on several furry baby fowl standing within 5 feet of me scurrying about. This was so exciting. Then I saw Mama! For a second, I didn't have a clue as to what I was going to do and felt she may think I was posing a threat. Fortunately, I'm running and not there long enough to cause her to think I would harm them.

Though this post isn't a weekly one, I couldn't wait to share my newest and most relaxing run I think I've ever had done in 95% humidity, 73 degree temp and absolutely no pressure of time or pace. AND, though this is an isolated case I'm sure, I've not run with my iPod either time I've run here. The enjoyment of the beauty of the reservoir, sounds of my feet slapping the little boarded bridge, the sounds of the tiny little ducklings and the feel of the rain on my skin have been amazing! Thank you, Lord, for such a wonderful day already. I leave you with the beautiful view we have when we open our camper door.

Have a wonderful day wherever you are and,
Run4It

There IS Light Somewhere...

2011-07-11T18:00:00.004-05:00

Boy was last week crazy! Thankfully, it began with a "high" I can't seem to still believe. Monday, the 4th, was the Wesson 2-mile Race where I set a state record for my age. I'm so stoked! My article is in the post below. You can view the results here. I couldn't believe that I was able to run as well as I did in the heat and humidity. Kent struggled to say the least! We were about to pay the ER a visit when he finally got a breakthrough in how he felt. I felt so bad because there was nothing I could do to help alleviate his problems. When all was said and done, I received 1st Place in my age group and he won 2nd Place in his...but the odd thing about this race is that we both got beat out of a higher award by ONE SECOND!! This has never happened and it happened to both of us in the same race. How weird was that? But we both came away as winners and that's always good.

The rest of the week was different, too. For those that read my blog, you may remember me telling you how much I function better with a schedule or routine and this week was a complete struggle. One day this, tomorrow that, the following day something else. The heat and humidity (h/h) have been killers this summer. And, for the first time in years, my sinuses/allergies have wreaked havoc with me. Sick with headaches and deep sinus pressures, all making me lethargic from the meds I've been taking, sleepy and all-in-all irritable to be around. I know that's hard to believe, ha!

Many of my running buddies, though they may struggle, still get out and run. I really don't know how they do it. And, they are running many miles, some in the heat of the day! All I can say is "Kudos to you" and please keep posting on FB because it does encourage me.

To sum the week up, we ran a good race, ran the OS Bridge, worked out in the gym, got a massage (w.o.n.d.e.r.f.u.l, oh my!), visiting the ICU where our brother-in-law is from having a stroke on Monday and attending All-Star Baseball Games all weekend! It's been exhausting.

I guess I'm happy that I ran as much as I did even though it's embarrassing to say. I've gained weight, on top of that, and that adds piles of guilt! Well, the bad thing is that this spinning won't slow down until next week. So, I'm going to do what I can as best I can and get back on task then. Stay close by, Weight Watchers, I NEED you!

Drink more water now cause your body will love you for it! At the least: exchange your soda with water, drink a glass when you get up, one before each meal and one when you go to bed at night.

Until next time...
Run 4 It

State Record Holder & Wesson 2 Mile Race

2011-07-04T14:30:00.008-05:00

Today was an exciting day! This was the first 2-Mile Race I've done and was anxious to have a new PR. Okay, your first of any race is a.l.w.a.y.s. a PR; but I had hope that I would have a good one, not just to "have" one. I began strong and felt well...no pain anywhere! It's been a while since I've run that I haven't had one pain or another OR one would pop up during the race.

Several dressed the 4th of July part with cute shorts, shirts, headbands and even a couple of girls had blue stars on one leg with red stripes on the other. How original was that! Really cute. Before the race began we recited the Pledge of Allegiance and someone sang the National Anthem. I can't help it but always have a lump in my throat when it comes to anything showing respect to our country and patriotism. My freedom means a lot to me and I appreciate every single person that has served the mighty USA military in whatever position they have.

After this, the horn blew and we were on our way. Shortly, I glanced at my watch and my pace was pretty fast and my breathing was a "little" harder than I wanted it to be. BUT, with it only being 2 miles, I wanted to run as hard as I could. After all, anyone can hold their breath and do this thing, can't they??? Well, maybe not really. But surely you can endure more when you know it's shorter lived. I hit the first hill and the race changed a little. Downhill I went and for those that don't know me, I don't run down hills hard and try to maintain a fairly even pace. That also includes running uphill when I have to push a little harder. I think it helps me keep a more steady pace throughout the race without taxiing my heart too much. There's one person that I try to keep up with and a couple of times when I began racing a couple of years ago I outran them; but with an extra 10 pounds and not working out as hard as I use to, I've not done as well and/or they've gotten better. Without their permission I won't mention their name but if they read this, they will know who they are. It was an out-and-back race and coming back I had the same little hill to run. I love challenges and this was a challenge for me. I had maintained my lead with my friend up until about the last half mile. By then, I had gotten pretty hot and was beginning to feel it. But I knew I was close to the end. All of a sudden, here my rabbit comes, slowly and strong, passing me. I'm okay...I'm doing my best and I felt I had done well throughout. That's all one can ask...to do your best.

I hope today was a new start for running better than the months before. I felt good and strong throughout. Not having run a 2-mile race before all I had to go by is my 5k PR to shoot for. So I had that in mind and when I saw the clock I was really excited about how I had run. Right on schedule. The clock was reading just what I wanted it to be when I first saw it but, of course, I had to "get" there so I knew I would be a little off. I watched my "rabbit" and was closer to them than I had been in several previous races. This was exciting and I felt I had run a good race. As it turns out, I was 7 seconds off of that 5k PR. I'm pleased with this new record.

When I finished, I went to get my camera to get Kent's picture when he crossed the line. When I got back I walked right up to him...he had finished...AND not looking well. I placed his sticker on the board and "lost" him for a while. Finally went back to the truck where I find that he was practically dehydrated. The supplements that he takes forces fluids to leave the body and with being a heavy sweater, it was the perfect storm! Thankfully, we had ice in an ice chest so I got a cup full and eventually he got cooled down and began feeling better.

The awards began...Kent lost by 1 second in his age group to receive the 2nd Place. So sorry, Honey! Gulf Coast Running Club race results can be found here. The top awards were called out and several friends received those. Here are some pics.

Masters-Leonard

Grand Masters-Mark (I should be here!! Missed it by ONE second!!)

RW 2nd-Kent & Coach-1st

Overall Woman RW-Tanya (middle)

Steven Jones-He's 12 y/o and has run races since he was 1...amazing little guy!

Boy Koch on the right

Girl Koch on the left

Jessica 1st (left)

M. Koch (left) All the Koch family were winners! Congrats!!

Bill G. (left) 1st

Me-1st (right)

I don't have the exact total of runners at the posting time but there were approximately 467 runners. The best they've had participate so to date. They finally got to my age group and I received 1st Place. I was happy with that. It wasn't until I saw a partial posting of the race results that I realized that I was 1 second off from receiving the Grand Masters Award...she was right in front of me and I didn't know it!!! There were several of us coming in at the same with a second apart from each other but I had no idea that she was in my age group. I will push harder next time...oh, yes, I will.

Mississippi State Running Records have now come to acknowledge 2 mile races. There haven't been many at all up to this time. This race was certified and records were going to be set. Well, as it turns out...this was a great day indeed!! I received a message shortly ago that I had set the first state record for my age in a 2-mile certified race!! I am soooo excited. I can hardly believe this. As soon as the MS State Records site is updated, you can bet I'll be posting that link! This is such a great day...much more than I could have ever known. Here is my pic along with a couple of others.

Jeff M. (right) took my award pic...thanks!

The Farraguts

Crowd shot

Have a great 4th of July and until next time...
Run4It

Beating the Heat

2011-06-27T11:48:00.006-05:00

Running in the heat and humidity in the south is a challenge to say the least. Racing this time of year, for me, is difficult at best. And, now my hubby has signed us up for one next month...JULY! Why in the world do I let him do this to me? I absolutely forbade him to do this to me again after the Bay Fest 5k where I thought I was going to hang up my shoes and say "it's been a good ride" and now here we go again. Oh, it's not ALL him...guess it's the racer in me that wants to participate as often as I can. But in all honesty, I'm just not a summer runner outside. I've been working harder on this because I would like to do a 5k occasionally in the heat of the year without the stress of passing out or hurting something or someone (no, not really). My brain wants to run and race but it's getting my body up to par to go along with it.

This year I'm doing a little more running outside. Yes, it's early, but at least I'm outdoors some. But this isn't the only challenge I'm facing. We've been busier this year since I've been running which is causing more planning...busy-ness vs. when vs. inside vs. outside. It's all there. Personally, I function better when I can be consistent at a specific time AND at a specific place. Well, let's face it, it's easier to do this when you have more control. Factors like grandchildren's activities, heat and changing locations (via camping) throws in a ton of factors that mix together in different combinations. And, though I've not been as consistent in daily runs, I am trying to run 4 times a week...somewhere at some time. If I can conquer this I'll be more likely to pick up and head out (or on the tm) when the time presents itself in out-of-control days. I love it when my FB friends post their runs! People, please don't stop doing this. You never know how you influence others. Whether they are "good" ones run fast or just the fact that they beat "the system" (environment) and get out and do it, it's all encouraging to me. I can't tell you how much these posts have give me the kick in the butt that I needed to run, even if it wasn't at 6:30 in the morning. Because of this, I've done better than I thought I would.

Now for last week's review.
Monday: Started with a 1 mile warm up followed by 3 miles of running and ending with 1.5 miles cool down. I know that doesn't seem like much or challenging but this is good for me. This was done outside and it was getting hotter and hotter.
Tuesday: Ran 5 miles on my tm and burned 781 calories. Felt good. Later that afternoon I got in another 2 miles on it using 314 calories that time. That's over 1000 calories for the day. I'd say this was another success.
Wednesday: I did my second spin DVD class with Frank. This is hard for me. But I don't like for inanimate things to beat me or control me. With that in mind, I ride a bike that doesn't move, there are hills (in Bay Springs) and humid weather that I am determined to beat. At least, give it a run for it's money. My spin workout was better and I felt stronger than I did the first time. It's still hard for me to spin like the program directs you to but my goal is to do the entire class without having to sit down. On Thursdays and Fridays my quads are tight but it's the good feel that exercise leaves you with when you know you've done well for your ability. Thanks, Frank, for going with me cause I might not have tried it the second time. Can't wait to do it again this week!
Saturday: Before leaving for that day's all-star games out of town, I was determined to run somewhere for a little while. With no distance in mind, I thought I'd go out to the Sportsplex and do what I could as well as I could. Once I got on the street, I realized I felt pretty good. Was going to start with a walk w/u but decided quickly I wanted to start running. Soon my mode changed again to do a couple of speedy 800's. My fartleks are usually made up of 400's and having nothing in mind to do on this run I thought I'd go for it. I began running my first 800 with the fastest pace. It had some slower running in it because I decided after I had started running but still okay with it. This felt pretty good....hmmmm! Maybe I'll do another mile of 800's. So this goes on for 4 miles! I couldn't believe I was strong enough to do so many half mile pick-ups when I've only done quarter mile ones in the past. Then I realized one reason...spinning! I really believe the little bit of spinning I've done has begun to help with the strength in my legs...I could "feel" those muscles working and I really haven't, like this anyway. With 4 miles down now and a little more time to spare I thought I'd shoot for 2 x 400's running as fast as I could, not just faster, but the fastest WITHOUT throwing up...no Magic Mile for me now. I began breathing pretty hard and could hear it well over my music but I kept pushing. I pushed myself as hard as I could. It was feeling great! I never knew this would feel good but I was loving it. My first 400 was down. When equal recovery was over, I shot for my last pick-up as hard as I could go. After I got going I realized the sun was beginning to play havoc with my breathing and ability. I looked at my watch 2 or 3 times hoping it wouldn't be long...and granted it wasn't...but it seemed like a long time to finish. I knew I was slowing down but then I began talking to myself and saying things like "I can hold my breath long enough to finish this!" And before I knew it I was done!! Yep, I was done with only some walking for a cool down. All pick-ups were followed by equal recovery.

When all was said and done I was very pleased with my pace with increasing better times with each fartlek.
800's pace:
1 - 9:20 (should have restarted my lap but didn't)
2 - 8:24
3 - 8:14
4 - 7:57

400's pace:
1 - 6:49
2 - 7:03

This is super for me. I even had a spike of 5:50 in my 400! This has never happened before! Now I'm getting excited that there may be another 5k PR for me this fall. Two great things occurred: I felt great and there was NO pain!! What a day!!

This week was a very good one. Had I planned the week I wouldn't have gotten in the 4-5 runs as I always want to achieve and would have been disappointed.

Lesson learning: To do as much as I can and do not sit around with stinking thinking that it's too late to run when I still have many hours left in the day. I say "learning" because I KNOW I will have to face this giant again. At least with a successful week behind me, I will have begun a track record of overcoming this "control" obstacle that fights me.

Until next time...
Run 4 It

Better-Not Best

2011-06-13T13:39:00.004-05:00

Last week's workout was better. The only problem was that time was of the essence. Simply didn't have time to get more in. I'm glad that I was able to get what I did AND I really felt better in doing so. I began doing my workouts inside more. I do not make transitions good at all whether it's locations or seasonal. Staying "on track" during this time is hard. And last week there were several interruptions that kept me from pushing through. BUT, I'm glad that some decisions were made.

Ran at the Sportsplex really early Tuesday morning with Frank getting in over 8 total miles: 1.15 warm up, 6 running and ending with another 1.15 cool down. I was stiff from the hill race on Saturday but not actually sore. It was good. Our pace was comfortable and actually I felt like I might could have run another mile. Decided to be kind to my body and not overwork it.

Wednesday I decided to hit my treadmill. It was a struggle but my mental state of mind took over and pushed me through the beginning. That's all it usually takes. Once I get started, I'm okay. As a matter of fact, I felt great. Ran 5 miles at a 9:09 pace at 1.5 grade. Worked on core, abs and floor work. Also got in some weight exercises. I really felt GREAT when I was finished.

Thursday I joined the Wellness Center. I thought if I was going to begin inside work I may as well take advantage of the availability of many pieces of equipment a gym offers. Mostly, I wanted to give my hand a try at spinning. Classes are included with the WC membership. Can't wait to see if I can spin longer than 5 miles, ha. That day I came prepared to do a little workout so I jumped on the bike (not spinning) and got in 5 miles. I could feel the muscles in my quads and I was excited about that. No pain, just good ole hard work...hard for me. I'm a wimp at biking but hope I can improve that this summer. Also, got in a couple of miles on the TM and ended with some inverted sit-ups...one of my favorite exercises to do. I LOVE feeling my core working. It hurts and I push myself cause the results are great, even in only a couple of workouts. I really need to get up to speed with my core work. I've been slacking in this area.

Friday through Sunday was extremely busy. Friday morning we had to attend a funeral of a friend's dad. He was recently diagnosed with cancer and given only a couple of months to live. He never made it! Had planned on working out at that time but this took precedence. We left shortly thereafter going to watch our grandson play All-Stars Baseball in Hattiesburg. I love watching baseball especially when he's playing. This took up the afternoon. Afterwards we did a few errands while there. Sitting outside in the heat really takes all energies out. Saturday morning we were off to H'burg again. Sunday morning before Sunday School, I hopped on the TM at home and got in 5 good miles. If felt really good as I had only planned on three. After church and lunch, we're hitting the road one final time for a whole afternoon of baseball. I wouldn't change a thing. Sometimes "life" happens and you just have to adjust. We got home quite late Sunday night as there was more than one game played and we had a chance to have a good family visit over dinner. Our little sweet man even got a home run the last game...woo-hoo!! We're so proud of him. They came out winning the tournament. Here he is sliding into home:

Now, tell me...ain't he the cutest...[no grandparent can answer here, ha!]

Good vs. Bad

2011-06-05T13:59:00.012-05:00

ADDENDUM: A couple of things...I made a terrible error saying that Frank got 2nd Place in his age group as he received 1st Place. Oops! Okay...he's already scolded me, ha! With him being my running partner, I feel terrible. Two people played important roles in their support of me with their comments (Ed & Ginny). It pulled me out of the hole I fell in much faster than if I had "worked" through it alone. These particular people mean a lot to me and definitely want to recognize and correct any errors I've made in my blog post.
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Last week was quite a mix of emotions. Getting in a fairly long run before leaving Gulf Shores was rewarding and yet sad as it will be a while before I'll be able to run the beach road again. But coming home and getting in another decent long run with my running partner and new friend was nice, too. Though my runs have been a little slower than usual, I've taken it for what it's worth...a run vs. laying on the couch. MUCH better. The heat has come with a vengeance with its twin, humidity! I mean it's been terrible in the south. Boy, do we need rain to break this. Temps reached 105 on my back porch on Friday and "legally" recorded as 103, a record breaker for this early in the summer.

Getting 15 miles done in just two runs, I felt I would reach my weekly goal of 20 miles pretty easy. After all, I had a 5k planned on Saturday. But for some weird reason, that didn't happen. Reached 19.3 miles! Oh, well. Travelling cut me short a day's run, so I guess that's not bad for 3 days.

We registered for the Bay Fest 5k in Bay Springs on Saturday. Knowing it's a hilly area and the problems I've been working through with my left knee, I was still talked into doing it. It's so easy to do when you really love to run. On top of that and maybe one of the reasons I registered was to see all my friends I hadn't seen in a while. I have REALLY missed them and knew they were going to be there. Actually, some were there I hadn't planned on seeing. It was kind of like a family reunion of sort. Runners are like that...extended families. We all speak the same language, look the same and plan our lives the same (for the next race). Here are some pics before the lowdown.

The course was a tough one. It may not have been so daunting except the weather placed an additional degree of difficulty on it. I began struggling to breathe in the first mile. One reason I love my iPod is that I can't hear my breathing or foot strikes...they really get me off track and sends my brain messages to tell the rest of me that I'm pushing too hard and to slow down...even when I'm comfortable at a certain pace. Therefore, I LOVE my iPod! I probably would have died if I had not had it for this run! Even with it, I could hear my labored breathing above my music and I knew this was too hard for the beginning of any race. Hey, this is only a 5k, right? What in the world is going on here? Oh, boy, this is not looking good.

My first mile was VERY good with those hills and humidity. An 8:27 pace is about my norm for a very flat course and that was my pace for the first mile...not a good sign. (Have I told you how much I love my Garmin lately??) With the stats, I saw this pace and was really surprised. By the time I had gotten to the second mile I was about out of energy. I mean "OUT". It was then that I realized that a friend of mine from the coast was experiencing some problems, too. Tommy and I run pretty close to the same pace and with me slowing down I knew we were both not doing well. Then I would see him slow down to a walk of about 5 steps or so and start running again. I couldn't run any faster and was hoping to stay close to him. Two more times, he stopped for a few steps and would run again. These times I saw him rubbing his quad, I knew he was in trouble. I felt soooo bad for him. Gradually, I was catching up and then I knew that I would pass him. In doing so, I asked if he was okay and he said yes so I figured he could handle this issue until he got in. Did I say this was a 5k??? Folks, that's only 3 miles!!

My two running buddies had long gone. One ran very strong and pushed ahead right at the beginning...Go, D, you're my hero today! The other hung with me at first, then I realized that he was running slower for me. I insisted that he NOT run with me and to go on ahead. Frank ran good, too, and is the best encourager there is. But in the last half mile or so I found myself walking a few steps then running again a couple of times. I absolutely had nothing left in me. I was feeling defeated the longer the race went on. Would it ever end??? I hate this race!! Why did I let Kent talk me in to this? It chewed me up and spit me out like old Jonah's big fish. How can I be so beaten up in such a short distance...I was never so glad to see a Finish Line for a 5k as I was this one.

Okay, I admit, I didn't have nor ever have had any hill training. The last 2 months or so, has been totally flat running. AND, my knee has been in-and-out of the knee brace recently. This definitely was a cause of concern for my ability to continue to run after this race. I didn't want to injury it further.

Kent had been struggling with gout the last few days (too much seafood on vacation, ha). And, when that strikes, it puts you down. But he had done well in nursing it and though it wasn't back to normal, he was able to racewalk. He did VERY well with his race. It was his first time to RW on hills plus dealing with all of the heat and humidity combined. Since being a runner for over 30 years, Kent has found that racewalking, with its strict guidelines, is more of a challenge than running ever was. With racewalking based on the honor system, at times, it can be frustrating when you see fellow "racewalkers", who do not know the guidelines or just refuse to follow them, win awards. But he is learning to deal with it and has really enjoyed the new challenge of RW and is improving with every race.

When it was all said and done many of us came out as winners. Tommy had to leave but we picked up his trophy. Congrats, Tommy! You did well...I KNOW cause I watched you!! Here is your cyber award until we can get it to you.

Deleica S. won 1st place, Frank B. won 2nd place, Gary T. won Grandmasters, Anna T. won an award...forgot your place, sorry :( ; Kay J. won first place, Ray H. won Masters and Jennifer H. won Overall Female Racewalker...oh, and their son, Bo, won in his age group. There were many others, I just can't recall them right now. Many of our friends left as winners. Congrats to everyone! Caroline R. won in her age group, Vicki C. and Eric W. won and seems there was someone else. Of course, if you were breathing, you won THIS race, ha! Kent won 2nd place overall racewalker and I won 3rd in my age group. Here are our awards:

Lessons learned or reinforced:
1. Train appropriately, even for a 5k.
2. Condition your body to the weather expected.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
4. Always have iPod charged (this one's for you D.)
5. NEVER give up...ever!!
6. My best is my best, not someone else's best OR their expectations.
7. Do NOT put myself down. Evaluate the race and plan for the future.
8. Always find something positive.
9. Share your experience, good or bad.
10. Shake off the bad, negative, or hurtful things that happen and push forward.

I did well for all of the "new" things I experienced and am looking forward to being better next time. Enjoyed visiting with our runner friends. And, though I was pretty disappointed in my race, opening up and sharing my results and feelings to close friends with some time to recup and get my head back on straight, I've learned to share my experience as it is. It may help someone else going through the same thing. I hope you find something here that will encourage you to do something better, stronger and kinder.

I AM A RUNNER and am not going to give up!! And, neither should you. Always do your best, it's all you have to give. Until next time...

Run 4 It

New Medal!

2011-05-16T15:31:00.004-05:00

I got it! My award for 4th place in the Azalea Trail this March finally came in. It is so nice. Thought it wasn't my best time, my "place" was the best I'd done at this huge race. So excited and wanted to share it with you, my friends.

The Twilight Zone 5k

2011-05-15T20:27:00.006-05:00

I've thought and thought how in the world I was going to write about this 5k. And, to be honest with you, I'm still not sure. Very little was done like a race is to be done. It should have been free and just for fun and not considered a race at all.

First off, the course was off: it was 3.16 miles. That adds up, for those that may not know. Starting up front, I had very few I had to get around and the street was wide so there was no problem there. I took every tangent and I know my Garmin was right cause even Kent got the same distance.

Second, the race started with both races at the same time: 5k and the 1 Mile Fun Run. Guess where the kids got?? Yep! Luckily, we thought through this before it started and began alongside of them allowing them half the road for about a quarter mile. But like I said, the street was wide and this wasn't an issue after you got "out of the gate". Both races ran the same course with the Fun Run returning to the start at the first turn-around early in the race.

The course was a good one but should have been shorter. It went to the center of The Wharf Mall turning right going out to the main road, turn around, come back to the middle of the mall and take a right. As you exited the shopping area, you crossed over a small bridge, then another and another and another to the main road again, turn around and head straight back to the starting line crossing the four wooden bridges. Everything is mannicured and you pass the waterpark area and the outdoor arena where they have well known bands perform. It's clean and fresh. Really nice.

From the very beginning I knew this was going to be a good run because of a lady that's in my age group that races in the area. We've competed several times before. I've been ahead of her every time except for the last one and I was struggling with my knee in that race. She's improving and it is making me push my body a little harder. I like it!! She was my shadow the whole race. No, literally. I saw her shadow just behind me except for only a couple of times when I could tell she had dropped away. At the end, I maintained my pace and she dropped back with 3-4 people passing her. Thanks, Mo, for making me run harder.

Thirdly, it came time for the winners presentation. It is here where I've never seen such a mess. I'm trying not to be too hard or critical but, honestly, it was the worst we've ever seen! I'm just going to mention a FEW things. They began with the announcements: Overall winners were announced, Masters winners were announced, then they called out the Grand Masters. The Female was the same as the Masters! I felt like I had won the GM but not sure. But one thing I've learned in racing is that no one receives TWO of the main awards! We couldn't believe that the company that was compiling the results didn't catch this. They do a lot of the races in the area so they know how it is suppose to be. Right after this, Kent's name was called for the Overall Male Racewalker! So now, he's going to check on the GM award.

Well, they begin to do the age group awards and, get this, they gave those that received overall awards First Place in their age groups. Well, duh!! Yeah, they won. But this knocked out those that would have received third place. In other words, there were only two awards for four age groups. While everyone received double awards, the one that was suppose to get the Masters AND Grand Masters awards wasn't even called for her age group. So, do you or do you not get two awards! Hmmmm. She had left so she wasn't even there to deal with this situation. The lady told Kent that she would check on this and thought it wasn't right either. Well, my name was called and I received first place in my a/g. Of course, being older and toward the end of the presentation, I know that the awards are about over. I saw the red haired lady (RHL) with the computer so I went to her to see if they had it straight yet cause I didn't want the lady that would have won third place to leave without getting it.

Well, here comes "another" issue...now the RHL is telling me that someone else came ahead of me...ALTHOUGH...her name wasn't called out NOR had it been listed on the results printout. I was puzzled. She goes on...and says that they can't figure out what happened to her. What??? Did she cross the line or not?? Said that they think that she must have changed her mind and run the Fun Run. Have you ever heard of such?? Because they couldn't "find" her, they decided (in my presence) to disqualify her because they think she didn't run at all. Well, did she cross the line and where was her name on the results list?? So because of their craziness, they decided to DQ her and "give" me the award. I don't want that!! I ran hard...I earned it, IF I won it. I don't WANT an award. I earn it and no other way do I want it. Running is not a "feel sorry" sport. And, it's simple. You have a clock and you either cross the line being clocked or you don't. I think I'm in the Twilight Zone!!!! This is so bazaar...

Another thing: did you know that you could win an award if you ran a 5k AND be entered in a Fun Run AT THE SAME TIME??? Poor kids!! Many didn't get awards because some got two awards in two different races at the same time. Either they are FAST 5k runners to win in the Fun Run or something. Another confirmation that we have entered the TZ! Where's the music? I'm getting dizzy...

Everything was totally weird. They checked the stats again and saw that I should have the GM Award. Most of all, I felt so bad for all those people who did NOT receive their Third Place Award, which they deserved, as well as the others that would have been bumped up a place. I came in 37th out of 182 runners. But, I'm really wondering if they even know how many they had. Were some double listed? I mean come on. Their final Award Results showed that everyone received one award and there were third place winners that they never announced.

This was waaaay too much to deal with for a simple race with few runners. Not worth it. So, I say, "ta-ta" and someone else can do this next year. Oh, btw, there were only three of us from Mississippi. We all three won awards. As a matter of fact, the lady that one the Masters Award is from Meridian.

Adjusting the time/distance to be accurate, Kent's time would have been a solid minute better! Mine would have been about 25 seconds better. Here we are with are awards. My award was "presented" to me in private so Kent took my pic outside the camper.

Here are a few pics of the cutest little girl that got in the middle of the presentation area right by herself to dance to the Stanky Leg song, which she requested. And that hat fit her personality perfectly!! Just adorable. She was about 6 years old. After she "performed" the awards presentation began.

Until next time...keep on running. YOU are your competitor!

Logs: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2011-05-15T07:30:00.004-05:00

I'm so glad that I log my runs. Logically said, a daily run does not last long and by the time the afternoons come around you're ready to run again cause it seems so long ago since you've run that morning. And, recalling what you did a few days ago seems weeks ago. I am easily down when I don't have a good run for a couple of days, even having to rest unexpectedly because of prior injuries that should have disappeared months ago! But when I look over the running log posted here I can't understand why I am so hard on myself. I've been trying to maintain a 20-mile average for the week. Last week I did very well. Ended the week with a great 7.5 mile run with a w/u and c/d of a total of 1.5 miles making 9 miles for the day. I felt great.

I've also been doing mix runs. I do not like walking and have been making myself learn to do it more. Last week a couple of my runs included 400m walk, then 400m run, and repeating this 2-3 times. It seems to give my legs a little rest to be able to run harder in the intervals as I race that part. I really liked the results I've been getting. I ended the week with 24.22 miles. The most I've done in a while. Also, got in a couple of good overall workouts, too.

I'm constantly worrying with a couple of nagging, gnawing issues that seem to go away for a couple of weeks then, all of a sudden, they pop up again. Just when I think I have these areas healed, it reassures me that it's still there causing me to take extra rest days of which I do NOT like at all!! That's what happened this week. But with extra days of rest, I was able to run a 5k last weekend 11 seconds better than last year's race, leaving with an award. I'll be posting about this race as soon as I have all the information I need to finish it. It was wild!

The sad part about the way I feel I know I have control over...namely, my eating habits. They have gotten so out of control and not only do I "feel" bad inside, I know it affects the way I run, too. I've got to get the "want to" back. If someone knows where I left it, would you please send it back to me?? I really appreciate it. For now, I've got to make myself get refocused on eating better and continue running with some weights and core workouts-regularly!

Fiesta of Five Flags

2011-05-01T16:26:00.008-05:00

Though I'm not there yet, I think I'm gradually getting there. I'm soooo impatient which causes setbacks off and on with my running. But I ran fairly easy all week and took my usual rest on Friday in order to participate in the Fiesta of Five Flags race in Pensacola on Saturday. We decided to run the 5k this year instead of the 10k.

We had to get up around 4:00 in order to get dressed and drive to Pensacola. Actually, having to catch the bus prompted us to leave earlier as they stopped running them by a certain time in order to assure everyone getting to the starting line to run on time. There were close to 700 runners that needed transporting to both lines. We timed it perfectly. I got butterflies for some reason. When I think I've conquered them, they fly back in. But these are good because it helps me to be on my toes and run "through" them. They're usually gone when I begin running.

I bumped into a friend of ours when I picked up our packets. He was about to get on the bus heading up to the 10k start. Mark K. looked great, rested and ready to run his usual fast race. Another friend, Leonard V., had had an accident in a race in New Orleans last weekend while on his bike. As a result he broke his collarbone in three places and broke several ribs. He had surgery and everything seems to be going well. Mark brought me up to speed on his progress. We really hate this happened to him. They run together every day and I know Mark is hating this as well. We're praying for you, Leonard, that you will recuperate quickly!

As many little stupid things popping up here and there lately, I am excited to report that not a single one of them nor anything new came up before, during OR after the race! I felt great running. There are a couple of little hills about midways in this course that are a little challenging. The first one is across the highway and the grade is "kinda" long. I was really dreading this. It's not so bad except that it's not something you can hold your breath and get over quickly. Every year I've run this race, this part seems to get me and it has a kind of "hold" on me. The 10k race eventually catches up to the 5k start and runs the 5k course to the finish. I add this because all runners run this part of the course. I did a lot of talking to myself and when I approached this area I assured myself that it wasn't as bad as I remembered. So I straightened up, turned my iPod up and accepted that it might be a "little" tough but nothing I couldn't handle. I made it MUCH easier than I ever have. Then shortly after this hill, another one is around the corner. It's not long at all but steep nevertheless. It always has me struggling. It continues to live up to its name BUT...again...I took it in stride, shook it off and ran as hard as I could. Having run this course before, I knew the easiest was ahead. The last almost mile is basically downhill and flat. You can really make up some time here and it's at the end! As my Garmin showed me afterward, this little stretch did slow me down some but not as much as it could have. I was excited to know that I had laughed in the face of this challenge and kept going.

When it was all said and done I ended with a good time. I'd gained weight recently and knew it would play a part in my running speed but this year I actually shaved off 21 seconds from last year. If only I had the weight I did last year. I may have ended with a 5k PR. Oh, well. That's a goal for next year.

Kent's racewalking is really improving! I can't tell you how hard it is to racewalk. It is NOT walking. There are a lot of rules going on with this where when you run, you just run. This group started 2 minutes after the 5k runners left out. There were some fierce racewalkers out there this time. There were 67 of them; all in the 5k. When the first one crossed the line I was shocked to see 33:05! That's fast!! I was so excited to see Kent coming in. He looked good and strong. He finished his best RW so far.

To win an award was actually not in my thinking. I just ran as best as I could. With that in mind, I wondered how far down in my age group I fell. So I went to the trailer to check the results. Going down the list, I see my name. I was 4th in my age group. That was okay because I ran my best and I accepted that. Then I got to looking to see how far away the 3rd place runner was and there wasn't one. There wasn't even a 1st place runner. What's going on??? How could I be 4th and there be no 1st, 2nd, or 3rd? Looking at my name again I noticed something VERY important...I was listed as a male!! Lord, this happened to me last year! For some weird reason, they look at my name and classify me as a male without even looking at my registration form. This makes me so nervous because they don't seem to be in a hurry and I'm anxious to KNOW...did I make GrandMasters, 1st place...what?? What if they don't get the change in time and they present the GM award to someone else?? Here come those butterflies again! I went up to the guy with the clipboard to be sure that the correction was going to be made in time for the awards as they had announced the presentation was to begin in 2 minutes. I explained why I was asking so as not to annoy him but he was gracious and understood and told me that everything has been taken care of. Now my next issue was: what if someone else had an error in my age group and I wasn't going to place at all...again. I'm getting excited about noooottthhiiiing!

Well, as you can see, I was quite antsy. Then the awards began with the overall winners. My friend, Mark K., that I mentioned earlier is a super fast runner. He came in second overall in the 10k shortly behind the first place runner. It was a close race. His name was called out for the Masters Award. We were excited for him. Then they got to the Grand Masters awards and I heard my name called out; I was soooo excited!! Kent, also, got 1st place in his age group. Having so many competitors than any other race he'd done, this was quite an accomplishment, too. We all three came away winners. It was a great day!!

Overall Winners: Masters & Grand Masters. Hey, who looks better? Really...

Winning couple!

Our awards

A close-up of the Grand Masters Award. All results can be found at the Pensacola Runners website.

Thanks for enduring this long post. You're all my friends and I'm thankful for each and every one of you. Your comments to us when you've read my blog means a lot to us. We love you! And, don't forget to set YOUR goals and Run 4 it!

2011-04-17T20:06:00.005-05:00

This week was a good one considering my knee gave out on me last Sunday in the half marathon. I went by Walmart and picked up a knee strap and began using it right away. The beginning of the week I walked and slowly jogged and felt really good by the end of the week. Taking it easy kept me from having to stay off of my knee completely. As a matter of fact, once I began wearing the strap, the pain subsided completely. Now, I'm afraid to go without it...it's become my security blanket. On Thursday, I ran 4 miles at a comfortable pace and followed that with a mile of speedwork (2x400 walking with equal 2x400 race pace). I felt great and had no pain.

Kent had signed up for a 5k just down the road from here and I decided not to run since I had so much trouble in the half. I certainly didn't want to do more damage and keep me from running completely. But by the time Friday got here, I could hardly wait to race again. So Saturday morning we headed out. It was a cool morning and a great day to race. For some reason, I got the jitters. It's funny because sometimes I do and sometimes I don't...and this doesn't seem to be related to a distance or location. It just hits me sometimes.

As it turned out, I bettered my 5k time since the marathon by over a minute from the last one I'd run. I feel like I'm on the way up again. Also, (and this won't happen again) I was the 4th woman to cross the line!! I was as excited about this as I was about anything else. I received 1st place in my age group (it figures). The lady right in front of me was in my age group so she got Grand Masters...shoot!! As a matter of fact, I'd race against her a couple of times and have come ahead of her. She told me this was a good time for her and I knew it wasn't for me. She was behind me in the Azalea Trail this year and after me in a 5k I ran last May in Orange Beach. Kent did very well, too. He came in 2nd overall racewalking getting that award! He is improving his time so fast. I'm so proud of him! He's my hero...he's strong, persistent, and committed to improving his health!

This race was connected with the German Festival. We had seafood gumbo and let me tell you it was some of the best I'd ever eaten!! It had large shrimp, crabmeat and chicken in every bite...hmmmm, good. A local restaurant, Wolfbay Lodge, provided it for the runners. There were bananas, tangerines, hot dogs and bags of strawberries/bananas and pineapple chips. We left with a German sausage dog and German potato salad in hand. It was a really nice day and filled with lots of family fun.

Gulf Coast Half Marathon

2011-04-11T09:54:00.006-05:00

Good Morning, Pensacola!

This race was going to be unpredictable from the beginning. I had fought "issues" off and on since the marathon and in the last couple of weeks I felt like it was all under control though it was a little late to be getting in the mileage I usually do preparing for a long race. Still, thinking it had not been long since my biggie I thought as long as I got in 10 or 11 miles I would be okay. Two weeks ago I nailed 10 miles easy and felt great! Eleven miles were planned for the following week but it didn't work out to get those in. Got 7 in and hoped that would be enough. My recent physical "attack" had even subsided and I was running without my compression wrap comfortably with no pain or soreness during or after my run, even on hills.

Feeling a little unsure of it all, I was quite apprehensive going into this race. Mentally, I was NOT there. In order to do the Gulf Coast Half Marathon you needed to sign up pretty early as they had a limit and it filled quickly. If I had been able to sign up a little later, I may have waited on this for a few reasons: my mileage was not where I wanted it to be, I wanted to work on some speedwork for this race and wasn't able to do so, and I had no confidence in even making it 13 miles. In the last days approaching the race, I reluctantly talked myself into enjoying it instead of trying to "race" it (a disappointing outlook from the beginning). My running buddies understand the difference in running and racing and know what I'm talking about.

Being in Gulf Shores and the race in Pensacola and starting at 7:00 a.m. meant we needed to leave BY 5:00 at the latest. That meant, getting up BY 4:00. So with the alarm set and snuggling into bed around 9:00, I was ready for a good night's rest looking forward to a good run the next morning. NOT!!!!!!!! For some reason, and I still don't know what it is, I could not sleep. This is very rare for me. I never have trouble sleeping. At 2:00 I was still wide eyed and bushy tailed. I'd tried everything to try to get to sleep. Have you ever had re-runs of doing things trying to go to sleep IN THE SAME NIGHT?? I haven't. That was really weird...AND it made me kinda mad cause I could not sleep. I finally dozed off only to wake up just before 4:00. And that was a good thing...the alarm did NOT go off!!

When I got up and going, irritated that I didn't get a wink's rest, my eyes caught the thermometer and it read 98% humidity!! Oh, my, now I'm just gonna die today. When we got to the race, the skies were overcast and foggy. It had been this way for 3 days with only a little sun peaking out here and there. I was hoping this would be the case today. As we were lining up I heard my name called and it was my friend Gary from Laurel. It was good to see a familiar face. He was so encouraging for me and before I knew it I was ready to race.

And, off we go. Check out that fog!

I started off feeling good and as with all races, I felt strong and excited. Okay, so now I'm wanting to race. I usually have a pace I try to maintain for a half and feeling good I thought I'd refuse my predetermined idea of "running" it and go for my pace. As I watched it in the first couple of miles, I realized I was headed for a pretty strong race. So, I re-thought about my strategy. Oh, yeah, I do a LOT of thinking even while I'm racing. I talk to myself all the time...no comments here!! I began watching my pace for a different reason. Deciding to run at a comfortable pace instead of a "race pace", I monitored my pace to be sure I wasn't going too fast so I could get through the 13 miles fairly easy. The thoughts of making it that far left when the gun went off, ha! I'm just loving racing!!

The course was beautiful! I mean gorgeous. Beach was visible throughout the entire race. Either it was on the gulf side or on the bay side. With such a view, it made the humidity tolerable. Don't get me wrong, the sweat showed up at the start. I could actually breathe okay as long as the sun was not out. Thankfully, I wasn't affected by the humidity except for the sweating. Dehydration was constantly on my mind. Unlike other races I'd run, water stops were a regular. Rarely do I get more than a few sips of water in a half but today I made it a point to stop regularly to hydrate before I felt like I needed it, which is a late sign. As a matter of fact, several ambulances were assisting runners throughout the course. It was tough for them. This made me MORE aware of the importance of drinking water and Gatorade.

Going on 10 miles I was still feeling really good. I tried to absorb as much as I could about the race: the views, the friendly faces throughout the course, the overcast skies, beach smells and what my body was telling me about my pace. Then mile 11 approached. The race began to change...my left knee started hurting pretty bad. It was the same one that gave me trouble 2 months ago in the marathon. I got a couple of indications something was happening in the 9th mile which made me more cautious. But #11 got my attention. All I could think about was there are only 2 more miles and I'm sure I can make it...make it meaning running. My pace slowed down and disappointment got closer. Keeping a slower pace I thought would be the key...UNTIL mile 12 came up. It was then that I felt an extreme, excruciating pain shoot through that knee all the way up my body!! The pain was so hard it literally knocked me back. A lady running right behind me actually caught me as I started to fall. I had no idea she was there but was very thankful that she was close to me. After she straightened me back up, there was no guessing but that I had to walk. So I thought if I could walk a little and run a little I could make it in. After all, I was right at the end, right? NOT!!! Every step I tried to make running stopped me dead in my tracks. No jogging or even trotting could I do. Now, my goal was to finish...I wanted my medal! Reluctantly, I accepted my fate. It was coming down to JUST finishing. As I neared the corner before the Finish Line, I mustered up everything I had and ran it in. I hope I never have to walk a race in and this one was no exception. I knew if I could do it in the marathon, I could do it now. I wanted to run the last couple in soooo bad, but it just didn't happen. All my hopes were dashed! I ran in saddened by the way I had to finish. So many negative things were there for a not-so-good race but all of those were not my problem. It was something totally unexpected.

Coming in to the finish.

After getting my medal and bottles of water, I immediately went to the truck and got my compression wrap. I'm so glad I brought it. I could hardly walk!! After it was wrapped, it helped so much. Kent had no idea there had been a problem because he was at the Finish Line and couldn't see me walking. He took a few pictures and I am so glad. At least, they weren't close ups so you could see the pain in my face cuz I was in some kinda pain.

Our bibs had our name on it. The chip was on the back of it. Cool looking medal. Here's one side of it.

Here's the other side.

We went on to the post-race activities and enjoyed food on a beautiful day. As we were getting ready to leave (my knee was beginning to pound), the announcements for awards were at my age group so we began to listen. With the 1500 registered runners (this was the cutoff) I thought it would give me a good idea what I would need to run in order to place for next year. The third place was slower than me and it got my attention. The next name I heard was mine!! I definitely couldn't believe it was possible with the knee problem I was experiencing at the end. This award was so earned and I was very excited going up getting it.

I had to put a paper towel inside so you could read it.

All in all I'm glad for these things:
1. My ability to run in difficult weather conditions
2. Changing my attitude to a positive one "before" the race began
3. Making hydration a key element to a successful race
4. Listening to my body (no matter what it says)
5. Re-focusing my goal "during" a race
6. Keeping a somewhat positive attitude even at the end
7. Perservance, steadfastness and a little hard-headedness thrown in for good measure
8. Thankful for running, no matter what stones it throws at me
9. Good friends that encourage me!!!

ASI Photos took pictures throughout the race and I'm sure I will have a couple to share from them but they are not ready yet. Thanks for visiting with me today and for ALL the encouragement you give me and other runners!

March Review

2011-04-01T09:34:00.004-05:00

It is hard to believe that March is gone. Races began filling our calendar shortly after the Mardi Gras Marathon. As hindsight is 20/20...AND I have to experience stuff before I believe it...I've found that maybe taking more rest time from the marathon should have been done. I've had "weird" aches and pains that seem to come and go as well as pop up when you least expect it. Even now, it's happening. Being the "smart" person I am (tongue in cheek here), I registered to run a half marathon next week. What was I thinking!! Listening to my body wasn't good enough that I had to push this poor thing to its limits! This time, training has not been something I've enjoyed as much as I usually do. But this is for another post...

I reviewed my runs for the month of March and was pleasantly surprised. Now, I'm pretty sure of the "why's" of the aches and pains mentioned in the paragraph above.

March stats:

Run Distance: 85.15 miles
Run Time: 14:27:04 min

Walk Distance: 10.31 miles
Walk Time: 2:38:12 min

Total Distance: 95.46 miles
Total Time: 17:05:16 min

Races: 3 out of 4 Saturdays
Days of week running: 5

I'm trying to incorporate more walking on a regular basis. I know it's good for you and I want to use, yet rest, my legs with some exercise. I'm sure not everyone agrees with this method but I know some that live by it and by watching them this works! So I will continue to work this in with my running. I use to not warm up or cool down. Though I don't always warm up, I have been doing a better job at cooling down.

Azalea Trail, Addition

2011-03-30T08:03:00.004-05:00

Dale Rasmussen, GCRC, won the overall 10k racewalk. Jennifer Henderson, PBP, finished 3rd in the 10k racewalk. Stephen Jones, GCRC, finished 4th in his age group (10-14) in the 10k.

I, also, forgot to mention the youngest person that ran in the ATR 10k.

Seamus Hilleary is 3 years old from Mobile, Al. His time is 1:06:36 with a pace of 10:43.

Can you believe this??? Three years old! This was amazing to us. No, I don't know him, just felt like he deserved a little recognition on this blog. He came in 4th out of 13 in ages 1-9. The next youngest girls and boys was age 6. Way to go, Sweetie!!

In case I've overlooked someone by mistake, click here for the link to all the results. Congratulations to all of you! Everyone should be recognized for the great work they did.

Azalea Trail Run

2011-03-28T16:53:00.007-05:00

What a day! We met up with a lot of our friends from the coastal area and the Laurel & Hattiesburg area. The humidity made it a challenging race for everyone as it was quite hard to breathe. My time was not as good as I had hoped but looking back over it I see where several people's time was not as good as usual.

I don't think I've ever started a race "with" someone before but this year I connected with Nancy and Dwight. It wasn't long before we went our own way and got in our pace. A little way into the race I felt this little tap on my shoulder and I looked around to see my good friend, Ginny. It was so good to see her though it was short lived. She's such a good runner and she went on by me with such ease. Regretfully, I never saw her again. It wasn't long before I heard a familiar voice next to me. It was Deleica! I was excited to see her. We pretty much have the same pace and I was needing someone to keep me on track. I knew she was coming but we didn't get together before the race started. She came down early that morning. We ran most of the race together and I really enjoyed that.

I ran in the 10k and Kent ran as a 5k racewalker. As it turned out, we both came away as winners. Actually, anyone who ran should feel like a winner! I was totally surprised when I checked the results on the wall. I had placed in my age group. I couldn't believe it! As I stated before, it was NOT my best race. When the final results came in, I ranked 5th place. Kent walked a good race, too. He's only racewalked a couple of races so far. This one they have spotters that watch this group to be sure no rules are broken. He came out 2nd in the racewalker division.

Others we met that placed are: Leonard V. first place in his age group, Ginny D. tenth in her age group and Becky R. first place in her age group. Then there were Tanya D. who placed second and Hollie R. placed second in the 10k racewalker division. I hope I didn't miss anyone; it certainly wasn't intentional. Others we know that ran are Gary T., Ed W., Bill G., Deleica C., Randy G., Nancy P., Dwight H., Bob C., Serina W., Dennis W., La Von J., Lee D. and Danny I. It was great to run up with these great runners! Congrats to everyone that ran...it was a tough race this year. Post race activites were really good, too. No pictures were taken as I didn't have my camera with me during the race or activities.

We love this race but left this year just whipped. Now, what's next???

St. Patrick's Day 5k

2011-03-22T12:28:00.013-05:00

What a beautiful day to have a race! It is warming up quickly here in south Mississippi. I didn't know the temp but I can promise you that it got HOT before the race was finished!

I was not sure what I was going to do for the 5k. My leg was not well enough, I thought, to try to "race" it and I just didn't think I could mentally "run/jog" it. Even thought about sitting this one out. But as I begin to intermingle with many of my running buddies, the thought of sitting it out was absolutely absurd! Excitement filled the air and I could hardly wait to get going. My newest and closest friend (my leg wrap) and I headed for the front of the line. I told myself that I would run as hard as I felt I could do without hurting.

Ed W. caught me before the race and took my picture in the street. Thanks! I tried to hide my compression wrap under my shorts but had my leg wrapped as much as I could to keep from re-injuring it.

I wasn't ON the front line but got as close as I felt I could safely. I hate for others to KNOW they are slower than others (sometimes even walkers) and get ahead just to slow down the faster runners and make them run an obstacle course for the first quarter mile just to get around them. Funny, these folks don't ever get to the side but in the middle of the street. Okay...done with that now. So off we go! Not sure exactly when/where this picture was taken but I'm to the right of the second cone in the black shorts and red shirt. Hopefully, you won't recognize me because my hair has a mind of it's own when I run!

I felt pretty good running. No pain at all...alright!! The wrap must be helping. I ran as good a race as I could. Since my marathon training and race, my speed is really off but I'm looking to regain it by summer provided I lose some of this flab I've decided was a good idea to carry around. NOT!!!!!!

When all was said and done I was able to whip out First Place in my age group...woo-hoo!! I was not expecting a single bit of recognition. This really helped my feelings especially since I was 2 minutes off my best 5k!! Did you hear me??? Two minutes!! This was a flat course and I couldn't do better than that?? Come on, Robbie...this will HAVE to get better. But I'm feeling stronger all the time and that's good news.

I'm so excited here!

Friends with their trophies:
Bob C. and Tommy P. Way to go guys!

One more bit of VERY exciting news. One of our club members, Bill G., set a new state record for his age in this race!! He came in at a fast 20:33. Our hats are off to you, friend!
Got his picture before the others in his age group for this reason.

And, finally, Congratulations to Leonard V. for coming in first overall, as usual!! Way to go, Superman. He not only directs the races, he starts them, wins them and comes in so early to cheer everyone on when they cross the line. And, oh yeah, he tallies the results and gives out the awards. Whew!! This tires me just trying to get it all written down. There's soooo much more but this is it for now. How he directs, starts and wins races is beyond my ability to understand.

Update: Nine (9) state records were set in this race. Just found out. Congratulations to Leonard V. AGAIN for running such a good race! Good job to all of you.

For more running stats, go here for the results: http://gulfcoastrunningclub.org/results/data_5K.php?race=stpat&yr=2011

Picture with running buddies: Julie and Bob
Me, Julie, Bob & Kent. Great job to all of you!

One more picture with a good friend taken at the last race.

Tommy & Kent

We decided to hang around for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Here is a picture with just a tad of all the booty I got. Check out that cute white garter with a green 4-leaf clover on it. The necklaces I'm wearing are all really different. Not just the usual beads. All of those were given to a little girl in the car next to us.

Can you tell who took this picture? Look REAL close. It's a no-brainer.

What in the world???

2011-03-22T11:52:00.002-05:00

Last week was quite challenging for me. I ran 8 miles on Monday and felt pretty good. Maintained my half marathon pace like I wanted to as I prepare to do one soon. But Tuesday...Tuesday came and it was a completely different story. As I started to run a 3 measley slow miles I was stopped in my tracks, literally. What is going on? I mean I couldn't run 3 steps without a sharp pain in my right thigh. This has not happened before. As those that read my blog know, I am stubborn; therefore I REFUSED to stop. So walking it was. Iced, drugged and wrapped my thigh afterward. It helped and continued to doctor it often. Next day came and 4 miles were planned. I wrapped my leg and headed out the door. Cautiously, I ran VERY slow. I stopped and stretched 3-4 times throughout and that seemed to help. For the next few days, my wrap and I became one. I began to get better even though I could still feel the "hurt" deeply. Carefully, I ran hoping it would help heal as long as I didn't injury it further. By the end of the week, I was feeling better but still "one" with my wrap.

ECO 5k

2011-03-05T16:33:00.011-06:00

It was so good to race again! It's been too long. Now, don't take me wrong, the marathon was a race but for me it was more of finishing than a race. My racing for me had been put on hold during my training as I didn't want to take a chance of incurring an injury just before the marathon. We'd signed up for the ECO 5k but as the weather begin to worsen we weren't sure we were going to make it. But decided to bite the bullet and go for it.

Festivities began the night before when we picked up our packet. They were held at the quaint little Mockingbird Cafe. I loved the ambience and art there. We were also treated with a choice of a hamburger or veggie burger with drink and Miss Vicki's chips as part of our race fee. Let me tell you, that is probably the absolute bestest hamburger we've EVER eaten!! I'm not talking size (though it was huge), I'm talking taste. It was 100% Angus beef, at least an inch thick. It was on a roll type bun made with cheese and jalapeno's in it. Oh my goodness...it was fine!!! We could not finish it, it was so huge.

Race day started out with a 100% percent chance of rain forecasted but for "some" reason it delayed until lunch. The winds had been so strong for a couple of days and nights with gusts up to 30 mph, but they had subsided some. This was a biathalon (kayaking and running) AND a 5k race. You could do either one. But the wind and currents were so bad (a small craft advisory had been issued) that the kayaking was deemed unsafe and was canceled; therefore moving everyone to the 5k race. Even that was a bit questionable. We spoke with a couple of EMT's before the race and they were concerned because of a terrible storm that was to be there in about 30 minutes...the time the race was to start. With this in mind, we planned on racing in the rain. Unless the weather presents circumstances like lightning, it's not cancelled. We, also, met up with Ed W., lovingly called "Special Ed", and he took pictures until his disk reached "full" and that ended his tour of duty.

Here's Kent & I...okay...we didn't plan to dress alike. We NEVER do! And, I almost wore my black/gray cap, too.

At the beginning. Me in the middle and on the far right is Tommy P. Great job in your run, TP!

Ed on the left. Thanks so much for taking your time to snap a few pics.

ADDED NOTE: I forgot to mention this when I initially wrote the article but I really wanted to. There was a very nice man, D. Baria, who came up behind me when I was coming to the Finish Line. He was like an angel. Seems he just "appeared" right behind me and pushed me to run harder at the end. He could have easily ran past me but stayed right behind and kept telling me to "beat" him forcing me to run harder and harder. Thank you so much, D. You'll never know what that meant to me. Because you were so close and yet behind me I never got a good look at your face so I could never find you and tell you what that meant. I hope you read my blog so you will know now that "I thank you" for your help!

Because it continued to look like the sky was going to split wide open, we immediately left when the race was finished and headed back over to the Mockingbird Cafe where post race activities were going to take place. We received an extra shirt, an energy drink and a wrist band which gave us access to LOTS of good food, drink and homemade cookies. There were sausage and chicken jambalaya, chicken with tomatoes and onions in vermicelli, and a black bean with rice and pork loin dish followed by very large oatmeal raisin homemade cookies. Of course, there were energy drinks, beer, and coke products. It was delish! Here are some pics of the Mockingbird Cafe.

Here are the pics of the 5k winners. Loved the masks that the top winners got. They were all different and very pretty.

Overall Male

Overall Female

Masters Winners: Nancy & Leonard

Grand Masters Winners...that's me!

My Cool Mask!

Also, received this pretty handmade plaque

Race report can be found here. Thanks to Leonard and everyone who made this race a very successful one in spite of the weather! Great job...

Bad Day...

2011-02-25T16:43:00.002-06:00

Well, I can chalk up today's run as absolutely pitiful! I began with a one mile warm-up walk and felt really good. It was even at a pretty decent clip. Then I began to run......well, I tried! As a matter of fact, I practically did NOT run today. I'm not sure if I had a bad case of indigestion or what; but my chest was hurting. I HATE what's happening! I'm not sure I even ran .15 mile before I had to stop and walk. My chest began to hurt with pains, like indigestion. My right hip had been aching some before I started and, of course, it wanted attention, too; therefore adding to the drama. I tried to push through by walking some, then I'd feel better and would tried to run again. But, NOOOO, that didn't work. I absolutely refused to quit before my hour was up! This went on the entire time: walking and running, walking and running. At least, I got in a decent walk.

After I got home and ate lunch, I laid down on the couch and slept for a while. When I woke up, the pain was still there. I'm now wondering if I'm getting an intestinal bug of sort! Yuk!!! I don't feel good and not handling this well at all. I really want to run again...NOW!!

An Amazing Week

2011-02-21T11:41:00.003-06:00

I cannot believe the week I've had. It has been the most amazing experience ever. I've actually run my first marathon and finished well! Not in time, but in ability, feeling confident in the program and finishing with a smile on my face. It was the oddest thing. Other than fighting left knee issues the last few miles (which was on concrete), all I could talk about in the race was what I could do different, how I can train harder/smarter and how I can strengthen my knees with better cross training for the next one. Do you hear me?? The NEXT one!! Marathons have a way of manipulating your brain. I don't understand it and I've talked with others and they don't seem to either. All I can say is that even in the hard part (with pain) at the end, I was driven by "something" that wanted more of me. I really did not understand my longing to keep running and running and running. Oh, yeah, I was tired at the end. But my body really wanted more. Pain, eagerness, striving for more and more and more. There's nothing like. And, NO!! It can't be explained. It is beyond reason.

For the negative side...I have been at such a loss as to "what now" that I'm fumbling. Thankfully, I've had a couple of people share with me their experiences of the same feelings.

So am I admitting to my blog friends early in the game that I'm a glutton for punishment. I mean, what else can do this to you. Well, only time will tell. For now, I am recovering from the race with light running and resting, anxiously awaiting when I can start running hard again.

Running...there's nothing like it!! Run 4 It!

I Am A Marathoner!!

2011-02-15T16:30:00.019-06:00

F.Y.I. This is a long post...

I can't believe I did it! The Rock 'N Roll Mardi Gras Marathon on Sunday was exhiliarating. And I can't believe I've waited until I was 55 to do one...I'm too old to begin such a thing! But I love a challenge and this is what it's all about. This is one of the most exciting things I've ever done in my life. No, it's not like going on vacation. This is something that you have to prepare months for, train for, put your plans aside and brave the weather to push your body to limits it's not gone before. It is something that one can not understand unless you've experienced it. It is amazing! It doesn't matter about a lot of things except that you do your best, listen to your body, fuel it and push it where YOU want it to go.

Discipline, commitment and the want-to are three things a runner MUST have before attempting to do a marathon. I thought the same when I began my journey in running my first half marathon...and granted these elements are there. But this exceeds anything you ever thought before. I can't even imagine all the training and discipline someone goes through to be an Olympian...it's got to be beyond your wildest thoughts. At the beginning of the week, I began watching my diet closely eating lots and lots of vegetables and fruits. I was diligent and lost a total of 5 pounds by the marathon on Sunday. I was not sure I could pull off a decent amount of weight not having the miles to put in this week.

When we came into The Big Easy Saturday around lunch and headed for the Expo, my excitement level grew and grew. I remember feeling like a kid in a toy store last year. So many things to look at and things I've not imagined seeing relative to this new habit I've become addicted to called running. Oh, I'm not talking about the typical shoes and socks, but the original phrased t-shirts, must-have tech "toys", bumper stickers, fuel belts, jewelry, etc., etc. With all of that in mind, my heart skipped a beat as we parked.

We signed in and made Corral changes as Kent was in a different one than I and we wanted to start together. I mean, you MUST have that good luck, last minute smack on the lips to help you through, right? He wasn't around at all last year and I was nervous being alone...excited, but nervous. But he decided he wanted to attempt his first half marathon; therefore, giving us the opportunity to be together at the start. Right after we all got inside, we had our pictures taken at a photo wall.

We weren't aware that the picture was being taken when it was...not much of a smile going on here.

Us three new marathon runners were prepared and smiled continually so we could get a good one out of the bunch.

Though this is blurry, I had the opportunity to have my picture taken with two more Biggest Loser contestants!! This now makes 4 of them I've got a photo with. Tee-hee!

A photo of our bibs with timing chips. Mine was #12062 and Kent's was #20400. The excitement builds!!

Since last year I've wished I had purchased a couple of witty runner's tech shirts so this year there was no thinking about it...I was gonna get some. Also, with this being my first marathon, there were other things I wanted to get commemorating my hard work and new achievement.

And my favorite (I've kicked myself many times for not getting this one last year):

I knew I was going to get a 26.2 bumper sticker for the truck and a necklace with a runner girl and 26.2 on it that I'd seen last year.

The morning of the race was electric! Thousands of people everywhere!! We had many, many friends that ran in these races. Most elected to run in the half. But there were so many I couldn't begin to give you a general number of them. And, even though they were all there, we never run up on any except for one before the race, Alice H. I don't know how many were placed in a corral, but I would guess at lesat 100. You could hardly move so there may have even been 200. Again, I was so excited to have Kent by my side this year. It was chilly that morning especially having to be there early and still dark. We all wore gloves for a while after we started. All but Deleica had extra clothing to discard before the race began. All these clothes were given to the homeless. Here are some pre-race pictures (I hated ours blurred):

We all three had tech shirts made with "Run, (our name), Run" on the front and stats on the back. Except mine was Mardi Gras gold and theirs were white. I think I like theirs best.

Soon we were beginning to move. Oh gosh, I could hardly contain myself! I even began making low squealing sounds...tee-hee! If I could have yelled out without looking like an idiot, I would have. My heart was pounding. The others, not having experienced this before, were excited, too. Then before we knew it, we were on our way. Bands played about every mile. And spectators were everywhere cheering everyone on. It's almost like you're a celebrity and unknown people are rooting and yelling for you. There were many characters along the route, too. Some offering beer, Krispy Kreme donuts, cookies, salt packs, etc., served by several different groups of cheerleaders, men in red dresses, people in pajamas, nurses...all kinds of people. This year was different for me for many reasons and one of those was knowing several different spectators. It was so nice to see people you knew on the sidelines. I hope I don't forget anyone (it will truly be unfortunate because you ALL meant a lot to me). There was Dennis B. (he appeared twice on the route), Gary D., a group from our Gulf Coast Running Club (calling out your name), Bob S. and especially my friends Cynthia and Kent M. who took some wonderful action shots of us. The first one is the Club and the others are from Cynthia & Kent. Aren't they great?

This was so much fun and I don't think I need to say that. We laughed pretty much the whole way!

We ran through gorgeous Audubon Park. All I could think was that this couldn't be in New Orleans!! It's beauty made you want to stay there and run around in circles for the rest of the time. Sooo serene! Wish Kent could have run that way, too. I wanted to be with him at this point, sitting on one of those wonderful little benches watching the ducks and geese as they fly into one of the beautiful little ponds with little fountains spewing soft water sprays. So, so pretty!

Okay...back to the race...as we got into our last 3 miles, running began to take its toll on me in a way I'd not expected. My left knee began to hurt a lot and Frank began experiencing pre-cramping in his quads. We worked through these situations by walking and running a little here and there and it was helping. My knee would stop hurting when I walked and his legs were given relief from cramps. We wanted to run so badly but our bodies weren't letting us. Deleica was encouraged to move on at the point that we saw we would have to walk/run the remaining race.

Turning the negative around, I reminded "us" that time was not of the essence in this race. It never has been. We did not know how our bodies would react at these distances. I set my goal very high to run this race entirely but it wasn't meant this time. I do NOT regret this agressive goal...I WILL do it! Goals are earned, not given! Lessons are learned or discounted...mine will be learned. I do not regret anything I've done during this time. I could easily put myself down but why would I do that? Running a marathon is something to be proud of when you've done your best. I am proud of all of us, the training we were committed to and a great future ahead.

We were all tired and yet felt great in running our best race. A few pictures at the end:

Close to the end of my race, I began to feel that I was getting a blister on my right foot. Though it hurt, it wasn't anything like my knee...and...I knew I was close to the end. When we left I changed clothes and removed my socks and shoes and, lo and behold, I had received a physical racing trophy...a nice colorful one! Ouch!!! Why does New Orleans do this to me?? To make me stand up and say, "you're not doing this to me again"??

The next morning we woke up to a gorgeous sunrise. It was the icing on the cake from a great weekend. This is where light meets night.

Things I did well:
1. Commited to daily training.
2. Fueled regularly during the race.
3. Drank plenty of Cytomax during the race.
4. Packed my fuel belt well (with Ibuprofen & vinegar).
5. Listened to my body throughout the race.
6. Enjoyed every minute!
7. Embraced the tough moments, never gave up and laughed in its face.
8. Was never ashamed by doing my best. I NEVER was!
9. Had a positive attitude and smiled the whole way.

Lessons learned:
1. Workout more with weights/weight bearing exercises to improve my joint strength.
2. Stretch more often.
3. I never gave up when my knee tempted me to. I accepted it as a "caution light" not a "stop light".
4. Put in longer distances to learn my body better.
5. Always have my iPod to keep my mind focused on the end.

Future plans:
1. Continue to run long distances on a regular basis.
2. Improve my flexibility with regular strength exercises or classes.
2. Do my best and strive for more and more and more.
3. Take care of my body so it will take care of me.
4. Decide on another marathon. And, I think I already have.

Yeah, right after I finished I wanted to do another! My mind sought ways to improve before we were on the road home. I never got sore but did experience tightness in my thighs. It was never a problem and I was expecting the usual pain.

My finish time was: 5:36:54 but hoped for much better. The good thing is that I burned 3031 calories!!! Kent's time was: 2:56:59. He made his goal of breaking 3 hours. Way to go, honey...good job!

We are well pleased with our results. We never gave up...that just wasn't in the plan. Kent had said from early on that he would NOT do another long distance race. But now that it's over, I think he's wanting to sign up for the half when I do the whole at Disney World next year...oops! Did I let the cat out of the bag?? If money holds out, that's our plan. I can hardly wait.......again!!!!

Final Week

2011-02-07T11:18:00.002-06:00

This is the beginning of my final week of training before my marathon. Last week was a very hard one for me cuz I thought I would die if I couldn't get in a long distance! I mean, for real. I got down about it. Don't think I could have written a post without being sad or ugly or even nasty about this new adventure called "tapering". That was a curse word last week; but I finally grew past it...whew! Okay, this is all new to me, folks. Thankfully, my good running friends pulled me through and they really did! I appreciate all the support you've given me.

This week holds a lot of busy-ness for us. Training for our races are done. Now, we're enjoying...and yes, I can say enjoying...the tapering. Now emphasis is on what to pack, how to pack, what to eat, and getting everything charged at the last minute. You know, the phones, iPod and camera. Yes, I WILL be carrying my camera with me. I want to take as many pictures as I feel I can get. Hopefully, I'll be able to take a few during the run...WITHOUT falling this year, ha! But I will get them at the end for sure. Regardless of how we all look, this is a monumental time for both of us.

Kent has vowed to never attempt long running again. It's really just not for him. He has physical issues he's never had to deal with before, some due to his many years of runing and others new ailments, such as gout that can be so painful and debilitating. It's been tough on him. But he has been very diligent in getting his runs in. Because of these issues, his plan for the race is to incorporate walking in his running. It should work well for him. On top of that he doesn't have the interest in long running. Said he might if he was much younger and without the pain he deals with but that it was too much on him. But everyone has their own interest and I certainly don't fault him for that. It's okay to not have a drive to do marathons or ultras. Just because they are phenomal events, doesn't mean everyone has the desire to do them.

Now me, I'm loving longer runs!! Just can't help it. I love the challenge it puts me through mentally and physically. I plan to continue to do them. My focus, at this time, will be on improving my time on half marathons. I may have more goals before it's all said and done.

Got in a good cross training workout this morning and I'm feeling really good right now about everything.

Now get out and DO SOMETHING! Every day is a great day to do something for your body.

Tapering...Bugs...Fun

2011-02-02T08:10:00.003-06:00

So many things are new for me in doing my first marathon. I've loved all of it and have pushed my body to do things I never knew it could do. I've, also, been challenged in a couple of areas. But I'll have to say that I have now found the thing I do NOT like...tapering! I use to think taking a rest day before a race was hard to do but three weeks...Yikes!!! Well, though it's not completely rest, it is, compared to what you've gotten accustomed to running, up to this point. Mentally, I almost feel like I've already done the race and I'm in recovery mode. I'm feeling lazy. Eight miles seem so measley now and I'm dying to get out and put in a 10-13 miler. Is there something wrong with me??

Okay...guess I'm working through this great thing called a "marathon" and my thoughts and ideas have to be changed in order to treat my body correctly. Up to this point, my idea of taking care of my body is to eat better and incorporate a few supplements that I know my diet is lacking. Only in the last couple of years have I added running to this. This great machine we call a "body" is fascinating at best. It is self healing, motivating and goal oriented. Guess that's why when you catch the running "bug" it's practically just that...a bug. You've got to contend with it and what your body is trying to get you to do. Your mind, your desire and what your body is able to do have to all line up on the same page in order to accomplish this task safely.

When I began running I had no idea that my pursuit would lead me past a good 10k race. But this bug is highly contagious. We have some close friends that have done many marathons and in talking with them it made me do a lot of thinking. They love it and got excited when speaking of doing one. Once this thinking set in, like fever, I had to start "treating" it. So I began giving it what it was calling for...MORE! That is, better eating and longer running.

In the beginning...I think my long running began to see if I could run further and how difficult it was to do. If it was really "in" me to do this. Then before I knew it my husband had signed me up to do my first half marathon. I say "before I knew it" because it was only 5 months after I began running seriously. I had been doing very well in races so far and he thought it would be good to have a new goal. Let me say, here and now, it was the most fun I'd experienced in many years. I looked forward to training every day. It seemed the only apprehension that I had was the excitement of the unknown. I didn't know if I could run it in its entirety, how well I would run, how I would feel afterward and even if I would like it in the long run. My one and only goal was to run it and not walk it, if possible. This was easily accomplished and I fell in love with running longer distances.

Since I realized I liked running longer and with the excitement brewing from friends, my heart would skip a beat when I would consider doing a marathon. You know what I'm talking about. The kind of excitement you feel when you've decided to try out a new adventure, new and daring. Like standing on the edge of a bridge getting ready to do your first bungy jump. No, I've not done that. But I can "feel" the fear well up inside me as I write this.

Interesting things about a marathon:
Less than 1% of the people have ever run one
You become an elite person in yourself
Prepare, prepare, prepare (much to buy and take)
Discipline...there must be discipline
Self motivation to run those days you don't feel like it
Endurance for those wonderful long runs
Persistance in doing what you "should" and not what you want
Stamina for maintaining a program for MONTHS

Have a fantastic sunshiney, cold day. And, go Run 4 It!! Your goal, that is.

What a Week!!

2011-01-22T14:16:00.004-06:00

This week has been great! It is my highest mileage week and my longest run (20 miles) ever. I am now officially entering the taper period of my training next week. My total mileage for the week was 41.13 miles (running with a little walking) and biking 7 miles. I won't bore you with a lot of details as I've written a post just below this one.

Lots and lots of calories burned this week. There were 2509 burned one day, 1199 another day and 749 another. These were my highest as my total calories burned for the week was 5112...Woo-hoo!! I ought to be skinny, but it's not going that direction...huh??? This really doesn't make sense as my eating has not been "that" out of whack. I've also needed lots of rest this week. Okay...honestly, it's kinda tuckered me out.

This has been an exhiliarating week! I still can't believe I ran 20 miles the other day! Ran it!! It doesn't seem possible. Actually, I could never imagine me running 13 miles just three years ago. I've come so far.

I'm excited that I'm enjoying running like I do. I'm looking forward to new goals this year once I've finished the marathon in NOLA. After some good rest, I hope to work on my speed in all my races.

Thank you for supporting me during this time and I'll need your continued support until after the race!! I couldn't do it without you, my friends!

I Love New Things!

2011-01-18T06:55:00.007-06:00

Yesterday, my running buddies and I put in our longest distance training run before our marathon in February. It was the first time we'd run with Deleica C. on our long run. Since she still works she doesn't have the flexibility to run at any time like we do. The day had been forecasted to be terrible...70% rain only lessening to 50% ALL day long. We'd plan to run but there were huge doubts that we would be able to make it. BUT...when we got up the weather fooled the meteorologists and gave us an absolutely perfect day to run. A little cool with some peaking sun rays throughout the run. As a matter of fact, it warmed up about 15 degrees while we ran. When we got there Keith B. was at the station putting in a long run. He joined us for the rest of his time about 2 miles.

Kent, also, joined us for this long run and he got in 11.5 for his training on his first half marathon race. He did better than planned and ended feeling well satisfied with his progress. He is loving his new compression socks. It was a great day to run long.

FOR THE NEW: Running with a new partner and running a new distance. We got in 21 miles total! It was so exciting!! We ran the 20 scheduled and ended with an additional 1 mile cool down. I can hardly wait until the race. I know from last year just how exciting this one is. There is a lot of fanfare and it will be needed to keep our minds occupied and not focused on running those 26.2 miles and how tired we might feel. We have trained and trained well. There have been no running injuries and we have stuck with the program. I must say that old Hal Higdon knew what he was talking about when he created the marathon program. It has worked and we are pleased with all our training.

I am pleased to add that, so far, we have been able to run all of our runs, even this one. I hope we will be able to do this in the race but, if not, I feel confident to say that we will be able to do most all of it.

The stats of our run today for 20 miles are: 3:38:07 minutes with a 10:53 pace and burning 2425 calories!! This is soooo exciting!!

Here is picture when we finished. Deleica, me and Frank B. Don't we look good after a 21 miler??

And now for a final picture showing how we felt with our new goal met. Happy, sassy and ready to go to NOLA!!

Another New Distance

2011-01-09T18:09:00.002-06:00

This week started with a fantastic new running distance. Our program was scheduled to do 18 miles for our long run. A new excitement filled me as well as wondering how my body was going to respond to being on my feet that long. A friend called and asked if she could join us for part of the run. Her being an experienced marathoner, made it exciting to have her come along. With her funny personality, it lightened the 10 miles she ran with us and it seemed like 3 miles when it was over. Right now, we are like sponges soaking up everything we can learning about this adventure called "marathon". The run was an easy one and we talked about all aspecs of a long race. It renewed my desire to run in this marathon. She looked over our program/schedule and gave us her opinion on how we needed to change it. We're over-exuberant and tend to push ourselves further than we should. Can't help it but enjoying every new mile we run. But we now have our orders, ha! We is me and Frank. This is the first marathon for both of us. We run about the same and have been good partners during this training period.

This week increased our longest mile done so far 2 more miles. That's one more than we were schedule to do. But as we were finishing the 18th mile, we felt like we could extend it to another one. There was only one problem...I got cramps in my feet. This is a common thing for me and has caused me to fear this race. But with it occurring in the last mile, I was able to continue running until we finished. As we got close, I yelled for Kent to get out my vinegar and he had ready for me when I to the truck. Two swigs of ACV and I was good as new...whew!!! It stops my cramps immediately. That stuff is a God-send for me. Now I have something else to take in my bag while running the race but that's okay.

Other than this long run, the rest was not what I would call good ones. Seems I struggled with all of them feeling tired and worn. But I will get the rest I need to do my 14 miler on my step-down week next week. I expect a good run because all of my long runs have been good ones. The challenge: move our run to Tuesday. Severe weather forecasted for tonight through tomorrow...icy/snow. Bad combination. Keep warm and drive safely!

2010 in Review - I'm a Runner!

2010-12-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

As I began looking over my log for 2010, it was amazing to see how far I had come in my running this year. We've run many races. The funny thing is that there would have been more run had there not been a couple of incidents that occurred. Oh, and if it had been up to Kent, we'd have raced every weekend "somewhere", ha!

This year presented some unforeseen challenges and yet I still achieved 2 PR's in the 5k category and one the 12k category.

Someone posted earlier this year in a forum "Do you think you are a runner and why?" Because I wasn't like many I knew, I couldn't begin to classify myself with this elite group; they were so good. But I thought about this question a lot. And, for the first time, this year I began to see myself as a runner. Before now, I always thought you had to love it, do it all the time, run in adverse conditions, wake up dying to get outside, etc., etc. But I have found that though these things CAN be true it doesn't have to be. No, you are a runner when you want to run, always doing your best and running as often as you can. You care enough about your running to continue trying to improve yourself. You do not have to have reached a certain speed, pace or acquire a certain amount of equipment or even trophies. I always thought that was part of the definition. Then, at sometime during the year, I fell in love with running. My running improved in many ways. I grew as a person through this as well and that's what running is all about...getting to know yourself, the good and the bad. This question and a change of attitude along with encouraging words from a friend helped me see myself as a runner and I am very thankful!

The year began in a training program to run my second half marathon. I was so excited about it and could hardly wait. My endurance had improved and I was enjoying the training. It was fantastic...I felt great! The race began and all was super. I had not run in a Rock 'n Roll race before and I loved it. There's so much excitement going on. A little more than halfway through, the streets took me down when I fell on raised street patchwork. My fall caused a lot: a cracked rib, torn muscle, bloody hands and knees...BUT...it did not break my spirit! As a matter of fact, it made me more determined and steadfast. I can see that this terrible fall actually was a blessing in disguise. As a matter of fact, after the initial shock of the fall, I dusted myself off, trotted a little and then got right back to running to the Finish Line. It will be a race I'll never forget!!

Summer came and I was feeling better to run but the heat and humidity kept me inside on the treadmill because of my allergies. Though that's not my favorite venue for running, the TM was my friend during this time and I stuck with my running. Late summer, I suffered a groin pull that continued to haunt me for months. I didn't let it stop my running but definitely took the necessary steps to not injury it and let it heal. This overshadowed all my fall running. But with laying off occasionally and running slower in races, I pushed through. I evaluate it often and can now say I am over it. I'm thankful I did not have to stop running completely.

I'm not writing this to tell you all my troubles, I'm saying that "because" of issues, you can work through them and either they can make you stronger or you will realize running is not something you want to do. There will be times of running injuries or just injuries of any kind as well as life issues that have to be dealt with. BUT...I've become stronger as a result of them. And, I am thankful that my Mama passed on to me determination genes.

Some stats:
2-Half Marathons
3-10k's
1-12k (PR)
14-5k's (2-PR's)

Awards:
9-Grand Masters
3-First Place
3-Second Place
2-Third Place

Out of twenty races, there were three that I didn't receive an award for. This is success with good health any way you say it! I'm so thankful!! Things could have been a lot worse.

This year ends with me being more alert to my running skills, armed with running books wearing my ever faithful Garmin watch carrying my laptop researching more and more techniques and "needed" equipment looking forward to each and every run I have a chance to do. 2011 will be embraced with open arms.

I am coming to a close to my training for my first marathon in February, something that has never crossed my mind before! I am happy and healthy and very thankful for fellow runners support, especially my running partner AND mostly my husband!! He is the best! I couldn't be this far without all of them.

I am looking to a great 2011 year with much improvements in my running. I am working on my goals which include a speedier year. Since I've realized I really like running in half marathons, next year I hope to get a PR in that category. Regardless of how it turns out, I hope I can keep a positive attitude and a steadfastness to maintaining a healthy body. Here's to you and all your future successes!! Happy New Year!

The Excitement Builds

2010-12-20T06:48:00.008-06:00

To all my friends that know how hard I work, I want to "Thank You" for your encouraging words. Please don't stop during my training! You'll never know how much it helps me as I replay your words over and over in my mind when I run. As my mileage builds each week preparing for the marathon, it gets more and more exciting. I am amazed to see how much my body can take.

Last week I ran a distance I've not done before...15 miles!! This was a milestone for me! It was the most exciting day I've had in a very long time. I remember how running my first double-digit mile (10) made me feel this way, too. And, 15 had me soaring like that one did. I had no idea I would be able to pull it off without walking. That was all I could talk about for days and still do! It just amazed me that I was able to do this. And, on top of that, my birthday was the next day! Now, being 55 and having not run for that long, it really was the icing on my cake.

Running the 15 presented itself with a couple of challenges. These were new for me. First off, my iPod had run down!!! Grrrrr...this has never happened to me before and here I am getting ready to put in a long run with nothing to keep my mind off of any negative things I might experience. The adjustments that had to be made were hearing my foot strikes and hearing my breathing. Without noise to drown these out, it "sounds" like I am laboring. I struggled through the first couple of miles and told Frank I wasn't sure I was going to make it. But we kept going and talking and before long, I didn't hear any of this. The second thing was having to discard some of the extra clothing I layered because it was cool when we started. I mean, before we got to 3 miles the long pants were history!! Wearing them around my waist felt funny but luckily the route we were running took us back by the truck about halfway through so I left them there and felt so freed up again.

All along the run, we'd check with one another to see if the other was feeling okay. We weren't struggling at all. We took our GU's, water and aide and were doing fine...UNTIL we entered the 14th mile. As a matter of fact, we had just commented how well we were feeling and felt the run was going to be uneventful. It was time for another GU about the 13th mile but decided since we were close to finishing and felt so good that we'd not do it...WRONG!! The last half mile we struggled some. Both of us had a great learning curve regarding energy boosts, ha! I honestly believe if we had taken the last GU we'd have finished with flying colors.

We are "trying" to slow our pace down and it is probably the MOST difficult thing we either one have battled so far. All the charts say the absolute fastest we should run is a 10:30 pace and our pace for 15 miles was 10:20. This is something we will work on this next time. All in all, I felt our run was an absolute success!! We hydrated and nourished well during and afterward as we should. On top of that, we neither one was sore the following days...woo-hoo!

As far as the rest of the week, it went well, too. I'm beginning to focus more on core workouts and cross training. From that, I've been a little sore...but a good kind of sore. Adjustments had to be made in my schedule because of being out of town (traveling days) so there was an extra rest day. The week's workout looks like this:

Sunday: Rest
Monday: 7 TM miles plus core workout
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 15 miles
Thursday: Rest
Friday: 4 miles with overall workout
Saturday: 5 miles biking and long overall workout

The week ended with 26 miles run, 5 biking miles and 3 days of overall workouts. Being excited about our 15 mile milestone, I had to take some pictures.

Here Frank and I are right after the 15 miles. I was soooo stoked!!

Here Kent and I are very happy of our accomplishments. He has been struggling with some foot pain but still got in his 8 miles. Love you!!

There's NO way I could do any of this without both these guys! They both encourage me in many ways!!

Half Time & Great Resistance

2010-11-29T10:58:00.003-06:00

I noticed in my last post about the Kaiser Half Marathon that I had not recorded my time which ended up being 2:11:07 though my Garmin recorded 2:11:10. Regardless, no time can take away how I feel actually placing in a half marathon!

Today, my schedule had 6 miles to run. I didn't think that was bad since I'd rested yesterday. But throughout the night, the wind blew so hard shaking the camper all night long and it continued this morning. Checking the forecast, I knew I wouldn't have long before the rain was to set in today and tomorrow. So, without further ado, I donned my shoes and clothes and headed out. I left the camper and ran through the park to State Park Road #2, turned south to the beach and went east to equal 3 miles then back to the camper for a total of 6 miles.

This was probably one of, if not, the most challenged runs I've had. I'm not talking about a few wind gusts here and there. It blew so hard continuously until I stepped back into the camper and said "done"! My legs were literally burning at the 2 mile mark, they were working so hard to push me through the strong wind. I was running as best I could and actually felt like I was frozen in time, not moving at all. The noise from the wind was also very loud. I always run with my iPod but today the wind was so loud I couldn't hear even a sound from it on the loudest level!! So, this was a no brainer...off it went.

Two things I should have done but didn't...don't ask me why, this should have been a no brainer, too. One was that my hair was down and I should have pulled it back and worn a cap. I really struggled with it getting in my eyes and blinding me. And, two, though it was overcast, I should have worn my sunglasses. I always wear them but I didn't today. They serve more than the obvious purpose of keeping the sun out of my eyes; they protect them from glare (which I suffer from a LOT), they hold my ear pieces for my iPod in my ears, they keep my hair out of my eyes and they keep road dirt from getting in my eyes. I was trying to get on the road fast enough this morning so as to not talk myself out of running today.

When I got back I noticed how terrible I looked. And it is today that I noticed visually just how much of a workout I had had ...and it wasn't from heat and humidity. My face was soaking wet with sweat and a little red, too.

I want to learn to "push through" the tough moments and times as I really think it will strengthen me mentally and physically. I'm so glad I love to run and am glad I do.

Happy trails to you...until I write again...(wonder if Roy was a runner)

Kaiser Half Marathon-Winner!!

2010-11-27T16:15:00.009-06:00

What a wonderful week this has been! It's had its ups and downs but all in all it has turned out to be a good one. I've tried different things in my running to find a comfortable pace for building and running longer distances. Sometimes I like it and other times I do not but I did what I planned for that run. I'm learning discipline though it seems I'm kicking and screaming at times. BUT, I'm learning and that's what it's all about.

I'll have to admit that I was worried about the Kaiser Half Marathon today. I do this every time I've run a half. With tapering a couple of weeks to the race, it makes me feel like it's been so long since I've done a decent distant run that I'm afraid my legs will forget how to go that distance. But they have never failed me and have proven to me each time that they are rested and ready for the race. Up to this race, my goal has been to run it's entirety without walking. I know this probably sounds a little stupid but I don't have a lot of confidence in my ability so far. After the race today, I can confidently say that I don't expect to walk one. I felt well and continued with a faster pace than originally planned.

We went to pick up our race packet yesterday at Tacky Jack's. We received a large nice bag loaded with all kinds of goodies. By goodies, I do not mean a bunch of advertisements and pamphlets that find their way to the garbage pretty quickly. There were all kinds of tickets for FREE meals, discounts, running equipment, gels...well, you get the idea. Here's a picture of our bags (mine first).

They were a little different. While there we enjoyed great endless nachos and fried dill pickles with Ranch dressing...yummm!!! The second is my favorite! We went back to the camper and rested a little then went back to TJ's for dinner. Yep, you guessed it, we had a spaghetti dinner compliments of the race. The salad was large and we must have gotten a pound of cooked spaghetti each. It was huge!! I took about 2/3 of mine away; I was so full.

Kent got me crossing the Finish Line...woo-hoo!!

I met a nice lady that was in excellent shape. I had seen her run passed the camper a couple of times and she ran in the half today. Afterwards, our paths crossed again. She is from Ontario and has run for over 30 years. But that wasn't the amazing part. She is 74 years old and has run over 100 marathons and many ultras, even a marathon on the Great Wall of China!!! She looked great! Should I say that she finished first in her age group?? She was lively and happy. She is in red and black and hugging Mr. Kaiser (Kaiser Realty) here:

A 23 year old friend of mine and her mother came to run in the half marathon and I was looking forward to seeing them. Deanna and I worked together in Day Camp a couple of years ago. This was her second half to run and her mother's first. We ran together for almost half the race then she ran on a little ahead. Deanna never got out of sight but kept a good pace. I walked through two of the water stops to get a couple of swigs down and keep from dehydrating. She never stopped putting a little more distance between us each time. She did excellent and we ended up being only a minute apart at the end. Good job, Deanna!!

Here's the medal we received; we also got a finishers cup.

After the race, Lester's Restaurant provided vegetable soup, chili, and red beans and rice. There were also hot dogs and homemade hamburgers as well as drinks, chips, and different fruits.

The best part of the whole thing was when I found out that I had placed in my age group!! Never in a million years would I ever expect to do well in a long race. I was so surprised; you can't imagine. They had stands for winners to stand on to receive their awards and have their pictures taken...like Olympians. And, yeah, this will be the closest I get to that one!

Here are some things I got for winning, too.

The coasters are beautifully carved with Kaiser Half Marathon info on it.

And last, but NOT least, the door prizes were amazing. They had great ones for the 5k then more for the half marathon participants. Kent's number was called and he got this great Garmin watch...can you believe they gave these out?? They had 5 of these and a couple of iPads for BOTH drawings.

I know this is a long post but there was so much to say. A lot of our friends ran in the Stennis Half Marathon today and all of them did excellent! Congratulations to all of you, too.

Go or Slow...NO

2010-11-22T07:21:00.006-06:00

Just Focus!!

This week has been a little tough but I pushed through it. I'm trying my best to run slower so I can maintain a longer run with some walking. I'm so afraid my body is going to "accept" this slower pace and not be able to run fast in my shorter runs. In all honesty, I've not done speed work since August. Dealing with physical issues of one kind then another has caused me to be cautious in my runs. I didn't want to be "down" and not be able to do the Thanksgiving Half.

Also, preparing for my first full marathon, I'm incorporating this half marathon as part of the training. I get real excited then after talking with others, I get so scared that I can't do it..at all...any way!! I think this is why I'm having a hard time right now. Sometimes I think confidence vs. competence are arch enemies. But confidence has got to be regained...for any run, race, or commitment, even living. Okay...so this is what I will do. Stay focused on my plan, renew my mindset and enjoy my runs.

Presently, the way I run is to do the best I can every time I run. Well, that's not the way you train for long runs. Or IS it?? Maybe best means the best "as directed" and NOT the fastest you're able to run comfortably. Maybe I've been getting confused on the meaning and understanding of this whole thing.

Running has been quite an educational experience. I love to learn and running has opened up a new world for me. I am a data gatherer...really bad!!! In the world of technology, it seems you can never get enough info. But after a couple of months of searching, I think I will stop "looking" for more and agree with all the good stuff I've gotten. AND...and...and just do it! I know this is Nike's logo but I can't begin to tell you how much it has come to play in my own running career.

This week I've run different than I have in a while, especially at the door of a half marathon. I'm usually more "in order" at this time. The good part of the week was my long run on Wednesday. I really like longer runs and 10 miles felt good. All in all, the total for the week was 20.1 miles incorporating some walking with a couple of the runs. Now off we go for another run today. Heads up and Run 4 It!!

Mayor's Cup 5k

2010-11-20T12:59:00.004-06:00

It was a beautiful morning to run a 5k...clear and sunny with mild temps. Everyone was really enjoying a great day to be outside. We enjoy this race because it is flat and on a good road. Today was not going to disappoint us. For some pics after the race, I've inserted a slide at the bottom of this post.

The Mayor started the runners with an airhorn. Traditionally, he starts the race. My first mile was good though I started out too fast. It didn't seem any different than before but when I checked my Garmin afterward I ran a 6:30-6:50 pace a couple of times...this is a first for me! I was very excited to see that pop up on the screen, thinking there is potential for future speed. Throughout the race, I ran into the low 7 minute pace. At the halfway point, I was running a 7:09!! This is so good for me. Funny, I didn't realize my pace because I was just running the best I could without pushing. Even with these peaks, something was happening to me along the way I had not experienced before. Though my race didn't seem to be any different from others I'd run, occasionally, I'd reach a sinking spell...for lack of better words. Sometimes I was reaching deep just to maintain a 9:00 pace. Then all of a sudden this would "clear" and I'd be up and going again. It was as though I was "running on low" fuel-wise. Unfortunately, this up-and-down killed my time. Hey, this is only a 5k; so what gives? It was like I had no control over how poor I was running...and this is a great flat course! As I entered the last part of the race, I decided to take it for what it was.

The good news is that many fast runners came out to race. For example, the GM Women's winner came in at 22:57...WOW!!! Congratulations, Louise. And the overall winner, the great Leonard, came in at 17:19, 4 seconds ahead of the second male. He literally battled it out with a 23 year old throughout the entire race. Really, he is great. He directs all the races and does a fantastic job...go Superman! We know you wear a cape...

I'd like to mention some friends who did well...congras!
Men:
Bill G. - GM Male
Ray M. - 2nd place in his a/g
Phillip W. - 1st place in his a/g
Eric W. - 3rd place in his a/g
Tommy P. - 1st place in his a/g
Bob C. - 2nd place in his a/g

Women:
Nancy P. - 1st place in her a/g
Alice H. - 3rd place in her a/g

To me, it is good to see that people are interested in caring for their health. Running is a great way to do this.

I was soooo impressed with the children that ran in the Fun Run. Stephen J. ran excellent at 6:26. He has a great future ahead of him. Nancy, the GCRC Pres, is doing a great job in promoting the fun runs for small children. Hey, if a 3 year old running doesn't blast you from your running woes, nothing will...it did me!! My heart just jumped with joy to see these little kids out running. Go parents!!! Keep 'em going.

When it was all said and done, my overall pace was not too bad maintaining an 8:39. It could have (and should have) been a LOT better considering I just PR'd on a 5k a couple of weeks ago. I haven't worked on speed since August and I really need to do this. I'm looking forward to the spring when I can all out give it what I have again.

Unfortunately, I had a LOT on my mind before I arrived at the race which caused me to be upset and honestly, I think it had a lot to do with the "sinking spells". Needless to say, it caused me to be concerned for the half marathon I'm doing next weekend. So, as it stands now, I will do the best I can and not look back. I'm learning there are good days and there are bad days. BUT...the good news is, I won't give up!! And I will run the best I can. One can't ask for any more than that.

Week in Review

2010-11-14T06:14:00.002-06:00

This has been an up-and-down week for me. So let's begin...

Sunday - Rest
*Monday - 12 miles on the LLT with Frank while Kent did 9. Felt real good and had a feel-good tired afterward.
Tuesday - 3.25 easy miles (ending with the .25 walking) followed by a good workout with weights and floor, ab and core exercises. This was a TM run, not a street one, on a 1.5 grade.
Wednesday - Biked for 45 minutes
Thursday - 6.12 miles consisting of: 5.17 running at 9:28 pace and .95 walk/jog. Would have done a little more to equal a mile but didn't realize I was that close.
Friday - 3 miles: 1 walk, 1 jog at 9:51 pace, 1 walk
Saturday - Scottish 5k Race. See this post for details. Only had a couple of pictures available to post but more should be available on this site soon.

*On Monday, we changed clothes to do a lot of running around (no pun intended) while we were in Hattiesburg. Went to a boys basketball game in Heidelberg almost as soon as we got home. Earlier that day my right foot seemed to be rubbing my shoe making my big and small toes real sore. By the time we got home that night I could hardly walk. My small toe (which will be referred to as LP-little piggy) was real swollen all the way down my foot with a knot that popped up on it. It felt like a bone, not soft. I was afraid I had broken that tiny thing.

I wore sandals for the next 3 days literally hobbling around, icing it off and on during the day. My schedule on Tuesday was to run 3 easy miles since we would be traveling on Wednesday. So trying to stick to my plan, I did it much slower. Thankfully, mission accomplished.

By Wednesday night, my LP was a lot better and I could not feel the "knot" any more. Biking was a good decision and NO pain whatsoever was felt. I think wearing sandals and icing were good decisions, too. This relieved all pressure that would be applied to my LP if I had worn shoes of any kind. Running shoes were worn only the time I needed to do my running.

Thursday came and my LP seem to be back to normal. My schedule had to run 5 miles so I donned my shoes and off I went. NO pain!!! But there were other challenges during this run...traffic! Though there are signs everywhere to "share the road with runners and bikers" and speed limit signs, not a single driver took it to mean that it applied to THEM. Curves are deep so you have to be very careful as it is. But neither you nor a driver could see around the curves well enough to "prepare" for the other. There's no shoulder on the road and this causes the biker/runner to be ON the narrow road with traffic...so dangerous to say the least!

On Friday I went out to get in 3 easy ones though I don't usually run the day before a race. But since it was a 5k I didn't think it would be a big deal. My walking part was okay, the first and last miles. BUT when I jogged the mile in the middle it became the most dangerous ever! My location, of course, was the deal. My run ended at the entrance of the campground and as I began to cross the street being VERY careful of the traffic, a speeding van came around the sharp curve and literally almost hit me. It wouldn't matter when one would cross the road, this is a very dangerous place. There will no longer be running on that road and looks like I'm going to have to go around in circles or go somewhere in the truck to get in a run while we're here. I will NOT put myself in this situation again. There may not be a second chance. And, I want to do a marathon before I'm through running, ha!

Kent's running is improving and I'm real excited about this. This ended my week with more mileage than scheduled. My totals are: 27.59 miles with 2:92:46 running and walking. So thankful for another great week.

Scottish 5k Festival

2010-11-13T16:21:00.004-06:00

Today's race was different from any we had done before. We've done good at that this year, trying new things. Kent is not as open to this as I have been. Although I probably wouldn't have signed up for this one if we had known that it was more in line with a cross country race. Having my half in just a couple of weeks AND my luck with my body this year I sure wouldn't have taken a chance on stepping in a hole or something and twisting my ankle. If that had happened, I believe I would have told someone to just go ahead and put me down like a horse! I'm tired of dealing with "issues" this year. And I just got over the last one a couple of days ago.

Back to the race: it was a double loop run taking you through dirt and grass around a horse track and back again. I looked at the grade on my Garmin and I noticed that it jumped all over the place. Actually this made me feel better because I was beginning to think that I was getting to be fussy. I don't feel that way if there is justification for how I feel.

Ed was kind enough to take a couple of pictures of us since I did not have my camera. These were taken at the Awards Ceremony. Thanks, Ed. I was pleased with my time considering I was running cautiously. It was 27:33...I received First Place in my age group.

This was a fun race. Thanks to all that help bring it all together. Great job!

When It's All Said And Done...

2010-10-30T11:50:00.007-05:00

This week started out being a miserable and difficult week to say the least. Last Wednesday, I decided to give myself a week off from running because my groin pain popped back up. I thought I was over that issue, but my body didn't think so. Within a month of my half marathon at Thanksgiving, panic began to set in thinking I would not be able to get in the mileage I needed in order to run a better half. On top of that, my worry increased fearing I would be "put down" long enough that I wouldn't be able to work on distance for my first full marathon. The last one takes months to prepare for and I'm in the window now.

Secondly was the fact I can't seem to narrow down a program to go by for running a full marathon. I've asked friends, read mag articles and searched online for programs until I've overloaded with data. They're all good but differ enough that I have now become confused. Well, with not being able to run each day, this gave me way too much time to worry about it causing me to become indecisive. There are races I want to participate in during this time and still being new at running distant races, I think I'm going to have to make a decision and choose something "close enough" that I can tweak to my ability, times, and racing wants. I just don't want to over-extend and do something stupid.

With that said...Ginny, I'm going to do what you said and come up with one to fit me. Of course, I'll probably ask you and others a hundred questions during this time! Bear with me because I'm a novice in this realm. ALL of your suggestions and tips have been printed and I read them all the time. They are a great help...thanks, thanks, thanks!!

Thirdly, I've been dealing with a personal problem and hope it will go away. There's nothing I can do about this one...so I worry (or try not to).

During this week off, I will say that I walked and stretched most every day and decided to do a race that we had signed up for earlier on Saturday night. Yep, our first night race. It was really fun. See this post for details.

When Thursday arrived ending my week off, I was so ready to try to run again. I hoped I could get in 3 miles of slow running beginning and ending with a mile of walking. Taking it real easy. Not being much of a walker (I'm trying so hard to do better), my run went this way: .5 mile walking, 5 miles running, ending with .6 mile walking. When I got home I worked on my core, did some weights, and stretched. I felt great-with no pain! A wonderful feeling again. Maybe my "rest" did me some good physically (though it just about killed me mentally, ha). This was going to be my only run this week until Saturday.

We had already signed up to run in the Ellisville Rotary Fest 5k Race at the Howard Tech Park. Kent and I signed up to help out so we were there around 6:40 for the 8:00 race. It was 38 when we left home. It had been windy in the park earlier this week but was still now. Thanks, Phillip, for letting us help out. There's a lot to do at races and we were thankful that we could help.

Getting the trophy table set up.

Today I ran without my Garmin or watch of any kind. I had charged it up but for some reason it must have been bumped on because it had no charge when I turned it on. So I put it back in the truck. For some reason, I felt a sense of freedom I'd not felt in a long time. By the time the race began, the sun had come up and warmed the temps to about 42...PERFECT running weather! I had changed into a long sleeve shirt and though it didn't get "hot", I wished I had left my short sleeved one on. Needless to say, it got changed when the race was over.

I felt so good running. Being a flat course made it an easy one to run faster. I wasn't feeling the slightest bit of pain and ran the best I could considering I had just come off of a week's rest. I sure did want to run harder. Frank and I ran together most of the time and he kept me informed of our pace. At the end of the race, he went on ahead. When I got where I could see the clock, I got soooo excited....I was going to get a PR!! If only I had known I was running so well, I would have sped up some and ran with Frank to get an even better time...one that would have been UNDER 26:00! My time was 26:10 and I am more than thrilled with this. As it turned out, I received the Masters Trophy!!

Neil and me with our Masters Trophies.

Kent received 2nd Place in his age group.

When all was said and done, I helped with the race, ran well, got a PR, received the Masters Trophy and left with NO pain!! What a wonderful day this has been. This week ended up being a great one!

New For Me

2010-10-25T09:05:00.003-05:00

Well, outside of being really hurt from my fall earlier this year, this is my first time to make myself stop running totally. Though I've been running quite slow the last couple of weeks, it seems my soreness will pop back up here and there; therefore not giving it adequate time to heal as fast as it should. So after researching the "net" I've decided to take a week off from ANY running hoping this area will completely heal without putting any stress of a run on it. I've done some walking and riding my bike a little and have done more stretching than I've done in this short period than I've ever done. Although I should do more stretching on a regular basis. I am SOOOOO not flexible at all! Reckon I will ever learn to incorporate this regularly??

The only exception I made to this was a 5k we did this weekend. We had already signed up for it and I really wanted to try something different and this one was held at night. Everyone was given 2 glowsticks: one to go around your neck and the other around your wrist. When bent, these give off a glow so traffic could see you. They're kinda hard to see in these pics since it is still daylight here...

It wasn't long before this gorgeous full moon appeared. Snapped a quick one before the race. The picture does NOT do this beautiful moon justice.

The course was well marked as far as turns go, but not marked (or not seen) as far as mileage goes. They had large bright lights along the way that help provide visibility.

My plan was to run as carefully as I could so as not to destroy the time I'd already been "down" and have to start over. This meant running much slower...as far as the race itself is concerned and as far as visibility of the streets was concerned. This is, also, the first time I had not run with my iPod. There is just something about hearing my breathing and foot strikes that I do NOT like. It is so distracting to me. And since I've begun running consistently 2 years ago, I've not run without my music. I made that decision for a couple of reasons so I could be aware of traffic around me and to keep me from running a faster pace. That way I wouldn't be tempted to over-stretch the area I've been babying. My time was absolutely horrible but I was happy when I crossed the line...no pain and no strain. With no concern to winning or PR-ing this event, it really made for happy, stress-free running.

There was a band performing during this whole time that was fantastic. And, may I say not a one looked like they had graduated high school yet! They were all very young. The music AND vocals were phenomal for their age and experience. They played songs from the 70's to present and were very entertaining. This was a family time and many came to support the event. Some came in and some ran in costume. I really wished I could have gotten a picture of one child. She was dressed like a lamp with a lamp shade over her head and two holes cut out to see through and there was a light on just above the rim of the shade...soooo cute!! Especially seeing her dancing around to the music. Kinda reminded me of what you might see on an old Adams Family episode.

Barbecue sandwiches were served to runners and were delicious...yummmm! We stayed for the awards as we really enjoyed the atmosphere, music and children all around. There were 208 runners; their largest race so far. The shirts were nice tech shirts. This is the first time I wore the shirt of the race during the race. The last "runner" was in a wheelchair and pushed by another lady. Several things were amazing...it was a regular wheelchair, the woman appeared to be in her 80's and she was excited to cross the line. They got her medal and left early so I had no stats on this. Would have loved to known them. Such an inspiration from the woman that pushed her...What love! Surprisingly, we both won awards!! And, I do mean surprisingly. I won the Grandmasters and Kent won First Place in his age group. No pictures were taken at this time. But here are our awards...the first one is mine and the second is his.

Come Back Cool Temps!

2010-10-14T12:36:00.009-05:00

This week has been a typical southern week temperature-wise. It was so nice last week only to be followed by some warmer temps. I don't mind that at all as long as the air is cool. By Friday, the temps had dropped in the low 40's again.

Monday brought some changes to my running. As I have the marathon on my mind, I'm trying to adapt to things I've not normally done. One thing is that I wore a fuel belt for the first time carrying my water with me for hydration. In the past, preparing for a half marathon, Kent has ridden his bike alongside me on my longer runs to hand me water. But this time, I wanted to be self-sufficient as much as I could be. Carried my water, GU gel, iPod and cellphone. The GU was not bad and had no idea what to expect. I got to where I could manage "whipping out" my water bottle, placed behind me, like it was a six-shooter. Got pretty good at that. The longer I ran the easier it got and then realized that it was attributed to less weight of water as I drank more and more. The belt takes some getting use to, but can be done.

Planning to do 11-12 miles, I mistakenly pressed the "start" on my Garmin twice and didn't know it. I had stopped for refreshment and thought I had started it again until I looked down and saw where it was not "clocking". Though I got my mileage correct, my husband took information I had gotten by pressing "lap" during that part of the missed run (on the way back) in order to come out with a total on time and calories. It is within a couple of seconds from being exact. He's great at figuring these kind of things. I just hated I messed this up on a long run.

Tuesday was a very busy day but had planned on a "rest" day after the long run on Monday. Wednesday, my legs felt heavy but running with Frank helped me eke out 5 recovery miles. Though I didn't restart my watch, we walked an additional mile c/d, giving me a total of 6 miles for the day.

Thursday, Kent and I ran at the Howard Tech Park for the first time, other than running the Rotary 5k race held there. It was very nice. While eating an apple and drinking our water, we sat on a bench overlooking the little pond. It was so peaceful and nice. I do think we will run there again.

On Friday I planned an easy 3-miler but I felt soooo good, mentally and physically, that I enjoyed a tempo run instead. Now that I'm running longer I don't look at 3 miles as much any more.

Earlier this week, one of my Tuesday running buddies, Catherine, contacted me to see if I would be interested in joining her and some others to run 8 miles on Saturday. I was very excited because I'm always wanting to meet other local runners. This group is preparing to run in the Jazz Half Marathon in New Orleans at the end of the month and needed to put in a distance run. As it turned out, 5 basically ran together while 2 others wanted a longer run therefore they began earlier and came in later.

I had wanted to run a 10:00 minute pace in order to prepare for running slower and longer but it didn't happen that way. I wasn't use to running roads, per se', and it was a little challenging for me. As we all spread out to a comfortable pace, I somehow ended up by myself...in the middle of the group. Using my iPod kept me at a little faster pace than planned. As it turned out, my overall pace was 9:49. I've got to work on this slower pace thingy.

When everyone was in, we enjoyed a nice hot breakfast and good fellowship. Here is a picture of those that ran. Are we not "hot" or what??

Before everyone started leaving, Ms. Caroline brought out a surprise for all of us. She had had t-shirts made with the day's info on it. "CR8" means: CR (County Road) 8, 8:00 we started and 8 miles. Is this not cool or what!!! I love the catchy saying.

And here we are all spiffy with them on. Oh yeah, to be festive, she gave us leis, too. She's so cool!

I finished the week with my best mileage yet, 34.62 miles! About 1.5 of those miles were walking. What a great way to end the week!! I'm so thankful I'm healthy.

5 = 30 !!!

2010-10-09T04:27:00.005-05:00

Yep, 5=30. That is, 5 days of running equals (actually) 30.57 miles of running to include .5 mile of walking yesterday. Woo-hoo!! I've only run this much only once or twice and I am excited to reach this number again. Now, I'm hungry for more!!!

This has been a great week. The weather and temperatures have been perfect in the 40's with some warming up on Friday's run. I have felt fantastic running and on top of that I've not experienced pain anywhere for the first time in a long time. This has been a year of tests for me starting with my fall in February at the Mardi Gras Half Marathon. Looking forward to great fall running and a new year.

For more details of the week, see the previous post.

What More Can One Ask...

2010-10-07T11:40:00.005-05:00

This week has been an absolutely gorgeous week with perfect weather and temps! I can hardly wait each day to don my running shoes and head out the door. The average temp when I leave the house has been 43 degrees and by the time I'm heated up it's in the low 50s. Breathing fresh, cool air makes for an exhiliarating run.

I've had mixed runs this week. Kent and I have had the pleasure of visiting with his cousin and wife from Colorado while they are in town. We've spent more time with them than we ever have before. I just love them. They are so easy to be around. And with us running every day, they have elected to join us most days. Ronnie ran Sunday morning. We joined him and Judy, as well as a local friend, Frank, for a run on Monday. As it turned out, Frank lived around the corner from Ronnie when they were kids and played together. What a coincidence! Our visiting afterwards was like a reunion.

Monday is usually my distance day because I normally take off running on Sunday so I'm good and rested for it. But this week we changed it up a bit. I ran 5 miles with Frank while Kent and Ronnie ran together. Judy walked and was able to run a tad; but she is working around a broken foot and it was braced. To begin with, she recently had knee surgery on that leg; shortly afterward, she turned her foot while at the house and broke her foot. She's doing exceptionally well considering.

On Tuesday, we headed out for my long run on the Longleaf Trace in Hattiesburg. Plans were to put in 10 miles. It's been quite a while since I've run a double-digit mile and was looking forward to it. With the weather so nice, I felt great and ended up making it an 11 mile run! I was very excited. Unfortunately, I did not plan my water breaks correctly and was quite tired, thirsty and exhausted afterward. This won't happen again. It's an experience-thing! I drank my water and stopped at a store to get a banana and shortly I was on top again and was able to relish in my accomplishment.

I passed Kent toward the end of his planned 6.5 miles and he looked great. Heat and humidity have a terrible negative affect on him because he loses so much fluid and he gets weak. But not Tuesday. When I got in he was so excited and began to tell me to ask him how he did. You know, like a kid would do...guess what I did?...guess what I did?... Throughout the last couple of weeks I've talked so much about the Rock-n-Roll Half in New Orleans last February and getting excited about doing it again that it has rubbed off on him. He's been thinking that he might could run/walk it. His run went so well, too, that he extended his 6.5 to 8.5 miles!! We were both stoked! He is beginning to see that the Half may be something he can accomplish. I know he can as I've done it and, to me, it was easy because it was fun (except for my fall, which won't keep me from doing it again). The Rock-n-Roll's are a lot of fun!

I am ahead of schedule preparing for my half coming up at Thanksgiving that now I'm toying with the idea of using this time to work on doing the Full Marathon at the Rock-n-Roll! It seems to be on my mind a lot. Though I would love to run the entire thing, I will not put that pressure on me and accept walking some if I have to. Sooooo, I'm about to talk myself into doing it.

Wednesday we all met again at the Sportsplex and ran like we did on Monday. And, today Kent went to the pool while I ran quietly on the streets. It just doesn't seem like I've put in so many miles this week. And if it wasn't for our garage sale on Saturday, there would be plans to run somewhere then. I'll put in a few more miles tomorrow and that will end my mileage for the week.

I hope everyone gets a chance to get outside and do something good for your body. Please try to make some time to enjoy this wonderful, God sent season!!

SCRMC 5k

2010-10-04T15:05:00.008-05:00

Last week was a great week in many ways. I felt so good. The weather has taken a turn for the good bringing us a very pleasant fall. I enjoyed running in the cooler temps and adding a mile each week has been working out well. In the last few weeks, we both have been strong enough to win awards in the races we have participated in. That's always so nice and such a nice thing to experience.

We both ran in the South Central Regional Medical Center (SCRMC) 5k on Saturday. It was another gorgeous day with temps in the low 50's. The sun was out and the sky was so blue. There was no wind or rain and everything was perfect for racing. I had some apprehension regarding the race. I've not raced in Laurel before and I knew this one was going to be hilly. It will be my first to race on hills. But as it went, it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. Still nursing this groin pain some, I didn't push my limits as I want to continue to add mileage each week and not take a chance in being laid up on the couch for a while.

Happy to be running today.

Frank is so kind to take photos at the PineBelt Pacer events. He is greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time and skill. He received 2nd Place in his age group...congrats! Also, a big "Thank You" to Charles Jackson and Terry Lawhead for running the clock for us!! We know times were accurate because they were in charge!

Around the table checking out the results.

We both received awards and were very happy about that. Kent got 2nd place in his age group and I received the GrandMasters Trophy. I was so grateful as I had prepared as best I could to run the hills.

Tom & Kent (1st & 2nd respectively)

Me with my Grandmasters Trophy...it's so purdy!!

Others that ran with us (not sure if they are all Pacers or not) are: Karen Lott, Dennis & Renee Bisnette, Gary Thornton, Serina Williamson, and Sandra Wargel. Also, running were friends, Gary & Sherri Dykes. He placed in his a/g and Sherri had a PR (I think). My Tuesday running buddy, Catherine, and her cousin, Caroline, as well as Donna and Christina ran. (I hope I didn't leave anyone else out.) Unfortunately, Karen fell when she began the climb up the brick street. She had to walk some as she hurt her knee. It was swollen and one of her fingers was cut. I hope she is better now. All in all, it was a great day...

Bet This Hasn't Happened to You!

2010-09-27T17:37:00.002-05:00

This morning we got up early to go run in the cool temps. It was so nice at 65 degrees. The funniest thing happened just before we began running. When I got out of the truck I looked down and saw something dark go underneath my leg as I was gearing up. The first thing I thought was that something fell out of the truck and the wind swooped it up and blew it under the truck. I was hoping I wouldn't need it because it was gone! Within a couple of seconds, I heard Kent yell out and throw open the driver's side of the door. There seemed to be something inside the truck; it was all happening so fast. All I could tell was that he was moving as fast as he could trying to get out. Then I saw something dark leave the truck. He said a bird flew inside the truck and was up against the window of the driver's side where he was sitting. To be honest, I don't know which was the most anxious: him trying to get the truck open or this small bird trying to get out! It was hilarious and we both had a good laugh over it...especially since neither he nor the little bird got hurt trying to get free.

Our runs were very good today. I had hoped to get in 8 miles like last week but I really wanted to increase it a mile. As of last night, I still wasn't sure whether I would feel like it or whether it would be too hot in the sun to run this extra mile. BUT...it rained a lot yesterday and brought in a cool front last night - a glorious, wonderful cool front. It was absolutely a beautiful, clear day with blue skies and warm sun.

When we finished we soaked in a hot jacuzzi...soooo relaxing. After we cleaned up, we went out for po-boys and a cold Barq's Root Beer and ate them on the patio outside. Kent had a sloppy roast beef and gravy po-boy and I had a shrimp. Yummm!!! It's been a perfect day...hope you had one, too.

Waiting for a Cure 5k

2010-09-25T18:38:00.004-05:00

The race today was a great one! It started at 8:00 a.m. in pretty high humidity. The course took you through a very lovely, shady neighborhood. Did I say shady? I loved running through this area. There was even a little breeze to go along with the scenery. It was so nice. It wasn't as hot as it had been, but let me tell you, we're still having summer temps here.

Kent decided when we got there that he would change from running to walking. He's been nursing a pull in his hamstring for a couple of weeks or so. Though he ran in the race last week, he decided he needed to slow it down this time. I thought he did great. My plan today was to run as best I could without running hard. I'm still experiencing some pain in my left groin but am happy to say that it is getting better. I've finally found a good pair of shoes that I am loving. The pain I was experiencing in my right foot has gone away. I will be glad when my body starts cooperating again and I can start running like I use to...freely and painfree! Guess I can say that my year this year has been quite different than I had hoped. Maybe I just needed to go through challenges I've not had before.

Congratulations, Leonard, for winning first place and organizing a great race!! Out of the first 6 people that crossed the line, 3 of them were over 50! You can't keep us down...okay I said it, I'm over 50, too. I didn't get many pictures today but here are the few taken.

Jeanne getting her award

A couple of pictures of some really cute little girls and their awards

Kent receiving his 3rd Place RW Award

And, finally, Debra, me and Nancy (3rd, 2nd, and 1st)

Leonard and those helping him did a great job putting the race on. Run-n-Tri was a great sponsor, too (the race was held at their location). There was plenty of drinks and fruit (always a welcomed refreshment). There were even some door prizes. Congratulations to everyone that ran and, of course, to those that won an award.

For complete, race results, go here:

I'm so glad to go through the things I have this year and am so glad that I still love to run. You can never appreciate your health enough...God is so good!!

Bobcat 5k

2010-09-18T21:18:00.007-05:00

Saturday (Sept. 18), we ran in the Jones County Jr. College Bobcat 5k Race. It was quite humid and warm. When we left the house, our gauge read 94% humidity. Though it's hot to me, it is difficult for Kent. There was a good turnout; this is their fourth year to have it.

The course was well marked and they had people posted on all corners. Many students participated, which is good and bad. I'm glad to see young adults out running but most don't take it serious and were kind of a hassel to race with. You were constantly dodging them after they sprinted ahead of you only to stop and walk until you passed them again...over and over again. But with all that said, it was a little better than last year. The race was mapped throughout the campus, to the President's home and along the streets ending with a lap in the stadium.

I had to take it easy in this race. Originally, we had signed up to walk it. But when we got there, I knew I had to change. If I wanted to run, then I would be disqualified if I had signed up to walk. But I could walk if I signed up to run. After I did that, Kent got to rethinking his decision and eventually changed his to running, also. I'm so glad I did. I had experienced some left goin pain earlier this week but was able to "baby" it. As it turned out, I felt well enough to run this little hilly race in its entirety. I didn't push it and just ran the best I could.

After Kent got rehydrated, we had good refreshments and enjoyed great fellowship with several friends. There were lots of wonderful fruit with drink which was soooo welcomed after such a hot race. Then there were cookies and crackers, too. We saw some with Smoothie King cups but never found the smoothies. Below is a group picture of Audrey, Ginny, me and Kent all absolutely drenched but brandishing huge smiles. It is so much fun to run with friends.

As it turned out there were many Pacers that won awards. Frank not only took pictures but was the recipient of an award, too; thanks! Congratulations to all the winners!

I was excited I had fully run the race. The results were wonderfully unexpected and paid off, too. I received the Grand Masters Award and all I wanted was to be able to run the whole race. What a surprise!!

For complete race results, you can go here.

Wonderful Cool Morning Surprise

2010-09-13T12:51:00.003-05:00

All I can say is how great I feel today. I woke up to a 61 degree temp and a spring in my step. Soon we were headed out to do our morning run. I took off yesterday and was anxious (with the nice temp) to see what I could do. My run started off the same as Saturday with walking a half mile followed by a slow jog for a half mile; I did this for 3-4 miles all the time thinking I had put in about as much as I could. Then I caught up with a lady I'd seen last week and talked with her. She was walking and I was ending my walking. She is very nice and close to my age. Sylvia and I walked a little and then we began running slow. She does not run much (but I'm going to work on that). Before I knew it, we had gotten back to our vehicles and had put in a couple of miles or so. We exchanged phone numbers and I'm looking forward to doing this again. When I looked at my Garmin I was shocked to see that I had clocked in 7 miles even!! I hadn't even realized it. Most of it ended up being a good, slow run. First, I didn't think I would be able to run and second, it's been a while since I'd run that far. In all honesty, I really believe the weather had a lot to do with it; but who cares? It's done!! I'm now happy and sassy!!

Don't let anything stop you from doing something good for your body today...

Running is Never Boring...

2010-09-13T12:14:00.004-05:00

I'll have to admit last week was unusual. I thought having certain "things" were down-pat but guess my running is making a change...for the positive! Being off from any exertion for a couple of days, I was about to go crazy. Funny, how you can talk yourself out of running and it's okay but when you're told to stop a few days, you're dying to get out again. Anyway, I thought...okay, I know that can be dangerous; but in this case it was a breakthrough. Why can't I just get out and do some walking. I mean, after all, walking a Walmart Superstore or a Lowe's is about 3 acres (maybe not that many) but by the time you go from one end to the other a time or two, you're bound to have walked a mile or so.

Friday came along and with that thought still bouncing around in my head, I decided to go with Kent and see what I could do. I was able to get in 4 easy miles with no running. I tried to add a little running but knew by the third step that was NOT the thing to do. On Saturday, we had a funeral to attend at 2:00 and waited to do our run/walk after then. This time, I was able to add a little bit of slow jogging throughout the 4 miles I got in then. I felt pretty good but did feel a "pull" and some pressure at that site. My running/walking total miles this week ended up with a tad over 20. I'm real excited about this as I wanted to maintain a weekly mileage of 20+. Maybe I'm learning how to listen and control my body better.

Each day brings a challenge of sort to all runners, whether it is to increase your speed or your mileage, whether it is to overcome heat and humidity or to brazen the cold and wind. Running is NEVER boring!!

Totally Tuesday

2010-09-09T05:56:00.003-05:00

So much happened on this day. It started out with my regular run with two others at 5:00 a.m. It was not as cool as it was a day earlier. Although running this early did help keep the heat from being too bad, the humidity was VERY high. After running a mile, Catherine said she was not up to running any more. She had run 10 miles the previous day and I guess it had caught up with her. So we walked the rest of the way ending with 4.21 miles according to my Garmin. She walks fast so it was a good workout.

When I got home, Kent mentioned that he wanted to go run. I began thinking that "Yeah, I want to, too!". So off came the wet clothes replaced by some fresh, clean, dry ones and away we went. Within a short time, we were running. I decided to run on the treadmill because I wasn't sure how far I would feel like going since I had done 4 miles on the streets. BUT...I felt great!!

Right after I got started I realized that this was going to be a good run. So with about three miles in mind (this would give me 7 total), I increased my speed. As I got into my third lap, one of the personnel came up and told me that our lights were on in the car. This aggravated me because I was running so well. Now, how in the world am I going to register this with a break in the run. The treadmills cut off just seconds after stopping it; they don't pause long. So I ran outside real fast, hoping I could beat the time before it turned off but didn't make it. I had to start all over. So my total time is real close but not exact. Because of being in the middle of a lap my figuring ended up being a little weird, too.

Regardless I stayed focused; I felt so good, got back on and ran harder and faster than I did before getting off. Now, I've become quite a techy with my Garmin and recording my runs/times/paces/calories, etc., so when I began trying to figure when a good time to stop at the end of a mile would be, I'd add a lap, then say, no I need another 2 laps, then my figuring got off again, I added another lap...well, you see where this was going. I wanted to run and not spend mental energy on FIGURING!! So, when I thought I was at a decent length, I called it quits. The problem: I only needed a couple more laps to equal 10 miles for the day!!!! If only....BUT I'm so excited to record a total mileage of 9.5 miles. This is way more than I would have ever figured I could do without having "inched" up to that distance.

Though my day had ended as far as working out goes, it was just beginning with having to go have a minor procedure done in Jackson. This is done every 5 months and detains my running for 10-14 days. I know it takes about that long because I tried to run in a race 5 days afterward a while back and thought I would die. So, here I am writing my article and catching up on my blog. Feeling better than I ever have after this procedure, I'm thinking of going out to walk some today. Maybe this won't kill me and give me some endorphins to play around with.

Labor Your Legs 5k

2010-09-08T10:47:00.007-05:00

We participated in the Labor Your Legs 5k at Cloverleaf Mall in Hattiesburg on Monday. The temp was great! Nice and cool compared to the sweltering heat we've been experiencing this summer. There was a great turnout and the ones that managed the race did an excellent job! There was plenty of water, drink and refreshments.

Here is a pre-race picture of Sonja, Ginny, me and Kent. This is a good picture but wish it was a little larger.

My goal was to run the best I could according to the way I felt. My running outside has been extremely limited and mostly been confined to treadmill workouts. So when I've run in races lately I've had the "challenge" of adjusting to the heat and humidity. And though my fall in the half marathon this year has been a while back, I was out of pocket so long that I lost my speed and gained some weight. Then summer came with a vengence and kept me inside. Even a few pounds can make a difference in your speed and how you feel. I still need to lose 5 pounds...these are the tough ones because they come and go so quickly and don't stay at the lower end of the scale for long. If you're not careful they will "stick" on the higher end. This has been a constant struggle for me. Believe it or not, I don't feel good inside when I have these 5 hanging on.

Today was an exception because everything seemed perfect for a change. Kyle and Myssey even came by to cheer us on. We've not had "an audience" before and was excited to see them. Well, I haven't. I've always been there for Kent throughout the years, but still this was different because our son and his wife was there. Thanks, guys!

I finished with a good time and now can't wait to get this back in order. Kent was able to run a better time than he had in quite a while. I received First Place in my age group. Many pictures can be found at Pat Mitchell Photography site and at Frank's page. If you have trouble connecting, please let me know and I'll get it fixed.

Here we are during the awards ceremony and lastly, me receiving my award.

Hat's Off to my Friends!

2010-08-31T08:04:00.004-05:00

I am happy that I can say that I have been consistent with my running last week. Though it was a tough one physically, I pushed through. Even yesterday was a hard one. But in review, I am more than pleased that I put in as many miles as I did. This is the first time in a while I've put in a decent amount of mileage. And I am proud to report...30.57 miles!!! Woo-hoo!!

The week was filled with a lot of new things and adventures. It is the first time I've run on the streets in Laurel, first time to run on streets with some hills, first time to run so early in the morning, first time to run with 2 new friends, and first time to run this much when fighting the "I don't want to's".

I wasn't feel well nearly all week but couldn't put my finger on it. Then Monday, it came to me that I have been fighting sinus problems all week. Last Tuesday, a cool front came through and each year when these start, I suffer from sinus headaches and sore throats. I'd not taken much medication (I really put off doing this until I absolutely have to, except for race days) and I felt sluggish, draggy and all around slothful and whiny. I truly do not know how in the world I came out with 30 miles.

I am experiencing running differently than before. I know I can run now and even at a decent pace (for my age and experience), but now I'm entering a different level, the mental part. I guess this is the hardest part of running, except for dealing with injuries. I am so thankful that I have great running friends that encourage me and keep tabs on me. And with the posting of their runs, it has pulled me through last week's trials. With that said, my hat's off to you for being special to me! Be kind to one another, you never know who or how you affect others!!

Great Tuesday!

2010-08-25T21:22:00.003-05:00

Today began with a great run with new friends. It also marked the first of several adventures for me. Let me start by saying that I have NOT run on the streets in Laurel before. Yeah, that's right. Call me a chicken but I didn't want to take a chance meeting up with an "unfriendly" dog. Being bit a couple of times in the past just brings back frightening memories. So I just don't go down that road any more...no pun intended!

With that being said...I met a nice lady last week at BodyWorks where I have been doing my treadmill runs this summer. She began at a pretty high speed increasing to an even faster pace. I was almost at the end of my run and she only put in two miles having us finish about the same time. Although I was interested in who she was and if she lived locally (I had been wanting to meet someone who ran in my area), my first interest was in her iPod armband. I'm always trying to find a better way to wear my iPod and I really liked hers. After briefly talking, it came out that she has run for a while and that she did live locally. Then she invited me to join her and another friend to run with them early Tuesday mornings. I was elated!! This has been a dream come true. But it wasn't just about meeting up with someone, other things fell right in place, too. I need the companionship of other lady runners of different levels (check), wanted to run the streets in Laurel (check), include a run with a little hill work (check), and running early in the morning (check). WOW!! What an accomplishment today; all in one. Though Lesley is an experienced runner Catherine is new at running. She began running in February. She's doing fantastic and is building her endurance by leaps and bounds. She ran 8 miles last Saturday!! Both of these ladies will never know how much it meant for me to share their run with them today. I can hardly wait until next Tuesday!!

Tonight we had our weekly Trek the Trace with our Pine Belt Pacers group. This time we met up with USM's Track Club and had our pictures taken with them. Our Trek the Trace run this week was a duo/couple 2 mile run. Some of them joined us. Each "couple" predicts the time it takes TWO of you to finish and you must come across the line together. Being a predicted run, it doesn't matter how fast you are. It's how close you come to guessing when you will finish. Kent and I ran together and I really like it. We never do this and tonight brought back memories of how much I enjoyed it last year. I'm not sure what our time was but I didn't care. There was great food and fellowship afterward with pizza and other things. It is so much fun and I wished we could do this more than one month a year. Even once a month would be great. Below are a few pictures taken by Frank...thanks!

USM Track Coach with team and Ben Hughes, Pine Belt Pacer, and other Pacers

Julian, a USM Track Club Member

Mitzie and Terry

Beside me are Raul and Ginny, good friends

Caught in action. Everyone seem to know what was about to happen, but me!

Oak Grove Awards

2010-08-23T16:40:00.003-05:00

The awards for the Oak Grove 5k Race on Saturday were really cool. They looked like relay batons that relay teams use in their race. The top winners did not receive one so Kent made me one like his. Isn't he the sweetest hubby?? I love trophies that are unique and I was thrilled to have one. Aren't they creative and the neatest? Kudos to whoever came up with this idea and having them made!! What do you think?

Oak Grove 5k

2010-08-21T18:41:00.002-05:00

Today we ran in the Oak Grove 5k Race in Hattiesburg. Though it started at 7:30, it was still VERY hot and humid by the time it was over. Guess that's because it's run out in the open with no shade. It is a double loop, meaning you repeat the course by running it twice, then enter the stadium and making a lap to the Finish Line.

My first mile was really good for me and I was (and am) thrilled to accept this time. It was the second best first mile pace I've had so far with only a few seconds difference. With mostly a 7:15-7:48 recorded pace (Garmin) and only a couple of times in the 8:00's, it ended me up with the 8:14 pace for the mile. My best was the last race I ran 3 weeks ago in Jackson. BUT when I reached the hill taking me into the second mile, it changed my pace for the rest of the race. I think a few thought the course to be pretty flat but with the grade and distance of the grade, I'd rank it a little more than flat...that's subjective, of course. Then add a huge dose of heat and humidity AND to repeat it a second time took some energy out of me.

Thankfully, I've been reading a little more in running books and am finding out that each race is different for every single person...that when things get tough your mode of competing may change. I had thought about this before starting because I remembered the course from last year and how that long grade played havoc with me. So, I refocused my efforts and instead of getting discouraged I ran the best I could run with no one or anything else on my mind.

My friends are faster than I and to put that in focus, I watched them race up the hill on the other side of where I was heading...thinking at first just how far ahead of me they had gotten when in the first mile (and for a while) we were not "that" far apart and this is only a 5k, right? But being thankful that I have running friends, I mentally cheered them on and because of that they won top awards...yeah, right!!

To sum it up as best as I can here are some of the results:
Terry Lawhead...First Male
Vicki Copeland...First Female
Ginny Dufrene...Masters (and second female)
Neil Solomon...Grand Masters
Me...Grand Masters
Kent...2nd in his age group
Philip Wedgworth...Placed in his age group
Mitzi Lawhead...PR (Way to go, congrats)

I hope I didn't leave someone out. If I do, I will make adjustments to this article. Congratulations on all because we are all winners today!!

I'm hoping my times will improve considering I'm still working out consistently on the treadmill. My next goal is to begin some hill work. I've never done this before and I hope to start Tuesday with a new friend.

Trek the Trace #2

2010-08-17T20:43:00.005-05:00

We weren't able to make it to the first Trek the Trace the Pinebelt Pacers had but we got to the second one. The humidity and running so late in the day were key factors in a little hesitancy I had in going. Most everyone runs outside some and I hardly do and stay with treadmill running. BUT we wanted to meet up with our group again to visit and do what we love to do...run. Trek the Trace is only done the month of August so it's been a year since we've gotten with the group in a non-competing way.

Tonight the 2 mile run was a predicted run where you guess how long you think it will take you to run the 2 miles. You had to leave behind any method of timing to prevent cheating. The man and woman closest to their "guessed" time won a prize. We went back to last year's record and reviewed what we predicted and made modifications for the run tonight. I lowered mine 10 seconds and Kent made an adjustment to his (don't know the difference in his), signed our release forms and off we went! We both came in faster than our predicted times. I was 32 seconds faster and Kent was 2:25 faster! He was much better than he thought he would be. Congratulations, honey! This gave me an 8:34 pace which pleased me very much! Not having my iPod, it was hard listening to me breath...yeah, that's right, it's a different kind of noise and quite distracting if I may say. Chad D. came closest to his time and Crystal Stricker came in closest to her time.

Below are a few pictures taken from tonight's event.

Chad & Ginny

Nestor compiling the scores followed by the results.

(Sorry my foot is in the way but the page kept blowing the page up.)

Other random pictures:

(Aren't eating pictures always graceful, ha!) It was a lot of fun and everyone had a good time; we enjoyed the fellowship, a big plus for this Club. Water, drinks and chicken fingers were provided and many brought different things to compliment the chicken.
One of the 2 tables of food. Yum!!

And, finally a quick shot of us...
Thanks, Ginny, for getting our picture!

Summer Beach 5k

2010-08-08T07:41:00.005-05:00

Leonard is the BEST in coordinating runs on the coast!! I don't know how he does it. The course is always accurate and well marked. There's always plenty of water and drink and refreshments to help you regain your strength. He is NOT lazy by any means and pitches in to do whatever it takes to make the race run smoothly, times are recorded right and people are satisfied. We, also, LOVE the way results are posted on the website quickly. And because of this, we love running in the Gulf Coast Running Club's races. Our hats are off to ya, Leonard...again!!

This race should have been a PR race if any could be due to it being so flat...BUT...boy, is running in the heat tough! All I can say is at least we're doing it. I have come to the conclusion (along with the confirmation from others all over) that running in the summer is left to those who are committed, crazy, persistent and want to be consistent in their running throughout the year. Did I say crazy?? Well, in the "heat" of running in it, that's what comes to my mind (this is my addition...runners won't admit that that's part of it, but hey, the truth is.....). Okay, back to the race. This is the first 5k I've had to get water along the way in a short race!! I rarely get something in a 10k but this was a hot day. So for now, getting a PR is out of the question and that helps me run the best I can instead of passing out trying to obtain one. I should have learned my lesson from running in last week's 5k but we can hardly resist running in the GCRC's races when we can. Last week 4 people demanded medical attention with one of those heading to the hospital due to the heat!! Can I repeat here...are we runners crazy or what??? With all of that said, I was VERY pleased to finish like I did. My time was 27:08 and I received 1st Place! I was more than happy with this and this award was definitely worked for.

First, second and third: me, Jo and Lynn. Jo and I have competed a lot but I do not know Lynn. Good job, ladies!

Here is a self portrait of Kent and I. Not too bad considering we were drenched from head to toe.

Below are pictures of other runners I know. I tried to get one with Bob C. but there was some discussion going on about one of the winners in his a/g and before I realized it their picture was taken and I missed it. Sorry, Bob!!

Congratulations, Janet (middle), on 1st Place!

Great job, Nancy (our great club president), on winning the Grandmasters. You so deserve it!!

You can see all race results here.

Outside Running

2010-08-05T09:19:00.002-05:00

This is a short article as I will do a week write-up later on. Yesterday and today were pretty good outside running days for me. I'm so use to running on the TM inside where it is cool but this wasn't too bad. I decided at the last minute after my little biking trip to add a couple of miles running and was glad that I did. It is very different from just going out to run. The transition, of which I wasn't expecting, was a little hard; but I wanted to run a little before finishing for the day. Thankfully, we got this in before the terrible storm hit. It was terrific and blew so hard it rocked the camper. The wind caused rain to come in through a couple of the windows. Lightning was beautiful!! And scary because it was all over us. It passed after a couple of hours and rested well for the night.

This morning I ran a very nice 5 miler on the beach. The only thing is that I should have had a little more rest between running last night and early this morning but I took it slow and enjoyed it nevertheless. I love looking over the bay when I run; it is so relaxing and I never take its beauty for granted. The water was as smooth as glass!! And you couldn't see where it ended and the sky began. Though it is a little eerie when this happens it is very beautiful. A light breeze was blowing and it wasn't as hot as it has been. Humidity is still high but the heat was not near as bad. Getting wet from the humidity in the south is just a given.

My running hasn't added up to the miles I had planned to get in on a weekly basis but I'm pleased with the overall different workouts I've had. See you later this week.

Bruin Burn 5k

2010-08-01T19:25:00.007-05:00

Boy, was I hesitant to run in this race! I've run outside twice in two weeks because of the heat and that was always close to 7 a.m. Now I'm entering a "race" to begin at 8:00 AND the temps are suppose to be higher than all the days before. It was forecasted for 102 and 103 Sunday with heat indices reaching 110!! Am I crazy?? All I have to base my ability on are the runs I've been doing on the treadmill in nice cool temperatures watching TV with my iPod going and going and going.

Well, to begin with I had a knot in my stomach and felt like it was the first race I'd ever done. With MUCH mental coaching, I talked myself into focusing on the speed that was comfortable for me and to do the best I could do. Winning was not an issue for me this time. I was more concerned about the temperature and doing a pace that would keep me from overheating. So with much "prepping" behind, I lined up at the starting line. For some reason, I didn't get as close to the start as I usually do. I think it is because Kent didn't run with me this time. He has been preparing himself for racewalking and this was his first time to try it. The 5k Racewalkers were to have a minute's delay after the 5k runners were off. Personally, I think this is great because many times they will mix into the crowd of runners and cause delays until you can get pass them. So it was kinda like having two races going on at the same time but without interference from one another.

We began running downhill which was great because it allowed you to run at a faster pace before you got too hot and have to slow down some. The only thing about this is that that doesn't really apply to me. I try to maintain a pace throughout my race and not sprint forward during a downhill and ultimately suffer for it going back up when I reach bottom. Therefore, my pace was comfortable and I felt great. I couldn't believe how much I had missed racing. First of all, I still am surprised that I'm a runner at times...and this day was one of them. Trying to maintain my pace decently I constantly checked my watch to see how I was doing. The first time or two I was shocked to find that my pace was so fast. I re-evaluated myself and realized that my breathing was comfortable and everything seem to be alright. Still thinking that I would catch up with myself and begin panting I monitored how I felt the first mile. Again, every time I checked, my pace was quite fast for me. Thinking back, I remember when I spent time on the TM that my road runs would be better and since I've increased my running in the last year, I was okay with it so far. It wasn't until toward the end of the run that I realized that we were going to make a loop and return the way we started. This was going to be very hard to finish. As I said earlier, it was downhill for at least a mile. Now I was going to have to face this "challenge" with an extra one to boot...the rising temperature!! And, it was rising fast. Running in the 90's has not really been something I looked forward to, but I thought since it was only a 5k I should be okay even if it was difficult. At least, I would be close to the finish line where an ambulance was waiting for all the idiots in this race to come in demanding their attention, ha!

Here I am crossing the line...tee-hee! Okay...I'm the one WITH the shirt!!

From the onset, I had no intentions of seeking an award for anything except to complete it without issues to deal with. I just wanted to do it. Therefore, I had not taken notice of anyone my age along the route that faced me going back to the finish line. I knew my pace dropped dramatically but I kept my focus on my little pep talk at the beginning. When I got to the top of the hill and made my final turn, I was able to pick up some speed to finish triumphantly (to me) and head straight for as much water as I could possible get down my throat as well as a couple of bananas to keep me from cramping should this become a problem. I looked up at the clock and realized that I was only seconds from my PR and was sooooo elated!!! So I ran faster and faster only to be a few seconds later than my record. If only I had realized that I was doing so well I would have tried to pick it up a little faster in order to have competed with my own record. All in all, I am very pleased with this "hard" but satisfying run.

After getting nourished, I got back to the sidelines to watch for Kent. It was hard to get pictures of him coming in but as it turned out, the Mississippi Track Club had a photographer taking tons of pictures. So we did get a couple of good ones. Kent did well and since it was his first racewalk he learned a lot. When I realized that we were going to have to return on the huge downhill we started off on, it worried me that he would have trouble with his foot. He had strained it a couple of days ago and had been nursing it; now he was going to have to tackle the stress of walking superfast up this last mile. But it all turned out okay. As soon as we could that night we got it iced down and he got off of it. Of course, it would be a while before he could do that because immediately after the award presentation we checked out of our motel and were headed to Germantown, TN, for a wedding later that afternoon.

Kent crossing the line with a lot of focusing going on in his head!

This was the St. Joe High School Bruin Burn Inaugural 5k Race. The Mississippi Track Club did all the race work and did an excellent job. There were so many categories to have to get in order...more than the usual. The School did a fantastic job providing much water and bananas...a race participant's important replenishing needs...and then there were turkey biscuits, ham biscuits, sausage dogs (just grilled), Gatorade, more iced bottled water, donuts, cookies, and much more. There was a great turnout and was way more than they had expected. The t-shirts were real cute; they looked like they had a race number pinned on the shirt with the year 2010 on it.

GOOD NEWS:
As it turned out, I won the Grand Masters Award and was absolutely elated!! I felt I had truly worked for it and this was such a cool surprise. Here is a picture of the nice overall trophies and of me receiving mine.

My time was 26:33 (my PR is 26:15) with a 7:59 pace for the first full mile. I've NEVER run that fast before and I had times of 7:07 in the 2nd mile and 7:43 in the last. If it had not been for that blame hill...oh, well...good training I say.

And here is Kent receiving his 1st Place Award. We were so happy with the turnout.

Phillip Wedgeworth ran in the 5k with us. It was so hot and he looked so exhausted after the race. He told me about 4 people that required medical assistance due to the heat. One lady was running along his side and almost passed out. Luckily for her a policeman was nearby and was able to get her the assistance she needed. One (I believe) had to be taken to the hospital. Anyway, he won 1st Place in his age group with a 21:23. Congratulations, Phillip!

One more tidbit. This is a first! We NEVER dress alike and for some reason we both brought the same color shirts, shorts and caps and all were Nike but the caps!!! This will never happen again, ha! [For all race results, go here.]

Great Days

2010-07-23T14:45:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was one of the best running days I've had in a while. After a few days...yeah, I said DAYS...of out-of-sorts eating and little moving around, I was quite surprised that I felt like running as I did. I had the most wonderful weekend with new friends, fun food and making cards. But I'd gotten so out of the habit of eating like this that it was quite hard to get out and run as well as I'd gotten use to.

Actually, the run on the treadmill started out quite different. Being a little sluggish, I thought I'd just run as comfortable as I felt. Even at a mile and a half I was still not excited about this. But then "it" kicked in. I don't know what "it" is, but there is something that controls how well you workout and how much you enjoy it. Maybe it's adrenalin or maybe it's change of mind but whatever "it" is, I'm glad "it" happens. Then 3 miles turned into 5 happy ones, then 6, then before I knew it I was closing in on a solid 8 miles ecstatically. Is that a word?

The first 3 miles I ran comfortably at a 10:00 minute pace then I moved up the final 5 to a 9:40 pace. I felt great and had no idea how far I felt like going...much less whether I could do eight or not. It's been a long time since I've run that far.

So, today, I thought I'd just put in 3-4 slow miles to not overwork my legs. This time it was the first 3 miles that were pretty good keeping a 9:07 pace. This was followed by a mile of walking, then ending with a mile of slow jogging making a total of 5 miles for the day. Running after walking is almost impossible for me, especially of any distance like a mile. But not worrying, I wanted to do something non-stressful after a hard, long run yesterday.

Now, set your goal and Run 4 It!!